COLUMBUS, Ohio — The agricultural roots of Power Show Ohio have grown and resulted in demonstrations and displays that encompass not only farming, but construction and outdoor equipment, too. In its 36th year, the Power Show is Jan. 27-29 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus.

Each year, Power Show Ohio features forward-looking technology for visitors from Ohio and surrounding states to both see and evaluate. Organizers said the show provides an opportunity for visitors to compare features and attributes of a variety of power equipment in one centralized location. This year, more than 250 exhibitors are expected to be on-hand, many of whom return from year to year.

“Our exhibitors represent the best that the industry has to offer,” said Dennis Alford, show manager. “Whether you are looking for farm equipment, construction equipment, outdoor power equipment, related services or information, you will find it at Power Show Ohio."

While some shows are primarily large displays of farm equipment, Power Show Ohio goes beyond the boundaries of a typical farm show. Featuring over 600 brands of products, visitors will see the newest and best in tractors, skid steer loaders, commercial mowing equipment, all terrain vehicles, grain handling, computer software, fence building and more.

Still other displays will feature haying equipment, buildings, backhoes, logging equipment, compact tractors, livestock equipment and several college displays as well.

In addition to the exhibits, seminars will also be taking place throughout the weekend to provide even more in-depth educational opportunities organized by Ohio State University’s Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering.

On Friday, seminars will include Spraying Equipment to Battle Soybean Rust, The Future of Bio-Diesel and Ethanol in Ohio, Rehabilitating and Revitalizing Barns, a Grain and Oilseed Marketing Outlook, and a session on personal protective equipment called PPE: Just Wear It!

Saturday’s seminars include repeats of the session on barn rehabilitation and grain and oilseed marketing as well as several new offerings, including Saving Fuel Dollars on the Farm; GPS Technology: Everyday Uses at Home, on the Farm and on the Road; and Home Septic Systems: Impact of New Rules for New Construction.

The show’s seminars will wrap up on Sunday with a repeat of Saturday’s seminar on GPS as well as new seminars on Air Quality Effects on Livestock Farms: Issues, Knowledge, and Regulations; Your Old Barn; and Drainage Issues for the Home and Farm. In addition, throughout the weekend there will be door prizes, cooking demonstrations and the National Kiddie Tractor Pull.

Sponsored by the members of the Ohio-Michigan Equipment Dealers Assoc., Power Show Ohio provides visitors a change to see and learn about all types of power equipment at a time of year when they may have more time to consider new equipment purchases.

The show will be at the Ohio Expo Center, near Interstate 71 at Exit 11. Show hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., daily. Admission is $5 per person with children under 12 admitted free. In addition, free tickets are available from power equipment dealers throughout Ohio. A list of dealers can be found at www.omeda.org/powershow

Published in the January 25, 2006 issue of Farm World.