Ohio Farm Science Review returns

With the Hancock County Fair now in the rearview mirror, many area residents are beginning to look ahead to the next major agricultural event on Ohio's calendar. In just a few weeks, Ohio State University will host the 2026 Farm Science Review, one of the nation's premier outdoor agricultural education and technology events. The three-day show will be held Sept. 22-24 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London, Ohio. Spanning more than 2,100 acres, the site is dedicated to agricultural demonstrations, exhibits, research, and educational programming. Each year, more than 100,000 visitors attend the event to learn about the latest advancements in agriculture, see new technology firsthand, and connect with more than 600 exhibitors representing thousands of products and services for today's farming operations. Farm Science Review provides opportunities for visitors to evaluate equipment in action, explore conservation practices, and gain practical, research-based information from Ohio State specialists and industry experts. The 2,100-acre site is organized into three primary areas: Field Demonstrations, OSU Central, and the Gwynne Conservation Area. Field demonstrations One of the signature attractions of Farm Science Review is the 400-acre field demonstration area, where visitors can observe some of the most advanced equipment and production practices currently available to agriculture. Throughout the event, attendees can watch harvest equipment, precision agriculture technologies, GPS-guided machinery, manure management systems, drones, and conservation tillage equipment operating under real field conditions. These demonstrations provide farmers with the opportunity to evaluate machinery and management practices before making significant investments. This year's theme, "Grounded in Tradition, Growing for Tomorrow," reflects the balance between time-tested farming practices and emerging technologies. Among the highlights will be demonstrations of fully autonomous tractors and artificial intelligence-powered sprayers. Research conducted at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center has shown that AI-assisted sprayer technology can reduce herbicide use by 60 to 70 percent in corn and soybean production while maintaining effective weed control. OSU Central Located along the main thoroughfare of the Review, OSU Central serves as the educational heart of the event. Ohio State University colleges, departments, and Extension programs offer presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on learning opportunities focused on today's agricultural and community challenges. More than 180 educational sessions will be available throughout the three-day event. Topics include precision agriculture, drones and artificial intelligence, farm management and economics, agronomy, conservation practices, farm safety, and the latest research findings from Ohio State University. Major sessions topics include farm transition and succession planning, health and wellness for farm families, efficient crop input management, artificial intelligence applications in agriculture, and consumer horticulture. Programming is offered throughout the McCormick, Bailey, and Firebaugh buildings, as well as the Utzinger Garden. Beyond the educational sessions, OSU Central provides access to exhibitor tents and information stations showcasing more than 4,000 product lines and services. Gwynne Conservation Area Just across the road from the main exhibit grounds, the 67-acre Gwynne Conservation Area offers visitors an opportunity to explore the natural resource side of agriculture through hands-on learning experiences and demonstrations. The area focuses on forestry, wildlife habitat management, ponds and water resources, prairies and pollinators, and broader natural resource stewardship. Visitors can tour demonstration sites, attend educational programs, and meet with experts who can provide practical guidance for managing woodlands, waterways, ponds, and wildlife habitat. More than 50 talks, tours, and demonstrations are planned throughout the event. Topics include woodland and timber stewardship, wildlife habitat improvement, private pond management, and the establishment of native prairie and pollinator habitats. A continuous shuttle service connects OSU Central with the Gwynne Conservation Area, making it easy for visitors to experience both locations during their visit. As agriculture continues to evolve, Farm Science Review remains a unique opportunity for farmers, landowners, agribusiness professionals, and consumers to see the future of agriculture while learning from the research and innovations shaping the industry today. Event information Farm Science Review will be held Sept. 22-24. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. Additional information on exhibitors, field demonstrations, educational sessions, and tickets can be found at fsr.osu.edu. Advance tickets may be purchased online for $10, while admission at the gate is $15. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Please note that tickets are no longer available for purchase through the Hancock County Extension Office. Ed Lentz is agriculture and natural resources educator with Ohio State University Extension — Hancock County.