Farm Science Review 2020: Online and free

COLUMBUS, Ohio — In the past several years, the Farm Science Review has been a regular event attended by Racine Southern FFA members. It is a field trip that FFA members and other students across the state look forward to. Unfortunately, like many events, the in-person event has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Even with remote learning, however, students will still be able to learn from the Farm Science Review.

This year the Farm Science Review will come to you on your laptop or smartphone this year, and for free, you can watch livestreamed talks and recorded videos featuring the latest farm equipment and research to pique your curiosity. 

From Sept. 22–24, people from across the Midwest and the world can learn tips for increasing farm profits and growing crops from soybeans to hemp. 

Beginning in September, virtual visitors can find out about the show’s offerings by going to fsr.osu.edu and clicking on an image of the show’s site. Within that image, people can click on the various icons to find the schedules for talks and demos they’re most interested in, such as field demonstrations or “Ask the Expert” talks. 

Among the livestreamed talks will be Ask the Expert presentations that feature the advice of staff from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES)on various topics in agriculture. Viewers will enter the talks through a Zoom meeting link and be able to post their questions in chat boxes. If you miss any, you can check back after the talks to watch the recordings.

“It will be even easier this year to benefit from the show’s valuable advice that can help farmers improve their businesses,” said Nick Zachrich, manager of Farm Science Review, which is hosted by CFAES. 

“Whether farm operators have questions on finances, insurance protection, or which new tool fits their needs, resources will be available through Farm Science Review online.”

The virtual format is a first for Farm Science Review, held annually for nearly 60 years.

Topics for talks at FSR this year include the risks of transmitting COVID-19 to your animals, the prospects of U.S. agricultural exports abroad, increasing profits from small grains by planting double crops, climate trends, managing cash flow on the farm, farm stress, and rental rates on agricultural land.

Looking for a job in agriculture? For the second time this year, FSR will include a career fair. Before the Sept. 22 event, which will be from 10 a.m. to noon, anyone can view videos and other content from prospective employers to know what those employers are seeking and schedule live chats with company representatives. 

Presentations on raising backyard chickens, starting a flock of sheep, and growing blackberries and other specialty crops could spark some inspiration.

Other major attractions at this year’s show will include online field demonstrations that will show how various types of farm equipment boost the efficiency of fertilizing, harvesting a field, or performing other tasks. Viewers can catch a close-up view of the machinery, which, on site, they’d normally have to see from several yards away. 

“With many events canceled and disruptions across the industry because of the pandemic, Farm Science Review aims to provide as many solutions as possible,” Zachrich said. 

“A showcase of equipment, other products, services, and education will help address limitations that have surfaced in recent months.”

The annual talk given by agricultural economists in CFAES will focus on supply chains in food and agriculture. Many of those supply chains were tested earlier this year when the nation’s major meat processors closed down temporarily because so many of their employees had COVID-19. 

Ty Higgins, director of media relations for the Ohio Farm Bureau, will moderate the talk, which will include Ben Brown, Joyce Chen, Zoë Plakias and Ian Sheldon, all agricultural economists with CFAES. 

If you require an accommodation, such as live captioning or interpretation, to participate in this event, please email [email protected].

Requests made 10 business days prior to the event will typically allow the university enough time to provide seamless access. But after that, the university will make every effort to meet requests.

For more information about the format or offerings in this year’s show, visit fsr.osu.edu.