Word from the field is corn is running 198 bushels/acre.

The Ohio Conservation Farm Family Award is sponsored by Ohio Farmer, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Soil and Water Resources, Hancor Inc. and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. The winning families are recognized for steps they have taken to install a variety of conservation practices ranging from special rotations and reduced tillage practices, to stream buffers, spring developments, grass waterways and heavy-use pads for livestock.

“Together these families practice stewardship and care for the land on 10,000 acres in the Buckeye state,” said Tim White, editor of Ohio Farmer. “The extra steps they have taken set an example for other farmers as well as other businesses around Ohio. What they have accomplished is not the result of some trendy impulse. These families have installed a broad spectrum of conservation practices over several generations that truly improve our natural resources and save our soil and water.”

Farm Science Review will take place Sept. 21-23 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio. The awards ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the stage in Lawrence G. Vance Soil and Water Conservation Park, located at the corner of Beef Street and Friday Avenue of the exhibitor grounds.

Since 1984, the Ohio Conservation Farm Family Award program has recognized 141 Ohio farm families for their exemplary efforts of conserving soil, water, woodland and wildlife and other natural resources on the land they farm. Conservation farm families also host a variety of educational programs, opening their farms to schools, scout groups, and farm organizations.

“These awards recognize farm families who have gone the extra mile to protect the environment while producing the food and fiber crops that are such an important part of Ohio’s economy,” said David Hanselmann, chief of the ODNR Division of Soil and Water Resources. “Not only do all Ohioans benefit from the practices these farmers are using to prevent soil erosion and water pollution, but they also serve as an example of what individuals can do to conserve natural resources.” Hanselmann serves as coordinator for the program.

In addition to receiving $400 each from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, the families are featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer and receive plaques from Hancor Incorporated. Ohio Farmer has sponsored the Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards since the program’s inception. Nominations are sought annually between January and May.

Area 1 Winners – John Buck farms more than 700 acres in Marion County. Major crops include soybeans, corn and wheat. Conservation techniques utilized include no-till, buffer strips, grassed waterways, crop rotation and developing a 36 acre wetland. In 2009, John won the American Soybean Association Conservation Legacy Award and the Ohio Corn & Soybean Environmental Stewardship Award. John has also been recognized by the Ohio House of Representatives, the Ohio Senate, Governor Strickland and U.S. Senator George Voinovich for his conservation practices. When asked to describe his conservation philosophy he said, there is always more that can be done to protect our resources of land and water. We should be attentive to this responsibility every day.

Area 2 Winner – Eugene and Dean Welch farm more than 760 acres in Ashland County. Corn, soybeans, wheat and hay are the major crops. Dairy cows and steers are also raised Conservation techniques utilized include grassed waterways, heavy use pads, woodland exclusion, filter strips, crop rotation and a managed woodlot. They have hosted farm management tours, dairy tours and the drive-it-yourself tour. They also promote conservation education through their involvement with Ohio Holstein Association, Farm Bureau, OSU Extension and the local SWCD. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, they said, we are stewards of soil and water, sustaining and improving resources entrusted to us by our families…passing land unharmed and enhances to future generations.

Area 3 Winners – Stanley & Rick Moore farm more than 2,900 acres in Harrison County. Alfalfa and hay are the primary crops. Cattle and sheep are also raised. Conservation practices include crop rotation, the installation of 100 acres of contour strips and 10 acres of grassed waterways. Fencing has been installed to prevent livestock from entering steams. They also have a manure nutrient management plan for their farm. The Moores have been district cooperators for nearly 50 years. Cottage Hill Farm has hosted numerous agricultural and conservation tours for FFA students, Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences/Animal Science and Farm Bureau, sharing ideas, information and concepts. The Moores were selected Harrison County Conservation Farm of the Year in 2004. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, they said they like to use our natural resources to provide food and at the same time being respectful stewards of the land for future generations.

Area 4 Winners – Larry, Richard and Sam Kinney farm 3,600 acres in Logan County. Principal crops are corn and soybeans. Conservation techniques being utilized include no-till, grassed waterways and filter strips. They currently have 2,400 acres enrolled in the Conservation Security Program. Fertilizers are applied using a precise soil zone system so that fertilizer applications are applied only where needed. A 12-acre wetland has been developed on the farm. R & K farm has been a host site for the Top of Ohio Drive It Yourself Tour, a three-day event where students and visitors learn about agriculture and the conservation practices that are used on the farm. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, they said maintaining soil quality and the commitment to implementing conservation practices in order to have a farm for their kids and grandkids.

Area 5 Winners – Martha Gerber Rittinger farms more than 2,000 acres in Ross County. Major crops include corn, soybeans and wheat. Conservation techniques used include no-till, cover crops when needed, crop rotation, grassed waterways and both grass and forested filter strips. They have been district cooperators for 57 years. Maple Monte farms has been host to numerous Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4-H clubs for nature study, camping, and merit badge projects. The Rittingers have also hosted several women’s groups from developed and underdeveloped countries to demonstrate the farming and conservation techniques being utilized. When asked to describe their conservation philosophy, they said it was to preserve, enhance, restore, conserve and promote agricultural practices for the benefit of this and future generations.

Chuck Gamble, FSR manager shares what effect the recent storms had on the show site and farm along with what’s new for this years show and yields.

The group, which strives to protect land and water resources, will be designing and installing drainage structures on 50 acres of the Molly Caren Agricultural Center during Farm Science Review, Sept. 21-23. Show participants will have the opportunity to see the installation process of the drainage structures, how they work and the opportunities that exist to improve water quality while potentially making crop production more profitable.

The installation of the drainage structures will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily just north of I-70 in the field demonstration area.

“Our ultimate goal with the drainage is to be able to get a return on our investment. We can measure this through increased yield,” said Matt Sullivan, Farm Science Review assistant manager. “Through this system, we also want to be able to reduce soil erosion, as well as improve water quality.”

Sullivan said the Molly Caren Agricultural Center serves as a model for drainage technology and its incorporation into the site’s comprehensive water management plan.

“As for conservation management, we want to provide an avenue for people to gather the best information possible to assist in making decisions based on sound design and sound science,” said Sullivan. “If a raindrop hits the Farm Science Review we want to know what happens to that raindrop. Does it go to the stream, or does it get used by the crop? And is it carrying nutrients with it? This field day is not just a time to put in drainage and say, ‘Hey, we’ve done something great.’ It’s a time for us to look for ways to improve conservation and water quality.”

Other partners of the project include Ohio State University Extension, Ohio State Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and Agricultural Research Service, Madison County Engineers, Madison Soil and Water Conservation District, and Trimble Navigation.

Farm Science Review is sponsored by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. It attracts upwards of 140,000 visitors from all over the country and Canada, who come for three days to peruse 4,000 product lines from 600 commercial exhibitors, and learn the latest in agricultural research, conservation, family and nutrition, and gardening and landscape.

Farm Science Review pre-show tickets are now on sale for $5 at all OSU Extension county offices. Tickets will also be available at local agribusinesses. Tickets are $8 at the gate. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 21-22 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 23.

For more information, log on to http://fsr.osu.edu . For the latest news and updates, follow Farm Science Review on Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/OhioStateFSR ; Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/FarmScienceReview ; and Ning, http://fsrosu.ning.com .

Marne Titchenell, an Ohio State University Extension wildlife program specialist, will present two sessions at the Gwynne Conservation Area to offer attendees tips and resources for monitoring wildlife and increasing species diversity in and around their wooded areas.

“How to Monitor Wildlife on Your Property” will be held Sept. 21 from noon until 1 p.m. and Sept. 23 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. “Don’t Forget the Simple Things…Nest Boxes for Wildlife” will be held Sept. 23 from noon until 12:30 p.m.

“Are you curious about the wildlife that is in your woods or visiting your property? A great tool to use is a trail camera,” Titchenell said. “You can capture wildlife on camera and get a good idea of what is out there. If you are interested in watching wildlife, this is one way to do it.”

Trail cameras, of which there are many styles with a variety of features, have traditionally been used by the hunting community. But they are quickly becoming popular for other recreational uses.

Titchenell will discuss which cameras are the best, those features one can’t live without, proper placement, and tips to increase viewing.

Identifying wildlife on one’s property is just one step to better land management. Homeowners can make their property more attractive to some wildlife by setting up nesting boxes for such species as bats, owls, flying squirrels and bluebirds.

Titchenell will demonstrate how to build nest boxes and install them on a homeowner’s property.

“Nest boxes are a great way to increase wildlife habitat in your woods and around your home. These species are looking for older trees with cavities in them to build their nests,” Titchenell said. “If you don’t have that on your property you can create that missing habitat with nest boxes.”

Titchenell said that building nest boxes is a fun hobby and a great activity that the whole family can enjoy.

“It’s a great activity to do with the kids,” Titchenell said. “Then you can aim a trail camera at the nest box and sit back while you capture the mysterious lives of wildlife on film.”

Titchenell’s presentations are just a few of the 25 educational sessions taking place at the Gwynne Conservation Area during Farm Science Review. For a complete schedule, visit fsr.osu.edu/schedulegwynne.html.

• This is the 48th Farm Science Review, the 28th at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center.

• Hundreds of demonstration plots and several million dollars worth of machinery.

• Twenty-first-year inductions into the Farm Science Review Hall of Fame.

• Ohio Farmer Conservation Awards; Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

• OSU Central, featuring demonstrations and displays from Ohio State University colleges and departments.

• A lot of farm safety, home safety and health information.

• Global Positioning Systems (GPS) hands-on demonstrations in the demonstration fields.

• Expanded programs on conservation practices in the Gwynne Conservation Area.

• An arts and crafts exhibit tent.

• Permanent washroom facilities with diaper changing stations.

Field demonstrations

Harvesting, strip-tilling, global positioning and tillage demonstrations will take place every day. Check the schedule at fsr.osu.edu for demonstration times.

Commercial exhibits

The commercial exhibit area hosts about 600 exhibitors from all across North America in the Central Exhibit Area. Check the schedule at fsr.osu.edu for scheduled programs at the Small Farm Center, sponsored by the OSU Sustainable Agriculture Team and American Small Farm Magazine.

OSU Central

The McCormick, Bailey and Firebaugh buildings and the Utzinger Garden are home to OSU Central, an area where we feature information from OSU colleges and departments. This year’s displays focus on farm health and safety, cancer prevention, farm management programs, financial and economical information, the environment, and human and community development. Outside in the Utzinger Garden, sessions offer tips about home yards and gardens. Check the schedule at fsr.osu.edu for scheduled Utzinger Garden and Question the Authorities speakers.

McCormick Building programs

Concurrent sessions will take place in a gazebo in OSU Central’s McCormick Building. There also will be sessions in the Utzinger Garden.

Antique farm equipment

The popular antique equipment building, corner of Market and Friday, has overflowed into the William L. George Building at the corner of Friday and Hay. More than 1,600 pieces of farm machinery, garden equipment and kitchen utensils from between 1800 and 1930 are in our collection. Special attractions are the 1805 wooden moldboard plow, antique garden tractors and an 1860 Milwaukee reaper. Look for the newest pieces including a horse-drawn milk wagon and a 1923 Model T milk truck!

Gwynne Conservation Area

At the first shuttle stop on the way to the Field Demonstrations, new exhibitors and information from the natural resource management experts will be available this year. Scheduled programs also will be conducted on a variety of conservation practices. Shuttle tours of the Conservation Area also will be offered. Check the schedule at fsr.osu.edu for scheduled Gwynne events and speakers.