Farm Science Review connects agriculture’s past and future

Walk the grounds of Farm Science Review (FSR) this September, and you can move through generations of agriculture in a matter of minutes.

Combines work the fields, researchers turn plots into living laboratories, and farmers gather around new equipment to see what might make a difference back home. Questions about crops, weather, markets and technology move out of the office and into conversations, demonstrations and hands-on learning.

The annual three-day agricultural showcase, hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), brings farmers, researchers, educators, students and industry together to share what works and explore what’s next at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London, Ohio, from Sept. 22-24.

That combination of past, present, and future takes on added meaning in 2026.

As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, Farm Science Review will help launch America 250-Ohio’s October theme, “Ohio Grows: Food & Farms.” America 250-Ohio will spend October connecting agriculture’s history with the people, research and innovation shaping its future.

“Farm Science Review is the perfect mix of all things agriculture,” said Nick Zachrich, FSR manager. “That includes many different crops and livestock and the very latest equipment and technology along with antiques and tried-and-true equipment still on the market.”

Since 1963, FSR has given farmers a place to see agricultural change firsthand, learn from one another, and connect with research and expertise they can put to work at home. Some first-time exhibitors this year will bring tillage and livestock equipment, trailers, software, building supplies, and other products and services.

But some of the most important tools farmers take home from FSR aren’t made of steel.

Ohio State University Extension educators and CFAES researchers will help producers address challenges facing farms now. With profit margins tight and uncertainty ranging from weather to input costs, sessions will cover grain markets, farm finances, fertilizer and land costs, extreme weather, and farm succession.

At the AgCrops Zone, CFAES specialists, Extension educators and graduate students will bring research into the field with soil health discussions and demonstrations, including a rainfall simulator and soil health testing.

“With many presentations by Extension educators, farmers will find resources for a variety of challenges facing the industry and also products and services from the commercial exhibitors that address many of those challenges,” Zachrich said.

While much of FSR helps farmers make decisions today, the 2026 event will also look toward who will make those decisions tomorrow.

Middle and high school students will explore CFAES through interactive experiences spanning animals, insects, and plants; business, advocacy, and communication; environment and natural resources; and food science, engineering, and technology. They’ll meet faculty, staff and students while exploring interests that could lead to college majors and careers.

That generational connection gives the America 250 celebration meaning beyond looking back. 

Agricultural equipment, science and practices have changed dramatically, but progress continues to depend on people willing to learn, adapt and share what they know with those who come next, Zachrich said.

“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Farm Science Review shows us that the future of agriculture is bright and full of opportunity,” he said. “People from all aspects of agriculture gather to learn, collaborate and innovate at Farm Science Review each year to improve the industry.”