Farm Science Review features the latest and greatest farm equipment, but so much more, including the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Education Center.
The Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Education Center at the 2016 Farm Science Review introduced several popular new attractions. So what’s the best way to follow that up?
“It seemed like everything there was such a hit, we’re going to do them again,” says Janet Rehberg, OEC’s director of marketing. “People loved the Kids’ Zone, so we’ll have more of that, and the ‘Be a Lineman’ area was crowded the whole time, so we’ll keep that, too. We also have a few new displays in our area that I think people will really enjoy and get a lot out of.”
Sponsored by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, the Farm Science Review is one of the premier agricultural trade and education shows in the nation. It offers landowners, farmers, and conservationists the opportunity to learn about the latest agricultural innovations in research from nearly 650 exhibitors.
The 2017 showcase will be September 19–21 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio. Tickets are available for $7 online at fsr.osu.edu and at county extension offices and participating local agribusinesses (kids ages 5 and under get in free). Tickets also can be purchased at the gate for $10. Ohio electric cooperative members can enter to win a $100 bill credit by completing the entry form on the inside back cover of the September print issue of Ohio Cooperative Living and bringing it to the OEC Education Center.
“Lots of people come to the review and want to see the latest and greatest equipment, but the take-home for the majority of visitors is to become more efficient — both economically and through their farming operations,” says Nick Zachrich, Farm Science Review manager. “One of the efficiencies they’re looking for is energy efficiency, and since agriculture as an industry is a relatively high consumer of electricity, the co-ops’ message of efficiency, conservation, and savings is a great benefit to the farmers who come to the review.”
New for this year’s 55th Farm Science Review, visitors will be able to “Map Your Show” on a new mobile app in preparation for the three-day event. The app, available in app stores, allows visitors to browse the interactive map and search for specific exhibitors or product categories.
Of course, it’s not all new. A long-running highlight of OEC’s building is the microwave cooking demonstration. Patty Miller and Sherry Bickel appear for their 28th year, performing up to four microwave cooking demonstrations per day and sharing the scrumptious results. This year’s recipes include English muffin bread, warm Havarti-spinach dip, tuna casserole, and sunshine cake. Also, the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives hot air balloon will once again soar high above Farm Science Review twice a day (weather permitting).
