Ohio State’s Farm Science Review draws crowds with innovation and real-world solutions

LONDON, Ohio - Imagine a soybean farmer boosting yields and profits just by changing a planting date - and using artificial intelligence to know exactly when to make the switch.

That scenario is quickly becoming a reality thanks to Agroptimizer, a new AI-powered decision-support tool being tested by Laura Lindsey, soybean and small grains specialist with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).

Agroptimizer is just one of many innovations that embodied the theme of the 2025 Farm Science Review: "Transforming Tradition." Held at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London from Sept. 16-18, Farm Science Review brought together farmers, industry leaders, educators and families to explore the future of agriculture through technology, research and hands-on education.

Attendance reached 112,701, according to Nick Zachrich, Farm Science Review manager.

"This year's show brought a strong sense of optimism," Zachrich said. "Even though markets are tight and weather has been challenging, the overall attitude in the ag community is positive. Farmers understand that, while they may not upgrade equipment or adopt new practices today, the time is coming.

"Farm Science Review helps them prepare for that future."

Despite ongoing drought conditions affecting more than 96% of the state, the 2025 show saw a modest increase in attendance over last year.

"There were 57,244 visitors just on Wednesday alone, and we were thrilled to see attendance climb over 112,000 for the show," Zachrich said. "That tells us farmers continue to see real value in what we're offering."

Attendees explored more than 4,000 product lines and participated in over 180 educational sessions presented by CFAES researchers and Ohio State University Extension experts. OSU Extension is CFAES' outreach arm.

Drought preparedness, crop disease management, fire safety on farms and farm succession planning were some of the key topics this year at Farm Science Review. CFAES researchers delivered actionable guidance to help producers withstand current challenges and plan for the future.

Aaron Wilson, CFAES field specialist in agricultural weather and climate and Ohio's state climatologist, provided timely insights into weather variability and long-term climate trends. Greg LaBarge, agronomic systems specialist with OSU Extension and member of Extension's Agronomic Crops Team, highlighted emerging AI tools to help farmers make field-specific decisions on planting and disease management.

With drought conditions increasing the risk of farm fires, Dee Jepsen, OSU Extension state safety leader, led daily demonstrations on fire safety, extinguisher use and emergency response planning.

"Farm Science Review is a place where we can reach farmers and the rural community with lifesaving safety information," Jepsen said.

Attendees could also engage with emergency preparedness tools like the Grain C.A.R.T. and the Bovine Emergency Response Plan trailer, which simulated real-world rescue situations involving grain bins and livestock transport accidents.

Environmental sustainability was a central theme at the Gwynne Conservation Area, a 67-acre outdoor education site at Farm Science Review. From tree and invasive species identification hikes to pond management and fly-fishing demos, the area hosted dozens of hands-on conservation sessions.

Visitors also had the opportunity to learn about the invasive spotted lanternfly. Experts led sessions at the Gwynne that focused on identifying the pest across its various life stages - egg masses, nymphs and adults - and shared guidance on how to report sightings, manage infestations and reduce its spread.

For high school students, the Gwynne offered targeted forestry education to support FFA competition prep, reinforcing the connection between career exploration and natural resource management.

The next generation was also front and center at the Youth Discovery Center, where the Ohio 4-H Mobile Classroom introduced students to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) through robotics, coding, app design and digital art. In total, 7,634 students from 191 schools attended this year's show.

"We want students to leave knowing they can pursue a future in STEAM," said Christy Millhouse, Ohio 4-H STEM educator. "Farm Science Review gives them that spark."

From precision ag and climate tools to immersive conservation lessons and youth empowerment, Farm Science Review 2025 demonstrated how Ohio farmers are transforming tradition while investing in the future.

For more information and ongoing updates, visit fsr.osu.edu.