By Emily Bennett
Attendees of the 2014 Ohio State University Farm Science Review will notice a few changes as they pass through the gates of the Molly Caren Agricultural Center Sept. 16-18, with the relocation of the antique tractor associations to the plot areas.
A long-term plan to create more commercial space within the existing 80-acre exhibit area will be implemented beginning this year. An estimated 615-620 exhibitors will set up shop at the three-day farm show, an increase from 608 exhibitors last year, according to show officials.
"Small booth space will be up 7 percent at this year's show, meaning more quality exhibitors at the Farm Science Review for attendees to visit," said Chuck Gamble, manager of the event.
Sponsored by The Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, the Farm Science Review is known as the Midwest's premier agricultural event and draws more than 130,000 farmers, growers, producers and agricultural enthusiasts from across the U.S. and Canada annually.
The relocation of the antique tractor associations allows the groups to grow without incurring additional costs for exhibit space and puts emphasis on their involvement at the Farm Science Review.
"The antique tractor associations are an integral part of our show," said Gamble. "We think so highly of these groups that we're going to assign them the duties of being our ambassadors and the meeters and greeters of the Farm Science Review."
Several benefits of the relocation for the antique tractor associations include having their lot spaces and names printed on the exhibit area map in the show program and increased visibility to attendees entering through the main gates.
One of the antique tractor associations, the Buckeye Allis Club based in Jeffersonville, Ohio, has been exhibiting at the Farm Science Review for many years, which has generated additional interest in the club, according to George Schulz, past trustee and co-founder.
"The Farm Science Review gives our club good exposure and helps us financially because we take in a lot of memberships at the show that we normally wouldn't," said Schulz. "We get a lot of contacts there, even from outside the state of Ohio."
In addition to supporting the antique tractor associations, the Farm Science Review has two buildings on the grounds dedicated to antique equipment and farm machinery, the Leeper Antique Building and the George Antique Building, which is a testament to Ohio's rich agricultural history, said Gamble.
"I strongly believe that one cannot appreciate where we are today or where we're going in the future without understanding and appreciating the past."
The 2014 Farm Science Review kicks off Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Participants are able to peruse 4,000 product lines from more than 600 commercial exhibitors and engage in educational opportunities with Ohio State and Purdue University specialists, Ohio State Extension, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. This year's show will mark the 10th anniversary of partnership with Purdue University and Purdue Extension.
Source:ag.purdue.edu