The Farm Science Review will induct Stan Ernst and Louis McFarland into the 28th class of honorees for the Review’s Hall of Fame. Ernst and McFarland will join the 75 other individuals who have been recognized for their contribution to and support of the Review since its inception 55 years ago.

The Farm Science Review Sept. 19-21 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London offers farmers and other visitors the opportunity to learn about the latest agricultural innovations from experts from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at Ohio State University.

Stan Ernst

Ernst has been a champion of the Review and OSU for 27 years, specifically of the educational efforts conducted by the college and Extension. He served as news and media relations coordinator, Extension outreach program manager, and specialty crop and food business program manager and marketing specialist during his tenure at Ohio State. The various positions and areas of responsibilities that fell under Ernst’s leadership provided him the opportunity to continually direct quality educational programming.

“This has helped shape and improve the standard of educational programming conducted by OSU Extension and others during the Review that continue to improve each year,” says Nick Zachrich, the Review’s manager.

For many years, Ernst led the program known as “Question the Authorities,” which still exists today as “Ask the Expert,” where a variety of speakers discuss current topics in agriculture.

“Stan will be remembered by many as the ‘Question Guy’ for his years in planning ‘Question the Authorities,’ but his efforts go far beyond just this program,” Zachrich adds.

On many occasions, Ernst, who now lives in State College, Pa., has stepped up to provide operational and physical support to the Review’s programs and projects.

“His passion for the agricultural industry and for providing important information to farmers and the rural community on agricultural economics and other current agricultural topics has benefited and enhanced the experience of Review visitors for many years,” says Zachrich.

Louis McFarland

The leadership and guidance provided by land improvement contractor McFarland over the past four decades has been instrumental in the construction of many educational and land improvement infrastructures at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center.

“Many of us take for granted the construction and installation of the projects under the leadership of Louis at the Review’s site,” says Zachrich.

Many field drainage improvements, pond construction, wetland construction and waterway construction have been led or assisted by McFarland and implemented under his thoughtful and watchful eye. These projects are located in various areas of the 2,100-square-foot facility, including the Review exhibit area; farm fields, including field demonstration areas; and the Gwynne Conservation Area.

“During a wet September, the quality of experience at the show is particularly enhanced for visitors and exhibitors alike because of the extensive drainage improvements Louis made to the Review’s site. Also, the ponds and wetland at the Gwynne are enjoyed by many and will be for years to come,” Zachrich says.

McFarland, of Circleville, has also been instrumental in the development of an annual Ohio Land Improvement Contractors Association field day held as a portion of the Review field demonstrations. The cropland and field demonstrations at the Review benefit from the drainage improvements that OLICA continues to make annually.

Source: Katerina Sharp, OSUE