By Tracy Turner, technical editor, Ohio State University CFAES
The 2025 Farm Science Review Hall of Fame honorees — Gary Jackson, Doug Jennings, and John Sites — were officially inducted in advance of this year’s FSR, which will be held at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London, Ohio on Sept. 16 – 18.
The FSR Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose long-standing dedication and contributions have helped shape the success of the annual agricultural showcase hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). Established in 1990, the FSR Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made significant, lasting contributions to the event since its inception in 1963.
This year’s honorees represent a combined legacy of more than 120 years of support and service to the event, said Nick Zachrich, FSR manager.
“These individuals represent decades of dedication, creativity, and collaboration with Farm Science Review,” Zachrich said. “Each inductee has played a unique and vital role in shaping the show into the nationally recognized event it is today.”
“Their passion and innovation have helped us grow, connect with more people, and advance the agricultural industry through education and partnership. We’re proud to recognize their meaningful contributions with this honor.”
Gary Jackson
For more than 50 years, Jackson has been a familiar and trusted voice promoting FSR. Known for his work with WRFD radio, WIMA radio, and ABN radio — which would later become Ohio Ag Net — Jackson played a critical role in expanding the reach and visibility of FSR throughout Ohio and beyond. Even after his retirement, Jackson continued to champion the show through video work with In Ohio Country Today.
Jackson’s welcoming personality and professionalism made him a go-to radio presence for multiple FSR managers across the decades. His consistent promotion of the show — before, during, and after the event — earned him a respected and enduring place in the FSR community.
Doug Jennings
Jennings’ connection to FSR began in 1979 as a student employee at Ohio State, earning $2.15 per hour. A native of Dresden, Ohio, and a former CFAES student, Jennings quickly became instrumental in shaping the student experience at FSR. He played a key role in raising funds to host the first student employee recognition banquet, which evolved into the FSR Student Alumni Association.
Jennings remained deeply involved with the FSR alumni network and the Dale T. Friday Scholarship Fund. For more than 40 years, he has also worked with commercial and educational exhibitors at FSR, becoming a reliable source of knowledge and insight on exhibitor relations and show operations. His decades-long dedication reflects an unmatched passion for both the event and its people.
John Sites
Representing Great Plains Manufacturing of Salina, Kansas, Sites has long been a standout among FSR exhibitors. His leadership and problem-solving were instrumental in the planning and construction of loading dock facilities at the showgrounds — critical infrastructure improvements designed to handle large agricultural equipment more safely and efficiently.
Under Sites’ guidance, Great Plains became one of the first exhibitors to implement innovative practices at FSR, including the use of recycled materials to improve exhibit areas, setting a standard for creativity and sustainability. He also helped add to the innovation on the farm. At the Molly Caren Agricultural Center, Sites was instrumental in the introduction of vertical tillage with the Great Plains Turbo Till to provide a reduced tillage option to save time and improve conservation.
Known for his ready smile and unwavering support, Sites exemplifies the kind of exhibitor partnership that has helped FSR become one of the premier farm shows in the country.
Sponsored by CFAES, FSR annually draws more than 100,000 farmers, producers, and agricultural enthusiasts from across the United States and Canada. The event features over 4,000 product lines from 600-plus commercial exhibitors and offers over 180 educational sessions led by CFAES statewide researchers and experts from Ohio State University Extension.
Advance tickets for FSR are $10 online and at participating OSU Extension offices and agribusinesses. Tickets are $15 at the gate. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 16-17 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18.
For more information, visit fsr.osu.edu.