Speciality crops are great alternative cash crops for small scale farmers. Small scale farmers are constantly searching for viable economic crops to grow. We have been conducting applied research on the production and marketing of culinary herbs, oriental vegetables, colored peppers, and muskmelons to name a few. These crops show excellent potential for southern Ohio. Field demonstration, seminars, and surveys were used to gather and disseminate information on these speciality crops. More than 230 people attended our seminars on alternative cash crops. More than 150 people attended our field days. In addition, we had identified many chefs that are willing to purchase from local speciality crop growers. It will be a win-win situation for both chefs and growers. Growers will be able to maximize their profitability while chefs will receive fresh and unique produce. As a result of our research, we were able to show small scale growers what they can grow successfully and how they can market their crops for most profit. These applied research projects received a combined funding of $10000.00 from OSU Extension-Innovative Grant program. These projects are a great way to establish credibility among clients. We would also like to demonstrate how other extension agents can help their clients. A lecture utilizing slides and overhead transparencies will be the format of the seminar.

Southwest Ohio Fruit and Vegetable School is a regional training program for both commercial growers and amateur gardeners. The program has been sponsored by four county Extension offices in Southwest Ohio and has attracted a total attendance of 571 since 1995. We have offered two concurrent sessions, one for commercial fruit and vegetable growers, and one for amateur gardeners. This combination has proven to be the key factor in the success of the program. Attendees are allowed to move between the commercial and amateur sessions. Many commercial growers brought their spouses along since there were good topics for both of them. Backyard gardeners benefitted from the commercial session since the information was very applicable to their situation. Commercial growers also receive their pesticide recertification credits. Some of the popular topics for the commercial session included: management of diseases, insects, and weeds of fruits and vegetables; production of fresh market tomatoes, green beans, peppers, sweet corn, and pumpkins; production of herbs and specialty crops; production of apples, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Popular topics for the non-commercial session included: growing tree fruits and small fruits in home gardens; raised bed gardening; growing giant pumpkins; nuisance wildlife damage control; growing and using culinary herbs; beneficial insects; and managing garden pests without using conventional insecticides. The Southwest Ohio Fruit and Vegetable School has been a very successful training program and could serve as a good model for other county Extension educators.

The Ohio State University (OSU) Extension Nursery, Landscape, and Turf Team (ENLTT) is an innovative and interdisciplinary team comprised of extension agents, extension specialists, researchers, teaching faculty, university arboretum staff, and research assistants. ENLTT has greatly improved the process of acquisition, delivery, and support of accurate, practical, and timely educational resources through interdisciplinary and industry partnerships. The award-winning weekly electronic newsletter Buckeye Yard and Garden Line (BYGL) has been the focal point of our teamwork since 1993. An ornamental research circular, authored and edited by ENLTT members, remains the most requested publication from the Section of Communication and Technology, Ohio Agricultural Research Development Center, OSU. Strong partnership with the green industry in Ohio has resulted in the financial commitment of more than $230,000 from the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association since 1993. ENLTT members have improved themselves as a result of educating each other through weekly BYGL conference calls from April to October, taking study tours, and conducting joint educational programs. Twenty-two commodity or issue teams, such as, Floriculture Team, Vegetable Crops Team, Tree Fruit Team, Forestry Team, Agronomic Crops Team, Sustainable Agriculture Team, and Dairy Team, have been formed in OSU Extension due to the success of ENLTT.