In an effort to offer more educational classes for growers wanting to make the jump from backyard growers to more commercial, the Mercer County Horticulture Agent teamed up with one of the  UK Horticulture Extension Specialist to offer two small fruit webinars in early 2022. The two topics selected were strawberry and blueberry production. Originally these webinars were planned to be broadcasted in only the central part of the state. Once discussing with other agents how often they are asked production systems in the spring, it was decided these webinars needed to be broadcasted state wide using Zoom.

Attendees of both webinar sessions were a mix of new growers planning to become commercial, backyard gardeners and a small group of already established commercial growers. The UK Horticulture specialist went through production requirement for each crop, insect/disease issues, and start-up cost. Both classes were well attended, with an average of 30 participants from across the state. 

For those who could not attend the live version, they could request a recording and supporting material from the Mercer County Horticulture Agent. Others who attended the class could also request additional information as well. Due to the success of these two webinars the Mercer County Extension Agent and UK Horticulture specialist hope to offer more small fruit productions classes in the late winter before the growing season begins.