Extension Specialty Crop Resources
Specialty crops of all varieties add food, fun, and decorations to our everyday life, from pumpkins for Halloween to our favorite Farmers Markets veggies. Illinois Extension offers many resources for today's specialty crop growers, including exceptional webinars, tip sheets, and how-to videos.
Southwestern Illinois Commercial Tree Fruit School
Support the success of your tree fruit operation with practical research-tested best practices from industry experts at the 2025 Commercial Tree Fruit School in Hardin on February 11 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or new to the practice, the program features a wide range of topics to help you meet the challenges of commercial fruit production. New this year, there will be no afternoon presentations, and the program will conclude after lunch. The cost is $35 for early registration by February 4 or $50 after that date (or at the door). The cost includes lunch. Learn more or register online or contact Ken Johnson at (217) 243-7424 or kjohnso@illinois.edu.
Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School
The 2025 Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School brings informative, practical, and up-to-date research-based information to address the challenges of growing fruit and vegetables commercially in Southern Illinois and Missouri. Join us on February 12 in Mt. Vernon as industry experts share current trends in insect and disease management, as well as a variety of other production-related topics. Onsite vendors will be available to discuss production needs. Early registration by February 1 is $35 or $50 after that date or at the door. Attend any session within these concurrent tracks:
- Tree Fruits
- Vegetables
- Cut Flowers and Small Fruits
Learn more or register online or contact Chris Leuking at 618-242-0780 or lueking@illinois.edu.
Grape production video series. Over 20 short videos covering all aspects of grape production and management.
Contact us
Commercial specialty crop growers, contact Elizabeth Wahle at wahle@illinois.edu or 217.300.9541.
Home and small farm growers, contact your local Extension office or reach out to an educator from our Horticulture or Local Foods and Small Farms teams.