Some Highlights from OFA 2006

Plug transplant machine. There were over a 100 machines on display. If you ever get the opportunity this is the show to attend in the United States for the Floriculture Industry. More information is available at http://www.ofanet.org there is a student rate.
Musa cultivar appropriately named "The Little Prince"
Massive tray filling machines. Automation was a big theme in addition to horticulture. Labor has always been a concern...but the concern is definitely growing.
This 'Hot Chocolate' Calla Lily drew a lot of attention.
One of many geranium displays.
Sample from the big flower arranging competition.
Look at that color!
Seed companies from all over the world presented their very best releases. This cyclamen display was gorgeous. The photo doesn't due it justice because of the difficult indoor lighting.
There were dozens of different containers on display.
The OFA Short Course is recognized as the premier educational and trade show event in North America. The 2006 OFA Short Course will be the 76th event – featuring nearly 1,330 trade show booths, approximately 500 exhibiting companies, and more than 130 educational sessions. It will attract an estimated 10,000 floriculture professionals to Columbus, Ohio.

The OFA Short Course is the best place each year to get your own worldwide perspective on floriculture. Attendees come to the OFA Short Course from throughout the United States and more than 20 foreign countries. They come to view the latest products and equipment, find answers to business problems, learn new skills, catch up with old friends, and network with industry leaders. The first Ohio Florist Short Course was held in January 1930.
I presented a talk on an educational resource developed by several particpating colleges including The University of Vermont, University of Florida, The Ohio State University, and The University of Arizona. I will use many of the materials developed by this national team in the on-line offering of the two greenhouse courses in the Haywood Horticulture Technology Program.