Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Fall 2016 News Journal

Inside this Issue: Christmas Tree Contest – Facts & Myths – 2 President’s Message – 3 Tree Industry Partnership ‒ 4 National Christmas Tree Assoc.

New Management ‒ 5 Christmas Tree Promotion Board ‒ 5 VDACS and VCTGA at MANTS Trade Show ‒ 7 Try Rye Cover Crop – 9 New Regs Worker Protection − 10 Scenes from Annual Meeting, Contests and Tour – 12-13 Pesticide Certificate Regs Change in Virginia – 14 VCTGA Scholarships ‒ 14 Basil Gooden Secretary of Ag & Forestry ‒ 16 Todd Haymore New Secretary of Commerce & Trade ‒ 17 Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) ‒ 17 Tree & Wreath Winners ‒ 18 Lemmer Recognition ‒ 18 Wreaths ‒ 18 Right to Work on Ballot ‒ 19 Boxwood Quarantine PA ‒ 21 Got Hungry Deer? ‒ 21 Marketing Tips ‒ 22 Chainsaw Raffle Winner ‒ 22 Mentor Students ‒ 23 Computer Tips ‒ 23

Volume 6, Issue 4

Fall 2016

FRANCISCO TREE FARM

to the Governor’s Mansion as the Grand Champion Tree Winner

Advertisers VCTGA Tree Tags ‒ 4 Tree Teck ‒ 8 Bosch’s Countryview Nursery – 11 Tim Mitchell’s Yule Stand System ‒ 15 The Round Top Collection ‒ 16 Alpha Nurseries ‒ 20 Riverside Enterprises ‒ 23 Kelco ‒ 23 Wagoner’s Fraser Knoll ‒ 24

It’s Christmas, Keep it Real!

Christmas - Facts & Myths & Myths Christmas TreeTrees Contest - Facts Facts

Folklore

Real Christmas trees are an allAmerican product, grown in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Most artificial trees are manufactured in Korea, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.

This year over 37 million American families will celebrate the holidays with the fragrance and beauty of a real Christmas tree.

Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastics and metals.

The tradition spread through Europe and was brought to the United States by German settlers and by Hessian mercenaries paid to fight in the Revolutionary War. In 1804 U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort Dearborn (now Chicago) hauled trees from surrounding woods to their barracks at Christmas.

The top Christmas tree producing states are Oregon, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, California, and North Carolina...and Virginia is gaining fast!

The top selling Christmas trees are: balsam fir, Douglas-fir, Fraser fir, noble fir, Scotch pine, Virginia pine, and white pine.

There are about 1 million acres in production for growing Christmas trees. Each acre provides the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.

There are about 15,000 Christmas tree growers in the U.S., and over 100,000 people employed full or part time in the industry.

There are approximately 5,000 chooseand-cut farms in the U.S. Virginia is #9 in the U.S. by number of operations with Christmas tree sales and #6 by total trees harvested and total acreage, according to USDA statistics in 2007.

For every real Christmas tree harvested, 2 to 3 seedlings are planted in its place.

It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of average retail sale height (6 feet), but the average growing time in 7 years.

The first recorded reference to the Christmas tree dates back to the 16th century. In Strasbourg, Germany (now part of France), families both rich and poor decorated fir trees with colored paper, fruits and sweets. The retail Christmas tree lot also dates back that far – in those times, older women would sell trees harvested from nearby forests.

The tree, used as a symbol of life, is a tradition older than Christianity and not exclusive to any one religion. It’s a part of our holiday customs that engages not only our senses of sight, touch, and smell, but also our sense of tradition, hope and good will.

Long before there was a Christmas, Egyptians brought green palm branches into their homes on the shortest day of the year in December as a symbol of life’s triumph over death.

Romans adorned their homes with evergreens during Saturnalia, a winter festival in honor of Saturnus, their god of agriculture. Druid priests decorated oak trees with golden apples for their winter solstice festivities.

The popularity of the Christmas tree then proliferated. Charles Minnegrode introduced the custom of decorating trees in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1842. In 1851, Mark Carr hauled two ox sleds loaded with trees from the Catskills to the streets of New York and opened the first retail lot in the United States.

Franklin Pierce, our 14th President, brought the Christmas tree tradition to the White House. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony now held every year on the White House lawn.

Since 1966, members of the National Christmas Tree Association have presented a beautiful, fresh Christmas tree to the President and first family.

In the middle ages, the Paradise tree, an evergreen hung with red apples, was the symbol of the feast of Adam and Eve held on December 24th.

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VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016

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TheVCTGA VCTGAwill willalso alsobebesending sendingout out The information as it becomes available. information as it becomes available. thisis isbeing beingwritten, written,thetheState StateFair Fair AsAsthis of Virginia is in full swing.

Once again of Virginia is in full swing. Once again this year,thetheVCTGA VCTGAhad hadananexhibit exhibitatat this year, the Fair along with many other groups the Fair along with many other groups from the Virginia agricultural industry. from the Virginia agricultural industry. themost mostpopular popularhandout handoutatatour our ByByfarfarthe exhibit is the choose and cut farm exhibit is the choose and cut farm di-directoryproduced producedbybythetheVirginia VirginiaDeDerectory partment of Agriculture and Consumer partment of Agriculture and Consumer Services.If Ifyou youdid didnot notavail availyourself yourself Services. of the opportunity to be listed in this of the opportunity to be listed in this di-directoryyou youmay maywant wanttotoconsider considerdodorectory ing it next season.

And thanks to all the ing it next season. And thanks to all the volunteers who helped staff the exhibit volunteers who helped staff the exhibit thisyear. year.This Thisis isyetyetanother anotheropporopporGoodday. day.I Ihope hopethis thismessage messagefinds finds this tunity to promote our industry.

Good everyonewell welland andbeginning beginningpreparaprepara- tunity to promote our industry. everyone The VCTGA Annual Meeting was held tions what hope will a suc- The VCTGA Annual Meeting was held tions forfor what wewe allall hope will bebe a sucin Staunton this past August.

There cessfulfall falland andwinter winterseason. season.AtAtour our in Staunton this past August. There cessful were a number of educational and inrecent annual meeting in Staunton, recent annual meeting in Staunton, I I were a number of educational and informativesessions sessionswith withindustry industryexexhadthethehonor honorofofbeing beingelected electedtotoserve serve formative had perts making presentations and anas president of the VCTGA for the next perts making presentations and anas president of the VCTGA for the next swering our questions.

One hightwo years.

I look forward to this excitswering our questions.

One ofof thethe hightwo years. I look forward to this excitlights of the conference was the lunching opportunity and would askthat that you lights of the conference was the lunching opportunity and would ask you eonspeech speechbybyVDACS VDACSCommissioner Commissioner not hesitate to contact me with any eon not hesitate to contact me with any Sandy Adams.

Plans are alreadyunder under commentsororsuggestions suggestionsasastotohow howwewe Sandy Adams. Plans are already comments way the 2017 meeting held canmake makethetheVCTGA VCTGAwork workbetter betterforfor way forfor the 2017 meeting toto bebe held thethe can first or second week of August.

The its members. first or second week of August. The lo-loits members. cationmost mostlikely likelywill willbebeininthe thesouthsouthPerhapsthe themost mostexciting excitingthing thingonon cation western part of the state.

I hope you Perhaps part of the state. I hope you thehorizon horizonfor forour ourindustry industryis isthe the western will mark your calendars and make the mark your calendars and make workofofChristmas ChristmasTree TreePromotion Promotion will every effort to attend. work Board.Elsewhere Elsewhereininthis thisedition editionofofthethe every effort to attend.

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Board’s you. mastreepromotionboard.org. mastreepromotionboard.org.

Fromthe thePresident President From

Thanksand andhave havea agreat great Thanks 2016 selling season!

2016 selling season!

Jeff Gregson, Jeff Gregson, President VCTGA 2016-17 President VCTGA 2016-17

Membership Membership ParisRasnic Rasnic Paris TechnicalSupport Support Technical & Production & Production John Carroll&&Kyle KylePeer Peer John Carroll MountRogers RogersReport Report Mount JackieDavis, Davis,President, President,MRCTGA MRCTGA Jackie Pathology&&Disease Disease Pathology Norman Dart Norman Dart Pests Pests Eric Day Eric Day VDACSSupport Support&&Updates Updates VDACS Danny Neel Danny Neel DaveRobishaw Robishaw Dave Marketing,Promotion, Promotion, Marketing, & Social Media & Social Media SueBostic Bostic Sue GrantUpdates Updates Grant GregLemmer Lemmer Greg EditorininChief Chief- Jeff - JeffMiller Miller Editor VirginiaChristmas Christmas Virginia Tree Growers Association Inc. Tree Growers Association Inc.

Virginia Christmas Tree 383Coal CoalHollow HollowRd Rd 383 Growers Association Inc. Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 PH:540-382-7310 540-382-7310 383PH: Coal Hollow Rd. Fax: 540-382-2716 Fax: 540-382-2716 Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721

secretary@VirginiaChristsecretary@VirginiaChristPH:masTrees.org 540-382-7310 masTrees.org Fax: 540-382-2716 www.VirginiaChristmasTreees.org www.VirginiaChristmasTreees.org

secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org

Fall 2016

VCTGA News Journal

VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016 VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016

Contributing Contributing andCoordinating CoordinatingEditors Editors and

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Thank you for the VCTGA’s Commitment to the Tree Industry Partnership (TIP).

[Editor’s Note: $25 of the $115 dues you invest in the VCTGA goes to the Tree Industry Partnership (TIP).]

The TIP program is essential to NCTA's mission to protect and advocate for the farm-grown Christmas Tree industry. The funds collected through the program are vital in supporting NCTA's legislative and regulatory initiatives, holiday safety, research, national media advocacy and other protection-focused programs.

These programs allow the industry to:











Combat misinformation about farm-grown Christmas Trees and the industry as a whole.

Improve and maintain codes that allow for the safe use of Christmas Trees in homes and businesses.

Support legislation and regulations conducive to the growth of small businesses, and resist attempts to unreasonably restrict farmers' Right to Farm.

Conduct national consumer and industry research to prepare for the future.

Shape consumer opinion through information and education, as well as positive events such as the White House Tree presentation.

While the TIP program is designed for the greater good of the industry, your individual association members also receive specific benefits, including:  A FREE basic listing on the NCTA Tree Locator, or an enhanced listing for $15  A link to your own website for $25  Discounted registration to the NCTA Events  The opportunity to purchase a discounted subscription to the American Christmas Tree Journal f or $37, a savings of more than $20 off the regular price Do not hesitate to contact us at any time with your questions and concerns, and thank you for your work as an industry partner. 

Tom Dull, NCTA President dulltree@gmail.com

Ad – VCTGA Tree Tags

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National Christmas Tree Association has New Management

The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) has selected Tim O’Connor & Associates to provide executive managerial and leadership services, including fiscal management, fundraising, industry communications and legislative advocacy, for the Association beginning July 1.

In addition, Tim O’Connor & Associates has been selected to manage the Christmas Spirit Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization devoted to spreading the spirit of Christmas year-round, also starting on July 1. The Christmas Tree Promotion Board, a national research and promotion program funded by North American Christmas tree growers, is also managed by Tim O’Connor & Associates.

“In order to succeed at the highest level, we need the industry working together at the highest level,” Tim O’Connor said. “This management structure does just that — it promotes better communications and more efficient practices but ensures that each organization is managed separately.

We can better bring together the best ideas that our industry has to offer and make them happen. Our team is excited to work with the members of all three organizations to better promote the Christmas tree industry.”

Tim O’Connor, who has more than 27 years of agricultural management experience at the CEO level with organizations including Avocados from Mexico, the Illinois Beef Association and the United States Potato Board, will serve as the Executive Director for NCTA. VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016 VCTGA News Journal

“Experience with agricultural issues is one of the many reasons the Board of Directors has entrusted Tim O’Connor and Associates with this important position,” NCTA President Tom Dull said. “Having the same management team as the Christmas Tree Promotion Board and the Christmas Spirit Foundation will ensure that the Christmas tree industry is working toward our ultimate goal of providing farm-grown trees for millions of families to enjoy.”

Marsha Gray will be the NCTA’s Director of Industry Communications and Government Affairs, where she will manage the Association’s legislative and regulatory programs while building partnerships with state and regional organizations.

Gray brings more than 25 years of association management experience to the position, including 13 years in her role as the Executive Director of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association and Editor of the Great Lakes Christmas Tree Journal. She is also the Director of Industry Communications for the Christmas Tree Promotion Board and will advise and support the management of the Christmas Spirit Foundation.

Ann O’Connor will be the NCTA’s Director of Programs and Membership, where she will manage the Association’s office, governance, membership and White House tree programs. She has more than 10 years of national association management experience in such areas as major event planning and management, member database management, state affiliate organization relations and communications, leadership training and development, governance and compliance, and special project initiatives. She is also the Director of Compliance for the Christmas Tree Promotion Board and will serve as Fall 2016

the Executive Director for the Christmas Spirit Foundation.

“The three organizations that Tim and his team will manage have three very distinct missions to accomplish.

One management team supporting all three organizations will allow our boards and committee members to focus on specific projects with the confidence of knowing they have a dedicated, professional staff to support them,” said Dick Darling, chairman for the Christmas Spirit Foundation.

For more information, please contact: Tim O’Connor, Tim O’Connor and Associates, 303-229-9198, tim@timoconnormarketingandstrategy.com

The Christmas Tree Promotion Board and Ad Agency, Concept Farm

Prepare to Roll Up Their Sleeves and Help Grow Big Sales in 2016 The Christmas Tree Promotion Board recently conducted a comprehensive review to secure a marketing partner to develop and implement breakthrough strategies and tactics to deliver on its' vision and mission.

Their overwhelming choice was New York City-based Concept Farm, a highly decorated, strategically grounded advertising agency and digital production company who opened their "barn doors" in 1999, at the start of the digital marketing revolution.

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Over the years, the Concept Farmers and their clients have reaped a bumper crop of creative and efficacy accolades including Effie's, Emmy's and Cannes Lions, and were recently named Ad Age's Northeast Small Agency of the Year. The Christmas tree Promotion Board will join a roster of impressive clients that include Aruba Tourism, The Empire State Building, and ESPN to name a few.

Concept Farm is spearheaded by four 30-year advertising industry veterans who have the strategic rigor and creative vision to help drive awareness and results well beyond the CTPB's budget. "We started Concept Farm to launch fresh ideas and nurture relationships with forward-thinking, like-minded partners", said Concept Farm Partner, Gregg Wasiak. "We are thrilled to have made the cut with the CTPB. We believe in the product, we believe in the mission, and, of course, we believe in Farmers!"

"Griffin Stenger, also a Concept Farm partner, recalls the pitch meeting. "With 12 real Farmers on the Board it was a bit tricky explaining what our agency was all about and how we think." Griffin continued, "we quickly connected with the CTPB team and our presentation turned into an actual work session. I guess you could say it was a perfect Farmer fit" The challenge put forth to Concept Farm and the CTPB is to impact the sale of fresh cut Christmas trees in 2016 and build awareness for the referendum in 2017. While simply stated, the task at hand is not so easy. The Marketing team will need to do so in the "noisiest" time of the year with a budget that, while significant by CTPB measures, is dwarfed by the big marketing spenders looking to buy consumers' attention around the holidays.

"That's just the kind of challenge we farmers thrive on," Wasiak chimes.

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Work has already begun on a highly integrated campaign. Wasiak continued. "Strategically, we have to connect the emotions people have about Christmas with the benefits of an inimitable real cut Christmas tree."

Stenger added, "Let's face it, Christmas has become quite a commercial enterprise. Stores are changing over even before Halloween now. But the true Christmas experience is much richer. It's the time we spent together with family and friends. And, at the center of it all, a fresh cut, real Christmas tree. Our work will strive to unearth that connection and remind people that there is a deeper meaning to Christmas." Excitedly, Stenger added. "Now combine that with the intense desire Millennials have for authenticity and originality and you have a very compelling story!"

Ray Mendez and John Gellos, Partners & Co-Creative Directors added some more context to the idea. Mendez states, "Our campaign is designed to convey that deeper idea of 'Christmas Tree Authenticity' in a multitude of ways, through a multitude of channels. For some, Christmas is soft and lovely with a strong sense of tradition, for others it's fun and exciting with parties, revelry and gift giving games."

approval will be given to begin executing the tactics and ideas. As the period leading up to and right after Thanksgiving is critical, the launch will take place before Thanksgiving and run through the week after New Year's. Stenger adds, "Just because season ends it doesn't mean our work does. There is education as to what to do with your fresh cut tree postChristmas. Not to mention all the measurement and analytics follow up necessary to gauge our success."

The Concept Farm team is a highly collaborative group and has cited deep interaction and feedback from the Christmas tree grower "experts" as critical to achieving success.

Wasiak notes that it will be the collective passion for the fresh cut Christmas tree cause that will elevate the effort beyond a 'campaign' to a 'movement.' "We need to shout it from the tree tops" he said, "a real Christmas tree is as the center of an authentic Christmas!"

Marsha Gray 517-242-1630

Gellos added, "Our core idea for fresh cut Christmas trees must ring loud and true, promote many-to many sharing and create buzz. Based on thorough consumer research through focus groups and quantitative surveys, we will create a compelling brand positioning and story that will gain traction and buzz well beyond our paid media dollars."

In terms of project status, from now through the end of July the campaign structure, communication channels, PR strategy and messaging is being refined. When the next Board Meeting of the CTPB takes place, a final

Fall 2016

KEEP IT FESTIVE. KEEP IT FAMILY. IT’S CHRISTMAS, KEEP IT REAL! VCTGA News Page 6 Journal

It’s Christmas, Keep it Real!

It’s Christmas, Keep it Real!

The Christmas Tree Promotion Board recently announced that the campaign theme for the upcoming season has been confirmed; “IT’S CHRISTMAS, KEEP IT REAL!”

The campaign is even providing clear and detailed instructions on how to set up and use these social media platforms for your business are a part of the toolkit!

This theme will be captured and reflected in all components of the fresh Christmas tree promotional campaign. The campaign will be wide ranging; heavily utilizing social media and earned media. Promotional efforts will encompass everything from the heartwarming to the hilarious. There will be something to appeal to a diverse consumer base, with efforts weighted toward the millennial audience.

CTPB will be sending a notification to all growers on its mailing list to announce when and where the toolkit will be available. In the meantime, check out more about the campaign here: http://www.christmastreepromotionboard.org/our-programs/ .

CTPB’s agency Partner, Concept Farm, is planning a few “tent pole events” for the campaign. These are large, visible, news-making events to capture consumer attention. Filling in between these large events will be medium-sized and smaller activations to keep the campaign top-ofmind. Much like an advent calendar, there will be something new every day and consumers can witness each of these activations on the campaign website. As is depicted in the accompanying calendar landscape graphic, the larger, more visible activations will take place in the Thanksgiving to December 10 timeframe.

Grower assessments, as well as applications for exemption, continue to trickle into the Christmas Tree Promotion Board, during the summer and early fall as growers continue to be identified.

As of early September, more than $1.77 million has been collected by CTPB for the 2015 harvest year with more funds expected. Growers and importers who have not submitted their sales and importer report and assessments or an application for exemption are urged to contact the CTPB office at: 800-985-0773.

Tim O’Connor, Exec Dir. Tim@ChristmasTreePromotionBoard.org

A campaign logo and on-line tool kit for growers will soon be available and all Christmas tree growers are urged to use these resources. Because much of the campaign will “live” on social media, growers are encouraged to get engaged with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more.

Experience a Real Virginia Grown Tree!!

VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016 VCTGA News Journal

Fall 2016

VDACS will Promote VCTGA Members at the 2017 MANTS

MANTS

®

The Masterpiece of Trade Shows ™

JANUARY 11-13, 2017 BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER www.mants.com

On-line Registration is available 24/7 beginning October 1.

P.O. Box 818 · Brooklandville, MD 21022 410-296-6959 · 800-431-0066 fax 410-296-8288

@mantsbaltimore #mants

VDACS Marketing Representatives, Dave Robishaw and Danny Neel will promote "Experience a Real Virginia Grown Tree" at MANTS for the VCTGA

Over 11,000 Horticulture Enthusiasts made the 46th Annual Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show a Success Largest Green Industry Trade Show in the Country bringing color to Baltimore in January.

Springtime came to Baltimore in January again this year as the 46th annual Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) covered the Baltimore Convention Center's 300,000+ square feet of contiguous exhibit space with greenery and blooms.

MANTS, the premier green industry marketplace for businesses, will take place on January 11-13, 2017.

Last year, MANTS welcomed 11,039 paid registrants and exhibitors who gathered to do business, network and learn about the hottest horticultural trends for 2016. 966 exhibiting everything from flowers, Christmas trees, trees and plants to decks, fountains, companies filled

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over 1,536 booths displaying and innovative technological solutions for the gardening and landscape industries. In addition to exhibitors, 3,379 non-exhibiting/buying companies were in attendance.

online and in gpperson at shows like MANTS for educational, networking and mentoring opportunities.

"The presence of groups like the Young Nursery Professionals and Emergent Group highlights how valuable MANTS continues to be as a trade show for our industry," said Finney.

"Younger professionals taking over the family business are being introduced to the show's business and networking opportunities by their families, and young entrepreneurs are attending because they know this is the marketplace to get your products in front of buyers."

While attending MANTS, the Young Nursery Professionals/Emergent group not only hosted booths of their own for their respective companies, but also gathered at a networking event bringing together the next generation of green industry innovators and professionals.

MANTS 2016 also successfully gathered green industry professionals from across the country, and across the world, welcoming businesses from 44 states and 11 countries outside of the U.S. These countries included Italy, India, Israel, Netherlands, Turkey, Australia and China, some of which were debuting new products at the show.

"Another great year in the books!" said Vanessa Finney, Executive Vice President of MANTS. "MANTS 2016 not only brought innovative and exciting new products and exhibitors from around the world, but also an influx of young, enthusiastic horticultural leaders! We have always known that MANTS means business, and this year truly proved that MANTS is the place where all generations gather to do commerce."

Among the thousands of buyers, shoppers, and horticultural industry leaders and businesses converging on the show floor this year were special groups of green industry up-and-comers spanning Generation X and Y - the Young Nursery Professionals and Emergent Group. These groups work to connect young horticultural professionals 8VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016 |

anything that can bring those people together and allow them to learn about things, to network, to share what's working for them and to voice their frustrations about what's missing is critical to allow the industry to move forward get the solutions that we need to be successful."

To see more about the Young Nursery Professionals/ Emergent group and their thoughts on the future of the horticulture industry here: https://youtu.be/yWtuveCBqBY .

In 2017, MANTS will take place from January 11–13 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

Check www.mants.com or Twitter.com/MANTSBaltimore for updates and news on the show.

“MANTS seems to be the only show that's brought a number of states together," said Ryan Yanchuleff, CEO of www.Describeit.com – a Ad – Tree Teck – new copy from Fall 2015 new sales and proposal software for the landscape industry. "[MANTS] is an opportunity to get in front of a lot of people with one show and it has been pretty successful for us so far."

"I think groups like the Young Nursery Professionals and Emergent, and their associated events at MANTS, are great because it is all about community...

Fall 2016

VCTGA News Page 8 Journal

Try a Rye Cover Crop with Your Next Christmas Tree Planting Farmers have been using small grain cover crops for years to prevent erosion, enhance soil organic matter, act as a nurse crop, and improve crop yields. Although this practice is recommended in a couple of Christmas Tree Best Management Practice (BMP) manuals, it certainly isn’t a standard practice among most producers. Since Christmas tree production is considered to be very gentle on the land and causes very little soil erosion or impacts to water quality, I’ve never considered or experimented with a small grain cover crop except for the purpose of getting white clover ground cover established a couple of years before planting.

My experiment with a rye cover crop in one of our new Christmas tree plantings came quite by accident. My son Matt and his new marvelous bride, Charley Gail, wanted to establish some pasture in a recently cropped field at our farm in Louisa County. Thinking this was a good idea, we drilled rye, white clover and fescue right after the corn harvest last fall. The fall was unseasonably wet and germination was excellent. Soon thereafter plans changed for the field with the high prices for cattle and fencing, and it was no longer being considered for pasture.

With its excellent location and our plans to relocate our Christmas operation to the front of our farm, it was a good candidate for Christmas trees.

VCTGA News Journal VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016

It has an Appling soil (sandy loam) which I’ve found will grow almost anything given the proper management.

We considered several alternatives for tree establishment including waiting a year to get the rye off and eliminating the fescue from the field. But since we had all of our soil testing complete and had applied lime earlier, we decided to go ahead with the planting this spring, departing from our normal fall schedule. Seedlings and transplants were ordered and later fertilizer was applied according to our analysis from Virginia Tech. Our field was particularly deficient in phosphorus and potassium, both essential to tree development.

Phosphorus is important for root development and bud set and potassium helps to regulate water and protects the tree during drought. Before planting the trees, we applied one quart of glyphosate per acre in a three-foot band along the rows to keep the rye and fescue from competing with the trees for moisture. Little did we know then that spring moisture would be abundant, except for a critical three-week period right after the trees were planted in March. As added insurance, we used a gel on the roots that can help retain moisture through a short term drought.

The big question among our family “partners” was how long would we leave the rye cover before bushogging along with our other fields? It was located right on the road and neighbors and family members were starting to question what we doing and were any of the trees alive. Thanks to the spring rain, all of the Canaan fir are alive and most of the White pine. The white clover is beautiful and not impacting tree growth. Some annual and perennial weeds are starting to creep in, mostly mare’s tail and poke berry, both pretty easy to control with a spot treatment of glyphosate.

Fall 2016

As I write this it’s June and the advantages of leaving the rye standing are becoming very evident. It has matured and is standing golden brown and providing partial shade to the newly planted trees. As you know one of the keys to proper establishment of Canaan fir and white pine is partial shade during the summer months, adequate moisture, and cool soil temperatures.

In our case, the white clover is reducing the soil temperature and the rye cover is providing partial shade. The trees look pretty healthy and happy and so far, the rye cover experiment is working. This field has also become excellent wildlife habitat for small mammals such as rabbits, quail seeking nesting and feeding cover, and turkeys raising their young poults. It’s certainly not the best “looking” field we have right now and unfortunately it’s along the road near our farm entrance. The rye cover won’t likely stand all summer but it has allowed the trees and white clover to get off to an excellent start.

Now if we can just resist the temptation to pretty this field up for our neighbors, we’ll be doing pretty well!!

John Carroll, Claybrooke Farm, Louisa, VA claybrookefarm@gmail.com http://www.claybrookefarm.com/

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WPS Focus: Worker and Handler Training

Photo by USDA Forest Service - Region 8 Southern , USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

On January 1, 2016, EPA's revisions to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) regulations became part of the Code of Federal Regulation, specifically 40 CFR Part 170. This article focuses on the employee training requirements which become effective on January 1, 2017. As a refresher, the WPS applies whenever a pesticide referencing the WPS is used in the production of an agricultural plant. Establishments that employ people to work with plants treated with pesticides or to handle/apply pesticides must provide pesticide safety training and other information under WPS. This would include establishments such as greenhouses and nurseries where plants are grown commercially and also retail garden centers that maintain plants for sale.

A person would be employed if they receive a salary or wages, including piece-rate wages, on the establishment where the agricultural plants are produced.

The WPS defines two types of employees, workers and handlers.

Workers perform tasks in areas where pesticides have been applied to agricultural plants. They may contact plants, plant parts, or soil and other surfaces that may contain pesticide residues. They should not have direct exposure to the pesticide before it is mixed or while it is being applied.

VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016 10 |

Handlers mix, load, or apply the pesticide. They may also perform other duties such as handling open containers, assist with applications, act as flaggers or repair and maintain contaminated equipment. The WPS training requirements differ somewhat for both types of employees.

The training provided to handlers will also allow them to perform worker tasks.

Beginning in 2017, WPS training will be required annually (once every 12 months) for workers and handlers. Previously, training was required once every 5 years. All employees trained during the current year or over the past 4 years will have to be trained again in 2017. Another significant change is the timing of training. In the past, employers could provide workers with basic safety information upon hiring and then were allowed to let workers work for up to 5 days before providing them with full WPS training. Some people referred to this period as a "grace period". This will no longer be permitted. Employers will have to provide workers with full WPS pesticide safety training prior to performing any task in a treated area of an establishment where within the last 30 days a pesticide product has been used or a restricted-entry interval has been in effect.

The revised WPS places the responsibility for training workers or handlers, including those provided by labor contractors, on the person who owns the agricultural establishment or who is responsible for managing it. This means that the owner or manager of the establishment, not the labor contractor, could be cited for a violation of WPS if the workers or handlers are not trained as required by WPS. Growers who use labor contractors will want to obtain documentation of the pesticide safety training for each worker or provide it

Fall 2016

themselves prior to allowing contracted laborers to work on their establishment.

In the past, recordkeeping of pesticide safety training was voluntary as was the issuance of training verification cards. Under the revised WPS employers must document then maintain records of pesticide safety training for each worker or handler employed for two years from the date of the training. If an employee requests, the employer must also provide them with a record of their training. The training record has to include the following information: 1. The trained worker's handler's printed name and signature.

2. The date of training.

3. Information identifying the EPA-approved materials used.

4. The trainers name and documentation of qualifications (ex. Certification Number).

5. The agricultural employer's name.

Training must be conducted in areas that are free from distraction and conducive to learning. The trainer will also have to present the information, either orally from written materials, or audio-visually in a manner that the employees can understand. If the workers or handlers do not speak the same language as the trainer, a translator would be necessary. The trainer must be present during the entire training and respond to questions.

The trainer will be unable to put in a training video and go do other activities.

Pesticide safety trainers must meet certain criteria prior to providing pesticide safety training. If they train workers, they must be either a certified applicator, state designated trainer, or a trainer who has gone through a trainthe-trainer training program for workers or handlers. Previously, trained handlers could train workers but that will no longer be permitted. Similarly,

News Page 10 VCTGA Journal

trainers training handlers must be either a certified applicator, state designated trainer or a trained trainer who has completed a train-the-trainer program for handlers.

The content requirements for the pesticide safety training have been expanded but will not be required until January 1, 2018 at the earliest.

New training resources are currently in development. Although trainers will not have to cover the new content in 2017, they will have to make sure that their training materials are EPA-approved. In the past, the training materials did not have to receive EPA-approval as long as they covered all the required content. To determine whether your material is EPA-approved, look for an EPA publication number (ex. EPA 735-B-06-001) or approval code. If you do not see one, contact VDACS (information below).

In addition to the pesticide safety training, handlers may also have to be trained on the use of a respirator.

This becomes a requirement when the handler will apply pesticides which require respiratory protection. The training would be specific to the respirator required by the pesticide label. In addition to this training requirement, the employee would also have to undergo a medical evaluation prior to using the specified respirator and be fit tested for that respirator. As with the basic pesticide safety training employers will have to retain records related to respirator training, fit testing and medical evaluations for 2 years.

Employers also have to provide employees with establishment specific information. Specifically, employers must inform workers and handlers about the location of the pesticide safety information (poster); pesticide application information and safety data sheets; and decontamination supplies.

In many cases, the employer may want to include this with the pesticide safety training. If a business hires someone who has already been trained under

WPS during the past year at another employer or by a labor contractor, they would have to provide this establishment specific information separately from the training.

As a reminder, VDACS currently funds Telamon's Pesticide Safety Training Program. This allows Telamon to provide free WPS compliant pesticide safety training to growers throughout Virginia. Telamon's Pesticide and Workplace Safety Trainer can be contacted at (804) 381-6082.

If you have additional questions about the new training requirements feel free to contact Micah Raub, the Program Coordinator for the Worker Protection Standard. Mr. Raub can be reached by phone at (804) 261-0937 or by email at micah.raub(ivdacs.virginia.gov. Additional information on the rule is also available at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/revisions-workerprotection-standard.

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Wholesale Price List for

Quality Seedlings & Transplants Age

Size

Per 100 Rate

Per 1,000 Rate

Age

Size

Per 100 Rate

Per 1,000 Rate

FRASER FIR (2-2, PL+2) 8-15” $110.00 $750.00 (3-2, PL+2) 10-18” $115.00 $775.00 (P+2, P+3) 12-22” $125.00 $850.00

WHITE SPRUCE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $40.00 $175.00 (2-1, 2-2) 15-20” $90.00 $595.00 (2-2) 15-24” $110.00 $750.00

BALSAM FIR (P+1) 8-14” $86.00 $575.00 (P+2) 10-18” $110.00 $750.00 (P+2, P+3) 12-22” $115.00 $795.00

NORWAY SPRUCE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $40.00 $175.00 (2-1, 2-2) 15-24” $90.00 $650.00 (2-2) 15-24” $110.00 $750.00 (X-LG) 20-30” $250.00 XXX

CANAAN FIR (P+1) 8-14” $90.00 $595.00 (P+2) 10-18” $115.00 $795.00 (P+2, P+3) 12-22” $125.00 $850.00 DOUGLAS FIR - Lincoln (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” (2-1) 12-18”

$40.00 $175.00 $86.00 $575.00

CONCOLOR FIR (2-0) 5-12” $45.00 $225.00 (2-1, P+1) 8-14” $90.00 $595.00 (2-2, P+2) 10-18” $115.00 $795.00

COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE - San Juan & Kiabab (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $40.00 $175.00 (2-1, 2-2) 10-16” $82.00 $550.00 (2-2, P+2) 10-18” $110.00 $750.00 (P+2, P+3) 12-22” $115.00 $795.00

VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016 Ad_1_BW.indd 1

VCTGA News Journal

BLACKHILL SPRUCE (2-0) 5-12” (2-1) 6-12” (2-2) 12-18” (X-LG) 15-24”

$40.00 $175.00 $75.00 $495.00 $110.00 $750.00 $250.00 XXX

SERBIAN SPRUCE (2-0) 8-14” $45.00 $225.00 (2-1, P+1) 8-15” $90.00 $595.00 (2-2, P+2) 12-18” $115.00 $795.00 AUSTRIAN PINE (2-0) 6-12”

$40.00 $175.00

RED PINE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 6-14”

$45.00 $225.00

Fall 2016

Age

Size

Per 100 Rate

Per 1,000 Rate

WHITE PINE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 6-14” $45.00 $225.00 (2-1) 8-14” $82.00 $550.00 (2-2) 12-18” $110.00 $750.00 (X-LG) 18-24” $250.00 XXX SCOTCH PINE - Scothighland + French (2-0) 6-12” $35.00 $165.00 (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $40.00 $175.00 WHITE CEDAR (2-0) (3-0) (2-1) (2-2)

4-8” 8-15” 8-15” 12-18”

$40.00 $60.00 $82.00 $110.00

$195.00 $295.00 $550.00 $750.00

ARBORvITAE - DARK GREEN, TECHNY, EMERALD & GREEN GIANT (RC+1) 6-12” $125.00 $850.00 (RC+2) 12-18” $165.00 $1,100.00 Discount on orders over 10,000 plants For complete list please write or call us.

Brian Bosch / Owner

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7/9/13 11:01 AM

VCTGA Annual Meeting & Farm Tour

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Fall 2016

VCTGA News Journal

Tree & Wreath Contest Winners VCTGA News Journal

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Pesticide Certification Regulation Changes in Virginia The following significant amendments to 2VAC 5-685. Regulations Governing Pesticide Applicator Certification will be effective on September 22, 2016.  Added 'commercial' to definitions of "Under the direct supervision" and "Under the direct onsite supervision" to clarify noncertified individuals and registered technicians must be supervised by certified commercial applicators.  Removed the 1O day waiting period after the first attempt and 30 day waiting period for second or subsequent attempts when examinations are not passed.  Individuals who fail to take and pass the registered technician exam within 90 days of the initial examination, cannot apply pesticides commercially, even under direct on-site supervision, until they pass the examination.  Individuals who have previously submitted a registered technician application form and did not take or pass the examination within 90 days after being hired or transferred into the position, cannot apply pesticides commercially even under the direct on-site supervision until they reapply and pass the examination.  Applicants who do not complete the certification process within two years of the date of passing the examination must be reexamined.  Indicate the category numbers for Registered Technicians {60) and private applicators {90,91,86,& 87) 14 |

VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016

 Added the recertification course requirements for certified commercial applicators and registered technicians.

NOTE: POLICY CHANGE Discontinue second testing opportunity at no fee (free retake on examinations failed or not taken). The law requires a new application and fee for each testing session.

NOTE: PROCEDURAL CHANGE Starting September 2017 the Office of Pesticide Services will only mail Certification Retraining Status Reports to applicators whose certificates expire on December 31 (private) of that year or June 30 (commercial, registered technicians and government) of the following year and who need to attend a recertification course by December 31 (private) or June 30 (commercial,registered technicians and government). You can check your status anytime on our website at http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticide-applicator-certification.shtml . This information is updated weekly.

Detailed information on these changes and other changes is available on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall, http://townhall.virginia.gov, Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Effective date for these amendments is September 22, 2016. The revised regulations will be available on the Office of Pesticide Services website, http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticide-virginia-pesticide-laws-and-regulations.shtml .

For more information,Vickie Rengers, Program Supervisor, Certification, Licensing, Registration & Training, Office of Pesticide Services, VDACS, Richmond, VA vickie.rengers@vdacs.virginia.gov 804-786-8934

Fall 2016

VCTGA Awards Scholarships The VCTGA awarded two scholarships. Each individual received a $1000 scholarship from the VCTGA. Laurel Peterson is a current resident of Christiansburg Virginia, where she graduated from Christiansburg High School. She is attending Virginia Tech in Forest Resource Management. She plans to graduate in 2017. Her essay follows.

“I'm currently a junior at Virginia Tech studying Forest Resource Management. My grandfather, father, and stepmother are all foresters, and I'm continuing this tradition. Growing up I wasn't sure I wanted to end up being a forester. However, once I started community college and I was exposed to different experiences, I knew forestry was the field I belong in. I enjoy a variety of different activities, from kayaking down the Little River, to raising my chickens and dog on our farm. Ultimately I love the outdoors, and wouldn't want to have a career that doesn't involve it in some way.

While my family provides my means for living (i.e. rent and car) I am paying for my college tuition on my own. I was able to completely pay for my community college education on my own while working full time, and I am able to work a part time job to help pay for tuition for Virginia Tech. However, since I do take a full and intense course load it's hard for me to work full time.

So any financial assistance would be much appreciated and would help me reach my goal of graduating with no debt.

Ultimately receiving a scholarship and support from inside the forestry community would mean a lot to me. I know how much effort is put into the community from other members, and I am willing to work equally hard. Receiving support would help me meet my ed-

VCTGA News Journal

Page 14

ucational goals, which would ultimately help me meet my career goals.

Thank you for your consideration.”

Brent Hawks is attending Virginia Tech with a major in Forest Resource Management. He hopes to "become a state forester. He plans to graduate in 2018. He is from Prospect VA. His essay follows: “My name is Brent Steven Hawks, and I am currently a 19-year-old sophomore at Virginia Tech. I was born and raised in Grayson County, which is a beautiful county in Southwest Virginia that is known for its breathtaking views and its abundance of Christmas tree farms. Although I just graduated from Grayson County High School last spring, I am considered a rising junior because I transferred into Virginia Tech with 60 college credits from Wytheville Community College. I am projected to graduate in the fall of 2017

with a Bachelor's Degree in Forest Resource Management, which make me highly qualified for an abundance of forestry-related jobs offered by public agencies and private firms. Ideally, I would like to work as a state forester for the state of Virginia while working as a wildland firefighter for the Department of Forestry on the side. Forestry is an ideal career choice for me because of my passion for the outdoors that I developed by hiking, fishing, and hunting in Grayson County. Also, I enjoy collaborating with a group to accomplish a set goal, and forestry requires people with similar ambitions and lifestyles to come together to solve a problem, whether it be fighting a wildland fire, implementing a new land management policy, or teaching children about nature.

The Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Scholarship would greatly impact my collegiate experience because my parents are only going to cover a minimal amount of the costs of

college, which means I will be taking massive amounts of student loans out.

This year, I only had to take $5,500 out in federal loans, but that is only because I received multiple high school scholarships. Next year, if I do not receive any scholarships at all, I will inevitably have to take out federal and private loans in excess of $17,000 dollars, which is a very hefty amount to pay back. My main career goal is to make serious contributions to the scientific forestry field because of my passion for the outdoors and my desire to conserve natural resources for future generations, which would be much easier to achieve if I received various scholarships, such as the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Scholarship, for example. This scholarship would help directly pay for my tuition costs, which is typically around $12,000 dollars at Virginia Tech. I believe I am highly qualified to receive this scholarship because of my balance of academic, leadership, extra-curricular, and work-related achievements,

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VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016

VCTGA News Journal

Fall 2016

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and my financial need. Regardless if I receive this scholarship or not, I am thankful that organizations, such as the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association, realize the importance of attending college while attempting to provide some financial assistance to needy and deserving college students.

Conclusively, as a future forester, I would like to personally thank you for taking interest in young students that are looking to perpetuate and conserve natural resources and their respective industries!”

Provided by Robert O’Keeffe

http://growwise.org/

Dr. Basil Gooden Named Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement announcing the appointment of Dr. Basil I. Gooden as the next Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry in Virginia, succeeding current Secretary Todd Haymore, who will become Secretary of Commerce and Trade in September: "I am excited to bring a leader with Dr. Gooden's experience and vision into my cabinet as our next Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. Dr.

Gooden has been involved in Virginia's agriculture industry his whole life, as he grew up.

Dr, Basil Gooden is raising Black Angus beef on his family's cattle farm in Buckingham County. Agriculture and forestry are two of Virginia's largest and most important industries, and Dr. Gooden is ready to build on our administration's success in growing them under the leadership of Secretary Haymore.

"I ask members of my cabinet to spend every day making government work better for taxpayers and contributing to our administration's goal of building a new Virginia economy.

I have no doubt that Dr. Gooden will be a valuable member of this team and an outstanding Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry."

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16 | VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016

Fall 2016

VCTGA News Journal Page 16

Dr. Basil I. Gooden was appointed by President Obama as State Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development for the Commonwealth of Virginia in May of 2014.

Before this position, Dr, Gooden served for twelve years as the Chief Deputy Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Dr. Gooden's initiatives included strategic management, technology advancement, and community development for economically distressed communities.

Dr. Gooden is a Virginia native, raised on his family farm in Buckingham County, Virginia. He received his Bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech, and went on to earn a Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health and his Ph.D. from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

From the Virginia Agribusiness Council

News - Todd Haymore Named Secretary of Commerce and Trade Governor McAuliffe today released the statement announcing following statement that Virginia of Agriculture and Forestry, Todd Haymore will become the next Secretary of Commerce and Trade in Virginia, succeeding Secretary Maurice Jones as he assumes Chief Executive Officer of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation in September: "As Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Todd Haymore has been instrumental in making those key industries innovative and robust sectors of the new Virginia economy, Todd brings the right combination of economic development experience, VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016 VCTGA News Journal

global trade understanding, and administrative expertise to build on theoutstanding success Secretary Maurice Jones has achieved as a member of my cabinet.

"The agencies that comprise the Secretariat of Commerce and Trade are at the epicenter of my administration's efforts to grow and diversify our economy, and I know that Secretary Haymore will hit the ground running creating jobs and new economic opportunity for families in every corner of our Commonwealth."

Governor McAuliffe reappointed Secretary Haymore to serve as Virginia's Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry in 2014. He had served in the same capacity since 2010, when he was first appointed by then-Governor Bob McDonnell. During his tenure, Haymore has been responsible for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF), and the Virginia Racing Commission. Prior to his appointment as Secretary, Haymore served as VDACS Commissioner under former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine.

Secretary Maurice Jones will leave the McAuliffe administration in September to become the Chief Executive Officer of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, an organization that works with low-income communities to create new opportunities for businesses and residents to thrive. He was appointed Secretary of Commerce and Trade in January 2014.

Prior to the McAuliffe administration, Jones served as the Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

tireless champion for Virginia's largest private sector industry of agribusiness. We know he will carry this same enthusiasm to the Secretariat of Commerce and Trade and are excited to continue working with him in his new role."

Virginia Agribusiness Council

News - Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) VCAP is a new program that provides financial reimbursement to property owners in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to install specific conservation practices in small acreage settings at the source of stormwater discharges to reduce stormwater runoff, such as conservation landscaping, impervious surface reduction, rainwater harvesting, and installation of rain gardens and green roofs.

Plans must be submitted prior to installation to the property owners local Soil and Water Conservation District, which will verify the eligibility of the project through a site visit.

All non-agricultural property owners in the Chesapeake Bay watershed Soil and Water Conservation Districts are eligible to apply - residential, business, public, and private.

For more information, visit http://vaswcd.orq/vcap .

Have You Ordered Your Price/Care Tags for Your Trees?

About the Governor's announcement, Council President Katie Frazier said, "While we are sad to see Secretary Haymore leave the Secretariat of Agriculture and Forestry, he has been a

Fall 2016

Page 17 | 17

2016 Tree & Wreath Contests There was increased participation in this year’s contests made for an exciting annual VCTGA event at the August meeting in Stanton. We are hoping to see even more entries next year. Remember, “I don’t grow Fraser Firs” is not an excuse to keep you from entering a tree. This year’s top three tree scores were a White Pine followed by a Fraser Fir and a Norway Spruce.

Thanks to all our judges and participants!

Tree contest judges Carlos Taylor LeAnn Harrow John Young Wreath contest judges Dreama Huffman Dave Robishaw Tommy Naylor

Decorated Wreath 1st place - Mary Houston, Sweet Providence Farm Provided by Robert O’Keeffe, VCTGA, Chair, Tree & Wreath Contest

THANK YOU to These Sponsors for the 2016 Annual Meeting in Staunton Beverage Tractor - Kubota Southern States Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Virginia Farm Bureau Reliable Source

2015 Tree Contest Winners

Farm Credit

Spruces

Vans Pines

1st place - Greg Lemmer, Lemmerine Firs 1st place - John Houston, Sweet Providence Farm 2nd place - John & Virginia Carroll, Claybrooke Farm Pines 1st place - Bill Francisco, Francisco Farms 2nd place - John & Virginia Carroll, Claybrooke Farm 3rd place - Greg Lemmer, Lemmerine 2016 Wreath Contest Winners

Undecorated Wreath 1st place - Jenna & Jake Bostic, Joe’s Trees 2nd place - Mary Houston, Sweet Providence Farm 3rd place - Greg Lemmer, Lemmerine 18VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016 |

Greg Lemmer Recognition

Jeff Gregson (r) made a presentation to Greg Lemmer (l) at the 2016 Annual Meeting in Staunton. The plaque stated “In appreciation of your devoted service as President of the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association”. He has served on the board from 2010 to 2016 and was President of the association both 2015 and 2016.

Fall 2016

Wreaths I have been a member of VCTGA since 2013 and I must say it would take more than one article to list the ways, it has helped educate, challenge, broaden horizons, and raise my standards of quality that my tree farm has to offer.

It is obvious that no Christmas tree retail outlet is complete without wreaths to sell, so my sister and I set out to sell our retail and wholesale customers the very best wreaths we could possibly make.

I have to admit the product research and development I do is often somewhat casual; home decorating magazines, youtube, google images, and browsing another tree farmer’s websites/Facebook pages. With all the internet has to offer it is clear that interaction with other association members along with participating in the wreath competitions are the primary reasons we have learned what it takes to make a marketable wreath.

For the summer meeting, my sister and I were asked to give a wreath making class for anybody new at it, this made me want to study up on what it is that makes a good wreath so at least it sounded like I knew what I was talking about. Here are some of the notes I made: The fundamental purpose for decorative elements as greenery and wreaths is to be aesthetically pleasing, so often said “if it looks right, then it is”. We all know that evergreens and especially conifers grow symmetrically, and there is mathematical relativity from one branch to the next.

Even though I work in the trees on a daily basis, I am often enthralled by the combinations of geometric variance and continuity from one tree to next. My employees think I’m crazy to tell them this when I say, “take everything beautiful out of the field and forest and condense it into this Page 18 VCTGA News Journal

little wreath, so our customers feel the magic every time they see it hanging on their front door.”

Ironically we did get first place in that category but it was the only contestant for decorated anyways.

Besides symmetry, there is mixtures of color and texture to consider, if you have ever seen a good landscape artist work, you would notice how many colors they will use beside the color green, I even like to say when we are mixing and matching wreath elements, “red blue and yellow is the new green!” For the textures I can list my favorite combination; about half of the material being a short needle evergreen (as a fir or spruce), these always remind me of wheat fields in their patterns, we back up or fill in with something with a long needle (as a white pine or scotch pine), a fur coat kind of look, to top it off, use something lacey like arborvitae or juniper along with something with a glossy leaf such as boxwood or holly.

However, there was a lot of really good undecorated wreaths put in the competition telling me that everyone’s interest is in the quality of the wreath itself. I can’t go without mentioning that we did not win the grand prize in the competition either, so it is clear we aren't monopolizing on this gig, and funny enough is some of the best wreath makers in Virginia are either too busy to enter the contest or are tired of winning. For me then, I will keep improving, learning, and going to these meetings.

I have noticed that if you have a wreath with berries either fake or real, you will have somebody that wants to buy it. Finally, the real eye catcher will be the bow, I know that often a properly made plain red bow will sell a wreath sooner than an elaborate bow made sloppily. I always say, “make it look like a rose that just popped out of nowhere!” My favorite design bow is proportioned like a swallowtail butterfly; narrow center, widest at the top, tapering down to tails as long as the bow is wide, and not too big. If you have a problem of having a lot of ugly wreaths to sell, you can always cover it up with up with a bigger bow and more decorations!

This year’s wreath competition in the decorated category I wanted make something memorable, so I threw out all that poetic junk I mentioned earlier out and I made a copy of the wreath that was on the front page of the 2015 Cabela’s December catalogue. As you would expect, whitetail antlers, twelve-gauge shotgun shells, everything I like in a wreath!

VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016

VCTGA News Journal

By John Houston

Right-to-Work Proposed Constitutional Amendment To be voted on at the November 8, 2016 Election [“The right-to-work law says that participation in a union may not be a condition for employment in Virginia. Virginia has had a right-towork law since 1947.” – The Roanoke Times, 9/19/16.]

Explanation Present Law Currently, Virginia’s right to work law, § 40.1-59 of the Code of Virginia, provides that any agreement or combination between an employer and a labor union or labor organization whereby (i) nonmembers of the union or organization are denied the right to work for the employer, (ii) membership in the union or organization is made a condition of employment or continuation of employment by such employer, or (iii) the union or organization acquires an employment monopoly in any such enterprise is against public policy and illegal. This has been the law and the declared public policy of the Commonwealth since 1947.

Proposed Amendment The proposed amendment places the provisions of Virginia’s right to work law into the Constitution of Virginia.

While Virginia law may be amended by any future General Assembly, a constitutional prohibition can only be changed by a future constitutional amendment approved by the voters.

Full Text of Amendment Amend Article I of the Constitution of Virginia by adding a section numbered 11-A as follows:

Article I. Bill of Rights. Section 11A. Right to work.

Article I. Bill of Rights. Section 11-A. Right to work.

1. Ballot Question

Any agreement or combination between any employer and any labor union or labor organization whereby nonmembers of the union or organization are denied the right to work for the employer, or whereby such membership is made a condition of employment or continuation of employment by such employer, or whereby any such union or organization acquires an employment monopoly in any enterprise, is against public policy and constitutes an illegal combination or conspiracy and is void.

Question: Should Article I of the Constitution of Virginia be amended to prohibit any agreement or combination between an employer and a labor union or labor organization whereby (i) nonmembers of the union or organization are denied the right to work for the employer, (ii) membership to the union or organization is made a condition of employment or continuation of employment by such employer, or (iii) the union or organization acquires an employment monopoly in any such enterprise?

Fall 2016

http://elections.virginia.gov/electionlaw/proposed-constitutional-amendment-2016/index.html

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VCTGA News Journal

News - New Boxwood Quarantine for Shipments to Pennsylvania The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) notified AmericanHort that after careful consideration, it is implementing an internal and external quarantine for boxwood blight, Calonectria pseudonaviculatum.

the state authority and have implemented a systems approach for prevention of boxwood blight. We are seeking some additional clarification on how these requirements will apply.

Photo by Mary Ann Hansen, VA Tech

Photo by David Clement. UME.HGIC

The action follows a number of boxwood blight detections on nursery stock during 2015. Detections resulted in destruction of positive plants, and PDA maintains that there is no indication that the pathogen is established in the state.

Pennsylvania has determined that the threat of Boxwood Blight is great to the Commonwealth. In an effort to protect consumers, residents, and gardens, we have implemented a Quarantine on Boxwood Blight. The quarantine applies to all producers/shippers shipping Buxus (sp.) in Pennsylvania and those from other states shipping to PA. The quarantine requires the implementation of systems approaches to mitigate the disease if a positive is traced back to a supplier/producer.

This quarantine will be imposed on in-state and out-of-state producers, shippers, and suppliers. Generally, plant material originating out of state must either be inspected by origin state authorities, or the nursery must be under compliance agreement with VCTGA News Journal VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016

In 2012, AmericanHort (then ANLA) and the National Plant Board collaborated to develop a systems approach based on boxwood blight best management practices and a model compliance agreement for states. Pennsylvania's action embraces this BMPs and compliance agreement approach.

Many boxwood producers have already adopted this systems approach, and AmericanHort encourages all boxwood producers to move to adopt these common-sense prevention measures to protect their interests, and safeguard the future of boxwood as a lucrative nursery crop and an iconic landscape plant.

This will likely affect all boxwood growers who ship to Pennsylvania, although those growers who participate in our Boxwood Blight Cleanliness Program will have no problems shipping their product into Pennsylvania.

Dana D. Rhodes 1 State Plant Regulatory Official PA Department of Agriculture, 2301 N. Cameron St. I Harrisburg, PA 17110 Phone: 717.772.5205 www.agriculture.state.pa.us Craig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort

Fall 2016

Got Hungry Deer?

Hunters Willing to Help Landowners Manage Deer Hunters play a very important role in managing deer populations in Virginia. In addition to helping support management by purchasing a hunting license, hunters have a direct impact on the deer management goals in Virginia by hunting and harvesting deer.

Landowners urban, suburban and rural alike; often have issues with deer damaging their property. In many cases there are simply too many deer to accommodate the landowner’s goals for the property.

The Hunter Finder (H-Finder) application is the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ (DGIF) initiative to help connect landowners that are looking for assistance managing wildlife on their property with qualified and experienced hunters.

This application is a tool for landowners to identify and initiate communication with hunters that are willing to hunt on their property. Hunters enter their own information online and DGIF acts only as a conduit for the list of hunters.

How Does the Program Work?

The H-Finder application is open to any properly licensed hunter 18 years of age or older.

Hunters interested in registering for the H-Finder database must first create an account and develop a hunter profile.

All information must be accurate. Inaccurate information listed in a hunter profile will result in deactivation of the hunter’s profile.

A hunter’s profile will be active until their current hunting license expires.

Hunters will need to login to the HFinder application and update their profile at least once a year to update

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their hunting license information to remain active in the system After completing a profile, hunters wait to be contacted by a landowner who is interested in finding a hunter.

Landowners will contact hunters by email. A hunter’s personal information (name, address, phone number) is not provided to the landowner.

Completing a profile in the H-Finder application does not guarantee that a hunter will be contacted by a landowner or offered a place to hunt.

Tips - Marketing: Should You Push or Pull?

[Editor’s Note: This was written directed towards nurseries and landscapers, but is very applicable for Choose-and-Cut Christmas tree operations.]

Disclaimer The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the absolute accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this website and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this website. Individuals accessing this website will make their own determination of how suitable the information and data is for their usage and intent. In no event will the State be responsible for damages resulting from the use or reliance upon this information and data. https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hfinder/hunters/?utm_source=0824TOR

Chainsaw Raffle Winner!

Many highly intelligent and experienced professionals and academics have asked students or peers the business question as part of a seminar or class: “If anyone can grow a plant, dig a hole or mow a lawn, why do green industry businesses fail?”

There are many, many reasons, of course, leading some business to die the “death by a thousand paper cuts.”

But there are a few major reasons.

One of those big reasons centers on marketing.

Marketing is something that so many people do incorrectly, yet it doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. We all know the basic tenants of marketing: You have to identify a potential customer, identify their needs, determine a mechanism to provide for those needs and inform others that your business is available to service their needs. Yet there's one additional lesson that seems to help many of my clients: the theory of push versus pull marketing.

Let’s define our terms: David Huffman, Spruce Ridge Tree Farm

22VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016 |

Push marketing involves taking your product directly to the customer by making sure the customer is aware Fall 2016

of your company or product at the point of purchase (also termed direct sales). Examples of push marketing include participating in trade shows to encourage customer demand; direct selling to customers using faceto-face meetings; investing in featured products (landscapes) in target sale areas; negotiations with retailers to stock your product; or negotiations with homeowner associations for long-term contracts.

Pull marketing involves motivating customers to become educated and excited about your product and company and to specifically seek out your product or brand in an active process.

Examples of pull marketing include “traditional” advertising (e.g. magazine and newspaper) and mass media promotion (e.g. television and radio), word-of-mouth referrals after your brand or product sufficiently saturates the market, and sales promotions and discounts.

The biggest difference in these two strategies is in the money you'll spend to carry out these strategies and the audience you're targeting.

Generally, in push marketing you'll spend more money on each potential client, but less money overall because you target specific customers.

In pull marketing, your promotional cost per potential customer is lower, but your total cost is usually much higher because you're not targeting specific customers but rather broad demographic groups.

Generally, push marketing is the more successful marketing strategy employed by nurseries and landscapers.

Matthew Chappell, Editor-at-Large, Nursery & Landscape Insider, News and commentary for the nursery & landscape market, reprinted with permission

VCTGA News Journal Page 22

Tips - Mentor Students Notes from the Edge of Sanity This marks only the second Nursery & Landscape Insider newsletter I’ve written, so there aren’t too many comments to address yet. Don’t be shy, folks—your input will guide this ship (hopefully, away from the rocks).

In the meantime, I wanted to stir the pudding with a topic that’s near and dear to me: the concept of paying it forward, particularly with respect to the youth of our world.

Granted, Millennials as a whole are an extremely needy and whiney group that makes one want to pour another adult beverage. But they're also our future.

They’re a group that I've found wants to live sustainably, but for the large part have never had anyone introduce them to horticulture.

Once their eyes are open, they’re interested and eager to learn. In fact, once you instill a little work ethic in them, they're an exciting and carefree bunch to interact with. Reminds me of us when we were young and not so cantankerous!

So I challenge you to mentor a high school or college student. Hire them as an intern. Mold and shape them. In most cases, it’s more an investment in our industry’s future than in your specific business. But I guarantee you’ll also learn a tremendous amount about your future customers and that will be invaluable.

Matthew Chappell, Editor-at-Large, Nursery & Landscape Insider, News and commentary for the nursery & landscape market, for your own subscription, go to https://www.ballpublishing.com/bpsubscriptions/newslettersignup.aspx?newsletter=nurserylandscapeinsider reprinted with permission

Ad – Riverside Enterprises

VCTGA News Journal ‐ Fall 2016 VCTGA News Journal

Tips – Computer Tips: .DOC FILES Most, if not all, hacking attempts come via the old Office file formats (.doc .xls .ppt etc.). That's because those formats allowed malicious code to be added to the file and run by Office programs.

Those formats are now obsolete, having been replaced almost a decade ago.

Any organization should be sending the Office 2007 and later .docx .xlsx and .pptx files. These formats are much more secure because they won't run any code, even if its included. Since those file formats have been available for a decade, there's no excuse for sending older and potentially dangerous files.

If you do occasionally get legitimate emails with older format files, consider asking for a resend in a more secure format. Some organizations, rightly, refuse to accept.doc etc. files at all.

Provided by Jeff Miller

Ad – Kelco Industries

Fall 2016

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24073-6721 540-382-7310 www.Virginia

ChristmasTrees.org

Order Your VCTGA Tree Tags Today!

www.Virginia ChristmasTrees.org

SAVE THE DATES!!

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Pricing tab and instructions

VCTGA Annual Membership Meeting & Conference August 15-16 Blacksburg

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

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