VCTGA News Journal Summer 2015

VIRGINIA CHRISTMAS TREE GROWERS ASSOCIATION Inside this Issue: Christmas Tree Contest – Facts and Myths – 2 President’s Message ‒ 3 Newsletter Help ‒ 4 NCTA Update ‒ 4 Tree Promotion Board ‒ 5 Member Profile: Sweet Providence Farm ‒ 6

Volume 5, Issue 3

Summer 2015

Farm Tour at Sweet Providence Farm

ANNUAL MEETING

Program ‒ 7 Speakers/Topics Annual Meeting ‒ 8 Hotel/Scholarship/Auction/ Sponsor Info ‒ 10 Registration Form ‒ 11 Some Trees I Won’t Grow Again! ‒ 13 EPA “Waters of the US” – 16 Million Pollinator Garden Challenge – 16 Research-Pollinator Health – 17 Minimum Interval from Herbicide Application to Rainfall − 18

Advertisers Bosch’s Countryview Nursery ‒ 8 Cherokee Mfg. − 10 Alpha Nurseries – 12 Tim Mitchell’s Yule Stand System ‒ 13 Riverside Enterprises ‒ 14 Tree Teck ‒ 14 Kelco ‒ 19 Wagoner’s Fraser Knoll ‒ 20

REGISTER TODAY!

VCTGA Annual Conference & Farm Tour!

Wednesday-Friday, August 12-14, 2015 Holiday Inn Tanglewood • Roanoke, VA Pesticide Recertification Social Media Use & Strategies Field Invaders − Control Strategies Tree/Wreath Contest − Winner What Now? Brags & Blunders − Learn from the Best!

Experience a Real Virginia Grown Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree Contest - Facts & Myths

2. Trees should be 6' - 8' in height from bottom of the handle to the top of the leader.

3. The handle should be at least 6 " but no longer than 12".

4. The tree shall not be artificially colored.

Contributing and Coordinating Editors NCTA Sherrie Taylor Membership Kathy Rasnic

Over the last several years, the participation in the grower’s contests has greatly declined and that's a fact. I would like to address some of the myths that seem to surround our annual contest.

"I don't enter, because I don't have a tree large enough to present to the governor." The fact is -- if you don't have the size tree for the governor, the VCTGA will find you one. And, you get the publicity for your farm and you get to present the tree to the governor.

"I don't enter because I don't grow Frazer Firs". The fact is that white pines and spruces also win the contest and they have done so in recent years.

"I just don't have time to find a tree". The fact is, you have until the August 15th 13th annual annual meeting. meeting. That's That’s August plenty of time and we can all pick out the perfect tree pretty quickly.

The facts: You should enter the contest - it's great publicity and exposure for your farm, is a proud tradition of the VCTGA and it's fun.

Additional information to remember when you are selecting your entries: 1. There are four (4) contest classes a. all firs b. all pines c. all spruces d. all other species.

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Technical Support & Production John Carroll & Kyle Peer Mount Rogers Report Charlie Connor

WREATH CONTEST There are two categories in the wreath competition: decorated and undecorated. 

Wreaths are to be made of real Virginia grown Christmas tree evergreens.

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No colorant may be applied.

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Wreaths may be single or double faced.

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They will be judged either hanging on a wall or on an easel.

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All wreaths must be made on a 12" diameter frame and decorated wreaths must have a bow.

Set up for the tree and wreath contests will be from 8:00 am - noon on Thursday,August August13th.

15th.

Thursday,

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to all of your entries this year.

Robert O'Keeffe; Rifton Farm & Nursery; (540 )651-8440; rifton@swva.net

Pathology & Disease Norman Dart Pests Eric Day VDACS Support & Updates Danny Neel Dave Robishaw Marketing, Promotion, & Social Media Sue Bostic Grant Updates Greg Lemmer Editor in Chief - Jeff Miller Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Inc.

Virginia Christmas Tree Virginia Christmas Tree 383 Coal Hollow Rd Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Growers Association Association Inc. Growers Inc. PH: 540-382-7310 383 Coal Coal Hollow Rd. 383 Hollow Rd. Fax: 540-382-2716 Christiansburg, Christiansburg, VA VA 24073-6721 24073-6721 secretary@VirginiaChristPH: 540-382-7310 540-382-7310 PH: masTrees.org Fax: 540-382-2716 Fax: 540-382-2716 www.VirginiaChristmasTreees.org secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org

www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org

VCTGANews NewsJournal Journal– –Summer Spring 2015 VCTGA 2015 VCTGA News Journal –Spring 2015

all growers, big and small, and will provide numerous vendors to support your farm's every need. Check the NCTA web site (http://www.real(http://www.realchristmastrees.org) christmastrees.org/ ) for information on The NCTA One-Day National Seminar, Thursday July 23, 2015 and more information on the 2015 Trade Show and Conference.

From the President As of this writing, Tim Williams, our Vice President, is busy tying up loose ends and finalizing details for another professionally rewarding and entertaining annual meeting. Please find the details and the schedule later in this issue of the newsletter and make plans to join us in Roanoke for the meeting at Holiday Inn TanglewoodRoanoke and the farm tour at John Houston’s Sweet Providence Farm in nearby Floyd County. The dates are August 13-14, 2015. And please don’t forget to bring along a tree and a wreath for the respective contests.

During April and May, NCTA offered a series of five webinars. The topics included: 2014 Consumer Poll Results, Keys to Accounting, 2015 Legislative Outlook, Important Issues on Fire Codes, and Success Stories from a Choose ‘N Cut Farm. All five were well done and informative, but by far, I most enjoyed the Success Stories from a Choose ‘N Farm. Audio recordings of the webinars are available for purchase on the NCTA website.

The farm (The Richardson farm) will host the 2015 Summer Trade Show and Conference with Mid-America Christmas Tree Association, WI, IL & IN State Associations plus the National Tree & Wreath Contests, Friday, July 24 - Saturday, July 25, 2015 in Spring Grove, IL. This is one of the Midwest's largest shows, hosted by George and Wendy Richardson and Robert and Carol Richardson. The combined event will feature speakers and demonstrations that will interest VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

As you may recall, at our 2014 winter meeting in Wytheville, Della Deal hosted a presentation that included a hands-on opportunity to graft a Fraser fir leader onto a Japanese fir.

The Fraser leader now reaches 24 inches, formed and broke buds this spring and supports a very healthy appearing set of laterals.

At the spring board meeting, I announced plans to retire from Boys Home, but am willing to serve another year as the President of our Association. Boys Home assumed ownership of the farm in May 1994 and for the next 21 Christmas seasons, our family did not lack for activity.

Like many growers, one hope is to pass on the love of the outdoors as expressed in the role of growing Christmas trees. Toward that end, we were working in our own plot with our youngest grandson, Andrew, when he declared that he does want to be a farmer, but he does not want to grow crops or trees, “it is just too much work!”

Graft #2

I ended up with three of the grafted trees. I totally lost one, lost the Fraser tip on Graft #2 but the Japanese root ball produced another seedling. And,

Andrew, age 7, helping Grandpa with planting

We will have openings on the Board of Directors. Dave Thomas has volunteered to serve on the nominating committee with the goal of finding new board members. Sherrie Taylor has already indicated her willingness to continue on as our representative to NCTA. If you are interested or if you wish to nominate someone, please contact Dave, Jeff or me. As you know, elections will be held at our summer meeting.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Roanoke in August and please remember to bring a tree and a wreath. to my surprise and pride, #3 is thriving nicely.

Greg Lemmer, VCTGA President

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Help!!! Make Your News Journal Better!!

NCTA Update

in August 2014 and are awaiting the outcome.

Sherrie Taylor

USDOL is preparing to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to repeal the current standards for farm worker housing - that is all farm worker housing built before 1981 and allowed under current OSHA regs, would no longer be acceptable to house H-2A workers. Pre OSHA housing is probably 75% of the current housing used in H-2A’s Eastern states. It is possible in some cases to renovate housing to meet the ETA standards, but in others it will be impossible.

Please send news, profiles, articles for the VCTGA Newsletter, This is your News Journal and we need input from you: 

What does the upcoming season look like?



How was this growing season?

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Is there enough production, too much?

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What new techniques, products have you used this year and how did they work out? What are you doing with social media?

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Any major pest/disease/weed issues this year?

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How did you like the annual meeting? What did you learn?

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What new activities, products, etc. do you have planned for this season?

Have you tried the new mobile farm lookup from your cell phone? Go to www.virginiachristmastrees.org and the new mobile version will recognize your mobile phone. What do you think?

Have you updated your minipage? Updated it now before you get in the rush of the tree season.

What type of information would you like to see in the News Journal?

What vendors would you like seeing in the News Journal?

Ideas for content, layout, pictures?

Can we do a profile on your operation? Contact the VNLA Office, 540-382-7310, secretary@virginiachristmastrees.org It's easy and we'll give you some guidelines.

Help make Your News Journal better!

I hope everyone is taking a little time to enjoy this wonderful weather. I find it quite challenging to stay indoors.

One of the perks of being your National Representative for NCTA is the association with others that stay abreast of the current legislative issues. I often go to my mentor and personal friend, Pat Gaskin, NCTA National Representative for North Carolina for the "low down on legislation". I would like to give you the following updates: On May 27, The EPA released its final version of its “Waters of the U.S.” rule, likely causing another wave of controversy in the agricultural community. Numerous governors and state attorney generals also spoke out against the rule as well as agriculture organizations and trade associations. This definitely puts a burden farmers, businesses, private property owners, and state and local governments. Under the rule, virtually every river, stream, and creek in the U.S. would be subject to the regulations of the Clean Water Act and come under the oversight of federal bureaucrats.

No legislation is moving relative to agricultural employer issues at this time, although Ag Coalitions continue to follow legislation that has the potential to affect agriculture.

The E-Verify Bill HR1147, moved out of House Judiciary Committee in early March. It is unknown when or if it will move to the House floor. The entire Agriculture Workforce Coalition opposes this act because it includes mandatory e-verification without addressing Agriculture’s labor needs.

The Pesticide Worker Protection Standard is under review by USDA. Many Ag groups submitted comments

4Page 4 |

On a more uplifting note, NCTA will host a One-day National Seminar at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Gurnee, IL on Thursday, July 23, 2015.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to hear from national speakers on topics affecting your industry. Plan to be there, and stay for the National Tree & Wreath Contests and the Regional Summer Trade Show & Conference taking place at Richardson's Farm in Spring Grove, IL. Entries are due by July 10. TWO Co-Grand Champions and TWO Reserve Champions will be named. A total of FOUR growers will be awarded and given the chance to provide either a White House tree or Vice President’s residence tree. There will NOT be a contest in 2016.

NCTA is hosting a 30-day online auction (beginning June 10) to support the Real Tree Advocacy Fund. All proceeds from the auction will go to support 2015 Real Tree Advocacy activities including the media hotline, fighting fire code issues and the White House Tree presentation. Items available to bid on include collectibles from the 500th Anniversary of the first decorated tree, a beautiful Christmas quilt, framed art prints, ornaments and more!

Bid on items at www.32auctions.com/NCTA. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Sherrie Taylor, staylor@severtstreefarm.com staylor@severtstreefarm.com

VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

Christmas Tree Promotion Board Sets Priorities June 15, 2015, Centennial, Colorado – The Christmas Tree Promotion Board held its second face-to-face meeting in the Chicago area, May 1921. Much was accomplished over the three day period and board members are anxious to update the industry on their forward progress.

“Having the opportunity for the board to meet for a few days was tremendously beneficial. It was an effective way to work through foundational items such as bylaws and policies, as well as giving us the time needed to examine the bigger questions about where the industry stands and the future we would like The Christmas Tree Promotion Board, back row from left: Mark Steelhammer, Mark Arkills, Rex Korson, Bentley Curry, Jim Rockis, Chris Maciborski, to see,” commented CTPB chairDella Deal and Paul Battaglia. Front row from left, officers: person, Betty Malone.

Beth Walterscheidt, Cubby Steinhart, Betty Malone and Jim Heater Strategic Planning until the board begins collecting asThe vision and mission statements The strategic planning session was a sessments. will guide the board in all future dehighlight of the Chicago meeting. cision-making; with all activities and Fully understanding the value of “I was very impressed with the services resource allocations being held to the evaluating the current market and reoffered by Metropolitan Bank. They standard of these guiding principles. tail climate for Christmas trees, board are experienced in working with commembers then used this background modity check offs and offer very perAs the board continued its strategic to begin visioning the desired future sonal service,” commented CTPB planning, they established a series of treasurer, Cubby Steinhart. “Their for the Christmas tree industry. Exgoals and areas of focus that will willingness to offer a line of credit to ecutive Director, Tim O’Conner led serve as a platform for its efforts. this new venture is greatly appreciated the group through a series of quesThey also identified challenges to by the board.” tions and scenarios to help identify overcome in order for the board to priorities for the Christmas Tree Proachieve success for the Christmas Bylaws and an extensive list of board motion Board. This work led to the policies were reviewed and approved at tree industry. (These items are outdevelopment of a mission and vision the meeting as well. These documents, lined in the accompanying side bar.) statement. although maybe not the most exciting Establishing a Foundation part of the board’s work, form a critical Vision Statement - The Christmas foundation from which the board will One of the first items on the agenda Tree Promotion Board will enhance operate and undertake promotional and of the May meeting in Chicago was a the value and demand for cut Christresearch work. The policies also outpresentation by John Paul Koch and mas trees creating and increasing line the procedures for assessment colBrad Miller of Metropolitan Bank, opportunities for growers, importers lection. who provided a comprehensive overand others in the industry. view of the services available Next Steps tMission Statement - The CTPB is through the bank and how they will Throughout the summer, the board will focused on improving the future of work with CTPB. While together, continue its forward progress and hold the industry by increasing the value the CTPB Executive Committee and bi-weekly conference call meetings. and demand for cut Christmas trees bank representatives took part in the Chairperson, Betty Malone will conthrough promotion, research and edsigning of documents on a line of tinue to identify growers and other inucation. credit offered by Metropolitan Bank dustry representatives to serve on the to provide operating funds needed VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

Page 5 |5

various committees of the Christmas Tree Promotion Board.

The board will also be busy this summer actively reaching out to growers across the country as they attend a number of summer meetings and field day events. This will give growers an opportunity to learn more about the promotion board and for promotion board members to answer questions and gather input from producers. The board is planning its next face-to-face meeting in North Carolina in late August in conjunction with the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association meeting.

Christmas Tree Promotion Board Strategic Planning Goals to achieve the future we seek to create:    

Enhance value and demand for real Christmas trees Improve the consumer attributes of real Christmas trees Build the tradition of real Christmas trees Connect CTPB’s programs with growers and industry

Member Profile John Houston Owner of Sweet Providence Farm in Floyd, Virginia.

John was the 2013 Virginia Grand Champion in the Christmas Tree Competition and presented trees to the Governor’s Mansion in December 2013.

“My parents bought the farm in 1999 and planted our first trees that year and a little at a time we increased production. In 2005 my dad quit his job and we all as a family worked together to develop our market of our products. By 2009 my dad gradually went bad to work in a finance business and delegated out farm responsibilities to me. In 2014 he sold the farm to me; at this point sales and cost were at a sustaining rate.”

Challenges to overcome:    

Removing barriers to choosing real trees Overcoming the “no tree” choice Connecting real trees with millennial consumers.

Engage growers/industry to use CTPB’s programs with retailers and consumers.

Creating alignment Alignment means the vision is the driving force behind all of the CTPB’s activities. All goals, objectives and tactics should be evaluated on their contribution to achieving the CTPB’s vision

The business is 90% retail, 9% wholesale, and 1% other services.

They grow their own, fresh quality Christmas trees and have been open since 2005.

They belong to the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association, John is currently on the board of directors for the VCTGA, the National Christmas Tree Association and they are also a member of Virginia Farm Bureau.

Tim O’Connor, Executive Director, 303-229-9198 6 |

Page 6

His hobbies are gardening, landscaping, woodworking, violin making and playing.

They are all integrated as much as possible with running his business; the aesthetic enriching the more practical use of my time.

Edited by Sandy Miller

Want to Present Your Tree and Wreaths to the Governor’s Mansion?

Enter your tree and wreath in the VCTGA Tree and Wreath Contest at the Annual Meeting!

Details and forms are on the VCTGA website at www.VirginiaChristwww.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org masTrees.org Virginia Carroll will tell you all the procedures and insider tips for making the presentations at the Governor’s Mansion and how to use it to promote your farm!

VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2015

Annual Conference Program Schedule Annual Conference

Annual Conference Program Schedule AugustProgram 12, Wednesday – Wreath Workshop Schedule August 13, Thursday – Conference

August 12, Wednesday – Wreath Workshop Holiday Inn, Tanglewood, 4468 Starkey Rd, August 13, Thursday – Conference Roanoke VA Holiday Inn, Tanglewood, 4468 Starkey Rd, AugustRoanoke 14, Friday VA – Farm Tour Sweet Providence Farm, Floyd, VA August 14, Friday – Farm Tour Sweet Providence Farm, Floyd, VA ================================================================================= 11:30-12:00 p.m. Topic #6A Christmas Tree ================================================================================= Checkoff Program Tree Wednesday, August – Workshop 11:30-12:00 p.m. Topic #6A Christmas Tuesday, August 12 -12Workshop What Checkoff ProgramYou Need To Know Tuesday, 12Wreath - Workshop Ballroom Noon – 4 p.m.August - Topic #1: Making Workshop What B You(Della Need Deal) To Know (Then enter your wreath in the Wreath Contest (Della&Deal) Noon – 4 p.m. - Topic #1: Wreath Making Workshop 12:05 -12:50Ballroom p.m. BoxBLunch Vendor Profile on Wednesday) Ballroom (Then enter your(Donna wreathO’Halloran) in the Wreath Contest B Ballroom B Vendor Profile 12:05 -12:50Talks p.m. –Box Lunch & on Wednesday) (Donna O’Halloran) Ballroom B If [Bring your own special greens for mixed wreaths.

Talks – Ballroom B 12:50-1:15 p.m. Meet with Vendors [Bring special greens mixed wreaths. If youyour wantown decorations, bringfor your own] 12:50-1:15 p.m.

Meet with#7Vendors 1:15-2:25 p.m.

Topic Control Strategies for Field decorations, your own] 2:00 you p.m.want Vendor Setups bring Ballroom A 1:15-2:25 p.m. Topic #7 Control Strategies Field Invaders – Ballroom B for (Mark Robb) 2:00p.m. p.m. Board VendorMeeting Setups Ballroom A 4:00 - Dogwood 1 rdBallroom B (Mark Robb) Invaders – (also 3 of required classes for 4:00p.m. p.m. Board Board Meeting - Dogwood 6:00 Dinner – Dogwood 1 1 (alsoPesticide 3rd of required classes for Recertification) 6:00 p.m. Board Dinner – Dogwood 1 Pesticide Recertification) 2:30-3:25 p.m. Topic #5 Social Media Use & 2:30-3:25 p.m. TopicStrategies #5 Social Media & Wednesday, August 13 Conference (KelseyUse Blevins, ACCESS) Wednesday, August 13 Conference Strategies (Kelsey Blevins, ACCESS) Ballroom B Thursday, August 13 – Conference Ballroom B 3:30-4:00 p.m. Break & Vendor Visits 8:00 a.m. - noon - Registration in Pre Function Room 3:30-4:00 p.m. Break & Vendor Visits 8:00 a.m. - noon - Registration in Pre Function Room Ballroom A Ballroom A Tree ContestSetup Setup – –Foyer, Foyer, Tree &Wreath &Wreath Contest 4:05-5:00 Annual Business Meeting 4:05-5:00 p.m.p.m.

Annual Business Meeting Robert O’Keeffe Robert O’Keeffe Ballroom B Ballroom B 8:30-8:45 Greeting– –Ballroom Ballroom 8:30-8:45 a.m. a.m. President's President's Greeting BB 5:05-6:30 p.m.

Scholarship Auction Fundraiser 5:05-6:30 p.m. Scholarship Auction Fundraiser Greg Lemmer,VCTGA VCTGAPresident President Greg Lemmer, Danny Neel Ballroom Danny Neel - Ballroom B B 8:46-8:59 Greetings 8:46-8:59 a.m. a.m. Roanoke Roanoke Greetings Breakdown Vendor material-final Breakdown Vendor material-final 9:00-9:50 Bragsand andBlunders Blunders(panel) (panel) 9:00-9:50 a.m. a.m. Topic Topic ## 22Brags 6:30-7:00 Hors d’oeuvres and cash 6:30-7:00 p.m.p.m.

Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar bar Ballroom BallroomBB 7:00 p.m.

Banquet /Speaker Topic #9- #97:00 p.m.

Banquet /Speaker Topic 9:00-9:50 a.m. a.m. – Topic 9:00-9:50 Topic #3: #3:Pesticide PesticideRecertification Recertification Virginia Agritourism (Katie(Katie Frazier) Virginia Agritourism Frazier) Class for Category Class Category90-91: 90-91:Legal Legal Ballroom B Ballroom B Considerations of Considerations ofPesticide Pesticide Application for Christmas Thursday, August 14 14 – Farm Tour Application for ChristmasTree Tree Thursday, August – Farm Tour GrowersBoardroom 1 Friday, August 14 – Farm Tour Growers- Boardroom 1 (Kyle Peer) Peer) CONCURRENT CONCURRENTSESSION SESSION (Kyle 8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Leave for Farm Tour 8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Leave for Farm Tour 9:51-10:04 a.m. Break with Exhibitors Arrive at Sweet Providence Farm 9:51-10:04 a.m. Break with Exhibitors Arrive at Sweet Providence Farm 10:05-11:00 a.m. Topic #4: Regulatory Updates 9:00-10:15 a.m. - Topic # 11: Sprays & Impact 10:05-11:00 a.m.(Katie TopicFrazier) #4: Regulatory Updates 9:00-10:15 TopicChorba) # 11: Sprays & Impact Ballroom B ona.m.

Bees- (Mark (Katie Frazier) Ballroom B on Bees (Mark Chorba) 10:05-11:00 a.m. – Topic Pesticide Recertification 10:16-11:55 a.m. Topics # 12+13 Field Talks 10:05-11:00 a.m.Safety: – TopicControlling Pesticide Recertification 10:16-11:55 a.m. Topics # 12+13 Field Talks & available to consult Chemical available to consult Safety: Controlling Chemical (Eric&Day, Norm Dart, Kyle Peer) Residues When Mixing and Loading (EricLunch Day, Norm Dart, Kyle Peer) Residues When MixingBarrow) and Loading 12:00-1:15 p.m.

- Boardroom 1 (Melanie 12:00-1:15 p.m.

Lunch at Sweet Providence Farm -CONCURRENT Boardroom 1 (Melanie SESSIONBarrow) SESSION 11:05-11:30 a.m.CONCURRENT Topic #6: Tree Contest Winner Now what?

- Ballroom 11:05-11:30 a.m.–Topic #6: Tree ContestBWinner (Virginia Carroll) – Now what?

- Ballroom B

(Virginia Carroll)

VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

at SweetaProvidence 1:20-2:30 p.m. Topic # 14 Running Tree Lot Farm Houston) 1:20-2:30 p.m.(John Topic # 14 Running a Tree Lot (John Houston) 2:35 p.m. Closing RemarksGreg Lemmer, VCTGA PresidentGreg Lemmer, 2:35 p.m. Closing RemarksVCTGA President

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VCTGA Meeting Speakers/Topics Event # 1: Wreath Making Contest Workshop:

Event # 2: 2014 Brags and Blunders.

Event # 3 Pesticide Recertification:

Coordinator: Donna O’Halloran , Co- owner of Glengary Christmas Tree Farm

Panelists: Tim Williams (Spruce Rock Farm), Paris Rasnic, (Moose Apple Christmas Tree Farm) and John Houston (Sweet Providence Tree Farm)

Here’s your chance to learn how to make really great wreaths and get recognized all on the same day. This workshop will involve your “hands on” involvement with wreath making under the supervision of a champion wreath maker. Your wreath will also be entered in the conference wreath contest.

If you win, you’ll get to present a wreath at the Virginia Governor’s mansion.

These growers will share their experiences on what went right and want went wrong during the 2014 sales season. This is a great chance to get some great marketing ideas for your farm operations and possibly avoid some mistakes.

Instructor: Kyle Peer, Christmas Tree Extension Specialist and Manager of Reynolds Homestead AREC You will want to attend this session in order to recertify your pesticide applicator license. This is an in-depth session that covers various pesticides, equipment, materials, timing, application methods, as well as the safety and legal considerations associated with pesticide application. Event # 7 will be an important part of this session.

Legal Considerations of Pesti‐ cide Application for Christmas Tree Growers, Charles Magolda, Investigator, VDACS/Office of Pesticide Services

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Ad – Bosch’s Countryview Nursery 10785 84th Avenue • Allendale, Michigan 49401 Phone: (616) 892-4090 • Fax: (616) 892-4290 Email: brian@boschsnursery.com www.boschsnursery.com

Wholesale Price List for

Quality Seedlings & Transplants Age

Size

Per 100 Rate

Per 1,000 Rate

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

Ad_1_BW.indd Page 8

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Age

1

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

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

7/9/13 11:01 AM VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2015

VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

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Controlling Chemical Residues When Mixing and Loading, Melanie Barrow, Unit Coordinator, VA Cooperative Extension, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Event # 4 Regulatory Update Speaker: Katie Frasier, President of the Virginia Agribusiness Council There are important legislative and regulatory issues that you need to know such as the EPA’s/Army Corp of Engineer’s final WOTUS Rule and the current worker protection standards. These and other legislative issues potentially impacting your farm operation will be discussed.

Event # 5 Social Media Use and Strategies.

Speaker: Kelsey Blevins, ACCESS (VCTGA website developers) Social Media has become a critical tool in marketing products to new and existing customers. This is especially important in marketing to the “Generation X” and “Millennial” crowd. Learn that latest social media techniques and strategies that are being used by businesses to attract these customers and how you can use them in your marketing efforts.

Event # 6: You’re a Tree Contest Winner-Now What?

Speaker: Virginia Carroll, Co owner of Claybooke Farm Ok, you just won the VCTGA Tree Contest and you are going to the Governor’s mansion. Learn what you can expect, the timelines and expectations of the Governor’s staff from a tree contest champion who has “been there and done that”.

Event # 7: Control Strategies f or Field Invaders (Qualifies as part of the Pesticide re-certification) Speaker: Mark Robb, Wildlife Specialist, Wildlife Services, USDA So you think that you are alone with the trees that you planted in your fields. Think again! Here come the field invaders: Moles, Voles, Groundhogs, Foxes, Rabbits, Deer, and other pests competing for the same space as your crops. What is your defense? This session will discuss some of the defensive strategies that you can employ in order to protect your crops.

Event # 8 VCTGA Scholarship Auction Auctioneer: Danny Neel, VDACS Here is a chance to bid on many useful items for your farm while, at the same time, help fund VCTGA scholarship programs. You can also donate items for auction. Back by popular demand, Danny Neel has many years of experience in auctioneering and will be our master of ceremonies.

Come enjoy the fun!

Event # 9. Annual Banquet Speaker: Katie Frazier, President of the Virginia Agribusiness Council There are many state and regional agri-tourism program initiatives that are designed to help you grow your business. Learn what they are, what they do and how you can participate.

While enjoying a good meal, you’ll hear from a speaker who is an expert in this area. Please plan on attending!

Event # 10 The Farm Tour, Sweet Providence Tree Farm

area. The tour will include lunch, equipment demonstrations. Experts in the fields of plant tree physiology, plant pathology, and entomology that will be on hand for field and “one on one” consultation.

Event # 11 Sprays and the impact on bees Speaker: Mark Chorba, Virginia Tech Bees are a very important part of pollination of many crops and their honey has become an important commodity in the state of Virginia. Learn about their habits and precautions to consider when using sprays on your farm.

Event # 12. & 13. Field talks and Consultation Norm Dart, Virginia State Pathologist, VDACS Kyle Peer, Christmas Tree Extension Specialist Eric Day, Manager-Insect Identification Laboratory, Virginia tech The farm tour will have on site three experts in their respective fields of entomology, tree pathology, and tree physiology in order to help you identify and mitigate risks in these areas.

They will also be on hand to answer questions on a one on one basis.

14. How to Run a Tree Lot. Speaker: John Houston, Owner Sweet Providence farm Running a tree lot involves a special set of operational, management and marketing strategies and skills. Learn from a seasoned tree lot owner on how to run a successful lot.

Owner: John Houston Come on out at see how a successful, diversified Christmas tree farm operates in the beautiful Floyd, Virginia

VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

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VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

2015 Annual 2015 Annual Meeting Meeting Registration Registration Form Form AugustAugust 12-14,12-14, 20152015 Roanoke, VA Roanoke, VA Name of Primary Attendee: Farm Name Address: City:

State:

Zip Code:

Phone numbers: E-mail: Additional Names Attending: I will be participating in: _____ Wreath Making Workshop on Wednesday afternoon _____ Pesticide Recertification Classes

Events or Function

How Many?

NonMember Fee

Member Fee *

Total

Registration fee for members *

$90.00

$115.00

Additional Attendees of Primary Member

$40.00

$50.00

Thursday Lunch (8/13/15)

$15.00

$20.00

Thursday Banquet Dinner and Awards

$30.00

$35.00

Friday Lunch and Farm Tour (8/14/15)

$15.00

$20.00

Late registration fee after July 31

$20.00

$20.00

GRAND TOTAL *The primary member registration rates apply to members in good standing of the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Mt. Rogers Christmas Tree Growers Association West Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association and Maryland Christmas Tree Growers Association

And their guests and families; fee is per person and includes lunches, the Banquet, Farm Tour

Received in VCTGA office _____/_____2015, check #___________, AMOUNT TOTAL $___________

VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

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VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

Some Trees I Won’t Grow Again

By Steve Rhoades As a Christmas tree grower who is not located in prime Fraser fir-growing country, I have experimented with growing quite a few different species of trees as many of you may have done. Some of these trees I won’t grow again, for various reasons. My experience with these trees may be of particular interest to newer growers who have not yet tried growing some of the trees I will discuss.

That is, my experience may serve as a cautionary note so that a newer grower does not plant too many of these trees if they should choose to try growing some. It may also interest other growers who have planted any of these trees to see how their experience with these trees compares

with the experience of at least one other Virginia grower.

Like many of you, I have read articles with glowing reports about the terrific characteristics of many exotic, or unusual, conifers for use as Christmas trees. Indeed, that is a major reason I tried growing some of these trees. Based, however, on my experience with the trees I discuss in this article and some I will discuss in a future article, I have the feeling that the mostly glowing reports that I have read were written by folks who, for some reason, never saw an exotic conifer they didn’t like for use as a Christmas tree. Perhaps the authors’ growing environments are far different from mine and much better for the trees. This article provides a distinctly less positive view of some exotic conifers based on my experience with growing these trees in Virginia.

Of course, some of you may have had a very different experience, or at least

perception, with these trees than I have had. That might be because 1) you may put different weight on some of the attributes of these trees (e.g., growth rate, tree structure, and limb stiffness) and 2) your soil and weather conditions may differ considerably from mine. The soil at our farm has relatively high nutrient levels and is relatively heavy; a silt/loam according to the soil map. However, we also have clay at various levels below the surface, and in some places there is clay well within the root-zone of the trees. Our farm is located in the northern Shenandoah valley near Woodstock, so our winters may be a bit colder, and we may have later spring frosts than those of you with tree farms east of the mountains and especially those even farther east and south.

There are a couple of things I want to mention before I get into the trees.

First, I am glad that I tried growing

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VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

Page 13 | 13

these trees even though they did not live up to the glowing reports about the trees. The experience alone was interesting, and I may ultimately grow a small number of a couple of the tree species (those that I perceive as having some definitely positive attributes) just to have something different for our customers. Second, I will start the discussion of each tree by mentioning what I regard as some positive characteristics of the trees.

Third, we grew all of the trees from transplant size (except for Southwestern white pines) and watched them grow to full sale-size, i.e., 7-to8 feet tall; there were at least two separate plantings in different years or seasons; and each species was planted in at least two different fields.

I mention these multiple plantings and fields so that it is clear that the experience about which I am reporting is not based on just a single planting in a single field, which might result in a unique experience with a tree

species because of bad weather or unsuitable field conditions for the trees.

Meyer spruce definitely earned a spot on the list of trees I won’t grow again.

My experience is based on 100 Meyers we planted in March 2004 and 140 we planted in October 2004. The trees were all 2-2 transplants. We checked out the trees as advised and determined that they were indeed true Meyer spruces as opposed to some apparently very similar trees that we were told were sometimes inadvertently being sold to growers as Meyers. I can come up with three things to say on the positive side of the ledger about Meyer spruce. It has a relatively high survival rate; some have a rather attractive silver/gray color; and customers have bought it (and paid the higher price) as a variety of Blue spruce. Negative things about Meyer spruce are that it is very slow growing, with many of the trees spending years looking like a very dense, round bush; the resulting full-

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size tree is often very dense; and the needles, which resemble those of a Colorado blue spruce (in terms of size but not color), seem even more stiff and prickly than those of the Colorado blue. Nevertheless, at last, during the 2014 Christmas season, we sold 22 Meyer spruces, but many of the remaining Meyers still have years to go before they become large enough to get a customer’s attention.

Based on my experience with Meyer spruce, I don’t see any point in growing this tree that has needles as stiff and prickly as a Colorado blue spruce and is even slower growing than the Colorado but does not have the Colorado’s redeeming virtues of attractive bluish needles (sometimes) with rather layered limbs allowing for hanging ornaments on its stiff limbs. No mas!

The Serbian spruce clearly deserves a place on my list of trees that I won’t grow again. We planted Serbians on five different occasions; March 2004,

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VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2015

VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

October of 2004, 2005, and 2006, and March 2008. All of them were 2-2s or p+2s, and they were planted in three different fields having somewhat different soil conditions. Based on our experience, I have a couple of positive things to say about Serbian spruces. That is, they have, as advertised, somewhat softer needles than other spruces. Additionally, some might appreciate their typically very slender shape. The negative side of the ledger is decidedly longer. In the one field (out of three) where at least the trees survived and grew more or less properly, they exhibited a fairly slow growth rate despite their slender shape. These trees tended to have drooping branches that, combined with the limberness of the branches, would not likely hold ornaments very well. The sagging branches also made it more difficult to mow and apply glyphosate under the trees even though the trees had been well basal pruned to create good handles. The Serbian spruce often tended to have an irregular shape with gaps between branches here and there. Some of the Serbians just did not send up a straight leader and ultimately left us with a tree growing out at an angle from vertical after the tree had attained a height of five or six feet. In the end, we cut out quite a few of these trees, because they were just plain-old ugly. Our experience with Serbians in the two other fields was even worse! In each of the other two fields, we initially planted 100 Serbians and subsequently replaced a substantial number of the trees that had fairly quickly died. Obviously, in view of the substantial number of replacement trees we planted, we had a rather poor survival rate during the first two or three years in these fields.

But even worse was the fact that quite a lot of these Serbian spruces survived the first couple of years and then proceeded to just linger on, barely growing, and not taking on much of a shape. I must admit that I VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

was probably too slow to cut these trees out in hopes that somehow they would decide it was time to grow up into a Christmas tree. As it turns out, most of those trees just squatted in place, staying alive but not growing and becoming more sorry looking by the year. I finally woke up to the fact that these trees had no hope of becoming Christmas trees and have finally cut out most of them. I probably will not get a single Serbian spruce to sell out of these two fields.

These two fields are somewhat more moist than the one field where many of my Serbians survived and grew to sale-size, albeit a bit irregular in shape, droopy, and homely. Although two fields where the Serbians have been a bust are more moist than the one field where they have survived and grown, we have both Norway and White spruces in adjacent rows that are thriving. So for me, their very poor survival, at least in somewhat moist soil, and their rather undesirable structure (to my eye) and growth habit certainly qualify Serbian spruce for an ignominious place on my won’t-grow-again list. Given that we already have Norway, White, and Colorado blue spruces, Serbian spruces don’t add much of anything but aggravation.

Southwestern white pine has won a spot on my won’t-grow-again list since first planting some in 2004. We decided to plant Southwestern white pines, because they were advertised as having stiffer branches than Eastern white pines and a bluish cast to the needles. It sounded as though they were worth trying. Wrong! We planted 3-0 Southwesterns in October 2004 and March 2006 followed by 2-2s in April 2007 and March 2008.

One hundred trees were planted each time, and they were planted in four different fields. Results in all fields were mostly crummy, the main difference being simply the degree of crummy. Two positive things about our experience

with Southwestern white pines were that they had a relatively good rate of survival, and they held there deep green color right on into the sales season, while the Eastern white pines generally went into their annual fadeout from a nice green color to a much paler/yellowish green. In our experience, just about everything else about the Southwestern white pine was negative. It is as much a magnet for damaging insects, especially sawflies and bagworms, as the Scotch pine; they were fairly slow growers compared to Eastern white pines; the majority of the trees grew to be relatively narrow and sparsely branched; along with the sparse branching, the limbs tended to be asymmetrically spaced; many limbs were no stiffer than those on an Eastern white pine, often soft enough that they drooped; and, in the end, a majority of the trees were somewhere between homely and ugly. I estimate that about 25 percent of our Southwestern white pines would be terrific candidates for a “Charlie Brown” Christmas tree contest. As you can tell, there is no chance that I would grow these trees again. I suppose that because of their color and asymmetrical shape, Southwesterns might be useful as a landscaping tree, but they would, of course, still be susceptible to damaging insects.

I have chosen not to grow again Meyer spruce, Serbian spruce, and Southwest white pine as a result of my experience with growing them.

They simply had too many negative attributes relative to positive attributes for me to consider them anymore. But I want to reiterate that there may well be other VCTGA members who like the trees either because they have had a good experience growing the trees, or they think that the positive attributes of the trees outweigh the negative. Based on my experience, however, I would suggest that for anyone planning to try growing any of these tree species for Page 15

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the first time they not plant too many until they have had a chance to see how the trees work for them.

This article has focused on three tree species that I will not grow again. In a subsequent article, I will discuss several tree species that I probably won’t grow again because of some very negative factors that I encountered with them. Because, however, of what I consider to be some strongly positive things about these trees, I may continue growing a small number of them. I will then probably kick myself for doing it.

Steve ViewFarm, Farm, SteveRhoades, Rhoades, Mountain Mountain View Edinburg,VA VA steve21@shentel.net steve21@shentel.net Edinburg,

EPA ‘Waters’ Rule Published

By Craig Regelbrugge, Senior Vice President, AmericanHort

As feared, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have pressed ahead and published their final Waters Waters of of the the United States rule, rebranded as the Clean Water rule.

While EPA and the White House have fine-tuned and sharpened their messaging, early review of the 300page rule suggests few changes to the substance. As we have previously reported, the rule could subject numerous marginal waters to federal regulation and create confusion and liability for land and business owners. We will provide more detailed analysis after careful review.

Reaction to the release of the final rule, which takes effect in 60 days, was swift and negative. Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), the highest ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, said the following in his official statement:

16Page 16 |

Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Launched Posted by: Craig Regelbrugge

"I am disappointed but not surprised that the EPA has decided to move forward with a rule that would increase confusion and red tape. Farmers, ranchers, local communities and businesses all expressed concern with the negative impacts of this rule.

Despite that, EPA either wasn’t willing to listen or simply just does not get it.

“I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to explore all available options to ensure these arbitrary and subjective regulations never go into effect."

On June 3, 2015, the National Pollinator Garden Network (NPGN), an unprecedented collaboration of national, regional, conservation, and gardening groups, launched the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge.

This is a strategic effort to promote and protect the needs of pollinators in North America.

In the fall of 2014, AmericanHort and seven other organizations were convened to propose public/private sector efforts to help restore critical pollinator populations in support of the U.S. Federal Government’s strategy to “Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators.” AmericanHort and the other conservation, gardening, and horticultural organizations are the founding partner members of the NPGN.

On May 12, the House passed legislation (H.R. 1732) to require the agencies to withdraw the rule and work with stakeholders to develop a new rule. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on similar legislation (S. 1140) on May 19. The Senate Small Business and Judiciary Committees are also planning hearings on the regulation. However, even if Congress were to pass legislation to overcome the rule, it may well face a White House veto.

Craig Regelbrugge also represents the National Christmas Tree Association on national legislative issues.

VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge (MPGC) is the Network’s new campaign to register a million public and private gardens and landscapes to support pollinators. The diverse groups behind the campaign understand and agree that pollinators including honey bees, bumblebees, other native bees, butterflies, and others face complex threats. Some, including the iconic migrant Monarch butterfly, have steeply declined. More nectar and pollen sources provided by flowering plants and trees will help to improve their health and numbers. Increasing the number of pollinator-friendly gardens and landscapes across the country will support the health of bees, butterflies, birds, bats and other pollinators across the country.

The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge mobilizes America’s extensive gardening community, including commercial growers, retailers, and landscapers, and supports them in making more pollen- and nectar-producing plants available in gardens of any size, from a window garden or patio box to a large-scale landscape. In some cases, these plants may be native. In others, site-appropriate non-native plants that produce pollen and nectar can also support pollinators. When a new garden has been established or pollinator-supporting plants are added to an existing garden or landscape, the MPGC urges that the garden be registered on the SHARE Map site, hosted by the Pollinator Partnership. SHARE stands for “Simply Have Areas Reserved for the Environment.” The map is said to be scalable to accommodate the goals of the program.

“AmericanHort is thrilled to help launch the Network and the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge,” said Mark Foertmeyer, Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse, Delaware, OH, and chairman of the board of AmericanHort.

“As both seasoned and new gardeners step up to do their part, they are going to need plants, seeds, and expertise.

Our member garden retail, landscape and grower professionals are here to help."

VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015 VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

Work Continues on Pollinator Health Research Horticultural Research Institute Funds Key Pollinator Research Projects WASHINGTON and COLUMBUS, OH – March 12, 2015 – The Horticultural Research Institute is pleased to announce it will grant $125,000 in financial support for four key projects as part of the Horticultural Industry Bee & Pollinator Stewardship Initiative.

Residues of and Rapid Assessment of Toxicity for Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Pollen and Nectar in Model Plant Systems. – Awarded $54,000 Significant data gaps related to the concentration of systemic insecticides in nectar or pollen of ornamental plants hampers efforts to assure the public and retail sellers of these plants that growers’ practices result in plants that are safe to bees and other pollinators.

Dr. Richard Cowles of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in Windsor, CT, aims to conduct pesticide residue analysis in pollen and nectar from treated plants. Using plants commonly used in the landscape, he expects to further develop an understanding of systemic insecticide uptake and potential interactions with nectar and pollen. In turn, this knowledge will further the establishment of best management guidelines for growing plants and protecting pollinators.

Assessing Bee Attractiveness of Woody Landscape Plants and Mitigating Potential Bee Hazard from Neonicotinoid Insecticides.

– Awarded $26,000 In this project, Dr. Daniel Potter of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY, aims to inform best management practices by which producers and landscape managers can protect plants from pests while mitigating the risk to bees.

Additionally, his research has the po-

tential to further support planting recommendations for landscapes that sustain bees throughout the growing season, identify plants that warrant particular caution when using systemic insecticides, and highlight plants whose floral characteristics reduce the potential for bees to be impacted by systemic insecticides.

Understanding the Opportunities Present for Bees from Commercial Plant Material. – Awarded $25,000 This project, led by Dr. Victoria Wojcik from The Pollinator Partnership in San Francisco, CA, and Dr. Christina Grozinger with Pennsylvania State University in University Park, PA, addresses the interactions of bees with landscape plants in order to be better informed on which specific cultivars and varieties bees most frequent.

This work will help guide some of the treatment protocols for specific plants and help the industry in marketing particular varieties that are most advantageous for pollinators.

Best Management Practices for Growing Bee-Friendly Plants in the Greenhouse. – Awarded $20,000 Dr. David Smitley from Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, will conduct research aimed at developing scientifically-based best management strategies for the production of high quality greenhouse-grown plants that are safe to pollinators after they are purchased and planted.

The Horticultural Research Institute’s mission is to direct, fund, promote, and communicate horticulture research.

Supporting research that challenges current methodology, pushes for better technology, and bridges the divide between businesses and the consumer is exactly how HRI helps build prosperous businesses, advance the green industry, and fulfill its core vision.

Provided by AmericanHort and the Horticultural Research Institute, www.AmericanHort.org www.AmericanHort.org

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VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015



                                          

                                          

                                                                                     

                                          

                                          



                                                                                 



SAVE THE DATES!

August 12-14, 2015 Wednesday-Friday Tanglewood Holiday Inn Roanoke, VA

VCTGA Annual Meeting & Conference Farm Tour to nearby Sweet Providence Farm in Floyd.

Start looking for your awardwinning tree for the Annual Christmas Tree Contest!!!

The VCTGA is!

Logon and LIKE us.

• Let other members know what you’re doing.

• Ask for solutions to your problems • Post photos of your business operations • Offer seasonal tips and solutions that have helped you.

• Let other members know how you are using Facebook or other social media

www.facebook.com/vctga VCTGA News Journal – Summer 2015

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383 Coal Hollow Rd Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 383 Coal Hollow Rd 540-382-7310 Christiansburg, VA

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24073-6721 540-382-7310 www.Virginia

ChristmasTrees.org

www.Virginia ChristmasTrees.org

VCTGA Annual Meeting & Conference Tanglewood Holiday Inn, Roanoke, VA

SAVE THE DATE: AUGUST 12-14

SAVE THE DATES!!

VCTGA Annual Membership Meeting & Conference August 15-16 Blacksburg

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

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