Virginia Christmas Tree Growers News Jounal - Winter 2017

Inside this Issue: BMP’s for Bee Health – 2 From the President – 3 Questions for Members ‒ 4 Dealing with Climate Change ‒ 6 WPS Are You Compliant ‒ in 2017? ‒ 8-9 Customer Safety Checklist ‒ 12 NCTA or CTPB? – 12 America Chooses...

What’s Next? − 13 Trees for Troops Delivers – 15 Keep it Real! ‒ 15 Grower Meeting ‒ 16 Workshop: Christmas Tree Primer ‒ 17 Scenes from Tree/Wreath/ Greens Presentation ‒ 19

Advertisers Bosch’s Countryview Nursery – 5 Tim Mitchell’s Yule Stand System ‒ 7 Tree Teck ‒ 9 Alpha Nurseries ‒ 10 Riverside Enterprises ‒ 19 Kelco ‒ 19 Wagoner’s Fraser Knoll ‒ 20

Volume 7, Issue 1

Winter 2017

Governor’s Mansion Christmas Tree Presentation

(l -r) Stephanie Agee, VDACS Director of Marking; Sandy Adams, VDACS Commissioner; Sarah Francisco, Francisco Tree Farm; Governor Terry McAuliffe; Bill Francisco, Francisco Tree Farm; Dorothy McAuliffe, Virginia’s First Lady; Susan Baker, Francisco Tree Farm; Sam Towell, VDACS Deputy Secretary; VDACS Deputy Commissioner; Bettina Ringer, State Forester; Basil Gooden, Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry. (photo by Michaele White, Governor’s Office)

Save the Dates August 9-11, 2017!

Annual Conference, Wytheville, VA

Management Practices (BMPs)(BMPs) Best Best Management Practices Bee Healthin in the Industry Industry for BeeforHealth theHorticultural Horticultural Horticultural Research Institute

Bee & Pollinator Stewardship Initiative that includes industry and consumer outreach and the establishment of industry best practices, HRI has directly funded four important research projects, launched the Grow Wise, Bee Smart website, and joined the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge campaign.

Jon Reelhorn, HRI President, states, "Investment in research surrounding horticulture's role in pollinator health is part of HRI's longstanding commitment to fostering new information relevant to horticultural practices, techniques, and principles. We are pleased to have developed a set of BMPs that offer specific guidance to the industry to refine their stewardship role in bee health."

WASHINGTON, DC and COLUMBUS, OH—January 19, 2017—The Horticultural Research Institute, the research foundation of AmericanHort, is pleased to announce the release of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Bee Health in the Horticultural Industry.

BMPs are intended to inform horticultural professionals about the green industry's impact on bee health.

Through the use of BMP guidelines, horticulture can continue to play an important role in pollinator health.

In 2015, the Horticultural Research Institute recognized the need for sound research to develop best production and management practices, educate, and empower the green industry. HRI, in collaboration with AmericanHort, continues to directly fund and leverage research to refine science-based guidance on horticultural practices and protecting bee and pollinator health. As part of the broad-based Horticulture Industry 2Page 2 |

regarding bee and pollinator health are released.

For the full Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Bee Health in the Horticultural Industry, visit the GrowWise, Bee Smart website. To learn more about the Horticultural Research Institute and its efforts in developing science-based recommendations for the industry, visit the HRI website or contact Jennifer Gray, HRI Administrator by email or (614) 884-1155.

Pollinators as a whole encompass a diverse population of thousands of different species, such as managed honey bees, wild bees, butterflies, birds, and bats. Protection of pollinators in general, especially bees, continues to be a major concern among the general public and within the green industry. Several culprits have been identified as factors contributing to managed honey bee losses, including Varroa mites, other pests/diseases of bees, loss of habitat and nutrition, and off-target effects of pesticides. Alternatively, wild, unmanaged bee populations are most greatly affected by landscape changes and habitat degradation.

HRI developed the BMPs, which cover greenhouse and nursery production, woody ornamentals, and managed landscapes, with the assistance of researchers and apiarists throughout North America. Updates to these recommendations will be made as additional research results

One of multiple 4’x4’ banners available from the Christmas Tree Promotion Board’s (CTPB) marketing campaign. Download their catalog of marketing materials from http://www.christmastreepromotionboard.org/2016-campaign/

VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017 VCTGA News Journal –Winter 2017

From the President From the President

Good day everyone. As this is being Good daywe everyone. this isthe being written, have justAs finished secwritten, we have just finished the second weekend of the post Thanksgivond of the post ingweekend selling season (Dec.Thanksgiv3-4). Coning selling season 3-4). Conversations with a (Dec. few members and versations with a few members and several Facebook postings indicate several Facebook postings indicate that sales are up over last year.

With that sales areare updouble over last year.

With some there digit increases. some there arehearing double that digitaincreases.

We are also few farms We are also hearing that a few may be closing for the seasonfarms early may for of thetrees season due be to closing a shortage as a early result due a shortage of This treesisasvery a result of to increased sales. good ofnews increased sales.

This isand very good for our industry indicates news our industry and indicates that for individual and industry marketthat industry marketingindividual efforts areand having a positive iming efforts are having a positive impact. pact.

VCTGA is in the early planning VCTGA in 2017 the early stages foris our Annualplanning Meeting stages ourin2017 Annual Meeting to befor held Wytheville, Virginia, toAugust be held in Wytheville, 9 -12.

Please markVirginia, your calAugust -12.plan Please calendars9and to mark attend.your VCTGA Vice and President Carroll is in endars plan toJohn attend.

VCTGA charge of the program for the ismeetVice President John Carroll in ing and I would encourage you to charge of the program for the meetcontact if youencourage have any thoughts ing and Ihim would you to on what topics you would to see contact him if you have any like thoughts on what topics you would like to see

on the program. John’s contact inforon the program. John’s contact information is provided elsewhere in this mation is provided elsewhere in this edition. Remember, the Annual edition.

Remember, the Annual Meeting is your chance to learn and Meeting is ideas your chance to learn and exchange with other members exchange ideas with other members from throughout the state. from throughout the state.

Still in the planning stage is a new Still in theseminar planningscheduled stage is afornew grower’s the grower’s seminar scheduled for the Spring of 2017. The exact location is Spring The exact still toofbe2017. determined butlocation will be isin still to be determined but will in the Central Virginia area. Webewill the Central Virginia area.

We will need the help of all members in need the help of all in spreading the word to asmembers wide an auspreading word tousing as wide an audience asthe possible social medience as possible using social media, your web page and your email dia, your web page and your email database.

Local farmer’s coops and database.

Local farmer’s coops and farmer’s markets are another avenue farmer’s markets are out. another avenue for getting the word We will profor getting the word out.

We will provide the details as soon as they are fivide the details as soon as they are finalized. nalized.

In my last message, I made one glarIning myomission. last message, madetoone glar-a ThatI was extend ing omission.

That was to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU on behalf of heartfelt THANK YOU on behalf of all VCTGA members to Greg Lemall VCTGA to Greg mer for hismembers recent service as LemPresimer his recent service dent.forGreg’s two-year termasasPresiPresident.

Greg’s two-year term as President ended at the conclusion of the dent at the conclusion of the 2016ended Annual Meeting.

Greg contin2016 Meeting.

Greg contin-to ues Annual to be of valuable service ues to be of valuable service VCTGA by serving on the Board toof VCTGA on the Board of Directorsbyasserving our immediate past presDirectors as our immediate past ident. Again, thank you Greg forpresyour ident. thank you Greg for your yearsAgain, of service. years of service.

As always, please feel free to contact As feel board free tomembers contact mealways, or otherplease VCTGA me or other VCTGA board members or advisors if you have any thoughts ororadvisors if on youhow have thoughts questions theany VCTGA can orbequestions how the VCTGA of betteronand more valuable can serbevice of to better you. and more valuable service to you.

The VCTGA Board of Directors will The VCTGAsoon Board of Directors be meeting to make plans forwill acin 2017. betivities meeting soon to make plans for activities in 2017.

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

Contributing Contributing and Coordinating Editors and Coordinating Editors Membership Membership Paris Rasnic Paris Rasnic Technical Support Technical Support & Production & Production John Carroll & Kyle Peer John Carroll & Kyle Peer Mount Rogers Report Report JackieMount Davis,Rogers President, MRCTGA Jackie Davis, President, MRCTGA Pathology & Disease Pathology & Dart Disease Norman Norman Dart Pests Pests Eric Day Eric Day VDACS Support & Updates VDACS Support & Updates Danny Neel Danny Neel Dave Robishaw Dave Robishaw Marketing, Promotion, Marketing, Promotion, & Social Media & Social Media Sue Bostic Sue Bostic Grant Updates Grant Greg Updates Lemmer Greg Lemmer Editor in Chief - Jeff Miller Editor in Chief - Jeff Miller Virginia Christmas Tree Virginia Growers Christmas Association Inc. Tree Growers Association Inc. 383 Coal Hollow Rd Virginia Christmas 383 Coal Hollow RdTree Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Growers Association Inc. Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 PH: 540-382-7310 PH: 540-382-7310 540-382-2716 383Fax: Coal Hollow Rd. Fax: 540-382-2716 secretary@VirginiaChristChristiansburg, VA 24073-6721 masTrees.org secretary@VirginiaChristPH:masTrees.org 540-382-7310 www.VirginiaChristmasTreees.org Fax: 540-382-2716 www.VirginiaChristmasTreees.org secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org

VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2017 VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2017

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Questions for Members

By Steve Rhoades

I have several questions that I hope other VCTGA members will respond to in a future issue of the newsletter. I suspect that there are members, besides me, who would appreciate and benefit from any responses that are offered. Responses don’t need to be full-length articles, just a paragraph or two, so it would be easy to respond. In addition to helping your fellow VCTGA members, I think our hard-working editorin-chief of the newsletter, Jeff Miller, would appreciate receiving your responses. As you know, Jeff regularly requests that members send in articles to get some interesting and useful content for the newsletter.

The questions that I raise in this article are related to Scotch pines, social media usage, parking limitations, Norway and white spruce, and tipping workers.

We have generally planted a Spanish variety of Scotch pine, because from what I have read, this should probably be a relatively good Scotch pine variety for use as a Christmas tree, and it is suited for our climate. Our experience with growing Scotch pine has not been very good, especially in 4 |

Page 4

recent years. Their survival rate has not been good, and sawflies often damage trees quickly, before we find them while scouting. We frequently have problems getting the trees to develop and sustain a reasonably straight trunk despite annual pruning and shaping. These trees often put out a dense mass of laterals in the spring that can create a very dense branch structure and collector of hard-to-remove dead needles. Finally, my patience with these trees has been pushed to its limit over the past two or three years as the trees have developed dipolodia and needlecast (presumably Lophodermium) that I have not been able to bring under control with a chlorothalinol-based fungicide. This brings me to two questions about Scotch pines.

Can you suggest a variety that grows nice and straight?

Secondly, have you found a way to control fungal diseases on these trees?

We do not use social media in our business. We do, however, have a website, via the VCTGA, that includes information about our products, prices, service, and location.

The desirability of using social media is often expressed in presentations at our annual meetings and elsewhere.

Despite this, I have yet to be convinced that using social media would be beneficial to us and worth the trouble, given the nature of our tree farm.

In responding to this question, it is important that you understand some things about our operation. We are open only during the Christmas season to sell trees, wreaths, and shop items, so our days and hours of operation are fixed for the season. Ours is a relatively small, choose-and-cut operation, and last year we had what I estimate to be our maximum level of sustainable sales – about 900 trees.

Thus, we would like to maintain this

sales level but have no desire to expand. Because of the suggestion that we tree growers use social media, especially to target younger buyers, I asked several of my younger customers the following question. When you are looking for a place to buy a Christmas tree, how do you go about it? All four of these young customers said that they look on Google or Yahoo. In other words, they use a standard search engine, and as noted above, my farm information is readily available in that way. Now considering the rather simple nature of our small operation; the fact that information about our farm is readily available online; we are currently selling at maximum capacity; we have no apparent need to interact with customers except when they visit our farm; and we have little time to keep up with and respond to incoming messages, what would be the marginal benefit to us from using social media? Even if your answer to that question is that it does not appear that social media would be beneficial to us, please let me know. Very possibly there are some other members who have operations like ours who are also scratching their heads about why they should use social media in their operation. You could help us to understand and help us stop scratching!

Our parking area is conveniently located adjacent to tree fields. Unfortunately, on our busiest days, we have insufficient parking. I have thought about various remedies such as removing the barn, but have not come up with a practical solution. Do any of you have suggestions about how to solve my parking problem? I should note that I have strong reservations about letting people drive around the farm in their cars and trucks due to concerns about personal safety, liability, and vehicles getting stuck.

VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017 VCTGA News Journal –Winter 2017

This next question is aimed at those of you who grow, or have grown, both Norway and white spruce. I grow both species and am not sure it makes sense to grow both. The white spruce often has an attractive gray/blue color that clearly distinguishes it from the deep green color of the Norway spruce. However, because of its slower growth, white spruce takes a year or two longer to reach selling size, they are considerably denser than Norway’s, they seem to have more needle disease or discoloration problems than Norway’s, and they often put out a lot of little cones that fall apart easily by selling time, which can be messy. For customers who enjoy a bluish-colored tree, we have blue spruce (albeit for $10 more) and blue ice cypress (same price as white spruce). Based on your experience or customer demand, is there a good case for us to grow white spruce in addition to Norway spruce?

We have neither encouraged nor discouraged customers from tipping

our workers who clean and bale the trees. Our workers include me, my son, and three hired workers. When my son and I are occasionally offered a tip, our response has been, “Thanks, but family members don’t accept tips. You are welcome to tip any of the hired workers.” We pay our workers a reasonable hourly wage and think that there is no need to encourage or pressure our customers to pay the workers as well, by tipping. Certainly, if customers choose to tip as a special thank-you gesture, they are free to do so, but we do not want our customers to feel any obligation to tip. When customers come to our farm to buy a tree, they know what the tree will cost them, and we don’t want to surprise them with any add-on costs in the form of tips. Our hired help seem satisfied with what we pay them, and they work hard, so we don’t think we need to encourage tipping to get the help to work hard. I am, however, thinking about putting up a “Tip box” near the baling area. I am avoiding the idea of putting a tip box by the cash

register, because I think that location puts an element of pressure on the customer to give a tip since their wallet is out. If the tip box is near the tree cleaning and baling area, customers will see the work the hired help is doing and may want to give a tip but with no pressure or encouragement to do so. So, given my general view about tipping at our farm, do any of you have some thoughts or suggestions about my proposed approach of putting a tip box near the work area or some other way to enable tipping without pressuring customers?

I look forward to getting some answers to my questions in a future issue of our newsletter. I think Jeff Miller and some other members would probably appreciate it as well.

Contact Steve Steve at Contact at steve21@shentel.net steve21@shentel.net and/or the VCTGA at and/or the VCTGA at Secretary@Virsecretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org giniaChristmasTrees.org

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

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 – Winter 2017 Ad_1_BW.indd VCTGA News1Journal ‒ Winter 2017

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

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7/9/13 11:01 AM

Dealing with Climate Change

By Tommy Naylor As of this writing it is raining and has been intermittingly for two days.

Feeling cooped inside I also feel held hostage since my work is outdoors and is difficult to overcome these miserable days. Different parts of the country are experiencing too much rain and others very dry and extreme drought still exists. The western fires are a testimony as to how the current climatic conditions are affecting lives everywhere. Even the most recent fires in Tennessee and western NC is also testimony as to drought conditions in a small area and a short distance away there is above average precipitation.

This past October in eastern NC flooding rains from hurricane Matthew devastated areas from the capitol to the coast. Personally, I was spared the worst of what happened farther east. I count my blessings but despair for those who lost everything and unfortunately lives were lost.

When fifteen to eighteen inches of rain falls within a ten to twelve-hour period nonstop, much damage is done. Roads were washed out, exposing broken water lines and electrical power is disrupted for many days.

Fields of yet to harvested crops were under water for hours with a great loss of agricultural product left to waste away. A large hole behind my greenhouse is an unexpected expense that has to be filled in. And of course, a lot of trees were blown over in the very soggy soil and soon has to be urgently straightened as best as possible.

We have all experienced devastations of one sort or another but flood histories seem to be repeated more often and sooner than ever. Five hundred year floods are occurring more like fifteen to twenty years now and its 6Page 6 |

difficult to repair the damage before it happens again. We have seemed to become more familiar with summer droughts since this situation has visited many of us from 2007 -2012.

Droughts are a fact of living with nature and we have somehow survived.

For years, we have lost many potential Christmas trees when we plant in the early spring and this is to be expected. By June’s first heat waves the seedlings succumbs to heat and very dry ground when no rain has fallen for weeks. In my opinion, and this is my observation is too much rain is a killer and our tree species are vulnerable since conifers do not tolerate long periods of wet ground. In many places, rain has replaced drought as it happens too much too often, mostly in the summer when the pattern is subtropical and much moisture is released several inches at a time. When this happen for a week, daily expect adverse conditions to begin showing up such foliar diseases and root rot under warm, humid conditions. More rain falls than the ground can absorb and fewer days the sun can dry out the ground sufficiently. There is no equal balance between recovery of drying days in regard to rainy periods to offset the wet days when the ground cannot be worked properly.

The end result is heartbreak to see your hard work dying. After all this is farming and this is always a gamble we have to accept when everything we have invested is also at risk.

over much of the east coast. Remember the polar vortex in 2014? Solar 24 was at its peak then and now is declining when it seems more rain and above normal temperatures are more noticeable. We all have memories of notoriously cold winters past and some more severe than others. My own recollections in my formative years were the winters of the 1960’s, particularly January of 1966 and 1968. A blizzard type snow and more soon came afterward made 1966 a very rough winter, then came the notorious ice/sleet storm in January 1968. Never was much devastation seen with intense cold and no electricity for almost two weeks. Splintered trees and power line poles broken off the ground was a common sight for the rest of that winter. By the end of the 1960’s decade the very cold, snowy pattern relaxed. A warmer pattern set up in the early seventies and lasted through the middecade with the exception of 1973 when winter made a brief comeback.

By 1974 it turned very warm and this lasted into 1976.

The Return of of Colder The Return ColderWinters Winters

Fewer Colder Winters In order for all Christmas tree species to perform naturally, a cold winter is necessary. All plants need a resting or dormancy period in order to flower and fruit the following year. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac we are currently coming out of solar cycle 24. This cycle began in 2008 and lasted through the 2014-15 winter season. These winters were characterized with much colder than normal temperatures and increased snowfall

The year 1816 was referred to as the year with no summer. In 1815, Mount Tambora in the Dutch East Indies erupted with such force that ash and debris was deposited in the upper stratosphere and lowered earth’s temperature by 2-3 degrees. The summer of 1816 was wintry with snows in New England during June and July and killing frosts common as far south as the Carolinas. A deadly VCTGA News Journal –Winter 2017 VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017

panic set in as disease and starvation took hold.

Fast forward 160 years to the summer of 1976, our national Bicentennial.

That summer was a cool but drier one.

Usually, the tradeoff to a cooler summer is more rain but elements were already in play in the Pacific that led to the summer that year and what was to come. The autumn by September was fast changing to a cooler than normal fall and by mid to late October hard frosts were already occurring. December came with several inches of snow before Christmas.

The winter of 1976-77 went down as one of the harshest winters on record.

Arctic highs and lows were out of place and enabled very cold air from Siberia to roar southward into the US. Notorious photos showed Buffalo NY buried under lake effect snow measuring many feet. Remember the so-called fuel shortages and the inability to reach victims of the bitter cold? Rivers and sounds along the coast froze and snow

was reported to be on the ground in all contiguous forty-eight states including part of Florida. Snow even fell in Miami and slush and warm temperatures were common in Ankorage, Alaska.

The 1980’s saw a return to colder winters and parts of the 1990’s due in part to increased global volcanic activity.

Mount St. Helens in May 1980 blew a good part of its peak away and gave us the winters we dealt with through the 1980’s. The winter of 1985 was perhaps the coldest where many places recorded temperatures close to or below zero. The Arctic Christmas of 1983 and 1989 were testament to the bitterness winter can bring to places not accustomed to handling such cold. The 1989 freeze even brought a white Christmas to the coast.

throws at us. We all do what we can from soil testing to satisfy soil nutrition and nurture our trees to marketability and depend upon natural elements to grow and develop our crops to the best quality possible. What we currently tend to be seeing this winter is sharp contrasts in temperature. One week may be above normal in temperature and rain then a sudden push of cold Arctic air replaces the warmth only to be warmer in a couple of days again.

This roller coaster effect may seem good for other aspects of dealing with winter, but a cold winter is needed to balance out the seasonal balance, and equal amounts of moisture and dry days for the rest of the year are also needed to produce the best we as growers can produce.

What we have gathered from all the harshness of summer, winter or any other season we have experienced heat, cold, late killing frosts, hail, floods and drought. Yes, we have lost plant material due to some or most of what nature

Tommy Naylor, North Lake Christmas Tree & Nursery, Benson, NC, tenaylor07@embarqmail.com and VCTGA Director

Ad – Tim Mitchell’s Yule Stand System

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WPS Focus: Display of Pesticide Safety, Application and Hazard Information include the start and end times of application and the crop or site treated.

Listed below is the application and hazard information that must be displayed no later than 24 hours after the end of a pesticide application: 1. A copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each pesticide applied; 2. The name(s), EPA Registration number(s), and active ingredient(s) of each pesticide applied; photo by Steve Manning, Invasive Plant Control, Bugwood.org

Since it was implemented in 1992, WPS has required that growers who apply pesticides referencing the Worker Protection Standard (40 CFR Part 170) to agricultural plants record information about the pesticides applied and display it in a “Central Location” where the information could be readily seen and read by workers. It has also required the display of basic pesticide safety information advising workers on how to protect themselves from pesticides that they might contact during their work on an agricultural establishment. The revised Worker Protection Standard continues to require the display of pesticide safety and application information with some changes.

Most of these changes will be implemented on January 2, 2017 although some will not be implemented until 2018. Unless otherwise noted this article focuses on 2017 requirements.

One significant change is that growers will have to display hazard information, specifically safety data sheets (SDS), for pesticides applied along with the pesticide application information. The pesticide application information will now also 8 Page 8 |

3. The crop or site treated and the location and description of the treated area; 4. The date(s) and times the application started and ended.

5. The duration of the applicable labeling-specified restricted-entry interval for that application.

Another significant change relates to the retention of the above information. Under the original and revised WPS, this information must be displayed for 30 days from the end of the last applicable restricted entry interval for an application. In the past, WPS did not require it to be retained once the 30 days expired. Beginning in 2017, employers will still have to display the information for 30 days but will also have to retain it for 2 years after the restricted-entry interval applicable to a pesticide application expires. Note that the 30-day display is required when workers or handlers are on the establishment during that period. The information does not have to be displayed the full 30 days if no workers or handlers are present. It would still have to be retained for 2 years if it was required to be displayed at the central location.

The revised WPS no longer specifically references the “Central Location” but still requires the display to be at a place where workers and handlers are likely to pass by or congregate and where it can be readily seen and read. For the purposes of this article, the term “Central Location” will continue to refer to the site designated by the employer for the display of application and hazard information. The employer must make sure that all of the displayed information required by WPS is legible and accessible to workers on the establishment at all times during normal work hours.

Displayed along with the application and hazard information will be the pesticide safety information.

Employers can continue to use the current EPA pesticide safety poster until at least January 1, 2018. At that time, there will be new content requirements. EPA plans to distribute a new poster containing the new content for agricultural employers to use.

Employers can also create their own display in other formats so long as all of the required new content is included. For information on the new content, employers can reference 40 CFR §170.311(a)(3).

As part of the pesticide safety information posting, the employer must provide information about nearby operating medical care facility capable of providing emergency medical treatment. This information is to be clearly identified in the display as emergency medical contact information. It must include the name, address and telephone number of the identified establishment.

VCTGA News Journal –Winter 2017 VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017

Unlike the pesticide application and hazard information, the pesticide safety information must also be displayed at other locations on the establishment beginning in 2017. In addition to the “Central Location” it must also be displayed where decontamination supplies are provided at permanent sites, like bathrooms. The pesticide safety information must also be provided at temporary locations if the decontamination supplies are provided in quantities to meet the requirements for 11 or more workers.

Although the pesticide application and hazard information may be removed from display after 30 days, there are provisions for requests for copies or access to the information during the 2year retention period. WPS has specific provisions permitting current and former employees, treating medical personnel and designated representatives to request access to or copies of pesticide application and hazard information. These provisions will not be discussed in this article but are found in 40 CFR §§170.311(b)(7), 170.311(b)(8) & 170.311(b)(9). Under 40 CFR §170.309(m), agricultural employers would also have to provide any records to authorized representatives of the state or federal government upon request for inspection or copying.

WPS Focus: Worker and Handler training 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.

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

Ad – Tree Teck

Additional information on the rule is available at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticideworker-safety/revisions-worker-protection-standard 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@vdacs.virginia.gov.

VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2017 VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017

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VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017

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 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 VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2017

VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017

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:     

The trained worker’s handler’s printed name and signature.

The date of training.

Information identifying the EPA-approved materials used.

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

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 train-the-trainer training program for workers or handlers.

Previously, trained handlers could train workers but that will no longer be permitted. Similarly, 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-06001) 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.

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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@vdacs.virginia.gov. Additional information on the rule is also available at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/revisions-workerprotection-standard.

Customer Safety Checklist

NCTA or CTPB? Why the Christmas tree industry needs both organizations

By Tim O’Connor, Executive Director

With the season completed, this is a great time for retailers and choose and cut growers to have their own “To-Do” lists that seem to always get longer rather than shorter and review them while things are still fresh on your mind.

NCTA wants to remind choose & cut growers to add some important safety checks to their “To-Do” list, because there is nothing more important than the safety of guests that visit your farms during the holiday season. From the moment that they enter the parking lot until they leave with the tree tied safely to the top of the care, your guests’ positive experience depends on many things, but their safety is number one.

At www.safeagritourism.org, there are a number of good resources for growers to use. The safety checklists for hay wagon rides and parking lots may be of particular interest. Another great on-line resource are safety guides that you can review at www.farmstayus.com/for-farms/resources/agritourism-safety-guides .

I know some confusion exists about what the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) and the Christmas Tree Promotion Board (CTPB) each do, why the industry needs both organizations, and the importance of funding NCTA now that growers are required to pay into the checkoff program. These questions are not unique to the Christmas tree industry. In my career I have worked for five other agricultural organizations in industries that have both a trade association and a checkoff program; the same questions exist in those industries and, in all sectors of agriculture.

It is highly important for Christmas tree growers to understand the differences between NCTA and CTPB and the importance of both organizations.

NCTA fills a unique and critical role as the advocacy organization for the Christmas Tree Industry; it represents the industry in public policy and governmental affairs; advancing positions that support the industry and defending against legislation and regulations that could negatively affect the industry. CTPB is expressly prohibited from conducting any public policy activities by its USDA oversight regulations. If NCTA were not acting on your behalf in public policy matters you would simply be helpless on the sidelines as key issues of importance to the industry were in play.

For example, a few of the issues NCTA advances and defends as industry priorities are: 

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Maintaining IRS Designation that Christmas tree production is classified as lumber and therefore taxed at capital gains rates.

VCTGA News Journal –Winter 2017 VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017



Ensuring Christmas tree production retains its agricultural status and associated overtime wage payment exemptions.



Positively influencing fire codes to protect opportunities for real trees.



Providing the White House Christmas tree each year.

CTPB can’t work on these vital industry advocacy matters because it is a checkoff program. All checkoff programs are prohibited from funding public policy advocacy initiatives because their revenue comes from a government mandated assessment.

NCTA, on the other hand, is funded by members’ dues payments, sponsorships, state TIP fund investments and advertising from its publications.

NCTA can undertake public policy advocacy work because it’s funding is derived through these voluntary contributions from the industry.

CTPB’s mission is to conduct promotion, education and research programs to increase demand for real Christmas trees. The industry has seen significant erosion in demand for real Christmas trees as many consumers have found artificial trees to be “easier” to use. Reversing this demand loss will require a sustained promotion and education program, which is now possible with the resources available through the checkoff managed by CTPB. To build long-term sustained demand it is highly important that we connect real Christmas trees with young Millennial families as they are beginning to form their own family traditions.

The Millennial generation is the largest in US history, even larger than the Baby Boomer generation; they are about one-fourth of the US population and have $2.5 trillion in purchasing power. They are the best-educated cohort of young adults in US history and are the first generation of digital natives utilizing technology VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2017

VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017

and social media to make most of their purchasing decisions. CTPB’s marketing campaign prioritizes Millennial families as its core target because of the long-term importance of not losing these consumers for the future.

Having worked for both trade associations and checkoff programs I know the value the industry receives from each organization delivering results that matter to advance the industry.

To be successful you need NCTA representing your interests as your advocate and CTPB building demand for your products. It is not helpful to the industry if growers make the decision because they are required to pay an assessment to one organization they will no longer voluntarily pay to support the other.

CTPB launched its first consumer ad campaign for the 2016 Christmas season. It will be exciting and we encourage the whole industry to utilize the campaign to extend its reach to consumers and ability to build demand.

NCTA is going through a transition to be more focused and more effective. There have been some disconnects between growers and NCTA in the past; but that was the past. This is a new future for NCTA, a future that seeks to be more connected with the industry.

Let’s move forward together to make the Christmas tree industry stronger by supporting both NCTA and CTPB to accomplish their missions.

From the American Christmas Tree Journal Monthly, October 2016

America Chooses...

What’s Next?

By Craig Regelbrugge

The votes are counted, the dust has begun to settle, and it was a “change election” the likes of which we have not seen in a long, long time. And the pollsters will be cleaning egg off their faces for weeks to come. In some ways, the ending of this protracted, bitter campaign season is a bit like the dog that chased, then with some surprise, caught the car. Attention now turns to preparing to govern.

Our industry undoubtedly had plenty of Trump supporters and plenty of Clinton supporters, with a variety of personal and professional reasons. Of the former, some are surely weary after years of Obama “government is the solution” regulatory initiatives and policies. Some prioritized the balance of the Supreme Court. Of Clinton supporters, many felt she had the experience and credentials on her side. Some were ready to see the first woman President elected. Many struggled with who was the lesser of evils.

Beyond our industry, and certainly across the Rust Belt states where results were most stunning, voters weren’t so much making a political or policy choice as they were revealing deep economic and cultural anxieties. And a sense that “government is working against me, not for me.”

So although Clinton appears to have actually won the popular vote, she lost key states that were, to varying degrees, taken almost for granted by her campaign.

Come 2017, many see businessfriendly opportunity on the horizon.

Significant infrastructure spending is

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a distinct possibility. So is tax reform. There could be significant efforts to roll back or reshape some of the Obama administration’s most prominent but controversial achievements and initiatives, ranging from the Affordable Care Act to labor and environmental regulation to certain immigration executive actions. There may be new challenges and threats, as well.

Here are three dynamics to watch in the days and weeks ahead.

Trump and Ryan – House Speaker Paul Ryan and Candidate Trump had a rocky relationship during the campaign. Will they bridge their differences? The House is poised to hold its leadership elections swiftly. Ryan is politically savvy and policydriven. He understands that it’s not enough to be “against everything;” you need to have alternative solutions. If he is elected to continue as Speaker in 2017, we’ll have a steady legislative hand on the wheel and a better shot at a realistic, coordinated, policy-oriented legislative agenda in the House next year. If House Republicans reject Ryan, the next six months could be much more chaotic.

The Pence Factor – While Trump has absolutely no governing experience, Vice President-elect Mike Pence is an experienced lawmaker, having served six terms in the U.S. House before becoming Governor of Indiana. He may play an outsize role in the process of shaping a Trump administration cabinet, and as a liaison to Congress come January.

Checks and Balances – The American electorate usually displays an instinctual preference for the checkand-balance of divided government.

This time, the “change wave” put Republicans in control of everything.

Admittedly, their margin of control in both chambers is a bit narrower. In the Senate, Republicans lost two seats (Incumbent Mark Kirk (R-IL) Page 14 14 |

lost to challenger Tammy Duckworth, and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) to Governor Maggie Hassan).

Though clever procedural moves are sometimes possible, under Senate rules it typically takes 60 votes to take up legislation, and to end debate and vote on final passage. This gives incoming minority leader Chuck Schumer more than a little power, if and so long as his caucus of 48 Senators is unified. But the 2018 electoral map is hostile for Democrats, who will be defending 25 of 33 seats.

These 25 include a Rust Belt swath from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin where Trump prevailed, so incumbents might be skittish about stonewalling much of a Trump legislative agenda.

A cautionary note. Ours is an industry substantially reliant on foreignborn labor. It runs the gamut – citizens, legal permanent residents, temporary and seasonal visa holders, refugees, and (presumably), quite a few unauthorized workers whose employment documents aren’t as good as they look. Trump wasn’t elected on the immigration issue, but regardless of how you feel about it, his campaign rhetoric resonated with voters who have lost faith in their government and believe in the rule of law.

So, what happens next on this critical issue? The Trump transition team point persons on immigration have called for tougher, some would say heavy-handed, immigration laws.

Early moves will surely be enforcement-centric. Trump’s calls for a border wall and tripling the number of immigration enforcement agents won’t happen all that quickly; these things require major funding, and involve Congress. That takes time. As would imposing mandatory E-Verify, which Trump has supported.

But some things could be done sooner, and within current resources.

He could rescind the Obama executive actions granting deferred action, such as the Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA) program, or limiting refugee admissions, for instance.

While these aren’t often seen as business issues, there are many DACA recipients and a growing number of people admitted as refugees now employed in horticulture.

A Trump administration could also return to the practice of worksite enforcement, whether that means raids, or I-9 audits, substantially worsening the labor challenges already facing many horticulture businesses.

Screening practices for visa applicants abroad could change, slowing the already-clogged pipeline for H2A and B worker admission during peak seasons. Perhaps there will be some openings for positive visa program reforms, but it’ll be defense more than offense for the foreseeable future.

The Long View. AmericanHort has earned a reputation for credibility, integrity, and taking the long view. Our leaders and staff understand that a good reputation takes years to build and minutes to destroy. We are about good policy, not politics or party.

And so, we’ll continue to work with elected men and women of both parties who want to support policies that ensure a vibrant future for our industry and our country.

You are a key part of this equation.

Especially after an election like this one, elected officials aren’t as interested in hearing from a lobbyist (even one who is a horticulturist or Christmas Tree Grower!) than a constituent who is running a business, creating jobs, paying taxes, and doing his or her part to keep America great. Your voice, your participation, your support will be ever more critical in the months ahead.

From the American Christmas Tree Journal Monthly, November 2016

VCTGA News Journal –Winter 2017 VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017

Trees for Troops Delivers!

Another year is in the books for the Christmas Spirit Foundation’s Trees for Troops. Organizers are happy to announce that 17, 141 trees were delivered to military members and their families at 63 different military bases, both domestic and abroad.

The program kicked off on November 15 at Dull’s Tree Farm in Thorntown, Indiana with dozens of volunteers boxing trees for the International shipment. This was followed by loading events in 63 locations nationwide where Christmas tree growers donated and loaded thousands of trees – most in the few days following Thanksgiving. Trees for Troops weekend, where individual Christmas tree retailers allow their customers to provide additional trees for the campaign took place December 2-4.

The final base delivery date was December 9th, and with it, another successful year “in the books.”

Neil Patrick Harris Urges Fans to “Keep it Real!”

"And with the plastic artificial trees that are dumped in landfills, they're in there for a thousand years. So, I didn't really think of it in that way. And I love it. I love the real tree idea. I love the holidays," he said with a smile.

One component of the Christmas Tree Promotion Board’s (CTPB) campaign this season included the involvement of actor, Neil Patrick Harris who joined up with the campaign in New York City at carefully constructed outdoor living room set, complete with couches, fireplace, a talking Christmas tree and wisecracking Nutcracker.

From the American Christmas Tree Journal Monthly, January 2017

VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017 VCTGA News Journal – Winter 2017

For more information on the CTPB efforts, email info@christmastreepromotionboard.org and request to be put on the email list!

From the American Christmas Tree Journal Monthly, January 2017

Throughout the day, the talking Christmas tree engaged passersby with witty banter and holiday gifts.

All of this fun was caught on camera (make that EIGHT strategically placed cameras) to share with the world in on-line videos and with the television media.

As most Christmas tree growers know, this project would not be possible without the tremendous efforts of Fed Ex to deliver each and every Christmas tree. This project involved 92 Fed Ex Freight centers and thousands of Fed Ex employees.

There is still time for growers or others who want to support this important project to get involved. Trees for Troops depends on financial donations and sponsorships to make this program happen each year. Donations can be made on-line at: http://treesfortroops.org/Donate

the assumption that having a real tree was somehow harmful to the environment, and yet the opposite is true... For trees in America, for every one that is cut down, farmers plant three more.”

One of multiple 4’x4’ banners available from the Christmas Tree Promotion Board’s (CTPB) marketing campaign. Download their catalog of marketing materials from http://www.christmastreepromotionboard.org/2016-campaign/ For part of the afternoon, actor Neil Patrick Harris played the role of the talking tree, then emerged on set to the surprise and delight of guests.

While prepping to play the role of the tree, Harris was prepped with a range of facts on real Christmas trees and the actor was immediately drawn to the environmental benefits of the real tree. He told reporters, “I was under

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Christmas Tree Growers Meeting Experienced and Beginner Growers Welcome

When:

March 14, 2017

Where: Loudoun Nursery 16463 Short Hill Road Purcellville, VA 20132 Time:

3:00—5:00 p.m.

Lou Nichols, owner of Loudoun Nursery will take us on a walking tour of the farm and share his knowledge and experiences with us.

Beth McClelland, VDACS Office of Plant and Pest Services will be on hand to advise us on pests and current hot topics.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Loudoun Extension Office at 703-777-0373 TDD* during business hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state and local governments.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg .

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VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017

2017 Christmas Tree Primer: Cultural Techniques and Real World Experiences 2017 Christmas TreeamPrimer: March 31st 2017 9:30 to 4:00 pm Cultural Techniques and Real World Experiences March 31st 2017 9:30 amVisitor to 4:00Center, pm 33 Calhoun Street Warrenton, VA 20186 Warrenton-Fauquier Warrenton-Fauquier Visitor Center, 33 Calhoun Street Warrenton, VA 20186 9:30 am Registration 9:50am am 9:30

Welcome Registration

10:00 Introduction to Christmas Tree Production – 9:50 amam Welcome Kyle Peer: Christmas Tree Extension Specialist, SuperintendenttoReynolds Homestead Forest Resources 10:00 am Introduction Christmas Tree Production – AREC

Kyle Peer: Christmas Tree Extension Specialist, 11:00 am Superintendent Break Reynolds Homestead Forest Resources AREC

11:15am am Break Identification and Control Methods for Common Christmas Tree 11:00 Pests and Diseases – Eric Day: Manager, Virginia Tech Insect Identification Lab 11:15 am Identification and Control Methods for Common Christmas Tree Pests and Diseases – 12:15 pm Lunch Eric Day: Manager, Virginia Tech Insect Identification Lab 1:15 pm 12:15 pm

Christmas Tree Financing and Market Analysis – Lunch Frans Kok: Middleburg Christmas Tree Farm

1:15 2:00pm pm

Christmas Tree Financing and Market Analysis – Break Frans Kok: Middleburg Christmas Tree Farm

2:15 pm 2:00 pm

Labor and Liability Issues – Break Ricky Hoybach: Country Loving Christmas Tree Farm

2:15 3:00pm pm

Labor and Liability Issues Experiences in the Ups and– Downs of Christmas Tree Production – Ricky Country Loving Trees Christmas Tree Farm HankHoybach: Green: Hank’s Christmas

3:00 3:30pm pm

Experiences in theyou Ups and Downs of Trip Christmas Adjourn. Thank and Have a Safe Home!Tree Production – Hank Green: Hank’s Christmas Trees

3:30 pm

Adjourn. Thank you and Have a Safe Trip Home!

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, an d the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017 and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political

affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, an d the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.

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Registration

Name:

Company:

Company Mailing Address:

Phone:

Email:

Registration Fee: $15 per person includes Program Materials, Lunch and Refreshments.

Please make a copy of this form and mail it in for each person attending!

Registration Deadline is March 15, 2017 Make check payable to: Treasurer, Virginia Tech - Culpeper Mail Registration Form and Payment to: Christmas Tree Primer Culpeper Extension Office 101 South West Street Culpeper, VA 22701

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services; please contact: Shawn Appling, Culpeper Extension Office at (540) 727-3435/TDD* during business hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120

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VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017

Scenes from the Tree/Wreath/ Greens Presentation to the Executive Mansion

VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2017

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

STD PRST US POSTAGE PAID WYTHEVILLE, VA PERMIT 172

24073-6721 540-382-7310 www.Virginia

ChristmasTrees.org

www.Virginia ChristmasTrees.org

Save the Dates August 9-11, 2017!

Annual Conference Wytheville, Virginia

SAVE THE DATES!!

VCTGA Annual Membership Meeting & Conference August 15-16 Blacksburg

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

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