Volume 8, Issue 3
Summer 2018
Inside this Issue: From the President − 3 Order Your Plants Early! – 5 Conference Invitation ‒ 8 Conference Program ‒ 9 WPS Training Materials ‒ 10 Conference Registration ‒ 11 Scholarship Auction Donation – 12 Tree & Wreath Contest Rules & Entry Form – 13 Agribusiness Leadership Change ‒ 15 Conference Farm Tour ‒ 15 Secretariat of Ag & Forestry Appointments – 16 Farm Bill - Why It Matters –16 Farm Bill - Pest & Disease Funding –16 Spotted LanternFly Update – 18 Conference Farm Tour – 19
Advertisers Purcell Manufacturing ‒ 2 Alpha Nurseries − 4 Bosch’s Countryview Nursery – 6 Riverside Enterprises ‒ 12 Kelco ‒ 12 Tim Mitchell’s Yule Stand System − 17 Tree Teck – 19 LaRon Christmas Tree Farm – 19 Wagoner’s Fraser Knoll ‒ 20
Customers at Hidden Fields Farm picking their perfect Christmas tree!
CONFERENCE FARM TOUR Hidden Fields Farm Covington, VA Hidden Field Farm was founded in 2014 by Robert and Cecille McDowell in the Rich Patch Area of Alleghany County. As a family owned and operated business, Hidden Fields Farm specializes in greenery, wreaths, swags, centerpieces, handtied bows, and other seasonal holiday decor.
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VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
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From the President
Good day everyone! Spring, to the extent we had one, is ending as we head into the dog days of summer. Rain totals for the past several weeks have been record setting in many Virginia localities and as such has kept most of us from normal Spring duties on our farms. For those with flower and vegetable gardens it has been especially frustrating by causing a delay in getting things in the ground. But in our business, we have all learned to expect the unexpected! In this edition you will find more details on our Annual Meeting scheduled for August 9 – 11 at the Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Center. Vice President John Carroll has put together an outstanding program which we hope you will find educational and beneficial to your farm operation. Also included is information on meeting registration and making hotel reservations. We hope every VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2018 VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
member will set aside time to attend and participate in VCTGA’s signature annual event. It is a great opportunity to meet and talk and share ideas with fellow growers. As in the past, we will have an excellent line-up of exhibitors to assist you with your farm needs. So, mark the dates on your calendar now. We look forward to seeing you in Natural Bridge. I want to give you some background on one panel scheduled for Friday afternoon of our meeting. The subject is Alternative Farm Income. Last Fall, VCTGA held a strategic planning session to look at future activities of the association and how best to serve the membership. One idea that virtually everyone agreed on was the interest in looking for ways to generate additional revenue in the “off season”. I know many of you are doing this now so please plan to attend this panel discussion and bring your ideas to share with other members. Please take time to read the latest information from the Extension Service regarding the spotted lantern fly. When you are in your fields scouting, mowing and shearing, keep a close eye on your trees for this pest. Should you see any contact your local extension office immediately. And once again I ask you to mark your calendars for the State Fair of Virginia scheduled for September 28 through October 7. VCTGA will have an exhibit again this year and we need volunteers. It is a great – and fun – opportunity to meet the public and talk to them about our industry. It is also an opportunity to meet and talk with other folks from the agriculture
community in Virginia. Parking and admission is provided. We will have a sign-up sheet at the annual meeting so I hope you will help out. That’s all for now. Good luck on the farm and we hope to see you in Natural Bridge in August. Jeff Gregson, JeffVCTGA Gregson2016-18 President President VCTGA 2016-18
VCTGA News VCTGA NewsJournal Journal Contributing Contributingand andCoordinating CoordinatingEditors Editors Pests Pests Eric EricDay Day VDACS VDACSSupport Support&&Updates Updates Danny DannyNeel Neel Grant GrantUpdates Updates Greg GregLemmer Lemmer
Editor in Chief - Jeff Miller
Editor in Chief - Jeff Miller
Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Inc. 383 Coal Hollow Rd Virginia Christmas Tree Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Growers Association Inc. PH: 540-382-7310 383 Coal Hollow Rd. Fax: 540-382-2716 Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 secretary@VirginiaChristPH:masTrees.org 540-382-7310
Fax: 540-382-2716
www.VirginiaChristmasTreees.org secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org Disclaimer: Published for your information, this newsletter is not an endorsement individual Disclaimer:for Published forproducts your or editorial comments. information, this newsletter is not an endorsement for individual products or Are You Selecting the Right editorial comments.
Species for Christmas Trees?
Are YouBates Selecting Dr. Rick will letthe youRight know at thefor Annual Conference Species Christmas Trees? August 9-11, 2018 Dr. Rick Bates will let you know at the Annual Conference August 9-11, 2018 |3 3
ALPHA NURSERIES, INC 3737 –65TH ST. HOLLAND, MI 49423
Phone: 269 - 857-7804 Fax: 269 857-8162 Email: info@alphanurseries.com
Fall 2017Spring 2018
Find us on the web at: www.alphanurseries.com
Spruce Species
Size Age
Per Per 100 1000
Colorado Bl. Spruce
9-15" 10-18" 12-18" 18-24"
2-0 2-1 2-2 * 2-2 *
10-18" 14-20" 16-24"
Picea pungens 'glauca'
Kaibab, San Juan Misty Blue *
Species
Size Age
Per Per 100 1000
$41 $215 $88 $550 $112 $700 $160 $1,000
White Pine
7-10" 10-16" 10-18" 18-24"
2-0 3-0 2-1 2-2
$45 $235 $55 $290 $106 $660 $192 $1,200
2-0 2-1 2-2
$42 $90 $128
Red Pine
7-10" 8-14" 8-16"
2-0 2-1 2-2
$39 $87 $110
$205 $545 $690
24-36"
2-2
$168 $1,050
16-24"
2-3
$143
$895
10-18" 12-18"
2-0 2-1
$41 $87
$215 $540
Austrian Pine
4-7" 7-10"
2-0 2-0
$32 $41
$170 $220
20-30"
2-2
$136
$850
Scotch Pine
6-10"
2-0
$32
$165
10-18" 2-0 $41 Scots Highland, Guadarrama, French, East Anglia
$215
* - Add $75/1000
Norway Spruce Picea abies
Lake States
White Spruce Picea glauca
Lake States
Serbian Spruce Picea omorika
Germany
Black Hills Spruce Picea glauca 'densata'
Black Hills, SD
Fraser Fir Abies fraseri
Roan Mountain
Balsam Fir Abies balsamea
Nova Scotia, Lake States
Concolor Fir Abies concolor
San Isabel, Cibola
Canaan Fir
Abies balsamea var. phanerolipsis
West Virginia
Douglas Fir:
Pseudotsuga menziesii glauca
Lincoln, Rio Grande
Korean Fir: Abies koreana
4 |
Pine, Other Evergreens
$220 $560 $800
9-15" 12-24"
2-1 2-2
$94 $132
$590 $825
7-14" 14-20"
2-1 2-2
$100 $136
$625 $850
Fir 7-12" 10-14"
P+1 P+2
Pinus strobus
Lake States
Pinus resinosa
Lake States
Pinus sylvestris
Ponderosa Pine
$725 $975
Larix laricina
Ontario
Green Giant Arb's 6-12" 8-12" 12-16"
P+1 P+2 P+2
$100 $122 $148
$625 $765 $925
10-15" 8-14" 10-18"
2-0 2-1 2-2
$61 $92 $132
$320 $575 $825
8-14" 8-16"
P+1 P+2
$122 $148
$760 $925
10-18" 10-18" 20-30"
2-0 2-1 2-2
$41 $88 $134
$215 $550 $835
8-14"
P+2
$136
$850
2-0
$47
$245
12-18"
2-0
$86
$540
18-30" 30-42"
2-0 2-0
$113 $142
$710 $885
7-14"
RC+1
Black Hills N.F.
American Larch $116 $156
6-12"
Pinus ponderosa
$164 $1,025
Thuja plicata 'Green Giant'
Ontario
White Cedar
8-15" 2-0, 3-0 8-14" 18-24"
Thuja occidentalis
Michigan
2-1 2-2
$51
$270
$99 $620 $168 $1,050
Write today for complete price list! Note: Other evergreen species available. In addition, we grow 200 species of broadleaves.
25% deposit due with order. Thank you for your consideration!
Jeff Busscher, Manager VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
Order Your Plants Early! By Tommy Naylor
In view of the predicted tree seedling shortage over the past year, it seems the shortage is offset provided the grower places his or her order well in advance. Shortages were apparent depending upon the growers need in certain sizes this year. For example, Canaan fir seemed in short supply or none available at most nurseries. For years, we as growers ordered 2-0 seedlings because they were more common and plentiful and we mainly purchased them from our state forestry nurseries. Nowadays, conifer nurseries in Michigan and Pennsylvania offers tree sizes regarded as AGE and SIZE from 2-0 or 4-8” to 3-1 or 10-16 inch and some up to 15-24” which at this point can become a heavy transplant if it is heavily branched laterally and heavily rooted. Plugs are treated differently than seedlings which are graded as P+1; VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2018 VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
P+2; and P+3. Size can be equated as 8-14 inch to 12-22 inch. These have been lifted and transplanted from line out beds as evidenced of trimmed roots and a bit more branched. My observation over the recent years is the larger plant material sells out before the shipping season begins. When one becomes a grower and becomes an association member, nurseries sometimes receives a members list and this is where they mail their price lists or catalogs to so they can get your potential business. It may tempting to order the larger seedlings if one is a new grower. The larger 15-24 inch or larger may be unsuitable for Christmas trees due to the fact these may be too leggy. Norway and White spruce can fall into this category since these are probably better suited for reforestation planting in the North. However, if there is good lateral branching these larger sizes may be acceptable to trim into a marketable tree in a shorter time frame. Pines such as red, white and Scotch can be 23 which can equate into a 24-36 inch plant. Here again these may be too large and leggy for Christmas tree use. I ordered a few Scotch pine in the 10-16 inch range. These were nice trees but had no lateral branching, only a thick straight stem with a good, fat bud set. At least no basal pruning will be needed, being tall, straight seedlings. Most fir, pine and spruce species will be ordered and sold as 2-0 to 3-0’s. When I ordered in late 2017 I already found out the larger sizes available were sold out such as Canaan fir. I also saw the smaller 2-0, 4-8 inch to 6-14 inch sizes
were sold out and these included white pine, scotch pine, red pine, blue spruce and Black Hills spruce. Smaller is better in most cases since the root system is not too intense. I have used these smaller sizes to pot into a one gallon nursery pot and grow out a year and then plant in the fall or sell to other growers looking for plant material. Species of Rooted Cuttings
Some growers in Virginia and more so in North Carolina and southward use Leyland cypress and Arizona cypress ‘Blue Ice’ to use in their field inventory. These two types are treated differently than the pine, fir and spruce species. They are not cone bearing which means no seed, but are rooted cuttings mainly produced by propagation nurseries in the South. These are not readily available since the nursery and landscape industry uses them for commercial and residential landscapes. Fortunately I have direct contact with these nurseries since I am in this industry to buy and sell woody ornamentals for my own business. Most of us knew and remembered Bill Murray and his wife from Georgia who came to many of the VCTGA annual meetings over the years. It was through Bill’s efforts to produce a Leyland cypress different from the common Leighton Green variety. He produced a Leyland that I embraced due to a different foliar texture and a more open tree than the Leighton Green. Bill told me that his variety was not prone to foliar diseases such as cercosporidium. Personally, I never had great success selling a Leyland prior to growing the |5 5
Murray x species. The Leightons were tight, dense and too cone shaped when sheared two to three time yearly. Great for landscapes as a cone shape, but to a Christmas tree customer, no appeal at all. When I planted my first Murray x Leylands, I saw the difference. More openness, beautiful foliar texture and no foliar diseases at all. Planting these in an open area with plenty of wind circulation will more than overcome any foliage disease. This foliage is perfect to mix with other evergreens in wreaths. The Arizona cypress varieties of ‘Blue Ice’ and Carolina Sapphire have popular appeal as Christmas trees. ‘Blue Ice’ is a beautiful powder blue, blue spruce blue and is quite fragrant of citrus.’ Carolina Sapphire’ is used for the same
purpose but grows fast and not as appealing as ‘Blue Ice’. However, it is fragrant and better suited to wreath making. It too can become too dense like the’ Leighton Green’ Leyland. Here again both of these are propagated as rooted cuttings for reproduction. Like the Leylands, these are propagated in propagation nurseries in the South mainly Georgia and South Carolina. These are taken from ‘mother’ trees used as hedging. Winter cuttings are primarily used and placed on bottom heat in the greenhouse to promote faster callus and eventual roots. When ordering both Leyland cypress and Arizona cypress they will come in a 2.75x3 inch lined pot which the cutting was stuck to begin rooting. It may be two years before these are ready to ship
which may explain less availability. I have ordered 150 of these and comes shipped in wax coated cardboard boxes. Unfortunately, during shipment these boxes are tossed and thrown and the soil comes out of the pot and sometimes there are exposed roots. Its best to process quickly before the roots dries out. I place them in greenhouse flats that fits the pot size and will transplant them to a one gallon nursery pot for production at least a year with slow release fertilizer to enhance more growth. This is the normal nursery production procedure under overhead irrigation. Rooted cuttings are not recommended for field planting when received from the propagation nursery because they are no more than 4-8 inches in height and the root system is not
Ad – Boschs 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 2018
Quality Seedlings & Transplants
Age
Size
Per 100 Rate
FRASER FIR (2-2, PL+2) (2-2, PL+2) (P+2, P+3)
8-15” 10-18” 12-22”
$135.00 $145.00 $155.00
BALSAM FIR (2-1, P+1) (2-2, P+2) (P+2, P+3)
8-14” 10-18” 12-22”
CANAAN FIR (2-1, P+1) (P+2) (P+2, P+3)
Per 1,000 Rate
Per 100 Rate
Per 1,000 Rate
$830.00 $880.00 $950.00
WHITE SPRUCE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $50.00 (2-1) 12-18” $100.00 (2-1, 2-2) 15-24” $125.00
$210.00 $675.00 $775.00
$95.00 $125.00 $135.00
$610.00 $810.00 $850.00
NORWAY SPRUCE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $50.00 (2-1) 12-18” $110.00 (2-1, 2-2) 15-24” $125.00
WHITE PINE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 6-12” (2-1) 6-12” (2-1, 3-1) 10-16” (2-2) 12-18”
$210.00 $675.00 $775.00
SCOTCH PINE - Scothighland + French (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $55.00
$250.00
8-14” 10-18” 12-22”
$115.00 $145.00 $155.00
$725.00 $890.00 $950.00
$55.00 $110.00 $135.00 $160.00
$250.00 $690.00 $850.00 XXX
$275.00 $610.00 XXX
DOUGLAS FIR - Lincoln (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” (2-1) 8-14”
BLACKHILL SPRUCE (2-0) 5-12” (2-1, 2-2) 10-15” (2-2) 10-18” (2-2) 15-24”
WHITE CEDAR (2-0, 3-0) (2-1) (2-2)
$55.00 $100.00
$250.00 $630.00
CONCOLOR FIR (2-0) 5-12” (2-1, P+1) 8-14” (P+1) 10-15”
$55.00 $110.00 $115.00
$250.00 $680.00 $725.00
SERBIAN SPRUCE (2-0) 8-14” (2-1) 8-15” (2-1) 12-18”
$60.00 $105.00 $135.00
$295.00 $650.00 $850.00
AUSTRIAN PINE (2-0) 6-14”
$55.00
$250.00
RED PINE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 6-14”
$55.00
$250.00
COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE - San Juan & Kiabab (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $50.00 $210.00 (2-1, P+1) 10-16” $100.00 $630.00 (2-2, P+2) 12-18” $135.00 $850.00 (P+2, P+3) 15-24” $160.00 XXX
6Page 6 |
Age
Size
Age
Size
6-12” 8-15” 15-24”
Per 100 Rate
Per 1,000 Rate
$55.00 $95.00 $110.00 $135
$250.00 $595.00 $695.00 XXX
$55.00 $95.00 $145.00
ARBORvITAE - *EMERALD, *GREEN GIANT, TECHNY & DARK GREEN (RC+1) 6-12” $140.00 $890.00 *(P+1) 8-14” $165.00 XXX For complete list please write or call us. Brian Bosch / Owner
VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018 VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2018
well developed, Winter hardiness is an issue with these two tree types. Developed in a warmer climatic zone, these are hardy only to zone 6( 0 to minus 10 degrees). However, if these are grown in a mountain valley or the foothills better winter survival is possible as opposed to higher elevations. Extreme cold winters with several hours of sub zero weather may cause some winter burn or complete kill. Therefore, the best climatic zones are zone 6 (warmer 6a) to zone 9.
Others to consider is Vans Pine Nursery, West Olive Michigan and Walmhoff’s in Michigan. Vans Pines is a large scale greenhouse nursery dealing in peat pots and standard nursery pot production as well as bare root super jumbo transplants. Peat pots are a good choice due to bio degradable action and no transplant shock. I have seen Gary Van Slooten’s selections as a vendor at the NCCTA winter and summer meetings. They are quite superior in appearance with a good root system, but the drawback is they are pricey. For those interested to grow the cypresses I order from Byron’s Lakeview Nursery in Byron, Georgia and Griffith’s Nursery in Watkinsville, Georgia. When ordering these cypress types, be sure they are available and it may be best to placed on ‘standing order’ which means you will receive the same species and quantity or more if requested each succeeding year until otherwise specified. Both these nurseries offer superior quality in their plant production.
My choice nurseries includes the following; Bosch’s Countryview Nursery, Allendale, Michigan Alpha Nurseries, Holland, Michigan New Life Nursery, Holland, Michigan Reliable Source (Jim Rockis) Morgantown ,WV Berkey’s Nursery, Spartansburg, Pennsylvania VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2018
For all growers, I hope this information will be helpful. Considering the plant shortages now apparent in the nursery industry it is best to order early for the next planting season. I recommend ordering late summer or early fall when nurseries mails out their catalogs and price lists. It is good to get contacts with as many possible sources so choosing what you need will be available in different ages and sizes. Personally, I enjoy looking over the many nursery catalogs and have for years. Early ordering is essential because it
eliminates the frantic push to order in the spring when shipments begin and availability is low or sold out. This job will be behind you so other priorities can take precedence. Ordering early also requires a deposit as outlined in most nursery policies and terms. This ensures your order will honored and shipped when you choose the time, (March-May).
This year’s planting season has been good despite a set back due to a colder than normal spring. Rains have been abundant and new growth has pushed forward. What the summer holds remains to be seen, hopefully the rains can ease up and more sunnier days can be had. What we desire to to see is less summer mortality since the plants are a costly investment. Better cultural practices can equate into more survivability and realize a faster return on the investment. Hopefully, more available trees and fewer shortages can result if we plan ahead properly. By Tommy Naylor, North Lake Christmas Tree & Nursery, Benson, NC, VTCGA Director, tenaylor07@embarqmail.com
Looking for Alternative Farm Income in the Off Seasons? Don’t miss the Alternative Farm Income Panel at the VCTGA Conference at Natural Bridge!
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383 Coal Hollow Rd, Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Ph: 540-382-7310 Secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org
June 14, 2018
You are cordially invited to attend the VCTGA Annual Conference and Farm Tour!! August 9-11, 2018 This Conference includes 18 events, including presentations by Dr. Rick Bates, Penn State University. He has extensive experience and knowledge in all matters relevant to the Christmas tree industry. You will find that the topics presented useful to new and experienced wholesale growers, choose-and-cut growers and retail sellers alike and important to your business. The 3-day conference includes a tree and wreath contest (for VCTGA members), a live scholarship auction, “how to” seminars, three lunches, including the Annual Awards Luncheon with special guest, The Honorable Bettina Ring, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Thursday evening Social and Dinner at the historic Virginia Tech McCormick Farm, and the Farm Tour at Robert and Cecille McDowell’s Hidden Fields Farm, Covington on Saturday. Fees listed in the program registration form cover conference materials, lunches, the Awards Luncheon, the farm tour, attendance at speaker sessions, and the auction. See you there! Jeff Gregson, VCTGA President John Carroll, Program Chair Enclosures: Annual Conference Program Registration Form Christmas Tree and Wreath Entry Form 8 |
VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
383 Coal Hollow Rd, Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Ph: 540-382-7310 Secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org
Annual Meeting, Conference and Farm Tour Wednesday, August 8 4-7 pm. Board Meeting and Dinner 7 pm Auction and Vendor Setup
Thursday, August 9 8-11:30 am – Vendor Set Up 9-11:30 am - Tree and Wreath Contest Entries Morning Pre-Conference Workshops 10:00-11:30 am - Controlling Grass and Weeds in Christmas Tree Plantations, Kyle Peer, Virginia Tech 10:00-11:30 am - Wreath Workshop by Tommy Naylor. Bring your hand clippers. Greenery and wreath rings provided. Noon Lunch (provided with registration) Afternoon Program 1:00 pm - Welcome by Jeff Gregson, VCTGA President 1:10 pm – Introduction of Afternoon Program and Evening Activities, John Carroll, VCTGA Vice President 1:15-2:00 pm The Impact of Our Last Sales Season: Adapting to the Tree Shortage and Being Positive with Our Customers and The Media: Della Deal, Steve Rhoades, Ryan Clouse
2:00-3:00 pm Species Selection for Virginia Growers, True firs, Spruces and Pines: Dr. Rick Bates, Penn State
1:30 -2:15 pm - Tree Farm Expansion to Multi Season Crops: Bill and Mary Apperson, Mill Farm, Williamsburg
3:00-3:30 pm Break with Exhibitors
2:15- 2:45 pm Alternative Farm Income Panel: - Cheryl Green, Jeff Gregson, Virginia Carroll
3:30- 4:30 pm - VCTGA Business Meeting: Election of Officers and Board Members, Industry Updates 5:45- 8:00 pm An Evening at McCormick Farm: Beautiful Historic Farm, Relaxing Social, Casual Dress Farm Dinner catered by Wades Grocery and Deli of Staunton (provided with full registration)
2:45- 3:30 pm - Capital Gains Treatment for Christmas Tree Income; Employment Rules and Regs: Raetz and Hawkins Certified Public Accountants, Lexington 3:30 -5:30 Break and Social Followed by Our Annual Scholarship Auction: Danny Neel, Auctioneer
Friday, August 10
Dinner on your own
8:30-9:15 am - My First Sales Season: Lessons Learned: Robert and Cecille Mc Dowell, Laura Wolfe, Eddie Seaman
(Hotel Seafood Buffet for $37.95 Make Your Own Reservations Directly with the Natural Bridge Hotel at (540) 291-2121.
9:15- 10:15 am - Post-Harvest Needle Retention/Freshness and Why It’s Important: Dr. Rick Bates, Penn State 10:15- 10:30 am Break with Exhibitors 10:30 -11:30 am - Featured Farm Business: Mistletoe Meadows Farm and Nursery: Joe Freeman, Laurel Springs, NC 11:45am -1:15 Awards Luncheon (provided with full registration) The Honorable Bettina Ring, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Guest Speaker
(Other local restaurants are available)
Saturday, August 11 Farm Tour 9:00 am-1:00 pm Tour Hidden Fields Farm, Covington, Virginia Robert and Cecille McDowell, Owners One of Virginia’s Newest Choose and Cut Farms! (Boxed Lunch provided with full registration)
(Program Subject to Change)
VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
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Keynote Speaker - Rick Bates Dr. Rick Bates is a Professor of HortiConference Program culture in Penn State University’s Depage 2 He received partment of Plant Science. his Ph.D. in horticulture from Virginia Tech, and his B.S. and M. S. in horticulture from West Virginia University. Rick worked as a county extension agent in Ohio and Virginia and as an Assistant Professor at Montana State University prior to coming to Penn State. Since arriving at Penn State in 2000, his research has focused on developing innovative approaches to plant production systems and development of plant varieties exhibiting improved pest resistance and adaptability. Rick’s extension responsibilities include the development of educational programs in support of Pennsylvania’s woody ornamental industry. The primary goal of his research program is to enhance the profitability and competitiveness of the nursery and Christmas tree industry in Pennsylvania, and the U.S. He is currently working on projects relating to Nordmann and Turkish fir evaluation, Douglas-fir resistance to Rhabdocline needle cast, and Canaan fir improvement.
Hotel I nfo Natural Bridge Historic Hotel and Conference Center
Under the newly-revised Worker Protection Standard (WPS), training materials must be EPA-approved when officially training workers, handlers, and trainers. Look for an EPA approval number that looks like this: "Approval # EPA WPS TTT W/H 00026".
When training workers or handlers, the trainer must remain present at all times to be available to answer questions, even when showing a video.
15 Appledore Ln Natural Bridge VA 24578
(I-81 Exit 175 from the South, Exit 180 from the North)
ASK for VCTGA Special Rates (540) 291-2121
Hotel Reservation Deadline: Wednesday, 8/1/2018
Group rates are available 3 days pre and post-conference. The State Park admission is $8.00/person The Caverns offer a 20% discount for hotel guests, that’s a $4.00 savings off of $18.00 admission! Page 10
New Training Materials in English and Spanish
Training must be delivered in a manner that can be understood, in a location relatively free from distractions.
Come Early – Stay Late!
10 |
WPS Training Materials
Trainers must be qualified, most often by holding a pesticide applicator's license or by completing an EPA-approved Train-the-Trainer course. Training Materials:
For Workers For Handlers For Trainers of Workers For Trainers of Handlers For Agricultural Employers For Handler Employers
http://www.pesticideresources.org/wps/training/index.html
Are You Legal? Maximizing Your Tax Return? Bring your questions to Raetz and Hawkins Certified Public Accountants at the Annual Conference August 9-11, Natural Bridge, VA
VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2018
VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
2018 Annual Meeting Registration Form August 9-11, 2018 Natural Bridge, VA Name of Primary Attendee: Farm Name Address: City:
State:
Zip Code:
Cell Phone number: E-mail: Additional Names Attending: I will be participating in: _____ Wreath Workshop on Thursday morning ***(see note on back) How Many?
Events or Function
Member Fee *
Registration fee for members (includes lunch/dinner Thurs; lunch Friday and Saturday Farm Tour Lunch - per person) Registration fee for members (includes lunch/dinner Thurs; lunch Friday and Saturday Farm Tour Lunch – per 2 persons) Registration fee for members (does not include any meals, add a la cart below
Total
$159
$299
$99
Thursday Lunch only
$22
Thursday Social & Dinner at McCormick Farm
$25
Friday Luncheon/Awards only
$ 29
Farm Tour per person (includes lunch)
$15
Non-Member – Add $50 to Registration fee
$50
Additional Late registration fee after July 31
$20.00
[_] I have special food needs: __________________________________
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 Tennessee Christmas Tree Growers Association Maryland Christmas Tree Growers Association And their guests and families Received in VCTGA office _____/_____2018, check #___________, AMOUNT TOTAL $___________
VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
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2018 Auction to Benefit Scholarship 2018 Auction Fund Scholarship Fund Please to list Benefit all new and slightly used items you are
to our annual auction. Please listdonating all new and slightly used items you are donating to our annual auction. _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________
Thursday, August 9, 10:00‐11:30 am Thursday, August 9, 10:00‐11:30 am Wreath Workshop Wreath Workshop by Tommy Naylor and Dreama Huffman. by Tommy Naylor and Dreama Huffman. Bring your hand clippers. Bring your hand clippers. Greenery and wreath rings provided . Greenery and wreath rings provided.
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VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
VCTGA Christmas Tree Contest The 2018 Virginia Christmas Tree Contest will be held at the Wytheville Meeting Center, Wytheville, VA. Trees will be set up and judged on Thursday, August 9, 2018. Setup will begin at 9 a.m. and must be completed by noon. Eligible participants should complete the following form and submit it with their entry(s). Delivery, setup and responsibility for the tree’s condition will remain with the entrant until the tree is set up in the judging area.
Contest Procedures •
Eligibility will be cross-checked with VCTGA membership records before judging begins.
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Trees shall be ready for judging by noon the first day of the convention. Under no circumstances will trees arriving after this time be allowed into the contest. The judging area will be clearly described by a map showing location of site and will indicate times and person(s) to contact and phone number(s) for those bringing trees early.
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Securely tied to each tree will be a blank sealed envelope, containing a card with grower’s name, address, telephone number and location of tree farm. The species of the tree must be clearly printed on the outside of the envelope.
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No contestant shall have entry to the judging area to view competitive trees prior to submitting their entry to the tree contest chairperson.
It is the responsibility of the entrant to remove and dispose of the entries after 3 p.m. on Friday. Questions? Contact: Robert O’Keeffe, (H) 540-6518440; (cell) 540-580-3528, Email: rifton@swva.net Additional details, scoring forms on trees and wreaths are on the website at www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org
PURPOSE OF CONTEST: •
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To establish an opportunity for VCTGA to encourage and promote the use of Real Christmas Trees. Select a grand champion winner to receive the honor of presenting a Real Christmas Tree to the Governor of Virginia.
Eligibility of Entrants Each Virginia Christmas Tree Association 2018 member in good standing and a prior member in 2017, is eligible to enter four trees in the VCTGA Christmas Tree Contest. In no case shall one person, family or farm enter more than one tree per class.
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RULES AND JUDGING GUIDELINES These rules and guidelines establish the procedure to be followed in selecting the grand champion. To ensure the greatest possible media coverage of the presentations, cooperation between the winner and VCTGA is extremely important. All media coverage is to be coordinated with the VCTGA office.
Entrants must be United States residents and the tree(s) must be Virginia grown. Previous winners and their immediate families are not eligible to participate in the contest at the Convention immediately following the one in which they won, but are eligible to participate after that.
General
Judging
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The tree contest will be held at a site selected by the host association and will be convenient to the convention site.
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The four contest classes will be: (A) all firs (B) all pines (C) all spruce and (D) all other species.
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Trees entered must be commercially cultivated and be 6-8 feet in height from bottom of the handle to top of leader. The length of the handle shall be at least 6 inches but no longer than 12 inches. The tree shall not have been artificially colored. No wiring, tying or inserting of limbs or branches or other artificial means will be permitted. Any tree failing to meet these qualifications will be disqualified by the tree contest committee.
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The grand champion winner from the preceding convention will be asked to serve as a judge of contest trees. In addition, a non-member and a VCTGA member will be chosen to serve as a judge. If a grand champion winner declines, another qualified judge from the association will be selected.
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Each judge will prepare a score sheet on each contest tree. See current guidelines for judging for scoring criteria. Score sheets will not be provided to an entrant.
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Winners will be selected by judges in each class for the four classes based on the total number of points awarded for each entry.
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The grand champion will be selected from among the first-place winner of the four categories. The tree that scored the highest overall will be the Grand Champion winner.
Tree_Wreath_Contest_Entry_Form_Rules_2018.docx
VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
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383 Coal Hollow Rd, Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Ph: 540-382-7310 secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org
Virginia Christmas Tree & Wreath Contest Entry Form Entrant’s Name: ________________________________________________________________________ Farm/Business Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________________ City/Town: __________________________________________State: ____ Zip: ____________________ Phone: _____________________________________ Fax: ______________________________________ E-mail: _______________________________________________________________________________ Note: Rules state that each VCTGA farm may enter up to four (4) trees in the contest, but no more than one tree in any one category. Rules state that each VCTGA member may enter up to 2 wreaths in the contest, but no more than one wreath per category. In no case shall one person, family or farm enter more than four trees and two wreaths. Entrant must be present during the time of setup and enter his or her own tree(s) or wreath(s). The tree(s) must be Virginia grown and the wreath(s) must be made from fresh Virginia grown material. Previous winners and their immediate families are not eligible to participate in the contest at the Convention immediately following the one in which they won, but are eligible to participate after that. Which class are you entering? Check all that apply All-fir__ Pine___ Spruce ___ Other___ Which wreath category are you entering? Check all that apply. Undecorated___ Decorated__ (MUST be on a 12” ring) I certify that I am a 2018 current member in good standing in the Virginia Christmas Growers Tree Association and was a member of the VCTGA in 2017. ____________________________________________________ Entrant’s Signature
____/_____/_2018 Date
Please complete this form and bring it with your entry. Questions? Contact Robert O’Keeffe
Phone: (540) 651-8440; Cell: 540-580-3528 rifton@swva.net
See complete rules and regulations on the VCTGA website at www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org
Tree_Wreath_Contest_Entry_Form_Rules_2018.docx
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VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
Virginia Agribusiness Council Changes
VAC: New Executive Director Announced As Chairman of the Council's Board of Directors, I am excited to share with our membership that Kyle Shreve has been selected as the next Executive Director of the Virginia Agribusiness Council.
A HUGH THANKS to Katie Frazier for all your support and work with the VCTGA and congratulations and best wishes as you move forward in your life and career!] As you may already know, my last day with the Virginia Agribusiness Council was May 11th. Beginning May 21, I will be joining Farm Credit of the Virginias as their Director of External Affairs. Should you wish to reach me there, my email address will be kfrazier@fcvirginias.com. I have truly enjoyed working with each of you during my time with the Council over the past 14 years and have valued all of the work we have collectively done to ensure agriculture and forestry continue to flourish in Virginia. I look forward to working with many of you in my new role, and to supporting the Virginia Agribusiness Council as it continues in its valuable mission. Wishing you all my very best! Katie Frazier, Past President, Virginia Agribusiness Council
VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2018
Kyle comes to the Council from the Virginia Association of Health Plans, where he has been the Director of Policy since December 2015. Prior to that, he served as the Director of Government Affairs for the Virginia Retail Merchants Association. For the first six years of his career, Kyle worked for the International Dairy Foods Association as their Manager of Legislative Affairs. While there, he worked extensively on agriculture policy and gained considerable knowledge of our industry. He is a familiar face at the General Assembly and has established many valuable relationships with both fellow lobbyists and legislators during his career. In addition to his strong policy background, Kyle brings association management, event planning and membership recruitment experience to the Council. His association experience, along with his demonstrated strength in government policy and legislative affairs, make him a tremendous asset for Virginia Agribusiness Council. Kyle is a native of Pennsylvania and received his B.A. in Political Science and History from Pennsylvania State University. He later received his M.A. in Professional Studies in Political Management from George Washington University. Kyle relocated to Virginia in 2008. He and his wife Christie live in Midlothian with their two-year-old son, Bennett. They have planted roots in the Richmond area and have a strong desire to remain here for years to come.
Kyle is ready to hit the ground running upon his start May 29 and looks forward to attending as many industry meetings and events across the Commonwealth as possible to meet our members. We look forward with anticipation to his leadership as the Council enters a new phase in its growth as a resource for both its members and the legislative body in Richmond. Please join me in welcoming Kyle to the Agribusiness Council family! Sincerely, Kern L. Houff, Chair, Virginia Agribusiness Council Board of Directors 5/18/18
Conference Farm Tour Hidden Fields Farm Covington, VA Hidden Fields Farm was founded in 2014 by Robert and Cecille McDowell in the Rich Patch Area of Alleghany County. As a family owned and operated business, Hidden Fields Farm specializes in greenery, wreaths, swags, centerpieces, hand tied bows, and other seasonal holiday decor. In 2017, years after the first planting, Hidden Fields Farm opened to the public as the only pick and cut Christmas Tree Farm in the Greater Alleghany County area. www.HiddenFieldsVA.com
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Governor Northam Announces Administration Appointments Secretariat of Agriculture and Forestry Brad Copenhaver Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Brad Copenhaver has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. Brad grew up on his family’s beef cattle and burley tobacco farm in Washington County. After working on Capitol Hill as a legislative correspondent for Congressman H. Morgan Griffith (VA-9), he was the Director of Government Affairs at the Virginia Agribusiness Council, where he worked closely with the General Assembly and Virginia congressional delegation on a variety of issues including animal welfare, food safety and labeling, the environment and water quality, and international trade. Brad was a Pamplin Scholar at Virginia Tech and graduated with degrees in political science and agricultural economics, and he is currently completing his MBA at the University of Washington. During his education career, Brad has served as a National Beef Ambassador, Virginia 4-H President, and treasurer of the UW Graduate and Professional Student Senate, and he spent summers working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Meat Export Federation in Tokyo, and Bryant Christie, Inc., an agricultural exports consulting firm in Seattle. Heidi Hertz Assistant Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Heidi Hertz has been appointed Assistant Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. Prior to her appointment, Page 16 16 |
Heidi served as Obesity Prevention Coordinator with the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth, where she developed initiatives and partnerships throughout Virginia to increase access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity. Heidi has previously held roles in the Office of the First Lady of Virginia Dorothy McAuliffe and for the Virginia Department of Health. Heidi serves as the Vice President of the Alumni Board of the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Shalom Farms. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and a Master of Science degree from James Madison University and serves as an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a native of Lunenburg County and a resident of the City of Richmond.
Farm Bill: Why it Matters to the Green Industry This piece of legislation addresses key priorities for specialty crops and horticulture, mainly focused around research and innovation. Some highlights of the bill include: Funding would be $80 million per year, though $25 million is dedicated to research addressing severe threats to the citrus industry. We seek full funding ($80 million) for all specialty crops. Priorities for research are refined and expanded to include mechanization and automation of labor-intensive tasks, decision support systems, and prevention and monitoring systems for pests, including quarantine pests. Funding would continue at $80 million per year. These programs provide 'first
dollars' for responding to and mitigating invasive plant pest threats and providing access to clean, pathogen tested accessions of tree fruit, small fruit, grapevines, hops, and roses for evaluation, development, and propagation. These grants, mostly administered by the states, have funded numerous research, statistical, and marketing programs benefiting the green industry. The legislative proposal would fund this program at $85 million per year and seeks to clarify eligible projects and performance evaluation language that has hampered use of the program. Other areas of special interest for AmericanHort during the Farm Bill process are to expand options for protecting plant breeders' rights to spur innovation, and to ensure that "safety net" disaster programs work better for nursery and Christmas tree producers. Provided by AmericanHort Lighthouse Program in partnership with the NCTA 4/17/18
AmericanHort Welcomes Farm Bill Pest and Disease Funding AmericanHort enthusiastically welcomed Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue’s announcement earlier today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating almost $70 million in new funding for invasive plant pests and disease projects. The funding is intended to prevent the introduction or spread of pests that threaten U.S. agriculture and the environment, and to sustain the infrastructure necessary to ensure that diseasefree, certified planting materials are available to U.S. nurseries and specialty crop producers. “Through the Farm Bill Section 10007, the USDA strengthens our nation’s ability to safeguard U.S. specialty
VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2018 VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
crops, agriculture, and natural resources by putting innovative ideas into action,” said Secretary Perdue in the USDA announcement. These funds, provided through Section 10007 of the 2014 Farm Bill, will support 494 projects in 49 states and two U.S. territories. Many of these projects will directly benefit the horticulture industry. The Horticultural Research Institute, the research foundation of AmericanHort, was awarded $117,100 for its ongoing work to complete the Systems Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC) pilot program. “This unique federal, state, and industry partnership is changing how we think about regulatory oversight of plant production and the horticultural marketplace,” said Craig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort senior vice president for advocacy and research. “We are eager to complete the pilot and for SANC to be fully operational,” he added.
In addition to the funding for HRI, other notable projects include the following:
Over $1 million in funding for various projects to better understand and address exotic Phytophthoras, including P. ramorum and a newer emerging threat, P. tentaculata. This funding includes program support for the National Ornamentals Research Site at Dominican University of California (NORS-DUC), a unique facility where Phytophthora work is done in a nursery setting. $55,000 to continue work toward developing best management practices to address crown gall of Loropetalum, an emerging disease threat.
plant material for fruit trees, grapes, berries, citrus, hops, sweet potatoes, and roses free of targeted plant pathogens and pests. “The Sec. 10007 - Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention program is a unique and effective tool supporting horticulture and other specialty crops,” said Regelbrugge. “With a new Farm Bill set to be debated in Congress soon, preserving and strengthening this key tool that supports our growers perform and succeed will remain at the top of the priority list for AmericanHort,” he added. Mary Beth Cowardin, Vice President Marketing & Member Engagement MaryBethC@AmericanHort.org Columbus, OH | Washington, DC 614-487-1117 www.AmericanHort.org
National Clean Plant Network: Over $6 million will be provided to support 28 projects in 18 states that focus on providing high quality propagative Ad – Tim Mitchell’s Yule Stand System
VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018 VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2018
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LanternFly .LanternFly Update Update Spot the invasive spotted lanternfly at your farm or home? Report it!
Officials who sees Officialsare areasking askingthat thatanyone anyone who the invasive spotted lanternfly report it sees the invasive spotted lanternfly re-so they insect of that portcan it sotrack theythe canspread track of thethespread damages agricultural crops and is a the insect that damages agricultural nuisance crops and isinahomeowners’ nuisance in backyards. homeown-
ers’ backyards.
June 8, 2018 – An invasive insect that has damaged agricultural crops in the Northeast United States and creates a black sticky mess on homeowners’ trees that stinks of sour vinegar has been found in Virginia. Video: https://youtu.be/N-xUNpA3DF4 Now, officials are hoping citizens in the region will help monitor and track the movement of the pest known as the spotted lanternfly. “We think we could see them covering homeowners’ trees in numbers that could even be worse than the 17-year cicadas,” said Eric Day, manager of the Virginia Tech Insect Identification Lab, which is helping monitor the spotted lanternfly’s geographic reach. “We are still determining how bad this impact is going to be on both agricultural producers and homeowners.” The insect prefers to feed on the invasive tree of heaven that is rampant around the state, but for much of its lifecycle, the spotted lanternfly will attack apple and pear trees, hops, grapes, and other valuable crops. An adult spotted lanternfly is approximately 1-inch long and 1/2-inch wide. 18Page 18 |
The forewing is grey with black spots and the wing tips have black blocks outlined in grey. The hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band that are visible when it flies. The legs and head are black; the abdomen is yellow with broad black bands. During immature stages, it is black with white spots and develops red patches as it grows. If anyone sees the signs of the pretty but destructive insect or its eggs, they are asked to fill out a form noting their location. Photos of the insect or its eggs are encouraged. People can also report sightings to the Virginia Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services at 804-786-3515 or email Virginia Cooperative Extension at spottedlanternflyvirginia@gmail.com . More information on the pest can be found at Virginia Cooperative Extension’s topic page. “It is vital that we learn where the insects are spreading around the state so we can develop ways to stop their movement and build a strategy to limit their damage,” said Doug Pfeiffer, an entomologist with the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and a Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist. Video: https://youtu.be/gH5j3ducGMs The volunteer Master Gardeners around the state are also tracking the spread of the bug using sticky tape to trap the insects as they climb up trees of heaven – which are also called ailanthus or paradise trees. The insects are native to China, India, and Vietnam, but moved into Korea in 2006, where it attacked more than 60 different plant and agricultural crops. In 2014, it was found in the U.S for the first time in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Despite best efforts to control it, it has since moved into more than 15 Pennsylvania counties as well as Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia.
plants, it lays eggs on concrete, rocks, wood pallets, and vehicles, which are then moved around the state. When spotted lanternfly eggs and dead adults were discovered in Winchester, Virginia, earlier this year, they were located adjacent to a railway and highway. The egg masses began to hatch in May. “They were found in a spot that creates a perfect storm,” Day said. The lanternfly feeds on the tree of heaven because the chemical that gives the tree its distinct, pungent odor, also makes the insect taste bad when birds eat it. This taste makes birds less likely to eat the insect a second time. Merely cutting down the trees of heaven to detract the spotted lanternfly doesn’t help. They will grow back up from the roots, often in bigger numbers, creating more feeding opportunities for the lanternfly. Researchers are looking into ways to control the trees of heaven. Beyond the trees of heaven, the spotted lanternfly will also feed on more than 70 other host plants, including a wide range of agricultural crops. When the spotted lanternfly is feeding on a plant, it secretes what is known as honeydew, a black, sticky, stinky substance that coats the plant and can cover the ground below. This promotes fungal growth, damaging the plants and attracting other insects. Grape growers have reported that yields have decreased from 4.5 tons per acre to about a half ton per acre after the lanternfly attacked the plants. Officials are calling on people around the state be vigilant and report any sightings of the insect. “We don’t know how bad it can get with this invasive insect,” Day said. “But the more we can learn about its movement, the better we can control it.”
One of the challenges with containing the spotted lanternfly is the ease with which it can spread. In addition to host
VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2018 VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
Conference Farm Tour Hidden Fields FarmTour Conference Farm Covington, VA
Hidden Fields Farm Covington, VA
Hidden Fields Farm was founded in 2014 by Robert and Cecille McDowell Hidden Fields Farm was founded in in2014 the by Rich Patch of McDowell Alleghany Robert andArea Cecille County. As aPatch family owned and operin the Rich Area of Alleghany ated business, Fields Farm speCounty. As a Hidden family owned and opercializes in greenery, wreaths, swags, ated business, Hidden Fields Farm specializes in greenery, swags, centerpieces, hand tiedwreaths, bows, and other centerpieces, hand tied bows, and other seasonal holiday decor. seasonal holiday decor. In 2017, years after the first planting, In 2017,Fields yearsFarm afteropened the firsttoplanting, Hidden the pubHidden Fields Farm opened the public as the only pick and cut toChristmas lic as the only pick and cut Christmas
Tree Farm in the Greater Alleghany Tree Farm County area.in the Greater Alleghany The farm is 95 acres County area. located in the Rich The farm is 95 Patch area of acres Allelocated in the ghany CountyRich with Patch area of Alleapproximately 12 ghany acres County plantedwithin approximately 12 Christmas trees. acres planted in Christmas trees. They have planted Fraser, Canaan, They have planted Concolor fir, along Fraser, Canaan, with Colorado blue Concolor fir, along spruce. The first with Colorado blue trees were planted spruce. The first in the trees werespring plantedof 2012. in the spring of 2012. Cmcdowell7@aol.com Cmcdowell7@aol.com Cmcdowell7@aol.com
Ad - Tree Teck Ad - Tree Teck
Going out of Business Sale Going out of Business Sale LaRon Christmas Tree Farm LaRon Christmas Tree Farm
All Available Items Will be at the August Meeting in Natural Bridge All Available Items Will be at the August Meeting in Natural Bridge Buy Now for Best Availability Buy Now for Best Availability
18” Elkin Tree Netter with Stand ‐ $220 18” Elkin Tree Netter with Stand ‐ $220 23” Elkin Tree Netter with Stand ‐ $250 23” Elkin Tree Netter with Stand ‐ $250 “Lifetime” Folding Picnic Table ‐ $90 “Lifetime” Folding Picnic Table ‐ $90 Propane Patio Heater with 20G Tank ‐ $120 Propane Patio Heater with 20G Tank ‐ $120 Wreath Making Table, Wooden with No Hammer Clamp ‐ $125 Wreath Making Table, Wooden with No Hammer Clamp ‐ $125 Howey Gas Tree Shaker Model 150‐A, 4HP Honda Engine with Metal Tree Holder ‐ $750 Howey Gas Tree Shaker Model 150‐A, 4HP Honda Engine with Metal Tree Holder ‐ $750 Beneke Trimmer Head & Wand w/Shoulder Harness (no Motor) ‐ $130 Beneke Trimmer Head & Wand w/Shoulder Harness (no Motor) ‐ $130 CTE 3‐Wheel Auger Transporter, 6” Auger, 2005 Tanaka Engine ‐ $900 CTE 3‐Wheel Auger Transporter, 6” Auger, 2005 Tanaka Engine ‐ $900 Saje Backpack Trimmer with 7 ½’ & 8’ Blades, and 2’ Extension Blade ‐ $950 Saje Backpack Trimmer with 7 ½’ & 8’ Blades, and 2’ Extension Blade ‐ $950 Beneke Electric Trimmer & 2’ Wand Extension w/Shoulder Harness (dead Battery) ‐ $250 Beneke Electric Trimmer & 2’ Wand Extension w/Shoulder Harness (dead Battery) ‐ $250
Plus much more: Tables, Bulletin Boards, Gift Shop Supplies, Ribbon, Bows, Signs & Saws. Plus much more: Tables, Bulletin Boards, Gift Shop Supplies, Ribbon, Bows, Signs & Saws. If you need it, we may have it. Call or email us for info, pictures, or a complete price list. If you need it, we may have it. Call or email us for info, pictures, or a complete price list. Ron & Lorraine Hoke, Powhatan County 804‐598‐7701 Lhoke3310@aol.com Ron & Lorraine Hoke, Powhatan County 804‐598‐7701 Lhoke3310@aol.com VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2018 VCTGA News Journal ‒ Summer 2018
VCTGA News Journal –Summer 2018
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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
Annual Conference, Natural Bridge, VA
SAVE THE DATES!!
August 9-11, 2018
REGISTER TODAY!
VCTGA Annual Membership Meeting & Conference August 15-16 Blacksburg
VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013
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