Grower Midwest 8.12

MidWest n Edition

Section One of Two

GROWER

August 2012 Volume e 11 r8 Number

$2.50

Serving All Aspects of Commercial Horticulture

Greenhouse e • Nursery y • Garden n Centerr • Fruitt & Vegetable e • Farm m Marketss • Landscaperss • Christmas

Del’s Garden Center ~ Page 2 Rhoads family transition steps meet direct marketing challenges ~ Page 3

Classifieds . . . . . . . . B13 Fall Harvest . . . . . . . A5 Christmas . . . . . . . . . B1 Today’s Marketing. A12 INSERTS Green Star Farm

Del’s Garden Center has diversified to succeed

Page 2 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • August 2012

by Stephen Wagner “This business was started April 1 in 1967,” said Todd Brockshus, an officer in the business. “It was started by my mom and dad, Del and Charin (the Greek spelling of Sharon).”

Del wanted to start a garden center in Spencer, Iowa.

Garden centers in 1967 were a relatively new concept. Del’s employer, Earl May, had been doing it successfully for awhile.

Because Iowa is a rural state with a largely rural population, Del’s Garden Center has had to diversify over the years in order to succeed.

“For example,” Todd said, “we have a flower shop, a garden center, a nursery, and 40,000 square feet of greenhouse. We do the Christmas business, we’re sod growers, and we do landscape design and installation. We do a little bit of everything, but we have to in order to make it all work.”

On top of that, garden centers have to cope with changing consumer preferences.

“That’s getting to be quicker all the time,” Todd said. “Part of that is just the electronic age enabling consumers to act instantly. People are made aware of new items, new offerings. And I believe that writers in magazines and other publications do a great job of getting the word out on what’s new and what’s hot and things like that. The gardening public really has a craving for information and they are very well connected.” Such a response, of course, led us into just what is hot at Del’s Garden Center.

Del’s Garden Center was founded in 1967 and it has grown and evolved ever since.

“Perennials have been for the past few years,” said Brockshus. “People view them as something that will give them color year after year.”

By the same token, water gardening seems to be waning a little bit and Del’s Christmas share has always been respectable.

“Surprisingly, even with the poor housing market, there’s a lot of new construction going on in this part of the country. The bank-

Horticulture graduates from Iowa State University and South Dakota State University, Todd and Ross grew up in the business.

They’ve been sodding and watering plants since they were teens.

ing crisis we had here in the early part of the 1970s — the farm crisis — taught bankers a valuable lesson at that time: don’t give people land for nothing. Give them houses for nothing. Housing prices, especially away from the larger cities, have been fairly steady.”

In other words, more homes, more business. “Things are being bred now to bloom longer; care and maintenance is easier. The perennial market has really changed.”

Brockshus says annuals are still incredibly popular, though people have shied away from doing bedding plants, the huge masses of flowers, like they used to. “Growing flowers in containers is pretty much the trend all over the country.”

As is the case with many garden centers and nurseries, Del’s watches trends nationwide to see who’s doing what and determining what customers want. “We belong to a company called the Garden

Center Group, which is operated by Robert Hendrickson in Maryland. He and a couple of other professionals within his company are basically advisors to a group of about 130 garden centers. Every week we do a (weekly department report). All of us who are members have broken our departments down into 22 categories. We report our sales weekly by categories, with our gross margins, what we’re selling for gift certificates each week, what we’re receiving in bonus bucks, what our weekly labor is, and so forth.

They group us into categories by business volume; also by Midwest, upper East Coast, lower East Coast, etcetera, so we can spot possible developing trends.”

In this manner, Del’s and others are able to compare gross margins on products and determine whether a business is too high, too low, or that maybe there are categories that a business is not jumping into that might be beneficial.

Members meet once a year, this year in Chicago.

“Incredible networking goes on there,” Brockshus says. He also says they continue to attend trade shows. “For me, one of the challenges is hooking up with companies and going to places where we can buy new and unusual and different looking product lines — the Atlanta Merchandise Market or the Dallas Gift Market or the Minneapolis Merchandise Market, wherever.

We continue to look for those opportunities to buy things that are hot, new, and trendy.”

As the business has evolved over the decades, Del’s customer base has become more sophisticated. High end merchandise found in much larger stores has found its place at the garden center.

Rhoads family transition steps meet direct marketing challenges

by William McNutt Rhoads Farm Market has been located near Circleville, Ohio for over 50 years, as part of the now 150 acres devoted to fruit and vegetable crops. For much of that time, this one market has served the area 30 miles South of Columbus, but with Circleville still under 10,000 population, and two children ready to come into the business, Brent and Kathy Rhoads felt the need to expand. The first move was to the Columbus North Market, where they have been a Saturday morning fixture for more than 30 years and where Kathy was a board member as the market reorganized into its present structure.

In the early days of farming Brent’s father and grandfather sold crops to two processing plants then in Circleville, growing peas, lima beans, pumpkins and sweet corn. Within the past 5 years, it became apparent reorganization was needed, both to accommodate incoming family members, plus increasing gross income in order to make this possible.

From one market location, Rhoads now has several corporate entities.

They have transitioned to Rhoads Landscaping and Rhoads Garden Center Inc., managed by daughter Carly and son-in-law Jeremy Neff.

Brent Sr. and Brent Jr. now are in charge of Rhoads Farm Inc. and Rhoads Horticultural Inc., which includes a 10-acre trellis blackberry operation. They are joined in season with other Central Ohio growers to sell at three weekly markets in Dublin, Bexley, and Hilliard plus three Saturday markets, including the original North Market, Clintonville and Worthington. They are not lacking in future market managers, since Brent Jr. and wife Kara are now the proud parents of 2year old triplets. The second generation will also be represented at the annual OPGMA convention in Sandusky in mid-January taking

their part in association committees and program planning.

An additional 250 acres of nursery crops, with the trademark name of Split Rail, supervised by the junior and senior Rhoads, are becoming an ever more important source of income. They sell wholesale to most larger landscapers in the Columbus area, with a substantial portion going to nearby out of state locations.

Nursery crops include 125 acres of shade trees and evergreens; fresh produce in addition to blackberries comes from seven acres of plastic culture strawberries (sold out this year by the third week in June), six acres of cantaloupe and watermelon, two acres of brussel sprouts, four acres of green beans, an acre of fresh market tomatoes, plus a half acre of four kinds of peppers, along with 60 acres of sweet corn, which this year was ready for sale by the third week of June, providing seamless transition from declining strawberry production. Customers have asked for very little fresh produce in season that was not available, except possibly desired strawberries no longer available.

With children already approaching their 30s, Brent and Kathy started thinking about transition after college graduations took place. Several years ago it became apparent the time had come to turn over the reins, if it was ever to be done, AND most important of all, if the recipients of this transition were interested — turns out both were. Decisions are made by consensus, though the senior Rhoads admits he sometimes has to bite his tongue when he sees possible mistakes coming that he himself experienced many years before.

His children are both OSU grads, well trained in Ag Business and horticulture. Dad feels they have “earned their stripes” and are mature enough to learn from experience. As can be seen, each manage-

ment team is in charge of their own separate business, not under Dad’s thumb as is so often the case when family business transitions are attempted that do not work.

This year 17 H2A workers were brought in for harvest; planting and cultivating are handled by a year round staff of three, plus family members, altogether an endless task for 10 months per year. Father and son Brents plan together what goes in the ground for future sale. Brent Jr.’s specialty is the fruit and vegetable plantings, Dad leans toward the nursery crops, and decides the tree types. Part time worker college students, some at graduate level, work in the garden center, and often come back to help with Saturday sales.

The senior Rhoads feels sales at the municipally run North Market are declining, even with a 40 percent increase in direct marketing the past few year, primarily due to parking problems and the need to drive to a more congested central city. Outskirt markets are growing, especially in produce sales with Rhoads now vendor at six municipal markets in a seven day period. Suburban convenience in driving and parking may soon outweigh the advantages of a central location, which are many, especially in the wide range of product offered, such as dairy products, lamb, poultry plus eggs, including ducks and geese, specialty nuts, jams and jellies, along with fresh baked breads pus seafood, most of them difficult to handle in a non permanent location.

Still, more than 90 percent of all food for home consumption is purchased from retail outlets, and studies are underway at Ohio State and other agricultural schools to determine how more local production

could go to these outlets, so consumers could be assured that what they paid for was locally produced.

The studies show that many direct marketers would welcome the opportunity to sell directly to smaller retail outlets, if distribution could be arranged that would give them the same profit, without spending the growing season “on the road” at various municipal markets. The past two farm bills have given substantial help to specialty growers of horticultural crops, with proposed spending in the current bill, already passed by the Senate, raising spending on such crops by 35 percent, to 1.4 billion dollars. One of Ohio’s Senators, Sherrod Brown, is a member of the Agriculture Committee, and helped write the bill, while his counterpart, Rob Portman, voted against it, because 80 percent goes to food stamps.

The farm bill as written does take nearly four billion dollars from various nutrition programs, but retains 768 billion in total expenditures during the next 10 years, while expanding spending authority for supplemental nutrition programs, which have become extremely important to fruit and vegetable producers who sell directly to the public, according to Lisa Schacht, Canal Winchester, President of Ohio Produce Growers Marketing Association. In testimony before the Senate Agriculture committee, she compared government support of agricultural research to similar support for medical research designed to improve nutrition, a goal shared in common between medicine and food production. Brent Rhoads agrees with such philosophy, and not just because he derives a large share of the family enterprise income from direct sales of fresh, locally grown produce to the consuming public.

August 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 3

Brent Rhoads Sr. had sweet corn on sale at Worthington Market by June 15.

Brent Rhoads, Sr. at Worthington Farmers Market during their Saturday morning sale showing the diminishing supply of produce as market nears closing time.

Photos by William McNutt

Schmidt Family Farm has come a long way in two years

by Kelly Gates When Angie Schmidt was a child, her family managed a resort in northern Wisconsin, spending much of the time outdoors, enjoying nature. As an adult, Angie began to miss the lifestyle she had experienced all those years and decided to look for a way to start a family business of her own.

Now that their kids are older and Angie and her husband Eric have more time to pursue their personal passions, the couple opted to start a U-pick operation in the community where they live.

“I always wanted to have a berry farm,” Angie told Country Folks Grower. “We’ve been looking for land in this area off and on for a while now and when we bought this property in the fall of 2010, it was just right for the growing business we wanted to have.”

They purchased a total of 40 acres.

Approximately 13 of those acres are wooded and the remaining 27 are tillable. The husband and wife team established Schmidt Family Farm of Columbus, WI and began planting half an acre of strawberries, onefourth of an acre of raspberries, plus blackberries, blueberries, garlic, pumpkins, asparagus, tomatoes, peppers and an array of other fruits and vegetables.

Their sons added popcorn to the list of offerings as the fields were developed, establishing their own side business, said Angie.

“It’s nice to see the boys getting into this too,” said Angie. “They have their popcorn and we work together as a family to take care of the five acres that we currently have in production.

The rest of the remaining farmable land is rented to a local organic

Cover photo courtesy of Del’s Garden Center Second generation specialty retailers Ross and Todd Brockshus. Todd operates the garden center and greenhouses, while Ross handles the landscaping side of the business.

Country Folks The Monthly Newspaper for Greenhouses, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers (518) 673-3237 • Fax # (518) 673-2381 (ISSN# 1065-1756) U.S.P.S. 008885 Country Folks Grower is published monthly by Lee Publications, P.O. Box 121, 6113 St. Hwy. 5, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428.

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farmer.”

The Schmidts know the farmer they lease land to personally. When they set out to prep the property for the first plantings, they were able to rent some of his equipment, making the workload much more manageable.

The farmer also allowed Angie to work for him for a year, teaching her the ins and outs of growing and mentoring her in the ways of business management.

“The farm owner, Tim Zander, was so helpful, offering a lot of great advice and letting us use his equipment,” said Eric. “This year, we bought a small, compact tractor and a rototiller.

We plan to take things slowly, buying more equipment when we need it to make our farm more efficient.”

The farm has already grown since its inception. The Schmidts added another half acre of strawberries that will be ready for picking next spring.

They also planted 400 tomato plants and an assortment of peppers, too.

The goal, said Angie, is to have a variety of fruits and vegetables that attract customers from throughout the region. Having everything from asparagus to pumpkins will enable Schmidt Family Farm to remain open and profitable in the spring, summer and fall.

“We hope that it will be a popular pick-your -own farm where people come each season to enjoy the outdoors, pick produce and socialize,” she said. “It would be wonderful to have the farm be a destination location, especially in the fall. People really like visiting farms during the fall harvest season to pick pumpkins and enjoy all of the other typical activities

that fall farms offer.”

Along with catering to the public, the Schmidts want to offer educational opportunities to various organizations as well. The principal at the school their boys attend has indicated an interest in field trips. The family hopes to reach out to other schools in the area, giving students the opportunity to learn about the growing process and the health benefits of the produce they grow once the farm becomes more established.

As the new growers continue to develop Schmidt Family Farm’s crops, they also have a number of structural projects to address. The land had no buildings on it when they bought it.

There was no electricity or water either.

Fruits and vegetables are sold from a canopy-covered table stand near the front of the farm. In the future however, Angie and Eric plan to have a fullfledged produce building there.

“We will be building several things on the property in upcoming years,” explained Angie. “We’ll need to install electricity outlets and a well for water.

We would also like to sell the home we live in now and build a new one at the farm and we are getting ready to build a shed for storing equipment and supplies.”

In just two years, Schmidt Family Farm has gone from empty acreage to a fully functional pick-your-own business with a growing base of customers to boot. The farm will continue to expand each year as demand grows, increasing its offerings slowly and steadily as a sustainable, successful startup overseen by the Schmidts.

Page 4 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • August 2012

Palatine Bridge, Main Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518-673-3237 Accounting/Billing Office . . . . . . . . 518-673-2269. . . . . . . . . . . amoyer@leepub.com Subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518-673-2448 . . . . . subscriptions@leepub.com Web Site: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.leepub.com Send all correspondence to: PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 Fax (518) 673-2699 Editorial Email: jkarkwren@leepub.com Advertising Email: jmackay@leepub.com AD SALES REPRESENTATIVES Bruce Button, Ad Sales Manager . . . . bbutton@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 104 Dan Wren, Grower Sales Manager . . . dwren@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 117 Jan Andrews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jandrews@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext 110 Dave Dornburgh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ddornburgh@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 109 Steve Heiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sheiser@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 119 Ian Hitchener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ihitchener@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518-210-2066 Scott Lizio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .slizio@leepub.com . . . . . . .... . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext 118 Tina Krieger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tkrieger@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 262 Kegley Baumgardner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kegleyb@va.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540-255-9112 Wanda Luck / North Carolina. . . . . . . . . wwluck5@gmail.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336-416-6198 (cell) Mark Sheldon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . msheldon@gotsky.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 814-587-2519 Sue Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . suethomas1@cox.net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 949-599-6800 Lee Publications 6113 State Hwy. 5, PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 We cannot GUARANTEE the return of photographs. Publisher not responsible for typographical errors.

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Family members Adam, Angie, Eric, Abby and Zachary Schmidt all pitch in to help as Schmidt Family Farm continues to grow.

FAL L HARVE S T Produce ~ keeping it fresh and clean Harvest sanitation is an important component of a GAPs program. It includes both harvest practices and sanitation of equipment that is used in the field.

Workers involved in the

harvest and field packing of produce should be trained to pick intact, undamaged fruits and vegetables. They should not harvest drops or pieces of produce obviously contam-

inated with animal or human feces. Harvest standards for your operations should be discussed during worker training.

Dirty equipment can contaminate fresh

fruits and vegetables, so it is very important to implement sanitation programs that effectively reduce this risk. Obviously it is impossible to keep field soil off harvest containers, but steps can be taken to

remove soil from harvest containers prior to arrival in the packing house. It is also important to clean and sanitize harvest containers on a routine schedule to reduce the risk of transmitting human

pathogens as well as plant pathogens to newly harvested fruits and vegetables.

Single-use containers used for field packing will not require a

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Damaged or cut fruit can harbor pathogens and decay organisms.

Effective training that encourages good communication and worker participation is a valuable postharvest tool.

Produce from A5

Page 6 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • August 2012

scheduled sanitation program since they are used only once, but these containers should be stored in a clean place where they will not be contaminated with rodent, bird, or other pest feces. Harvest aids such as knives and aprons should also be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis and special attention should be given to gloves worn by workers in the field. If workers wear non-disposable gloves they should also be washed and sanitized daily. As with any glove use, hands should be washed prior to wearing the gloves and whenever the gloves are taken off such as at lunch, for breaks, or to use the bathroom.

Many field harvest containers may present a challenge when establishing a sanitation program either due to size or material from which they are constructed.

Developing a program may require some onfarm ingenuity, but there are many options to consider such as high power washers or commercially available bin washers.

Postharvest Handling and Packing Facilities Field equipment sanitation should be a consideration in future purchases of field harvest equipment and containers so that it will be easier to establish an effective field equipment sanitation program.

Once produce has been harvested, care must be taken to prevent either direct or cross contamination of the crop during grading, washing, packing and shipping. Several foodborne illness outbreaks in fruits and vegetables have been traced back to packing operations. Implementing GAPs and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) during post harvest handling and packing can reduce microbial risks to fruits and vegetables. Adopting post harvest GAPs and GMPs are also good for produce quality since most practices that reduce growth of human microbial pathogens will also reduce post harvest decay.

Cool produce quickly after it has been harvested. Target pulp temperatures should optimize produce quali-

ty and ideally will minimize microbial growth.

Maintaining this “cold chain” from harvest to storage to shipping to retail display is essential to reduce microbial (and plant) pathogen growth.

Water used for washing, cooling, or icing produce must be potable. Wash water and dump tanks can spread pathogens through cross contamination. Disinfection of this water can reduce these risks. Avoid cooling water bath temperatures that are more than 10°F cooler than the produce pulp temperature, so that water is not drawn into produce. This concern is highest for tomatoes, peppers, apples, potatoes, mangoes and cantaloupes.

The produce handling

facilities, packing areas and trucks used for shipping must be kept clean through scheduled washing and sanitizing programs. Produce waste should be properly disposed of and runoff from produce fields should be prevented from entering packing areas. Birds, rodents, insects, and other pests should be excluded from the packing areas.

One of the most important practices to reduce post harvest microbial contamination of produce is worker education and training.

Trained workers are important and valuable because they can identify factors that increase fruit damage during packing such as rough handling and sharp edges on packing lines. Damaged or cut

fruit can harbor pathogens and decay organisms.

Effective training that encourages good communication and worker participation is a valuable postharvest tool.

Finally, keep records so that each package leaving the farm can be traced to the field of origin and the date on which it was packed.

Traceback information is essential for both third party auditing for food safety as well as for inspectors in the event of a foodborne ill-

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ness outbreak.

This article is an excerpt from the National GAPS Educational Material Farm Assessment.

Visit www.gaps.cornell.edu for worksheets, self-assessments and educational information on the National GAPS Program.

FAL L HARVE S T

Vegetables for fall harvest — a time for Thanksgiving Sweet corn and tomatoes are nice in summer, but fall is my favorite time to visit a roadside market. Supermarkets have all the staples, but the atmosphere at the farmers market has more of that “green grocer” feeling. The abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables is stunning, and it is fun to walk through the markets and see what’s for sale — but it

is even more fun to find something that is a little unusual. Knobby celeriac, bright leeks, red cipolini onions, yellow and purple carrots, fennel, radicchio, some oddly shaped cabbages, and so on.

For the farm market operator who is looking to give their customers more than the supermarket experience, here are some of the vegetables that I think make a

farm market special.

Romanesco. “What is that?”, we heard our customers say a few years ago. Now, Romanesco is becoming more and more common and customers are looking for it. Romanesco is really an early form of cauliflower — this type was common before we had the white cauliflower that we know today.

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well to the term “Italian Cauliflower” — most people know what to do with cauliflower, and if it is Italian it must be good, right?

Romanesco has a drier texture than white cauliflower, and a nuttier taste. It works well boiled, but can also be roasted. Kids (of all ages) can plant the little florets in their mashed potatoes and build their own little Christmas Tree Plantation (a nice change from the Broccoli Forest). Romanesco also makes a nice addition to any vegetable tray.

Try the variety Veronica for best results with Romanesco. Veronica matures in mid-September through midOctober from an early July transplant. Like most cauliflowers, Romanesco does not like intense heat — you can plant a little later to avoid the worst heat stress. Romanesco will be grateful for some irrigation during the drier periods of the growing season, and reward you with nice, lime green heads that will make a beautiful center piece at any table — not to mention a very tasty

and out-of-the-ordinary treat!

Sweetheart Cabbage.

This type of cabbage is easy to recognize — the pointed head really stands out among the round-headed members of the cabbage family.

The term Sweetheart comes from the Irish — cut the head from top to bottom, and hold it upside down to see the shape of the Irish heart.

The leaves of this type of cabbage are nice and thin, and have a pleasing and soft texture.

Sweetheart cabbage is tender and sweet (hence the name!), and is a delight as a summer salad. Just tear or cut the leaves into small chunks, dress with some olive oil and cider vinegar, add some salt and pepper to taste, and you will have a fresh and ready-toeat summer salad. Or, cut the head in half lengthwise and grill it.

Sweetheart cabbage cooks quickly — just a few minutes in a hot wok or over steam: very convenient!

Sweetheart cabbage is easy to grow in summer — it will not get bitter, bolt, or have problems with tipburn

like lettuce in the heat of summer.

Try Caraflex for a nicely shaped Sweetheart cabbage with a medium head that will make just enough salad for a single meal.

Caraflex can be grown from early spring (in tunnels, under row cover) until late fall — it even can be stored for up to 10 weeks. Typically, Caraflex will mature in the same time as a head of lettuce (about 60 days).

Once you convince your customers to try one of these delectable Sweetheart cabbages they will be back for more — guaranteed!

Red onion. Nothing better to add some flavor to the kitchen than to work a bit of onion into your dishes! The trick is to find a variety with nice color, good skin, and reliable production to add to your farm market. Red Sky is a new variety of red onion that I really like: it is well adapted to long-day growing areas (the northern states), it matures early (about 103 days), has nice color throughout, strong skin (no flaking), and

Thanksgiving A8

August 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 7

Thanksgiving from A7

Page 8 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • August 2012

nice flavor (with a little bite!). Red Sky works well from direct-seeding, or from transplants. Also, Red Sky makes a nicely round bulb that is neither too big or too small: a nice medium/large size that is perfect for a little onion when you want it, and a lot of onion when you need it. Red Sky will be a very pretty onion to add to your farm market display, and is even pretty enough to fill up the Thanksgiving Cornucopia.

High Tunnel Cucumbers. No, not the English cucumbers, but rather the American Slicer types. Traditionally, these types of cucumbers are grown outside, in the field, and often have “yellow bellies.” The parthenocarpic types, however, can be grown in High Tunnels. Because of the parthenocarpy, they set fruit without pollination, and then produce nice fruit without seed.

The skin is thin, and the seed cavity is small,

and the fruit is evenly smooth and dark green.

High Quality Cucumbers that tell your customers that you know what you are doing! I like the variety Lisboa — I have seen some

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nice crops in High Tunnels after only 40 days of growing. Very productive, high quality fruit, and without a doubt a nice moneymaker. The small seed cavity makes this vari-

ety perfect for freshly pickled cucumber slices, and deliciously refreshing when served cooled on a sandwich or in a salad. Lisboa can be grown in High Tunnels for an early spring

crop or a later fall crop.

Lisboa also works well on a trellis outdoors, or flat on the open ground (still nicely green fruit, without yellow bellies!).

Just be sure to separate Lisboa from other

cucumbers, or you will get cross pollination and you will get some irregularly shaped fruit.

Have a great marketing season this fall, and a joyous Thanksgiving!

New rolling high tunnels from Growers Supply make crop rotation easy DYERSVILLE, IA — Avoid soil nutrient depletion and prevent buildup of soil-borne diseases with New Rolling Premium Round Style High Tunnels from Growers Supply.

Smooth rolling action with pipe track rollers allows you to move your high tunnel from one section of your field to another. Experience enhanced crop yield and quality and

Avoid soil nutrient depletion and prevent buildup of soil-borne diseases with New Rolling Premium Round Style High Tunnels from Growers Supply.

Growers Supply is the leading manufacturer of tension fabric structures and greenhouses. The Growers Supply catalog features over 30,000 products designed to meet commercial growing and hobby gardening needs. Corporate headquarters are located in South Windsor, CT. The company’s Hercules Truss Arch manufacturing and distribution center is in Dyersville, IA. Visit them on the web at www.GrowersSupply.com or call 800-476-9715.

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August 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 9

an extended growing season, plus the ability to rotate your crops.

Fourteen-gauge, triple-galvanized steel frames and five rows of purlins ensure durability. Triple-zippered end panels, manufactured from 10 oz., 22 mil premium rip-stop translucent fabric, come complete with fabric clips for attaching. Four-sided ventilation is made simple with rollup sides and Growers Supply’s exclusive “Twist-of-the-Wrist” Roll-Up Assembly.

57th SNA Research Conference Proceedings available ACWORTH, GA — The Southern Nursery Association (SNA) announced recently that the proceedings of the 57th Annual SNA Research Conference Proceedings are compiled and now available online at www.sna.org. This 381 page proceedings is searchable, downloadable and printable, and is provided free to the industry.

The 2012 proceedings includes 13 sections of the latest horticultural research on Container Grown Plant Production, Economics and Marketing, Engineering, Structures and Innovations, Entomology, Field Production, Floriculture, Growth Regulators, Landscape, Pathology, Plant Breeding and

Evaluation, Propagation, Water Management and Weed Control. Seventyfive titles were presented by 197 authors from 15 states and Mexico. A complete list of titles can be found in the Covers and Introduction section, page viii.

The SNA Research Conference, which began in 1956, provides a forum for horticultural researchers to communicate relevant and recent research findings to the industry. Its origin cannot be traced to any one individual, but the roots were planted by several SNA board members that recognized the need to consolidate duplicate research programs throughout the re-

gion. From an informal effort of compiling papers gathered from several horticultural research centers and assembled and printed, this two-day conference is held annually and has become world-renowned for quality research. Participants are the top horticultural research and educational leaders from across the county. Hundreds of topics in 13 categories are shared in presentations that run approximately seven minutes each. A printed agenda and the conference format permits selection of research topics of special interest for those interested in attending. All industry members are invited to attend.

The annual publication SNA Research Conference Proceedings, from 1991 to current, are available on the SNA website at www.sna.org in Portable Document Format (PDF) for

downloading and viewing or printing (22 years and 2,872 titles comprising 11,208 pages).

The Southern Nursery Association is a non-profit, professional trade association representing the horticultural industry in the southern U.S. SNA provides member services to wholesale growers, brokers, retailers, landscape contractors, landscape architects, grounds maintenance contractors, interiorscapers and allied suppliers. Established in 1899, the SNA strives to provide educational, marketing and networking opportunities essential to the survival of the horticultural industry.

For more information on the SNA Research Conference, contact the Southern Nursery Association Inc., PO Box 801454, Acworth, GA 30101, 678-8099992, mail@sna.org. or visit the SNA Website at www.sna.org.

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Page 10 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • August 2012

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August 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 11

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Page 12 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • August 2012

News and views on agricultural marketing techniques.

What’s in the pipeline?

Second half marketing strategies Many major sports (except our summer obsession, baseball) have either drawn to a close, or are contemplating and planning for the next few months of a rapidly culminating year. We like to call the process: Taking stock and future planning.

Some producers liken it to looking far down the marketing pipeline and deciding where to shuffle the business for a profitable ending. With either analogy, the plan remains the same, what marketing strategies in the second half of the year will work the best?

Maybe the first half of the year has positioned your business for new opportunities: Adding value to an already existing product, rolling out an entirely new venture, or diversifying a current operation to include a different set of products or services.

Whatever the opportunity, a business operator needs to consider the best use of three major components: Land, labor and capital.

Of the three factors, land use is often the most difficult to plan for and implement. Unlike hiring more help or seeking more funding, planning for new or diversified uses of fields, pastures, cover crops, and even rented land demands “think time,” research, risk management and flexibility.

Even if a new venture looks promising, the implementation time could be months to years before a new product could be brought to market. Incorporating new products into a rotation, or withdrawing a product from a current farm plan, should include careful consideration of just what is down the pipeline in terms of

possible expenses vs. income.

While labor may seem like an easier component to handle on a timely basis, it too, requires advanced planning. What will happen when your summer help returns to school, or if a family member

cannot help? Risk management carries over into labor issues as much as cropping, raising livestock, or agritourism. After reviewing the first half of the business year, you may be looking at expanding

Today’s Mark. A13

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Is our newest publication. Started in 2011 to serve an important and growing segment of horticulture, this newspaper is targeted at businesses active in commercial scale growing and winemaking in the United States. In addition to a six times a year mailing, a searchable version is available to our online readers.

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Today’s Mark.

from A12

a part of the operation or extending hours of operation. Labor requirements for each part of this new opera-

tion must be covered and included a fluctuating business plan for the remainder of the year.

Making major adjustments that affect capital considerations half way through the year is no easy task, either. If a

new venture requires more capital than you planned for, you may need to go back to your lending agency to dis-

cuss additional financing, or pull money from your savings or “rainy day” fund. Lenders will want to see how the

Do you sell wholesale?

Do you sell to commercial horticulture?

Do you want free advertising?

The 2012 Country Folks Grower Buyers Guide will reach businesses active in these industries: Greenhouse Garden Center

Vegetable Grower Landscaper

Nursery Farm Market

Fruit Grower Christmas

2012 Buyers Guide The October 2012 issue of Country Folks Grower will feature a buyer’s guide section. This form must be completed and returned by 8/31/12. Questions? Call Dan Wren at 800-218-5586, ext 117. Fill out form and fax back to 518-673-2381.

FREE BASIC LISTING Includes: Company Name City, State, Zip Phone Number (2) Categories Maximum

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Manufacturer

Distributor

Grower

Other

Run your ad for added emphasis on your equipment and service! Display ads can run in black & white, spot color or 4-color process. Call your Sales Rep or Dan Wren at 800-218-5586 ext 117, or e-mail dwren@leepub.com. Ad deadline is 9/23/12.

Equipment-greenhouse Equipment-nursery & landscape Farm market items Fencing and trellising Fertilizer Fruit trees Generators Greenhouse plants-finished Greenhouse plants-young plants Greenhouses and supplies Ground Covers Heating

Hydroponics Hydroseeding Insurance Irrigation Landscape products Leasing Mulch plastic Mulch-landscape Native plants Nursery young plants Nursery stock-finished Nursery supplies Orchard supplies Organics Packaging

Which editions would you like to appear in

Peat moss and growing mixes Perennials Pest control Plows and cultivators Pots - containers Produce Pruning Pumpkins and Halloween Refrigeration Seed-flower Seed-vegetable Skid steer Snow plows Software Soil and compost

East

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NOT FOR PRINT NAME

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and fax back to 518-673-2381

Company Name: ________________________________________________________ Fax# ______________________________________________ Published by Lee Publications P.O. Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 • 518-673-3237 • Fax 518-673-3245

August 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 13

Agtourism-Agritainment Alternative Energy Apparel/Promotional Items Associations Auctions Barns and buildings Berries Carts and wagons Christmas items, other Christmas trees Education Employment/Human Resources Equipment-fruit & vegetable

new venture or diversification will add to your profit margin and what types of risk may become barriers to repayment. If you are self-financing, borrowing for a new venture should be weighed against other factors that may occur until the end of the year.

Great summer sales may encourage you to consider other options for the second half of the calendar year, but be prepared to outline how the venture may impact the three major components of land, labor and capital, as well as many other life and business factors. Unexpected things happen with farm families and to business operations.

Being prepared for as many situations as possible is a prime part of risk management. Managing the “what ifs,” allows for more immediate and better implementation when new opportunities show up.

As you look down the pipeline and decide what the second half of the business year will bring, you can opt for new and exciting ways to grow your business, or be mired with decision-making that could keep you from pursuing a great option.

Producers often ask why business and marketing plans are necessary — why you can’t just offer a product and see what happens, or start a new venture that looks like a good deal.

Planning for diversification and managing your overall business through new phases is much easier if you have thought about it, planned for it, and are ready to implement a strategy that has substance backing it. A good business plan prepares you for handling an ever changing market and meeting customer needs.

The above information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional business or legal counseling.

ANLA and OFA announce first joint event OFA — the Association of Horticulture Professionals and the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) have announced the development of a new, joint event. The new event, named “Next Level,” will be held Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. According to OFA CEO Michael Geary, “Every indi-

vidual, every organization has a next level, the next dimension of performance and results to realize. The Next Level event is designed to help participants clarify their own next level, expose them to the ideas and insights to help bridge that gap and connect them to like-minded colleagues who can support their journey.” The Next Level event will be unique in its

focus on education that focuses attendees on working on their business, not just in their business.

ANLA and OFA have retained the services of nationally-recognized educational event designer Jeffrey Cufaude to help plan this meeting. He will work with a planning committee made up of members from both organizations. With direction from

volunteer leaders, an initial meeting with the staffs of OFA and ANLA, held in June, defined the goals for the conference.

Bob Dolibois, ANLA’s executive vice president stated, “Our industry faces a new normal in terms of the economy, our customers and our competitors.

The top industry firms of the next 20 years need to identify how their businesses have

to change in order to enjoy continued success. This meeting is the place where that will happen.”

The educational program is currently under development.

Further details will be available at the end of September.

For more information on the partnership between OFA and ANLA and the Next Level event, visit www.onevoiceon eindustry.com.

Page 14 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • August 2012

SNA announces 2013 event ATLANTA — The Southern Nursery Association (SNA) has announced preliminary plans for an event in 2013. Scheduled for Aug. 5-7 at Atlanta’s Georgia International Convention Center (GICC), this event will combine the SNA Research Conference, the Southern Plant Conference, the SNA State Officer’s Conference, and the Annual SNA Business Meeting to deliver one unparalleled event — all under one roof.

The GICC, conveniently located adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and minutes from downtown Atlanta, is Georgia’s newest and second largest convention center featuring more than 400,000 square feet of meeting space — all on one level.

The ATL SkyTrain, a free light rail train linking the GICC to the airport, the rental car center and the GICC station, as well as a wide array of affordable nearby hotels (including two new Marriott properties on the GICC campus), and

restaurants, coupled with excellent transportation connections from across the U.S., will offer participants added convenience.

This new regional event will bring together the most forward thinking leaders, researchers, growers, manufacturers, distributors, landscapers and retailers from across the southeast to share ideas, learn new techniques, address key industry issues, and locate new products.

Meister Media/Today’s Garden Center will be the official media sponsor of the event and will offer an educational program geared specifically to retail garden centers. In addition to the educational and networking opportunities another component of the event will provide industry growers and suppliers an opportunity to promote and showcase their products through various levels of sponsorship including a variety of channels of advertising, product presentations and display

space. If you are interested in gaining exposure to a regional audience through sponsorship, contact the SNA office at 678-809-9992.

Already, a number of industry members have committed to participation and expectations are high. “The response to this long-awaited event has received widespread positive reaction,” said Karen Summers, executive vice president of SNA. “This clearly indicates a strong industry need and a high level of confidence. SNA has a long history of producing successful events, and I am confident this will be another formula for

success. We are excited about working with Today’s Garden Center to bring this event to the industry,” she added.

The Southern Nursery Association is a non-profit, professional trade association representing the horticultural industry in the southern U.S. SNA provides member services

to wholesale growers, brokers, retailers, landscape contractors, landscape architects, grounds maintenance contractors, interiorscapers and allied suppliers. Established in 1899, the SNA strives to provide educational, marketing and networking opportunities essential to the

survival of the horticultural industry.

More details will be released in the weeks to come. For further information, contact the Southern Nursery Association, Inc., P.O. Box 801454, Acworth, GA 30101, 678-809-9992, mail@sna.org, or visit the SNA website at www.sna.org.

www. cfgrower.com

Farwest Show announces New Varieties Showcse for 2012

NVS-Ball Hydrangea Pistachio bloom.

PORTLAND, OR — Officials from the 2012 Farwest Show announced this year’s New Varieties Showcase, which will highlight more than 40 new plant varieties from 20 growers and breeders, according to Farwest Show Director Allan Niemi.

“This year’s New Varieties Showcase will feature new colors and color combinations as well as plants that are progressively more floriferous, increasingly compact, less water-dependent and more disease re-

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sistant,” Niemi said.

“These plants are handselected to capture the attention of home gardeners, retailers and landscapers.”

The New Varieties Showcase selection committee—comprises growers, retailers, plant buyers, garden writers and designers—reviewed submissions looking for plants new to the trade or are in largescale production for the first time, making them more readily available for purchase. They also looked for plants that are different from what’s currently on the market and those that will both perform well in the landscape and work well for the retailer. All plants that appear in the New Varieties Showcase are available from Farwest Show exhibitors to order for fall or the coming spring.

The New Varieties Showcase also offers retailers creative cost-effective ideas for merchandising plants in a garden center setting for increased sales. And more new 2013 plants

from eight exhibitors will be highlighted on the show floor’s Demo Stage at 3 p.m., Friday, Aug. 24.

For more information on the 2012 Farwest Show New Varieties Showcase visit http://farwestshow.com /vnvs.shtml The 2012 Farwest

Show will take place Aug. 23-25 at the Oregon Convention Center, in Portland, OR. For registration and more information about the 2012 Farwest Show seminar schedule, nursery tours, show hours and other features, visit www.farwestshow.com or call 503-682-5089.

NVS-Sester Regal Petticoat Summer foliage.

August 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • Section A - Page 15

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Page 16 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MIDWEST • August 2012

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Sq. Ft. Up to 5,000 5-10,000 over 10,000 Bedding Plants Vegetables Foliage Plants Cut Flowers Potted Flower Plants Other D. Do you operate a nursery? Acres 1-3 3-10 Over 10 Wholesale Retail Christmas Trees Shade Trees Fruit Trees Mums Shrubs Perennials Herbs, Drieds, Cuts E. Other Crops F. Is there any aspect of horticulture that you would like to see more of in Country Folks Grower?

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C H R I S TMA S S E CTI O N National Christmas Tree Association Convention & Trade Show 2012 Sacramento, CA ~ Aug. 8-11

California Here We Come!

Schedule of events (subject to change) Tuesday, Aug. 7 7:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Pre-Tour #1 – Sampling the Best of California (Tickets Required) Wednesday, Aug. 8 7–9 a.m. Wreath Contest Setup 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Pre-Tour #2 – Learn, Laugh & Shop (Tickets Required) 8–11 a.m. Tree Contest Setup

9 a.m.–12 p.m. Gallery of Trees Setup 3–5 p.m. Opening General Session Thursday, Aug. 9 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Trade Show Open 8–9:15 a.m. Concurrent Sessions - Water Issues: Coming Soon to Your State – Mike Wade - Legislative Issues Affecting Your Business – Craig Regelbrugge - Decorating and Merchandising Trends for 2012

9:15-10:30 a.m. Break in Trade Show 10:30–11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions - Pest Management Strategies for Your Farm – Lynn Wunderlich - Major Grower/Wholesaler Meeting - Trees for Troops: Lessons for Success 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Lunch in Trade Show 1–2:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions - Weed Identification and Control* - Credit or Debit? What Credit Card Merchants Need to Know – Ed Moore - Creating Award-winning Wreaths & Greens 2:15–3:30 p.m. Break in Trade Show 3:30–4:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions - Developing a Real Tree Certification Program – Sam Minturn - Choose & Cut/Commercial Retailer Meeting 5–10 p.m. Theme Night: California State Railroad Museum (Tickets Required)

Trade Show B2

Powers Tree Farm has always made wreaths for tree customers and their own retail lots.

But in the past few years, Powers Tree Farm has really grown in the wreath business. Now we have cold storage warehouses where we store and ship large quantities of wreaths. Wreaths are made in a variety of sizes from 6” rings to 60” rings. Offering both plain or mixed using Fraser, White Pine or Boxwood greenery. Also wreaths with cones and candle wreaths.

Specializing in Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri) trees known for great needle retention and great scent. The Fraser is one of the most popular trees on the market. Trees being harvested range from table tops to 14’ + trees. All are individual sized and graded so you get what you pay for.

Powers Tree Farm also offers Roping (garland) in a variety of sizes and mixes.

We make Fraser Fir, White Pine and Boxwood roping mixed or straight.

Roping comes in 20’ and 75’ lengths.

Roping is made fresh then stored in cold storage to preserve freshness. Roping and wreaths when delivered will be as fresh as when we make it.

D avid: 336.977.8585 5

Andy: 336.877.7722

296 6 Beee Treee Rd. C 28643 Lansing,, NC andy@powerstreefarm.com m

www.powerstreefarm.com

Buck Hill Tree Farm Great Quality at Affordable Prices!

Wholesale Fraser Fir Trees All Sizes Available

Wreaths Roping

Linville, NC

www.buckhilltreefarm.com 828-387-0366

Trade Show from B1

Friday, Aug. 10 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Trade Show Open 8–9:15 a.m. Concurrent Sessions - Techniques for Effective Leader Control* – Chal Landgren - Insurance: Is Your Farm Covered? – Tom Wilkins - Social Media Best Practices – Karen Rice 9:15–10:30 a.m. Break in Trade Show 10:30–11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions - Farm Safety Practices to Protect Your Business* - From ICC to NFPA – What You Need to Know about Holiday Safety - Grow Your Business with Email Marketing – Karen Rice 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Lunch in Trade Show 1:30–2:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions - Tree Keepability 101 – Ways to Improve the Postharvest Quality and Safety of Cut Trees* – Gary Chastagner - Accounting & Employment Practices for

Silveyville Pumpkin and Tree Farm

Davis Ranch

McGee Christmas Tree Farm & Carson Ridge Evergreens

Madrona Vineyard

Christmas Tree Growers* – Shelly Sorem - Steal This! Marketing Ideas from the Mouths of Members 3–4:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions - Wildlife Control* – Roger Baldwin State Executive/Leader Meeting - Idea Exchange 5:30–8 p.m. Awards Banquet (Tickets Required) Saturday, Aug. 11 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m. Farm Tours (Tickets Required) `In these challenging economic times, it is more important than ever to make the most of professional development opportunities to grow your business.

Whether you’re a grower, retailer, wholesaler or

Choose & Cut operator, you’ll find speakers and sessions tailored to your business needs.

Tree Keepability 101 – Ways to Improve the Postharvest Quality and Safety of Cut Trees Gary Chastagner, Washington State University This session will help growers and retailers understand basic concepts about the physiolo-

Indian Rock Tree Farm

gy of moisture and needle retention to improve tree keepability and safety. Dr. Chastagner will share information on the moisture status of cut trees, the effects of harvest date on postharvest quality and discuss some of the facts and myths associated with water-holding tree stands, water uptake,

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Accounting and Employment Practices for Christmas Tree Growers – Shelly Sorem,

Spectrum CPA Group As business owners, growers have to do much more than simply plant and harvest trees. They also have to hire and manage workers, main-

tain proper financial and labor records, pay taxes, develop business plans and financial statements — all while ensuring they are compliant with local, state and federal

BIG SPRINGS NURSERY and TREE FARMS Specialist in Fraser Fir Christmas Trees • Quality Wreaths • Garland (Roping)

regulations. This session will address topics every owner and manager needs to understand — from employment forms and record-keeping to accounts receivable and payroll – all from a Certified Public Accountant familiar with the Christmas Tree industry.

Wildlife Control – Roger Baldwin, University of California – Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center While a great deal of attention is placed on insects and disease, Christmas Tree growers also face ongoing challenges in effectively managing the wildlife on their farms. Deer, moles, gophers, voles and other

vertebrates can pose a risk to developing trees and field quality. This presentation will highlight the steps necessary to develop an effective management program for controlling wildlife pests. Special attention will be focused on tools and techniques for controlling these pests including habitat modification, exclusion, trapping, burrow fumigation, and rodenticides.

Credit or Debit?

What Credit Card Merchants Need to Know – Edwin Moore, Capital Q What’s the difference between credit and debit? How can you avoid excessive chargebacks?

What are the proper

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record-keeping procedures? How are changing credit regulations affecting retailers? Edwin Moore from Capital Q will answer all of these questions and more in this session to make sure you, as a merchant, are protected.

Legislative Issues Affecting Your Business – Craig Regelbrugge, American Nursery & Landscape Association This year, NCTA has enacted a renewed focus on protection and advocacy — and this session will bring you up to speed on those issues impacting the industry and your business.

NCTA’s legislative expert will review what’s happening in this election year and what’s looming on the horizon. Attend this session to learn how you can be an advocate for the industry and make your voice heard in Washington.

Grow Your Business with E-mail Marketing – Karen Rice, Constant Contact Looking for ways to expand your marketing on a limited budget? Consider the power of e-mail!

A former small business owner herself, this speaker understands both how easy it is for marketing activities to fall to the bottom of the to-do list and how important it is to make time for the things that work. She’ll share her practical approach to email and social media marketing, designed with the busy entrepreneur in mind.

Pre-Tours Pre-Convention Tour: Sampling the Best of California Hosted by the California Christmas Tree Association Tuesday, Aug. 7 - Departs at 7:45 a.m. and returns around 5:30 p.m This tour will take you through the beautiful Napa Valley as we travel to Sonoma County. We will begin our trip with a visit to the Kendall-Jackson Wine Center. Here we will take a guided

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garden tour followed by wine tasting. Kendall-Jackson is set on 2.5 acres, and with seven distinct garden areas offering a veritable cornucopia of beauty and flavor, these gardens are a core component of Kendall-Jackson’s commitment to food and wine education.

Then we’ll head to the beautiful Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Here, we will have a delicious catered lunch and be able to take a self-guided tour to see the Sequoia sempervirens, (Coast Redwoods), the tallest living things in the world. These remarkable trees can live up to 1,000 years and grow to a diameter of 16 feet!

Our next stop is Goat Rock on the Sonoma Coast near the mouth of the Russian River. Here you will have a chance to dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean and see a colony of harbor seals during pupping season.

And we’ll cap off the day with a visit to the Korbel Champagne Cellar, where we’ll enjoy an extended tour through the historic champagne cellars and museum, followed by a tasting of their finest products.

Note: There is a minimum and maximum set for this tour – please reserve your spot early. The bus will pick up and drop off at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. Tour participants are encouraged to bring a sweater or jacket, as coastal weather patterns can be unpredictable.

Cost (includes transportation, wine tastings, lunch and all admission fees): $100 Pre-Convention Tour: Learn, Laugh and Shop Hosted by the California Christmas Tree Association Wednesday, Aug. 8 - Departs at 7:15 a.m. and returns around 2:30 p.m.

This tour has a little something for everyone, from learning unique ways to grow and market your farm and products to doing some shopping of your own.

First up is a stop at Sciabica’s, a third-generation award-winning olive oil company, for a sampling of several flavored oils (otherwise known as “California Sunshine in a Bottle.”) Then it’s on to Hilmar Cheese Company, the world’s largest one-site cheese plant, taking in more than 2 million gallons of milk every 24 hours. You’ll have a chance to tour, taste and shop, after enjoying a delicious healthy lunch.

Throughout this tour, you’ll explore why California is the leading agricultural state in the nation and hear about some of the unique challenges and opportunities facing the state’s tree growers.

Note: There is a minimum and maximum set for this tour – please reserve your spot early. The bus will pick up and drop off at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.

Cost (includes transportation, lunch and all admission fees): $72 Special Events Theme Night - California State Railroad Museum

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Hosted by the California Christmas Tree Association Thursday Aug. 9 - Buses will begin shuttling at 5 p.m. and return around 10 p.m.

Get on board for a great Theme Night at the California State Railroad Museum, widely regarded as North America’s finest and most popular interpretive railroad museum. Catch one of the early shuttles for the chance to explore Old Sacramento, a piece of living history right on the waterfront and a bustling commercial district with shops, dining and more. In addition to checking out these must-see attractions, attendees will enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and entertainment at the museum. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch up with old and new friends at Theme Night!

Note: Buses will pick up and drop off at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.

Cost (includes transportation, admission, dinner and entertainment): $55 National Tree and Wreath Contests View the best of the best in the National Christmas Tree and Wreath Contests! Don’t miss your chance to help select the winning trees; the grower of the Grand Champion tree will represent the industry in presenting a Real Christmas Tree to the

White House in 2012.

Contest rules and entry forms have been sent to all state associations; they can also be downloaded at www.christmastree.org/contests.cfm. Even if you’re not a winner at the state level, you can still get involved by helping to decorate a tree for your state/regional association.

Voting for the Grand and Reserve Champion trees will be open from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9. Ballots will be supplied to all primary registrants.

Awards Banquet Friday, Aug. 10- Reception opens at 5:30 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Sacramento Join us for the closing reception and dinner on Friday night to recognize some of the leaders in the industry. During the banquet, the Christmas Tree and Wreath contest winners will be announced, along with other special awards and recognitions. Don’t forget to order your tickets on your registration form. Cost: $60

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FARM TOURS

All farm tours will take place on Saturday, Aug. 11 FARM TOUR #1: The Eastern Foothills – McGee Christmas Tree Farm, Carson Ridge Evergreens, Indian Rock Tree Farm & Madrona Vineyard • McGee Christmas Tree Farm & Carson Ridge Evergreens – Pioneer tree growers Omer and Elinor McGee first began planting trees in 1950. A past president of the California Christmas Tree Association, Omer was instrumental in the promotion of Choose & Cut Christmas Tree farms. Today, the McGee traditions continue with their children — son Mike and his wife Phyllis operate McGee Christmas Tree Farm, and daughter Cathy and her husband Gene run the adjoining Carson Ridge Evergreens. Mike McGee will share the farm’s history and extensive knowledge of Christmas Trees, particularly Canaan firs. In addition, you’ll see how they use stump culturing as part of their production strategy. Next up is Carson Ridge Evergreens, which was voted Readers Choice Best Tree Farm in 2011 and is situated in the beautiful Apple Hill area, where agritourism on tree farms, fruit orchards and wineries abound. This stop will also include hands-on presentations from some of the Christmas T ree industry’s leading researchers and educators. For more information, visit

www.mcgeechristmastreefarm.com and www.carsonridgeever greens.com.

• Indian Rock Tree Farm – Named for the numerous grinding rocks found on the property, Indian Rock Tree Farm has been welcoming families for more than 45 years.

Owners Larry and Geri Hyder first began managing the native trees and planting silver tip, white fir, and Douglas-fir seedlings in the 1960s and have since “branched out,” experimenting with species and varieties from other regions. In addition to wholesale and Choose & Cut tree sales, the farm offers silver tip wreaths and a gift shop filled with local crafts. In 2004, the farm was named “Outstanding Tree Farm in California” by the National Tree Farms Systems in recognition for their forest management practices.

Larry will discuss their development and shearing practices for cedars, which have helped to make them one of the best sellers. The Hyders enjoy sharing some of the Native American and gold mining history of the land, and fly fishers will be drawn to the beautiful stream, full of native rainbow trout.

For more information, visit www.indianrocktreefarm.com.

• Madrona Vineyard – This tour includes a stop at the beautiful Madrona Vineyards for lunch and a tour of the winery and tasting. Situated at 3,000 feet, the exceptional mountain elevation vineyards offer

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Farm Tour #2: The Sacramento Delta: Billy’s Farm, Davis Ranch, Silveyville Pumpkin and Tree Farm • Billy’s Farm – This tour will kick off with a visit to a natural Certified Organic Christmas Tree Farm. The farm features rolling hills, blackberry creek, private park, a 375-year -old California Heritage Oak, plus 10 varieties of Christmas Trees. The tour will begin with a traditional hayride, which is a focal point, plus a visit with the farm animals. While not for everyone, many California consumers are increasingly interested in organic products, and you’ll hear how this grower is tapping into this unique market. Customers come from as far away as Los Angeles to experience a truly natural Christmas. For more information, visit www.billysfarm.com.

• Davis Ranch – The tour will head to Sloughhouse, CA, to visit Davis Ranch. In addition to a large Choose & Cut operation, the farm has a thriving roadside produce stand business, stretching their selling season out over several months. Throughout the year, Davis Ranch plays host to a variety of small and large-scale events and festivals. During this stop, you’ll hear their unique approach to marketing and selling trees, with minimal labor, and learn more about the “growing business” of hydroponic farming. For more information, visit www.davisranchproduce.com.

• Silveyville Pumpkin and Tree Farm – Wrap up the day with lunch and learning at Ted and Jeri L ynn Seifert’s operation. You’ll enjoy a “locavore lunch,” savoring some of the best the north valley of California produces, under the shade of the redwoods. In the afternoon, California growers will discuss their

state’s Tree Fresh Certification program, storage and display options for precut trees and a unique watering system that helps to increase tree growth by as much as 25 percent. Over the past 30 years, Silveyville Farm has grown to be one of the largest in Northern California and you’ll hear how the farm has changed over the years, while still keeping the traditional experience.

For the marketers out there, you’ll see how automated rides, a horsedrawn grain wagon and a sleigh pulled by Rudolph help to create memories for families, as well as additional revenues. Check out the life-size nativity and take part in a live educational class presentation, or tour the gift shop and wreathmaking operation. For more information, visit www.silveyvilletreefarm.com.

The official hotel for the 2012 Convention is the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, conveniently located adjacent to the Sacramento Convention Center. Fresh from a top-tobottom renovation, the Hyatt includes stylish guest rooms, resortstyle pool, fitness center, and onsite restaurant, lounge and Starbucks. Reserve your room now by calling 888/421-1442 and asking for the NCTA group rate of $112/night for a single/double. Or, book online by visiting www.christmastree.org/convention2012.cfm.

When you’re not taking advantage of all the networking and educational opportunities the Convention has to offer, there’s also plenty to see and do in Sacramento! Sacramento is consistently rated as one of the best visitor values in California, with lots to do for little or no cost, including tours of the California State Capitol building or sightseeing in historic Old Sacramento.

Or venture out a bit — it’s easy to do with Napa just 50 miles away and San Francisco and Lake Tahoe just 90 miles away. Start planning your trip now at www.discovergold.org.

Agritourism workshop promotes preparedness, emergency management PIKETON, OHIO — Farmers, producers, business owners and anyone who operates farm markets, pickyour-own operations, wineries, farmers markets or festivals will have the opportunity to learn how to prepare for and handle an emergency

and minimize risks that may arise when the public is invited onto the farm, during an agritourism workshop and tour offered by members of Ohio State University Extension’s Sustainable Agriculture Team.

The agritourism workshop and tour will be

held Aug. 15 from 1-4 p.m. at the Leeds Family Farm, 8734 Marysville Road, in Ostrander, Ohio. The tour, which is free and open to the public, will offer participants the opportunity to learn how to prepare for any potential emergency that may arise when con-

sumers visit a farm or other agritourism venue, said Julie Fox, direct marketing specialist for OSU Extension.

With 80 acres, Leeds Farm is one of Ohio’s most successful agritourism farms and has offered tourism for more than 20 years, she said.

The tour will focus on strategies for farm markets and agritourism operations to assess and minimize risks that may arise when the public is invited onto the farm or agritourism venue.

“As you prepare fun experiences for your farm, you also need to

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prepare for potential emergencies, such as fire, natural disasters, injuries or other disruptions,” Fox said. “This workshop and tour will allow participants to see how an emergency management plan can help them deal with the ‘unthinkable’ if it ever happens when visitors are on their farm.

“People in agritourism have to be prepared for the best and the worst of times.”

The workshop and tour are sponsored by the Sustainable Agriculture Team, which will host a total of four tours this summer on urban agriculture, agritourism, farming research and farmers markets as part of the 2012 Ohio Sustainable Farm Tour and Workshop Series.

The series is a unique opportunity for growers and other interested people to experience what alternative production systems are all about from farmers themselves, said Alan Sundermeier, an OSU Extension educator who is also a member of the Sustainable Agriculture Team.

Organic and ecological farms are the focus of the tour, he said, noting that the main goal of the series is sharing and updating information among growers and people trying to promote sustainability and move the issues forward throughout Ohio.

“We try to highlight farmer-friendly research and education,” Sundermeier said. “Sometimes the best way to learn is to see it in action or experience it in person. Not everything can be learned in a classroom; sometimes you need to go to the site to understand the entire farm system.”

The Sustainable Agriculture Team works to get people to consider the economy, the environment and social structure when farming, he said.

Complete details and a list of all 23 tours in the series can be downloaded at www.oeffa.us/oeffa/ pdfs/farmtour2012.pdf.

To register for the Leeds Farm tour, contact Charissa McGlothin at 740-289-2071, ext. 123, or e-mail mcglothin.

4@osu.edu. The deadline to register is Aug. 14.

IPPS conference in the Brandywine Valley Oct. 10-13 You first get the sense that something is different about this year’s International Plant Propagators’ Society conference when you read “IPPS in the Brandywine Valley.” Those familiar with the area swoon at the possibilities. Many, though, may not even be sure what state it’s in! If you fall into the latter category, you are in for a real treat as you learn about and ultimately have the chance to explore this beautiful and historic area.

The Brandywine Valley is nestled among the rolling hills between southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware. This is where the duPonts made their fortunes, built their mansions, and where three generations of Wyeths have lived and painted the landscapes and people. It is home not only to magnificent destinations in the form of American castles, museums and historic battlefields but also to an abundance of world class horticultural attractions from botanical gardens and arboreta to production nurseries and greenhouses.

Sleeping rooms have been reserved at the Holiday Inn Express in Glen Mills, PA but nearly all conference events will be held off site. Our group room rate is just $109 (use group code “IPP”). The hotel room rate includes an extensive hot breakfast where you can fill up each morning before heading out on tours or to the educational sessions.

The hotel is 15 miles from the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) if you plan to fly to the meeting.

Shuttle, taxi and rental car services are available from the airport. This is the year you may want to consider driving to the meeting (more room for plants on the way home!) or renting a car to allow yourself greater flexibility to see this beautiful area. Transportation to the meetings from the Holiday Inn Express each day will be provided or you may provide your own transportation.

Registration this year will allow you to register for just one day or for the entire four-day event with a significant member discount. Non-members who wish to attend the entire event will be given a year’s membership in the IPPS Eastern Region as part of their registration fee!

Conference Outline Wednesday, Oct. 10: A tough choice awaits you in selecting your full day Pre-Conference Tour. The Lancaster Area Pre-Tour will visit Creek Hill Nursery, the Leola Produce Auction, Aris/Greenleaf Perennials and Esbenshades Greenhouses. The Botanic Garden and Arboretum Pre-Tour will visit the Scott Arboretum, Chanticleer Gardens and the Jenkins Arboretum. Both tours will meet at the end of the day for a tour and welcome reception at the Tyler Arboretum in Media, PA. Folks arriving during the day Wednesday will be bused from the hotel to the reception. The welcome reception promises to be a great social opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues old and new.

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Thursday, Oct. 11: We will enjoy a full day at the fabulous Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. Longwood is one of the great gardens of the world with outdoor gardens spanning 1,077 acres and a 4-acre conservatory.

The morning will start with a series of dynamic speakers in the Longwood Ballroom, including keynote speaker Kirk Brown who will bring America’s first world-class plantsman John Bartram back to life with his unique, costumed portrayal.

Following the morning coffee break, the first of two hands-on grafting workshops will be offered for those who pre-register. The talented staff from Longwood Gardens will demonstrate grafting techniques including cleft grafts, bud-grafts, and sidegrafts and participants will then have an opportunity to practice the techniques on live plants, which they will then be allowed to take home. Participation is limited to a maximum of 25 participants per session. Talks will continue concurrently.

Once the workshops and presentations have concluded at 3 p.m., you will be able to choose between touring Longwood on your own or joining a behind-thescenes tour. Those who elect to go on the behind-thescenes tour of Longwood Gardens will get to experience first-hand the key facilities and operations that provide the materials used to create the world class displays for which Longwood is known.

From 5:30-7 p.m. conference attendees will have the unique opportunity of experiencing Longwood’s world famous conservatories at night as Longwood generously hosts an evening reception for us. This special event will include a myriad of culinary delights placed throughout the conservatory along with a wide range of cocktails and other beverages. To make the evening even more memorable, participants will be able to interact with Longwood’s star aquatic specialist, Tim Jennings, as he provides a demonstration in the nearby aquatic pools explaining the mysteries of the Victoria water platters (including the breeding that produces the Victoria Longwood Hybrid), the water lilies (Nymphaea species and hybrids) and other aquatic plants in the displays. This is a very special event which few people get to experience!

Friday, Oct. 12: Friday brings another full day of tours with two options available. The DuPont Legacy Tour will visit Nemours Gardens, Hagley Museum and Gardens and Mt. Cuba Center. The Nursery Tour will visit Mt. Cuba Center, W.D. Wells and Sons Nursery, The Conard Pyle

Company and Ivy Acres. Both tours will meet at the end of the day at North Creek Nurseries for a nursery tour and Ice Cream Social. You will have dinner on your own. There are many restaurants near the hotel.

Be sure not to linger too long over dinner as you will want to return to the hotel for a lively and fun evening social event. We will have not only our silent and live plant auctions Friday evening but also an engaging event in the hotel’s auditorium — plans still under wraps! We’ll be able to enjoy dessert, coffee and drinks while moving among the events.

Saturday, Oct. 13: The venue for educational sessions and tours on Saturday changes to Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library in Winterthur, DE. Founded by Henry Francis du Pont, Winterthur (pronounced “winter-tour”) has a 60acre naturalistic garden and is the premier museum of American decorative arts. The program continues with back-to-basics presentations on seed physiology, cutting strategies, grafting techniques and tissue culture.

Once the program ends mid-afternoon, you will be able to tour Winterthur grounds via tram and/or visit the 175-room house where Henry Francis DuPont entertained his family and friends in grand style. The house is furnished with his outstanding collection of antiques and objects added since his death.

This is not the year to leave early — plan to stay for a full day on Saturday. Spend the night and enjoy the company of your fellow members and colleagues. The hotel bar, Firewaters, touts 50 beers on tap plus more than 100 different bottled beers from around the world! Spend Sunday exploring this extraordinary area on your own.

Now that you have the lay of the land, start making your plans now! Check out the full educational program and register at www.ippseastern.org.

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Securing equipment on trailers

by James Carrabba, Agricultural Safety Specialist, NYCAMH Many agricultural businesses transport tractors and heavy equipment on trailers. When hauling equipment on trailers, it is vitally important to make sure that the equipment is properly fastened down. This article will review some basic safety

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tips for ensuring that machinery is properly secured onto trailers. Also, loading and unloading equipment from trailers can be a hazardous task.

The following are some safety recommendations to minimize hazards when loading and unloading mobile equipment from trailers: • The truck and trailer should be parked on firm, level ground.

• Set the parking brake and chock the wheels.

• The trailer and/or ramps need to be wide enough for the equipment being loaded.

• If using a flatbed trailer with ramps, check to make sure the ramps are long enough to avoid having a steep angle.

• The operator needs be familiar with the equipment and preferably experienced in loading and unloading the equipment.

• When possible, and from a safe distance, have a ground spotter assist the equipment operator in getting the machine properly positioned on the trailer.

Do not overload the trailer and truck. Use an appropriate sized truck for the size of the trailer and the weight of the equipment being hauled. Check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the truck and its towing capacities. If the combined weight of the truck, trailer and equipment being hauled exceeds 10,000 pounds, you must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations.

This includes U.S. Department of Transportation markings on the truck, properly securing cargo, and stopping at roadside inspection stations.

Proper steps to follow to secure the machine for transport: • Inspect all the tiedown points and hardware for any signs of damage or wear.

• Inspect all chains. Look for any broken, cracked, or stretched links.

• Balance the load properly on the trailer. Position 60 percent of the load towards the front of the trailer. An improperly balanced load can cause the trailer to sway potentially resulting in a loss of control.

• Lower the bucket or any attachments down on the deck of the trailer.

• With articulated machines, connect the steering frame lock out bar after loading.

• When tying down the equipment, keep the chains straight and tight. It is best to use ratchet binders.

• In many states, heavy equipment with tracks or wheels must be restrained against movement with a minimum of four tiedowns. Each tiedown must be fixed as close as possible to the front and rear of the machine or to mounting points on the machine that are specifically designed for that purpose.

• The working load limit of the tiedowns must be at least one-half the weight of the equipment that is being moved.

• Many states require that the truck driver stop and check the tie down attachments shortly after the start of the trip. In some states, truck drivers are required to stop and check the load tie downs within the first 50 miles of the trip. Also, drivers are required to recheck the load and tiedowns every three hours or every 150 miles, whichever comes first.

• Truck drivers need to occasionally check the position of the trailer and load in the truck mirrors during transport.

Kurt Zuhlke & Assoc. Inc.

PO Box 609, Bangor, PA 18013-0609

email: sales@producepackaging.com

Over 55 Years In The Industry For over 55 years, Kurt Zuhlke & Assoc., Inc. has been a part of the many innovative packaging concepts utilized by the produce industry.

High Quality Products And Services Our packaging is designed to protect produce, provide excellent visibility to the consumer, reduce shrinkage and enhance the product.

We also offer professional labeling design and application.

Earth Friendly Packaging Made of Recycled PETE

KEEPING IT GREEN Our Clamshells are Recyclable!

Whether you are ordering a case or a truck load, you can rest assured that we have the ability and capacity to service your orders quickly.

www.producepackaging.com

The Ladder Most Preferred by Growers & Workers • Strong top section • Rigid steel hinges • Dimpled resettable tread provides slip resistance in all directions.

Tallman’s superior design assures ease of handling and longevity.

SERVING THE FRUIT INDUSTRY SINCE 1954 1460 Tucker Rd., Hood River, OR 97031 (541) 386-2733 (800) 354-2733 tallman@gorge.net www.tallmanladders.com

Ohio State offers new major in sustainability

COLUMBUS, OHIO — Beginning this fall, undergraduate students at Ohio State University with an interest in sustainability can put their passion into practice by choosing a new sustainability major. The new Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability (EEDS) major is being offered jointly by the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE) and the School of Environment and Natural Resources.

Both are part of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

“The major provides students interested in the business, economic and social aspects of sustainability with the tools necessary for a career in the public, private or nonprofit sectors,” said Tim Haab, department chair of AEDE. “I believe it establishes Ohio State as forerunner globally in the training of business, social and organization leaders who

understand the linkages between people, planet and profits.”

Students selecting the new EEDS major will gain in-depth training in sustainability and business, environmental economics and policy analysis, and community and international development. Internships and study abroad programs will offer students hands-on experiences that will help position them for a wide variety of careers, Haab said, from a regional planner or community organizer to an energy economist or international project manager.

“This major brings our considerable departmental and school strengths together in a unique and exciting way,” said Ron Hendrick, director of the School of Environment and Natural Resources. “It will equip students with not only a strong knowledge base, but also the analytical tools necessary to implement economically and environmentally sustainable solutions to socie-

Twenty six Illinois counties hit by drought can get aid

SPRINGFIELD, IL (AP) — Farmers in 26 counties in southern Illinois can apply for drought-related disaster relief.

Under new rules announced July 11 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, those counties automatically qualify for a disaster designation.

No formal declaration is necessary.

The criteria include severe drought conditions for eight or more consecutive weeks during the growing season.

Illinois Agriculture Department Acting Director Bob Flider says farmers in the affected counties may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans.

They should contact their county Farm Service Agency office.

The state agencies that make up Illinois’ Drought Response Task Force met to discuss recommendations and assistance for those hurt by the dry, hot weather.

tal needs. Doing so requires a broad understanding of economic, social and environmental systems, which the EEDS major provides.”

EEDS majors will take coursework in environmental economics, business management, environmental sociology, community and international development, ecological engineering, and environmental sciences. They can choose to specialize in one of four areas: • Sustainability and Business; • Environmental Economics and

Policy Analysis; • Community Development; and • International Development.

The major is being offered in partnership with Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business and the President’s and Provost’s Council on Sustainability. Haab and Hendrick credit the work of faculty members Elena Irwin and Jeff Sharp in establishing the new major.

For more details about the program or to enroll, see http://eeds.osu.edu.

Use your software and laser printer to create your own Signs • Tags • Labels WATERPROOF < Information rich < Consistent < Professional < Cost effective Great for Garden Centers, Farm Markets, Nurseries, Greenhouses, Landscapers Call or click for more information: (503) 717-9295 www.gardenware.com < info@gardenware.com

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North American Quarry News covers quarries, sand and gravel pits, HMA and ready mix concrete operations in the United States. NAQN provides a combination of strong editorial and advertising for industry professionals.

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Not only does Mane Stream go to horse owners who request it, but it goes to all of our Affiliated Horse Association Members.....29 Associations Strong and Growing! In addition, issues of Mane Stream are shipped to tack shops, feed stores, stables, auction barns, and where horse people frequent.

Our premier weekly agricultural newspaper has four editions covering agriculture from Maine through North Carolina. Every issue is loaded with national, regional and local agricultural news, equipment, service advertising and auctions.

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Wine & Grape Grower offers features, news and information on growing grapes, and making and selling wines.

Learn tips on how to start or improve your business.

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Country Folks Grower Classifieds

( 800 ) 836-2888 PO Box 121, 6113 State Hwy. 5 ( ) Fax: 518 673-2381 Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 E-mail: classified@leepub.com Announcements

Announcements

SEPTEMBER ISSUE ADVERTISING DEADLINE

Thursday, August 16th For as little as $9.25 - place a classified ad in

Country Folks Grower

Call Peg at

Christmas Trees NW OREGON CHRISTMAS TREES! 15,000-20,000 available. 4’-11’. Noble Fir. Great prices. #1’s. 503-829-9402 sandctreefarm.com

Fencing

1-800-836-2888

or 518-673-0111 or email classified@leepub.com Announcements ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

ADVERTISERS Get the best response from your advertisements by including the condition, age, price and best calling hours.

Also we always recommend insertion for at least 2 times for maximum benefits. Call Peg at 1-800-836-2888 CHECK YOUR AD - ADVERTISERS should check their ads. Lee Publications, Inc. shall not be liable for typographical, or errors in publication except to the extent of the cost of the first months insertion of the ad, and shall also not be liable for damages due to failure to publish an ad.

Adjustment for errors is limited to the cost of that portion of the ad wherein the error occurred. Report any errors to Peg Patrei at 518-6733237 ext. 111 or 800-8362888.

Announcements

Help Wanted

Fencing

F O R SALE

Business Opportunities DAYLILY FARM LIQUIDATING. Entire sections of Daylily’s must go, bulk pricing, all colors. Time to start your own Daylily farm. Lodi, OH 330-948-2470.

Country Folks Grower is looking for self-motivated free-lance writers to contribute to their monthly horticulture trade paper.

Knowledge of the industry a must.

HIGH H QUALITY

Sheared d & Naturall Christmass Treess up p to o 12'+

CEDAR R POSTS POSTS: 7', 8', 12' 4x4 POSTS: 8', 9' RAILS: 12'6" (pheasant fencing) 16" shingle block

2011 1 Forestryy Stewardship p Award Duane e orr Janett Olson Phone:: 715-623-6590 E-mail: olsonsbalsams@hotmail.com Website: www.olsonsbalsams.com

Fruits & Berries

Articles could include educational topics as well as feature articles.

Please send resume to Joan Kark-Wren jkarkwren@leepub.com or call 518-673-0141

Fruits & Berries

WHOLESALE NURSERY, INC. 9555 North Gast Road, P.O. Box 116 - Bridgman, Michigan 49106 Phone: 269-465-5522 Fax: 269-465-4822

WHOLESALE GROWERS OF QUALITY SMALL FRUIT PLANTS BLUEBERRIES ARE OUR SPECIALTY Grapevines Blueberries Jostaberries Gooseberries

Red Raspberries Purple Raspberries Yellow Raspberries Black Raspberries

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www.kriegersnursery.com ALL STOCK GRADED TO AAN STANDARDS

Help Wanted

FLORASEARCH, INC.

In our 3rd decade of performing confidential key employee searches for the nursery, greenhouse, and horticulture industries and allied trades worldwide. Retained basis only.

Candidate contact welcome, confidential, and always free.

Native Plants

NATIVE GRASSES, sedges, rushes, wildflowers, and herbaceous plants for use in wetland mitigation, restoration, and landscape design.

Contract growing available.

Signature Horticultural Services, Freeland, MD. Call 410329-6466 or fax 410-3292156.

FLORASEARCH, INC. 1740 Lake Markham Road Sanford, FL 32771 407-320-8177 7 (phone)) • 407-320-8083 3 (fax) Email: search@florasearch.com Web Site: www.florasearch.com

YARD SIGNS: 16x24 full color with stakes, double sided.

Stakes included. Only $15.00 each. Call your sales representative or Beth at Lee Publications 518-673-0101 or bsnyder@leepub.com. Please allow 7 to 10 business days when ordering.

Business Opportunities

WRITERS WANTED

CHRISTMAS TREES & CEDAR POSTS CHRISTMAS S TREES S Balsam and Fraser Fir

NEED BUSINESS CARDS? Full color glossy, heavy stock.

250 ($45.00); 500 ($60.00); 1,000 ($75.00). Call your sales representative or Lee Publications 518-673-0101 Beth bsnyder@leepub.com

Help Wanted

®

Specializing in Edible Landscaping.

Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Grapes, and Fruit Trees.

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Do You Grow Grapes?

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CHECK OUT www.wineandgrapegrower.com Or Call For a Sample Copy

800-218-5586

Greenhouse Plugs/Cuttings VINCA VINE (3ppp) DRACEANA, SPRINGERI, Iboza, Wandering Jew (3ppp) Swedish & German Ivy; 72 Trays $.30 Save Brokerage Fees BUY DIRECT. Green Earth Nature Center, LLC®, 785 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, IL 61107.

Toll Free 855-223-6681 www.greenearthnaturecenter.com

Jewelers

Nursery Liners

Beautiful Custom Designed Gold or Silver Masonic Rings.

Made by a Brother for a Brother. Jonathan’s Jewelry, 417B East Main Street, North Wilksboro, NC 28659. Phone 336667-0144

COMPLETE LIST of deciduous and evergreen seedlings and transplants at www.hramornursery.com or call 231-723-4846 Hramor Nursery LLC, 2267 Merkey Rd., Manistee, MI 49660

Nursery Stock

Nursery Stock

Greenhouse Supplies CARLIN HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES, 800-657-0745.

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Heating

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( 800 ) 836-2888 PO Box 121, 6113 State Hwy. 5 ( ) Fax: 518 673-2381 Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 E-mail: classified@leepub.com Nursery Stock LARGE VARIETY of Evergreens, Flowering Trees, Shrubs & Natives in larger sizes. Pre-dug trees available.

700 acres of quality field grown material. 40 years experience. Roger Coffey & Sons Wholesale Nursery P h : 8 2 8 - 7 5 9 - 7 1 5 7 Fa x : 828-758-9285 email: sales@rogercoffeyandsons.com www.rogercoffeyandsons.com

Plants

FOR SALE Cauliflower - Broccoli Celery - Collards - Cabbage Kale & Brussels Sprouts

PLUG PLANTS E & R Greenhouse

51 Esbenshade Rd., Ronks, PA

717-687-7969

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McMinnville, Tennessee

AMERICAN WHOLESALE CO.

Phone: (216) 426-8882 • www.awrco.com Scales

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931-473-4740 OAK LINER SALE Call for Prices & Availability

Vegetables

Ga lic Farm Alpha 19rYears “We grow great Garlic” Planting & Table Stock

German White 2.5” avg.

German Red 2”+ Spanish Roja 2”+ Elephant Garlic Large Bulbs - Good Keeper Quantity Discount Available

Stan and Adeline Erkson 259 Salt Springville Road Fort Plain, NY 13339-4316

518-993-2975

email: info@alphagarlicfarm.com www.alphagarlicfarm.com

Seeds V I S S E E D C O M PA N Y: Specializing in flower seeds from around the world.

Seeds, plugs, cuttings.

Offering the best annual, perennial, vegetable & herb seeds. Celebrating 25 years!

Contact us for a current catalog. PO Box 661953, Arcadia, CA 91066. (P) 626-4451233, (F) 626-445-3779, hvis@visseed.com, www.visseed.com

Services Offered WEDDING INVITATIONS printed and designed by Lee Publications: 100 (4.5x6) Invitations including envelopes with 100 RSVP postcards.

Only $150.00 +tax. We can also do smaller and larger amounts. Call for pricing and designs 518-673-0101, or bsnyder@leepub.com Also Save the Dates • Shower Invitations • Baby Announcements and more.

Skymeadow Garlic Farms

“Certified Organic” Garlic Seed Music German White German Red Ukranian Red Spanish Roja Bulk Discounts www.skymeadowgarlicfarms.com

607-435-2829 Vegetable Supplies

Services Offered CANVAS PRINTS: All sizes.

Mounted or Unmounted. Just bring in or send us your photo at Lee Publications. Call 518673-0101 bsnyder@leepub.com

FOR SALE: NEST/STACK ROPAK HARVESTING LUGS. Herb Barber & Sons, 800-3885384 or 716-326-4692, email: sue@herb-barber-sons.com w w w. h e r b - b a r b e r - s o n s . com/ropak.htm

IT IN - E-mail your ad to 4. E-MAIL classified@leepub.com - Go to www.cfgrower.com 5.ON-LINE and follow the Place a Classified Ad button to place your ad 24/7!

FOR BEST RESULTS, RUN YOUR AD FOR TWO ISSUES!

Cost for each Issue per Zone: $9.25 for the first 14 words, 30¢ each additional word.

(Phone #’s count as one word) # of issues to run______ Total Cost $________ Zone(s) to run in: East Midwest West

$9.25 $9.55

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Name: (Print)_____________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________ City:________________________________________St.:_________Zip:_____________ Phone:_________________________________Fax:______________________________ Cell:___________________________E-mail:____________________________________ I have enclosed a Check/Money Order Please charge my credit card: American Express Discover Visa MasterCard Acct#:_________________________________________________Exp. Date:_________ (MM/YY) Signature:_______________________________________________Date:____________

Forest Nursery Co. Inc.

NEW/USED WALK-IN-COOLER ~ FREEZER BOXES ~ REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS ~ EQUIPMENT Large Inventory ~ All Sizes • Buy • Sell ~ Nationwide • Wholesale Prices

the form attached completely and fax to Peggy at (518) 673-2381 MAIL IT IN - Fill out the attached form, calculate the cost, enclose your check or credit card information and mail to:

Country Folks Grower Classifieds PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428

High Performance PTO & Engine Driven Mist Sprayers

DAYLILY FARM LIQUIDATING. Entire sections of Daylily’s must go, bulk pricing, all colors. Time to start your own Daylily farm. Lodi, OH 330-948-2470.

5 EASY WAYS TO PLACE A COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER CLASSIFIED AD IT IN - Just give Peggy a call at 1. PHONE1-800-836-2888 FAX IT IN - For you MasterCard,Visa, 2. American Express or Discover customers... Fill out

Required w/Credit Card Payment Only

If you have used equipment for sale, ask about our group of weekly farm newspapers that cover from Maine to North Carolina.

Calendar of Events E-mail announcements of your regional event(s) to: jkarkwren@leepub.com We must receive your information, plus a contact phone number, prior to the deadline that’s noted under the Announcements heading on the 1st page of these Grower Classifieds. *** AUG 7 2012 MSU Plant Trial Field Day East Lansing, Michigan (Plant & Soil Sciences, MSU Campus).

On Internet at http://planttour.hrt.msu.ed u/fieldday AUG 7 Northern Ohio Vegetable Crops Field Night North Central Agricultural Research Station, Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center, 1165 County Rd., 43, Fremont, OH. 68:30 pm. Call 419-334-6340 or 419-332-5142. On Internet at http://oardc.osu.edu/branc hes AUG 8-11 National Christmas Tree Association Convention & Trade Show Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento, CA. More than 350 Christmas Tree growers, wholesalers, retailers, Choose & Cut farmers and related industry members from around the world. On Internet at www.christmastree.org/ convention2012.cfm

AUG 8-12 NCTA Convention & Trade Show Sacramento, CA. Contact NCTA, 636-449-5070 or em a i l i n f o @ r e a l christmastrees.org.

On Internet at www. christmastree.org/ convention2012.cfm AUG 15 Agritourism Workshop and Tour Marysville Road, in Ostrander. 1-4 pm. Learn how to prepare for any potential emergency that may arise when consumers visit a farm or other agritourism venue.

The deadline to register is Aug. 14. Contact Charissa McGlothin, 740-289-2071, ext.

123, or e-mail mcglothin.4@osu.edu.

AUG 17-20 NAFDMA 2012 Advanced Learning Retreat Tanners Orchard, Speer, IL. On Internet at www.nafdma.com AUG 24-25 Wisconsin CTPA Summer Convention Harrisville Park, Marquette County, WI. Contact Cheryl

Nicholson, 608-742-8663 or e-mail info@christmas trees-wi.org. On Internet at www.christmastrees-wi.org AUG 26-28 38th Annual FARWEST Show Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR. On Internet at www.farwestshow.com AUG 30 Tour of Urban Farming “Parking Lot” Research Plots 1427 Dover Rd., Wooster, OH. 4 pm. At old, closed dormitory of the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute. Features ongoing research on how to grow food on abandoned asphalt parking lots. Free. Call 330263-3846, or e-mail kovach.49@osu.edu.

SEPT. 10-12 OFA Perennial Production & Retail Conference Amway Grang Hotel, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This unique event offers an intimate educational and networking experience focused on perennials. Through seminars, a tour, hands-on workshops for producers and retailers, and a trade show, learn everything you need to know about perennial production and retailing.

All registrations include breakfast, lunch, trade show admission, reception, and networking events. For more information visit http://perennial conference.org/perennial/re gistration/perennial/ registration.aspx. On Internet at http://perennial conference.org/perennial/re gistration/perennial/ registration.aspx

All-America Selections announces first winners for 2013

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The All-America Selections (AAS) Board of Directors met recently to approve two holdovers from previous trials as the first two winners for the 2013 gardening season. A July introduction is much more timely for various wholesalers in that they can better plan to include these two new AAS Winners in their offerings later this summer, into fall and winter.

Canna “South Pacific Scarlet” F1.

Canna “South Pacific Scarlet” F1 AAS Flower Award Winner “South Pacific” adds a beautiful touch of the tropics to the garden with showy, 4-inch flowers that bloom all summer long in a delicious shade of scarlet.

AAS Judges raved about this first F1 hybrid canna from seed because it is such a robust and floriferous bloomer. “South Pacific” grows up to 24-inches tall in a two gallon container, 4-5-feet tall in the garden, providing a great grouping of specimen plants or a back-of-the-border focal point. The colorful blooms are produced on a flower spike held above the large leafed statuesque plants.

Commercial growers will benefit from the F1 vigor and the six or seven flower-laden branches it produces. Compared to other seed cannas, “South Pacific” was earlier to flower by one week, bloomed longer, had better basal branching and even withstood a light frost, all top qualities lending itself to grower programs for both the mass market and independents. As with other cannas, “South Pacific” tolerates wet conditions so it can be used as a pond border or in other similar growing conditions.

It’s bred by Takii & Co. Ltd. AAS Winner Data Genus species: Canna generalis Common name: Canna

PAGE 1

SUMMER EDITION • July 2011 Supplement to Country Folks GROWER

This Could Be Your Ad

MARKETPLACE

Country Folks Grower Will Have A Marketplace Glossy Section In The October Buyer’s Guide Issue

Full Coverage Special Rates Great Look

Unique qualities: First F1 seed canna, more vigorous and sturdy than other seed propagated cannas, non-stop flowering all season long.

Flower color: Scarlet Foliage color: Green Flower form: Standard Flower size: 4-4.5 inches Plant height: Up to 24 inches (in a 2 gallon container), 4-5 feet full maturity Plant width: 8-10 inches (in a 2 gallon container), 12-18 inches full maturity Plant type: Tender perennial in zones 7-10 Garden location: Full sun Garden spacing: 18-24 inches Length of time from sowing seed to flower: 11-12 weeks Closest comparisons on market: ‘Tropical’ series Echinacea “Cheyenne Spirit” AAS Flower Award Winner This stunning first-year flowering echinacea captures the spirit of the North American plains by producing a delightful mix of flower colors from rich purple, pink, red and orange tones to lighter yellows, creams and white. This wide range of flower colors on well branched, durable plants are sure to please the color preferences of any gardener. As an added bonus, “Cheyenne Spirit” does not require a lot of water and offers a wide-range of uses from the perennial border, in a mass landscape planting, in a butterfly garden or as a cut flower.

“Cheyenne Spirit” can be used by the professional grower as either a first year flowering perennial in their annual program, or by the traditional perennial grower who sows in the fall for over-winter production. In both applications, they can offer flowering plants from spring thru September. “Cheyenne Spirit” is best offered in larger containers for transplanting to a sunny spot in the garden or landscape. This AAS Winner is also a Fleuroselect Gold Medal winner. U.S. utility patent number 7,982,110.

It’s bred by Kieft Seed AAS Winner Data Genus species: Echinacea hybrida Common name: Coneflower Unique qualities: Vivid color range in a first year flowering perennial from seed Flower color: Shades of purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, cream and white Foliage color: Green Flower form: Single daisy

Winners

There is limited space available so contact us early to reserve your spot.

Deadline August 24.

For more information 800-218-5586 • 518-673-3237 dwren@leepub.com

Echinacea “Cheyenne Spirit.”

B16

Winners from B15

Flower size: 3-3.5 inches Plant height: 26-32 inches Plant width: 25-30 inches Plant type: First year flowering perennial Garden location: Full sun Garden spacing: 24 inches Length of time from sowing seed to flower: 23-24 weeks from a January sowing Closest comparisons on market: “Paradiso Mix,” “Magnus,” and “Bravado” As with all AAS Winners, these new, never-before-sold entries were trialed by the esteemed AAS Trial Judges who are trained and experienced horticulture professionals. A complete list of judges and trial sites can be found on the AAS website.

These newest AAS Winners are available for immediate sale. Commercial growers should inquire with their favorite seed supplier. AAS Winner tags are available from supporting tag suppliers. Consumers will find these seeds as supply becomes available in the coming months with catalog companies, in seed packets, from mail order companies and various websites. AAS Winners will also be available as young plants in lawn and garden retail stores next spring.

Complete data sheets on these and all AAS Winners are available on the newly designed AAS website. For further information contact Diane Blazek, All-America Selections, at dblazek@aas-ngb.org.

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Family owned and operated since the 1960’s Specializing in Fraser Fir but have a variety of cut trees 5/6 foot - 12/13 foot available.

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