Grower Northwest 7.12

Western n Edition

Section One of One

July 2012

GROWER

Volume e6 Number r8

$2.50

Serving All Aspects of Commercial Horticulture

Greenhouse • Nursery • Garden Center • Fruit & Vegetable • Farm Markets • Landscapers • Christmas

Family legacy continues at Owyhee Produce ~ Page 2 Ever-Changing Strawberry Market ~ Page 3

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Fall Harvest. . . . . . . . . . 10 Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Melissa Piper Nelson

Today’s Marketing . . . . . 5

INSERTS Grower Marketplace

Page 2 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • July 2012

Family legacy continues at Owyhee Produce

by Sally Colby When a young soldier returned from the Korean War in 1954, he decided to start farming on the side with his family. By the mid 1960s, that farmer, Owen Froerer, was farming on his own. Today, his grandson Shay Myers has taken the helm as general manager of Owyhee Produce in Nyssa, OR. “We started with about 30 to 50 acres and today we farm about 4,000 acres,” said Myers, comparing the farm’s start to the operation today.

“What gave my grandfather a leg up in the early 1970s was mint. He put in a mint distillery and starting distilling mint for pure mint oil.” Myers says his grandfather has always looked for opportunity, and stepped forward to take advantage of the precise geographic area required to grow mint commercially.

Through the 1980s, the facility was the largest mint distillery in Oregon. Although they are no longer the largest mint grower, Owyhee Produce harvests 800 acres of mint and supplies mint oil for a wide variety of mint-flavored products including chewing gum and toothpaste. “It’s really a specialty crop,” said Myers. “Mint is harvested twice a year, similar to the way hay is harvested. It’s cut in windrows, chopped and blown into sealable trucks that have an external heat source. The mint is taken to the Owyhee distillery for the steam extraction process that results in mint oil.”

Myers became involved in the family farm operation as he was growing up. “I spent summers working on the farm from the time I was about 10 years old,” said Myers, who left the farm for college after high school. “I didn’t know that I wanted to come back to the farm. I’m the oldest of three cousins, and the first of the

The Owyhee Produce packing house includes an efficient set-up for packing asparagus. The farm grows 150 acres of asparagus, making them one of the top producers in Oregon. three to have the opportunity to be on the farm.”

Myers says while he was in college, he wasn’t sure that he would return to the farm, but credits his grandfather as the main influence on his decision to return. “I looked at what my grandfather had done, and how much he had grown the business in his lifetime,” said Myers, “and what my uncle and my mother had done.

There’s too much of a legacy for me to not come back and give it a try. I really felt like there was a huge opportunity here.”

When Myers returned to the farm in 2006 with a degree in Spanish, he was the first of the third generation there. At the time, Owyhee Produce was not fresh packing onions. “We sold them as a commodity to other packers in the area,” he said, adding that he learned about fresh packing while working.

Owen Froerer, (on left), reviews the day’s watering assignments with Craig Froerer (on right) and a farm employee.

Photos courtesy of Owyhee Produce

“Luckily, it was a good year and my mistakes weren’t as significant to the bottom line. This is the seventh year, and I’m still learning all the time.”

Although Myers never looked back, he struggles with calling himself a ‘farmer’. “I run into people in business dealings who think a farmer is someone who has a red barn, three acres and doesn’t have any concept of how to run a business,” he said. “I’m frustrated by that image.” Myers also says it’s his experience that many people don’t think farmers do anything important. “We supply onions to feed 2.5 million people,” he said. “There’s a lot of pride behind that.”

Today, Owyhee Produce grows onions and several other crops in a carefully planned rotation that includes asparagus, beans (for seed), sugar beets, corn, mint, onion and peas. “The reason we do that is because we try to avoid fumigating the fields,” said Myer.

“It’s also a money-saver, and it’s part of our desire to impact as little as possible.

Myers says the 150 acres of asparagus they grow makes them one of the top three asparagus growers in the state.

“Asparagus doesn’t fit the rotation in the same way as other crops,” Myers explained. “It’s difficult to rotate out - we have to remove crowns with a plow.

Then we plant corn (for livestock feed), and then beans or peas. The following year, we’ll put onions in, then beans or peas again, then back into corn, then beans or peas once more to fix nitrogen before we go back to onions the fifth

year.” The crops between onions provide sufficient biofumigant activity that Owyhee Produce can avoid using a chemical fumigant.

“Onions are the main cash crop,” said Myers, noting that they grow three main types of onions. “That’s what we’ve built everything around.

The Spanish sweet is the one most restaurants use. It isn’t necessarily a true sweet onion, but it has higher sugar content than others. The sweetness doesn’t come out until it’s cooked.”

Owyhee grows super colossal onions that measure a minimum of 4.5” and up to 6” in diameter, which are popular for bloomin’ onions. “This is the only region of the country where we have long enough days and enough heat units to get that size,” said Myers.

Myers noted that the Spanish sweet onion they grow today is from an original strain that can be traced to 1500s in Spain.

Owyhee Produce also grows white, red and sweet onions, and has recently started to grow shallots and chipolini in response to consumer demand.

Myers says because the farm is in a desert region and relies on irrigation, crop rotation helps conserve water. “If we were to grow mint and onions everywhere, we wouldn’t have enough water,” he said. “Peas, beans and asparagus use very little water relative to onions.”

The farm’s water source is a 1930s Bureau of Reclamation project. “The watershed is about half the size of Nevada,” said Myers, “It can be volatile because it’s in a desert region.

There’s a three year reserve,

but volume can be affected by snow pack.”

Owyee Produce maintains a website, a Facebook page and uses Twitter, all of which Myers believes are important to help consumers understand more about food sources and growing methods.

A recent Facebook post includes a link for instructions on ‘How to caramelize onions like a pro.’

“It’s more of a consumer education campaign than for marketing,” said Myers. “It’s to let people know who we are, what we’re doing and we hope that at some point, there’s some trickle back from consumers about locations they’re buying from and the demand they create.”

Quite a few family members are involved in the daily operation of Owyhee Produce, including Myers’ grandfather Owen Froerer and his grandmother Colleen who manages the books for the business.

Myers’ uncle and aunt, Craig and Marla Froerer and Myers’ mother Robin Froerer and two cousins Chase and Jake are also actively involved in the farm operation.

Owyhee Produce employs the equivalent of 60 full time employees who work anywhere from the packing line to the fields.

“I have the best of both worlds,” said Myers. “I came back wanting to continue a legacy, and because of the opportunity through my family, the confidence they had in me and the willingness to let me make mistakes, we’ve gone from being an ‘average’ size onion grower and shipper to one of the largest onion grower/shippers in the region.”

Visit Owyhee Produce at www.owyheeproduce.com and on their Facebook page.

Robin Froerer, second generation family member at Owyhee Produce, is active in the business.

Ever-Changing Strawberry Market Martin and Ken have learned to roll with the punches as the Northwest strawberry market evolves

Ken Dahlstedt (left) and Martin Burwash seemed like unlikely partners but the partnership works out well.

Photo by Dan Berentson

plants, if you’re off a couple inches, suddenly you’ve taDahlstedt out four rows of plants.”

Tractors can handle some of the work, and Dahlstedt and Burwash hire out the weed control and spraying, but strawberries are still an intensive hand labor crop.

“We do one shot of weed spraying in the winter when the plants are dormant. But so much of the weed spray that kills the weeds, also kills strawberries. So, we’re really limited,” said Burwash. “We have a crew of weeders from May until it gets too muddy in the fall going through and hand weeding. And I spend my whole winter going out and hand weeding.”

Marketing challenges With farming now a global market, business models are changing. Not long ago most of the profit was in processing.

Today that’s switched and the profit is in the fresh market, and the processing — where farmers are competing against China and their significantly lower wages — is much less viable. So Dahlstedt and Burwash, who sell mostly to processors, are rethinking their operation.

Dahlstedt and Burwash recently started up a couple of acres of U-pick, but since they have full time jobs, they don’t have a lot of time to devote to a larger space. They also don’t have time to sit at the profitable stands and farmers markets, so they sell some of their berries to folks with fresh market outlets.

Today most of the berries are still sold to a local processor — Sakuma Brothers.

“They have developed good markets in Japan and a lot of strawberries we send to them end up as strawberry ice

cream for Haagen-Dazs there.”

Burwash and Dahlstedt also started selling a small portion to a small processor in Whatcom County where the fruit is blended into a puree and sent back east for smoothies and daiquiris.

“This is a new market we’re getting into,” said Burwash.

“Suppliers are starting to realize that because of our growing conditions, the berries grown in the Northwest have a natural higher sugar content and better color and flavor.”

Processors can avoid the cost of truckloads of sugar to blend with California or Florida berries by just purchasing Northwest strawberries.

A sweet strawberry Burwash says is one that is as red outside as inside. “Generally, berries coming out of California have more white than red inside. That’s because it’s been irrigated and grown where it’s very warm. It grows very fast and very big, but it hasn’t had the time to accumulate the flavors and sugars that a berry grown slower can.”

Unfortunately, Burwash feels Northwest berries growers have done a terrible job of advertising their quality berries. “We need to get that message out there. Western Oregon, western Washington and southwest British Columbia are three areas with really good quality berries.

“We’re in this transition of shifting gears,” said Burwash.

“The frustrating thing for Ken and I, is that we can’t quit our day jobs, but there’s this market sitting here. We’ve got the Tacoma/Seattle/Everett metropolitan area — more than enough consumers there to eat everything we grow.

Quality is always a little harder sell than ‘fast and cheap.’

But it can be sold. That’s what we’re working on now. That’s our challenge.”

Production In a good year Dahlstedt and Burwash can produce up to 300 tons of fruit. That’s a lot of berries to be taken care of in three weeks and they hire a crew that starts in California and works its way north.

“We’ve had basically the same people for 10 or 15 years,” says Burwash.

“They’re great and your crew will make or break you. They really will.”

To show just how extraordinary their crew is, Burwash said he and Dahlstedt don’t negotiate price, but dockage with Sakuma Brothers. “We negotiate a lid on the dockage and then work hard to make sure that our crew doesn’t go over that lid.”

“Their crews consistently pick less than 4 percent dockage,” says Burwash. “And a couple years ago, for two days in a row, we shipped 20 tons of fruit a day and with less than 1 percent dockage. And that’s because of the crew. We pay them a very competitive wage so we can keep our people happy and coming back each year.”

The crop cycle A strawberry season can be summed up like this: March: Dormant winter plants are “woken up” using a subsoiler. Its long shanks go into the ground a couple of feet, breaking up the ground between the plants and warming it up.

April/May: Fertilizer is added between the rains. Any new fields are added.

Dahlstedt and Burwash like Puget Reliance, which they purchased from the Sakuma Brothers. The plants are win-

ter hardy and good tasting and work well for both fresh market and processing. They grow other varieties as well, including Totems — ideal for processing because of their good yield.

Burwash fumigates for plant and weed seeds on new, open ground and hills up the existing plants. “We have a machine that pushes the dirt on each side of the plant so it sits them up on a hill and creates a trench. That helps for drainage and keeps the berries out of the bottom of the row if it rains so they don’t rot.”

June/July: After lots of rototilling, cultivating and picking, Burwash goes through with a brush hog and cuts the plants to ground level. “If it gets dry, we’ll irrigate and then get them greened up again.”

Fall: Burwash gives them one more shot of fertilizer for the winter uses the subsoiler again to loosen up the soil again for drainage and build up hills. In October he’ll cut surface ditches for drainage if necessary and the seasons is at a close.

Future full of hope Despite the hard work and challenges, Burwash is glad it’s the crop that survived. “I love growing the strawberries.

Have you ever seen a person walk out of a strawberry field or eat a strawberry that isn’t smiling? I call it nature’s junk food,” he said. “And, for whatever reason — I’m kind of good at it. You like to do stuff you think you’re good at.”

The goal ahead for Dahlstedt and Burwash is to get a quality product into the peoples’ hands. “Once they taste what good produce is supposed to taste like, I think they’ll want more of it.”

The subsoiler rips the ground open so it can dry and warm up.

Photo by Mary Chalberg

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Page 3

by Diane Mettler Ken Dahlstedt and Martin Burwash might seem like unlikely partners — Dahlstedt is a County Commissioner in Skagit County, WA, and Burwash Burwash works for Conway Feed, in Burlington, WA. But when the two punch out of their day jobs they get down to some serious strawberry growing.

“Dahlstedt’s the brain and I’m the brawn, and we like to say we’re vastly deficient in both areas,” laughs Burwash.

But the partnership works well, with Burwash handling the day-to-day farming and Dahlstedt taking care of the marketing and bookkeeping.

Only strawberries left standing The two men have seen farming in Skagit County take some wild turns over the years. Back in the ’90s the men farmed nearly 1,000 acres, growing broccoli, freezer peas, cucumbers for Nalley Pickles, as well as a small amount of strawberries.

“Those other crops have gone away — literally,” explains Burwash. “Nalley Cucumbers are packed in India and the freezer peas went to Chili and China. There used to be 15,000 acres of peas in Skagit County. Now, not a single acre is grown.”

The broccoli they phased out, “We never did make any money on it,” he laughs.

By attrition the men were left with strawberries. They currently have 70 acres in the Burlington and Edison area and only grow strawberries on about 50 acres each year.

“You’re always rotating new plants in and old plants out,” says Burwash. “We also grow wheat as a rotation to rest the ground.”

Good use of equipment The men have been able to use the 4040 John Deere tractors used to cultivate and fertilize the previous crops.

With the strawberries spaced 42 inches apart their tractor allows them to get down between the rows with a small rototiller and till four rows at a time. With the same tractor, they can attach fertilizer tanks and also do four rows at a time.

Burwash says strawberry growing is exacting work.

“Growing wheat or something like that, is what I call ‘to whom it may concern’ farming, because giant machines go over these huge fields at 50 mph. But with a row crop like strawberries, where you’re inching down the row and moving dirt beside these tiny

Market your farm products effectively

by Sanne Kure-Jensen Most farmers focus on production and don’t spend nearly enough effort on marketing. As with any business, this effort is critical to our success. Sherry Simpson of Cranberry Hill Farm shared her marketing experience at the Beginning Women Farmer Conference earlier this year. Her three-step approach was simple, inexpensive and successful: Tell your story, Create a logo and Accessorize. Simpson’s consumerfocused marketing strategies help her run a successful, profitable farm in Ashford, CT. Marketing Everything the consumer experiences, from the way your phone is answered, your business card, displays, website, to a newspaper story, is part of your business marketing. Make sure the message

says what you want it to say.

Customers today want an “experience” rather than a “product.” If you aren’t interested in working directly with customers, Simpson suggests you hire someone who is more outgoing or sell wholesale.

Today’s trendy restaurants promote menus with “local” produce, greens and meats. Customers recognize the health benefits of eating fresh, local produce and pastured or free-range meats.

Buyers support local farmers directly at Farmers’ Markets and Farm Stands, or indirectly where local farms’ products are featured in restaurants and grocery stores.

Tell your story “You are Local!” said Simpson. Be sure you remind customers and sell your farm and farm family. Tell what

Page 4 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • July 2012

Cover photo courtesy of Owyhee Produce Owen Froerer, who returned from the Korean War and started a small farm operation that grew to become Owyhee Produce, sets water in a farm field.

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.

Periodical postage paid at Palatine Bridge, NY 13428.

Subscription Price: $22. per year. Canada $55 per year.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to Country Folks Grower, P.O. Box 121, Subscription Dept., Palatine Bridge, NY 13428-0121.

Publisher, President..................................Frederick W. Lee V.P., General Manager ....................Bruce Button, 518-673-0104 ....................bbutton@leepub.com V.P., Production ................................Mark W. Lee, 518-673-0132 .........................mlee@leepub.com Comptroller .....................................Robert Moyer, 518-673-0148 ....................bmoyer@leepub.com Production Coordinator ................Jessica Mackay, 518-673-0137 ..................jmackay@leepub.com Editor ...........................................Joan Kark-Wren, 518-673-0141 ...............jkarkwren@leepub.com Page Composition .........................Allison Swartz, 518-673-0139 ....................aswartz@leepub.com Classified Ad Manager ...................Peggy Patrei, 518-673-0111 ...................classified@leepub.com Shop Foreman ..........................................Harry DeLong

Palatine Bridge, Front desk ................................ ....................................518-673-0160 Accounting/Billing Office ...............518-673-0149 .....................amoyer@leepub.com Subscriptions ..................................888-596-5329 ..........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 Mgr . . . . . . . bbutton@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . .800-218-5586, ext. 104 Dan Wren, Grower Sales Mgr . . . . . . . .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 Laura Clary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lclary@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-218-5586, ext. 118 Steve Heiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sheiser@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 107 Tina Krieger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tkrieger@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 108 Ian Hitchener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ihitchener@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 802-222-5726 Kegley Baumgardner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kegleyb@va.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540-255-9112 Wanda Luck / North Carolina . . . . . . . . . .luck@triad.rr.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336-416-6198 (cell) Mark Sheldon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . marksh500@yahoo.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 814-587-2519 Sue Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .suethomas@nycap.rr.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 949-305-7447

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. Size, style of type and locations of advertisements are left to the discretion of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. We will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The publisher reserves the sole right to edit, revise or reject any and all advertising with or without cause being assigned which in his judgement is unwholesome or contrary to the interest of this publication. We assume no financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertisement, but if at fault, will reprint that portion of the ad in which the error appears.

you grow and how; explain why you are a farmer and when you started farming.

Is it a multigenerational effort? Brag to your customers if you use best management practices, organics or Integrated Pest Management practices. Explain why you chose or didn’t choose heirloom varieties or breeds. Was it for disease resistance, flavor, consistency of the crop, etc? Assume that your customers are not home gardeners and will need details.

Branding/logo Design a logo and use it on everything.

Make it simple and clear. It could just be as basic as your farm name with an oval around it.

Have this logo printed or sewn on shirts, coats, hats or aprons to wear at Farmers’ Markets, Farm Stands, CSA pickups or during deliveries.

To improve your credibility, use appropriate partner logos on your brochures, fliers, website and Facebook page (e.g. your state department of agriculture logo or Harvest New England logo). If you are a member of NOFA, a Chamber of Commerce or other associations, include their logo as well. Be sure to request permission from the organization and have them send you a high resolution image rather than just pulling it from their websites.

Accessorize Print: Create business cards, product signs, tri-fold brochures, rack cards and signs. Each spring, or for special events, print and mail post cards.

Simpson creates her promotional materials on her home computer. Be sure your rack cards have your farm logo, contact information, website, directions and something unique about you.

ALWAYS carry business cards and rack cards. Bring rack cards to your local library, your town hall, local stores, Chamber of Commerce, Visitors’ Bureau, garden centers and other relevant sites.

Place your business hours in the free

calendar listings in your local newspaper, and online calendars. Check with your local or state Visitors’ Bureau, tourism office or Chamber of Commerce to investigate their listing options.

Web: Establish a presence on the internet. Take advantage of all the free listings you can: your State’s Department of Agriculture and any member associations you belong. Keep a list and be sure to update all these listings if you change your hours or want to promote a special event.

You can get national/international exposure with a free web page at www.LocalHarvest.org or Facebook.com.

For southern New England exposure, request a listing at www.FarmFreshRI.org.

Your page should include a farm description, images, contact information, where you sell, business hours, directions or map, a farm story and special farming practices. Add your farm and business associations, partners, product list, dates products available and customer reviews. You may also choose to invest in your own website.

Search or Google your farm name frequently and see what is out there. You may wish to link to a favorable story from your site. If there is an error posted, get it corrected right away.

Displays: Use a simple, long, onecolor tablecloth over your display table.

Let your products be the colorful focus.

Use multilevel displays between waist height and eye level. Always make bountiful displays. Refill the baskets or bins from backups in coolers under the tables, switch to smaller baskets or add something when you run low.

Customers seldom buy the last of anything. Include something yellow for its eye-catching appeal.

Label everything! Print up 4 by 6 cards with your farm logo and your various product names and laminate them.

You can use a wax pencil or marker to write in your prices.

Kathy La Scala joins Lee Publications PALATINE BRIDGE, NY — Lee Publications announces the addition of Kathy LaScala to its sales and marketing team. In her role as Digital Media Manager, Kathy will focus on digital product development for the family of Country Folks publications, which serve a variety of agriculture markets. In addition, Kathy will be a part of the sales team, providing agriculture focused companies a platform of regional and national opportunities to extend multi-channel communication and marketing efforts.

Prior to joining Lee Publications, Kathy was a national accounts manager at Vance Publishing. She brings extensive experience in sales, strategic positioning, marketing and project development to the team.

A native New Yorker, Kathy earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science, with a focus on dairy, from Cornell University.

Please join Lee Publications in welcoming Kathy to the Country Folks team!

Lee Publications produces Country

Kathy LaScala joins Lee Publications.

Folks, Country Folks Grower, Country Folks Mane Stream, Wine & Grape Grower and Small Farm Quarterly, along with a line of publications reaching the construction and quarry market.

Today’s Marketing Objectives By: Melissa Piper Nelson Farm News Service News and views on agricultural marketing techniques.

Targeted seasonal marketing Marketing strategies change throughout the seasons, but in summer a unique target audience dynamic emerges. You may see your customer base shift heavily to family and senior adult participation with different buying habits and amounts of disposable income. Adjusting your seasonal marketing

plans to attract and establish these new customers should be an important phase of your overall marketing plan for the year.

In the summer, families are seeking new and interesting places to visit and activities that engage both children and adults. How you plan your marketing depends on where and how you sell your product. If you

sell at your own farm, this may be the time you arrange for farm tours and other activities that offer families and senior buyers an interesting outing time during the day. Combining activities with education is important, too. Offering healthy cooking demonstrations, children’s healthy eating activities, and information about farming and the local

R E TA I L G A R D E N C E N T E R or C O M M E R C I A L P R O D U C T I O N. . .

Our Service...Your Satisfaction!

LET US DESIGN YOURS www.ludy.com • info@ludy.com

1-800-255-LUDY

will generally buy more of a variety of summer farm products, but less of each variety. They may be cooking for one or two people and not require a full bundle of goods. Think about how you present your product for sale and how this fits into the summer buyers you meet. Making seasonal adjustments to meet customer needs helps you target and retain specific customers.

The summer season is the perfect time to use your abundant produce, flowers or other goods to create attractive displays. Buyers appreciate and are drawn to farm stands that display a variety of colors, textures and abundance.

Vendors may think this type of display marketing has little to do with actual sales, especially when they have an established customer base, however just as in supermarkets, displays attract attention and create interest.

If you hire extra help during the summer, or have additional family members in the mix, ask them to help you plan ways to attract new buyers. Take advantage of more people on the ground to create displays and activities that require more help than you might have during other times of the year.

Also think about inventory and what buyers are seeking in the summer. Customers like to

bundle products with whatever else goes along with them. If you sell berries, do you also sell shortcake or cream to complete a dessert?

Packaging dry soup components in a jar to sell with fresh vegetables completes a dinner idea, as does a small package of vegetables with a cut of meat for a slow cooker stew.

Small giveaway products allow customers to take home more than just a product. A refrigerator magnet with your farm name and number invites families and others to return or contact you again. Active incentives are even better — a coupon for a return visit brings customers back throughout the season.

Special events throughout the summer also offer an activity as well as the opportunity to shop.

Targeted marketing changes throughout the seasons, and if you adapt and respond to the mix of established and new customers, you will position your business to prosper even with a changing audience. A little creativity, some extra hands, and a willingness to change things up a bit will make summer more than a brief interlude of seasonal sales.

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

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Page 5

NE W CONSTRUCTION O R R E N O VAT I O N. . .

economy, turns the visit into a teaching moment.

If you are a farmers’ market vendor, ask your market association to include kid’s activities into the market day and provide information booths that address family and senior resources. Local hospitals, health care groups, service agencies and public service providers welcome the opportunity to reach out to these target groups.

And, families and seniors appreciate the opportunity to visit with local farmers as well as make connections with community resource providers.

Summer buyers appreciate “how to” information including recipe ideas, samples, and small give-away items they can take home with them. Farmers’ market surveys have shown that buyers who get an idea of how to cook something will buy more of it, or try a different product than they have in the past. Samples give buyers a taste test of what they can expect and allow people to decide on the spot if they want the same product or something different. This lessens “buyer’s remorse” and the potential loss of customers. If you do plan to offer samples though, follow your local and state health and inspection guidelines for food safety.

Senior adult buyers

What went right on youth farm labor proposal

Page 6 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • July 2012

by Lynne Finnerty You know the saying, “…and the crowd goes wild!” often uttered after someone shoots a basketball straight into the net? When the Labor Department announced recently that it was withdrawing its proposal to limit the types of farm work that minors could do and whose farms they could work on, the response from farm country was instantaneous. Farm families had scored the winning basket. The crowd went wild! The sense of relief was palpable.

“This is great news!” someone commented on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s page on Facebook.

“Many farms, including our own, are family run and it should be the decision of the parents of the children working on the farm whether they are old enough to work. We are thankful for this decision as I’m sure many are!”

“Grassroots efforts work!” said another.

The Labor Department’s proposal would have barred anyone under 16 years old from using power-driven equipment, in addition to other restrictions, and limited the parental exemption to farms that are wholly owned by a parent. After Farm Bureau and others pointed out that the proposed rule could make it illegal for young people to use even a battery-powered screwdriver and did not take into account the way that many farms are organized nowadays, with ownership shared by several family members, the Obama administration withdrew it. DOL said the decision was made in response to thousands of comments expressing concerns about the effect of the proposal on small, family-owned farms.

It’s tempting to just sit back and relish this victory. But it’s important

FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE American Farm Bureau Federation

to look at what really worked, just as a winning team will review video of the game.

The first thing that worked was that all of agriculture used the same playbook. The administration didn’t get conflicting messages from different farm groups or agricultural sectors. Everyone came together behind one rallying cry: the child labor rule had to go!

Second, farmers and ranchers never gave up.

Even after submitting more than 10,000 comments on the proposed rule and after the comment period ended, farmers and ranchers kept expressing their opposition on social media websites, in newspaper and magazine articles and even on Capitol Hill. The din from farm country was relentless, much like the noise one might hear at a basketball game when the fans are letting their team

know that they’re behind them all the way.

Finally, farmers told their personal stories about how the proposal would affect their farms and their families. Some harked back to when they were young and learned important life lessons by doing farm work — lessons that helped them become better farmers and responsible adults, lessons that they want to impart to their own children. Even if someone didn’t grow up on a farm, he could probably relate to that.

Farmers talked about shared values and made a connection with the public.

So, what should we set our sights on next, and how can farmers and ranchers apply the lessons learned to win more victories? Game on!

Lynne Finnerty is the editor of FBNews, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s newspaper.

Beat the heat this summer

by Anna Meyerhoff, Farm Safety Educator, NYCAMH When summer heats up and farmworkers are exposed to long days of working at high temperatures, it’s very easy to become dehydrated.

When our bodies lose too much

water, we are no longer able to cool down by sweating, and our bodies get overheated. Dehydrated workers can become disoriented, weak or dizzy, and may suffer a heat-related illness if they do not get help quickly.

Symptoms of heat illness may

OxiDate 2.0 is now labeled for fire blight in apples OxiDate 2.0® Broad Spectrum Bactericide/Fungicide has been proven to eradicate fire blight innoculum on contact, providing an effective alternative to traditional treatment options. OxiDate 2.0 utilizes its patented activated peroxygen chemistry to attack the Fire Blight pathogen (erwinia amylovora) immediately upon contact. The rapid destruction of the pathogen’s cellular structure provides an effective kill in less than 30 seconds, helping to prevent infection caused by cankers and blossom blight.

There is no refrigeration necessary for OxiDate 2.0 as it is non-bacteria chemistry. It is EPA registered and OMRI listed for pome fruits. OxiDate 2.0 can be sprayed through the bloom period and is easy to handle, as well as mixing readily into the

spray tank.

OxiDate 2.0 is available in 2.5, 5, 30, 55, and 275 gallon containers.

For more information on OxiDate 2.0 and how it controls fire blight in apples, contact BioSafe Systems at 888-273-3088, toll-free.

BioSafe Systems LLC is the manufacturer of sustainable and environmentally responsible disease control solutions, many of which meet the requirements of the National Organic Program. BioSafe Systems develops products for the agriculture, animal health, post harvest / food safety, commercial horticulture, golf, home and garden, and aquatics industries.

BioSafe Systems will continue growing with the release of new products and solutions to meet the diseasecontrol needs of homeowners and professionals alike.

Cu orde stom r for 20 &S AVE 14 !

CUSTOM ORDER PRICING FOR SPRING 2014 - ORDER BY 8/3/12 Trees Feath 5/8” 1/2” 7/16”

200 7.86 7.40 7.08 6.27

500 7.28 6.81 6.52 5.97

1000 6.58 6.11 5.83 5.16

5000 6.09 5.60 5.31 4.70

10000 5.69 5.22 4.92 4.38

Order by 8/03/12 for discounted pricing! Pricing only valid thru Wafler Nursery

include: • Headache and dizziness • Profuse sweating • Intense thirst • Nausea, vomiting or fatigue • Muscle cramps • Loss of consciousness In case of heat stress, the victim should immediately be moved to a cool place and fanned. Applying cool water, wet blankets or ice packs can help lower the victim’s body temperature, and drinks of cool water or a sports drink are also recommended. If the victim does not start to feel better quickly, seek medical attention.

These tips can help you beat the heat this summer!

1. Drink lots of water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty! It is better to drink small amounts of water frequently — before, during and after work — rather than drinking large amounts less often. Field workers need to drink plenty of water when they are working hard, more if it is hot and muggy. Sports drinks help replace salt and elec-

trolytes lost from sweating.

2. Wear the right clothing. Wear light-colored, cotton clothing to help keep you cool. Avoid darker colors and heavier fabrics that absorb the sun’s rays and trap heat. A wide-brimmed hat and Z87 safety sunglasses can also help you stay cool.

3. Take breaks in the shade. When it’s hot out, you need to rest more often to avoid getting sick from the heat.

Take short breaks in a cool, shaded area and drink some water.

4. Work smart. Don’t overdo it during the hottest time of the day. Instead, schedule heavier tasks for early morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler.

5. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks. They can dehydrate you more.

Remember, taking care of yourself, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating well can keep your body in good shape and help you stay healthy and strong while working. Take care and stay safe this summer!

Streamlined trade of organic products between United States and European Union begins signed a similar partnership with Canada in July 2009, and additional equivalency arrangement conversations have begun with South Korea, Taiwan and Japan.

Previously, producers and companies wanting to trade products on both sides of the Atlantic had to obtain separate certifications to two standards, which resulted in a double set of fees, inspections, and paperwork. The partnership existing now eliminates these significant barriers, which is especially helpful for small and medium-sized organic farmers. During negotiations, both parties conducted thorough on-site audits to ensure that their programs’ regulations, quality control measures, certification requirements, and labeling practices were compatible.

“This agreement provides economic opportunities for certified organic farmers as well as additional incentives for prospective farmers,” said Miles McEvoy, National Organic Program Deputy Administrator.

“We look forward to working with our European Union counterparts to support organic agriculture.”

Although there are slight differences between the United States and European Union organic standards, both parties individually determined that their programs were equivalent, thereby allowing the

agreement that opened up trade today. The exception has to do with prohibition on the use of antibiotics. USDA organic regulations prohibit the use of antibiotics except to control invasive bacterial infections (fire blight) in organic apple and pear orchards. The European Union organic regulations allow antibiotics only to treat infected animals. For all products traded under this partnership, certifying agents must verify that antibiotics are not used for any reason.

The United States and the European Union will continue to have regular discussions and review each other’s programs periodically to verify that the terms of the partnership are being met. Later this year, representatives from both markets will compare the USDA organic wine standards to the recently published European Union wine standards and determine how wine can fit into the trade partnership. In the interim, traded wine must meet the production and labeling requirements of the destination market.

The arrangement covers products exported from and certified in the United States or the European Union only. All products traded under the partnership must be shipped with an organic import certificate, which shows the location where production occurred, identifies the organization that certified the organic product, and veri-

fies that growers and handlers did not use prohibited substances and methods. In addition to certifying that the terms of the partnership were met, the certificates also allow traded products to be tracked. Both parties are committed to ensuring that products traded under the agreement retain their organic integrity from farm to market. The European Commission’s Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development and the USDA National Organic Program — which oversees all U.S. organic products — will take on key oversight roles.

Estimates show the market for U.S. organics sales to the EU could grow substantially within the first few years of this arrangement. Today, more than twothirds of U.S. consumers buy organic products at least occasionally, and 28 percent buy organic products weekly.

U.S. agriculture is currently experiencing one of its best periods in history thanks to the productivity and resourcefulness of our producers.

Overall, American agriculture supports 1 in 12 jobs in the United States and provides American consumers with 83 percent of the food we consume, while maintaining affordability and choice.

Strong agricultural exports contribute to a positive U.S. trade balance, create jobs, boost economic growth and support President Oba-

CalAgTour.org offers directory and free event listing The University of California Small Farm Program hosts a searchable, online directory of California agricultural tourism (agritourism) operations, for use by visitors looking for a farm or ranch to visit. The directory is located at www.CalAgTour.org.

Listings and event postings are free. The site is visited by thousands of people every month.

For the purposes of this directory, agritourism is a commercial enterprise at a working farm, ranch, or agricultural facility conducted for the enjoy-

ment and education of visitors that generates supplemental income for the owner.

Agritourism enterprises might include, but are not limited to: • Outdoor recreation (fishing, hunting, wildlife study, horseback riding); • Educational experiences (farm tours, cooking classes, wine tasting); • Entertainment (harvest festivals, corn mazes, barn dances); • Accomodations (farm stays, youth camps, guest ranches); • On-farm direct sales (u-pick operations, roadside stands, farm

stores); and • On-farm weddings, reunions, catered dinners, etc.

If your agritourism operation meets the definition above, the UC Small Farm Program invites you to complete and return this informational survey to be included in the California Agritourism directory at www.CalAgTour.org.

Additional resources for agritourism operators can be found at www.sfp.ucdavis.edu/agritourism. For more information, contact Penny Leff at paleff@ucdavis.edu or 530-752-7779.

ma’s National Export Initiative goal of doubling all U.S. exports by the end of 2014.

For additional details on the trade partnership, please visit www.ams.usda.gov/NOP TradeEuropeanUnion or contact the National Organic Program at 202-

720-3252. The National Organic Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture facilitates trade and ensures integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing the organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations.

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Page 7

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that organic products certified in the United States or European Union may now be sold as organic in either market, as trade opened up on June 1, under a new U.S.-EU equivalency partnership.

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan signed formal letters creating the partnership in February, along with Dacian Ciolo, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, and Ambassador Isi Siddiqui, U.S. Trade Representative Chief Agricultural Negotiator.

“This partnership will open new markets for American farmers and ranchers, create more opportunities for small businesses, and result in good jobs for Americans who grow, package, ship, and market organic products,” said Merrigan.

“In the months ahead, USDA will continue to work hard to expand opportunities for all U.S. products, including organics.

Equivalency arrangements such as this are critical to growing the U.S. organics industry — they require careful negotiation to ensure that we maintain existing U.S. trade policies while ensuring that U.S. agricultural products will compete on a level playing field in world markets.”

The United States

USDA lifts European grapevine moth quarantine in four California counties The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the eradication of European grapevine moth (EGVM) from Fresno, Mendocino, Merced, and San Joaquin counties in California and the removal of restrictions on exports of EGVM host commodities, including stone fruit and table grapes, from those counties to Mexico.

“The removal of these counties from the European

grapevine moth quarantine will save stone fruit and table grape growers an estimated $10 million a year,” said Rebecca Blue, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs. “USDA is committed to partnering with our stakeholders in the fight against invasive pests and doing our part to minimize their impact on agricultural trade and export markets for American agricultural products.”

After the first detections of EGVM in California in 2009,

APHIS and its state partners began working together to detect, delimit and control the spread of the pest through outreach, surveys, quarantine enforcement and grower-led treatments costing an average of $10 million per year. APHIS declared eradication in these four counties after two years of surveillance resulted in no new detections of the pest.

After the detection of EGVM in California in 2009, Mexico also began requiring additional treatments on exports of

fresh table grapes and stone fruit from counties under quarantine for the pest.

“APHIS supplied Mexican agricultural officials with surveillance data and official notification that EGVM has been eradicated from the four counties in California,” Blue said.

“APHIS’ removal of these counties from the EGVM quarantine triggered Mexico’s removal of restrictions on exports of EGVM host commodities, providing much-needed economic relief for growers.”

Mexico is one of the top five export markets for American table grapes and the third largest importer of American fresh stone fruit. In 2011, California exported 3.4 million cartons of fresh stone fruit, valued at $45 million, and 5.7 million boxes of fresh table grapes, valued at $102.1 million, to Mexico. Fresno, Mendocino, Merced, and San Joaquin counties are a part of the primary production area of fresh U.S. stone fruit and table grapes.

Anticipation: Tomato genome becomes fully sequenced – paving the way for healthier fruits and vegetables

Page 8 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • July 2012

Boyce Thompson Institute, located at Cornell University, leads U.S. arm of international consortium ITHACA, NY — For the first time, the genome of the tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, has been decoded. It becomes an important step toward improving yield, nutrition, disease resistance, taste and color of the tomato and other crops. The full genome sequence, as well as the sequence of a wild relative, is jointly published in the latest issue of the journal Nature (May 31, 2012).

Specifically, the genome was sequenced from the “Heinz 1706” tomato.

The publication caps years of work by members of the Tomato Genomics Consortium, an international collaboration between Argentina, Belgium, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, United States and others.

James Giovannoni, a scientist at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research (located on the campus of Cornell) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, leads the U.S. tomato sequencing team, which includes researchers at several institutions. The wild tomato ( S o l a n u m pimpinellifolium) genome sequence was developed at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

Consortium researchers report that tomatoes possess some 35,000 genes arranged on 12 chromosomes. “For any characteristic of the tomato, whether it’s taste, natural pest resistance or nutritional content, we’ve captured virtually all those genes,”

said Giovannoni.

The sequences of these genes and their arrangement on the chromosomes are described in the Nature article, “The tomato genome sequence provides insights into fleshy fruit evolution,” which is information that allows researchers to move at a quicker pace and plant breeders to produce new varieties with specific desired characteristics.

“Tomato genetics underlies the potential for improved taste every home gardener knows and every supermarket shopper desires and the genome sequence will help solve this and many other issues in tomato production and quality,” said Giovannoni.

Now that the genome sequence of one variety of tomato is known, it will also be easier and much less expensive for seed companies and plant breeders to sequence other varieties for research and development, he added. Whereas the first tomato genome sequence came at a cost of millions of dollars, subsequent ones might only cost $10,000 or less, by building on these initial findings. To provide access to the gene sequences of the tomato and related species, Boyce Thompson Institute scientist Lukas Mueller and his team have created an interactive website (www.solgenomics.net). In the United States, Boyce Thompson Institute scientists Zhangjun Fei and Joyce Van Eck contributed to the sequence and its analysis. Other U.S. institutions involved: Cor-

nell University, Colorado State, University of Florida, University of Oklahoma, University of Georgia, University of Arizona, University of Delaware, Montana State, University of Tennessee, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the USDA. The sequencing of the tomato genome has implications for other plant species. Strawberries, apples, melons, bananas and many other fleshy fruits, share some characteristics with tomatoes, so information about the genes and pathways involved in fruit ripening can potentially be applied to them, helping to improve food quality, food security and reduce costs.

“Now we can start asking a lot more interesting questions about fruit biology, disease resistance, root development and nutritional qualities,” Giovannoni says. Tomatoes represent a $2 billion market in the United States alone. The USDA estimates that Americans consume, on average, more than 72 pounds of tomato products annually.

The sequencing would not have been possible without the work of Cornell’s Steven Tanksley and Boyce Thompson’s Greg Martin in the 1990s.

Tanksley, Martin and other Ithaca scientists developed genetic maps and other molecular tools for tomatoes to study mechanisms of disease resistance, and those tools ultimately paved the way for the consortium’s sequencing efforts.

Tomato genome and sequencing research in the

United States was supported by the National Science Foundation and the USDA. The Boyce Thompson Institute is located on the Cornell campus, and it was founded

by William Boyce Thompson in 1924. It is a private, non-profit institution that explores fundamental aspects of plant biology to positively impact society.

Farmers pursue air quality program in 2012 Farm Bill Calling it a unique opportunity to improve air quality and assist in stewardship of natural resources, a coalition of groups led by the California Farm Bureau Federation and the Nisei Farmers League recently urged the U.S. Senate to retain a successful air quality program in new federal farm legislation. The program, which is not included in the version of the farm bill released to the Senate floor, helps farmers implement air quality projects to meet federal, state and local regulatory requirements.

California, Arizona, Texas and other states benefit from the Air Quality Initiative in the 2008 Farm Bill. In California alone, more than 1,100 farmers and ranchers partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service on projects that reduced emissions an estimated five tons per day — equivalent to removing more than 408,000 cars from California roads.

“We’ve seen tremendous success from the program and it was so popular that NRCS was able to fund less than

www.facebook.com/cfgrower Gett mid-week k updatess and d online classifieds,, pluss linkss to o otherr agriculturall organizations.

environment, public health and stewardship efforts by farmers, ranchers and forest landowners.

“California farmers have shown through their actions that they are eager to implement air quality programs into their businesses,” said Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League. “We urge the Senate to capitalize on this enthusiasm and interest, and support farmers and ranchers in their pursuit of continuous improvement.”

In addition to the California Farm Bureau and the Nisei Farmers League, other members of the coalition include

African American Farmers of California, Agricultural Council of California, American Pistachio Growers, Arizona Farm Bureau Federation, Associated California Loggers, Association of California Water Agencies, California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, California Blueberry Association, California Cattlemen’s Association, California Citrus Mutual, California Cotton Ginners and Growers Associations, California Forestry Association, California Grape and Tree Fruit League, California Poultry Association, California Rice Commission, California Strawberry Commis-

sion, California Women for Agriculture, Far West Equipment Dealers Association, Fresno County Farm Bureau, Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers, Kings County Farm Bureau, Madera County Farm Bureau, Olive Growers Council of California, Raisin Bargaining Association, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, Texas Farm Bureau, Tulare County Farm Bureau, Ventura County Agricultural Association, Western Agricultural Processors Association, Western Plant Health Association, Western Growers and Western United Dairymen.

Agritourism safety resource Rural America is a popular recreation and vacation destination.

Some producers see agricultural tourism, or agritourism, as a way to supplement income, entertain the public and educate people to farming. Agritourism includes farm tours for families and school chil-

dren, interactive outdoors and/or educational activities, hands-on chores, u-pick produce, hay or sleigh rides, petting zoos, festivals, hunting trips and overnight stays in a bed and breakfast.

Agritourism operators have a lot of things to consider when inviting

the public to visit their farm, including health and safety for their guests, staff and family.

Protecting children and adults from injury on the farm, along with providing proper facilities and sanitation to prevent the spread of pathogens, takes careful planning, preparation and continuous quality control. The National Children’s Center, working with a broad group of stakeholders, has developed health and safety guidelines and easyto-use checklists specific to children to help agritourism operators manage health and safety on the farm.

In 2011, the Agritourism Health and Safety Guidelines for Children 2011 Edition was released. An online version can be forund at www.marshfieldclinic.or g/nccrahs.

Also available is Agritourism Policies and Procedures Checklist Guide. This guide will help agritourism operators and workers prepare and plan for emergencies, prearranged visits by groups, documentation, supervision of children, proper

hand-washing, animal contact, traffic and parking, fires, tractors and display equipment, locations for barriers and fencing, pest control, and hayride operations. This checklist guide will help create, revise, or add content to the farm’s own policies and procedures.

Another guide is the Agritourism Worksite Walkthrough Checklist Guide that will help operators check the physical operation’s preparedness for emergencies, communication with guests, animals and hand-washing, fires, tractors and display equipment, walkways and structures, barriers and fencing, pest control, food handling, recordkeeping, along with hayride and corn maze operations. This checklist will help operators and workers perform a hazard identification walkthrough of the agritourism worksite to view and correct hazards before visits by guests.

For more information visit National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety at www.marshfieldclinic.org/nccrahs.

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Page 9

Follow Us On

one-fifth of the applications it received,” California Farm Bureau President Paul Wenger said. “We still have important work to do in improving air quality, and farmers and ranchers remain ready to help.”

The farm coalition said retaining the Air Quality Initiative in the 2012 Farm Bill should be a priority, so more farmers and ranchers can participate. The coalition noted that the program prioritizes money for areas of the country with the highest air quality concerns, thereby using federal funding strategically to provide the most benefits for the

FAL L HARVE S T

Page 10 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • July 2012

Conducting farm and ranch tours Appropriate planning is essential if you want to present a positive image of your farm and of agriculture as a whole, and to be well prepared for a group visit. Farm tours should not, generally, be conducted in an ad hoc manner.

It is important to think about what kinds of images you want your visitors to take with them when they leave (impressions, experiences, knowledge, facts, products). Here are some considerations to take into account when assessing your state of readiness for a farm tour: • When is the best time of year for you to provide tours? Is the weather generally good at that time of year? Are unsightly chores like manure spreading or machinery cleaning occurring during that time?

• Will you charge a fee to offset the time and labor expended on the tour and to provide an economic return? If so, what will be your fee schedule?

• Will you offer products to eat at the end of the tour? If so, check with your local health department regarding regulations concerning your ability to feed guests.

• Can visitors safely tour your facility? Remember, safety is your responsibility!

• Is your farm relatively clean and in good repair? Do you practice good pest and waste management programs?

Are you prepared to answer probing questions about your practices?

• Will your tour present a positive image of agriculture as a whole?

Are there opportunities to demonstrate resource sensitivity, for example by providing habitat for wildlife such as hedgerows, ponds for waterfowl, etc.

• Is your farm accessible to persons with disabilities? If not, you may need to make this clear before the tour.

Preparation • Provide a site for

commemorative photo opportunities.

• Develop rules for photography. You need to decide whether visitors can take pictures of everything they see or only in certain areas.

Consider providing a specific location for group/family commemorative photos where pictures can be taken beside a farm sign, farm product, or some other piece of memorabilia.

• Be sure you have given adequate attention to hygiene. Assess the adequacy of your bathroom and hand washing arrangements, especially if visitors will be handling animals before they eat.

• Provide for adequate amounts and locations of garbage cans in the eating areas.

• Public Relations: Call your neighbors to let them know about the planned tour.

• Esthetics: Ensure that dead and injured animals or discarded products will not be on display during the tour or visible to your guests.

The tour schedule and presentation • Develop a tour program and a verbal presentation that can be

modified to fit the interests and backgrounds of the audience.

• Post signs that clearly outline safety requirements.

• View your operation through the eyes of a visitor. Point out the obvious and explain the reasons behind specific operations.

• Emphasize a theme throughout the tour (for example, recycling, sustainable agriculture, food quality, animal welfare, agriculture and the environment, and conservation).

• Discuss your production systems, following the path of products from conception to consumption; from seed to tomato sauce, from cow to milk and cheese, from lamb to wool. Talk about the diverse markets your products serve, including by-products.

• Select three to five points of emphasis that you want to reinforce throughout the tour.

What would you like guests to have learned by the end of your tour?

Whenever possible, make it an interactive, hands-on, experience.

For example: If you are touring an apple orchard, show pictures or

point to trees in different stages of growth. Describe the production cycle. How much it will produce at peak yield (relate the yield to something your audience can understand, such as “as much as two children weigh”). Discuss why you grow apples here (soil, weather, and water). Describe the steps the product goes through before reaching the market. Explain the challenges and uncertainties you deal with when producing apples (pests, changing regulations, labor force issues, market). But don’t bore your audience with your pet peeves. They are there for recreation, relaxation, and education.

• Have safe, organized, hands-on opportunities for children (touch the seeds, lambs, the warm pipelines in the milk barn and the cool milk tank, put feed samples in a bucket for touching,

etc.). For younger children (pre-school to 3rd grade), use body language to accompany your verbal explanation to help them learn and keep them involved.

• How many people can you comfortably accommodate in a group and still conduct an effective tour? Practice the tour with other staff who will also be leading groups. Organize the tour so different groups will not get mixed up.

• Practice the tour program with a person who is not involved in your operation and get their feedback.

• Walk your tour.

Check off how long it takes. Is the terrain level and well drained?

Tour contact • Picnic facilities must be adequate if provided.

• Ascertain the general age and abilities of the members of the tour in terms of the approximate number of adults and

Make Your Farm An A ttraction Animated Talking Characters Entertain and Inform

Aluminum ladders for agriculture...

STOKES LADDERS 6061-T6 structure aluminum Straight and Tripod - All sizes

709 Foothill Court Boulder City, NV 89005

Stokes Ladders, Inc.

800-489-1686 702-294-0563 Fax 702-294-2387

P.O. Box 445 Kelseyville, CA 95451

Web site: www.stokesladders.com – ask for STOKES –

Keep your produce cool and fresh for less New patent pending technology cools your walk-in or insulated room to 35 degrees with just a Window Air Conditioner • 10% of the up-front cost of a cooler compressor • Save up to 65% in electrical operating costs compared to same size cooler Order now and try CoolBot 30-Day * RISK-FREE TRIAL * 1-888-871-5723 • www.storeitcold.com

Alternative Refrigeration

Tours 11 Great For Farm Tours & Fall Festivals!

APPLEE SIPPERS S • 8 oz., easy fill, wide mouth • Drink thru, no leak, flip cap • “Bee safe” eliminates yellow jackets in juice • 120 per case

PUMPKIN SIPPERS Ask about our Machines Everything Apples

info@charactersunlimitedinc.com www.charactersunlimitedinc.com

Phone 800-842-7775

children and why the group wants to visit your farm. Establish a comfortable ratio of chaperones to children and youth if you feel it is necessary.

• Discuss parking and provide directions to parking facilities.

• Suggest clothing that enhances safety, for example closed-toe, low heel shoes and comfortable clothing. Suggest people bring hats and sunscreen in the summer, and warm clothing in other seasons.

• Discuss meals. Will the group be eating on your property? What will meals cost? Are your picnicking facilities adequate, if that is an option?

803-684-0690 www.everythingapples.com

Produce Packing Line At Lowest Prices MODEL H Packing Line 4” Recv. Belt Washer Absorber RT-5 Factory Direct Prices

TEW MFG. CORP. P.O. BOX 87 PENFIELD, NY 14526 (585) 586-6120

www.tewmfg.com 60th Year Serving the Industry 1-800-380-5839 Call or Write for Free Catalog and Prices

New Rolling High Tunnels from Growers Supply Make Crop Rotation Easy DYERSVILLE, IOWA — 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 an extended

Tours from 10 guests. Think of ways to relate concepts and terms to everyday life, for example, feeder mixer wagons are blenders on wheels, etc.).

• Answer only questions about what you know and limit your comments to your farm. Avoid ideological debates with guests or customers.

Concluding the tour • Allow plenty of time for questions.

• Review the main concepts you introduced and refer to the key theme(s).

For children’s groups, use a fill-in-theblank method, encouraging the children to participate, thus reinforcing the information.

• Samples of the product (empty containers, pictures, or actual products) provide a great ending. Provide information on how/where they can purchase your product.

• Escort the group to the bus or parking area, thanking them for their visit. Encourage them to return.

Post-tour review • Ask for an evaluation from the tour contact. What did the visitors like? What would help the group to better assimilate the information? What suggestions do they have for improving the tour?

• Establish and update a file of these notes. Review this feedback information with other tour staff before the next scheduled tour.

For more information visit http://sfp.ucdavis.edu/agritourism/f actsheet1.html Source: California Small Farm Program

World d Famouss Doyle’s Thornlesss Blackberry Thomas E. Doyle (6/26/1900 1/13-01)

LOOK WHAT YOU CAN GET FROM ONE PLANT

• Totally thornless and does not sucker • Yields 10-20 gallons per plant!

• Proven producer since 1975!

• Grows from Alaska to Florida — ALL 50 states • Just one Doyle Thornless Blackberry yields more than 30 ordinary plants!

• Large, Sweet, Juicy Berries—sooo good!

• Adapts to patios and small yards—a big plus • No other blackberry compares to the Doyle!

• Great for commercial growers and hobbyists

Doyle’s Thornless Blackberry, Inc. 1600 Bedford Road, Washington, IN 47501 PH: (812) 254-2654 FX: (812) 254-2655 doyle@fruitsandberries.com

www.fruitsandberries.com

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. Our Hercules Truss Arch manufacturing and distribution center is in Dyersville, IA. Visit us on the web at www.GrowersSupply.com or call 800-476-9715.

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Page 11

Briefing the group • Greet your visitors on the bus if they arrive by bus. Some tour buses have a PA system that you might use to address your audience.

• Introduce yourself and firmly but politely establish expectations regarding conduct and behavior (appropriate for the age group).

• Remind visitors that your farm is a working, production-oriented operation, not an amusement park.

• Children should be advised to: walk, remember that rocks stay on the ground, stay with the group, be good listeners, and raise their hands when they have questions.

• Prepare visitors for regular farm environmental hazards such as odors, flies, dust or loud noises. However, to the extent that you can, take steps to mitigate these environmental irritants.

Conducting the tour • Greet your guests when they arrive.

If you are addressing a large group, consider using a microphone or the tour bus PA system • Walk at a pace appropriate to the group’s size and age.

• Have a responsible person at the rear of the group to assist with keeping the group together.

• Discuss what the group will see before entering a noisy area.

• Children should be encouraged to repeat new words and concepts as you explain them.

• Be sure to explain any agriculture terms that may be foreign to your

growing season, plus the ability to rotate your crops.

14-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 roll-up sides and Growers Supply's exclusive "Twist-ofthe-Wrist" Roll-Up Assembly.

Page 12 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • July 2012

Farwest Show announces seminar lineup for 2012 PORTLAND, OR — Officials from the 2012 Farwest Show have announced the docket of professional seminars for this year’s event, according to Farwest Show Director Allan Niemi.

“Farwest seminars are designed to provide some of the most valuable professional development in the nursery, landscape and garden center businesses,” Niemi said. “And this year’s lineup is one of our best in a decade.”

Among the 45 speakers conducting 29 seminars throughout all three days of the show, highlights include award-winning e-mail marketer and humorist Michael Katz, who will speak on “E-Newsletters that Work;” nursery industry experts Mark Krautmann, Keith Warren and Nancy Buley fill out a panel on “The Wide World of Maples;” customer -retention pro Anne Obarski will present “New Xpectations of Customer Service in 2012;” garden center business consultant Sid Raisch will speak on “Inventory and Price Strategies for Healthy Margins — The Merchant Advantage;” horticulture professors Dr. Raymond Cloyd will conduct a seminar on “Pesticides and Biological Control: Are These Two Strategies Compatible?” and Dr. Charlie Hall will talk on “Cost Accounting — How to Make the Most Out of Your Bottom Line.”

New features for 2012 and focuses on the genus Acer “Everything that Farwest attendees love about the show will be back this year,” Niemi said. “We’ll have an excellent selection of nursery tours, a full docket of seminars, our showcase featuring close to 50 new plant varieties, a new Retail Marketplace, and for 2012 our genus focus will be on the Acer.”

From petite Acer palmatums to stately shade trees, many different species and cultivars will be installed in special displays at this year’s Farwest, whose

host, the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN), plans to showcase the breadth of Acer plants grown in the region for use in residential, municipal and commercial landscapes. “We want to inspire and educate attendees and persuade

our industry to see the design value the Acer family brings to the landscape,” OAN director of marketing Ann Murphy said.

Various Acer attributes, including different forms (shrubs, specimen shade trees, single- and

multi-stem, low and high grafts), shapes (vase, broad, columnar, weeping, etc.), bark color and texture, different leaf size and shape, and a mix of leaf color will be featured. “We intend to showcase Acer species, crosses and cultivars

from small to large growers, encouraging as many Farwest Show exhibitors to participate as possible,” Murphy said.

This year’s show will also include two days of nursery tours, networking events, 30 hours of seminars, a New Vari-

eties Showcase with nearly 50 new plants, a New Products Showcase, a Demo Stage, and a Retail Marketplace offering gift items geared to garden centers.

Lineup 14

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Page 13

The 2012 Farwest Show will feature three tours on Aug. 21-22.

Page 14 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • July 2012

Lineup from 12 Tours for 2012 Scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 21-22, this year’s three tours are themed: “Gen(i)us Acer,” “In the Shadow of Mt. Hood,” and “New Plant Trials.”

“We’ve always structured our tours to serve all the major subsets of our industry-retailers, growers, landscape pros and plant buyers,” Niemi said. “This year is no exception, and the tours cover a substantial geographical area of Oregon’s nursery and horticultural industry.”

“Gen(i)us Acer,” which will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 21, complements the two educational displays on the show floor and includes stops at five different nurseries. “In the Shadow of Mt. Hood,” to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 22, will feature small, medium and large conifer and shade tree growers, a bare root production nursery and a cedar box and retail display manufacturer. “New Plant Trials,” also on Aug. 22, will include stops at annual and basket growing operations and The Oregon Garden and its 15 trial gardens. A top Portland garden center and one of Oregon’s most innovative and perhaps the country’s largest florist azalea nurseries will be visited to round out the experience.

Tours travel on luxury motor coaches and include lunch, beverages and snacks. Tours leave the Oregon Convention Center

promptly at 8 a.m. and return by 6 p.m.

The 2012 Farwest Show will take place Aug. 23-25 at the Oregon Convention Center, in Portland, OR. To register for any of the tours, visit http://farwestshow.com /nurserytours. For the full schedule of 2012 Farwest seminars visit www.farwestshow.com/s eminarschedule.shtml.

For more information, visit www.oan.org or call 503-682-5089.

The Farwest Show is produced by the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN), a trade organization that represents and serves the interests of the ornamental horticulture industry. Any revenue realized by the OAN is reinvested into the industry through education, research, marketing support and government relations. 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 503682-5089.

The Oregon Association of Nurseries, based in Wilsonville, represents more than 1,100 wholesale growers, retailers, landscapers and suppliers. Oregon’s ornamental horticulture industry is among the state’s largest agricultural commodities, with annual sales of $676 million. Oregon’s nursery industry is a traded sector; nearly 75 percent of the nursery plants grown in Oregon are shipped out of state.

The 2012 Farwest Show will take place Aug. 23-25 at the Oregon Convention Center, in Portland, OR.

Grower education is paramount at OFA Short Course COLUMBUS, OHIO — The soil conveyors, pot materials and plant nutrition products found on the trade show floor are some of the newest technology available for the greenhouse growing trade, but when it comes down to the premier aspect of the OFA Short Course, the educational programming is what sets this show apart

from all others.

The 2012 OFA Short Course, the largest horticulture event in the U.S., is set for July 14-17 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. As is tradition, show organizers have gathered a lineup of experienced and respected speakers for the event’s four days of horticulture ses-

• Since 1964 • Specializing in Trade Publications, Trade Shows, Commercial Printing & Mailing Services

LEE PUBLICATIONS

Serving the agricultural, heavy construction, aggregates, solid waste, commercial horticulture and equine industries.

Country Folks

Farm Weekly Newspapers - since 1972, serving fulltime farmers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic market areas. The number one agricultural publication in this market! Target your audience with 4 regional editions.

Monthly Equine Publication covering New York, New England, Northern Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Reaching the horseowners in this market area as the official publication of over 25 Associations.

Since 1979, serving heavy construction contractors, landscaping, aggregate producers and recyclers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Markets every month. Qualified readership is guaranteed to get you results.

Country Folks

Since 1990, serving the commercial greenhouses, vegetable

GROWER W and fruit growers, and nurseries in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Northwest market areas. Reach your target audience with this monthly publication that is by far the number one media for these industries.

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.

WASTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT NEWS, since 1992, serving asphalt/concrete recyclers, composting facilities, construction demolition companies, wood waste recyclers and scrap metal recyclers with 2 monthly editions that cover the entire United States.

NORTH AMERICAN QUARRY NEWS since 1998, serving the quarry, sand & gravel, hot mix asphalt and ready mix concrete industries with one national edition. This is the fastest growing publication for these markets.

TRADE SHOWS Lee Publications produces trade shows, both regionally and nationally for each of the markets listed above. Go to our website at www.leepub.com for more information or call 800-218-5586.

COMMERCIAL PRINTING

We specialize in short run (5,000-100,000) copies) web offset printing.

Tabloid style print jobs like this publication are available in increments of 4 pages in black & white or full color. Complete mailing sources are available as well as insertions in any of our publications

LEE PUBLICATIONS PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 Phone 518-673-3237 Fax 518-673-3245

info@leepub.com

wright-Evans (Buglady Consulting) and Rich Densel (Van Vugt Greenhouses), 9:15 a.m., Tuesday, July 17.

In addition, there are a number of opportunities for incisive discussions on the greater challenges facing the horticulture industry. This year’s Summit topic, Value, Relevancy & Authenticity of the Horticulture Product, aims to present the industry’s current drivers with discussions to follow on how to then implement a strategic plan. The annual Town Meeting subject matter will focus on Putting the Steak Back in the Sizzle, in which the audience will try to figure out how to put some meat back on the bones of horticulture.

These hard-hitting, focused discussions are one of the trademarks of Short Course.

Catch the Keynotes Two keynote presentations will get the greenhouse trade thinking about how they can address the future. On Sunday, July 15, Joe Lamp’l (aka joe gardener®) will speak about ways to find and influence the ever elusive consumer in today’s market. You can see and hear Lamp’l on “Fresh from the Garden” on DIY Network, GardenSMART on PBS, and his latest series, Growing a Greener World, also on national public television. Lamp’l also shares his know-how on NBC’s Today show and ABC’s Good Morning America. His key question: Are our products, services, and marketing messages relevant and even reaching our target markets?

Catch Joe’s insights Sunday, July 15, at 8 a.m.

On Monday, July 16, Sam Kass, White House assistant chef and senior policy advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives, will bring his passion for gardening and growyour -own edibles to Short Course attendees in the second keynote presentation.

His message speaks directly to those in the horticulture industry who make fresh fruits and vegetables possible. Kass will bring an enthusiastic message about gardening and planting home-grown fruits, herbs and vegetables. This spring, several OFA member companies, including breeders and garden centers, launched new or expanded offerings in the edible plant category to

meet the increasing demand by consumers. This is good news for the industry and supports an effort to improve the health and well being of kids and adults.

Kass said, there is a “… national conversation that has been started about the need for all of us to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and ensuring that everyone has access to fresh produce in their neighborhoods — key components of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative which is an effort to tackle the problem of childhood obesity in this country.” Gardening is an integral part of the program.

Both events are open to all.

OFA Short Course expanded trade show sells out Even with increasing the square footage of exhibition space in the Columbus Convention Center, the OFA Short Course trade show is sold out and a waiting list has been established. More than 550 companies will occupy nearly 1,500 exhibit spaces in the 7-acre trade show. With so much to see, show organizers have arranged “Trade Show Interactive” sessions that will lead attendees through the floor and to vendors dealing with Pest Management Resources, Lighting, Growing Media, and other specific topics.

“The trade show brings buyers and sellers together in an affordable location to make business connections, to share ideas, and to work together for mutual success.

We expanded the trade show floor because more companies wanted to exhibit, or current exhibitors needed to expand,” said Michael V. Geary, CAE, OFA’s chief executive officer. “We see this as a sign of increasing confidence in the economy and the health of our industry.

Furthermore, Short Course is the first event of the year that will showcase new plant varieties, and products and services. People want to attend because it’s a premier trade show that has everything you need for your business in one place; and it’s a great place to exhibit because this is where the industry comes to do business.”

The 2012 OFA Short Course offers more than just

OFA 16

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Page 15

MARKET TO ANY OR ALL OF THESE INDUSTRIES WITH ONE CALL!

sions, tours and workshops.

Coming from academia, allied trade businesses, consulting firms, as well as directly from the greenhouse, these experts will share their knowledge of production, disease and nutrition management, media, crops and variety selection — all in order to help greenhouse growers prepare and succeed in the coming seasons.

A Sampling of Sessions This year’s Grower Solutions programming offers educational opportunities for greenhouse owners, managers and growers. From the latest disease outbreak to gaining insight into the industry’s current and future drivers of change, attendees will leave Short Course with the know-how to address their specific operational and production concerns.

More than 35 education sessions and workshops will be available for those in the greenhouse-growing segment of the horticulture industry.

A sampling of sessions and speakers includes: • Impatiens Downy Mildew: What’s a Grower/Landscaper to Do in 2013? Presented by Dr. Allen Hammer (Dümmen USA), Ken Harr (Syngenta Flowers Inc.,) and Dr. Mike Klopmeyer (Ball Horticultural), 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 14; • Mealybug & Scale Management. Presented by Dr. Raymond Cloyd (Kansas State University), 1 p.m., Saturday, July 14; • Tough Perennials for Tough Landscape Settings.

Presented by Rita Randolph (Randolph’s Greenhouses), 4 p.m., Saturday, July 14; • Plants a Savvy Grower Can Position & Make a Lot of Money. Presented by Terri Cantwell (Bates Sons & Daughters), Garry Grueber (Cultivaris Europe), Nathan Smith (Golden State Bulb Growers), and Lloyd Traven (Peace Tree Farm), 1 p.m., Sunday, July 15; • Greenhouse Applications of Light-Emitting Diodes.

Presented by Dr. John Burr (Purdue University), Dr. Roberto Lopez (Purdue University), Dr. Cary Mitchell (Purdue University), and Dr. Erik Runkle (Michigan State University), 2:30 p.m., Sunday, July 15; and • Biocontrol Hits & Misses.

Presented by Suzanne Wain-

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack makes statement on newest forecast for U.S. farm exports

Page 16 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • July 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement regarding USDA’s third-quarter forecast released May 31 showing U.S. farm exports reaching the second-highest level on record at $134.5 billion in fiscal year 2012: “With the release of today’s most recent export forecast, we can expect American agriculture to remain a bright spot in our nation’s economy in the months to come, supporting more than 1 million American jobs in communities across our country.

Since 2009, our farmers and ranchers are set to deliver three of the four highest lev-

els of U.S. agricultural exports in our nation’s history.

In fiscal year 2012, the latest forecast sees $134.5 billion in U.S. farm exports, the second highest level ever and $3.5 billion greater than the previous forecast. The reason for this success is the productivity of our farmers and ranchers, as much as President Obama’s leadership on trade.

Since 2009, USDA has aggressively worked to expand export opportunities and reduce barriers to trade, helping to push agricultural exports to historic levels year after year. Last year, the President insisted that we get the agreements with

South Korea, Colombia and Panama done right, forging better deals for America’s workers and businesses that led to strong bipartisan support in both houses of Congress. Today, the agreements with South Korea and Colombia are in effect, delivering greater returns for U.S. businesses. In 2010, the President committed to double U.S. exports in five years and, two years later, we are on pace to meet that goal.

In the latest forecast, the overall pace of exports is surging, led by a 5.1-milliontons increase in the volume of bulk exports over the February forecast. Consumer -

Blackmore offers new 2-51 Orphan Strip Tray The latest addition to the Blackmore Orphan Tray lineup is the 2-51 Orphan strip tray (stk# 8893).

The unique orphan design of the 2-51 keeps six “spare” cuttings attached to the “mother” strip tray in an “orphan” strip that is easily broken off at time of shipment. No more looking for orphans to replace cuttings that didn’t root in the mother tray. The 1inch deep tray is vented and designed for 25 mm Ellepots™.

Contact Blackmore at

800-874-8660 or trayinfo@blackmoreco.com

or www.blackmoreco .com.

oriented products in particular are soaring through the first six months of the fiscal year, up 15 percent over the first 6 months of 2011.

While wheat and soybeans are expected to perform well, it is American-grown highvalue products that are performing the best, with the forecast increasing again for horticultural products (particularly tree nuts) and livestock products. Moreover, exports to Canada and Mexico are both forecast up this quarter to new records, respectively, while exports to China are up $1.5 billion due to demand for cotton, pork, dairy, poultry, and tree nuts.

“These figures indicate how demand for the American brand of agriculture continues to soar worldwide, supporting good jobs for Americans across a variety of industries such as transportation, renewable energy, manufacturing, food services, and on-farm employment.

And as American agriculture continues to achieve a nearly unparalleled level of productivity, this success story will continue, helping to strengthen an American economy that’s built to last.”

The latest export forecast data is available at www.fas.usda.gov under the Quarterly Agricultural Export Forecast link.

TEW W MANUFACTURING G CORP. FRUIT & VEG. CLEANING & SIZING EQUIPMENT QUALITY LATEX & POLY SPONGE DRYING DONUTS TUFF FOAM® PROTECTIVE PADDING BRUSHES - BEARINGS - SIZING CHAINS - SCRUBBER RUBBER STANHAY & TEW JR & MX VEGETABLE SEED PLANTERS

FOR MORE INFORMATION:: www.tewmfg.com TEW MFG. CORP. PO BOX 87 PENFIELD, NY 14526

TEL: 585-586-6120 TEL: 800-380-5839 FAX: 585-586-6083

August Is Our Blackmore 2-51 Orphan Strip Tray 25mm Ellepot™ No. 8893.

OFA from 15 the trade show. The four-day event includes 140 educational sessions, keynote presentations, several networking opportunities and tours. Attendees will come from the United States and nearly 25 other countries.

Grower Tour A full-day grower tour on Saturday, July 14, allows visitors to talk shop, quite literally, in three nearby growing operations. Covering a range of mostly grower to mostly retailer, these operations can shed some light on what business and growing

tactics are being used by grower peers. In addition, bus conversations provide a great method for critiquing what works — and what doesn’t. Tour stops in-

clude deMonye’s Greenhouse, Meadow View Growers, and Darby Creek Growers.

Register for the 2012 OFA Short Course at ofa.org/shortcourse.

Issue Advertisements and Editorial to keep your business growing.

If you have a product you would like included in this section, please call 800-218-5586 or email dwren@leepub.com

Deadline July 12

Are You Involved In More Than One Industry?

We Are Here to Help You. FREE E SUBSCRIPTIONS S BY Y REQUEST * Please check off the publications you would like to receive and answer the questions below each.

Regional/National Solid Waste Recycling (monthly)

Regional Heavy Construction (monthly)

- Send me Ì YES Hard Hat News!

Handling Ì YES - Send me Waste Equipment News!

Hard Hat News focuses on heavy equipment construction including excavating, construction/demolition, paving, bridge building, and utility construction in the northeastern third of the United States.

TITLE 1 Ì President/CEO 2 Ì Manager/Supervisor 3 Ì Other NUMBER YOUR PRIMARY BUSINESS #1, SECONDARY #2, ETC. 1 Asphalt Paving _____________________ 7 Construction Demolition _________________ 2 Concrete Paving ___________________ 8 Landscaping __________________________ 3 Oil & Stone Paving__________________ 9 Land Clearing _________________________ 4 Bridge Construction ________________ 10 Logging _____________________________ 5 Excavating ________________________ 11 Other _______________________________ 6 Utility/Underground _________________

Ì

(bi-monthly)

TITLE J Operations Manager J Other TYPE OF BUSINESS (Check all that apply) Construction Demolition Recycling J Scrap Metals Recycling Construction Demolition Landfill J Ferrous J Non-Ferrous Woodwaste Recycling/Land Clearing J Equipment Manufacturer Composting J Equipment Dealer Asphalt/Concrete Recycling

J Owner/President/VP J J J J J

Regional Horticulture

YES - Send me North American Quarry News!

Country Folks Grower is the regional newspaper for all segments of commercial horticulture.

Each issue is filled with important news, information, and advertising for the Greenhouse, Nursery, Garden center, Landscaper, Fruit, Vegetable Grower and Marketers.

Your company produces these products or services: Ì Ì Ì Ì Ì

(Check All That Apply) Crushed stone and sand & gravel 6 Ì Industrial minerals Crushed stone 7 Ì Machinery/equipment manufacturer Sand and gravel 8 Ì Equipment dealer/distributor Recycled materials, concrete/asphalt 9 Ì Drilling Lime 10 Ì Blasting

(

Regional Agriculture

Paid Subscription

weekly

Ì YES - Send me Country Folks!

*This publication costs $22 for one year. *This publication costs $38 for two years.

)

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.

*This publication costs $47 for one year.

Business Type: K Dairy K Sheep

K Beef K Alfalfa

Business Type: K Greenhouse K Tree Fruit K Nursery

National Vineyard

SUBSCRIPTIONS 888-596-5329 email: subscriptions@leepub.com

(

K Goat

Paid Subscription

bi-monthly

K Small Fruit K Christmas K Garden Center K Supplier

K Farmers Market K Direct Market K Vegetable

PO Box 121, 6113 State Hwy., Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 800-218-5586 • FAX 518-673-2381

(Check All That Apply)

K Horse K Soybeans

(Check All That Apply)

LEE PUBLICATIONS, INC.

*This publication costs $78 for two years.

K Poultry K Corn

monthly

Folks Ì YES - Send me CountryGROWER!

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.

1 2 3 4 5

Paid Subscription

Name _______________________________________________

)

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.

Farm/Business Name ___________________________________ Address______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ City ________________________ State _____ Zip __________ County ____________________Email _____________________

Business Type:

K Grape Grower K Vineyard

(Check All That Apply)

K Wines K Supplier

Phone (

) _______________Fax (

) _________________

Date ___________Signature______________________________

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Page 17

National Aggregate

Recycling professionals involved in the wood waste, C&D, scrap metal, asphalt & concrete, and compost recycling industries will find Waste Handling Equipment News a valuable source of new products, product innovation and site adaption.

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 # # # # #

ADVERTISERS

Page 18 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • July 2012

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.

Number / Classification 35 Announcements 50 Applicators 80 Auctions 110 Bedding Plants 120 Bees-Beekeeping 130 Bird Control 155 Building Materials/ Supplies 165 Business Opportunities 210 Christmas Trees 235 Computers 330 Custom Services 415 Employment Wanted 440 Farm Machinery For Sale 445 F a r m M a c h i n e r y Wanted 470 Financial Services 500 For Sale 505 Forklifts 510 Fresh Produce, Nursery 515 Fruit Processing Eq. 530 Garden Supplies 535 Generators 570 G r e e n h o u s e Plugs/Cuttings 575 Greenhouse Supplies 580 Groundcover 605 Heating 610 Help Wanted 680 Irrigation 700 Lawn & Garden 805 Miscellaneous 820 Nurseries 840 Nursery Supplies 855 Orchard Supplies 910 Plants 950 Real Estate For Sale 955 Real Estate Wanted 1035 Seeds & Nursery 1040 Services Offered 1130 Tractors 1135 Tra c t o r s, Pa r t s & Repair 1140 Trailers 1155 Tree Moving Services 1165 Trees 1170 Truck Parts & Equipment 1180 Trucks 1190 Vegetable 1205 Wanted

Announcements

Announcements

AUGUST ISSUE

ADVERTISING DEADLINE

Thursday, July 12th For as little as $9.25 - place a classified ad in

Country Folks Grower

Call Peg at

1-800-836-2888

or 518-673-0111

Help Wanted

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

or email classified@leepub.com

Knowledge of the industry a must.

Announcements

Articles could include educational topics as well as feature articles.

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

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

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. Please allow 7 to 10 business days when ordering.

Business Opportunities

Help Wanted

1-800-836-2888

Business Opportunities

Do You Grow Grapes?

Do You Make Wine?

CHECK OUT

Refrigeration

To place

Refrigeration

a

AMERICAN WHOLESALE CO.

www.wineandgrapegrower.com Or Call For a Sample Copy

800-218-5586

Christmas Trees PLAN AHEAD for Christmas Tree Season: 10K Grand Fir 59 ft., $2.00 each – NOT per foot. Healthy plants. Harvesting available through local labor contractor. Easy loading & access to I-5. Salem,OR 503-932-2396

Fruits & Berries

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

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

Vegetables

SCALES: All types of scales, new & used, special 4x4, 5000x1-pound. Legal for trade. $1,400. 800-200-9970, 916-600-8336

PRECISION PLANTER for planting seeds through plastic. The Poly Planter Does It All, www.ferrisfarm.net

Fruits & Berries

Classified

Soils

Ad Soils

Seeds 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

Black Currants Red Currants White Currants Asparagus

www.kriegersnursery.com ALL STOCK GRADED TO AAN STANDARDS

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

Peat Moss & Growing Mixes Visit me at this Summer’s Trade Show’s OFA Columbus, OH Booth #901

P.A.N.T.’S Oaks, PA Booth #5039

IGC Show Chicago, IL Booth #230

Book Your Orders Now! Ship This Fall for Guaranteed Supply & Delivery!

Jeff Bishop - Lambert Peat Moss 315-472-7952, c-315-480-1900 Lambertpeatmoss@aol.com web - canadapeatmoss.com

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 Sprayers

Sprayers

A1 Mist Sprayers Resources, Inc. SPRAY Y UP P TO O 140’

Hard to R each Area s Weed Control Insect Control Foliar Fertilizing Debris Control plications ng Fu icide Ap

ATV - Narrow Row

3 Pt. Terminator

High Performance PTO & Engine Driven Mist Sprayers

5 EASY WAYS TO PLACE A COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER CLASSIFIED AD 1. PHONE IT IN - Just give Peggy a call at 1-800-836-2888

Uses: Sweet Corn, Pumpkins, Tomatoes, Strawberries, Blueberries, Melons, Orchards & Vineyards

877-924-2474

Email resources@mistsprayers.com

www.mistsprayers.com

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. *** JUL 10

AUG 17-20

Association of Northwest Landscape Designers Portland OR/Vancouver WA. Behind the Scenes Garden Tour.

Call e-mail gardentour@anld.com.

NAFDMA 2012 Advanced Learning Retreat Tanners Orchard, Speer, IL. On Internet at www. nafdma.com

JUL 14-17

38th Annual FARWEST Show Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR. On Internet at www.farwestshow.com

OFA: 2012 ShortCourse Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH. Call 614-487-1117 or e-mail ofa@ofa.org. On Internet at http://ofa.org/shortcourse info.aspx JUL 16 Northwest Nursery Research Day Oregon Garden Resort, Silverton, OR. On Internet at www.oan.org 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 email info@realchristmastrees.org.

On Internet at www.christmastree.org/ convention2012.cfm

Discover customers...

Fill out the form attached completely and fax to Peggy at (518) 673-2381

3.

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

AUG 26-28

SEP 6-7 Montana Nursery & Landscape Association Fall Tour Bozeman Area. Call 406755-3079 or e-mail ED@plantingmontana.com.

SEP 11 Fall Tour Montana Nursery & Landscape Association, Bitterroot Valley, MT. Call 406-7553079 or e-mail ED@ plantingmontana.com.

NOV 2-6 2012 Irrigation Show & Education Conference Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL. Call email info@irrigationshow.org JAN 9-10 2013 MT Green Expo Holiday Inn Grand Montana, Billings MT. Call 406-7553079 or e-mail ED@ plantingmontana.com.

JAN 23-25 Idaho Hort Expo Boise Centre on the Grove, Boise, Idaho. Contact Ann Bates, e-mail abates@ inlagrow.org. On Internet at www.inlagrow.org

4.

5.

E-MAIL IT IN - E-mail your ad to classified@leepub.com

$9.25

$9.55

$9.85

$10.15

$10.45

$10.75

$11.05

$11.35

$11.65

$11.95

$12.25

$12.55

$12.85

$13.15

$13.45

$13.75

$14.05

$14.35

$14.65

$14.95

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

ON-LINE- Go to www.cfgrower.com Name:(Print)______________________________________________________________________ and follow the Place a Classified Ad Address:_________________________________________________________________________ button to place your ad 24/7! City:__________________________________________________St.:__________Zip:___________

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: J East J Midwest J West

Phone:_____________________________________Fax:__________________________________ Cell:__________________________________E-mail:_____________________________________ K I have enclosed a Check/Money Order K Please charge my credit card: K American Express K Discover KVisa K MasterCard Acct#:__________________________________________________________Exp.Date:_________ Signature:_______________________________________________________Date:____________ (MM/YY)

Required w/Credit Card Payment Only

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Page 19

Calendar of Events

IN - For you MasterCard,Visa, 2. FAX IT American Express or

Page 20 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • July 2012

Nominations sought for California Leopold Conservation Award

by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary In the eyes of conservationist Aldo Leopold, an ethical relationship between the land and the people who benefit from it was “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.” His vision of a “land ethic” is what drives the search for nominees for the 2012 California Leopold Conservation Award. If you are a California farmer or rancher committed to sound environmental stewardship or know someone who is, please consider a nomination.

The award recognizes private landowners’ commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and land management. It underscores the fact that many ranchers, farmers and other private landowners are on the front lines of conservation and should be recognized for protecting the environment. So often, voluntary conservation by private landowners provides the most effective, efficient and durable means of protecting land, water and species.

At the recent Ag Day celebration at our Capitol, I had the pleasure of celebrating 2011 Leopold Award Winner Tim Koopman, a thirdgeneration rancher whose efforts to protect wildlife and improve water quality have made his ranch an exemplary agricultural component of a largely urbanized community in Sunol.

As in past years, finalists in 2012 will be selected in part based on their commitment to responsible and sustainable land management, the overall health of their land, implementation of innovative practices and dedication to community outreach and leadership. The California Leopold Conservation Award judging panel will evaluate properties in two categories: (1) Nurseries & Crops, and (2) Livestock. In California, the award is presented by the Sand County

Foundation, Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

The grand prize of $10,000 and a crystal rendering of Aldo Leopold, author of the

“Sand County Almanac,” will be presented at the California Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention in December. Runner -up prizes of $1,000 will also be presented.

The deadline for nominations is July 15. For more information and a nomination form, visit http://leopoldconservationaward.org/uploads/LCA_CANom201 2_final2.pdf or contact

Sustainable Conservation at 415-977-0380.

For information about past winners and finalists, visit http://suscon.org/leopoldaward/i ndex.php.

I encourage you to

participate in this program and help California’s innovative, forward-thinking farmers and ranchers get the credit they so richly deserve when it comes to conservation.

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

Country Folks

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.

DETAILED LISTING ($30/YEAR)

FREE BASIC LISTING

Includes Basic Listing plus: Contact Person (Sales Manager?)

Complete Address Telephone, Fax, Email & Website Description (40 words or less) All Appropriate Category Listings Online E-mail & Website Links are Live!!!

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

Company Name:

ENHANCED DETAILED LISTING ($95/YEAR) Includes Detailed Listing plus: Logo appears with your listings in Black & White (print) and color (online) 1, 2 or 3 ONE P Zone, Your logo can be E-mailed RICE! to dwren@leepub.com.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City:

__________________________________________________________State: ______________________ Zip: __________________

Telephone: ______________________________________________ Fax: ____________________________________________________ Website:

________________________________________________ E-mail:__________________________________________________

Description (40 words or less):

______________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

V Manufacturer

V Distributor

V Grower

V 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 9/13/12.

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

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

V Hydroseeding V Insurance V Irrigation V Landscape products V Leasing V Mulch plastic V Mulch-landscape V Native plants V Nursery young plants V Nursery stock-finished V Nursery supplies V Orchard supplies V Organics V Packaging V Peat moss and growing mixes

Which editions would you like to appear in

V Perennials V Pest control V Plows and cultivators V Pots - containers V Produce V Pruning V Pumpkins and Halloween V Refrigeration V Seed-flower V Seed-vegetable V Skid steer V Snow plows V Software V Soil and compost V Soil Mixers and baggers

Ì East

V Specialty foods V Sprayers V Stakes V Tags, Labels & Signs V Technology V Tractors V Trade Shows V Trailers V Transportation V Trucks V Vineyard Equipment & supplies V Weed control

Ì West

Ì Mid West

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NOT FOR PRINT NAME

PHONE

E-mail

Product Managers: ________________________________________________________________________________ Sales Managers: __________________________________________________________________________________ PR Contact:______________________________________________________________________________________

Ì

If this is not something that interests your company, check here 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

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Page 21

PostScriptPicture Tree,Fir

C H R I S TMA S S E CTI O N

PostScriptPicture Tree,Fir

Page 22 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • July 2012

Christmas tree marketing 101 in 2012

by Sally Colby As Christmas tree growers are scouting, spraying and planning the upcoming season, some are wondering whether there will be a glut of trees that will make this year’s marketing more challenging.

Rick Dungy, public relations manager for the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), says there’s no way to track how many trees are in the field. “Trees are not an annual yield crop,” said Dungy. “You can’t go out in the field and know that ‘x’ number of trees are ready for harvest, and you don’t know what buyers will want. Once year they might want 6’-7’ trees, and the next year they may want more 5’-6’ trees. That changes your inventory and how you count it.” One factor that makes tracking even more difficult is that trees are harvested at a wide range of heights. “I’ve had growers tell me that the most popular tree they’re harvesting now is a 3’ to 4’ table top tree.”

Dungy mentioned the USDA ag census as the closest measure of trees in the country, but that census is only conducted every 5 years. “The last census was done after the 2007 harvest and came out in spring of 2008,” said Dungy. “Previous to that, the census was after the 2002 harvest season, so we’re only looking at a picture of time every five years.”

Dungy says the 2002 census revealed that there were just over 21,000 farms growing Christmas trees for the cut tree market, and the 2007 census showed just under 17,000 farms. He noted that this change could be due to the fact that many smaller, diversified farms weren’t counted.

Information about the number of consumers purchasing live or cut

trees vs. artificial tree can be found on the NCTA website. Data is compiled from consumer polls, which Dungy says are completely different from the numbers in the USDA ag census. Dungy noted another factor that makes it difficult to estimate the number of trees is the variety of terms used in surveys to determine trees grown on farms: dug tree, potted tree, B&B, rootball tree, living tree, replant tree. “It’s hard to put all of that nomenclature in a question where everybody knows what we’re talking about,” said

Dungy.

Although weather events can impact a geographical segment of the nation, weather probably isn’t a major factor in overall tree numbers.

Dungy cited the 2006 late spring frost in west-

Santa’s Wholesale Supply Exclusive line of: * Christmas Ribbon * Wreath Rings * Wreath Decorations * Pine Cones * Glue & Glue Guns * Wire & Easels

Santa’s Own

Ribbon Samples on Request

• Best Service at Lowest Price • Same Day Shipping • Free Catalog

Santa’s Wholesale Supply N9678 N Summit Lane Summit Lake, WI 54485

1-800-772-6827 Super Cam Clamper

Stainless Steel Garland Machine Tap or Knee Switch

www.santasupplies.com

www.wreathrings.com

ern North Carolina.

“New growth had already come out, and all of that wilted back,” he said. “Trees that had frost damage had to be sheared back and weren’t sold that year.

But they recovered and

were sold the following season.”

Dungy says that within the past three to four years, he has seen a noticeable increase in consumers saying they want more choices and

options. “Not just in trees,” said Dungy, “but in the way trees look, how they’re sheared, whether the tree is fat or skinny, the taper, open or dense, needle type

Marketing 23

BIG SPRINGS NURSERY and TREE FARMS Specialist in Fraser Fir Christmas Trees • Quality Wreaths • Garland (Roping) • Fraser Fir • Bough Material by the Pound WE WELCOME YOUR INQUIRY PLEASE CALL OR WRITE WITH YOUR NEEDS Richard Calhoun rkcdoc@skybest.com

PO Box 878 Jefferson, NC 28640

Phone/Farm (336) 384-8733 Fax (336) 384-8734 Cell (336) 877-0386

W10757 Jeffrey Rd., Merrillan, WI 54754

www.aaauctionfinder.com

Search for all types of auctions at any time.

New w updatess alll the e time!!

C H R I S TMA S S E CTI O N Marketing from 22

Consumers are asking for more choices in height, shape and needle size when they shop for Christmas trees.

Photo by Sally Colby

and options as to how to get the tree home and experience it.

Some Christmas tree farms are recognizing that there is a group of customers they could get if they offer a new way of buying a tree. These services aren’t new, but seem to surge in popularity every few years.

That includes delivery services, buying online and pre-tagging. Instead of having to go pick up a tree and put it on their car, the customer is willing to pay to have the farm bring it to them.”

Dungy added that although such services won’t be popular in

everywhere, in certain areas, people are wiling to pay extra for it.

“Farms that have figured out what their market is, what their niche is, and how to meet that niche will do well. You have to know who your market is, and what kind of demands they have.”

Social media marketing is becoming more important, whether it’s a website, smart phone app or Facebook. “Businesses that have websites can draw attention, but a website alone cannot ensure more customers,” said Dungy.

“Smart businesses are figuring out what that

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Page 23

is, whether it’s a website with a good story, or describing what they offer.

It comes down to understanding your market who they are and what kind of buying experience they want; from the customer initially learning about the farm to handing money to you.

It’s all about building relationships with customers. That’s how you build brand loyalty.”

Dungy says a lot of farms are finding success with Facebook.

“Facebook is especially useful for farms that tell their story year round rather than trying to cram everything in a short time right after Thanksgiving,” said Dungy. “They have photos of people putting seedlings in the ground, they’re telling the story about planting trees, and showing how crews are out shearing trees.

Facebook is an opportunity to tell your story in little snippets all year round.” Dungy added that Facebook is particularly useful for farms that have multi-season operation such as orchards, farm stands or PYO operations.

Growers should remember that ‘one-sizefits-all’ doesn’t apply to Christmas trees. “Do some market research, and know who your customer is and what they want,” said Dungy. “Market research must be ongoing, because what is true one year won’t necessarily be true the next.

It’s a consumers’ market, and they’re driving the demand for more variety and more choices. If you try to tell consumers what they should or shouldn’t like, you’re in the wrong business. You have to do the research, listen to your consumers and meet their demands.

Growers and retailers who are listening are the ones who are starting to capture new markets and potential customers.”

Visit the National Christmas Tree Association online at www.christmastree.org.

Page 24 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • July 2012

SAF outreach to Congress opens doors Amidst election year politics and a packed Congressional agenda, the Society of American Florists (SAF) has met personally with several members of Congress and their staffs to make a case for more access to credit for micro-business owners — thanks to the efforts of several retailers, wholesalers and growers.

More than 100 SAF members wrote their representatives and senators in April and May, asking them to co-sponsor the Restore Main Street Credit’s Act, H.R. 4293, which would remove restrictions on lending to Main Street businesses for credit union commercial lending. Once those letters hit, the “doors started opening,” said SAF Senior Director of Government Relations Corey Connors, who was able to meet with the offices of reps. Dan Benishek (RMI), Jim Costa (D-CA), Billy Long (R-MO), Steve Israel (D-NY) and senior staff for Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee’s ranking member Olympia Snowe (R-ME).

“When (members of Congress) hear from constituents, they start paying attention,” said Connors. “They know there’s a lot more riding on an issue when they hear from the people who voted them into office.”

Connors said overall reception to H.R. 4293, which would open up loans for Main Street businesses without costing the taxpayer anything, was positive.

But he said it will take many more letters and many more meetings to keep the issue top-ofmind with legislators.

“We need to keep telling lawmakers how critical access to credit is to your survival,” he said.

“They need to hear

those very personal stories of struggles and stymied growth that happen when you can’t get a line of credit or a loan,” he said.

Other industries representing small businesses support the bill

through the National Main Street Business Coalition, started by SAF in January to push improved access to capital and tax reform.

The Main Street coalition has the backing of more than 150,000

businesses in five industries in addition to floriculture: convenience stores, retail appliance dealers, bakers, newspapers and toy retailers.

Connors acknowledged it’s a “tough”

Congress with election year politics slowing legislative movement, but “we just have to continue to work at it so it stays on their radar.” He urges SAF members to help “open more doors” for a dis-

cussion of H.R. 4293, by sending a message to your member of Congress asking them to support it. “Every letter written gets us closer to improving access to affordable loans,” Connors said.

SUMMER EDITION • July 2012

MARKETPLACE

Wessels Farm

94 Bull Rd., Otisville, NY 10963 845-386-5681 FAX: 845-386-8752 sales@wesselsfarms.com www.wesselsfarms.com

WE GROW Plugs Spring Garden Plants Wes Select Premium Annuals Summer Annuals Fall Mums Poinsettias Convenient Shipping, Volume Pricing, Easy Pick-up

Page 5 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MARKETPLACE • July 2012

PAGE 5

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MARKETPLACE • Page 4

PAGE 4

SUMMER EDITION • July 2012

MARKETPLACE

Supplement to Country Folks GROWER

PAGE 1

SUMMER EDITION • July 2012

MARKETPLACE BAG YOUR OWN MULCH Economically priced mulch bagger, ideal for point-of-sale bagging of mulch and related materials. Allows Garden Centers and Nurseries to buy mulch in bulk and bag it as needed. 1 person can fill up to 100 bags per hour - double the output with 2 people.

For more information contact

Weaverline, LLC at 877-464-1025 Quality Since 1983

Network of Service

WHOLESALE * RETAIL

PRIVATE LABEL * VALUE ADDED CONTRACT PACKAGING 100% JUICES & CIDERS ** NO SUGAR ADDED WE MAKE OVER 600 PRODUCTS INCLUDING JAMS, JELLIES, SAUCES, RELISH, PICKLES & BAKERY ITEMS

— HONEY AVAILABLE — 105 Mitcham Circle, Tiger, GA 30576 www.hillsideorchard.com

SUMMER EDITION • July 2012

MARKETPLACE Your Source For Corn & Berry Supplies Everything For Wholesale or PYO • Baskets • Vex Caps • Paper Bags • Shippers • Custom Printing Available • Trays • Tills • Poly Liners • Produce Bags • Private Label Programs

STANLEY PAPER COMPANY

866-380-3509 Toll Free • 518-453-6203 Fax

Call for a Farm Market Catalog ~ No order too small Visa and Mastercard Accepted

Professional Grower Mixes - Bedding Plant, Germination, ELLE Pot, Hydroponic, Forestry Bulb, Mum, Poinsettia, Custom Blend Quotes Professional Sphagnum Peat Moss - Greenhouse Soil Blenders, Nursery, Mushroom, Water Retention Projects, Blueberries, Environmental, Livestock Retail Products - Lambert & Canadian Gold Peat Moss and Potting Mix, Independent Private Labeling Quotes, Major Brand Private Label Quotes.

OMRI Certified

VeriFlora Certified

Jeff Bishop - Cell: 315-480-1900 • Office: 315-472-7952 • Toll Free: 888-632-8808 Email: lambertpeatmoss@aol.com Website: canadapeatmoss.com lambertpeatmoss.com • Toll Free: US 800-463-4083, Canada 800-462-1313

See us at OFA booth #901, PANTS booth #5039, IGC booth #230

Follow Us On www.facebook.com/cfgrower Gett mid-week k updatess and d onlinee classifieds,, o otherr pluss linkss to agriculturall organizations.

Plug g Dislodger

Vandana Tubeless s Seeder

Designed to accommodate several sizes of plug trays, using a common frame.

See Us At OFA Show Booth #1301 and FARWEST Show Booth #20067 & #21068

Sows entire tray at one drop Templates easy to change Will handle any tray size.

Travelling Irrigator Custom-built to fit your greenhouse or crop shelter from the highest quality component parts.

Growing g Trays Available in many sizes and styles to match a wide variety of needs.

Growing g Systems,, Inc. 2950 N. Weil St. Milwaukee, WI 53212 Ph (414) 263-3131 Fax (414) 263-2454

Page 3 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MARKETPLACE • July 2012

PAGE 3

MARKETPLACE Gardner Pie Company is dedicated to baking and selling only the very best pies. We use only the finest and freshest ingredients and adhere to time-honored, old-fashioned recipes.

Located in Akron, OH. we’ve been family owned and operated since 1945. We provide a wide variety of quality pies to farm markets, in-store bakeries, and the food service industry.

For ordering information call: 330-245-2030

Advertise in Country Folks

Gardnerr Piee offerss moree than n 50 0 piee varieties: Traditionall Fruitt Pies Crumb b Topped d Pies Topped d Fruitt Pies Mixed d Fruitt Pies Harvestt Addition n Pies

uth h off thee Borderr Pies Sou Cream m Pies No o Sugarr Added d Pies Coloniall Pies Savoryy Vegetablee Pies

Visitt ourr Websitee at:: www.gardnerpie.com m forr specificc varietiess in n each n information. category,, ass welll ass completee nutrition

To Reach The Buyers You Need Regional or Coast to Coast Starting December 2005

• Since 2001 •

• Since 1991 •

(preserves, butters, jellies, sauces, mustards and salsas)

WWW.DILLMANFARM.COM • 800.359.1362 {label design by: www.flow-design.com}

PAGE 1

SUMMER EDITION • July 2011 Supplement to Country Folks GROWER

This Could Be Your Ad

MARKETPLACE

SEPTEMBER • Organic & Sustainable • Christmas Deadline August 16th

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

Full Coverage Special Rates Great Look

DON’T MISS THESE IMPORTANT ISSUES

OCTOBER 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

• Buyer’s Guide • Christmas • Alternative Energy Deadline September 13th

Contact (800) 218-5586 dwren@leepub.com

Page 7 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MARKETPLACE • July 2012

SUMMER EDITION • July 2012

PAGE 7

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MARKETPLACE • Page 2

PAGE 2

SUMMER EDITION • July 2012

MARKETPLACE Do summer intern and apprentice programs work?

by Sanne Kure-Jensen Hands-on learning is the best way to find out if you are suited to farm life.

“The USDA says labor costs can be up to 18 percent of production expenses. To improve profits, you need to be more efficient or you need to reduce your labor costs.” said Amanda Brown of the UMass Extension Vegetable Program. Interns and Apprentices may be cheaper, but you will spend more time training them and supervising beginners. You must determine if the reduced cost can be offset with more production overall. Brown shared her

farm experience working with students while speaking at the Beginning Women Farmer Conference at UMass, Amherst, MA. She distinguished between Interns and Apprentices and their appropriate compensation.

Legal definitions Brown offered these legal definitions according to the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division and the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Small Farm and Direct Marketing Handbook but stressed that all growers should check with their state Labor Departments for local regula-

tions before seeking certain types of farm labor.

An Intern can be unpaid if ALL of these qualifications are met. The Intern • Is enrolled in accredited educational institution like a college, community college or university • Benefits from training as they would at the educational institute • Pays the educational institution to be in the program

• Receives academic credit for their work.

• Is not replacing paid employees, but work with them • Is not promised a job at the end of the internship The accredited educational institution is exempt from paying wages, Unemployment Insurance tax and is required to provide a safe work environment. The

Intern 6

CHRISTMAS TREES & CEDAR POSTS CHRISTMAS TREES HIGH H QUALITY Sheared d & Naturall Christmass Treess up p to o 12'+

Balsam and Fraser Fir

CEDAR 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 n Phone:: 715-623-6590 E-mail: olsonsbalsams@hotmail.com Website: www.olsonsbalsams.com

www.aaauctionfinder.com

REGISTER FREE!!!

Find Auctions Near You!!

Auctioneers Register FREE!!

List all your upcoming auctions with us!!

Brought to you by: Country Folks, Country Folks Grower, Wine & Grape Grower, Hard Hat News, Mane Stream Waste Handling Equipment News, North American Quarry News, Small Farm Quarterly and by Lee Publications Inc. Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 www.leepub.com (800) 218-5586

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MARKETPLACE • Page 8

PAGE 8

SUMMER EDITION • July 2012

MARKETPLACE 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

Esta

blis 199 hed 1

Hand Painted Custom Wood Signs For All S easons & Crops

Spring N Summer Fall N Christmas ~ Photo Ops ~ Educational ~ Information ~ Road Signs

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

Signs of the Seasons

Email: sgilmore@signsoftheseasons.com Phone: 219-866-4507 www.signsoftheseasons.com

July 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER MARKETPLACE • Page 6

PAGE 6

SUMMER EDITION • July 2012

MARKETPLACE Intern from 3 employer providing training must not derive immediate advantage from interns’ actions.

Generally, there is no minimum wage requirement for agricultural laborers as long as they are not engaged in processing value added products or selling. An Apprentice receives a personal education plan proposed and approved under state/federal law.

Apprentices can potentially create this training/research plan for the next year’s Apprentice as part of their seasonal project.

An Employer of Apprentices must: • Have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) • Pay at least minimum wage with merit raises • Pay workers compensation insurance for work-related injuries • Pay Unemployment Insurance tax • Provide safe work environment • Provide set number of hours of instruction annually An Employee is subject to scheduling by the employer and the employer must: • Have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) • Pay wages • Pay workers compensation insurance for work-related injuries • Provide safe work environment • File payroll tax forms There are volunteer resources such as World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF). Their website lists interns and apprentices looking to earn their room and board. Each state has slightly different definitions, rules and per diem rates. Be sure to check with your local Department of Labor for applicable regulations.

Selection criteria How to select (applications and interviews) and how best supervise Interns and Apprentices • Have written application • Ask why interested in

farming, background and experience, academic training and success • Have current or past workers interview new recruits • Maintain consistent labor standards across farm • Check references; ask “Would you hire them again?”

Policies and procedures Communication is critical in all working environments. Be sure you set clear expectations: hours, responsibilities and pay/or not. Create and make available an Employee Handbook with expectations, grievance procedure, wages, hours/schedules, breaks, NO smoking and educational contracts/ learning plans. Brown and conference participants recommended that all staff cell phones be turned in to supervisors during working days and returned only at lunch breaks and after the work day. Emergency calls should be directed to supervisors or to the farm office. She also recommended a no headphone policy to improve safety and encourage human interaction. To further this goal, she has students interact with buyers in person (not via email or by phone) and make deliveries.

Post and follow an organizational chart with names/rolls. Cross train people; swap tasks weekly and have students be responsible for different tasks or areas.

Be sure to meet regularly (daily and/or weekly). Mix in some fun along with the drudgery of weeding and hoeing.

Post “Done” list of accomplishments not just the “To Do” list. Always develop and share a Plan B. If the team runs out of things to do, finish early or has crop failure, what is next thing on the “To Do” list or backup plan?

Resources Brown recommended these links and references for more information and finding applicants: • U.S. Department of Labor: www.wagehour.

dol.gov or call their helpline at 866-487-9243.

• World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) lists available interns, apprentices and openings: www.smallfarms.org • National Sustainable Agricultural Information

Service (ATTRA) offers a directory of sustainable farming internships, apprenticeships and onthe-job learning opportunities at www.attra.org • Agricultural, nursery and landscape jobs and internships at www.

GreenJobsNE.org.

• “The Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook: A Complete Guide to Managing Finances, Crops, and Staff - and Making a Profit” by Richard Wiswall includes recommendations for hiring and training apprentices.

Brown also recommended watching “Digital_nation,” a 90 minute Frontline report on the changing way people interact, for a better understanding on the way today’s students think and act.