Grower Northwest 8.12

Western n Edition

Section One of One

GROWER

August 2012 Volume e6 Number r9

$2.50

Serving All Aspects of Commercial Horticulture

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

Produce ~ keeping it fresh and clean ~ Page 21 Keeping the farm vibrant for the next generation ~ Page 4

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Fall Harvest. . . . . . . . . . 21 Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Melissa Piper Nelson

Today’s Marketing . . . . . 5

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

Folks have plenty of reasons to visit Remlinger Farms

by Kelly Gates Remlinger Farms, located just 30 miles from Seattle, has evolved into the epitome of a destination location. With a upick produce division and a direct farm market featuring produce, gifts and value-added items like pies and frozen fruits available for purchase, plus a private event division catering to many local businesses and corporations, it is every bit a traditional agritourism outfit.

But there is another unexpected element at Remlinger Farms. The property is home to the family-friendly Country Fair Fun Park, complete with hand-led pony rides, authentic steam train, roller coaster, a spinning barrel ride and all sorts of attractions.

“At one point in the past, the farm had over 400 acres of strawberries alone and most were sold to u-pick customers,” said Diane Hart, one for the family owners of Remlinger Farms. “My grandpa, Floyd Remlinger, started the farm in 1945 as a strawberry u-pick operation and my dad, Gary Remlinger, took over in about 1965. When the u-pick market began to wane, due to social economic changes requiring many families to have both parents working outside the home, my dad had the foresight to make a change to do something more, adding a retail farm market and turning to entertainment before the struggling u-pick environment had the chance to negatively impact our family farm.”

Remlinger’s father and mother came up with the idea to create a hay jump in the big

The members of the Hart family, from left, front to back, are Trenton and Will, Diane, and Tyler and Trevor. barn on the farm. They added a corn maze. And then a fully functioning miniature steam engine train modeled after the actual steam train that used to travel throughout the Northwest decades ago.

As people responded positively to the new activities and entertainment offerings at Remlinger Farms, the family added even more. They installed a roller coaster and a water canoe ride. There is a pumpkin ride and antiquestyle cars that people can drive themselves — with a safety rail built into the roadway to keep everyone on the right path.

“The Country Fair Family Fun Park is what brings people here, but while they’re at the farm, they pick or buy produce and value-added products too,” said Remlinger. “Our family’s focus is to share the farm with visiting families by creating a fun, safe environ-

ment for families to come, interact, play and create memories together. We strive to achieve this goal by providing farm experiences including everything from picking your own fruits, shopping for fresh, local produce and enjoying a farm-fresh meal to playing together in the Country Fair Family Fun Park.”

The rides at the Family Fun Park are designed for all ages to experience. And they are scaled to “thrill” those ages 12 and under. This attracts the farm’s core demographic — families with young children.

Between rides, moms and dads take the kids to the onsite restaurant for a quick bite to eat. For dessert or a snack, and there’s a bakery there as well. “We also have a retail market that is stocked with everything from gifts and antiques to jams, jellies and the pies and frozen fruits we sell wholesale to supermarkets

The miniature steam train is a popular attraction in the Family Fun Park.

Photos courtesy of Remlinger Farms

throughout the region,” said Remlinger. “People can also buy strawberries, rhubarb, blueberries, raspberries and pumpkins, all of which we grow right here on the farm.”

There is a Pioneer Homestead on the farm too.

During farm tours, a fully costumed pioneer woman welcomes guests to the authentically furnished house, showing them how pioneers lived many years ago, complete with a guided tour of an oldfashioned stable and outhouse.

The farm even has live entertainment in its Farm Theater, featuring published children’s singers and songwriters, Eric Ode and Cyndi Soup.

During the Berry Festival on July weekends and the Fall Harvest Festival on October weekends, Remlinger Farms adds even more rides and activities to the Country Fair Family Fun Park.

“We host a lot of corporate events here at the farm, businesses come to our private event sites for their annual picnics, we also host birthday parties, family reunions and other events as well,” said Remlinger. “For these private parties and events, we provide everything: the site, the setup, clean-up, we cater the food right here from the farm and provide all the entertainment from bands, DJ’s, entertainers, inflatable rides, rock climbing walls and other attractions; whatever the client desires!”

There’s certainly plenty of space for the add-ons. The entire farm encompasses around 360 acres, with approximately half of the land dedicated to the Family Fun

Park and private event sites and the remainder for farming.

Gary still spends much of his time out in the fields driving a tractor and helping manage the field crew along with Diane’s husband Will Hart, who is the official Farm Manager.

“My dad has farmed this land for many years. He raised and sold a beef cow every year for his FFA project in high school. With the money he raised, he put a down payment on the land across the county road from my grandpa’s farm.” noted Remlinger.

“He started out with 180 acres that he grew crops on and now, it’s twice the size, with additional land leased for growing pumpkins.”

According to Remlinger, the transition of leadership of the farm is ongoing as she and her husband are taking on more of the management roles of the multi-faceted operation and Gary and Bonnie are working toward slowing down, retiring and having more time to spend with their grandchildren.

Will and Diane have three sons, Trevor, Tyler and Trenton. All three boys are already working on the farm and learning the many facets it involves. In the future, the family plans to stay true to its origins and continue to provide a unique family farm experience for all who visit Remlinger Farms.

By routinely updating rides, products and other offerings to accommodate the ever-changing interests of the local clientele, the Remlinger–Hart Family hopes to keep people coming back year after year to enjoy their one-of-a-kind family farm experience.

The Direct Farm Market at Remlinger Farms features attractive displays and plenty of value-added products.

‘Perishable retailing in today’s marketplace

John Stanley makes recommendation on Clark Farms’ “Wow” display.

Photos by Sanne Kure-Jensen display garden have weeds? Do not let your storefront or parking lot be full of soil, mulch and fertilizer bags. Put those items near the parking lot, to the side or even out of sight.

2. Entry. Is your front door appealing and clear, inviting customers in to see your beautiful displays, or is it full of credit card logos and posters promoting someone else’s products?

3. Power Display. Your “Wow” table should be four to five steps inside your door. If done well, it should sell up to five times more product than anywhere else in your store. It should be round, hexagonal or conical, three to five feet tall with at least two tiers.

An umbrella or other tall element works well if the venue supports it.

Customers are buying the whole package — not just a plant to go in the ground. Consider coordinating container colors with flowers. Include some whimsical shapes or containers.

Offer several sizes of the same plants.

Include a sign explaining your theme: “terra cotta is our color of the month.”

Or “begonia is our plant of the week.”

4. Staff ambassadors. These “Daymakers” should engage customers and help make their day.

5. Flow matters. Americans typically move through a store counterclockwise, set up your displays accordingly to maximize revenue. Put basic commodities in the back. Offer your unique, special products along the way to the commodities.

6. Season. In winter, you will be a production grower. For the six to eight weeks of late spring, you should operate like a supermarket and should offer straight rows to get customers in and out quickly. The rest of the year, you will be a lifestyle retailer. For success, you must adjust your display’s style and layout to the season.

7. Display Height. Far more products move from shelves located between customers’ chin and belly button levels.

8. Lower your hanging baskets to chest or chin level to increase sales

rather than hanging them up high with their “bottoms” showing. When customers have to stretch up to reach a product, only 3/4 as much product moves. Customers bending over select about 1/2 the products and the floor shelf gets less than one-fifth as much action.

9. End caps. These areas turn over more than twice as much product as typical “chin to belly button” shelves.

Always remove one product so people think it is okay to take a product off the display. Include a medium to large sign.

10. Aisles. Be sure your aisles are wide enough that people have enough room to maneuver around strangers.

Store footprints should have at least 60 percent aisles and no more than 40 percent product displays.

11. Bench displays. Make simple benches with 2 by 4s and wire mesh.

Variable bench heights create interest; use adjustable or detachable wooden or cinder block legs.

12. Theater. This is your display space above customers’ heads. Tell your story. A good theater will increase sales underneath it.

13. Be a hero. Display pictures of your owner, family and key staff. If you are a garden center, show production process and finished gardens. If you sell produce or meats, include farm and animal photos. Tell your story. Help customers connect with you.

14. Offer related items together.

Grocers do this well: they offer whipped cream and shortcakes near the strawberries or buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and basil together. Alone, these items move steadily; when displayed together, all three jump off the shelves.

15. Colors. Use color blocking.

Customers are programmed to stop at red. Put high value items near red products for increased sales. Do not put red items at row ends.

16. Range. Be known as a complete shop with hundreds of plant choices

and problem solvers. Offer a range of plant sizes and a single brand of problem solvers. (i.e. don’t carry 10 varieties of ant traps) Customers will perceive the single solution as “tried and true” and you will sell more of it.

17. Signage. Avoid confusion. For staples and commodity items, just list the price. For specialty items, tell what the product is and list three benefits, uses and/or recipes. Use words and phrases like: new, picked today, just in, bestseller, award-winning and homemade.

Fun signs enhance the customer experience. Stanley shared great signs he has seen with cartoon drawings: “If tomatoes could talk … they would say, do not put us in the refrigerator, it kills the ripening process and our flavor.” He saw a cartoon duck with a bubble that read, “Please don’t offer us people food; it makes us sick.”

Use QR codes on your display signs linking to plant or product information.

18. Clearance Bins. Scatter a few medium-sized bins around the store instead of one large bin to increase clearance sales up to 80 percent.

19. Shelf Talkers. Hang a small to medium tag near two or three items on key shelves: “Now is the time to fertilize your roses” or “Kelly’s favorite tomato.”

20. Checkout. Promote that your products are local. Displays near your checkout counter can account for as much as one-third of your total sales.

Offer impulse items like small bags of fertilizer near the end of the customer journey through your store. Be sure the flow leads them through the whole store.

21. More time in the store means more sales. Be sure you have “toys for the boys.” This could be products meant to appeal to men, a coffee shop with newspapers and sports magazines or even a “bored husbands bench.” The longer that men are occupied, the longer the women will be shopping and buying.

Be sure to analyze your current sales per square foot in each department or store segment. Share this information with your staff and tell them your goal is to improve it 20 percent. Reward them if they reach 30 percent. Know the number of stock turns per year for each product and move the slow products around the store, or dump the ones that do not move.

Promotions and solutions Social media is a great tool. Assign one or more staff to run your social media campaign. Keep a conversation going; include people and production/harvest photos and humorous stories. Ask your customers to recommend your business. Try weekly contests like “Why are carrots orange when they used to be purple?” The first five people to come in with the right answer win a free cup of coffee (or bunch of carrots, etc.)

Answer a question/Solve a problem. Can you tell a customer how many blueberry bushes it takes to make a pie?

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

by Sanne Kure-Jensen “Today’s retail garden centers face significant challenges,” said John Stanley, retail coach, author and trainer. “This is the only industry where customers and retail staff are regularly smiling,” he continued. Why wouldn’t people smile when, according to Stanley, there is an average of 23 percent growth in perishable retail sales in the last 12 months.

This will be a year of disruption; Stanley paraphrased William Taylor of Harvard University. All businesses must change or they will not be in business next year. It can be both exciting and terrifying, for retail owners and managers to consider which practices to stop, continue or start.

Your Customer Today’s average American customer is a women aged 35 to 45. To grow your business, learn to reach this challenging customer; they are hard to understand, predict and engage/capture as loyal customers.

You must satisfy the “hunters” and the “gatherers.” Men often shop like “hunters;” they gaze, select and go; men appreciate simple and clear signs. Most women shop like “gatherers.” They enjoy the experience of browsing, reading signs and labels before making selections.

Today’s retail customer wants “an experience” with “weekday convenience” and “weekend experience.”

Customers are looking for something to do, not necessarily something to buy. On-line shopping is the perfect way to address this with the “store” conveniently open 24/7.

The New Rules Here are Stanley’s recommendations on ways to grow your business: • Social Interaction and Service.

Surveys show that staff with name badges are perceived as 15 percent more helpful; • Sensory Experience. Smells matter. (think vanilla and cinnamon) Color matters. (think red) Sounds matter. (think water garden or Japanese table fountain); • Dress Code. Uniforms like logo Tshirts increase staff credibility; • Develop hiring standards. Staff must be neat, speak clearly, make eye contact and be courteous. Hire the best candidates who engage you and fit your business.

• Staff Training. Help your staff to understand your brand and image goals and customer service; everyone must deliver a consistent message.

Merchandising Strategy Bring your customer on an adventure that only you can provide. You and your staff are “Day-makers;” you help customers by making their day.

Update and rotate displays regularly for a fresh experience when customers return.

In less than 40 seconds, new customers make up their mind about your store. Here are some ways to engage customers, meet their needs, solve their problems and move more products.

1. Street Appeal. Does your place look “sexy” from the road? Does your

Keeping the farm vibrant for the next generation

by Stephen Wagner Full Belly Farm is a 300-acre certified organic farm located in the Capay Valley of northern California, about an hour northwest of Sacramento, near Guinda. Full Belly has been farmed using organic practices since 1985 and is certified by California Certified Organic Farmers.

How did the farm come by this somewhat unusual name? “We named it when I was quite pregnant with my first child,” Dru Rivers, one of the owners, told

us. “I had a very big round belly and it seemed like it was appropriate.”

The four farm owners are business partners.

They are Andrew Brait, Judith Redmond, Paul Muller, and Dru Rivers.

“Judith and I went to college together at UC Davis,” Dru says. “Paul and I are husband and wife. And Andrew actually started as an intern here many years ago and then became a partner.”

With help that ranges between 45 and 55 employees, the farm produces diverse varieties of

vegetables, herbs, nuts, flowers, and fruits yearround. The farm also has a flock of chickens, a herd of sheep, a tribe of goats, and several cows.

“We started the farm because we were believers in organics,” she said, “and we wanted to produce food that was really healthy for people.

That seems to be the logical conclusion when you’re farming, that you want to use as many organic practices as possible.” Accordingly, they have been certified Organic since 1984.

“We grow and market

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

Cover photo Damaged or cut fruit can harbor pathogens and decay organisms. Effective training that encourages good communication and worker participation is a valuable postharvest tool.

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: $20 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 Vice-President Production ..........................Mark W. Lee, ext. 132..........................mlee@leepub.com Vice-President & General Manager ..........Bruce Button, ext. 104 .....................bbutton@leepub.com Comptroller ................................................Robert Moyer, ext. 148.....................bmoyer@leepub.com Production Coordinator ............................Jessica Mackay, ext. 137..................jmackay@leepub.com Editor ......................................................Joan Kark-Wren, ext. 141...............jkarkwren@leepub.com Page Composition ....................................Allison Swartz, ext. 139....................aswartz@leepub.com Classified Ad Manager ..............................Peggy Patrei, ext. 111 ..................classified@leepub.com

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

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.

over 100 different things at the farm, mostly fresh market vegetables — tomatoes, melons, corn, plus asparagus and lettuce, pretty much A to Z on the vegetables,” explained Rivers. Full Belly also offers peaches and stone fruits and nuts.

The farm’s products are marketed both wholesale and retail with sales to restaurants, farmers markets and through a Community Supported Agriculture project, or CSA. “We probably service over 40 restaurants every week,” reckons Rivers. “But about 90 percent of our produce stays within a 150 mile radius of the farm. Some of it goes to as far away as Washington and Oregon.

Most of it, however, stays right in our area.”

Interestingly, both the CSA and the farmers markets forge a direct connection between the farm and the people who buy and eat its produce.

Through the CSA, individuals can receive a weekly share of produce through the year. By belonging to the CSA, members support organic farming practices that are healthful for people as well as the environment. They also have the opportunity to eat the freshest, most nutritional produce available.

The farm owners are Andrew Brait, Judith Redmond, Paul Muller, and Dru Rivers.

Photo courtesy of Full Belly Farm Producing Food That Tastes Really Good is one of the credos by which Full Belly operates. The title of this article is another. CSA members receive boxes of fresh produce delivered to convenient neighborhood locations in the East Bay, South Bay, and San Rafael, as well as in Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, and Esparto. For a small additional fee, boxes can also be delivered right to a member’s door on Tuesday and Wednesday in selected East Bay and Sacramento locations.

In an effort to educate the public on the benefits of organic food, they have many events scheduled throughout the year. “We have a multitude of things going on,” Rivers says. “Probably

every week we do tours, host dinners, we are very active in the community and do a lot of educational things.”

One of those activities is the much acclaimed annual Hoe Down Harvest Festival. The festival celebrates rural life and educates the public about growing food in a sustainable manner, and draws between 5,000 and 6,000 people each fall.

Through such programs to the general public, Full Belly tries to heighten awareness of farm realities to stress the importance of farms in the fabric of society.

By way of a closing follow-up, Dru Rivers’ fullbellied baby is now 28 years old and Dru is expecting her first grandchild.

CDFA unveils searchable database of fertilizer research projects Over the past 20 years, CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) has funded over $12 million dollars worth of scientific research on the environmentally safe and agronomically sound use of fertilizing materials. One of the goals of this research is to advise growers as well as agricultural supply and service professionals on effective agronomic practices. However, to date, the only way for growers to learn about the results of these research projects has been to read the highly technical and lengthy research reports.

In an effort to make the wealth of information contained in these technical reports more user-friendly, the program has created a web-based “searchable” database. Phase 1 of the database is now complete and can be accessed at www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/frep/Default.aspx.

The database includes summaries of FREP technical reports that users can search by keyword, crop, county and timeframe. Scientific findings from

ongoing research will continue to be added to the database from a variety of sources including fertilizer recommendations collected through research institutions such as the University of California, Davis.

Phase 2 of the project will involve the creation of interactive crop fertilization guidelines. These guidelines will be created using a number of sources in addition to FREP research and will make the current data even more user-friendly through a visually interactive interface.

This initiative is part of a larger departmental effort to bring practical solutions that aid growers in enhancing on-farm environmental stewardship practices and effectively using agricultural inputs. Balancing agricultural inputs with the output of food production to feed a growing global population is an important part of farming in California.

For further information on the FREP database effort, contact FREP staff at frep@cdfa.ca.gov or 916-900-5022.

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

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

Even if a new venture looks promising, the implementation time could be months to years before a new product could be brought to market.

Incorporating new products into a rotation, or withdrawing a product from a current farm plan, should include careful consideration of just what is down the pipeline in terms of possible expenses vs. income.

While labor may seem like an easier component to handle on a timely basis, it too, requires advanced planning.

What will happen when your summer help returns to school, or if a family member cannot help? Risk management carries over into labor issues as

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

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

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

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

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

WSHA ‘teeing off’ for student scholarships WENATCHEE, WA — Registrations are being accepted for the Washington State Horticultural Asso-

ciation’s 19th Annual Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament that will be held Tuesday, Aug. 7, at the Lake Chelan Municipal Golf Course.

All proceeds from the tournament support scholarships that are awarded to students in honor of past tree fruit industry leaders. Scholarships are awarded in memory of Gerald Nolan, Melvin Crowder, Jim Matson and Delmar Smith. Over the past 18 years, the tournament has raised over $138,319 for student scholarships.

The tournament entry fee is $400 for a team of four, $135 per person or $60 to attend the dinner only. All entries must be in by July 27. The entry fee covers golf cart rentals, greens fees for the 18-hole scramble format tournament, a commemorative

tournament hat, entry into tournament contests and a barbecue dinner. Sponsorship and raffle donation opportunities are still available.

Check-in begins at noon on the day of the tournament with a shotgun start is at 1:30 p.m. The barbecue and awards ceremony will directly follow at 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in both low net and gross categories, a women’s division, and men’s and women’s long drive.

The field is limited to the first 144 players or 36 teams. For more information or to register, contact Pam McNeill at the Washington State Horticultural Association at 509-665-9641, ext. 304, or email pam@wahort.org. A registration form can also be downloaded from the WSHA website at www.wahort.org.

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August 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 5

What’s in the pipeline?

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

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

Maybe the first half of the year has positioned your business for new opportunities: Adding value to an already existing product, rolling out an entirely new venture, or diversifying a current operation to include a different set of products or services. Whatever the opportunity, a business operator needs to consider the best use of three major components: Land, labor and

much as cropping, raising livestock, or agri-tourism. After reviewing the first half of the business year, you may be looking at expanding a part of the operation or extending hours of operation. Labor requirements for each part of this new operation must be covered and included a fluctuating business plan for the remainder of the year.

Making major adjustments that affect capital considerations half way through the year is no easy task, either. If a new venture requires more capital than you planned for, you may need to go back to your lending agency to discuss additional financing, or pull money from your savings or “rainy day” fund. Lenders will want to see how the new venture or diversification will add to your profit margin and what types of risk may become barriers to repayment. If you are self-financing, borrowing for a new venture should be weighed against other factors that may occur until the end of the year.

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

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

IPPS conference in the Brandywine Valley Oct. 10-13

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conference Outline Wednesday, Oct. 10: A tough choice awaits you in selecting your full day Pre-Conference Tour.

The Lancaster Area Pre-Tour will visit Creek Hill Nursery, the Leola Produce Auction, Aris/Greenleaf Perennials and Esbenshades Greenhouses. The Botanic Garden and Arboretum PreTour will visit the Scott Arboretum, Chanticleer Gardens and the Jenkins Arboretum. Both tours will meet at the end of the day for a tour and welcome reception at the Tyler Arboretum in Media, PA. Folks arriving during the day Wednesday will be bused from the hotel to the reception. The welcome reception promises to be a great social opportunity to connect with friends

and colleagues old and new.

Thursday, Oct. 11: We will enjoy a full day at the fabulous Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. Longwood is one of the great gardens of the world with outdoor gardens spanning 1,077 acres and a 4acre conservatory. The morning will start with a series of dynamic speakers in the Longwood Ballroom, including keynote speaker Kirk Brown who will bring America’s first world-class plantsman John Bartram back to life with his unique, costumed portrayal.

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

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

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

This is a very special event which few people get to experience!

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

The Nursery Tour will visit Mt. Cuba Center, W.D. Wells and Sons Nursery, The Conard Pyle Company and Ivy Acres. Both tours will meet at the end of the day at North Creek Nurseries for a nursery tour and Ice Cream Social. You will have dinner on your own. There are many restaurants near the hotel.

Be sure not to linger too long over dinner as you will want to return to the

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

Saturday, Oct. 13: The venue for educational sessions

and tours on Saturday changes to Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library in Winterthur, DE. Founded by Henry Francis du Pont, Winterthur (pronounced “winter-tour”) has a 60acre naturalistic garden and is the premier museum of American decorative arts. The program continues with back-to-basics presentations on seed

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

This is not the year to leave early — plan to stay for a full day on Satur-

day. Spend the night and enjoy the company of your fellow members and colleagues. The hotel bar, Firewaters, touts 50 beers on tap plus more than 100 different bottled beers from around the world! Spend Sunday exploring this extraordinary area on your own.

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by Kelly Gates Mark Rohlfs started his own co-op labor crew in the 1970s, joining forces with several friends in the forestry industry and tackling a variety of contracting jobs at Christmas tree farms throughout Oregon. Rohlfs was attending Corvallis College of Forestry at the time and working these jobs gave him the hands on experience that would later enable him to own and operate a Christmas tree farm of his own.

Ownership came in 1983 when Mark and his wife Patricia founded Santa & Sons Christmas Trees of Philomath, OR. “After many years of working for others, we decided to finally go into business for ourselves,” Mark said. “We started Christmas tree farming and had quite a few retail lots during the holidays to sell directly to the public.

Over time though, we decided to focus on one lot down south in Los Angeles and wholesale the rest of our trees.”

In Oregon, where growing Christmas trees is typically a full time affair, the Rohlfs family works year round, planting, maintaining, harvesting and shipping. Special care is taken to adhere to SERF-Socially & Environmentally Responsible Farms-certification standards.

According to Mark, Santa & Sons was one of the first farms in the region to achieve certification from this new organization.

“SERF is similar to Oregon TILTH in that many organic processes are used but the tree farms are not 100 percent organic,” he explained. “We have an integrated pest management program in place to reduce pesticide use, we are inspected and certified for soil and water conservation practices, we maintain biodiversity on the farm and keep thorough records of everything.”

SERF certification also addresses concerns such as worker sanitation and proper site selection, among other things.

Participating in the program has become increasingly important to Rohlfs and other area Christmas tree growers as the demand for sustainable farming and environmentally sound growing methods has risen amongst consumers. Growers are not only implementing these precise practices throughout their operations, they are beginning to understand the significance of marketing their compliance to the public.

“As retailers, we have a lot of exposure to what the public perceives and how important they believe things like organic farming are,” Mark explained.

“We need to take a more assertive posture when it comes to telling our customers about the environmentally friendly practices we've put into place.”

It takes a lot of coordination to manage the Douglas, Grand and Noble firs grown at Santa & Sons. Growing several different varieties poses some challenges since there are several different eco-climates that must be considered.

The Douglas and Grand firs are

grown at a lower elevation. The Nobles however, are cultivated in fields higher in the mountains where the temperatures are cooler and there is more annual rainfall.

“We also started growing Nordmann firs about eight years ago,” said Mark.

“We anticipate that the Nordmann will ultimately replace many of the Douglas and Grand fir sales.”

In all, the company farms around 110 acres, which are split into three different locations. There are currently upwards of 150,000 trees in production there.

Each field is harvested for around four years before the staff at Santa & Sons cuts the remaining trees, plows the land and readies it for new plantings. Often, a one-year cover crop-Sudan Grass, for instance-is planted to reintroduce organic matter into the soil.

“We plant two-year old seedlings once the fields have been cleared, putting in about 1,500 trees per acre,” noted Mark. “We have a skilled group of employees who work with us to hand plant everything. Some of our guys have been with us for more than 25 years and have a strong understanding of how to plant, grow and harvest these trees.”

Mark, a self-proclaimed “dirty boss,” loves to get right into the mix, offering hands-on teaching experiences to his staff. Training, he said, helps ensure that standards are being met when planting, shearing, harvesting, shipping and handling other jobs around the farm.

When the trees are ready to go out to customers, Santa & Sons prepares some for pickup by local buyers. Others go out on common carrier, including refrigerated trucks for trips that exceed a day or two. A number of trees are also shipped by boat.

“We sell a lot of 16- to 18-foot trees to hotels and other big businesses in Singapore,” explained Mark. “We ship those in ocean-going refrigerated containers.”

Once the last of the orders have been shipped, the farm staff still has another medium to cover. The Santa & Sons Los Angeles retail lot must be stocked throughout the holidays, a delivery route that takes two days each way.

In years past, Mark used to stay

Santa & Sons 10

Mark and his wife Patricia founded Santa & Sons Christmas Trees in 1983.

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

Country Folks

Santa & Sons Christmas Trees

National Christmas Tree Association Convention & Trade Show 2012 • Sacramento, CA ~ Aug. 8-11 California Here We Come!

Schedule of events (subject to change) Tuesday, Aug. 7 7:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Pre-Tour #1 – Sampling the Best of California (Tickets Required) Wednesday, Aug. 8 7–9 a.m. Wreath Contest Setup 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Pre-Tour #2 – Learn, Laugh & Shop (Tickets Required) 8–11 a.m. Tree Contest Setup 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Gallery of Trees Setup 3–5 p.m. Opening General Session Thursday, Aug. 9 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Trade Show Open 8–9:15 a.m. Concurrent Sessions - Water Issues: Coming Soon to Your State – Mike Wade - Legislative Issues Affecting Your Business – Craig Regelbrugge - Decorating and Merchandising Trends for 2012 9:15-10:30 a.m. Break in Trade Show 10:30–11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions - Pest Management Strategies for Your Farm – Lynn Wunderlich

- Major Grower/Wholesaler Meeting - Trees for Troops: Lessons for Success 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Lunch in Trade Show 1–2:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions - Weed Identification and Control* - Credit or Debit? What Credit Card Merchants Need to Know – Ed Moore - Creating Award-winning Wreaths & Greens 2:15–3:30 p.m. Break in Trade Show 3:30–4:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions - Developing a Real Tree Certification Program – Sam Minturn - Choose & Cut/Commercial Retailer Meeting 5–10 p.m. Theme Night: California State Railroad Museum (Tickets Required) Friday, Aug. 10 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Trade Show Open 8–9:15 a.m. Concurrent Sessions - Techniques for Effective Leader Control* – Chal Landgren - Insurance: Is Your Farm Covered? – Tom Wilkins - Social Media Best Practices – Karen Rice 9:15–10:30 a.m. Break in Trade Show 10:30–11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

- Farm Safety Practices to Protect Your Business* - From ICC to NFPA – What You Need to Know about Holiday Safety - Grow Your Business with Email Marketing – Karen Rice 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch in Trade Show 1:30–2:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions - Tree Keepability 101 – Ways to Improve the Postharvest Quality and Safety of Cut Trees* – Gary Chastagner - Accounting & Employment Practices for Christmas Tree Growers* – Shelly Sorem - Steal This! Marketing Ideas from the Mouths of Members 3–4:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions - Wildlife Control* – Roger Baldwin - State Executive/Leader Meeting - Idea Exchange 5:30–8 p.m. Awards Banquet (Tickets Required) Saturday, Aug. 11 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m. Farm Tours (Tickets Required)

Xmas 11

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

Santa & Sons from 9 back at the farm, overseeing each shipment of trees to L.A. Patricia would be there to set up the retail lot. Then, when the last shipment of trees was loaded, Mark would fly down, joining his wife for the remaining sales period.

“Now, our daughter Natalie manages the retail counter in L.A. during the season,” said Mark.

“Natalie was born for the job, literally. She was born on Christmas Eve.” Together, the Rohlfs have built a balanced business based on one of the biggest holidays of the year. The company has evolved over time, expanding significantly for a while before settling into the perfect mix of wholesale and retail.

According to Mark, they wouldn't have it any other way.

“We don't want to get any bigger than the 20,000 to 25,000 trees we sell per year,” he said. “We had five retail lots once and 35 employees, which made our work load too intense. So, we redefined our purpose and found the niche that works very well for all of us.”

The purpose, he added, is to grow just the right amount of trees using environmentally sound practices. The growers have achieved this purpose.

Now, they are committed to staying the course for the foreseeable future, he said.

The harvest crew takes a break for a photo.

Photos courtesy of Santa & Sons Christmas Trees

The company farms around 110 acres, which are split into three different locations. There are currently upwards of 150,000 trees in production.

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Xmas from 10 Moore, Capital Q What’s the difference between credit and debit? How can you avoid excessive chargebacks? What are the proper record-keeping procedures? How are changing credit regulations affecting retailers? Edwin Moore from Capital Q will answer all of these questions and more in this session to make sure you, as a merchant, are protected.

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

NCTA’s legislative expert will review what’s happening in this election year and what’s looming on the horizon.

Attend this session to learn how you can be an advocate for the industry and make your voice heard in Washington.

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

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

National Tree and Wreath Contests View the best of the best in the National Christmas Tree and Wreath Contests! Don’t miss your chance to help select the winning trees; the grower of the Grand Champion tree will represent the industry in presenting a Real Christmas Tree to the White House in 2012.

Contest rules and entry forms have been sent to all state associations; they can also be downloaded at www.christmastree.org/contests.cfm.

Even if you’re not a winner at the state level, you can still get involved by helping to decorate a tree for your state/regional association.

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

Xmas 12

C H R I STMAS S E CTI O N

pay taxes, develop business plans and financial statements — all while ensuring they are compliant with local, state and federal regulations. This session will address topics every owner and manager needs to understand — from employment forms and record-keeping to accounts receivable and payroll – all from a Certified Public Accountant familiar with the Christmas Tree industry.

Wildlife Control – Roger Baldwin, University of California – Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center While a great deal of attention is placed on insects and disease, Christmas Tree growers also face ongoing challenges in effectively managing the wildlife on their farms. Deer, moles, gophers, voles and other vertebrates can pose a risk to developing trees and field quality. This presentation will highlight the steps necessary to develop an effective management program for controlling wildlife pests.

Special attention will be focused on tools and techniques for controlling these pests including habitat modification, exclusion, trapping, burrow fumigation, and rodenticides.

Credit or Debit? What Credit Card Merchants Need to Know – Edwin

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

In these challenging economic times, it is more important than ever to make the most of professional development opportunities to grow your business. Whether you’re a grower, retailer, wholesaler or Choose & Cut operator, you’ll find speakers and sessions tailored to your business needs.

Tree Keepability 101 – Ways to Improve the Postharvest Quality and Safety of Cut Trees - Gary Chastagner, Washington State University This session will help growers and retailers understand basic concepts about the physiology of moisture and needle retention to improve tree keepability and safety. Dr. Chastagner will share information on the moisture status of cut trees, the effects of harvest date on postharvest quality and discuss some of the facts and myths associated with water -holding tree stands, water uptake, tree additives, antitranspirants and fire retardants.

Accounting and Employment Practices for Christmas Tree Growers – Shelly Sorem, Spectrum CPA Group As business owners, growers have to do much more than simply plant and harvest trees. They also have to hire and manage workers, maintain proper financial and labor records,

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

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

Xmas from 11 Farm Tours All farm tours will take place on Saturday, Aug. 11 FARM TOUR #1: The Eastern Foothills – McGee Christmas Tree Farm, Carson Ridge Evergreens, Indian Rock Tree Farm & Madrona Vineyard • McGee Christmas Tree Farm & Carson Ridge Evergreens – Pioneer tree growers Omer and Elinor McGee first began planting trees in 1950. A past president of the California ChristMcGee Christmas Tree mas Tree Association, Farm & Carson Ridge Omer was instrumental Evergreens in the promotion of Choose & Cut Christmas Tree farms. Next up is Carson Ridge Evergreens, which was voted Readers Choice Best Tree Farm in 2011 and is situated in the beautiful Apple Hill area, where agritourism on tree farms, fruit orchards and wineries abound. For more information, visit www.mcgeechristmastreefarm.com and www.carsonridgeevergreens.com.

• Indian Rock Tree Farm – Named for the numerous grinding rocks found on the property, Indian Rock Tree Farm has been welcoming families for more than 45 years. Owners Larry and Geri Hyder first began managing the native trees and planting silver tip, white fir, and Douglas-fir seedlings in the 1960s and have since “branched out,” experimenting with species and varieties from other regions.For more information, visit www.indian-

Indian Rock Tree Farm

Madrona Vineyard

Billy's Farm

rocktreefarm.com.

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

elevation vineyards offer the perfect growing conditions for the wide range of Rhône and Bordeaux varietals grown there. For more information, visit www.madronavineyards.com.

Farm Tour #2: The Sacramento Delta: Billy’s Farm, Davis Ranch, Silveyville Pumpkin and Tree Farm • Billy’s Farm – This tour will kick off with a visit to a natural Certified Organic Christmas Tree Farm. The farm features rolling hills, blackberry creek, private park, a 375-year-old California Heritage Oak, plus 10 varieties of Christmas Trees. For more information, visit www.billysfarm.com.

• Davis Ranch – The tour will head to Sloughhouse, CA, to visit Davis Ranch. In addition to a large Choose & Cut operation, the farm has a thriving roadside produce stand business, Davis Ranch stretching their selling

season out over several months. For more information, visit www.davisranchproduce.com.

• Silveyville Pumpkin and Tree Farm – Wrap up the day with lunch and learning at Ted and Jeri L ynn Seifert’s operation. You’ll enjoy a “locavore Silveyville Pumpkin and Tree lunch,” savoring Farm some of the best the north valley of California produces, under the shade of the redwoods. In the afternoon, California growers will discuss their state’s Tree Fresh Certification program, storage and display options for precut trees and a unique watering system that helps to increase tree growth by as much as 25 percent.

For more information, visit www.silveyvilletreefarm.com.

For more information about the convention visit www.christmastree.org/convention2012.cfm.

PAGE 1

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New rolling high tunnels from Growers Supply make crop rotation easy DYERSVILLE, IA — Avoid soil nutrient depletion and prevent buildup of soil-borne diseases with New Rolling Premium Round Style High Tunnels from Growers Supply. Smooth rolling action with pipe track rollers allows you to move your high tunnel from one section of your field to another. Experience enhanced crop yield and quality and an extended growing season, plus the ability to rotate your crops.

Fourteen-gauge, triple-galvanized steel frames and five rows of purlins ensure durability. Triple-zippered end panels, manufactured from 10 oz., 22 mil premium rip-stop translucent fabric, come complete with fabric clips

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

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

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

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

“This year’s New Varieties Showcase will feature new colors and color combinations as well as plants that are progressively more floriferous, increasingly compact, less water -dependent and more disease resistant,” Niemi said. “These plants are hand-selected to capture the attention of home gardeners, retailers and landscapers.”

The New Varieties Showcase selection committee—comprises growers, retailers, plant buyers, garden writers and designers—reviewed submissions looking for plants new to the trade or are in large-scale production for the first time, making them more readily available for purchase.

They also looked for plants that are different from what’s currently on the market and those that will both perform well in the landscape and work well for

NVS-Ball Hydrangea Pistachio bloom.

NVS-Sester Regal Petticoat Summer foliage.

the retailer. All plants that appear in the New Varieties Showcase are available from Farwest Show exhibitors to order for fall or the coming spring.

The New Varieties Showcase also offers

retailers creative costeffective ideas for merchandising plants in a garden center setting for increased sales. And more new 2013 plants from eight exhibitors will be highlighted on the show floor’s Demo

Stage at 3 p.m., Friday, Aug. 24.

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

Show will take place Aug. 23-25 at the Oregon Convention Center, in Portland, OR. For registration and more information about the 2012 Farwest Show seminar schedule, nursery tours, show

hours and other features, visit www.farwestshow.com or call 503-682-5089.

If you are attending the 2012 Farwest Show, be sure to stop by and visit these exhibitors:

Exhibitors List 15

Exhibitors List from 14 Better Bilt Products Inc. - 21080 BioBest USA Inc. - 23058 BioSafe Systems - 10061 BioWorks Inc. - 6056 Bizon Nursery Co. - 12037 BlissLights LLC - 4064 Blooming Nursery - 8043, 9044, 9046 Blue Heron Farm - 20057, 20059, 20061 Blue Rock Sales & Marketing - 9057 Bobbex Inc. - 5058 BOGS Footwear - 23080 Bond Mfg. Co. - 15013 BooShoot Gardens - 18060, 18062 Bouldin & Lawson LLC - 8013 Bountiful Farms - 10043, 10045, 11044, 11046 Bowers Forest Products - 25058, 25060 Boxwood Unlimited-Kraxberger Farms - 21071 Boyko Nursery Inc. - 15025, 16026, 16028 Braun Horticulture - 16027 Brentano’s Tree Farm LLC - 9030, 9032 Briggs Plant Propagators LLC 18037 Broadmead Nursery - 20062, 20064 Brooks Design-Plant Supports 10058 Brooks Tree Farms - 16049, 17050 BUBCO Inc. - 7015, 8016 Burnaby Lake Greenhouses - 3057 Burpee Garden Products Co. - 14059 C. James Nursery - 24048 Campania Intl. - 24058, 24060 Canadian Sunlight Enterprises 3037 Capital Press - 16064 Carlson Nursery Inc. - 18013 Carlton Plants LLC - 19055, 19057, 20056, 20058 Casa Flora Inc. - 6045, 6047 Cascade Meadows Nursery - 23046 Cascade Trees - 16044 Cash Flow Mgmt. Inc. - 18044 Certified Roses Inc. - 23068 Champa Ceramics - 19061, 19063

See Us At The Farwest Show, Booth 18027

Champoeg Horticulture - 11063, 12064 Champoeg Nursery Inc. - 15048 Chatelain’s Nursery Inc. - 7029 Cinch Packaging - 17004 Cleary Chemical Corp. - 8007 Columbia Nursery LLC - 8045, 8047 Columbia River Carbonates - 13046 Composite Structures - 13003 CompuPlants - 12056 Conley’s Mfg. & Sales - 16057, 16059 Continental Western Corp. - 18012 CopenHaven Farms Nursery - 14003 Country Folks Grower - 24061 CowPots - 13011 Crispin’s Creations Nursery - 3059 Crop Production Services - 24050 Crown Bees - 11062 D & M Nursery Inc. - 21067 D Stake Mill / UFPI McMinnville LLC - 7064 Dave Wilson Nursery - 6055, 7056 Dayton Bag & Burlap - 16046, 16048 DeWilde’s Wholesale Nurseries Inc. 12027, 12029 DIG Corp. - 12016 Diggit Inc. - 26116 Dinsdale Nursery - 7045, 7047 Dip ’N Grow Inc. - 11045 Discount Nursery Supplies LLC 16029 Don Marjama Nursery Co. Inc. 12055, 13056 Dosmatic by Hydro Systems - 16061 Douglas Equipment & Supplies Inc. 24079, 25080 Douglas Nursery Inc. - 15062 Down to Earth Distributors - 22061,

22063, 23064 Dr. Earth - 9015, 10016 Drake’s Crossing Nursery - 21055, 22056 Dramm Corp. - 23063, 23061 Du Shoup LLC/I-Coir - 2045 Dummen USA - 11019 Durkin’s Nursery - 9045, 9047 Dutchman Tree Spade - 8048 Dyna-Gro Nutrition Solutions 23049 E F Nursery - 9031 E.B. Stone & Son - 12011, 12013 Earth Science Products - 2050 East Creek Nursery - 10057 East Jordan Plastics Inc. - 3063 Eby Nursery Inc. - 16056 Ecotonix Green Cycler - 24074 Ekstrom Nursery Inc. - 11014 Ellis Products Inc., Mitchell - 21079, 22080 Emerald Coast Growers - 18011 Eshraghi Nurseries LLC - 12025, 13026, 13028 EuroAmerican Propagators - 3045, 3047, 3049, 4046, 4048, 4050 Evans Farms LLC - 23059 Everbearing Services - 20079 Evergreen Growers Supply - 11025 Evergreen Nursery - 22037 Everris - 3046, 3048 Ewing Irrigation - 16019 Fabworks Inc. - 24069, 24071 Fairdale Nursery - 16031, 17032 Fairway Nursery - 19010 Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc. 13055, 14056 Fanno Saw Works - 18006 Fernhill Holly Farms - 18004

Exhibitors List 16

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

Exhibitor Booth # A & R Spada Farms LLC - 14063, 15064 A Valley Growers Nursery - 6049 A.M. Leonard Inc. - 9062, 9064 Advanced Grower Solutions - 15056 Advanced Ornamentals Inc. - 21060, 21062, 21064 Ag Specialties LLC - 16058 Agdia Inc. - 7048 AgriNomix LLC - 22069, 22071 Alaska Peat Inc. - 12060 Aldergrove Nursery - 11027 Alpha Nursery - 11037 Amaroo Enterprises Inc. - 11059, 11061 Amethyst Hill Nursery - 8031 Anderson Die & Mfg. Co. - 19043, 20044 Angela’s Garden - 22086 Antal/Cayson Equipment - 16063, 17064 APEX / Simplot - 9049, 10050 Apiaries & Orchard Forklift Inc. 25062, 25064 Arborjet - 22060 Argos Software - 10049 Arrowhead Ornamentals LLC - 9025, 10026 Athena’s Garden - 21046 Aurora Nursery - 17063 B-West Hills Nursery Inc. - 14055 B.C. Nursery - 11047 BAICOR LC - 14013 Bailey Nurseries Inc. - 17019 Ball Horticultural Co. - 5043, 5045, 5047, 5049, 6044, 6046, 6048, 6050 Ball Innovations - 4043, 5044 Bambi’s Nursery - 24070, 24072 Bamboo Depot - 22043 Bamboo Garden - 15019 Bartschi-FOBRO LLC - 21058 BASF Turf & Ornaments - 5057 Bear Canyon Tree Farm - 21048 Beaver Creek Nursery - 11029 BeaverLake Nursery - 17003, 17005 Becker Underwood - 12028 Berry Family of Nurseries LLC, Oregon Division - 8019 Berryhill Nursery - 15032

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

Exhibitors List from 15 Fessler Nursery Co. - 12045, 12047 Fibre Dust LLC - 12030 Fides Oro - 4047 Fine Americas Inc. - 18008 Fisher Farm & Lawn - 7058, 7060 Fisher Farms LLC - 10029, 10027, 10031, 11032, 11030, 11028 Flamingo Holland - 12058 Flora & Fauna Books - Lobby Flora Finder, Division of Horticultural Services Inc. - 21070 ForemostCo Inc. - 22059 Forest Life Creations - 26109 Fresh Jewelry Co. - 20085 Fry Road Nursery - 14029 Garden Gallery Ironworks - 24092 Garden Marketing Group - 12062 GardenScape Nursery Inc. - 15026 Gardenware - 19016 GIE Media Inc. - 8063 GK Machine Inc. - 10032 Glenn Walters Nursery - 10037 Good Nature Publishing Co. - 21085 Gowan USA LLC - 11048 GPN/Lawn & Garden Retailer - 10009 Great Lakes Fastening - 16014 Great Plant Picks - 19059 Ground Up Soil LLC - 23078 Growers Nursery Supply Inc. - 18010 Growers Supply - 24062 Growers West Magazine - 24080 Growing Systems Inc. - 20067, 21068 Growstone - 13062 GrowTech Inc. - 13048 GrowTech Solutions - 20060 Gulick Freight Services Logistics - 22058 H.E. Anderson Co. - 18031 Hanna Instruments / USA - 8027, 8029 Hans Nelson & Sons Nursery Inc. - 17056 Harnden’s Tree Nursery - 11050 Harris Glen Farms - 17011 Hash Tree Co. - 17058 Hawaii Export Nursery Association - 4060 Herinckx Nursery Co. - 6043 Heritage Seedlings Inc. - 9037 Higgins Nursery - 9003 High Caliper Growing Root Control Inc. - 15049, 16050 Highland Supply Corp. - 7013 Hines Growers LLC - 7037 HIP Labels LLC - 16045, 16047 Hochstein Nursery LLC - 19046 Holiday Specialtrees LLC - 22055, 23056

See us at Farwest Booth# 18031

Holiday Tree Farm Inc. - 9055, 10056 Hopper Bros. - 12010, 12012, 12014 Horizon Distribution Inc. - 15029 Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits - 18048 Horticultural Marketing & Printing - 15058, 15060 Horticultural Services Inc. - 21061, 21063 Howell Prairie Nursery Inc. - 16043 Hunt Collection Inc. - 8037 Hydrofarm - 23057 Illumicare Group Limited - 8061 International Plant Propagator’s Society - 14061 Iseli Nursery Inc. - 19037 J & L Nursery - 18026 J & S Farms & Nursery LLC - 18029 J Farms LLC - 23048 J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. - 19026, 19028, 19030, 19032 Jain Irrigation Inc. - 4045 Janus Gardens Inc. - 17007 JAVO USA Inc. - 7007, 8008 JB Instant Lawn & Nursery Inc. - 17055, 18056 Jelitto Perennial Seeds - 15014 Jensen Distribution Services - 22076, 22078 JLPN Inc. - 2049, 3050 John Holmlund Nursery - 10048 John Rissberger Nursery - 16030 JRM Chemical Inc. - 12046, 12048 Kansas City Art Statuary/David’s Patio Ltd. 25070, 25072 KCK Farms LLC - 12015, 13016 Kelleygreen Nursery - 13019 Kellogg Garden Products - 17010, 17012, 17014 KG Farms Inc. - 10025, 11026 King-Hughes Fasteners - 19012 Klasmann-Deilmann Americas Inc. - 10062 Klupenger Nurseries Inc. - 9012, 9014 Kraemer’s Nursery Inc. - 14037 Krainick Ag Products LLC - 4055 Kropf Family Nursery Inc. - 12049 Kuenzi Turf & Nursery - 15015, 16016 L & L Nursery Supply Inc. - 13012, 13014 L.E. Cooke Co. - 14031 Landmark Plastic Corp. - 22049, 23050 Landstar Transportation Logistics - 9004 LaPorte & Associates Inc. - 13047 Lawyer Nursery Inc. - 23067, 24068 LBD Nursery - 10060 Left Coast Logistics - 22057

Lemar Tree Spades - 17029 Leo Gentry Wholesale Nursery - 18019 Leonard Adams Insurance Inc. - 14026 Liquid Fence Co. - 13059 Little Prince of Oregon Nursery Inc. - 7025 LODA Enterprises Inc. - 13030 Loen Nursery Inc. - 8003, 8005 Lone Elder Nursery LLC - 17046, 17048 Long Nursery Product Inc. - 21069 Lotus International Inc. - 22077, 22079 M & W Tree Farm - 17027 M.S. Growers - 22064 Macore Co. - 10044, 10046 Magnolia Gardens Nursery - 14027 Mainland Floral Distributors Ltd. - 20045, 20047 Mariner Business Solutions - 14011 Marion Ag Service Inc. - 15045, 15047 Mark Liepold Nursery - 15063 Martel’s Nursery Inc. - 5056 Massarelli’s - 23060, 23062 Matsuda’s of Sacramento - 9011, 9013 Maya Gardens Inc. - 6058 McConkey Co. - 16037, 15037 Means Nursery Inc. - 4058 MicroMist Systems - 18058 Microplant Nurseries Inc. - 15055 Midas Nursery Solutions LLC - 20037 Miles Nursery Inc. - 12043, 13044 Moana Nursery - 18064 Moen Machinery Co. - 24055, 25056 MOLECAT - 11013 Monrovia - 17037 Mountain Shadow Nursery LLC - 9048

Exhibitors List 17

PHYDURA WEED KILLER

100% Natural

Phydura Weed Killer uses only 100% natural ingredients to kill nuisance weeds on contact.

This pleasant smelling liquid begins to destroy weeds within minutes after spraying.

www.soiltechcorp.com

1-800-221-7645 Ext. 105

Exhibitors List from 16 Polymer Ag LLC - 17060 Pottery Merchant - 8059 Powell’s Nursery - 2048 Premier Tech Horticulture - 10014 Prichard’s Nursery Equipment 14012 Pride Garden Products - 13058, 13060 PRO Landscape by Drafix Software 5055 Pro-Gro Mixes Inc. - 16055 Qualitree Propagators Inc. - 10059 Quietaire Corp. - 25068 R & H Nursery Inc. - 10019 R & S Nursery / Gold Hill Sales 20043, 21044 Rabo AgriFinance - 18009 Ragen & Associates - 4063, 5064 Rare Plant Research - 19014 Rare Tree Nursery - 22068 Recology Compost Oregon - 2046 Red Rooster Ag Products - 16012 Reimer Nursery LLC - 13050 Reimer’s Nurseries Ltd. - 15043 Renee’s Garden Seeds - 22062 Rexius Forest By-Products Inc. 20049, 21050 Rickel’s Tree Farm - 15050 Rite in the Rain - 17057 Robinson Nursery - 18028, 18030 RootMaker® Products Co. LLC 17013, 17015 Rose City Transportation - 8026 Rough Brothers Inc. - 1037 Ryan Creek Nursery - 3061 S P I - 23092 Sabrina Leaf - 26112 SATO Labeling Solutions America Inc. - 18007 SBI Software - 7027 Schaecher Wholesale Nursery 15028 Schiedel Nursery - 11057 Schiedler Family Nursery Inc. 15027 Seamar Gloves - 14004 Senninger Irrigation Inc. - 9028 SePro Corp. - 24046 Sester Farms Inc. - 16025, 17026, 17028, 17030 Sevenoaks Native Nursery LLC 11055 Sidhu & Sons Nursery - 8025, 9026 Siebring Mfg. Inc. - 21073, 21075 Silver Mountain Christmas Trees 22045, 22047 Simnitt Nursery - 8049, 9050 Simplot Partners - 9058, 9060 Sinclair’s Ornamental Nursery 3055, 4056 Skagit Gardens Inc. - 23037 Skipper & Jordan Nursery Inc. 11043, 12044 Solexx / Farm Wholesale Ag - 14047, 14049 South Chemult Pumice LLC - 21059 Spaargaren W.J. BV - 18025 Speer & Sons Nursery - 16008 St. Christopher Nursery LLC - 10047 Star Roses - 21045, 21047 Steffen’s Conifer Nursery - 15030 Steuber Distributing Co. - 12031, 13032 Stuewe and Sons Inc. - 14058, 14060 Stuppy Greenhouse Mfg. Inc. 17049, 18050 Sugarpost - 22085, 22087 Summit Plastic Co. - Janor Pot 2043, 3044 Sun Gro Horticulture - 13043, 13045, 14044, 14046

Sunterra Horticulture - 5063, 6064 Supervised Fuels - 13025 Supreme Perlite Co. - 17044 Surface Nursery Inc. - 21049, 22050 Sustane Natural Fertilizer Inc. 22070 Swanson Bark & Wood Products Inc. - 7050 Syngenta Crop Protection - 10028, 10030 T & L Nursery Inc. - 13013, 13015, 14014, 14016 T & R Co. - 23045, 23047, 15061 T H Belcher Nursery Inc. - 7031 T.K. Nursery - 8032 Tenax Corp. - 6057, 6059 Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Assoc., Inc. - 8014, 8046 Terra Nova Nurseries Inc. - 14019 Terra Tech LLC - 15011 Terrebonne Limited - 13049 Teufel Holly Farms - 24063 Teufel Products Co. - 9027, 9029 Texas Nursery & Landscape Assn. 14008 Texel - 15003, 16004 The Garden Gallery - 3043, 4044 The Oregon Garden - 20075 The Pottery Patch - 4037 Tidwell Nurseries Inc. - 16011 Tierra-Derco International - 12061 Tim Mitchell’s Yule Stand System 15012 TipTop Biological Control - 16062 TRC Enterprises - 23087 Tree Frog Nursery - 8015, 9016 Trillium Gardens - 7046 True Leaf Technologies - 6060, 6062 TSW Nursery Sales Inc. - 13057 Twin Springs Nursery - 19045 UpShoot LLC - 2047

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - 17059 Valleybrook Gardens Ltd. - 6037 Van Belle Nursery Inc. - 7043, 8044 Van Bloem Gardens - 7044 Van Essen Nursery Co. - 13037 Van Klaveren’s Nursery LLC - 7049, 8050 Van Meter & Son Nursery Inc. 10003, 11004 Verbena Botanicals - 24088 VNT Pottery - 2037 Walla Walla Nursery Co. Inc. - 12019 Weeks Berry Nursery - 18014, 18016 Weeks Roses - 10063, 11064 WeHoP - 12026 Wellmaster Carts - 24057, 24059 Western Evergreen - 21057 Western Pulp Products Co. - 23055, 24056 Western Tag & Label - 23043, 24044 White River Trees - 7062 Wilbur-Ellis Co. - 11049, 12050 Wilco - 10015, 11016 Willamette Nurseries Inc. - 18015 Willowbend Nursery - 5059 Wm. Dillard Nursery Co - 18043, 19044 Wood-n-Things - 23085 Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas Inc. 14043,14045, 15044, 15046 Woodlot Nursery - 10055 Words and Watercolors - 24086 Wurdinger Mfg. Inc. - 9043 X-Calibur Plant Health - 9059 Young’s Ornamental Nursery 17062 Youngblood Nursery Inc. - 18045, 18047, 18049, 19048, 19050 Z Garden Party - 21086, 21088 Zenport Industries - 2044

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August 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 17

Myers Lawn & Garden - 5037 National Clean Plant Network - 9010 National Garden Wholesale - 10011, 10013 National Nursery Products - 11058, 11060 Natives Northwest Christmas Trees 25074 Natural Industries - 24064 Nelson Irrigation Corp. - 20063 Netafim USA - 8057 Neuschwander’s Nursery LLC 1,205,712,059 Nexus Greenhouse Systems - 11031, 12032 NNBA-Northwest Nursery Buyers Assoc. - 26110 North American Plants Inc. - 4049, 5050 Northern Lights Wreathes - 23044 Northland Express Transport 20046 Northwest Farm Credit Services 11056 Northwest Plantations - 22067 Northwest Shade Trees LLC - 15031, 16032 Northwoods Nursery Inc. - 16015, 17016 Nursery Connection LLC - 8028, 8030 Nursery Supplies Inc. - 19047, 19049, 20048, 20050 NYP Corp - 16060 OBC Northwest Inc. - 21043, 22044, 21037 Obersinner Nursery Inc. - 17043 OHP Inc. - 14015, 15016 OMG! Oils and Vinegars - 23086 OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) - 11012 Oregon Association of Nurseries 13027, 13029, 13031, 14028, 14030, 14032 Oregon Christmas Tree Marketing Assn. - 17025 Oregon Department of Agriculture 14005 Oregon Outdoor Furniture LLC 22092 Oregon Pacific Construction Inc. 16013 Oregon Pride Nurseries Inc. - 12063 Oregon Turf & Tree Farms - 20055, 21056 Oregon Valley Greenhouses Inc. 5046, 5048 Oregon Wire Products - 9063, 10064 Organic Grower Supply - 11015 Our American Roots - 6063 OVS - 9019 P & D Nursery Inc. - 14048, 14050 Pacific Code & Label - 9061 Pacific Fibre Products Inc. - 19008 Pacific Nursery - 1,505,715,059 Pacific Plug & Liner Inc. - 7019 PAK Unlimited Inc. - 17045, 17047 Palmer Creek Nursery LLC - 17009 Park’s Nursery - 18046 Parker Davis Co. - 18027 Pathfinder Logistics - 4057 Peace Corps - 11008 Peace of Mind Nursery Inc. - 14025 Phillips’ Soil Products Inc. - 8055, 9056 Phytotronics Inc. - 17061 Pineae Greenhouses Inc. - 17031, 18032 Pleasant Hill Nursery Inc. - 13064 Plug Connection - 22046, 22048 Pohlschneider Nursery - 14057 Polygal Inc. - 24067

Country Folks Grower Classifieds

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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

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

Fruits & Berries

Help Wanted

FLORASEARCH, INC.

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

Candidate contact welcome, confidential, and always free.

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

Fruits & Berries

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

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

Red Raspberries Purple Raspberries Yellow Raspberries Black Raspberries

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AMERICAN WHOLESALE CO.

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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

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Country Folks Grower Classifieds

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

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High Performance PTO & Engine Driven Mist Sprayers Uses: Sweet Corn, Pumpkins, Tomatoes, Strawberries, Blueberries, Melons, Orchards & Vineyards

877-924-2474

Email resources@mistsprayers.com

www.mistsprayers.com

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

Calendar of Events E-mail announcements of your regional event(s) to: jkarkwren@leepub.com We must receive your information, plus a contact phone number, prior to the deadline that’s noted under the Announcements heading on the 1st page of these Grower Classifieds. *** AUG. 7 WALP Annual Golf Tournament Echo Falls Golf Course Snohomish, WA. 12:30pm Featured events for the day include closest-to-the-pin, longest drive, other fun contests, mulligans, prizes and awards, culminiation for WALP’s food drive, and dinner. To reserve your foursome or take advantage of one of the many sponsorship opportunities available to enhance your visibility, stay tuned - watching your mail and the WALP website for more information. Call (425) 967-0729 or mailto:info@walp.org.

On Internet at http://www.walp.org/pdf/2 0 1 2 % 2 0 G o l f % 2 0 Registration%20Brochure.p df 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 e-

m a i l i n f o @ r e a l christmastrees.org.

On Internet at www. christmastree.org/ convention2012.cfm AUG. 10-12 NOFA Summer Conference University of Mass, Amherst.

NOFA Summer Conference August 10-12 University of Mass, Amherst. To register w w w . n o f a s u m m e r conference.org Email: info@ nofasummerconference.org Call: 413-362-2143. Call 413-362-2143 or info@ nofasummerconference.org .

On Internet at www. nofasummerconference.org AUG 17-20 NAFDMA 2012 Advanced Learning Retreat Tanners Orchard, Speer, IL. On Internet at www. nafdma.com AUG 21 Norcal 2012 Town Hall Member Meeting Fess Parker’s DoubleTree, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA. Registration is $25 for the first registration from your company, $10 for each additional registration..

Call 831-479-4912.

On Internet at www.cafgs.org

AUG 29 Norcal 2012 Town Hall Member Meeting Hyatt Regency Monterey, 1 Old Golf Course Rd., Monterey, CA. Registration is $25 for the first registration from your company, $10 for each additional registration.

Call 831-479-4912.

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

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

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

All registrations include breakfast, lunch, trade show admission, reception, and networking events. For more information visit http://perennial conference.org/perennial/re gistration/perennial/ registration.aspx. On Internet at http://perennial conference.org/perennial/re gistration/perennial/ registration.aspx SEP 11 Fall Tour Montana Nursery & Landscape Association, Bitterroot Valley, MT. Call 406-7553079 or e-mail ED@plantingmontana.com.

SEP 14 WALP’s Annual Landscape Industry Written Certification Event South Puget Sound Community College, Building 32, 2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512. 8 am More Information info@walp.org. Call (425)967-0729 or mailto:info@walp.org.

On Internet at http://www.walp.org/pdf/2 012%20Registration%20For m_Main%20Event.pdf SEP 15 WALP’s Annual Landscape Industry Hands-On Certification Event South Puget Sound Community College, Building 32, 2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512.

8:00am. More Information info@walp.org. Call (425) 967-0729 or mailto:info@walp.org.

On I n t e r n e t a t http://www.walp.org/pdf/2 012%20Registration%20For m_Main%20Event.pdf NOV 2-6 2012 Irrigation Show & Education Conference Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL. Call e m a i l info@irrigationshow.org.

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

2.

3.

4.

5.

FAX IT IN For you MasterCard,Visa,American Express or Discover customers.. Fil out the form attached completely and fax to Peggy at (518) 673-2381 MAIL IT IN Fil 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

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August 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 19

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FAL L HARVE S T

Produce ~ keeping it fresh and clean Harvest sanitation is an important component of a GAPs program. It includes both harvest practices and sanitation of equipment that is used in the field. Workers involved in the harvest and field packing of produce should be trained to pick intact, undamaged fruits and vegetables. They

should not harvest drops or pieces of produce obviously contaminated with animal or human feces.

Harvest standards for your operations should be discussed during worker training.

Dirty equipment can contaminate fresh fruits and vegetables, so it is very important to imple-

ment sanitation programs that effectively reduce this risk. Obviously it is impossible to keep field soil off harvest containers, but steps can be taken to remove soil from harvest containers prior to arrival in the packing house. It is also important to clean and sanitize harvest containers on a

routine schedule to reduce the risk of transmitting human pathogens as well as plant pathogens to newly harvested fruits and vegetables.

Single-use containers used for field packing will not require a scheduled sanitation program since they are used only once, but these containers

should be stored in a clean place where they will not be contaminated with rodent, bird, or other pest feces. Harvest aids such as knives and aprons should also be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis and special attention should be given to gloves worn by workers in the field. If

Do you sell wholesale?

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

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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.

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Produce 22

August 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 21

2012 Buyers Guide

workers wear non-disposable gloves they should also be washed and sanitized daily. As with any glove use, hands should be washed prior to wearing the gloves and whenever the gloves are taken off such as at lunch, for breaks, or to use the bathroom.

Many field harvest containers may present a challenge when establishing a sanitation program either due to size or material from which they are constructed. Developing a program may require some on-farm ingenuity, but there are many options to consider such as high power washers or commercially available bin washers.

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

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

Cool produce quickly after it has been harvested. Target pulp temperatures should optimize produce quality and ideally will minimize microbial growth. Maintaining this “cold chain” from harvest to storage to shipping to retail display is essential to reduce microbial (and plant) pathogen growth.

Water used for washing, cooling, or icing produce must be potable.

Wash water and dump tanks can spread pathogens through cross

Page 22 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • August 2012

Vegetables for fall harvest — a time for Thanksgiving Sweet corn and tomatoes are nice in summer, but fall is my favorite time to visit a roadside market. Supermarkets have all the staples, but the atmosphere at the farmers market has more of that “green grocer” feeling. The abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables is stunning, and it is fun to walk through the markets and see what’s for sale — but it is even more fun to find something that is a little unusual. Knobby celeriac, bright leeks, red cipolini onions, yellow and purple carrots, fennel, radicchio, some oddly shaped cabbages, and so on.

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

Romanesco. “What is that?”, we heard our customers say a few years ago. Now, Romanesco is becoming more and more common and customers

are looking for it.

Romanesco is really an early form of cauliflower — this type was common before we had the white cauliflower that we know today. Consumers respond well to the term “Italian Cauliflower” — most people know what to do with cauliflower, and if it is Italian it must be good, right?

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

Try the variety Veronica for best results with Romanesco. Veronica matures in mid-September through mid-October from an early July transplant. Like most cauliflowers, Romanesco does not like intense heat — you can plant a little later

to avoid the worst heat stress. Romanesco will be grateful for some irrigation during the drier periods of the growing season, and reward you with nice, lime green heads that will make a beautiful center piece at any table — not to mention a very tasty and out-of-the-ordinary treat!

Sweetheart Cabbage.

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

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

The leaves of this type of cabbage are nice and thin, and have a pleasing and soft texture. Sweetheart cabbage is tender and sweet (hence the name!), and is a delight as a summer salad. Just tear or cut the leaves into small chunks, dress with some olive oil and cider vinegar, add some salt and pepper to taste, and you will have a fresh

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

Finally, keep records so that each package leaving the farm can be traced to the field of origin and the date on which it was packed. Traceback information is essential for both third party auditing for food safety as well as for inspectors in the event of a foodborne illness outbreak.

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

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

Produce from 21 contamination. Disinfection of this water can reduce these risks. Avoid cooling water bath temperatures that are more than 10°F cooler than the produce pulp temperature, so that water is not drawn into produce. This concern is highest for tomatoes, peppers, apples, potatoes, mangoes and cantaloupes.

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

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

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

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and ready-to-eat summer salad. Or, cut the head in half lengthwise and grill it. Sweetheart cabbage cooks quickly — just a few minutes in a hot wok or over steam: very convenient!

Sweetheart cabbage is easy to grow in summer — it will not get bitter, bolt, or have problems with tipburn like lettuce in the heat of summer.

Try Caraflex for a nicely shaped Sweetheart cabbage with a medium head that will make just enough salad for a single meal. Caraflex can be grown from early spring (in tunnels, under row cover) until late fall — it even can be stored for up to 10 weeks. Typically, Caraflex will mature in

the same time as a head of lettuce (about 60 days).

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

Red onion. Nothing better to add some flavor to the kitchen than to work a bit of onion into

your dishes! The trick is to find a variety with nice color, good skin, and reliable production to add to your farm market. Red Sky is a new variety of red onion that I really like: it is well adapted to longday growing areas (the northern states), it ma-

Thanksgiving 23

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Thanksgiving from 22 tures early (about 103 days), has nice color throughout, strong skin (no flaking), and nice flavor (with a little bite!).

Red Sky works well from direct-seeding, or from transplants. Also, Red

Sky makes a nicely round bulb that is neither too big or too small: a nice medium/large size that is perfect for a little onion when you want it, and a lot of onion when you need it.

Red Sky will be a very pretty onion to add to your farm market display, and is even pretty enough to fill up the Thanksgiving Cornucopia.

High Tunnel Cucum-

bers. No, not the English cucumbers, but rather the American Slicer types. Traditionally, these types of cucumbers are grown outside, in the field, and often have “yellow bel-

lies.” The parthenocarpic types, however, can be grown in High Tunnels. Because of the parthenocarpy, they set fruit without pollination, and then produce nice fruit without seed.

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

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August 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 23

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

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• Great for commercial growers and hobbyists

The skin is thin, and the seed cavity is small, and the fruit is evenly smooth and dark green.

High Quality Cucumbers that tell your customers that you know what you are doing! I like the variety Lisboa — I have seen some nice crops in High Tunnels after only 40 days of growing. Very productive, high quality fruit, and without a doubt a nice money-maker. The small seed cavity makes this variety perfect for freshly pickled cucumber slices, and deliciously refreshing when served cooled on a sandwich or in a salad.

Lisboa can be grown in High Tunnels for an early spring crop or a later fall crop. Lisboa also works well on a trellis outdoors, or flat on the open ground (still nicely green fruit, without yellow bellies!).

Just be sure to separate Lisboa from other cucumbers, or you will get cross pollination and you will get some irregularly shaped fruit.

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

Page 24 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • August 2012

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