Grower East 6.12

June 2012

Eastern Edition n

Section One of Two

GROWER

Volume e 21 Number r 6

$2.50

Serving All Aspects of Commercial Horticulture

Greenhouse • Nursery • Garden Center • Fruit & Vegetable • Farm Markets • Landscapers • Christmas Technology helpss Flora Ridge flourish h in itss niche: hydroponic greens ~ Page e B2

Today’ss Marketing g A5 Classifieds

B16

Greenhouse

B7

Technology

B2

Inserts (in some areas) Greenstarr Farm m Market

Guernsey’s Schoharie Nurseries ~ back from the flood ~ Page A2

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 2

Guernsey’s Schoharie Nurseries ~ back from the flood

by Elizabeth A.Tomlin For over 120 years a surviving spirit has kept Guernsey’s Schoharie Nurseries bouncing back from the storms of life, with the most recent being the devastation of high damaging winds, hail and a tornado in 1989, economic storms through the 1990’s, and the horrific flooding of 2011’s Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Julie Lizzio has been with the family owned business as secretary for over 16 years and commented on the flooding from the 2011 storms.

“We had about 8 feet of water in the office,” Lizzio said. “We lost everything.”

Even after viewing the photos that Floyd III and his son Floyd IV showed of the resultant destruction, it’s still hard to imagine the devastation caused to the vicinity by the Schoharie Valley Flood.

At Guernsey’s not only were all the office contents lost, including electronic devices and computers, but all equipment including trucks, tractors, two greenhouses, thousands of perennials, B&B fruit trees, evergreens and berry bushes; about 60 acres of production washed away in floodwaters raging through at an estimated 60 mph.

Guernsey’s Schoharie Nurseries’ business was established by Floyd Amasa Guernsey (1864-1945), the son of Matthew and Helen Clark Guernsey. He grew up

Schoharie dignitaries celebrated the Guernsey family's historic Schoharie Nurseries grand re-opening ribbon cutting ceremony. Attending the ceremony were (from left) Schoharie Town Supervisor Gene Milone, Schoharie Economic Development Specialist Sarah Blood, Director of Planning and Development for Schoharie County Alicia Terry, 127th Dist. Assemblyman Peter Lopez, employee Heather Schleifer, Floyd Guernsey IV, Betsy Guernsey, employee Mitchell Cooper, Floyd Guernsey III, Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce President Georgia Van Dyke, and Schoharie Mayor John Borst.

on a small farm in Wetsel Hollow, located between Schoharie and Cobleskill.

Reportedly, it was around 1889 when Guernsey acquired a position as nursery stock salesman with a western New York company. At that time his interest in horticulture was cultivated as a business growing out of the cellar of his Bridge Street property in Schoharie. There he learned

(From left) “Top Salesperson” of 10 years, Heather Schleifer, joins Floyd Guernsey IV and Secretary Julie Lizzio, who has been with the company for 16 years, at the grand re-opening celebration.

Photos by Elizabeth A. Tomlin

from the roots up.

Guernsey pursued his interest for another four years, gaining experience and knowledge along the way before forming F.A. Guernsey & Co. Inc. in 1921 with his life-long friend (and brother-in-law) Everett Rockefeller as a business partner.

The young nursery business sold apple and other fruit trees all along the Mohawk, Hudson and Champlain valleys. Some folks say you can still see “the fruits of Old F.A.’s labors” in apple trees still visible, originating from trees planted in the early 1900’s by the original Guernsey’s Nursery. Guernsey’s was the first nursery in New York state to offer large quantities of the Cortland variety of apples for sale.

In the 1920’s, due to growth in transportation and suburbia, ornamental nursery stock became the trend and landscaping became popular. This is when Guernsey’s began adding more flowering trees, shade trees, shrubs, evergreens, perennials and other decorative plants to their fruit tree stock, which they are still known for.

“Old F.A,” as he is now known, passed the business on to his son Ross, the second of the Guernsey generations to work the Schoharie Nurseries.

Ross in turn was followed by his son, F.A. Guernsey II, the third generation to continue in the nursery business.

F.A. Guernsey II, a life-long resident of the village of

Schoharie, was instrumental in beginning the Northeastern NY Landscaping and Nurseryman’s Association and served as president of that association.

Along with numerous other civic accomplishments, F.A. Guernsey II served as mayor of Schoharie for 28 years, which was the longest uninterrupted term in New York state at that time.

In 1987 F.A. Guernsey II passed on the Schoharie Nurseries to his son, F. A. Guernsey III, who is currently at the helm of the business.

“We are kind of an icon in the area,” Guernsey III says of the historic business. “We’ve been family run for 123 years!”

In fact, F.A. Guernsey & Co. Inc. (Schoharie Nurseries) was the recipient of the “Century Farm Award” in 2008, which

attests that they have been officially recognized by a regional program documenting they have been continuously owned by a single family for 100 years or more.

Following the aftermath of the Schoharie Valley flood, Guernsey’s has seen the rallying of friends, neighbors and volunteers, helping them to put the pieces back together.

Estimating the loss at nearly half a million dollars, Guernsey says the recovery will take time. “We still have a long way to go for the nursery and Schoharie,” Guersey says.

“Everybody is striving to go forward.”

The fifth generation, 18-year old F.A. Guernsey IV, is part of the recovery process and is working by his dad’s side as things progress.

The greenhouses are replaced and are now bursting with the color of hanging baskets and an assortment of plants. The office has been rebuilt. Equipment has been replaced. “It will be a long time before we are out of the red,” Guernsey says, and smiles, “But, we’ll be better than we ever were!”

A grand re-opening ribbon cutting ceremony took place at nursery on May 11, and Guernsey says they are running at about 85 percent.

F.A. Guernsey III thanked all who have helped accomplish the re-opening. “Thanks for all of the support!” he said.

“It’s been an uphill battle and it’s not been easy coming back.”

Guernsey’s Schoharie Nurseries serves growers, marketers, landscapers, residences, municipalities, businesses and developers.

For more information call Guernsey’s Schoharie Nurseries at 518-295-7400 or visit them at 149 Bridge Street in Schoharie.

At the grand re-opening, Floyd Guernsey III and son Floyd IV showed photos of the resulting disaster from the 2011, 8-foot flooding of the greenhouses and other buildings.

by Sanne Kure-Jensen At a recent Growers’ Twilight Meeting, Mina Vescera shared her results from the 2011 melon trials she conducted in the high tunnels at URI’s Agronomy Fields.

Vescera grew six varieties of muskmelons from small to large fruit. She described their cultural needs: All are warm-season crops requiring well-drained fertile soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Melons can be started from seed in high tunnels, but transplants (no more than 3 weeks old) offer better quality. Seeds or seedlings can be planted once day and night soil temperatures reach a consistent 55 degrees F. Melons are very sensitive to cold soil and air.

Muskmelons are all sensitive to over and under watering. She recommended spacing plants no closer than 1.5 feet apart. Vescera used rows 2 feet apart because of her testing patterns.

Trellising and pruning are recommended for optimal yields, especially for close plantings like these. URI’s high tunnels have a horizontal strand of orchard wire attached to the metal frame eight feet above the soil surface.

Vescera ran sisal twine in a ‘W’ pattern from the ground over the wires for the melon vines to climb. This year a second wire will be run 8 inches above the soil for attaching the sisal.

Drip irrigation was used under black plastic.

Pollination Muskmelon flowers require at least 8 to 12 visits from a honey bee to achieve marketable fruit set according to a study done by McGregor, S. E., M. D. Levin, and R. E. Foster called Honey bee visitors and fruit set of cantaloupes.

The authors noted that more than 8 visits improved marketable fruit production by 54.3%, 12 visits from a honey bee offered ideal fruit set and more than 13 offered no significant additional benefits.

Consistent pollination was accomplished by bumblebees and honeybees in parallel, separate high tunnels. The bumblebees were confined in one house using shade cloth over the openings rather than traditional screening as a cost saving measure.

The melon plants still receive plenty of sunlight. This escape barrier kept the expensive bumblebees in and kept out other insects which might have harmed the bumblebees. Herbs, flow-

ering plants and water were also available to sustain the bumblebees in that house.

Growers who wish to have a honeybee hive inside any plastic-covered structure may want to offer bees a ridge vent as well as side vents.

Venting is important because the plastic on the tunnel confuses the bees orientation, as an unobstructed view of the sun and horizon are needed for proper navigation. The bees also need access to other forage from outside the high tunnel. Honey bees tend to forage from the time the flowers open to about 5 p.m. Bumble bees start very early, even before sun rise, and continue through 7 p.m.

Yields Melons should be picked at the right stage of ripeness which varies by variety. They will not get sweeter after picking, just more ripe and eventually, rotten. Some melons benefited from “full slip” harvest where their stems easily disconnected from the plants.

All varieties tested except ‘Sivan’ were harvest at full-slip. For optimal quality, Sivan should be harvested at “half’ slip” where care was needed in separating the plant and stem without damaging the fruits.

Sarah’s Choice, a mid-sized melon, was the staff favorite. Athena and Sarah’s Choice had the highest yields in pounds, second and third highest in number of marketable fruit and best in fruit sweetness. Sivan performed the worst in yield, medium in fruit yield and medium in Brix (sweetness measurement) tests. Sweet Granite and Tasty Bites just weren’t as their names implied. They had well below average yield, the highest numbers of unmarketable fruit and lowest Brix scores. Vescera explained that a high rate of disease (gummy stem blight) was probably to blame for this result.

Sweet Granite was the earliest producer but was really inedible. 2012 trials will replace this variety with Earlichamp (F1). Lil’ Loupe and Athena did better on the edge rows than in the center rows. Vescera thinks it is because there was additional moisture from natural rain in the outside rows close to the rolled-up sides.

Periodic pruning increased yields.

Ideally, plants can produce three to six healthy fruit per plant. Trellising prevented plant and fruit damage from careless steps and insect damage

Cantaloupe chart Variety

Avg. Weight (lbs)

Sivan (F1) Tasty Bites (F1) Lil' Loupe (F1) Sarah's Choice (F1) Sweet Granite Athena (F1)

1 - 1.5 1.5 - 2.5 2 3 3 5-6

Days to Harvest 75 - 85 80 70 76 70 75 - 80

Page 3 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Growing melons in high tunnels

Mina Vescera, graduate student at URI, described the cultural requirements for muskmelons. In a two year study, she compared the effects of field, low tunnel and high tunnel growing on yield and fruit quality.

Photo by Sanne Kure-Jensen

was reduced.

Field-grown fruit in low tunnels were sweeter but the indoor-grown fruit was prettier. The conventional field-grown melons (except Sweet Granite and Tasty Bites) shared the same Brix with the high tunnel treatment. Vescera believes the disappointing results for Sweet Granite and Tasty Bites were largely due to Gummy Stem Blight.

Pests and diseases Various insect pests and diseases plagued the trials including stripped cucumber beetles, which vector bacterial wilt. Young plants with less than five true leaves are most vulnerable.

Squash bug was also prevalent. The ORMI approved pesticide, Pygantic, was applied twice and offered adequate control; to reduce the chance of insect resistance, only two applications were administered. No other forms of insecticide were deemed necessary because an insidious fungal disease, Gummy Stem Blight (caused by didymella bryoniae,) had infected every variety in the trail causing decreased crop vigor. None of the varieties tested showed resistance to this disease but they did react differently.

All crops offered decreased yield and sweetness. Some fruit appeared fine but had extremely short storage life.

The whole farm had this disease both inside the high tunnels and in the field trials.

There are no organic fungicide treatments for effective control of Gummy Stem Blight. Future melon trials will include preventative measures such as fungicide applications and plant vigor treatments. Cultural practices will be implemented to minimize spread with pruning tools. The three varieties in this trial that were most devastated by this disease were: ‘Sweet Granite’ (poor fruit), ‘Tasty Bites’ (poor fruit and vine wilt) and ‘Sivan’ (decreased yields due to vine wilt). The other three varieties

(‘Sarah’s Choice’, ‘Athena’ and ‘Lil’ Loupe’) were able to produce some marketable fruit. According to USDA’s commercial standards, only ‘Athena’ and ‘Sarah’s Choice’ yielded marketable U.S. No. 1 grade fruit with 9 degrees Brix. For U.S. Fancy grade, fruit would need to have a sweetness of 11° Brix.

Organics versus conventional growing?

Fertilizers will continue to be organic. Conventional disease management will be used in 2012 trials because there is no effective organic control for Gummy Stem Blight. Fungicides like Thiram and Inspire, and plant vigor applications of Regalia (approved for organic production), are planned for the 2012 indoor trials.

Results of 2011 and previous seasons’ vegetable variety trials are available online at http://cels.uri.edu/sustainableag and clicking on “URI Variety Trials”. Melon variety trials should be listed later this summer.

Vescera recommends the “New England Vegetable Management Guide” and the “Northeast Vegetable and Strawberry Pest Identification Guide.” This guide may be ordered from any New England State Extension offices or through the University of Massachusetts Extension Bookstore at www.umassextensionbookstore.com/store.php?c rn=238 or call at (413-545-2717.

Another wonderful resource is the “High Tunnel Production Manual” available from the Pennsylvania State University Center for Plasticulture and Penn State Extension at http://extension.psu.edu/plasticulture/technologies/hightunnels/high-tunnel-manual.

You can direct questions to Mina Vescera at mina.vescera@gmail.com or call her at 401-874-7540 or to Rebecca Brown via email at brownreb@uri.edu or call 401-874-2755.

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 4

2012 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention Easton Farmers Market

by Bill Rose A farmers market that almost died, but then came back to life in a big way — that’s the story of the Easton Farmers Market in Northeast Pennsylvania, the oldest open air market in the U.S. In 2003, the Easton Farmers Market was down to one vendor in the center square of the city of Easton. At that time the city was characterized by urban sprawl, urban blight, and downtown vacancies and crime. But then something unusual happened. The community decided they did not want to lose this 260-year-old gem of their community. As current market director, Megan McBride noted, “It was thanks to the grassroots efforts of Lynn Prior, who is now director of Greater Lehigh Valley Buy Fresh Buy Local, who realized that she needed to gather the troops and find a way to save this market.”

Over the next few years, a board of residents began the difficult task of rebuilding the market. At first they couldn’t be too choosy about their vendors. But by 2005, the market was strong enough to support a change in its bylaws to make it a producer-only market. McBride became market director in 2008. Since that time the market has grown in numbers, in organization, and in community involvement. The market currently features over 40 vendors.

McBride is quick to point out that you can’t take a top-down approach to a farmers market. It has to be grassroots.

Nevertheless, it helps to have staff dedicated to providing structure to the community effort. The market is now under the umbrella of the Greater Easton Economic Development Partnership, which is a 501(c)(3) organization. The market is governed by the Easton Farmers Market Advisory

Cover photo by Elizabeth A.Tomlin A customer looks over an assortment of rose bushes, while Floyd Guernsey IV advises her on specifics of the care required.

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

Periodical postage paid at Palatine Bridge, NY 13428.

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

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

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

Palatine Bridge, Front desk ................................ ....................................518-673-0160 Accounting/Billing Office ...............518-673-0149 .....................amoyer@leepub.com Subscriptions ..................................888-596-5329 ..........subscriptions@leepub.com Web Site:................................................................ .............................www.leepub.com Send all correspondence to: PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 Fax (518) 673-2699 Editorial email: jkarkwren@leepub.com Advertising email: jmackay@leepub.com

AD SALES REPRESENTATIVES Bruce Button, Ad Sales Mgr . . . . . . . bbutton@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . .800-218-5586, ext. 104 Dan Wren, Grower Sales Mgr . . . . . . . .dwren@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 117 Jan Andrews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jandrews@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 110 Dave Dornburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ddornburgh@leepub.com. . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 109 Laura Clary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lclary@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-218-5586, ext. 118 Steve Heiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sheiser@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 107 Tina Krieger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tkrieger@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . 800-218-5586, ext. 108 Ian Hitchener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ihitchener@leepub.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 802-222-5726 Kegley Baumgardner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kegleyb@va.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540-255-9112 Wanda Luck / North Carolina . . . . . . . . . .luck@triad.rr.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336-416-6198 (cell) Mark Sheldon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . marksh500@yahoo.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 814-587-2519 Sue Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .suethomas@nycap.rr.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 949-305-7447

Lee Publications 6113 State Hwy. 5, PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 We cannot GUARANTEE the return of photographs. Publisher not responsible for typographical errors. Size, style of type and locations of advertisements are left to the discretion of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. We will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The publisher reserves the sole right to edit, revise or reject any and all advertising with or without cause being assigned which in his judgement is unwholesome or contrary to the interest of this publication. We assume no financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertisement, but if at fault, will reprint that portion of the ad in which the error appears.

The rejuvenated Easton Farmers' Market draws many visitors to the center square of Easton, PA. Photo courtesy of Easton Farmers’ Market Council, which is made up of five volunteers, three vendor representatives, the city health inspector, a member of the City Council, and McBride as a nonvoting member.

McBride said, “They are a tremendous board. We’re very adamant that all board members cannot just be chair sitters. They need to be out there. They all need to have a vital role or specific skill to contribute to the market.”

Under the board are the Market Manager, and several other paid positions. McBride notes that when Prior started the market, there was no stipend. But more recently, modest stipends have become possible through the Northampton County motel tax grant. McBride notes that grants are dwindling, so the Market has had to find other creative ways to fund its positions.

A key goal of the paid positions is to foster the involvement of volunteers — the lifeblood of the market. Says McBride, “You want your volunteers to feel like the market belongs to them.

You want the community to feel that this is their market. They are your greatest ambassadors.”

Volunteers have a great variety of roles. First is market set up. Some volunteers work from seven till eight in the morning, and then come back at 1:30 p.m. to tear down. They help with both the overall setup of the market, and with individual vendors.

Some volunteers help at the children’s activity tent, which is a key draw for young families. Other volunteers, especially college and high school students, do surveys and counts of customers. This kind of tracking is critical when applying for grants and other funding. Other volunteers show up for special events and festivals.

Other volunteers run the information tent. Others do merchandise sales of promotional material such as T-shirts.

Others distribute posters and brochures, and provide clerical help in the office. McBride notes that people volunteer for different reasons.

All these volunteers require a lot of recruitment, training and recognition.

McBride says people ask all the time — how did you get so many volunteers?

“When I say we have 75+ volunteers, that’s all total. Some of those may only volunteer once or twice a season. I would say we probably have a really core, strong group of 25 volunteers that are there very frequently.” The original core group was started through a volunteer rally in a church hall downtown, spearheaded by one of the early volunteers. “We offered food. We posted huge sign-up posters, all through the room. . .sign up for a day; sign up for an event; here’s the various things that you can do.”

Special events are a big deal at the Easton Farmers Market. McBride notes that back in 2006-2007, it was hard to attract people to the market downtown.

At that time, she was a volunteer herself, and realized that the Market could grow by holding interesting, fun special events to attract families. So that’s what they started doing, and it has worked.

McBride notes that, “If you’re having a Tomato Fest or if you’re having a Corn Fest or whatever. . . that really draws market customers from a much larger radius than the regular market would serve. I think most markets serve basically a 6 to 10 mile radius of their market, and we’re finding that we’re drawing 50 miles and upwards because of our events.”

The yearly event calendar now includes the National Herb Day Festival, Kid’s Farm Day, Strawberry Festival, and June Bug Jamboree (about bugs and insects beneficial to farmers). The highlight of the June Bug event is parents and kids making wings for the kids to march in the parade.

There is also an annual Zucchini Race.

“We borrow a highway derby track from our local scout troop. We actually have a real NASCAR official on hand to officiate the race. He’s one of our volunteers. . . That’s a lot of fun. Our local mayors participate in the event, and it draws people of all ages.”

Next on the calendar is a Sweet Corn Festival, and then an “Art for the Market” event, featuring the works of local artists. The festival year is rounded out with a Chile Pepper Festival, complete with hot pepper tasting (“It was ugly this year!”), an Apple Fest, a Garlic Festival, and finally a Scarecrow Festival.

By: Melissa Piper Nelson Farm News Service News and views on agricultural marketing techniques.

Who will turn out the lights?

The benefits of hiring an operations manager Today’s producers are fortunate to have a number of great sales opportunities from which to choose. Farmers’ markets continue to spring up in almost every community, more farmers are building on-farm retail outlets, and agritourism ventures continue to blend farm life with destination events.

Many of these ventures require labor in addition to the farm family to keep things running smoothly. So if your employees seem to be heading off in a number of different directions these days, you may need to ask yourself — who turned off the lights? Or, if you think of it in another way, who is the person back at the home operation making sure all the little details get completed each day.

Hiring a designated operations manager provides a level of protection against circumstances and events that could hamper a farm business where it would hurt most — the home farm or the business base. Someone has to be in charge of yes, turning out the lights, locking the door, and making certain base camp is secure.

Just as important, the operations manager is the person who handles

FOR CLEAN CUTTING ON ANY AREA.

The Bush Hog TD-1100 Series Tri-Deck Finishing Mower is available in an 11-ft. cutting width and is ideal for golf courses, athletic fields, or any area where a clean cut is desired.

Because it requires only 30 HP to operate, you’re likely to have a tractor that’s well suited to this economical mower. Its 11-foot cutting width, along with an 80 CV driveline, makes it highly maneuverable and reduces turning time. A six-inch deck overlap means there’s no streaking when making turns, and the blade tip speed of 16,100 fpm and rear discharge assures a high quality cut and even distribution of clippings.

Come in today and see why the Bush Hog TD-1100 Tri-Deck Finishing Mowers is clearly your best choice for a quality cut.

Marketing A6 ALEXANDER EQUIPMENT CO. 3266 Buffalo St. Alexander, NY 14005 585-591-2955 COLUMBIA TRACTOR 841 Route 9H Claverack, NY 12513 518-828-1781 JONES FARM SUPPLY 39 Clinton St. Gouverneur, NY 13642 315-287-3210

BUSH HOG, L.L.C. • P.O. Box 1039 • Selma, AL 36702-1039 (334) 874-2700 • www.bushhog.com

Four Reasons To Buy The New Bush Hog® Trail Series® Utility Vehicles BETTER RIDE - so much better you’ll never want to ride a competitive machine again BETTER TRACTION - CVT, Detroit Gearless Locker and high clearance delivers better traction in gravel, loose dirt, ice and snow BETTER STANDARD FEATURES standard Halogen® headlights, tail and brake lights, heavy-duty brush guard, four wheel hydraulic disc brakes, two-inch hitch receivers in front and back

OESCO, INC. 8 Ashfield Road on Route 116 Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4335 800-634-5557 www.oescoinc.com info@oescoinc.com RAYMOND G HARVEY FARM EQUIP. 1251 Bangor Road Dover Foxcroft, ME 04426 207-564-7561

BETTER DEPENDABILITY - Tough as a Bush Hog®. Built and serviced by the same people who build and service the famous Bush Hog® rotary cutters.

See all the reasons to choose Bush Hog Trail Series® utility vehicles at your local dealer.

TRI-COUNTY SUPPLY 12069 Olean Road (Rt. 16) Chaffee, NY 14039 716-496-8859

BUSH HOG, L.L.C. • P.O. Box 1039 Selma, AL 36702-1039 (334) 874-2700 • www.bushhog.com

Bush Hog Utility Vehicle. Better Ride Than Bucking Competitors.

R.S. OSGOOD & SONS Route 2 East Dixfield, ME 04227 207-645-4934 www.rsosgood.com

Page 5 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Today’s Marketing Objectives

the company’s overall logistics and keeps the business running smoothly. Farm families busy with planting, harvesting, packaging and selling do not always have the time to handle business problems as they arise. That is one of the many benefits of having an operations manager in place. She can act on your behalf when you just can’t get in from the field or away from the farm stand.

We know operations managers from their former business title, general manager. The general manager was hired for her leadership qualities, business planning in-

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 6

Marketing from A5 sights, budget management and great sense of logistics. Simply put, a great operations manager makes a company more productive.

Farm businesses may not require a full time operations manager, but a well-trained employee with leadership and human relations skills, can be a helpful addition to any venture team. In addition to employee management and logistics, the operations manager needs to know about every part of the business — how the business is run, who makes the decisions, where marketing is concentrated, how products move to outlets, what products are produced and how that is accomplished. Without a good background in the business, the operations manager cannot guide a company to its full potential, or make meaningful decisions.

As a business owner, you and the operations manager must be on the same page in understanding the vision and

mission of the business.

If sales decisions must be changed or marketing plans revamped, the operations manager must be included to fully understand how any alterations to the business plans will impact other parts of the operation.

Will you require more employees, and if so what training will they need? Do you need a new piece of equipment or packaging facility?

How will it be financed and managed? These are but a few of the types of questions that operations managers with a sound background in your business can assist you in planning.

Family-owned businesses often function with a spouse or family member assuming most of the responsibilities if a problem arises. One member may know how harvesting is best completed (your field manager), but not fully understand how your employees are hired or trained. Or, if a family member is hurt and un-

Full Line of Agricultural Spray Materials For Fruit, Vegetables & Christmas Trees

Serving All Of New York

T&P SALES and SERVICE & Richardson Farms Buddy Richardson Vernon Venter, NY

(315) 829-8000

Fresh Material

$1.50/yard from growing rooms $2.00/yard from stock pile ($25.00 minimum loading fee)

Aged Material

$8.00/yard from stock pile

(offf Rt.. 78)

able to assist in the day to day operations, are you prepared for taking on all the roles related to your operation?

Business people are encouraged to prepare for the unexpected by making a will, buying insurance, creating a business plan and hiring a good leadership team.

An operations manager should be part of the business team contributing to your suc-

cess.

Well trained, knowledgeable, having top leadership and human relations skills, and the ability to solve problems quickly will help ensure that your operations manager is prepared for whatever day to day circumstances arise. And, they will make sure that when everyone else leaves, someone is there to turn out the lights!

The above information

is intended for educational purposes only and should not be substituted

for professional business or legal counseling.

MASTER MIX INC. Professional Mix Potting Soil • Greenhouse Mixes • Nursery Mixes • Custom Blends Retailable Bags Available Quakertown, PA 18951

610-346-8723 BAG YOUR OWN MULCH Economically priced mulch bagger, ideal for point-of-sale bagging of mulch and related materials. Allows Garden Centers and Nurseries to buy mulch in bulk and bag it as needed. 1 person can fill up to 100 bags per hour - double the output with 2 people.

LANDSCAPE MULCH Cut mulching time and put mulch where you want it with the KB 1300 Straw Mulcher.

Processes small square straw bales in 30 seconds. Heavy-duty construction for dependable operation.

For more information contact

Weaverline, LLC at 877-464-1025

DYERSVILLE, IA — Growers Supply, a division of FarmTek, will be holding a photo contest for people to submit photos of the company’s building products from now until June 30. Do you love showing off your Growers Supply greenhouse, high tunnel or building and feel that your use is unique and interesting? Growers Supply would love to see it! Submit your photos and story to the Growers Supply 2012 Photo Contest. The best submission will

receive a $500 gift certificate to the company and 10 runners up will each receive a $100 gift certificate.

To participate, submit at least three photos of your Growers Supply structure and tell Growers Supply what you like about it. They are looking for striking images of buildings purchased from the company. These images should show how you use your structure. Growers Supply asks that you send the highest resolution images

possible (4-by-6 prints or 300 dpi digital images). Submit your files in your digital camera’s original format (i.e., .jpeg, .tiff, .png).

Growers Supply isn’t just interested in great photos — they would also love to hear how their structures are working for you. Let them know how installation went, how you benefit from using the building, how it impacts your business or home, your experience with ordering from Growers Supply, or

any modifications you have done.

Make sure your testimonial is at least 100 words. You may find your testimonial and photos in Growers Supply’s next catalog!

Submit your entry electronically to contest@GrowersSupply.com or post them to the Growers Supply Facebook fan page. All submissions must be received by June 30. To read the complete contest rules, visit www.GrowersSupply.com/PHOTO

Food for Profit workshop offered in Maryland Have you ever been told that your favorite homemade bread, or salsa, is “good enough to sell”? Do you have additional fruit or vegetables from your farm or home garden that you would like to make into a commercial product? Food for Profit is a one-day workshop designed to help participants work through the maze of local and state regulations, food safety issues,

and business management concepts that all must be considered in setting up a commercial food business.

The course will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center, 7303 Sharpsburg Pike (building door No. 4), Boonsboro, MD. This session of Penn State Extension’s popular course is cosponsored

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

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

by: d l So

ties on paper before they look for funding or take action.

The tuition cost of $40 per person includes all materials and lunch. Registration is through the Penn State cvent on-line system at www.cvent.com/ d/zcq155 or by calling 877-489-1398.

For further information about workshop content, contact Extension Educator Winifred McGee, wwm1@psu.edu, 717-270-4391, or Ginger S. Myers, University of Maryland Extension Specialist at gsmyers@umd.edu, 301-432-2767 ext. 338.

Pre-payment and registration are required for this workshop.

www.tewmfg.com

TEW MFG. CORP.

No more hoeing!

by the Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center, University of Maryland Extension, and the HagerstownWashington County Economic Development Commission.

Food for Profit will take participants step by step through the entrepreneurial process. It will provide the information and skills to assess if an idea will be something that will sell at a profit.

Conducting a feasibility study, performing marketing research and beginning to draft a business plan are a few of the concrete tools taught by certified instructors and business experts. By attending this class, participants can learn how to evaluate the opportuni-

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

ECO The weeder you must have!

- Adjustable 3pt. linkage - P.T.O. Driven - Requires no hydraulic outlet on the tractor - Eliminates 95% of any length of weeds - Can work around and between the plants - Adjustable wheels for different cultivations - Eliminates the need of herbicides for weeding

Roeters Farm Eq., Inc. 565 E. 120th St., Grant, MI 49327 231-834-7888 www.roetersfarmequipment.com

SUPPLIES FOR ALL YOUR GROWING NEEDS TOMATO STAKES & TWINE

• Treated Honduras Pine Stakes • Untreated White Oak Stakes • Limited Supply of Locust Stakes

DRIP TAPE For All Applications

Full Selection of Irrigation Supplies & Fittings

FERTILIZERS To get your crops started & growing to the best of their potential For More Products Call or Write For Our 2012 Catalog

Page 7 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Growers Supply announces its 2012 photo contest

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 8

“SAFETY SAVVY” Affiliated with Bassett Healthcare One Atwell Road Cooperstown, N Y 13326 607-547-6023 800-343-7527 jcarrabba@nycamh.com

Free CPR and first aid training available through NYCAMH

by Anna Meyerhoff, Bilingual Farm Safety Educator, The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health - NYCAMH Working safely on the farm is important. Minimizing risks, using personal protective equipment, and doing jobs the right way every time can help workers avoid illness and injury. Still, emergency situations can happen when you least expect it, and the first few minutes are crucial. It’s important for farm owners and managers to have a plan and ensure that all workers know what to do in the event of a fire, power outage, pesticide exposure, illness, injury or other sudden emergency.

Every farm should have an emergency response plan outlining evacuation procedures and designating which workers are responsible for ensuring the safety of others. The plan should also specify who is to be contacted in the event of an emergency,

as well as determine a safe meeting area for workers to congregate.

Having a clearly established emergency plan and reviewing it with all employees can help make first response faster and less confusing in a fire, injury, sudden illness or other emergency situations. If everyone on the farm knows what to do and where to go, it will be easier to account for all workers and ensure their safety.

There are a few easy ways you can help protect yourself and your workers in the event of an emergency. Post important phone numbers and directions to the farm near every phone, and keep this information up-to-date. Have supplies readily available: first aid kits, fire extinguishers and personal protective equipment are a small investment that could help save a life.

First aid kits and supplies can be lifesaving

tools. However, even the best first aid kit is useless if no one knows how to use it properly. It is crucial to have your workers trained so they know what to do in an emergency. Untrained and inexperienced first responders can themselves become victims.

To avoid this, all workers should know basic emergency response skills such as calling for help, ensuring that the scene is safe, assessing the victim, and using a fire extinguisher. Also, key workers should be trained in first aid and CPR. This may already be something you are required by third party auditors to do. Having a trained first responder on-site to provide care can make a huge difference in the outcome of the victim.

Being prepared and having trained workers can improve your chances of a good outcome in an emergency.

Review your farm emergency plan annually, and go over safety procedures with new workers when they come on board.

Make sure all your workers know the location of the following:

• fire extinguishers • machinery shut-off switches • emergency exits • first aid kits • phones or two-way radios • emergency phone numbers • personal protective equipment (PPE) • designated “safe meeting place” • fuel and pesticide storage areas • Material Safety Datasheets (MSDS) Although immediate care given by the first responder can make the difference between life and death in an emergency, advanced medical care is critical. Make sure someone knows what to do until the ambulance or fire department arrives, and have them stay with the victim and give first aid. Send someone else to call 911, and get help on the way as soon as possible.

Here are some other things to remember and consider in case an incident should occur: • Stay calm • Make sure the scene is safe • Call for help • Remove additional

hazards • Check breathing • Control bleeding • Check for spinal injuries • Never move the victim unless they are in immediate danger • Keep victim as comfortable as possible until help arrives NYCAMH currently offers training that can help you and your workers learn what to do in an emergency. Our educators can provide fire safety, emergency response, basic first aid, and even full CPR/AED and first aid certification through the American Heart Association. We can also help you develop a farm emergency plan to ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Migrant or Hispanic workers may not know how to give first aid or call EMS. Be sure and talk with them about what to do in an emergency. All workers, including supervisors and foremen, should be trained in how to handle situations such as these.

NYCAMH can provide you and your workers with emergency training,

as well as printed materials, in both English and Spanish.

In addition to our farm emergency response program, NYCAMH continues to offer other onfarm trainings for any type of agricultural operation. Topics include tractor and machinery safety, personal protective equipment, chemical and pesticide safety, personal hygiene, ladder safety, and safe lifting and carrying. On-farm safety programs are funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Labor Hazard Abatement Board. If you would like more information about this topic, or wish to schedule a farm safety survey or on-farm safety training session, please contact me at 800-3437527, ext 291 or e-mail me at ameyerhoff@nycamh.com. These surveys and trainings are offered at no cost and are available in English and Spanish. NYCAMH, a program of the Bassett Healthcare Network, is enhancing agricultural and rural health by preventing and treating occupational injury.

ALL AMERICAN MADE BASKETS!!

FARM-RITE, INC. 122 Old Cohansey Rd. Shiloh, NJ 08353 800-752-6373 www.farm-rite.com STANTON EQUIPMENT 105 South Main St. East Windsor, CT 06088 860-623-8296 800-842-8968 Outside CT

HINES EQUIPMENT US Route 22, Box 5 Cresson, PA 16630 814-886-4183

ELDER SALES & SERVICE 4488 Greenville Sandy Lake Stoneboro, PA 16153 724-376-3740

Interest brews to have New York agriculture begin growing hops again.

by Steven E Smith Hops, a crop that made a rich contribution to New York farmers during the infancy of our country could once again become a contributor according to Steven Miller CCE state specialist in hop production. With the increase popularity of microbreweries, specialty beers featuring locally produced hops have been the buzz. During the 2012 Ag Day program at SUNY Cobleskill, Miller explained the opportunity.

History New York State was once the leader of hop production. In 1808, the first commercially grown hops were produced in Bouckville, NY. In time, hops became a significant crop for the state grown primarily in the seven country Central New York region of Chenango, Madison, Oneida, Herkimer, Otsego, Montgomery and Schoharie counties.

During the early years, a farmer would used the rolling hillsides to produce a crop that in one year would

pay off their mortgage stated Miller.

By 1880, 80 percent of the entire U.S. crop (21 million pounds) was produced in New York. But with time, the increased disease pressure from powdery and downy mildews caused many growers to migrate west for a fresh start. Today the vast majority of the hop production in the U.S. occurs in the Pacific Northwestern.

Assessing the opportunity Now hops are gaining interest from local microbreweries that market craft beers. Currently there are over 70 of these breweries licenses in New York and more than 30 applications for license filed. Miller indicated that these enterprises are looking for local agriculture to produce aromatic hop varieties valued at $10-$14 per pound.

Once established, a hop yard would have 1,000 plants per acre that can remain viable for 25 to 30 years.

The establishment and annual labor costs are significant factors to consid-

er when assessing the enterprise budget for this business. While there are no producers with more than 10 acres in New York today, Miller indicates that a prospective grower with 10-15 acres producing 1,000 to 1,200 pounds per acre could market their production worth $10 to $14 per pound when sold as a dried and palletized product. Most producers budget for a $6,000 to $8,000 per acre in gross sales to generate account for the infrastructure investment and cover variable costs and leave a profit for themselves. Miller suggests that growers in New York would benefit from sharing in the costs of harvesters, oasts (kilns) and palletizing and packaging equipment.

While traditional hop production was accomplished using tall poles, the modern technique is with a trellis system. The advantage of good airflow is beneficial to prevent diseases especially in densely growing vines. Ultimately the soils should be adequately drained still need about 1.25 inches of water per week during the growing season.

Another management practice used in

modern hop yards is drip irrigation to ensure optimum moisture. The trellis system uses a row of poles to elevate the braided cable which support all the plants is used. Due to our climate and growing season, the year’s vine growth for hops reaches 18 feet in height. The poles can be cedar, tamarack or black locust of 20 to 22 feet in length and at least 6 inches in diameter to be spaced every 30 feet. The cable recommendation should be braided aircraft wire galvanized or stainless steel 1/8th inch gauge or greater. This establishment cost for infrastructure for hop production is $6,000 per acre. During the establishment of the yard, farmers should control noxious weeds and correct the pH of soil to 6-7. The female hop plants are established from rhizoidal shoots. The rows are 11 to 12 feet apart and plants in each row are spaced 3 to 3.5 feed apart.

Low trellis systems are not recommended here in the Northeast because of the vertical and lateral growth produced in the trellis infrastructure.

Hops A12

IRRIGATION CHARLES W. HARRIS CO., INC. Complete Irrigation Systems • • • • • • •

“Everything From The Pump To The Last Sprinkler”

Installation Repair Service Drip Irrigation Pumps Fittings Travelers Aluminum, PVC & Polyethylene Pipe

1-888-928-3731

228 Main St., Monson, MA Since 1953

We’re Now in Central Massachusetts

Page 9 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Hops are returning to New York

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 10

New York summer 2012 Christmas tree farm tour slated

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

LEE PUBLICATIONS

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

2012 CTFANY Summer Tree Farm Tour Co-Chair Richard Moore, at left, discusses logistics at Empire Evergreens with host/owner Dave Weil and Co-Chair Kay Moore during a recent planning meeting. The Tour will be July 20-21.

WATKINS GLEN, NY — The 2012 summer tree farm tour of the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York (CTFANY) will be held on Friday, July 20, and Saturday, July 21, at Empire Evergreens, 766 Addison Road, Painted Post, NY. Registration begins at 8 a.m. each day.

The two day program offers valuable information for experienced growers as well as those just starting out with Christmas trees. The keynote speaker is Martha Glass, manager of the Agritourism Office with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In addition to her Saturday morning ple-

nary session “Christmas Tree Farm Extras — Hmmm!”, Glass will also lead an afternoon workshop titled “After the Season — What Then?”

Empire Evergreens owner and tour host Dave Weil will show some of the unique equipment that makes his three-person operation highly efficient.

Much of the equipment was developed or modified for the farm, including a one-of-a-kind, track-mounted sprayer not readily found on the East Coast.

Experts from Cornell plan to integrate Empire Evergreens’ fields into their presentations.

Tour A11

Country Folks

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

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

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

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

Country Folks

Since 1990, serving the commercial greenhouses, vegetable

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

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

BIG SPRINGS NURSERY and TREE FARMS Thank You For a Successful Season in 2011. We Look Forward to Supplying Quality Fraser Fir Christmas Trees For the Upcoming Season.

We Specialize in Supplying Quality Garden Centers & Farm Stands with Beautiful Fraser Firs.

WE WELCOME YOUR INQUIRY PLEASE CALL OR WRITE WITH YOUR NEEDS Richard Calhoun rkcdoc@skybest.com

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

PO Box 878 Jefferson, NC 28640

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

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

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

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

COMMERCIAL PRINTING

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

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

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

info@leepub.com

Sessions in the plantation will allow attendees to see some “challenge areas” where trees are not developing to their full potential or aren’t growing at all. Experts will discuss some of the possible causes and potential remedies.

Various shearing tech-

niques will also be demonstrated. Different markets and grades of trees determine the best technique. There will be three one-credit Pesticide Application presentations on the program — one is scheduled for Friday and two on Saturday.

Three sessions on Sat-

urday are designed for new growers and beginning farmers. These workshops will cover everything from site and seed selection to cultural practices. A mentoring session featuring experienced growers from across New York State will provide useful in-

sight as the panelists take a look back to their beginnings and share, “I wish I knew then what I know now.”

There is a robust Wreath, Greens & Marketing track running both days of the program. Experts in the field will cover both be-

ginning and more advanced wreath-making techniques and trends.

Among other presenters, Cathy Jo Brown and Dave and Marcia Hicks will share their talents.

Back by popular demand are presentations from the New York State Police and Department of

Transportation. The purpose of these talks is to make growers aware of their responsibilities when using pubic highways with their equipment and inviting the public onto their farms.

On Friday night, there will be a cash bar with more than 20 vendors in the trade show area; and a chicken barbecue. Attendees can save money by registering by June 11.

Registration includes admission to all sessions and the trade show area, workshop materials and morning refreshments.

Lunch is available both days with advance ticket purchase or bring your own. A registration form can be downloaded from the Association website at www.christmastreesny.or g or call the CTFANY office 607-535-9790.

Empire Evergreens was founded in 2002 by owner Dave Weil. The farm now has over 100 acres in trees. The farm produces wholesale cut trees, balled and burlap trees, choose and cut trees, wreaths and greens.

The purpose of CTFANY, which was begun in 1953, is to provide information and opportunities for association members and education to the public about the real tree industry and the benefits of farm fresh and fragrant Christmas trees and evergreen products. According to the National Ag Statistics Service, New York state is the seventh largest producer of real Christmas trees in the nation. In 2007, the estimated value of New York state’s cut tree crop was over $8.8 million.

A major sponsor of the Tour is the Farm Family Insurance Co.

Page 11 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Tour from A10

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 12

Hops from A9 “During our growing season, hops will go about 18 feet. Once the reach the top of a 10 foot trellis, they will travel laterally. This dense growth is susceptible to fungal and other diseases and requires other specialized over-the-row mechanical harvesting or costly hand harvesting practices.

The growing season and harvest At the beginning of the growing season, the trellis system is outfitted with a special twine like rope called coir.

Coir is imported from Sri Lanka and is made from coconut husks because this rope does not stretch when it gets damp. Once the rope is installed, two main vines are trained up from the main root. All other inferior shoots are removed so that production is emphasized in the main vines.

Hops A15

During his Ag Day presentation, Steven Miller the NY Hop specialist explained that that female plant produced asexually from plant cuttings are used to establish a hop yard. Hops are a perennial herb that generates an 18 foot long vine each year over a productive lifespan of 20 years.

Quality Since 1983

Network of Service

WHOLESALE * RETAIL

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

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

www.aaauctionfinder.com

Search for all types of auctions at any time.

New w updatess alll thee time!!

www.

Everest PMRR is a large fruited, homozygous Powdery mildew resistant pumpkin hybrid introduced by Outstanding Seed Company LLC. Everest PMRR has a semi-bush plant and excellent yield potential. Fruit are large; averaging 35 to 45 pounds, have very dark orange color and large handles. Everest PMRR compliments the company’s unique product line of large fruited, Powdery mildew resistant pumpkin hybrids, Summit and Apogee.

To purchase seed or for more information, contact John Hoffman at 877248-4567, or visit their website at www.outstandingseed.com.

Carroll Equipment .com

Wholesale Equipment Outlet Store • We Ship Worldwide!!

IN U.S. CALL 1-800-548-2558 OUTSIDE U.S. CALL 1-315-253-3636 More Machines and Pictures Available at www.CarrollEquipment.com Machines Located Nationwide / Main Office: Route 5 East Auburn, NY

04-05 JOHN DEERE 110 4x4 Tractor Loader Backhoe, Nice Shape, Sacrifice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,999

GENIE GS3268 Dual Fuel 4x4 Scissors Lift, 38’ work height, Rough terrain, Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8,999

00-02 CAT 416C IT 4x4 Cab Backhoe, QC Front bucket, Extend a hoe, Great shape, Sacrifice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29,999

JOHN DEERE 3140 4x4 Cab Tractor, 3pt. hitch, PTO, remotes, #241. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22,999

CAT D3C XL III Dozer 6-way blade, ROPS, Steel tracks, Nice.

See 10 more on our website. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19,999

FORD TW25 Farm Tractor, 160HP, 3pt. hitch, PTO, Remotes, CAB, AC, Great machine. See 10 more on our website.. . . . . . . . . .$19,999

01-04 JLG 450A 4x4 Articulating Boom Man Lift, Diesel power, 52 ft. work height, Nice. See 8 more on our website. . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,999

JOHN DEERE 4240S 4x4 Cab AC Tractor, 3pt. hitch, PTO, remotes, #447. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . $24,999

YANMAR Vio-70 Excavator, Rubber Tracks, Blade, 17000lbs.

3rd valve Diesel, Low hrs, Nice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22,999

FORD 555 Tractor Loader Backhoe, ROPS, 2WD, Great Shape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,999

06-07 BOBCAT 334G Excavator, Rubber Tracks, Blade, 3rd valve, Canopy, Great Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,999

05-06 JOHN DEERE 310G Backhoe, #381 Cab, AC, 2 stick controls. See 15 more on our website. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$34,999

04-06 CAT 287 Skid Steer Loader, Cab 3600 lbs. lift, Track machine, Pilot controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24,999

CASE IH 5140 4x4 Cab AC Tractor, 3pt. hitch, PTO, remotes, Nice, #077 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29,999

05-06 BOBCAT T190 Track Skid Steer, Low hrs, 3rd valve, Nice.

See 20 more on our website. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17,999

01-02 NEW HOLLAND EC215 Excavator, 47k lbs., Pilot controls, Cab, AC, Thumb, Nice machine, Sacrifice sale. . . . . . . . . . . $38,999

JOHN DEERE 7700 4X4 Tractor Cab, AC, Nice, 3pt. hitch, PTO, remotes, #455. . . . . . . . . . $39,999

JOHN DEERE 450G Dozer, 6-way blade, Steel tracks, ROPS, Nice shape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,999

95-98 CAT 426B 4x4 Backhoe, Extend a hoe, Cab, Nice. See 10 more on our website . . . . $24,999

05-06 CAT 236B Cab, AC Skid Steer Loader, Rubber tires, Great shape. Sale. . . . . . . . . . . . .$18,999

Rubber Tracks for Excavators & Skid Steers ON SALE!...Call to Order!

Rollers, Sprockets, Chains & Pads... Call to Order! • Hydraulic Hose Made to Order & Shipped UPS Daily

Everest PMRR, a large fruited, homozygous Powdery mildew resistant pumpkin hybrid.

Important tomato disease management step disinfecting used stakes Wooden stakes are a place where the bacterial pathogens that plague tomatoes can survive between crops. In fact, stakes from a tomato planting where research was conducted on bacterial diseases have been used as a source of the pathogen for subsequent experiments! Therefore, it is prudent for growers to disinfect stakes that were in a field where a bacterial disease occurred last year. This step is worthwhile even if there is uncertainty about occurrence considering how difficult bacterial diseases are to manage.

There are three bacterial diseases of concern on tomato: speck, spot and canker. Bacterial canker is sufficiently destructive that discarding stakes is recommended after an outbreak. Before the field season is in full swing often presents an opportunity to find time for disinfecting stakes.

Step one in disinfecting anything is removing as much dirt and debris as possible because this can protect pathogens and de-activate disinfectant, therefore start by hosing down used tomato stakes.

Clorox or other household chlorine bleach (5.25 percent sodium hypoclorite) is commonly used as an agricultural disinfectant, but it is not the best choice. Use bleach at a rate of 0.5 percent (= 1 part bleach + 9 parts water), and use in a well-ventilated area.

Bacterial spot on tomato is caused by a bacteria that can be transmitted by infected seed or stakes.

Photo Dr. Beth Gugino, Penn State Extension

Soak stakes for 30 minutes. While bleach is highly effective, it is short-lived after mixing in water, with a half-life of only 2 hours, and it is especially prone to being inactivated by organic matter, thus pre-cleaning is critical. A disinfectant containing quaternary ammonium chloride salts like GreenShield is more stable than bleach after diluting with water. Use at 1 Tablespoon (= 0.5 fl oz) of Green-Shield in 1 gallon water. While this disinfecting solution will be more stable than bleach, it should not be used more than 24 hours after preparation. Soak stakes for at least 10 minutes.

OxiDate is an OMRI-listed disinfectant containing hydrogen dioxide.

Use 0.5-1.25 fluid ounces/gallon water for disinfect-ing stakes.

(Note: Pennsylvania Certified Organic no longer allows bleach for certified organic growers.)

Source: Penn State Extension

Page 13 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Everest PMRR joins Outstanding Seed’s pumpkin line

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 14

New England Grows announces 2013 dates and schedule SOUTH NATICK, MA — Coming off near recordsetting attendance of 13,000 participants this winter, New England Grows announced it will return to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center Wednesday, Feb. 6 through Friday, Feb. 8, 2013.

This popular, three-day educational event is produced by the industry,

for the industry and is tailored to the specific needs of commercial horticulture professionals.

In addition to a line up of 30 business-building seminars featuring the industry’s best and brightest, the focal point of Grows 2013 is its trade exposition of more than 600 vendors showcasing the latest solution-based products,

technologies and services for the green industry.

The schedule for New England Grows 2013 is: • Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Seminars: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exposition: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Thursday, Feb. 7.

Seminars: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Exposition: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Friday, Feb. 8. Seminars: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exposition: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

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

1 1/9 Bushel Vegetable Wax Box

1/2 Bushel Vegetable Wax Box

AVISBAG.COM TOLL FREE 1-800-815-5282

Full educational program details will be available in September.

Industry suppliers are encouraged to reserve exhibit space early. Join New England Grows’ growing community on Facebook for up-to-theminute information. To learn more, visit www.NewEnglandGrows.org or call 508653-3009.

Nearly 13,000 green industry professionals attended New England Grows 2012 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan released a new report on the distribution practices of eight producer networks and their partners distributing locally or regionally-grown food to retail and foodservice customers. The report, entitled Moving Food Along the Value Chain: Innovations in Regional Food Distribution, shows how these networks tap into the growing commercial demand for local and regional food products while creating additional economic opportunities and expanding healthy food access.

“The Obama Administration is committed to putting Americans back to work and to revitalizing our rural agricultural communities, and one way to do that is through the expanding local foods movement, which provides new economic opportunities for farmers and producers across the country,” said Merrigan. “This report provides powerful lessons on how groups of local and regional farmers are collectively distributing their products to grocery stores, restaurants, hospitals, schools and universities in a cost-effective and efficient way.”

The study details how these organi-

zations help local and regional producers overcome bottlenecks in the food marketing system through collaborative and transparent planning and adherence to a shared set of operating principles. By sharing lessons learned and best practices, the new study serves as a resource for producers, food processors and marketers organizing to supply local and regional food products to commercial customers.

To compile the report, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) studied each of the eight network models over a three-year period. The eight models were La Montanita Coop (New Mexico), Oklahoma Food Cooperative (Oklahoma City, OK), The Wedge Cooperative (Minneapolis, MN), Red Tomato (Boston, MA), Community Alliance for Family Farms (Davis, CA), New North Florida Cooperative (Marianna, FL), Appalachian Sustainable Development (Abingdon, VA) and Minnesota Food Association (Marine on St. Croix, MN). AMS looked at network organization, product branding and labeling, infrastructure management, and price negotiation.

The report identified four factors that influenced performance across all the

Hops from A12 Hops are a perennial herb that dies back to the root each year. The harvest of determinate flowering vines is within a specific window each year. So at harvest, the coir is cut removing the entire vine from the trellis based on the moisture content of the cones.

Each vine weights about 35 pounds.

The cones can be manually removed from the vine but modern harvesters process the entire vine to separate the cones from the vines. Once harvested the hop cones need to be dried in a kiln or oast using warm air not exceeding 120 degrees. When they are dry, hops are stored in vacuum packages stored in freezers and sold based on local demand.

Future Today’s hop production is mechanical when produced in quantities greater than an acre. Currently there

are two stationary processors online in New York. The Northeast Hops Association has made a stationary Wolf harvester housed at Morrisville State College is available for its members. Miller indicated that recent legislative activities to approve on farm microbreweries equivalent to the on farm winery legislation would help to stimulate on farm activities and increased interest in New York production.

Can hops make a comeback in New York? “With modern genetic advancements in the cultivars coupled with the increased demand locally, New York could increase by 400 to 500 acres in hop production,” concluded Miller.

For more information visit www.northeasthopalliance.org. Steven Miller can be reached at sgm6@cornell.edu or by phone at 607-684-3011.

• Ground Cover • Erosion Blankets • Silt Fence • Metal and Wood Post • Erosion Waddles • Sand Bags • Grass Seed and Fertilizer

• Fanntum Containers

• Coconut Fiber Plantable Containers Manufacturer, Converter

386 East Plaza Drive, Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 871-8700 • (704) 871-9700 Fax www.vp-geos.com

case studies: • The amount and timing of investments made in infrastructure are vital to the success and survival of food value chains; • Preserving the identity of growers on product labels is critical for connecting with consumers, distinguishing the product from the competition and providing traceability; • Informal farmer networks can offer additional flexibility for suppliers and buyers and allow food value chains to be highly responsive to the shifting demands of specialty food markets; and • For-profit businesses, nonprofits and cooperatives all have unique strengths. By partnering with each other within food value chains they can leverage organizational competencies and reduce the risk of failure.

The study amplifies the successful local and regional investments detailed in USDA’s Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food (KYF) Compass. The KYF Compass is a digital guide to USDA resources related to local and regional food systems. The Compass consists of an interactive U.S. map showing local and regional food projects and an accompanying narrative documenting

the results of this work through case studies, photos and video content.

A large selection of USDA-supported programs and projects is also visible on the KYF Map, which can be displayed by theme, program, or recipient type. Both the KYF Compass and map will be regularly refreshed with new data and case studies.

Download the complete report: Moving Food Along the Value Chain: Innovations in Regional Food Distribution or visit www.ams.usda.gov/WFMPublications to learn more.

Page 15 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Study explores innovation and opportunities for diverse local food distributors

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 16

Guidelines aim to keep falsely labeled honey out of NCDA&CS farmers markets RALEIGH, NC — The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is implementing guidelines aimed at preventing the sale of falsely labeled honey at its five farmers markets across the state.

Beginning June 1, vendors at department-operated farmers markets must apply for approval to sell honey labeled or advertised as “sourwood” or “North Carolina.” The requirement applies to beekeepers selling their own honey and vendors selling honey produced, packaged or distributed by others.

Approved vendors must keep records showing when and where the honey was produced and packaged, the name of the person or business that supplied the honey, and the date of receipt.

The guidelines will apply to honey vendors at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, Piedmont Triad Farmers Market near Greensboro, Western N.C. Farmers Market in Asheville and the Southeastern N.C. Agricultural Center and Farmers Market in Lumberton. The

1428 Mauch Chunk Road Bethlehem, PA 18018 Phone: 610-868-0992 Fax: 610-868-7609 Visit us at PennPerlite.com

guidelines will not apply at other farmers markets across the state.

“North Carolina honey and honey from sourwood nectar are often thought of as premium products that command a higher price,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “But independent tests conducted by the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association indicate that honey labeled as ‘sourwood’ has been sold at state farmers markets even though it contained little or no sourwood pollen. It also appears that honey labeled as ‘North Carolina’ honey has been sold at state farmers markets even though it contained honey produced in other states.”

Unlike other food products, there are no identity standards for honey that can be enforced under state or federal food laws. But Troxler said the department can still take steps to guard against deceptive honey sales at its five farmers markets. The beekeepers association developed identity standards for honey that served as the basis for the farmers market guidelines.

Horticultural Perlite Manufacturer

“We want to eliminate potentially deceptive practices in the labeling of honey for sale at our farmers markets,” Troxler said.

Individuals interested in selling either sourwood or North Carolina honey at the department’s farmers markets may obtain an application by contacting market managers. Contact information

for the five markets is available online at www.ncagr.gov/markets/facilities.

Market managers will work with the N.C. State Beekeepers Association to investigate complaints. Vendors who are found to be selling honey in violation of the guidelines could be denied permission to sell sourwood or North Carolina honey and could lose the privilege of selling on the market.

Advertise in Country Folks To Reach The Buyers You Need Regional or Coast to Coast Starting December 2005

• Since 2001 •

4 CuFt Bags 55 CuFt Jumbo Sacks

• Since 1991 •

B u l k Ta n k e r d e l i v e r y i n yo u r s i l o s

DON’T MISS THESE IMPORTANT ISSUES

JULY • Glossy Section! Deadline May 25 • Fall Harvest/Halloween • OFA Show Issue Deadline June 14th

AUGUST • New Products • Fall Harvest • Christmas Deadline July 12th

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

A Green Roof and Green Wall Case Study will be presented from 35 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, at the Burlington International Airport Parking Garage, Burlington, VT. This event is sponsored by the Ecological Land-

scaping Association (ELA) and the cost is $20 for ELA members and $25 for non-members ELA member Rebecca Lindenmeyr of Linden LAND (Landscape Agriculture Natural Design) Group, Certified LiveRoof Installer, and Michael

Lawrence, of Michael Lawrence Associates, will lead the tour of the LiveRoof on top of the Burlington International Airport. Lawrence designed the green roof and Linden LAND Group installed the modules in 2011. Lawrence also de-

signed the live stake green wall across the street from the airport, which serves to reduce noise pollution. Participants can learn firsthand about the design and installation of modular green roofs and green walls, their chal-

lenges and benefits, as well as costs.

Lindenmeyr is co-principal of Linden LAND Group, an ecological landscape design and build firm located on Lake Champlain in VT. She has a bachelor’s degree in environmental

O’HARA MACHINERY, INC. 1289 Chamberlain Rd. Auburn, NY 13021 1-315-253-3203

PADULA BROS., INC. 133 Leominster Shirley Rd. Lunenburg, MA 01462 978-537-3356

SIRUM EQUIPMENT CO., INC. Route 63 Montague, MA 413-367-2481

HAMMOND TRACTOR Auburn, ME 207-782-8921 Fairfield, ME 207-453-7131 Union, ME 207-785-4464

STANTON EQUIPMENT INC. 105 S. Main St. East Windsor, CT 06081 860-623-8296 Fax 860-627-9832

R.N. JOHNSON INC. PO Box 448 Walpole, NH 03608 603-756-3321

POLE TAVERN EQUIPMENT SALES CORP. 670 Route 40 Elmer, NJ 08318

MOUNTAIN VIEW EQUIPMENT VT, LLC Middlebury, VT 05753 802-388-4482

Z&M AG and TURF 3517 Railroad Ave. Alexander, NY 14005 716-591-1670 7615 Lewiston Rd. Oakfield, NY 14125 716-948-5261

Z&M AG and TURF 1759 Lindquist Dr. Falconer, NY 14733 716-665-3110 10838 Main St. North Collins, NY 14111 716-337-2563

Z&M AG and TURF 8926 West Main St. Clymer, NY 14725 716-355-4236 12401 Edinboro Rd. Edinboro, PA 16412 814-734-1552

COPE FARM EQUIPMENT 6401 SR 87 Kinsman, OH 44428 330-876-3191 Fax 330-876-8257 www.copefarm.com

science and spent nine years working as a consultant to the EPA and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources before transitioning to landscape design. She served as the president of Green Works, the Vermont Nursery and Landscape Association, and was chair of the “Sustainable Practices Committee” and is a Vermont certified horticulturalist.

In 2009 Lindenmeyr was presented the Young Nursery Professional of the Year Award by the New England Nursery Association, which is given to one individual in each New England state who has contributed to the growth and professionalism of the horticultural industry. Today her landscape projects include native meadows, green roofs and green walls, invasive species removal, native habitat restoration and creation of beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces.

Registrations are limited. To register, visit https://www.eventville.c om/catalog/eventregistration1.asp?eventid=1009414. For more information, e-mail ela.info@comcast.net or phone 617-436-5838.

CEUs are being sought for this presentation.

Classic Groundcovers INC.® HOME OF SUDDEN SERVICE®

# Over 130 # Varieties 49 Years of Sudden Service.

CALL TOLL FREE

1-800-248-8424 FAX: 706-369-9844

405 Belmont Rd. Athens, GA 30605-4905 Free Full-color catalog available upon request. www.classic-groundcovers.com

Page 17 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Green Roof and Green Wall tour offered in Burlington

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 18

Delaware Agritourism Association to launch Farm Adventure Trail DOVER, DE — The Delaware Agritourism Association launched its newest statewide agritourism trail on April 24 at TS Smith & Sons Farm in Bridgeville, DE. The Farm Adventure Trail, initiated by the members of the Delaware Agritourism Association, will showcase Delaware’s premier working farms that provide authentic farm experiences during the summer months for residents and visitors to the First State.

This effort follows the successful Harvest Trail that the association launched for Fall 2011. “People are seeking a greater connection to where to their food is grown as well as opportunities to get outside and see something new,” says Greer Stangl, Delaware Agritourism Association President. The Farm Adventure Trail identifies activities offered from May

31 through Aug. 31. It will be followed by an updated Harvest Trail for 2012, featuring on-farm experiences for September through December.

“Since a farm is very seasonal in nature, what is offered can differ from season to season. We want to help folks identify farms that welcome visitors and offer programs and products to enjoy. This particular trail will feature farms that specialize in seasonal experiences during the summer. It is also a useful tool for those looking to buy direct from the grower or producer.”

The Farm Adventure Trail encompasses 15 unique working farms across the state — from peach and nectarine orchards, to diverse flower producers to dairies and more. Each venue is eager to welcome, educate and entertain its visitors with an experience much akin to Delaware’s proud

Western North Carolina apple growers lose half of crop EDNEYVILLE, NC (AP) — Apple growers in western North Carolina say they may have left up to half of their crop because of cold weather in April.

Rick Moss grows about 100 acres of apple trees in Edneyville and told the Asheville Citizen-Times he’s heard of losses between 30 percent and 50 percent.

Temperatures had dropped to 24 degrees on the night of April 10.

Henderson County is the state’s top

apple-producing county, with 5,000 acres in orchards. The crop is usually valued at around $24 million.

An unusually warm March prompted trees to bloom early, leaving them vulnerable to the cold weather last month.

Marvin Owings with the Henderson County office of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service says the losses will easily reach into the millions of dollars.

agricultural heritage.

Gov. Jack Markell and Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee, along with agriculture and tourism partners, farm owners, and guests attended the launch of the Farm Adventure Trail for Summer 2012.

The Delaware Agritourism Association is a nonprofit organization whose mis-

sion is to improve the economic viability of our farms and communities and to promote the benefits and value of agriculture for our state’s quality of life.

For more information, visit the Delaware Agritourism on facebook or contact Greer Stangl at delawareagritourism@gmail.com or 302-236-3675.

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

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

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

Salem Farm Supply, Inc.

5109 State Route 22, Salem, NY 12865 (800) 999-3276

NEW YORK, NY — Spirit Airlines recently flew into a big public relations disaster. Sticking to a no-refunds policy, the airline refused to refund the airfare of a passenger who had to cancel his trip after finding out he has terminal cancer. The incident unearthed earlier cases of Spirit’s difficulty handling customer complaints. A couple of years ago, CEO Ben Baldanza hit “Reply All” on an e-mail from two customers who had missed a concert due to a delayed flight. Essentially, he told his employees and (accidentally) the customers themselves that Spirit Airlines didn’t owe the customers anything and the

customers would be back the next time they wanted low airfare.

These examples, says Ron Kaufman, are proof of just how tricky it can be to properly navigate customer complaints.

“Spirit Airlines has a policy and they’re sticking to it,” says Kaufman, author of the new book ‘Uplifting Service: The Proven Path to Delighting Your Customers, Colleagues, and Everyone Else You Meet.’ “That seems to be how the company chooses to handle customer complaints. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen, that approach might not be what’s best for business.

When any company receives a complaint, it essentially has two choices.

One, treat the complaining customer like he’s a pain in the neck. Or two, appreciate each complaining customer and use the complaint as an opportunity to improve.”

Kaufman explains that one complaining customer actually represents many other customers who had the same problem, but didn’t complain.

And because that’s true, you should try to uplift them every time.

“For every person who actually comes to complain to you, there is a quantum number who won’t come to you,” says Kaufman. “They’re the ones who go off and tell somebody else, complain about you online, and take their business elsewhere. Let’s say one out of 100 of your customers actually comes to you with their complaint. Shouldn’t you really value that person times 100? Because they’re representing all the other people who never came to you, you should be happy — or if not happy, at least very, very appreciative — when someone actually takes the time to give you a second chance.”

Thank them for their complaint.

Give positive recognition by saying, right off the bat, “Thank you for reaching out.”

“Show appreciation for the complaining customer’s time, effort, communication, feedback and suggestions,” says Kaufman. “Always keep in mind that the customer didn’t have to come to you at all. He could have simply taken his business to your competitor. When a customer gives you the opportunity to recover their service, be grateful.”

Don’t be defensive. It’s easy to get defensive when an angry customer is on the other end of the line.

“When you get defensive, you raise the temperature even higher,” notes Kaufman. “When a customer complains, they’re doing so because they feel wronged in some way. You don’t have to agree with what they’re saying.

But you do have to agree to hear them out. That’s how you keep the conversation moving in a positive direction.”

Acknowledge what’s important to them. Kaufman teaches that service providers must find a complaining customer’s value dimension (or what’s

Complaints A20

Cu orde stom r for 20 &S AVE 14 !

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

200 7.86 7.40 7.08 6.27

500 7.28 6.81 6.52 5.97

1000 6.58 6.11 5.83 5.16

5000 6.09 5.60 5.31 4.70

10000 5.69 5.22 4.92 4.38

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

Page 19 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Serve up satisfaction: Tips for effectively handling customer complaints

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 20

Complaints from A21 important to them). Even if you think the customer’s complaint is unfair, there is something they value that your company didn’t deliver on. Embrace that value.

“When you validate what a customer values, you aren’t agreeing with them that your service is slow or that your staff is rude,” explains Kaufman.

“You’re saying, ‘We agree with you on what you find important and what you value. And we want to deliver in those areas.’”

Use judo, not boxing.

In boxing, you go right after your opponent, trying to punch him to the ground. In judo, you work with someone else’s motions to create a desired result. You use another person’s speed and energy to spin him around and then end up together on the same side.

“When you show a customer you understand what they value, you’re catching them off guard with your own movement,” explains Kaufman.

“They don’t expect you to tell them that they’re right. Suddenly, just as you might do in judo, you’ve avoided a defensive confrontation and you can spin them. In judo, you’d spin them to the ground. In customer service, you use the opportunity to show the customer that you’re now both on the same side and you can work together.”

Apologize once, upfront. Every service provider knows that the customer is not always right. But the customer is always the customer.

“You don’t have to tell the customer you were wrong, but you should apologize for the inconvenience they’ve experienced,” says Kaufman.

“When you do so, you’re showing understanding and empathy for their discomfort, displeasure, or inconvenience.”

Explain the company’s desire to improve.

When you understand what the customer values, show them things your company does that helps you perform well in that area. For example, let’s say a customer is complaining because a package was delivered a day late. You would say, “We understand that quick, on-time delivery is important to our customers.”

“Show you are sincere

about your commitment to do well in the areas the customer values,” says Kaufman. “At the very least, you can say, ‘I’m going to make sure everyone in the company hears your story. We don’t want this to happen again.’ When you express the company’s desire to improve, you start on the path to rebuilding its credibility with the customer.”

Educate your customer. Part of hearing the customer out is answering any questions they ask about their specific situation. “If they ask a question that you can’t answer or don’t know the answer to, tell them you’ll find out the answer and get back to them,” says Kaufman. “And then ac-

tually follow through.

These are additional opportunities for you to say through your actions, ‘We care about you. We value your business.’”

Contain the problem.

Let’s say a family is at a crowded theme park on a hot day. The youngest child in the group starts to have an all-out meltdown.

Suddenly, a theme park staff mem-

STANTON EQUIPMENT 105 South Main St. East Windsor, CT 06088 860-623-8296 800-842-8968 Outside CT

ber sweeps onto the scene and whisks the family into a special room. Inside, they find an air conditioned room with water and other beverages, an ice cream machine, a bathroom, a comfortable sitting area, etc. The only thing missing in the room is any connection to the theme park’s brand. That’s because this room is used

to isolate customers from the brand until they’re all — parents and children — having a more pleasurable experience. The room is also being used to isolate the unhappy family from the families outside the room who are enjoying their day at the theme park. And finally, they’re being isolated from some park staff who may not

be as well-prepared as the staff member who brought the family to the room to handle these sticky situations.

Recover. Show the customer you care about them, even if you feel the company did everything right, by making them an offer. Companies worry that they’ll get taken advantage of if they give

Complaints A21

Aluminum ladders for agriculture...

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

Stokes Ladders, Inc. P.O. Box 445 Kelseyville, CA 95451

Phone 800-842-7775 Web site: www.stokesladders.com – ask for STOKES –

BLACKMOUNT EQUIPMENT, INC. RD 1, Box 19 North Haverhill, NH 03774 603-787-6311

HINES EQUIPMENT Old Rte. 22 West Cresson, PA 16630 814-886-4183

PIKEVILLE EQUIPMENT, INC. 521 Oysterdale Rd. Oley, PA 19547 610-987-6277

10 Years - Nearing $10,000 in Donations to Pediatric IBD Research Each year at the Cornell Floriculture Field Day, New York State Flower Industries sponsors a Container Design Competition. This competition is in honor of Kathy Pufahl, a visionary in spring container design. A small fee is collected from entrants and all proceeds are donated to her charity of choice - Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) research at Mt. Sinai Hospital.

Help us reach $10,000 in donations by entering your container this year.

There are multiple categories for professionals and home gardeners. A new cat-

egory for this year - “first time entries”.

The event will take place on July 24, 2012 at Cornell University. There will be a morning educational program followed by an afternoon outdoors viewing the annual/perennial trials and the announcement of the container contest winners. Please visit our website for more information and registration details www.greenhouse.cornell.edu Kathy Pufahl was a staple on the educational seminar circuit, spreading her container ideas far and wide. It is her vision that changed the way we look at the spring container business. Her influence enhanced the art and beauty of our garden design for patios and porches across America.

Complaints from A20

Visit our website www.gardnerpie.com

vouchers, discounts, or freebies as part of their service recovery, but the reality is that almost never happens.

“Offer the customer something and then explain that you’re doing so ‘as a gesture of goodwill’ or ‘as a token of our appreciation,’” says Kaufman.

“Sears takes recovery seriously. The company now has a ‘blue ribbon team’ of specially educated and empowered staff to handle recoveries. Once an issue goes to them, anything they recommend is what gets done. They have full support from the top down. Sears does this because the company understands that a successfully recovered

KRAMER’S TRACTOR SALES RFD 3, Box 245, Augusta, ME 04330 207-547-3345

customer can become your most loyal advocate and ally.”

“Your customers are not your enemy,” says Kaufman. “It’s sometimes hard to remember that when you’re involved in a tense complaint situation. But they’re essential to your business and you really are both on the same side. Your customer wants the product or service you provide, and you want to give it to them. When you treat complaints as opportunities to build loyalty, you can create customers for life and uplift your entire company in the process.”

WESTCHESTER TRACTOR, INC. 60 International Blvd • Brewster, NY 10509 845-278-7766 • Fax 845-278-4431 www.wtractor.com

Page 21 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Floriculture container competition to raise funds for pediatric IBD research

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 22

Five quick scripts for responding to customer complaints

by Ron Kaufman, author of Uplifting Service: The Proven Path to Delighting Your Customers, Colleagues, and Everyone Else You Meet The last thing a customer with a complaint wants to hear you say is: “You’re wrong.” What they want to hear is that you understand them, appreciate them, and agree with them on the importance of the value they have cited in their complaint.

Here are a few quick scripts to use when responding to customer complaints: Customer Complaint: Rude Service Your customer says: “Your staff was

rude and totally unprofessional.”

You say: “You are right to expect courteous, respectful, and professional staff.”

Customer Complaint: Too Many Rules Your customer says: “Your policies are rigid. Your company is so bureaucratic.”

You say: “I agree that we should be as flexible and user-friendly as possible. Your suggestions can really help.”

Customer Complaint: Overpriced Your customer says: “This product isn’t anything like what I was promised. And your price is way too high!”

You say: “I am on your side in this

Plastic pesticide container recycling program schedule announced for 2012 TRENTON, NJ — Last year, more than 80,000 plastic pesticide containers were recycled through the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Plastic Pesticide Container Recycling Program.

That program will continue in 2012 with 21 collection days in Hammonton, Atlantic County, Deerfield, Cumberland County and Woodstown, Salem County.

“Recyling these plastic containers is an environmentally sound practice, keeping them out of our state’s landfills,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. “We encourage pesticide applicators and businesses to participate in the free program.”

Launched in 2002, the program — a cooperative effort between the Department, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority, Helena Chemical, Cumberland County Improvement Authority, Salem County Improvement Authority, and the Salem County Board of Agriculture — collects plastic pesticide containers from all categories of

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection-licensed pesticide applicators and custom application businesses.

To date, more than 287,000 pounds of HDPE plastic pesticide containers have been kept out of the landfills. Among the uses for the recycled plastic are plastic pesticide containers, industrial pallets, hazardous waste drums, speed bumps, parking stops, dock and sea wall pilings and agricultural drain pipe.

All three collection site also will be accepting clean cardboard since the pesticide containers are distributed in cardboard boxes.

To view the 2012 collection schedule, visit www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/md/prog/ pesticidecontsched.html.

To learn more about the Department of Agriculture’s recycling programs, go to www.nj. gov/agriculture/divisions/md/prog/recycling.html.

For further information, contact Karen Kritz at 609984-2506 or Karen.kritz@ ag.state.nj.us.

situation. You have a right to be satisfied with whatever you purchase from us. You deserve good value for your money. Let’s review what you have purchased and see if there’s a better option for you.”

Customer Complaint: Slow Service Your customer says: “I’ve been waiting forever. Why did it take you so long to take my order?”

You say: “We understand that in today’s world speed counts. You deserve fast, friendly service.”

Customer Complaint: Bad Website Your customer says: “Your website is terrible. I couldn’t find the information I needed.”

You say: “You are right to want an informative, user-friendly website. What information couldn’t you find? Your suggestions on how to improve the site are a big help.”

Notice how your responses make the customer feel right. We don’t argue over the facts: rude staff, stiff policies, or insufficient product features. But we do actively agree on the importance of what they value most.

Let’s face it — the customer is not always right. But customers are always important, and we can make them feel much better by agreeing with them on the importance of the service dimensions they identify and value.

Page 23 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section A - Page 24

FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE ONE OF THESE KUBOTA DEALERS NEW YORK

NEW YORK (cont)

ATLANTA, NY 14808

MOOERS, NY 12958

EMPIRE TRACTOR

DRAGOON’S FARM EQUIP., INC.

Route 371 • 585-534-5935 CLAVERACK, NY 12513

COLUMBIA TRACTOR, INC. 841 Rt. 9H • 518-828-1781 www.columbiatractor.com CORTLAND, NY 13045

EMPIRE TRACTOR 3665 US Route 11 • 607-753-9656

2507 Route 11 • 518-236-7110 www.dragoonsfarmequipment.com

NEW YORK (cont)

MAINE

SYRACUSE, NY 13205

EAST DIXFIELD, ME 04227

ELIZABETHTOWN, PA 17022

EMPIRE TRACTOR

R.S. OSGOOD & SONS

MESSICK’S FARM EQUIPMENT, INC.

2700 Erie Blvd. East • 315-446-5656

1101 US Rt. 2 West • 207-645-4934 or 800-287-4934 www.rsosgood.com

Rt. 283, Rheems Exit 717-367-1319 • 800-222-3373 www.messicks.com

NORTH JAVA, NY 14113

TROY, NY 12180

LAMB & WEBSTER, INC.

SHARON SPRINGS GARAGE FARM & HOME CENTER

4120 Rt. 98 • 585-535-7671 • 800-724-0139 NORWICH, NY 13815

NORWICH IMPLEMENT, INC. 5621 ST HWY 12 • 607-336-6816 www.norwichimplement.com

1175 Hoosick St. • 518-279-9709 • 800-888-3403 WATERLOO, NY 13165

EMPIRE TRACTOR 1437 Route 318 • 315-539-7000

MASSACHUSETTS

PENNSYLVANIA (cont)

AYER, MA 01432

HONESDALE, PA 18431

TOREKU TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT, INC.

MARSHALL MACHINERY INC.

4 Littleton Rd., Rt. 2A/110 • 978-772-6619 www.toreku.com WILLIAMSBURG, MA 01096

BACON’S EQUIPMENT

Rt. 652, 348 Bethel School Rd. • 570-729-7117 www.marshall-machinery.com NEW BERLINVILLE, PA 19545

ERB & HENRY EQUIP., INC.

FULTONVILLE, NY 12072

SALEM, NY 12865

RANDALL IMPLEMENTS

SALEM FARM SUPPLY

WATERTOWN, NY 13601

2991 ST HWY 5S • 518-853-4500 www.randallimpls.com

5109 State Rt. 22 • 518-854-7424 or 800-999-3276 www.salemfarmsupply.com

WALLDROFF FARM EQUIPMENT, INC.

GREENVILLE, NY 12083

SHARON SPRINGS, NY 13459

22537 Murrock Circle • 315-788-1115

GREENVILLE SAW SERVICE, INC.

SHARON SPRINGS GARAGE FARM & HOME CENTER

WHITE’S FARM SUPPLY, INC.

7481 Lincoln Hwy. East/Rt. 30 717-367-1319 • 800-222-3373 www.messicks.com BLOOMSBURG, PA 17815

STUARTS DRAFT, VA 24477

TPC POWER CENTER

BEVERAGE TRACTOR

2605 Columbia Blvd. • 570-784-0250 tpcpowercenter.com

2085 Stuarts Draft Highway • 540-337-1090

29 Goshen Rd. (Rte. 9) • 413-268-3620

5040 Rt. 81 West • 518-966-4346 www.greenvillesaw.com

1375 Rte. 20 • 518-284-2346 • 800-887-1872

JOHNSON CITY, NY 13790-1093

SPRINGVILLE, NY 12110

CANASTOTA, NY • 315-697-2214 WATERVILLE • 315-841-4181 LOWVILLE • 315-376-0300

GOODRICH IMPLEMENT, INC.

LAMB & WEBSTER, INC.

745 Harry L Drive • 607-729-6161

Rt. 219 & 39 • 716-592-4923

www.whitesfarmsupply.com

PENNSYLVANIA

ABBOTTSTOWN, PA 17301

MESSICK’S FARM EQUIPMENT, INC.

22-26 Henry Ave. • 610-367-2169 www.erbhenry.com

VIRGINIA LEXINGTON, VA 24450

ROCKBRIDGE FARMERS COOPERATIVE 645 Waddell Ave. • 540-463-7381 • 800-868-7336

GROWER

Section B

Everbearing strawberry guide available online Publication available online: season-long strawberry production

with everbearers The primary purpose of this 70-page guide is to

provide the opportunity for growers in the eastern United States to grow

everbearing strawberries profitably. Information gained from research tri-

als are shared with growers in addition to the observations and experi-

New Penn State publication.

ences of the guide’s authors and other significant contributors.

Authors are Willie Lantz, Harry Swartz and Sherry Frick from the University of Maryland, and Kathy Demchak from Penn State University. The guide can be downloaded and from the SARE website. This publication was made possible with funds from SARE Project LNE06241 “An integrated approach to developing a day neutral strawberry production industry.”

To download the guide, visit www.nesare.org, and enter ‘Strawberry guide’ in the search area.

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

LOOK WHAT YOU CAN GET FROM ONE PLANT

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

• Proven producer since 1975!

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

• Large, Sweet, Juicy Berries—sooo good!

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

• Great for commercial growers and hobbyists

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

www.fruitsandberries.com

Page 1 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Country Folks

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 2

Technology helps Flora Ridge flourish in its niche: hydroponic greens

by Karl H. Kazaks MOUNT AIRY, NC — Technology plays a key role in the day-to-day workings of Tony and Joy Bono’s hydroponic gourmet greens business, Flora Ridge Farm. Central to the operation of their two 30-by-128 feet greenhouses are CropKing environmental control modules (of different vintages). The house, which grows lettuce year-round, also has 32 1,000w lights. What’s more, the Bonos use an Inov8 waste oil furnace to help reduce the cost of winter heating.

Because the two greenhouses were built at different times — in 2000 and 2008 — the environmental control modules are not identical. The older greenhouse has a CropKing Grower’s Choice system; the newer house has a

Tony and Joy Bono have been growing hydroponic lettuce and other greens in northwestern North Carolina since 2000.

Though Flora Ridge also sells spring mix, the whole heads of lettuce are harvested live, with the roots wrapped around the base of the leaves, as in the example held by Tony Bono.

CropKing iGrow 1400.

The two devices perform the same functions, however, primarily regulating temperature and humidity. That’s done by controlling each house’s jet tube, two exhaust fans, and chiller wall.

The Grower’s Choice module also controls the lighting in the house

with lamps. (The iGrow 1400 does have a software package which permits remote monitoring and programming.)

Inside the houses, the environmental control components come on and off automatically, as called for by the control

Flora Ridge B3

by Kelly Gates Savvy produce growers are using greenhouse controls to create better efficiencies and reap greater yields. The most advanced systems are capable of monitoring everything from the amount of water individual plants receive to calculating the levels of photosynthesis taking place in fruits and vegetables.

According to Merle Jensen, Professor Emeritus at the University of Arizona and consultant with Arizonabased Greenhouse Vegetable Consultants, precisely assessing the spectrum of environmental conditions is virtually impossible without the aid of automated controls.

“There are systems on the market, which include both hardware and software, that can provide growers with absolute control over their greenhouses,” said Jensen. “They control light and temperature, humidity, irrigation, fertilization and much more. They even consider the altitude of a greenhouse before adjusting accordingly to produce the best quality fruits, vegetables and plants possible.”

When implementing a controls system, greenhouse growers must first consider the physiological characteristics of the plants they are growing.

Most require a certain amount of light, certain temperatures and a balance of other exacting factors to pro-

duce at optimum levels.

“Tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers and all sorts of other vegetables and landscape plants grow best within a certain temperature regime,” said Jensen. “Any time a greenhouse is above or below these temperatures, yields suffer. Companies can try manually managing this, but they will never come close to achieving what a computerized system will.”

Such systems can be used in a direct manner. Or, they can be used to manipulate production, he added.

For instance, knowing that plants under stress tend to reproduce, controls can be set to mimic stress situations. This can force plants to repro-

duce more readily.

Jensen cited another possible scenario. When there isn’t enough natural sunlight to kick-start photosynthesis, automated systems can be programmed to increase salinity input to the root system. This reduces water levels in the produce and in turn, concentrates sugars.

All this, results in a fruit or vegetable with better flavor, which is what today’s consumer demands, he said.

“I have a client who grows produce in one-quarter of an acre of greenhouses in New York,” Jensen told Country Folks Grower. “She is able to

Tapping B4

Flora Ridge from B2 module — leaving the Bonos free to concentrate on growing greens.

The newer house also has another labor-saving device, a Bluelab Dosetronic® controller to monitor the pH and conductivity of the nutrient solution. The Bonos monitor the solution in the older house themselves.

In both houses, the irrigation pumps for the hydroponic solution are wired separately from the environmental control module, direct to the house’s control panel.

The Inov8 waste oil furnace helps the Bonos keep a lid on their propane costs. About two-thirds of the heat is provided by the Inov8 furnace. “That really helps,” Tony Bono said.

The house which grows

lettuce year-round (the older house) is outfitted with the 1,000w bulbs.

“The first time we turned them all on,” Tony said. “It shut down our transformer. We hadn’t told the power company.”

The Bonos turn the lights on when natural daylight drops below 11 hours per day. “By Dec. 21st we have them on four hours a day,” Bono said.

The lamps cost quite a lot to operate, but that’s more than offset by the additional income Flora Ridge brings in by selling lettuce in the winter.

Despite the abundance of modern technology, some of the processes at Flora Ridge are done in a simpler fashion. When the heat of summer threatens to push the interior temperatures of

the greenhouses to unsustainably high levels, Tony pulls a shade cloth over the houses.

The the cloth reduces the growth rate of the greens, it keeps the houses cool enough for production to continue.

Despite not having lights, the newer house doesn’t sit empty in the winter — the Bonos use it to grow spinach.

Flora Ridge grows five types of lettuce — a green leaf, a red Lolla Rossa, a red Romaine, a green Romaine, and a Bibb. The Bibb is the fastest to mature, taking 45 to 48 days to grow to harvestable size. In the summer, they also grow basil and watercress; in the fall and winter, spinach.

When the Bonos first decided to get into the

hydroponic greenhouse business, they canvassed the market. “A lot of people were doing tomatoes,” Bono said.

“We wanted to create a niche for ourselves. We grow what you won’t see at the grocery store.

“Plus we grow whatever grows the quickest and sells the best. It took us a while to hit on what we’ve got, a lot of trial and error with different varieties.”

The Romaines at Flora Ridge are both Little Gems. “I could dedicate a whole greenhouse to Romaine lettuce,” Bono said.

“They’re really sensitive to humidity — if it gets too humid they can get tip burn,” he added.

When powdery mildew occurs at Flora Ridge, the Bonos treat it with a

combination of potassium bicarbonate and horticultural oil. Thrips and aphids they treat with the organic insecticide Spinosad.

Flora Ridge sources it seed from a variety of companies, including Johnny’s, Territorial, and CropKing. They use raw seeds for the green leaf variety they grow, but otherwise they use pelleted seeds. They use horticultural rockwool as their growing medium.

Flora Ridge sells both spring mix and whole live heads. (The Bonos trim all of their lettuce before marketing it.) Because they are hydroponic, it is easy to extirpate the roots at harvest and then wrap the roots around the base of the lettuce. Because the lettuce is still alive, the plants can live for up to two weeks after being pulled from the hydroponic trays.

But the lettuce never lasts that long post-harvest at Flora Ridge. The Bonos attend four North Carolina farmers’ markets — two in Greensboro, one in Winston-Salem, and one in Hickory — as well as sell to about 10 restaurants (down from a high of

at one point some 36 restaurants).

The whole live heads, Bono reports, are especially appreciated by restaurants, for their quality and shelf life.

Tony Bono built his first greenhouse himself — “from the bows to the plastic to the heaters,” he said — entirely with components from CropKing.

The second house was built by Puckett Greenhouses of Ararat, VA. In addition to their production work, Tony Bono also acts as a consultant to other growers of hydroponic greens.

With just one employee, Flora Ridge Farm is, as Tony put it, “a real husband-and-wife team.” Because their time is already tight, the Bonos likely won’t expand their operation. But that doesn’t stop Tony from scheming about other ways to use technology in hydroponic greenhouse production.

“I’d like to install a geothermal system to help cool a third greenhouse and grow spinach all summer,” he said.

For more information contact Flora Ridge Farm’s by e-mail at floraridge@surry.net or call 336-710-4609.

The newer greenhouse at Flora Ridge Farm uses a CropKing iGrow 1400 environmental control module.

Page 3 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Tapping into technology

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 4

House hears from nursery and greenhouse grower as Farm Bill debate nears WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the House Agriculture

Committee prepares to assemble its version of a

new Farm Bill, the Horticulture and Nutrition

subcommittee held a hearing on May 8 to re-

“Most of the soils being used are lacking nutrients that must be replaced manually,” he said. “This, coupled with all of the pests and diseases that require additional measures to correct, have caused media like coconut coir, perlite and rock wool to emerge as better options.”

Because these media are less dense than soil, it is easier to measure the actual temperature of the entire plant, including the root system.

Consequently, application of the desired amount of water and fertilizer is more likely.

According to Jensen, the difference between employees managing irrigation, temperature, ventilation humidity and other factors, and a technologically advanced

computer system tracking them with precision, can be great.

“Instead of following a pre-set schedule or watering and ventilating in response to what has already happened in a greenhouse, environmental controls monitor light units and humidity continually,” he said.

“These systems adjust immediately. So a crop might be watered every 30 to 45 minutes in the morning and then every seven to 12 minutes later in the day. And humidity levels can be altered instantly as they change too.”

If humidity levels are too low, the stomates in most plants close, pro-

hibiting the exchange of gases. When this happens, the plant’s growth ceases.

Whatever the focus, environmental monitoring devices and responsive software programming can be an asset for a produce greenhouse operation.

“Even the smallest growing business can benefit from the decreased labor costs, higher plant yields and enhanced flavor profile that are common of fruits and vegetables grown in spaces with automated environmental systems,” said Jensen. “It’s something that everyone should at least consider.”

Tapping from B3 produce highly flavorful cherry tomatoes using greenhouse controls to monitor and manage daily, hourly and even to-the-second environmental factors.”

The grower sells her cherry tomatoes at a farmer’s market in midtown Manhattan, charging $7 per pound and frequently selling every last piece. The most common feedback she receives, he said, is regarding the sweet flavor profile, a flavor she achieves by strategically increasing sugar levels via her greenhouse controls.

Whether changing the taste or managing a straightforward production, manipulating greenhouse crops is most effective when using certain growing media, said Jensen.

SPECIALIZING IN ONE SIDE BOOM SPRAYERS FOR THE VEGETABLE AND BERRY GROWER.

Follow Us On

20 yrs

Experience Experience

www.facebook.com/cfgrower PENNS CREEK MFG. 1340 Broadway Rd., Winfield, PA 17889 1-570-837-1197 www.pennscreekwelding.com

Gett mid-week k updatess and d online classifieds,, pluss linkss to o otherr agriculturall organizations.

view specialty crop programs of the last Farm Bill. The American Nursery & Landscape Association was invited to provide a witness and Jerry Lee of Monrovia Growers of Georgia testified on the industry’s and ANLA’s behalf.

Lee’s testimony focused on what is working well and programs that should be adjusted to perform better. Success stories discussed by Lee included the follow-

ing programs: • The Pest and Disease Program (Section 10201) has funded innovative initiatives to identify pest threats, mitigate risks before they arrive here and detect them and respond rapidly when they do. A hallmark of the program’s success is the involvement of industry stakeholders, to ensure that programs are relevant in the real world.

House B5

by Dr. Jim Schupp, Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center Pomologist Several cold temperature events before and during bloom occurred in 2012. This resulted in apple flower mortality, and there is also a possibility of some non-lethal injury to flowers and/or spur leaves. This leads to some uncertainty about the number and strength of initial fruit set.

For many apple orchards in our re-

gion, the level of uncertainty about set suggests that this is not a year to apply thinners at petal fall. In 2012 it may be better to postpone thinning until fruit diameter reaches 10 to 12 mm, and use this interval of time to do a more thorough assessment of initial set and fruit growth. A block-by-block evaluation of initial set, seed numbers, followed by the measurement of fruit diameter every two to three days is advised.

Growers who have an Equilifruit disk can also use this as a tool to evaluate initial set on a number of limbs in each block to get a better understanding of the need for thinning. For example, if a given size of limb has a capacity (F value) of 12 fruits, and there are 36 fruits that appear to be set, then there are three times as many fruits as needed. If several limbs of the same variety in the same block produce a sim-

ilar outcome, then chemical thinning would be advisable. While it is still too early to determine initial set in many blocks, those that are at petal fall appear to have more than adequate fruit numbers, and will probably need to be thinned. If these fruits continue to grow, then chemical thinning will be required. Remember: growing fruit are setting fruit!

Source: Penn State Extension

New Mobile App developed by UNH Cooperative Extension “PGR Mix Master,” a new mobile app developed by UNH Cooperative Extension, is now available to growers.

Brian Krug, UNH Cooperative Extension specialist/assistant professor, greenhouse and horticulture, explained that the new app is an add-on that enhances the growers’ ability to use PGRCALC, a web-based calculator growers

use from their desktops.

Krug worked with UNH Cooperative Extension’s information technology staff, Steve Judd and Mike Toepfer, to create it as a website-based calculator.

Over the past year, he’s worked with them to convert it into an iPhone, Android and Blackberry app so it would be

available for mobile devices.

The app was developed with the support from Fine Americas Inc and is an easy-to-use tool to assist greenhouse personnel in calculating correct dilutions for plant growth regulators. PGR Mix Master is capable of calculating dilutions for all PGRs registered for green-

house use. Learn more on the UNH Cooperative Extension greenhouse and floriculture web page.

The app can be downloaded by searching iTunes and the Android Market for Apple and Android devices, respectively, or visiting www.nhfloriculture.com for the Blackberry version.

projects and solutions to allow specialty crop producers to survive and thrive. Lee mentioned landscape water conservation and irrigation training during the long and severe Georgia drought and the new and expanding Plant Something program (www.plant-something.org) as achievements important to the nursery and landscape industry.

Lee also offered ideas for some program improvements. The Specialty Crop Research Initiative has provided

major new funding for sectors that have long been underserved by existing research programs. He called for Congress to direct full and consistent industry involvement early in the grant review process to ensure that projects reflect top industry priorities. He also described the “near-train wreck” that occurred when the Biomass Crop Assistance Program was set to pay federal subsidies to divert tree bark and wood materials away from established, value-added horticultural uses like growing media and mulch. He suggested that clearer definitions in the next

Farm Bill might avoid such unintended consequences going forward.

Nursery and greenhouse growers and other specialty crop producers do not receive, and do not seek, traditional farm payments or subsidies. Yet, wise investments in infrastructure for things like research and pest prevention enable growers’ success. “For our industry, the plant pest and disease, clean plant, research and block grant provisions have been among the most beneficial. We hope that they will be continued and improved upon in the next Farm Bill,” Lee concluded.

House from B4 • The National Clean Plant Network has stabilized and broadened infrastructure to allow for the safe importation and distribution of clean stock of high-value but high-risk plants ranging from apples to peaches to citrus to grapes and berries. The program helps to protect these critical industries and ensure their access to pathogen-tested planting stock of the newest and best varieties.

• Specialty Crop Block Grants have allowed for state-level, locally-relevant

Kurt Zuhlke & Assoc. Inc.

PO Box 609, Bangor, PA 18013-0609

email: sales@producepackaging.com

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

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

We also offer professional labeling design and application.

Earth Friendly Packaging Made of Recycled PETE

KEEPING IT GREEN Our Clamshells are Recyclable!

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

www.producepackaging.com

Page 5 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Apple thinning in 2012 — postponed, not canceled

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 6

Calibrate your sprayer now; do it often to save pesticides, money COLUMBUS, OHIO — Are you part of the 66 to 77 percent of growers who spray more or less pesticide than needed, leading to either money wasted or crop losses? If you don’t know, there’s one thing you can do about it, and now is the time to do it: Calibrate your sprayer.

Erdal Ozkan, an Ohio State University Extension agricultural engineer, says there’s no better time than early spring for growers to take a look at their sprayers and find out if they are delivering the proper gallons-per-acre application rate.

“If you don’t calibrate your sprayer frequently, it’s as if you were driving your car with a speedometer that doesn’t work,” said Ozkan, who is also a professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering and a researcher with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. “You assume you know what speed you are traveling at from habit, but you are not really sure. The problem with a sprayer is that nozzles wear out with use, application rates change with different field conditions, and traveling speeds also change. Many growers don’t take these factors into account.”

Data from Ohio and other states indicate that only one of every three to four applicators applies chemicals at rates that are within 5 percent (plus or minus) of the intended rates.

Application rates within plus or minus 5 percent represent the accuracy level recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Surveys also indicate that 67 percent of applicators who calibrated their equipment before every spray application had application errors below 5 percent, Ozkan said. Conversely, only 5 percent of applicators who calibrated their equipment less than once a year achieved the same degree of accuracy.

Ozkan said growers should calibrate their sprayers in early spring and every time operating conditions (different ground surfaces, for example) change or a different type of chemical is used.

“Frequent calibration is even more important with liquid applications because nozzles wear out with use, increasing the flow rate and leading to overuse of chemicals, which impacts growers’ budgets and can lead to crop damage and contamination of groundwater and the environ-

Fall Planting Strawberries Chandler, Cambrosa, Sweet Charlie Order now by 100’s or 1000’s

717-733-0503

ment,” Ozkan explained.

How to Calibrate a Sprayer Calibrating a boom sprayer, Ozkan said, is not as difficult as it sounds. It usually doesn’t take more than 30 minutes and only three things are needed: a watch showing seconds, a measuring tape, and a jar that measures ounces. The ultimate goal is to calculate the actual rate of application in gallons per acre to check for accuracy or to make adjustments as needed.

Ozkan recommends a method based on spraying 1/128 of an acre per nozzle and collecting the amount of chemical that would be released during the time it takes to spray that area. This particular amount of land is chosen because there are 128 ounces of liquid in one gallon, making it easy to correlate the number of ounces sprayed on that small area to the number of gallons that would be

sprayed on the whole acre. For example, if you catch 15 ounces from a set of nozzles, the actual application rate of the sprayer is equal to 15 gallons per acre.

For this method to be accurate, it is important to make sure that the time used to collect the spray from the nozzles is the same that it takes to cover 1/128 of an acre. A table available at http://ohioline.osu.edu /aex-fact/0520.html shows various nozzle and row spacings and the time you must travel to cover 1/128 of an acre for each spacing. For example, the travel distance for a 15-inch nozzle or row spacing is 272 feet; for a 20-inch nozzle or row spacing it’s 204 feet; and for a 30-inch nozzle or row spacing, the distance is 136 feet.

To calibrate a boom sprayer for broadcast applications using this method, follow these steps:

Blueberry Plants From virus indexed tissue culture

• Fill the sprayer tank with water; • Run the sprayer, inspect it for leaks, and make sure all vital parts function properly; • Measure the distance in inches between the nozzles. Then measure an appropriate distance in the field based on this nozzle spacing, according to the table available at http://ohioline.osu.edu/ aex-fact/0520.html; • Drive the measured distance in the field at your normal spraying speed and record the travel time in seconds.

Repeat this procedure and average the two measurements; • With the sprayer parked, run the sprayer at the same pressure level and catch the output from each nozzle in a measuring jar for the travel time required in the previous step; • Calculate the average nozzle output by adding the individual outputs and then divid-

ing by the number of nozzles tested. If an individual sample collected is more than 10 percent higher or lower than the average nozzle output rate, check for clogs and clean the tip, or replace the nozzle; • Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the variation in discharge rate for all nozzles is within 10 percent of the average; • The final average output in ounces you get is equal to the application rate in gallons per acre; • Compare the actual application rate with the recommended or intended rate. If the actual rate is more than 5 percent higher or lower than the recommended or intended rate, you must make adjustments.

Learn how to make these adjustments and additional information about calibration at http://ohioline.osu.edu /aex-fact/0520.html.

FLORIDA PINE STRAW SUPPLY CO. Mayo, FL 32066

Cultivated & Wild

Pine Needles or Pine Straw for all your Landscaping Needs

WWW.BARWACZFARM.COM

800-386-1514 • Fax 386-294-1750 email: iris@floridapinestraw.com www.floridapinestraw.com

Toll Free 888-511-4419

STRAWBERRY PLANTS

AC Wendy AC Valley Sunset Jewel Earliglow plus Seascape, Albion and Monterey Summer Varieties

Asparagus Crowns Several All-Male Hybrids Plus Purple Asparagus Free Illustrated Price List

Hillside Cultivator for excellent weed control between rows of strawberries & vegetables grown on plastic Eco Weeder ideal for removing weeds between plants in the row

Contact: John Shenk

KROHNE PLANT FARMS, INC. 65295 CR 342 Dept. CFG • Hartford, MI 49057 (269) 424-5423 • Fax (269) 424-3126 Web Site www.krohneplantfarms.com Email info@krohneplantfarms.com

Hillside Cultivator Co., LLC 911 Disston View Dr. • Lititz, PA 17543

717-626-6194

www.hillsidecultivator.com sales@shenkberryfarm.com

Greenhouse Energy Conservation Checklist

by John Bartok, Jr., Agricultural Engineer, University of Connecticut High energy costs make conservation and efficient use of facilities an important part of today's greenhouse operation. New greenhouse designs, better glazing, improved heating and ventilating equipment and new management systems should be included when upgrading or adding on. With typical annual energy usage being 75 percent for heating, 15 percent for electricity and 10 percent for vehicles, efforts and resources should be put where the greatest savings can be realized. The following checklist can help you make energy-saving improvements to a greenhouse operation.

Reduce Air Leaks • Keep doors closed - use door closer or springs.

• Weatherstrip doors, vents and fan openings.

• Lubricate louvers frequently so that they close tightly. If you burn fuel oil at a cost of $1.50 per gallon, a 48" fan louver that fails to close properly leaving 1" gaps allows 23,000 Btu/hr of heat to escape, costing $0.35. A partially open louver may allow several air changes per hour.

Additional fuel is needed to heat this air.

Shut off some fans during the winter and cover openings with insulation or plastic to reduce infiltration of air.

• Repair broken glass or holes in the plastic covering.

• Close holes under the foundation of plastic houses.

Double Covering • Line the "inside" sidewalls and end

walls of greenhouse inside with poly or bubble wrap to achieve the thermopane effect. Install double wall polycarbonate structured sheets to get insulation effect and reduce recovering labor.

• Use poly with an infrared inhibitor on the inner layer for 15 percent savings. Payback is 2-3 months.

• Add a single or double layer of plastic over older glasshouses to reduce infiltration and heat loss by 50 percent.

Energy Conserving Curtain • Install a thermal curtain for 20 percent-50 percent savings. Cost at $1.00 $2.50 per square foot will result in payback within 1 to 2 years. Tight closures should be maintained where curtains meet sidewalls, framing or gutters. Use a U-shaped trap to prevent heat from escaping overhead. Heat and water lines should be insulated or located below the thermal curtain.

An energy curtain can significantly reduce nighttime heat loss from a greenhouse.

Foundation and Sidewall Insulation • Insulate the foundation - place 1-2" polyurethane or polystyrene board to 18" below ground to reduce heat loss.

This can increase the soil temperature near the sidewall as much as 10 degrees during the winter.

• Insulate the kneewall or sidewall to bench height. Use 1" to 2" of insulation board. Applying 2" of foam insulation to a 3' high kneewall on a 28' x 100' greenhouse will save about 400 gallons of fuel oil/year.

• Insulate behind sidewall heat pipes

Greenhouse B8

See Us At The Farwest Show, Booth 18027

Page 7 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

S E CTI O N

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 8

Greenhouse from B7 - Use aluminum faced building paper or insulation behind heat pipes to radiate heat back into the growing area. Leave air space next to the wall to prevent frost damage to the wall.

Site Location • Locate new greenhouses in sheltered areas to reduce wind-induced heat loss, if this does not reduce light.

• Install windbreaks on the north and northwest sides of the greenhouse.

The windbreak can be a double row of conifer trees or plastic snow fence.

Space Utilization • Increase space utilization to 80 percent - 90 percent with peninsular or movable benches.

• Install multi-level racks for crops that don't require high light levels.

• Grow a crop of hanging baskets on overhead rails or truss-mounted conveyor system.

• A roll-out bench system can double growing space.

Top level plants are moved outside during the day.

Efficient Heating System • Installation of floor or

under-bench heat will allow air temperature to be set 5° - 10°F lower.

• Yearly maintenanceCheck boiler, burner and backup systems to make sure they are operating at peak efficiency. Have furnaces cleaned and adjusted and an efficiency test run before heating season.

A 2 percent increase in efficiency for a 30' x 150' greenhouse will save about 200 gallons of fuel oil.

• Clean heating pipes and other radiation surfaces frequently.

• Check accuracy of thermostats- correcting a reading that is 2ºF off will save $100-$200.

• Install electronic thermostats or controllers with a 1°F accuracy. Potential yearly savings of 500 gallons of fuel oil in a 30' x 100' greenhouse when changing from a mechanical to electronic thermostat or controller.

• Aspirate thermostats or sensors for more uniform temperature control. Differential between on and off can be reduced as much as 6ºF. • Install horizontal air

flow (HAF) fans to get more uniform temperature in the growing area.

• Insulate distribution pipes in areas where heat is not required.

• Check and repair leaks in valves, steam traps and pipes.

Efficient Cooling System • Build new greenhouses with open-roof design to eliminate the need for fans.

• Install roll-up or guillotine sides to reduce the need for fan ventilation.

5457 Swope Road Dayton, VA 22821 (near Harrisonburg)

• Use shading to reduce the need for mechanical cooling.

• Install evaporative cooling to get better temperature control during the summer.

• Select fans that meet AMCA standards and have a Ventilation Efficiency Ratio greater than 15.

• Use the largest diameter fan with the smallest motor that meets ventilation requirements.

• Keep doors closed

when fans are operating.

Locate intake louvers to give uniform cooling.

Conserve Electricity • Have wiring system inspected for overloading, corroded parts and faulty insulation.

• Replace 3 hp or larger motors with high efficiency or variable frequency drive motors to reduce electric consumption by 2-5 percent.

• Check for proper belt tension and alignment.

• Replace incandescent bulbs with low wattage (compact) fluorescent or HID bulbs. Can save 67 percent on electricity.

• Install motion detectors to control security lights so they are not on all the time.

Trucks and Tractors • Regularly scheduled tune-ups can save 10 percent on fuel usage. Keep tires properly inflated.

• Avoid lengthy idling.

Greenhouse B9

- - - o-o-o- - -

Brian Rhodes Michael Rhodes

VALLEY P RODUCE

PH: 540-879-2308

Fax: 540-879-2309

SUPPLY

Your Success Is Our Goal!

Rimol Greenhouse Systems • Greenhouse Plastics & Supplies

We Specialize In Drip Irrigation Systems

Selling Rain-Flo Transplanters

• Plastic Mulch Layers and Mulch Lifters • Miller Fertilizer Formulation • Miller Soil Amendments

Daily UPS Shipments on smaller orders Large orders are shipped motor freight Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm; Sat 8:00am to 12:00pm (Closed on Saturdays from Aug. thru Feb.)

Specialists in Drip Irrigation since 1973!

Prepayment

By Check

Free Full Inventory Catalog Available by Request. Call and we’ll send it to you!

Wessels’ Farms

Wholesale Quality Plant & Plug Producers A family farm since 1945

FRESH H SUMMER R COLOR “TRICKL-EEZ has helped growers put more fruit on their trees, increased vegetable production & assisted greenhouse growers and nurseries in watering their plants through drip.”

Call us today to see how we can help you.

Call For Free Catalog

1-800-TRICKLE

Summerr Annuals Pots,, Planterss & Hangers Call Today for Complete Product and Price Listing!

Phone: 845-386-5681 Fax: 845-386-8752 http://www.wesselsfarms.com

Page 9 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Greenhouse maintenance tips from Growers Supply — work smart, not hard!

Whether you are managing an 8’ by 10’ structure or a greenhouse covering acres, the maintenance principles are the same. By following this simple checklist, you can minimize your maintenance efforts while maximizing your profits.

Your Structure 1. Take a thorough walk around your greenhouse, both inside and out. Look for any loose, worn or rusted screws or bolts. Replace or tighten as needed.

Change out any suspect hardware. Replace them now-don’t wait for them to fail! Adjust vents and lubricate rack and pinion systems.

2. Carefully inspect your greenhouse covering. No matter if you are covering with glass, poly film or polycarbonate, you should look at every square foot of your greenhouse. Make sure it is secure and clean, not cracked or torn. Clean with a mild soap and soft cloth to improve light penetration and plant growth. Poly film that is only a year or two old can be easily repaired with greenhouse repair tape. However, if your poly film is three to five years old, it may be time to consider an upgrade to a new film or polycarbonate.

3. Inspect your gutters and doors.

Gutters often need to be cleaned and recaulked to prevent leaks and your doors will need adjusting. Doors that seal properly will save you money on heating. Gutters that don’t leak prevent excess moisture and disease problems within your growing environment.

Air Quality 1. Check your heater or evaporative cooling system (depending on season).

Both need to be inspected and tested annually. Evaporative cooling pads should be cleaned and disinfected to optimize airflow and minimize fungus growth. Treat your cool pads with an anti-fungal agent as your manufacturer recommends. Your heating system should also be cleaned and completely inspected. Shop-vac any dust and debris that may have accumulated and be sure the vent is not obstructed.

2. Plants generally enjoy a humidity level between 50 to 60 percent. If your air is too dry, transpiration is increased and the plants can become easily stressed. In this situation, plants can

Tips B12

Caulking will prevent leaks and will save you money on heating.

Greenhouse from B8 Idling can consume 15-20 percent of the fuel used.

• Run equipment in the proper gear for the load.

Water Systems • Locate hot water tanks as close as possible to the largest and most frequent use. Insulate pipes.

• Heat water to the lowest temperature needed, usually 120ºF is adequate.

• Use pipe size large enough to supply necessary water at minimum friction loss.

• Eliminate water leaks - A dripping faucet at 60 drops/min. will waste 113 gallons/month.

Management • Lower night temperature - Fuel consumption is reduced 3 percent for each 1ºF night temperature is lowered.

• Delay starting the greenhouse by a week or more.

Build a germination/growth chamber to start seedlings.

• Keep growing areas full at all times.

For more information visit www.extension.org/pages/28041/introduction-to-greenhouse-efficiency-and-energy-conservation Source: www.extension.org

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 10

BioSafe Systems introduces full line of GreenClean Cleaners BioSafe Systems introduces GreenClean Cleaners, GreenClean Acid Cleaner and GreenClean Alkaline Cleaner. The cleaners lift away organic mineral deposits and clean contaminated surfaces. The cleaners may be used in greenhouses, food processing and packing sheds, beverage facilities,

dairy and poultry plants, hospitals, institutions & laboratories and veterinary areas.

The GreenClean Acid Cleaner removes stubborn calcium and rust deposits and is ideal for wherever scale, oxide, or lime buildup is an issue. The GreenClean Alkaline Cleaner eradicates

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

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

Our Service...Your Satisfaction!

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

1-800-255-LUDY

grease and dirt and is effective against most water or oil saturated soils.

For more information on the GreenClean Cleaners, contact BioSafe Systems at 888-273-3088.

BioSafe Systems LLC is the manufacturer of sustainable and environmentally responsible disease control solutions, many of which meet the requirements of the National Organic Program. BioSafe

Systems develops products for the agriculture, animal health, post harvest / food safety, commercial horticulture, golf, home and garden, and aquatics industries. BioSafe Systems will continue growing with the release of new products and solutions to meet the diseasecontrol needs of homeowners and professionals alike.

Page 11 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

S E CTI O N

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 12

NCTA 2012 Convention and Trade Show set for Aug. 8-11 Discover innovative ways to enhance your business, learn management and marketing best practices and compete for national recognition at the National Christmas Tree Association Convention and Trade Show.

Set for Aug. 8-11 at the Sacramento Convention Center in Sacramento, CA, the Convention and Trade Show will attract more than 350 Christmas tree growers, wholesalers, retailers, choose and cut farmers and related industry members from around the world.

Convention highlights include: • Learn innovative ideas to enhance your business at the educational sessions; • Gain firsthand knowledge of management/marketing practices from peers on the farm tours; • Compete in the national tree and wreath contests; • Network with new and old friends at the Theme Night and celebrate with industry honorees at the Awards Banquet; and

• Explore new products and services at the trade show.

The newly renovated Hyatt Regency Sacramento is located across from the State Capitol and adjacent to the Sacramento Convention Center, where all Convention events will be held. To reserve your room, call 888-421-1442 and ask for the NCTA group rate of $112 per night.

Watch www.christmastree.org/convention2012.cfm for the latest updates, information and registration materials.

Tips from B9 quickly become dehydrated. Pest problems will also be more likely to arise. If the plants are too moist, fungal diseases (such as botrytis) and mold can become a problem. Horizontal airflow (HAF) fans can help create consistent humidity levels and improve overall plant growth. Inspect all exhaust fan belts and replace as necessary.

3. If you really want to optimize plant growth, consider injecting CO2 into your growing range.

While humans breathe oxygen and release CO2, plants do just the opposite. Increased levels of CO2 (up to 900 ppm) can “super-charge” the plant’s photosynthesis process. You will notice increased growth and higher yields in a very short period of time. The best time to inject CO2 is during the daylight hours when the plants are photosynthesizing but while your vents are closed.

Water and Soil Quality 1. Send in your water for analysis at least annually.

Watch for high pH (most plants prefer 5.8-6.2 pH) and/or “heavy metals.”

Acid injection can often eliminate both problems and provide a more consistent, productive crop. If you happen to grow in an area with low pH, you may need to supplement your irrigation water with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to reach your desired pH level.

2. The same goes for your soil. Send in a soil

sample to help you fine tune your growing operation. Your local extension agent can help you with this and provide you with sample bags. A prudent grower tests both water and soil often because the pH and nutrient levels can fluctuate.

3. Consider an upgrade to a pH/EC controller such as the Hanna® 5000 Mini Fertigation System. Take the guesswork out of your production and know exactly what your plants are getting each time they are irrigated. Keeping on top of greenhouse maintenance will prevent more costly repairs down the line. By running through this easy checklist once or twice a year, you can keep your growing operation running at maximum efficiency.

Growers Supply is the leading manufacturer of greenhouses, high tunnels and hydroponic systems, offering designbuild solutions for the horticulture industry.

Growers Supply is an expert in the field and by following this checklist you can minimize your maintenance efforts while maximizing your profits.

Growers Supply can provide planning, design, startup and operation training, and their knowledgeable National Account Managers can help you with any project.

With a catalog of over 30,000 products, complete growing systems can be custom designed

to fit the needs of your home or business. For more information on Growers Supply and its line of greenhouses and hydroponic systems, call 800-476-9715 or visit www.GrowersSupply.com /ADCFG.

Send Your Auction Listings to: Country Folks GROWER, P.O. Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428-0121 • Phone 518-673-3237 • Fax 518-673-2381

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THESE PARTICIPATING AUCTIONEERS ADDISON COUNTY COMMISSION SALES Rte. 125 • E. Middlebury, VT 05740 Sale every Monday & Tuesday Specializing in Complete Farm Dispersals “A Leading Auction Service” In VT. 800-339-2697 or 800-339-COWS 802-388-2661 • 802-388-22639

DANN AUCTIONEERS DELOS DANN 3339 Spangle St.,Canandaigua, NY 14424 585-785-2161 www.cnyauctions.com/dannauctioneers.htm

ALEX LYON & SON Bridgeport, NY • 315-633-2944 www.lyonauction.com

FRALEY AUCTION CO. Auctioneers & Sales Managers Licensed & Bonded 1515 Kepner Hill Rd., Muncy, PA 570-546-6907 • 570-546-9344 www.fraleyauction.com

AUCTIONEER PHIL JACQUIER INC. Southwick, MA • 413-569-6421 www.jacquierauctions.com

HARRIS WILCOX, INC. Bergen, NY • 585-494-1881 www.harriswilcox.com

BUFFALO VALLEY PRODUCE AUCTION Mifflinburg, PA • 570-966-1151

HUNYADY AUCTION CO. Hatfield, PA 800-233-6898

C.W. GRAY & SONS, INC. Complete Auction Service Rte. 5, East Thetford, VT 802-785-2161

Tuesday, May 1 • 5:00 PM: Greenwood (Steuben Co.) New York.

“Warrinerdale Home-

stead.” The estate of Wayne Warriner, Sr. Farm Equipment. Pirrung Auctioneers, Inc., 585-728-

Shippensburg Auction Center 1120 Ritner Hwy, Shippensburg, PA

Produce and Flower Auction every Tuesday & Thursday at 9:00 AM, Shrubbery Sale at 10:30 AM on Thursdays Good Selection of Flower Baskets, Flower Pots, Flowers & Produce as it comes in season.

Come to

Shippensburg Auction Center for all your produce, flower or shrubbery needs.

Our 27th year of friendly, reliable courteous service.

717-532-5511 Auction 717-532-3642 David Leinbach 717-532-7288 Norman Zimmerman

MILLER’S AUCTION Argyle, NY • 518-638-8580 PIRRUNG AUCTIONEERS Wayland, NY • 585-728-2528 ROY TEITSWORTH, INC., AUCTIONEERS Geneseo, NY • 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com WILLIAM KENT, INC. Stafford, NY 585-343-5449 or 585-548-7738 WOLGEMUTH AUCTION Leola, PA www.wolgemuthauction.com wolgemuthauc@juno.com WRIGHT’S AUCTION SERVICE 48 Community Dr. Derby, VT 14541 802-334-6115 www.wrightsauctions.com

MARK FERRY AUCTIONS Latrobe, PA 724-423-5580

2520 www.pirrunginc.com

Friday, May 4 • 11:00 AM: Lakeview Holsteins, 2456 Rt. 14, Penn Yan, NY. Selling complete dairies and registered & grade cattle.

Hilltop Auction Company, Jay Martin 315-5213123, Elmer Zeiset 315729-8030

Saturday, May 5 • Rt. 125, East Middlebury, VT. Annual Spring Machinery Auction. Addison Co. Commission Sales E.G. Wisnowski & Sons, 800-339-COWS or 802-388-2661 • 9:00 AM: Fraley Farm Complex, Muney, PA. 4th

Annual Lawn & Garden Event. Everything for your farm, cabin, river lot, garden & home. Shrubs, trees, 100’s of hanging baskets, flowers, plants, lawn furniture, lawn tractors, RTV’s, trailers, campers, boats, tools, etc. Fraley Auction Co. 570-546-6907 www.fraleyauction.com • 10:00 AM: Boonville, NY. Advance Notice Kelleher Annual Equipment Auction. Please call with consignments. One piece or full line. An auction that for years has been very sccessful for both seller and buyer.

Trucking available. Kelle-

her Auction Service, 315823-0089, John 315-8686561 cell

Tuesday, May 8 • Mohawk Valley Produce Auction.

Wholesale Flower Auction. Benuel Fisher Auctions, 518568-2257

Wednesday, May 9 • 5:15 PM: Prattsburgh, NY (Steuben Co.). Peter Connors Estate Auction.

Pickup, Kubota, boat, Jeep, guns, tools. Pirrung Auctioneers, Inc., 585728-2520 www.pirrunginc.com

Saturday, May 12 • Burke, NY. Miller Family Spring Consignment Auction. Contact Paul

Lakes Produce Auction Finger 3691 Rte. 14A • Penn Yan, New York

FLOWERS & IN SEASON PRODUCE MON-WED-FRI

AT 9:00 AM

HAY AUCTION FRIDAYS - 11:15 AM

(315) 531-8446

ORDER BUYING SERVICE AVAILABLE

Miller 518-483-6804 (No Sunday Calls). Delarm & Treadway, 518-483-4106 • 9:00 AM: 3080 Spangle St., Canandaigua, NY. Estate of Tom Oliver. Excellent farm collectibles, signs, 2 Oliver 66 tractors. Dann Auctioneers, Delos Dann, 585-3961676 www.cnyauctions.com/da nnauctioneers.htm • 10:00 AM: University Dr, Torrington, CT. Estate Auction. Ford 2810 tractor w/loader, Hay & 3 ph equip., Farmie winch, storage trailers. Jacquier Auctions, 413-569-6421 www.jacquierauctions.co m

Friday, June 1 • 11:00 AM: Lakeview Holsteins, 2456 Rt. 14, Penn Yan, NY. Selling complete dairies and registered & grade cattle.

Hilltop Auction Company, Jay Martin 315-5213123, Elmer Zeiset 315729-8030

Saturday, June 9 • North Bangor, NY. Craigmoor Farms Dispersal. Eric & Joel Craig. 140 head of reg. Guernseys, reg. Jerseys & reg. R&W Holsteins. Complete line

Calendar B14

Page 13 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

AUCTION CALENDAR

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 14

Marketing that works like magic — no tricks required ALEXANDRIA, VA — What do Election Day, a tricycle and tattoos have to do with flower sales?

They’re all marketing tactics successfully used by florists to promote and attract customers to their shops. Details

about those and other proven marketing ideas — plus practical tips for those who want to steal them — are on the agenda for SAF Retail Growth Solutions, June 19-20, just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia

in Cherry Hill, NJ. During Marketing Magic: Take-Home Tactics to Capture Today’s Consumer, Society of American Florist’s Kate Penn and Jennifer Sparks will take a look at the newest ways

florists are reaching customers, building loyalty and generating sales. They’ll draw on ideas shared by florists around the country, SAF consumer research and the exciting new social media activities un-

IPPS Western Region announces 2012 meeting program VENTURA, CA — The Western Region of the International Plant Propagators’ Society (IPPS) has announced an information rich program for its 2012 meeting, featuring seminars with key industry names plus tours of the field’s hottest nurseries.

Set for Sept. 19-22 at the Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor in California, the event includes a carefully planned mix of educational sessions, nursery tours, networking and much more.

“As one of the country’s richest horticultural regions, Ventura County was a natural choice for our 2012 meeting location,” said Jim Conner, IPPS Western Region Program co-chairman, with Dave Lannom. “In addition to inside looks at some of the area’s most innovative producers, we’ve prepared a speaker slate built on in-

formation exchange and offering topics in all aspects of propagation from seed and cuttings to tissue culture.”

Producers at all levels and sizes will find practical knowledge and applications to serve their businesses in this seminar slate featuring premier horticulturists.

Sessions include propagation techniques, new plant development, new transplanting and planting strategies, organic production, quality control, insects and diseases, determining plants’ market value, and more.

The event will also include a pre-conference tour to La Verne Nursery, Norman’s Nursery, Valley Crest Tree Co., Do Right’s Plant Growers, and Limoneira Packing Plant. Afternoon tours during the conference will highlight operations including Lotusland, Gallup & Stribling, San Marcos Growers, Por La

Calendar from B13 of machinery. Delarm & Treadway, 518-483-4106 • 9:00 AM: Don Rice Jr., 5761 Barber Hill Rd., Geneseo, NY. 15 MM farm tractors & parts, 150 MM farm toys, MM & gas signs. Dann Auctioneers, Delos Dann, 585-3961676 www.cnyauctions.com/da nnauctioneers.htm

Thursday, July 26 • 6:00 PM: County Highway Maintenance Facility, Geneseo, NY. Livingston County Tax Title Auction.

Thomas P. Wamp/Pirrung Auctioneers, Inc., 585728-2520 www.pirrunginc.com

Friday, July 27 • 10:00 AM: Haverling Central High School, Bath, NY. Steuben County Tax Title Auction.

Thomas P. Wamp/Pirrung Auctioneers, Inc., 585728-2520 www.pirrunginc.com

Saturday, August 4 • 10:00 AM: 1507 PreEmption Rd., Penn Yan, NY (Yates Co.). Real Estate Absolute Auction.

103 acre DeWick farm w/100 acres tillable, farmhouse, shop 2 machine sheds.

Thomas P. Wamp/Pirrung Auctioneers, Inc., 585-728-2520 www.pirrunginc.com

Saturday, August 25 • 9:00 AM: Penn Yan, NY. Finger Lakes Produce Auction Farm Machinery Consignment Auction.

Pirrung Auctioneers, Inc., 585-728-2520 www.pirrunginc.com

Saturday, September 8 • North Country Storage Barns. 2nd Annual Shed and Shrubbery Auction.

Benuel Fisher Auctions, 518-568-2257

Mar Nursery, and PanAmerican Seed.

For more information on the 2012 Western

Regional Meeting or to register, visit www.ippswr.org.

der way through the SAF Nationwide Fund for Public Relations.

“This is a fun, fastpaced program, where we run through all kinds of practical ideas for creative, practical promotions that have worked for florists — and lots of tips to help florists implement them,” said Penn.

The program also covers easy ways to help florists keep their shops visible via Facebook, Twitter and other social media.

For more information about SAF Retail Growth Solutions, visit safnow.org/retailgrowth-solutions or contact Laura Weaver at lweaver@safnow.org or 800-336-4743.

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

Regional/National Solid Waste Recycling (monthly)

Regional Heavy Construction (monthly)

- Send me Ì YES Hard Hat News!

Handling Ì YES - Send me Waste Equipment News!

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

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

National Aggregate

Ì

(bi-monthly)

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

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

J Owner/President/VP J J J J J

Regional Horticulture

YES - Send me North American Quarry News!

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

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

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

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

(

Regional Agriculture

Paid Subscription

weekly

Ì YES - Send me Country Folks!

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

)

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

*This publication costs $47 for one year.

Business Type: K Dairy K Sheep

K Beef K Alfalfa

Business Type: K Greenhouse K Tree Fruit K Nursery

National Vineyard

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

(

K Goat

Paid Subscription

bi-monthly

K Small Fruit K Christmas K Garden Center K Supplier

K Farmers Market K Direct Market K Vegetable

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

(Check All That Apply)

K Horse K Soybeans

(Check All That Apply)

LEE PUBLICATIONS, INC.

*This publication costs $78 for two years.

K Poultry K Corn

monthly

Folks Ì YES - Send me CountryGROWER!

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

1 2 3 4 5

Paid Subscription

Name _______________________________________________

)

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

Learn tips on how to start or improve your business.

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

Business Type:

K Grape Grower K Vineyard

(Check All That Apply)

K Wines K Supplier

Phone (

) _______________Fax (

) _________________

Date ___________Signature______________________________

Page 15 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Are You Involved In More Than One Industry?

We Are Here to Help You.

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 16

Country Folks Grower Classifieds

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

Announcements

JULY ISSUE

ADVERTISING DEADLINE

Thursday, June 14th For as little as $9.25 - place a classified ad in

Country Folks Grower

Call Peg at

1-800-836-2888

or 518-673-0111

or email classified@leepub.com Announcements # # # # #

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

Also we always recommend insertion for at least 2 times for maximum benefits. Call Peg at 1-800-836-2888

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

Announcements CHECK YOUR AD - ADVERTISERS should check their ads. Lee Publications, Inc. shall not be liable for typographical, or errors in publication except to the extent of the cost of the first months insertion of the ad, and shall also not be liable for damages due to failure to publish an ad.

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

Business Opportunities

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

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

Antiques CAT pull type grader, SN 18485, complete, good shape. 506-325-2701 www.foxbrand.ca

Business Opportunities

For Sale

Fruits & Berries

Fruits & Berries

SUCCESSFUL GREENHOUSE BUSINESS for sale in beautiful upstate N.Y. Great location, possible owner finance, go to Otsdawagreenhouse.com for more info and photos, or email cvengen@stny.rr.com

Christmas

Christmas

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

®

Ribbon Samples on Request

• Best Service at Lowest Price • Same Day Shipping • Free Catalog Santa’s Wholesale Supply N9678 N Summit Lane Summit Lake, WI 54485

Santa’s Own

1-800-772-6827 Super Cam Clamper

Stainless Steel Garland Machine New Tap Switch

www.santasupplies.com Farm Equipment

NEED BUSINESS CARDS? Full color glossy, heavy stock.

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

For Sale

www.wreathrings.com Farm Equipment

1- 120" Head 1- 144" Head

3- Steel 40' Flat Beds 1- Aluminum 42" Bed

570-752-2323

Farm Equipment

Farm Market Items

1250 gallon SS 50’ floater w/foam marker no charge for chassis, $10,000; w/Raven controller, $11,500. 610-2611261

Affordable USA MADE Items.

Full line of heavy duty items, poles - hooks - trellis items, arbors - fences - indoor items.

Free 400 plus Items Catalog.

Custom Display Racks. Also accepting custom orders.

Serving customers since 1999. A&L Iron Works, LLC, 624 Buchland Rd., Narvon, PA 17555. 717-768-0705, Fax 717-768-0245

Do You Grow Grapes?

Do You Make Wine?

CHECK OUT

Fish

www.wineandgrapegrower.com Or Call For a Sample Copy

800-218-5586

Greenhouse Equipment

Greenhouse Equipment

RETIRING GREENHOUSE GROWER/RETAILER

Orchard Park, NY 716-652-4607 or lbreiden@verizon.net

Custom Built Green Bean Trailers

Business Opportunities

email sales@freedomtreefarms.com www.freedomtreefarms.com

Shade Cloth, Planting Conveyor System, Carts, Benches, Boiler, Trays, Pots, Trays, Colored Pot Covers, Farm Sprayer, Benches, Generator and Various Other Equipment Lisa’s Greenhouse

Pixall Green Bean Harvestors

Call

Specializing in Edible Landscaping.

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

TN: 931-467-3600 • Fax 931-467-3062

LIVE GAME FISH Oldest Fish Hatchery Estab. 1900

Greenhouse Equipment

Greenhouse Supplies

G R E E N H O U S E G OT H I C 28x96, complete, winter trusses, must dismantle, lots of extras, $8,000 value, sell for $4,000. Stony Creek,NY 518696-2829

USED NURSERY POTS FOR SALE

WANT TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD? CALL: 1-800836-2888 Fish

ZETTS FISH FARM & HATCHERIES Large Selection of Game Fish Pond Equipment & Supplies, Aquatic Plants

Truck, Air, U.P.S. Parcel Post Delivery

Koi

SEND FOR COMPLETE CATALOG P.O. BOX 239, DRIFTING, PA 16834 PHONE: 814-345-5357 www.zettsfish.com

1 gal . . .9c 2 gal . .15c 3 gal . .19c 4 gal . .25c 5 gal . .50c 7 gal . .60c Please Call Frank Geiger 203-255-1024

Geiger’s Garden Center 40 Bel ont St. Fairfield, CT 06430

Heating

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

Help Wanted

Nursery Stock

Nursery Stock

Roofing

Roofing

ROOFING & SIDING

WORK FOR COUNTRY FOLKS SALES REPRESENTATIVE Established Accounts with Room For Growth Lee Publications Inc, a trade publication publisher for 47 years, is looking for a self-motivated, professional sales representative to sell advertising and trade show space for its group of industrial and agricultural magazines, websites and trade shows .

This is a phone and email, marketing position is located at our main office in Palatine Bridge, NY with occasional travel required. Computer skills are a must.

Titles Include: Country Folks, Country Folks Grower, Wine & Grape Grower, Country Folks Mane Stream Hard Hat News, Waste Handling Equipment News & North American Quarry News

Please email questions or your resume to dwren@leepub.com 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.

ABM M & ABX X Panell - Standingg Seam m - PBR R Panel LOW PRICES - FAST DELIVERY – FREE LITERATURE

A.B. MARTIN ROOFING SUPPLY, LLC Ephrata, PA 1-800-373-3703 N e w v i l l e , PA 1-800-782-2712

Full line Pole Building material. ~ Lumber - Trusses - Plywood.

www.abmartin.net • Email: sales@abmartin.net

Seeds Nursery Stock

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

Irrigation

20 bu.apple bins for sale, approx. 200 $30.00/bin f.f. $25.00/bin ju. 315-536-0480

# # # # #

LOCUST 4x4’s, fence posts, split rails, lumber. Natural, chemical free non poisonous alternative to pressure treated that has strength and lasts a lifetime. 518-883-8284

Sprayers

Sprayers

Orchard Supplies

Real Estate For Sale

Lumber & Wood Products

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

Seeds, plugs, cuttings.

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

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

LARGE VARIETY of Evergreens, Flowering Trees, Shrubs & Natives in larger sizes. Pre-dug trees available.

700 acres of quality field grown material. 40 years experience. Roger Coffey & Sons Wholesale Nursery P h : 8 2 8 - 7 5 9 - 7 1 5 7 Fa x : 828-758-9285 email: sales@rogercoffeyandsons.com www.rogercoffeyandsons.com LEYLAND CYPRESS: 3 gallon 36-42”, $10.00. Quantity discounts. Also larger sizes.

OT T E R B E I N N U R S E RY, Newburg, PA 717-423-0119, 717-423-0146(Fax)

FLORASEARCH, INC.

Irrigation

e Metall Roofing g & Siding..

BUY DIRECT – Wee manufacture

Nursery Equipment BOULDIN & LAWSON 1 yard batch mixer, peat fluffer w/mist, 15’ conveyor, like new.

5 0 6 - 3 2 5 - 2 7 0 1 www.foxbrand.ca

G R E E N H O U S E OPERATION for sale, Loudon, NH. Historically solid & financially stable business offered for $625,000 - 25% below appraised asset value.

Low risk venture with great expansion opportunities.

Visit website: www.ledgeview-greenhouses.com.

For additional information contact: Kevin, Weeks Commercial, 603-5283388, ext. 305; email: ksullivan@cbcweeks.com.

1-800-836-2888 To place a Classified Ad

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 Fungicide Ap

ATV - Narrow Row

3 Pt. Terminator

High Performance PTO & Engine Driven Mist Sprayers

Refrigeration

Refrigeration

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

877-924-2474

Email resources@mistsprayers.com

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

Contract growing available.

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

Sprayers Nursery Stock FOR SALE: Christmas Trees B&B, priced by the foot, must take whole block of entire field; Sugar-Bend Tree Farm, NE PA, 570.746.3622, cell 570.721.0644

AMERICAN WHOLESALE CO.

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

Phone: (216) 426-8882 • www.awrco.com

Parts, Sales & Service for Durand-Wayland & Myers Arendtsville Garage 135A Main St. • Arendtsville, PA 17303

717-677-7416

www.mistsprayers.com

Tree Equipment TREE AUGER with hauler, excellent condition, $1,000.

570-924-4399

Page 17 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Country Folks Grower Classifieds

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 18

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 Trees

Trees

HALABURA TREE FARMS 35 Dreher Rd. Orwigsburg, PA (Schuylkill Co.) 570-943-2137 office 570-943-7692 fax Douglas Fir Concolor Fir Hemlock Shade & Flowering Trees Available

White Pine Norway Spruce Arborvitae

Blue Spruce Serbian Spruce Frazier Fir

Cut & B&B available • Reasonable Prices • Delivery Available

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. *** JUN 7 Scouting for Insects & Diseases of Woody Ornamentals 5-7 pm. Smith College, Northampton, MA. Learn how to put IPM practices to work efficiently. Workshop held rain or shine. Preregistration required as space is limited. Cost is $50. To register online or to print a registration form go to www.umassgreeninfo.org and click on the education tab. For more information contact UMass Extention Lamdscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry program at 413-545-0895 or-e-mail eweeks@umext.umass.edu.

JUN 19-20 Retail Growth Solutions: A Mini-Conference for Florists Cherry Hill, NJ - Philadelphia Metro Area. Contact Laura Weaver, 800-336-4743 or email lweaver@safnow.org.

JUL 14-17 OFA: 2012 ShortCourse Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH. Call 614-487-1117 or e-mail ofa@ofa.org. On Internet at h t t p : / / o f a . o r g / shortcourseinfo.aspx JUL 26 Annual Flower Trial Field Day Penn State Southeast Research and (Landisville Farm) . As always, there will be exceptional speakers, fabulous weather and the stars of the show, the Flower Trials. Call 814-865-4700. On Internet at http:// extension/psu.edu AUG 8-10 NCLA Summer Green Road Show Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory, NC. Call 919-816-9119. On Internet at www.ncnla.com AUG 8-11 National Christmas Tree Association Convention & Trade Show Sacramento Convention Cen-

ter, 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.christm a s t r e e . o r g / convention2012.cfm AUG 17-20 NAFDMA 2012 Advanced Learning Retreat Tanners Orchard, Speer, IL. On Internet at www.nafdma.com AUG 22-25 Virginia CTGA Summer Meeting Waynesboro Best Western Hotel, Waynesboro, VA. Contact Jeff Miller, 540-3827310 or e-mail secretary@virginiachristmastrees.org. On Internet at www.virginia christmastrees.org AUG 23-25 VA Christmas Tree Growers Assoc. Annual Conference & Trade Show Waynesboro Best Western Inn. Call 540-382-2716. On Internet at www.

VirginiaChristmasTrees.org AUG 26-28 38th Annual FARWEST Show Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR. On Internet at www.farwestshow.com OCT 10-13 IPPS Eastern Region 62st Annual Meeting Brandywine Valley, PA. Contact Margot Bridgen, 631765-9638 or e-mail ippser@gmail.com. On Internet at www.ipps.org/EasternNA NOV 2-6 2012 Irrigation Show & Education Conference Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL. Call e-mail info@ irrigationshow.org.

NOV 7-8 Northeast Greenhouse Conference and Expo DCU Center, Worcester MA. Call 802-865-5202 or e-mail info@negreenhouse.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... Fill out the form attached completely and fax to Peggy at (518) 673-2381 MAIL IT IN Fill out the attached form, calculate the cost, enclose your check or credit card information and mail to: Country Folks Grower Classifieds PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428

$9.25

$9.55

$9.85

$10.15

$10.45

$10.75

$11.05

$11.35

$11.65

$11.95

$12.25

$12.55

$12.85

$13.15

$13.45

$13.75

$14.05

E-MAIL IT IN $14.35 $14.65 $14.95 E-mail your ad to If you have used equipment for sale, ask about our group of classified@leepub.com weekly farm newspapers that cover from Maine to North Carolina.

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

FOR BEST RESULTS, RUN Phone:_____________________________Fax:__________________________ YOUR AD FOR TWO ISSUES! Cell:_________________________E-mail:______________________________ Cost for each Issue per Zone: $9.25 for the first 14 words, 30¢ each additional word.

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

I have enclosed a Check/Money Order Please charge my credit card: American Express Discover Visa MasterCard Acct#:__________________________________________Exp.Date:_________ (MM/YY) Signature:________________________________________Date:____________ Required w/Credit Card Payment Only

Bert Lemkes, co-owner of Van Wingerden Intl., Mills River, NC, testified April 17 before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and En-

forcement.

The subcommittee was holding a hearing on the E-Verify program, and identity theft issues.

Lemkes’ growing operation, which employs 350

people at peak season, is using the federal E-Verify program and has learned first-hand of the challenges it poses for agricultural employers.

Lemkes cautioned Sub-

committee members that making E-Verify mandatory without broader reforms could have the opposite of its intended effect, since false documents that feature a le-

gitimate name and Social Security number routinely clear the EVerify system now. It would also deprive greenhouses, nurseries, and farms of much of

their labor force.

Most of Lemkes’ testimony, though, focused on the need for Congress to create a viable and practical visa program for agricultural workers desperately needed by farmers across the country. “This spring … had us experiencing terrible problems finding help for our busiest shipping season. When I get the question ‘how does E-Verify work for you?’ my answer is: ‘Those that are willing to do the work often fail the system, but many of those that pass the system, fail to do the work.’”

“This latest in a series of E-Verify hearings signals a renewed push for passage of mandatory EVerify legislation,” said Craig Regelbrugge, vice president of government relations for the American Nursery & Landscape Association and co-chairman of the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform. “Agriculture has been clear to E-Verify proponents: EVerify will decimate American agriculture unless you give us a market based and practical visa program to address the farm labor crisis,” Regelbrugge added.

Lemkes emphasized this very point, telling Congress, “To put this in an agriculture picture — they are the cart and the horse. The cart can’t move without the horse, and they need to be in the right sequence.”

Page 19 - Section B • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • June 2012

Greenhouse grower calls on House subcommittee to address agricultural labor crisis

June 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER • Section B - Page 20