GN 9.11

Western September 2011 Volume e5 n Edition

Section One of One

GROWER

r 10 Number

$2.50

Serving All Aspects of Commercial Horticulture

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

Grant Family Farms ~ Page 3

Cattle to Christmas Trees Page 10

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Organic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Melissa Piper Nelson

Today’s Marketing . . . . . 5

Page 2 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • September 2011

Jared’s Nursery, Gift & Garden caters to its customers

by Kelly Gates As a kid, Loren Bauman earned 25 cents per hour for watering the plants at his family's business, Jared's Nursery, Gift & Garden of Littleton, CO. Today, he is one of the co-owners of the company.

According to the second generation nurseryman, it all began with a small crop of tomatoes grown on the family's property.

“My father, Jared, started selling tomatoes out of the garage of our old house,” Loren told Country Folks Grower. “The first year, he did this for a couple of weeks and the next year, he stayed open for about a month and a half. From there, things expanded annually.”

During the early years, the thruway in front of the Bauman's home was a two-lane road. Currently, there is a six-lane highway that drives a tremendous amount of traffic to Jared's Nursery, Gift & Garden.

Other changes that took place since the business was founded in 1979 include the addition of bedding plants, perennials, trees, shrubs and products needed to plant and care for them. Later other items were added including pots, garden art, fountains, statuary, gift items and seasonal items such as pumpkins and Christmas trees.

With an extensive inventory in place the family turned its attention to special events.

“We decided that we needed to find ways to not only draw customers each year, but to also bring them back multiple times each year,” said Loren. “In 2006, we started our annual pumpkin weigh-off. Local pumpkin growers now host the event, which attracted about 40 people the first year and now, roughly 4,000.”

Along with sizing up gargantuan gourds, guests can enter their canine companions in a dog costume contest.

Or, they can pit their pies, cakes and

other desserts against others in a baking competition.

Kids can have their faces painted, hop around in the bouncy castle, brave the Galleria of Ghouls (haunted house), traverse the straw maze, and participate in the kids' division pumpkin weigh-off.

Additional activities have been added for 2011, including a chili cookoff, a bouncy house that parents can enjoy with their children and a Radio Disney mobile unit that will play music and sponsor a costume contest for kids.

A simple change was made this past winter 2011 to make Jared's more visible. The 1917 farm house that serves as the main store was repainted. The old white structure was painted red and the black shutters and trim were painted white. “While the change only required a fresh coat of paint, the result was a significant increase in customers, many of whom admitted dropping by for the first time because of the building's new look.” he said.

Classes and events have been added to keep people coming back throughout the year. The major event for the year is the pumpkin weigh-off with an Easter Egg Hunt now being held the day before Easter as well. The remaining months have events on the third Thursday, drawing customers in for fun and refreshments. Greenhouse scavenger hunts, ice cream socials and ladies' nights are just a few.

“Classes are held every weekend except during prime season. These are tailored to the time of the year,” said Loren. “We'll be offering an herb class soon that covers harvesting methods, growing herbs indoors and tips for preserving and using herbs.”

This will be followed by a class dealing with techniques for dealing with those bumper crops of vegetables.

Later in the fall, a class will be held for those who own ponds. Topics include how to shut down a pond for the sea-

The flower trials were held for customers in conjunction with local growers Welby Gardens. The Baumans try to offer monthly events to bring customers in and provide opportunities for them to see new plants and experience the garden center as a destination.

The second and third generations of the Bauman family (L-R) Aaron, Zoe, Nicole, Mckenzie, Suzanne, Fiona, Peter and Loren Bauman. son and how to tend to koi during winter months. Other activities at Jared's Nursery Gift & Garden range from pumpkin decorating for kids to seminars on how to grow giant vegetableseach participant at this class gets a free giant pumpkin seed to take home.

With such a wide array of products and events, the company has long been the go-to place for residents in Littleton. When the opportunity to open a second location surfaced in 2007, the decision to do so was made.

According to Loren, the second site, “Jared's Gardens,” has the same focus on quality products, fair prices and great customer service but has a

much different look and feel. The two stores are only 17 minutes apart, so it is easy for customers to shop at both locations taking advantage of those differences.

The Baumans and their knowledgeable staff caters to the needs of a wide variety of customers taking time to listen to their requests, answering their questions and working hard to make them successful in their gardening adventures.

This customized approach has helped make Jared's a well recognized and respected member of the community, which we expect it to be for many years to come.

This pumpkins was the third place finisher in the 2010 Pumpkin Weigh-Off. The grower had some fun decorating it for the public to see during the yearly event.

Photos courtesy of Jared’s Nursery, Gift & Garden

Farmers markets could generate tens of thousands of jobs small local farmers, it would not only improve American diets, it would generate tens of thousands of new jobs.”

UCS released the report just a few days before the 12th annual U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Farmers Market Week, which began on Sunday, Aug. 7.

According to the report, “Market Forces: Creating Jobs through Public Investment in Local and Regional Food Systems,” the number of farmers markets nationwide more than doubled between 2000 and 2010 jumping from 2,863 to 6,132, and now more than 100,000 farms sell food directly to local consumers.

All that growth happened with relatively little help. Last year, for example, the USDA spent $13.725 billion in commodity, crop insurance, and supplemental disaster assistance payments mostly to support large industrial farms, according to the

Congressional Budget Office.

The amount the agency spent that year to support local and regional food system farmers?

Less than $100 million, according to USDA data.

In 2007, the most recent USDA figure, direct agricultural product sales amounted to a $1.2 billion-a-year business, and most of that money recirculates locally. “The fact that farmers are selling directly to the people who live nearby means that sales revenue stays local,” O’Hara said.

“That helps stabilize local economies.”

Keeping revenues local also can mean more job opportunities. Last summer, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack asked Congress to set a goal in the 2012 Farm Bill of helping at least 100,000 Americans to become farmers by, among other things, providing entrepreneurial training and support for farmers markets.

O’Hara’s report takes up

Vilsack’s challenge and argues that supporting local and regional food system expansion is central to meeting that goal.

In the report, O’Hara identified a number of initiatives the federal government could take to encourage new farmers and the growth of farmers markets in the upcoming Farm Bill.

For example, the report called on Congress to: • Support the development of local food markets, including farmers markets and farm-to-school programs, which can stabilize community-supported markets and create permanent jobs. For example, the report found that the Farmers Market Promotion Program could create as many as 13,500 jobs nationally over a five-year period, if reauthorized, by providing modest funding for 100 to 500 farmers markets per year.

• Level the playing field for

farmers in rural regions by investing in infrastructure, such as meat-processing or dairy-bottling facilities, which would help meat, dairy and other farmers produce and market their products to consumers more efficiently. These investments could foster competition in food markets, increase product choice for consumers, and generate jobs in the community.

• Allow low-income residents to redeem food nutrition subsidies at local food markets to help them afford fresh fruits and vegetables.

Currently, not all markets are able to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

“Farmers at local markets are a new variety of innovative entrepreneurs, and we need to nurture them,” said O’Hara. “Supporting these farmers should be a Farm Bill priority.”

Fruits, vegetables and a busload of chickens

by Kelly Gates Grant Family Farms of Wellington, CO has long been a producer of certified organic produce for wholesale to grocers throughout the United States. But in 2007, the company decided to open a small Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) business that would add a direct sales division to its repertoire.

According to Sari Schauer, director of the farm’s CSA, the staff had no idea just how well received such a shares program would be.

“Our first year, we had 126 members,” Schauer said. “We had a staff of three people that would skip through the fields picking vegetables each week, happy to have a small group of people as part of the CSA.” The following year, no one was skipping, she joked. Instead of 126, the number of people who purchased shares totaled 1,000. Many of the customers were in Fort Collins but over time, the region expanded to cover Northern Colorado.

Grant Family Farms managed to harvest, box and deliver to each customer that year. And again in 2009 when the customer total jumped to over 3,000.

“We brought in a lot more employees each year to help with packing and distribution and I was offered a position with the farm to grow the CSA” said Schauer. “The CSA represented significant change in our organization. Not only the addition of more employees, which helped the local economic base, but we were also able to divert some of our deliveries going out of state, reducing our carbon footprint.”

The farm had delivered to New York, Florida, Texas and many other states across the country for decades. But as the CSA grew each year, the number of long distance shipments diminished in lieu of local or regional trucking. In four years, the percentage of trucks transporting wholesale fruits and vegetables grown at Grant Family Farms has gone from 100 percent to 70 percent.

Isaac Jahns, Education Coordinator, shows working members how to harvest broccoli on the tractor.

Fruits A4

Broccoli being harvested at the Grant Family Farms.

Photos by Kelly Gates

Spring Farm Tour 2011 visitors checking out the farm animals.

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 3

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Over the last several decades, thousands of farmers markets have been popping up in cities and towns across the country, benefiting local farmers, consumers and economies, but they could be doing a lot better, according to a report released recently by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

What’s holding farmers markets back? Federal policies that favor industrial agriculture at their expense.

“On the whole, farmers markets have seen exceptional growth, providing local communities with fresh food direct from the farm,” said Jeffrey O’Hara, the author of the report and an economist with UCS’s Food and Environment Program. “But our federal food policies are working against them. If the U.S. government diverted just a small amount of the massive subsidies it lavishes on industrial agriculture to support these markets and

Page 4 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • September 2011

Fruits Schauer expects this number to drop further in the future. Last year, the CSA had 4,300 members. This year, the total will likely be 5,000.

“We have five trucks on the road five days each week, traveling to places like Colorado Springs, throughout the mountain region and up into Casper, Wyoming,” she said. “We have a pretty big reach-some drop-offs are five hours away. But overall we have still significantly reduced our impact on the environment by selling a lot locally.”

To help manage this large base, Grant Family Farms hired CSA reps in Colorado Springs, Denver and the mountains. Several additional trucks were leased. Employees were also trained how and when to harvest for the CSA, how to package the boxes and the best practices for coordinating drop-offs.

There was a lot to learn since the farm offers an abundance of share opportunities. There are three sizes of shares: single, couple and family.

Offerings range from fruit and vegetable shares to meat, mushroom, bread and cheese shares.

“We have some cherries and plums,

like Mount Royal. We also have experimental plots of strawberries and raspberries, but the rest is mostly vegetables,” said Schauer. “We grow over 150 varieties of vegetables, including dark cooking greens like kale, spinach and chard, plus five types of lettuce, three kinds of cabbage, heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, sweet corn, summer and winter squash and many, many others.”

The farm partners with three local organic cheese companies to create a goat cheese share, a specialty cheese share featuring a brand called “MouCo” and a raw milk cheese share with standards like cheddar and jack.

A nearby mushroom farm supplies all sorts of mushroom varieties for a mushroom share. An area organic bakery that buys Grant Family Farm’s wheat makes loafs for a weekly artisan bread share.

And there are many different one-time meat orders to choose from as well.

With so many items for customers to choose from, the farm may only add coffee to the mix in upcoming years. The aim is to provide a large assortment of organic foods for people without becoming a full-fledged grocery store, said Schauer.

Cover photo by Kelly Gates Grant Family Farms’ flower share manager Chelsea in the sunflower field.

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Update on economy from prime feature of OFA meeting

by William McNutt The continuing recession has left no industry in the U.S. unaffected, creating new challenges, not the least of which for the green industry is too much supply for current demand.

Marketing in today’s market place was the challenge addressed at the OFA convention by Charlie Hall, Texas A&M University, Marvin Miller, Ball Horticultural Co., and Stan Pohmer, industry consultant.

Their forecast was for consolidation in both greenhouse and grower numbers, with an already 6 percent reduction in numbers since 2006, which will double in the next 2 years. The problem will be partially self corrected as new growers come online. With less concentration on filling greenhouse space, the amount of production will eventually get in line with what will sell.

This follows a general trend in agriculture, with 2-3 farmers handling the same acreage as previously handled by 10-12. New services will be added, with more reliance on vendors for information, but sales will continue downward - except in higher income areas. Those hurt most will be mid level income service providers, depending on discretionary spending.

Current surveys show 75 percent of our population have no confidence things are going to get better anytime soon, 20 percent think the economic situation will become worse. If not already learning to live with a mean new age, most will be forced to in the near future: an age of frugality, reduced credit, plus a changed value system challenging what, why and when movements in management are made. This year’s OFA program was geared to this concept, with fewer motivational type speeches, rather an emphasis on solid techniques in business training. Behavior changes are being forced, customers are more value conscious, with reduced discretionary spending, limitation of driving, trade downs on purchases, plus greater deal seeking along with demand for lower prices. Our older customers lean to nostalgia, desiring return to a simple life, more rooted, with less conspicuous consumption. But for younger customers that we have not yet acquired on a steady basis, there is worry about the environment, plus emphasis on sustainability. Grower and sellers of floral products were told they must incorporate such consumer thinking into their promotional and merchandising efforts, work toward convincing the public the product offered is essential, that they cannot get along without it.

With more of our potential customers living paycheck to paycheck, selling to them becomes more competitive. Even the boomer generation now beginning to retire are trading down from supermarket to discount type stores. We cannot ignore their buying power, those born during 1946-60 still own 28

percent of housing, and receive 36 percent of the national income. The next influx of boomers are now over 55, $7 trillion in wealth is controlled by them. Currently there are 11 million more Generation X than post 1946ers in the country. This younger group is rather sharply split from their parents, more appreciative of the environment, time for relaxation, and appreciation of life in general-in short. This group emphasizes house ownership less than renting, and move more for job security. They will spend money on landscaping when property is theirs, but want someone else to do it. Green industry types will need to jump start this group so our markets will be used. When they do achieve stable economic status they can afford to pay for it.

One angle is to stress the return on flowers along with landscaping, eg. $250 worth of flowers raises home value by $1000.

Panel recommendations included telling your story through social media, now by far the best way to make contact with a non-newspaper reading younger public.

Grower-retailer relationships need to be strengthened, along with closer ties to the consumer. Tell your environmental story via Web site, include vegetables and fruit in flower planting of varieties adapted for this type of use. All retailers are doing this, but lack the personal detail a greenhouse or garden center can use. Growers were advised to investigate contracting to other growers, even to the big box stores, often seen as the enemy. This can be a fruitful outlet for smaller growers who can concentrate of fewer and more specialized varieties, plus meeting smaller demand for seasonal items. Other recommendations were to shrink capacity to met sales demand, cut waste, make alliances with other growers to help handle surplus, or even help train smaller growers who might be interested in contracting. Be careful about the impression your product is making, send nothing to market early but assure it is fully mature. Burpee is already using garden coaches that can be contacted with problems found by customers. Setting up a similar system on a local basis could become profitable, even to the point where cell phone pictures can be sent for diagnosis.

That the Big Box stores are already formidable competition was emphasized in a recent Wall St. Journal article detailing research efforts to develop new varieties, some of which might offer opportunity for subcontracting to growers in metro areas where these outlets are located.

Advice given by panel members to check into contracting may be the wave of the future as the floral industry follows the “urge to merge” which in some respects makes it better for all participants — a question not yet settled but will be up for a great deal more discussion.

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

Job creation and agriculture All across the U.S. and indeed the world, agriculture’s role in job creation is being explored, debated, tested and statistically compared to other businesses for economic growth potential. While the industrial and manufacturing age in this country drew workers away from their rural roots and farms, today’s interest in local foods, organic operations and the wave of sustainable urban farming is opening up new avenues of community development

and employment.

This summer’s series of White House Business Council Roundtable events, held throughout the U.S., brought business leaders together with USDA officials to talk about rural development and economic improvement.

At a roundtable meeting in York, PA, Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan emphasized that the USDA is seeking advice from business leaders on ways to improve the economic climate. “The President and the USDA are committed to

creating good-paying jobs that will help businesses and communities they serve,” said Merrigan.

While some agricultural sectors are feeling the pinch of drought and market slumps, the organic industry has shown steady growth over the past decade, and a recent survey of organic farmers noted that nearly half of them planned on increasing production and creating more jobs. Urban agriculture in many American cities now offers displaced workers jobs growing foods in com-

munities where people did not always have access to fresh vegetables.

And, the 2007 Census of Agriculture showed that some states, those closest to metro areas, that experienced previous declines in the number of farms, actually saw increases with small organic and naturallygrown operations popping up.

Offshoots of direct food production including bio-energy and bioscience projects are also seen as adding to job creation potential. A North Central States (Battelle Report) study noted that where agriculture and forestry thrive in abundance is where the bio-based economy, “has already taken root and where the potential for global leadership and econom-

ic vitality for America is already proven.”

As local communities take stock of agriculture and rural development, it will be interesting to see if these trends continue and where future jobs are created.

Agriculture has traditionally been low on the scale of business growth indicator factors as most family farms do not employ large numbers of workers. With the growth of local foods interest and the increasing opportunity to sell directly to consumers, family farms and small agricultural operations are places where job opportunities are being created and sustained.

Your operation already contributes to your local, regional, statewide and even glob-

al economy.

Money spent at local businesses has multiplier factors that reach outward in even the smallest communities.

Encourage your local agricultural groups to monitor and share these findings with the business community. This information provides a basis for community funding opportunities and recognizes the importance of agriculture in building and sustaining local communities.

More information on the Battelle Report is available from the North Central Regional Association (NCRA), 1450 Linden Drive, Madison, WI. The above information is provided for educational purposes and should not be substituted for professional business or legal counseling.

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing 18 vacancies on two advisory committees overseen by the department’s Inspection and Compliance Branch.

Vacancies are available on the California Organic Products Advisory Committee and the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee.

The California Organic Products Advisory Committee advises the CDFA secretary on cur-

rent issues related to organic food production and makes recommendations on all matters pertaining to the California Organic Program. Seven vacancies are available on the committee. Vacancies include: one consumer representative, one alternate technical representative, one alternate retail representative, one alternate processor representative, and three alternate producer representatives.

The California Organ-

ic Program is responsible for the enforcement of federal and state laws governing organic production.

These statutes protect consumers, producers, handlers, processors, and retailers by establishing standards under which agricultural products may be labeled and sold as organic. The California Organic Program is funded entirely by industry fees and assessments.

For more information

on the California Organic Program and committee vacancies, contact Brian Cote at 916-445-2180.

The Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee advises the CDFA secretary on regulations, enforcement, and administration policies and procedures related to the direct marketing of agricultural products at certified farmers’ markets.

Eleven vacancies are available. Vacancies include: eight alternate

certified producers, one alternated certified farmers’ market manager, and two alternate direct marketing representatives.

All producer members must be active in the direct sale and marketing of agricultural products at certified farmers’ markets.

California has more than 2,200 certified agricultural producers participating in approximately 700 certified farmers’ markets within the state. The Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee recommends the annual budget and fees to provide enforcement services for the department’s Certified Farmers’ Market Program.

For more information on the Certified Farmers’ Market Program

and committee vacancies, contact Susan Shelton at 916-4452180.

Applications for committee vacancies will be accepted until the positions are filled. Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment to a committee should send a letter of consideration and a letter of recommendation from individuals within the represented industry sector.

Applications should be sent to Sarah Cardoni, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or via e-mail at scardoni@cdfa.ca.gov .

Clearly indicate the vacancy and the advisory committee for which you are applying.

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September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 5

CDFA announces vacancies on organic and farmers’ market advisory committees

Page 6 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • September 2011

Oregon farmers #1 nationally in having internet access Oregon farms among U.S. leaders in computer usage Oregon’s reputation as an early adopter of high technology and national leader in its usage is enhanced by the state’s farming and ranching community.

Results of a new survey confirm that computers are just as important to most Oregon agricultural producers as the tractor or any other common type of equipment.

“Oregon farmers and ranchers are savvy when it comes to technology and have embraced the computer in nearly every aspect of their operation,” said Katy Coba, director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. “We consistently rank high among all states each time these computer surveys are done.”

The nationwide survey is conducted every two years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Oregon is at or near the top in nearly all 2011 survey categories. Oregon leads the nation in the percentage of farm operations with internet access at 80 percent. Oregon is tied for third with Idaho in the percentage of farm operations with access to a computer (83 percent) trailing only Utah (85 percent) and Wyoming (84 percent). The numbers are similar in the percentage of farmers owning or leasing a computer.

Oregon ranks second at 80 percent, trailing Idaho. In all cases, Oregon is well above the national average.

Other states have made huge strides in the percentage of farmers and ranchers using computers as part of their business activities. Oregon’s numbers are up from the 2009 survey but not as dramatically as some other states.

“Oregon is a pretty progressive state and I think we see people using a tool that is advantageous for them on a daily basis,” said ODA

Information Systems Manager Steve Poland.

“The internet and access to it gives them the ability to do their business more efficiently and effectively.”

At some point, all states may reach a saturation point when it comes to computer usage. But for now, nearly all are showing improvement in farm computer usage. For Oregon, the 83 percent computer access mark is an increase from 79 percent recorded in 2009. The easiest explanation is that the state continues to make strides in establishing computer accessibility for rural Oregon communities.

At 50 percent, Oregon is tied for fourth in the percentage of farms and ranches using computers for business purposes. New Jersey leads the nation in that category with 57 percent. Oregon is tied for tenth (17 percent) in operators who have purchased agricultural inputs over the internet by computer. New Jersey also leads that category at 39 percent. Oregon is tied for thir-

teenth (15 percent) in operators who have conducted agricultural marketing activities over the internet by computer with Iowa the national leader at 25 percent. In all three cases, Oregon’s percentages are up from the previous survey.

The NASS survey also indicates how farmers access the internet. Nationally, high-speed methods such as DSL, cable, satellite, and wireless have become much more available to the farm sector. Once again, Oregon is generally ahead of the curve when it comes to the primary method of internet access. The percentage of operators using wireless internet service in Oregon is now up to 26 percenteighth highest among all states. That percentage has more than doubled in the past four years. On the flip side, there is now only 9 percent still using dial-up service compared to 52 percent in 2007 and 26 percent in 2009. DSL (32 percent) is up substantially from two years ago and 17 percent of Oregon farmers

and ranchers list satellite as their primary method of internet access.

Wireless has clearly become the preferred choice as more farmers take advantage of high speed options.

“Before, many Oregon farmers and ranchers were in remote areas of the state where they could not get any type of connection to the internet,” said Poland.

“The best connection they had was dial-up.

Now, wireless connections can give them respectable speeds and dial-ups are becoming a thing of the past.”

The NASS survey does not address it, but Poland speculates that Oregon agriculture, in some cases, has actually outgrown the computer. The rise of the personal digital assistant (PDA) allows many farmers and ranchers to have portability while maintaining access to the internet. In the palm of their hand, operators can use PDAs to

combine cell phones, web browsers, and portable media players as they go about their daily business.

“We are seeing people getting away from using a laptop to using an iPad or some type of tablet device,” said Poland. “Some farmers and ranchers are using smart phones with everything in them- internet access, voice communication, a camera — all in one piece of equipment. It’s all in the applications. It’s like having a small, portable desktop computer that can perform most of the functions needed in today’s high tech world, and more.”

It’s possible that operators responding to the survey are not drawing a distinction between computers and the hand held devices.

Nonetheless, Poland believes Oregon agriculture’s percentages in many categories may be even higher than reported.

Another area not touched by the survey is the growing use of social media. Poland has no doubt that farmers and ranchers in Oregon are increasingly taking advantage of the two-way communication capability of such tools as Facebook and Twitter.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture, very aware of the substantial amount of computer use in the state, continues to improve its high tech delivery of services. In addition to ODA’s Web site, the agency is also hoping someday to provide online transactions for such things as license renewals and payments.

In nearly all categories found in the survey, the west region once again outpaces the rest of the country when it comes to computer usage. Oregon is doing its fair share to contribute to the region’s success.

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Farm shop safety shields in place on power equipment.

• Use hand tools only for their intended purpose.

• Equip your shop with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters to help prevent electrical shock.

• Make sure your shop is well lit. If the shop is heated, ensure it is properly vented and that flammable liquids are kept out of the shop area.

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing repair jobs. Standard PPE for a farm shop should include leather gloves, chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, face shields, earplugs or muffs, steel-toed boots, respirators, hard

hats, protective aprons and welding shields.

Inspection • Are electrical cords undamaged? •Is an appropriate fire extinguisher present and operable? • Is a fully supplied first aid kit available?

• Are guards and shields in place?

• Are walkways clear of debris?

• Are chemicals stored in a locked cabinet?

Information supplied by the National Safety Council’s Agricultural Division, the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) – www.necasag.org or 888-844-6322.

Board of Agriculture to meet in Salem A presentation and discussion of the Food Safety Modernization Act, and a legislative review highlight the upcoming quarterly meeting of the State Board of Agriculture in Salem Sept. 7.

The 10-member board will receive a presentation by the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Division on the Food Safety Modern-

ization Act, which emphasizes prevention of food contamination.

The board will also receive an update on ODA’s budget and key legislative issues pertaining to agriculture.

A public comment period is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 7.

The meeting will conclude with reports by board subcommittees on land use, natural resources, government relations, and market-

ing/food safety. The full board meeting will be preceded on Sept. 6 and 7 by subcommittee meetings.

The board meeting begins at 10:15 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 7 in the hearings room of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, 635 Capitol Street NE, in Salem. The meeting is open to the public.

For more information, contact Bruce Pokarney at 503-986-4559.

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September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 7

Service and maintenance tasks can often lead to serious injury.

The farm shop and the field are the primary locations where repair operations are completed. Make sure your farm shop is part of a farm safety solution, not a problem.

• Organize your workshop so that everything has a designated place.

Make sure items are secure so they will not fall on anyone.

• Clean walkways to reduce trips and falls.

• When working on agricultural equipment, make sure that the equipment is turned off, all rotating parts have stopped moving, and safety locks are put in place.

• Keep all guards and

Page 8 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • September 2011

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

Schroeder’s Forevergreens named 2011 Grand Champion CHESTERFIELD, MO — Sue and Tom Schroeder, owners of Schroeder’s Forevergreens in Neenah, WI, became Grand Champion of the National Christmas Tree Contest this summer at the National Christmas Tree

Association’s (NCTA) Annual Convention & Trade Show. The convention was held in Huron, Ohio.

The Schroeders entered a Balsam fir from their farm as the prize-winning conifer.

As Grand Champion Christmas Tree growers,

Sue and Tom will present the official White House Christmas Tree to First Lady Michelle Obama for the 2011 Christmas season to be displayed in the Blue Room.

Trees in the contest are entered into five species categories: True Fir, Douglas-fir, Spruce, Pine and Other. A panel of judges, made up of long-time growers and past contest winners, voted to select the first, second and third-place winners in each category. Then convention attendees and a panel of consumer judges voted

for their favorite among the species finalists.

Those vote totals determined the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion trees. The winners were announced at the Awards Banquet held Friday, Aug. 12.

“Since an American farmer gets to provide a Christmas Tree they grew for the White House to display, it strengthens the fact that farm-grown trees are such an important tradition in our country,” says NCTA President Richard Moore, a Christmas Tree grower from Groton, NY.

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Sue and Tom Schroeder, owners of Schroeder’s Forevergreens in Neenah, WI, entered this winning balsam fir at the National Christmas Tree Association Annual Convention & Trade Show. As Grand Champion Christmas Tree growers, Sue and Tom will present the official White House Christmas Tree to First Lady Michelle Obama for the 2011 Christmas season to be displayed in the Blue Room.

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after Thanksgiving. All of the contest trees, including the winners, following the convention were chipped into mulch and recycled. Complete List of Highest National Tree Contest Finishers by Category are: True Fir First Place (Grand Champion) — Sue and Tom Schroeder, Schroeder’s Forevergreens, in Neenah, WI. Second Place — Don and David Tucker of Tucker Tree Farms in Laurel Springs, NC. Third Place — Dave Vander Velden of Whispering Pines Tree Farm in Oconto, WI. Douglas-fir First Place — Paul and Sharon Shealer of Evergreen Acres Tree Farm in Auburn, PA. Spruce First Place — Glenn Battles of Sugar Pines Farm LLC in Chesterland, Ohio.

Second Place — Dale Hudler of Hudler Carolina Tree Farms in West Jefferson, NC. Pine First Place — (Reserve Champion) Dan and Ken Wahmhoff of Wahmhoff Farms Nursery in Gobles, MI. Second Place — Geoff Feisley of Feisley Tree Farms in Belmont, Ohio.

Third Place — John Hensler of Hensler Nursery Inc. in Hamlet, IN. Winners of the National Wreath contest, also held during the NCTA convention were: Undecorated Wreath Category: Richard and Mary McClellan of McClellan’s Tree Farm in Pennsylvania.

Decorated Wreath Category: Evelyn Casella of Christmas Creek Ranch in Washington.

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September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 9

This Scotch pine tree, entered by Dan and Ken Wahmoff, owners of Wahmoff Farms in Gobles, MI, was selected as the Reserve Champion in the National Tree Contest.

“There is nothing better for our industry than to showcase our farm crop in the most famous house in America.”

The Schroeders had entered trees from their farm in the national contest before. To enter the national contest, growers must first win their state/regional competitions. 2011 was the fourth year the Schroeder’s had done that and entered a tree in the national contest. Finally winning the contest and earning Grand Champion status validated their hard work and persistence, said Sue Schroeder. “Entering but not winning the national contest is both rewarding and frustrating, knowing that you were so close, but finally winning is 100 percent exciting,” said Schroeder. “I know we’ll love the experience and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

A Scotch pine tree, entered by Dan and Ken Wahmoff, owners of Wahmoff Farms in Gobles, MI, was selected as the Reserve Champion in the National Tree Contest. Traditionally, the Reserve Champion farmers have been able to provide a fresh Christmas tree from their farm for the residence of the Vice President.

White House staff will travel to the Schroeder’s Wisconsin farm this fall to select the tree to be displayed in the Blue Room, serving as the centerpiece of the holiday decorations. The Blue Room tree will need be much bigger than the 6 to 8 foot contest trees, 18 1/2 feet tall to be exact.

The selected tree will be harvested and presented to the First Lady shortly

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

Cattle to Christmas Trees

Page 10 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • September 2011

by Kelly Gates For many years, Stan and Patty Clouse operated Camden Ranch of Elk, WA as a cattle farm raising Scotch Highland Cattle. They enjoyed tending to livestock. But as time passed, they chose to make better use of their land.

“In 1985, we decided that we would grow Christmas trees.

I

prepped the fields in 1986 and we planted our first two acres of seedlings the following year,” Stan told Country Folks Grower. “By 1992, we were officially open to choose and cut customers.” The owners planted two more acres of trees each year.

The initial crop planted on the property consisted of Grand Firs and Scotch

Several young customers enjoying Camden Ranch Christmas Tree’s free hayride out to the fields.

Stan Clouse, co-owner of Camden Ranch, driving one of the farm’s tractors.

Pines. Now, there are 20 acres of Grand Firs, Concolor Firs and Blue Spruce trees in production at the farm-aptly retitled “Camden Ranch Christmas Trees.”

Once a new crop is planted, it takes several years for the trees to reach the appropriate size for full-on shearing, Stan explained. The crew at Camden Ranch Christmas Trees usually begins lopping off extra leaders and shaping when they reach four feet in height. “Christmas trees are a year round activity,” he said. “Aside from shearing, we are quite busy keeping the fields mowed between rows and spraying for weeds and insects.”

Another multi-season component to their business is a party and events division. Camden Ranch hosts weddings, meetings and other activities during the spring, summer and fall when the farm isn’t open to tree customers. The main building on the property is used for such events. It is then converted into a space for processing trees during Christmas tree sales season.

The ranch is a perfect setting for a serene country-style wedding, nestled amongst plantation Christmas trees and scenic native forest. It has an indoor/outdoor option for events and can accommodate up to 200 guests.

During Christmas tree sales, the old farm house is also transformed. It becomes a gift shop and wreath retail area. Patty’s sisters, Kathleen and Eileen, help manage the gift shop.

Patty and Kathleen attend trade shows togeth-

er in the spring to collect new Christmas ornaments, home decor and gift items for the shop.

All three sisters help make wreaths and tend to the retail outlet during the busy season, which runs from around Thanksgiving through Christmas.

When another employee came on board, she added a custom touch to the company’s wreath department offerings.

“Our floral designer, Cathy Richart, worked at a florist shop before and has been a wonderful addition to our staff,” said Patty. “She designs and makes custom wreaths for customers on the spot using a variety of hand selected ornaments carried in our shop.”

Many of the women and men who work at Camden Ranch have been employees for at least a decade. According to Stan and Patty, there is a warm atmosphere at Camden Ranch Christmas Trees that makes the crew feel like members of the family.

It also attracts the same customers year after year.

“We have some customers who used to come with their parents, now bringing their own children,” said Stan. “They keep the tradition alive, loading their kids onto our hay wagon and riding out to the fields to find and cut a tree.”

The weekend before

Thanksgiving, moms and dads can bring their children to the farm for its annual open house. They sip on cider, chomp on cookies, preselect their Christmas tree and do some shopping in the gift shop.

Sales season begins the day after Thanksgiving. Families come for a day of adventure to choose and cut their perfect Christmas tree.

Camden Ranch provides saws stored on a handful of saw racks scattered throughout the fields.

Customers cut their

own trees, but a crew of workers is always on hand to do the heavy lifting. They haul the firs and spruce trees back to the barn to be shaken, baled and loaded onto guests’ cars at no additional cost.

When the choosing and cutting is complete, they often take time to browse the gift shop. Most leave with more than just a tree. They drive away with wreaths, decorations, gifts and the memory of another fun-filled family outing at Camden Ranch Christmas Trees.

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

Trees for Troops

In 2005, the National Christmas Tree Associa-

tion created the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation,

a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Trees for Troops is a program of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation.

Since the program’s inception in 2005, Christmas Tree growers from across the United States have generously contin-

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tail location. Trailers are loaded, picked back up by FedEx and trees are transported to military families stationed at bases throughout the U.S. You can also support the program by: • Placing a donation bucket at your farm/lot for consumers to donate.

• Purchasing and/or selling a Trees for Troops commemorative ornament or charm bracelet.

• Hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation.

• Making a donation to the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation.

The Trees for Troops Web site has many promotional ideas and material, as well as customizable sample press releases and letters to help make the program a success.

For more information on the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation or Trees for troops, visit www.christmastree.org/ t4t.cfm or www.christmasspiritfoundation.org

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 11

Do You Need to Sell Christmas Trees & Products?

ued to provide fresh cut Christmas Trees to military families. This program has touches the lives of military families at more than 50 bases across the United States and overseas.

Christmas Tree growers can participate in many ways: • Many state/regional associations have a person who coordinates the donation of trees. They work with one or more “Pick-up” locations farms/lots that are willing to serve as collection points for anywhere from a hundred to a couple thousand trees. Visit www.christmastree.org/ t4tcoordinators.pdf to see if your state/region has a coordinator.

• Become a “Trailer Drop” location: • Christmas Tree farms/lots submit a contract (to the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation) and a fee for the Trailer Drop program and commit to loading a minimum of 100 trees at their farm or lot.

• FedEx provides a trailer, while supplies last, at your farm or re-

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

Page 12 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • September 2011

Shearing Recommendations for Christmas Tree Producers

by Melvin Koelling Christmas tree production has become a significant industry in much of the United States. Established growers have expanded their production and new growers have entered the business. Operations range from a few acres managed for cutyour-own markets to large acreages producing trees exclusively for the wholesale market. Regardless of the size of the operation, management practices have become more sophisticated as growers attempt to increase both the quantity and the quality of production while holding production costs at acceptable levels.

As the Christmas tree industry has intensified its tree management practices, the marketplace has likewise become more demanding.

Tree quality has become a principal concern for both growers and consumers.

Increasingly, higher quality trees are required to maintain sales in a very competitive market.

Many factors contribute to tree quality.

One of the most important during the production period is proper shearing. This article suggests some ways to improve the quality of shearing and thereby contribute to the production of quality trees.

Objectives of shearing Shearing is done to regulate and direct the growth of individual trees. The objectives are to develop a symmetrical shape, which is characteristic of quality trees, and to increase foliage density, which will result in a fuller tree with uniform foliage. Though some variation in the shape of trees is permitted both by USDA grading standards and by consumer preferences, the ideal tree has a “two-

thirds taper"; that is, the base of the tree is twothirds as wide as the height. For a tree 6 feet tall, the width of the base would not exceed 4 feet.

Other degrees of taper are permitted, though market demand for both narrow and wide trees is lower. Acceptable tapers will vary to some degree by species; wider tapers are more acceptable for pines than for true firs, spruces and Douglas fir.

Tree response to shearing As indicated, the purpose of shearing is to direct the growth of branches and foliage so the shape and the amount of foliage developed will be acceptable.

The shearing technique needed to reach these objectives varies by species group. Pines respond differently than spruces, firs or Douglas fir.

When pine branches produced in the current growing season are cut, new buds develop at the bases of needle fascicles near the cut ends. Normally five to seven buds develop on an uncut branch, but 10 to 18 buds will form in response to cutting. Cutting the branches directs the shape of the tree, and the additional buds will develop into twigs that will increase foliage density. New bud formation is best on twigs produced during the current growing season; however, cuts made into older (secondyear) tissue will also re-

sult in buds. Shearing into this older tissue is usually not necessary if annual shearing has occurred. To obtain maximum bud development, shearing must occur during the active growing season. Shearing at other times will result in branch dieback and misshapen trees.

Douglas fir, the true firs and spruces respond differently to shearing.

These species are characterized by lateral buds along the twigs in addition to a terminal bud cluster. When a branch is cut during shearing, new buds do not form at the bases of the needles, as with pines. Rather, the lateral bud nearest the cut surface assumes dominance and the new terminal or lateral branch tissue develops from this point. Shearing of these species should be delayed until late summer when branches have stiffened and bud formation is complete.

Shearing tools and equipment Several types of tools and/or equipment are used to shear Christmas trees. These include hand clippers, hedge clippers and shearing knives. A leg guard should also be considered part of shearing equipment. Besides hand equipment, some mechanically powered trimmers are also available. Power trimmer use is restricted by tree size, terrain and condition of the plantation (weeds,

tree spacing, furrows, etc.). Choice of shearing equipment depends on the species of tree, the age of the tree and individual preference. Many growers use one type of tool (e.g., hedge clippers) when trees are small but another (knives) for older trees.

Shearing equipment must be kept clean. Accumulated pitch on clippers and knives increases the difficulty of shearing and can become a safety hazard. Detergent solu-

tions, mineral spirits and petroleum distillates are effective cleaning agents.

Steel wool is commonly used with these solutions to remove accumulated pitch. Teflon- based or other non-toxic lubricants should be used on mechanical trimmers after cleaning. Other lubricants can dry or burn the remaining foliage on the sheared tree.

Time of shearing The proper time for shearing depends on the species and the growing

location within the region. Pines — including Scotch, white, red and Austrian — should be sheared during the active growing season when terminal growth is nearly complete. In the southern portion of the region, this usually occurs between June 1 and 10; in the more northerly states, shearing begins between June 20 and 30. Shearing can continue through mid-July to early August,

Shearing 18

2011 NCTA Convention & Trade Show Aug. 10-13, Huron, Ohio

Jim Rockis, Reliable Source, talks with Derick Proctor about the availability of seedlings and transplants.

Doug Kell, Kelco Industries, goes over an order with Steve Mannhard, Fish River Christmas Tree Farm, Summerdale, AL. Photos by Joan Kark-Wren Vicki Smith, Joseph Noblett Tree Stands, explains the benefits of their stands to Pat Olive of Olive Trees in Stacy, MN.

Tommy Wagoner, Wagoner’s Fraser Knoll Supplies and Equipment talks with Ken and Mary Joyner of Cruise in Trees, Cutler, IN. The spray equipment exhibited by Ackerman drew interest from attendees.

Donna Revak and Jan Donelson from the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association were busy promoting the Go Green/Get Real marketing campaign designed to help people better understand the importance of real trees. More information about the program can be found on their Web site: www.mncta.com.

Henry Helms, Helms Christmas Tree Farm, Vale, NC, tries out the Easy Lift Harness as Tod Scovitch, Easy Lift Products Intl., as James Pitts from Plum Tree Farm in Plumtree, NC look on.

Ken and Tom Wahmhoff of Wahmhoff Farms Nursery were busy throughout the show.

Juanita Peckham helps Mindy Core, Cedar Ledge Tree Farm in Mansfield Center, CT with the Trees for Troops Teddy Bear silent auction. Bears are numbered 1-1000, the #1 bear was sold on e-bay for $101.50! For more information on the bears contact Juanita at Memory Lane Christmas Tree Farm, Rantoul, KS.

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 13

Freeman Geiser goes over the benefits of the Steiner MC 400 Tree Farm Mower with Steve and Avery Wilcox of Wilcox Farms in La George, Ohio.

Page 14 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • September 2011

New ISO standard improves protective clothing for agricultural farmers and workers using pesticides A new ISO standard on protective clothing will help farmers and agricultural workers to reduce job-related risks when using liquid pesticides.

Pesticides are commonly used in farming against pests, diseases and weeds. Depending on the toxicity and the use scenario they pose health risk if users do not wear adequate protective clothing. The new ISO standard defines specific protection levels. It allows pesticide manufacturers to indicate on the product label the required level of protection needed. It allows garment manufacturers to produce, certify and sell protective clothing with defined protection levels.

It allows farmers and agricultural workers to buy and use protective clothing according to the pesticide manufacturers use requirements.

The new ISO 27065:2011, Protective clothing – Performance re-

quirements for protective clothing worn by operators applying liquid pesticides, addresses the protection of farmers and workers mainly during the application phase of pesticides, i.e. the work phase where most operator contamination occurs.

The standard deals with performance requirements of protective clothing materials, seams, and garments and defines three levels of protective clothing with specified resistance to penetration by pesticide products: • Level 1: The potential risk of contamination is relatively low. The performance requirements for level 1 garments have been developed in view of low spray drift landing on the operator, e.g. from tractor boom sprayers • Level 2: the potential risk of contamination is higher but not so high as to require the use of liquid-tight materials • Level 3: the potential risk of contamination re-

quires use of garments made with liquid-tight materials. This level is suitable for high-exposure scenarios where it has been determined that garments that prevent liquids from penetrating/permeating provide adequate protection.

The standard will help test laboratories, fabric and garment manufacturers, manufacturers of pesticide products, trainers, regulators to make decisions regarding protective clothing for protection against pesticide products.

Helmut Eichinger, Chair of ISO/TC94/SC 13, comments, “ISO 27065:2011 will help pesticide users to be better protected and improve quality and performances of protective clothing, as well put safer protective clothing on the market. It will also contribute to reducing the risk to occupational health for operators and workers who use liquid pesticides.”

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Flower power puts a hurt on caterpillars

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ARS scientists are investigating the ability of anthocyanins, healthful chemical compounds that give fruit and flowers blue and purple color, to control insect pests such as the corn earworm.

NFU submits comments opposing regulations on small leafy green growers WASHINGTON, D.C. — National Farmers Union (NFU) submitted comments on July 28 in opposition to a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that would allow the largest produce handlers the power to establish on-farm practices for all growers of leafy greens.

“Under a leafy green marketing agreement, handlers are effectively given power over producers, requiring them to comply with standards that were developed without growers in mind,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “These standards will conflict with the realities of small- and medium-sized diversified farms, certain conservation measures and existing wildlife and environmental regulations, and will be enforced through burdensome recordkeeping

requirements and commodity-specific metrics.”

The 150 signatories on the California and Arizona leafy green marketing agreements comprise nearly 90 percent of U.S. leafy green production.

“A rapidly growing trend in the United States is the movement to buy fresh, locally grown food,” said Johnson. “By dictating how produce must be handled, marketing agreements for leafy greens would significantly hinder the ability of producers to participate in the buy fresh, buy local movement. In addition, at a time when our nation faces an ever-growing obesity crisis, family farmers should be encouraged to grow greater quantities of healthy, fresh produce, not deterred by restrictive growing and handling practices.”

September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 15

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looper caterpillars were also evaluated. Those that ate the blue petal areas of a petunia cultivar used in the tests died at higher rates than larvae that ate the white areas.

Although it’s unclear what petal compound or compounds were involved in the loopers’ deaths, their toxicity was apparently increased by the anthocyanins’ presence, according to Eric T. Johnson, a molecular biologist with the center’s Crop Bioprotection Research Unit.

He and his colleagues also are interested in maize proteins that are produced during the crop’s seedling stage.

The seedlings are quite resistant to insects, and the researchers suspect this may be partly due to a combination of resistance biochemicals and proteins.

If the proteins’ resistance role can be confirmed, then it may be possible to express the genes responsible for those proteins at a later stage in the plant’s life cycle. However, this would be contingent upon expressing them at sufficient levels, adds Johnson.

Ultimately, studies of plant-produced substances like anthocyanins could give rise to new crop varieties that boast dual-use phytochemicals — fighting pests on the one hand and benefiting human health on the other.

Read more about the research in the August 2011 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.

Page 16 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • September 2011

California ag secretary, ag leaders talk trade with U.S. ambassador

by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary On Aug. 18, I had the great opportunity to meet with Ambassador Ron Kirk and California agricultural leaders to discuss trade and greater market access for agricultural products worldwide.

California is the largest agricultural producer and exporter in the nation — with more than $12 billion in exports. Our farmers and ranchers, on average, export approximately 23 percent of products grown and harvested in this state.

What makes California’s farmers and ranchers so successful in the international trade arena — is the dedication to innovation, the importance of food safety, as well as producing some of the highest quality agricultural products in the world.

California is blessed with such a great climate — that it allows

us to grow more than 400 different agricultural products — from rice, cotton and wheat to high value specialty crops and wine. Just as we have a diversity of growers in this state, large — small, organic — conventional, — we also have a diversity of exporters. We have large agricultural cooperatives, representing a number of small and medium growers to export management companies representing a wide variety of private label products.

California farmers and ranchers have an intrinsic ability to sell our products to the world — be it the cache of California or the diversity and quality of products from our fields.

Trade is vital to California. It provides jobs, supports our rural communities and assists in meeting the every growing global food demand.

Access to foreign markets is essential to

Ambassador Ron Kirk, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), addresses the gathering at the Sacramento headquarters of Blue Diamond Growers. Seated from left are CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, Blue Diamond President and CEO Mark Jansen, and USTR's Chief Agricultural Negotiator Dr. Isi Siddiqui.

California’s farmers and ranchers. By opening doors to foreign markets, lowering tariffs and eliminating non-tariff barriers to trade we are providing opportunities for family farmers, rural com-

munities and the multitude of businesses connected to the agricultural sector.

It was a pleasure to meet with Ambassador Kirk and his team — this meeting reinforced the importance of Cali-

fornia on the international stage.

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Science advisor and environmental farming appointments announced California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross has announced the appointment of Dr. Amrith Gunasekara as Science Advisor to the Secretary.

Dr. Gunasekara is returning to CDFA after a period as a research scientist for the California Department of Public Health. In his previous assignment at CDFA, he was an environmental scientist in CDFA’s fertilizer program. Dr. Gunasekara has also worked for the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

He received his PhD from UC Davis. As Science Advisor, Dr. Gunasekara will be a steward of CDFA’s wideranging, worldrenowned scientific expertise, and he will look to deliver that expertise to help facilitate ongoing review of the regulatory climate for agriculture.

Dr. Gunasekara will serve as CDFA’s liaison to the Cannella Environ-

mental Farming Act Science Panel. Ross announced the following appointments to the panel: Jeff Dlott, PhD, CEO, SureHarvest (Soquel); Ann Thrupp, PhD, Manager of Sustainability and Organic Development, Fetzer & Bonterra Vineyards (Hopland); Don Cameron, Vice President and General Manager, TerraNova Ranch Inc. (Fresno); Brian Leahy, Resources Agency, Department of Conservation; Mike Tollstrup, CalEPA, Air Resources Board. Ex Officio members will be Daniel Mountjoy, USDA NRCS and Louise Jackson, PhD, University of California Cooperative Extension.

The Cannella Environmental Farming Act requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to establish and oversee an environmental farming program to provide incentives to farmers whose practices promote the well-

being of ecosystems, air quality, and wildlife and their habitat. In addition, the CDFA is required to assist in the compilation of scientific evidence from public and private sources and serve as a depository of this information and provide it to federal, state, and local govern-

ments, as needed.

“The work of Dr. Amrith Gunasekara and the science panel will underscore CDFA’s commitment to science, to a fair regulatory climate, and to the ongoing documentation of the environmental contributions of farming,” said Ross.

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Oriental fruit fly detected in Westminster area of Orange County SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Department of Food and Agriculture is administering a treatment program for the Oriental fruit fly in the Westminster area of Orange County. This is the fourth treatment program for this pest underway in Southern California.

Two Oriental fruit flies were detected re-

cently in the community. The treatment program will be carried out over approximately 18 square miles surrounding the sites where the insects were trapped. A map of the treatment area is available at www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/treatment/t reatment_maps.html Treatment of the Oriental fruit fly primarily relies upon a process

known as “male attractant,” in which workers squirt a small patch of fly attractant mixed with a very small dose of pesticide approximately 8-10 feet off the ground to light poles, street trees and similar surfaces. Male flies are attracted to the mixture and die after consuming it.

“Our system to detect invasive species like

the Oriental fruit fly is working well, and according to design,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “The key is to move quickly and take action before the pests can cause widespread damage.”

The Oriental fruit fly is known to target over 230 different fruit, vegetable and plant commodities. Damage occurs when the female

lays eggs inside the fruit. The eggs hatch into maggots that tunnel through the flesh of the fruit, making it unfit for consumption.

While fruit flies and other pests threaten California’s crops, the vast majority of them are detected in urban and suburban areas.

The most common pathway for these pests to enter the state

is by “hitchhiking” in fruits and vegetables brought back illegally by travelers as they return from infested regions around the world. The Oriental fruit fly is widespread throughout much of the mainland of Southern Asia and neighboring islands including Sri Lanka and Taiwan.

It is also found in Hawaii.

Deadline for floriculture intern scholarships is Oct. 1 out the U.S. The Ball’s created this program to assure future students would have the ability to take advantage of practical greenhouse experience opportunities without financial worry.

The Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program was established in 1975 to honor former AFE Chairman and retail florists Colonel and Mrs. Walter E. Mosmiller Jr. Funding from the Mosmiller program helps support students who participate in internships at a retail florist, wholesaler, or allied trade company.

To be considered for these scholarship opportunities that are administered by AFE, students must:

• Be a U.S. citizen currently enrolled in a floriculture/environmental horticulture program at a two- or four-year college or uni-

versity in the U.S.; • Maintain a “C” or better GPA; • Complete the internship prior to graduation.

Both scholarship pro-

grams are awarded twice each year. To be eligible for scholarships, the deadline for receiving applications at the AFE office is

March 1 in the spring and Oct. 1 in the fall.

Applications can be downloaded from the AFE web site www.endowment.org

USDA makes funds available to meet urgent credit needs of producers WASHINGTON, D.C. — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that a high demand for guaranteed farm ownership and direct farm operating funds has prompted USDA to transfer appropriated funds between programs as authorized by law, to meet the urgent credit needs of producers, including beginning and minority farmers and ranchers.

“Demand is strong for direct operating loans and guaranteed farm ownership loans, while demand for subsidized guaranteed operating loans has stabilized,” said Vilsack. “With these funds, we can help thousands of producers establish and maintain their family farming operations and obtain long-term credit assistance through a commercial lender.”

The transfer will make an additional $100 million in loan funds available for the direct operating loan program, providing

1,600 small, beginning and minority farmers with resources to establish and maintain their family farming operations. In addition, $400 million in loan funds will be made available for the guaranteed farm ownership loan program giving an additional 1,000 family farmers access to commercial lending backed

by USDA. Both programs had run out of funds resulting in a backlog of approved but unfunded loan applications.

This measure will allow all of the back-

logged loans to be funded and provide sufficient funds to meet the needs of new loan applicants for these programs while at the same time leaving sufficient funding for the subsidized guaranteed farm operating loans program to meet the expected demand for fiscal year 2011. Producers needing additional direct operating or longer term guaranteed farm ownership loans funds are encouraged to make application at their local Farm Service Agency office.

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September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 17

ALEXANDRIA, VA, — Applications are being accepted for the American Floral Endowment’s (AFE) Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship and the Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program for eligible students looking to gain experience in greenhouse production, floral retail and wholesale, and allied trade fields.

These two intern scholarship programs aid students in gaining hands-on, real-world experience in floriculture. The Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program, established in 1992 by a generous gift from Vic and Margaret Ball, specifically funds training at floriculture production greenhouses through-

Page 18 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • September 2011

Shearing from 12 depending on location, but most growers plan on being finished by Aug. 1 at the latest. Late shearing results in the development of fewer and weaker buds. Likewise, shearing too early (late May to early June, depending on location) results in the production of too many buds, which can develop into weak and often spindly branches.

Within the pines, longer-needled species such as Austrian, red and white pines should be sheared early in the shearing period. Buds on these species are slower to develop than those on Scotch pine.

Earlier shearing of these species provides more time for bud formation and development, thereby contributing to fuller branch development the following spring.

Because of differences in bud location and plant response, shearing of Douglas fir, the true firs and spruces begins at the end of the active growing season (late July and early August) and continues through the dormant season. Some evidence suggests that bud vigor and twig growth the following growing season will be better if shearing is done during late summer and early fall rather than the following spring before growth begins.

Guidelines for shearing pines The shaping/shearing process for pine species should begin in the second growing season after planting. Examine each tree and remove double or multiple tops. The remaining terminal shoot should be cut back to a maximum length of 12 to 14 inches. Little, if any, shearing of side branches should occur. The basal branches on each tree should be removed to form a handle to accommodate the tree stand.

Usually 1 inch of handle should be present for each foot of tree height at maturity. All branches up to this height (8 to 10 inches) or to the first complete whorl of lateral branches should be removed.

In the third growing season, shear both the terminal leader and the lateral branches of the tree. Begin by cutting the terminal leader to a length of 12 to 14 inches, or less if the lateral whorl immediately below the terminal is not strong and vigorous. The cut on the terminal branch should be made at an approximate 45 degree angle so needle fascicles on one side will be higher than those on the other.

This practice will favor the development of a new

terminal bud in a position where terminal dominance can be expressed.

This will contribute to the development of a straight stem. The lateral branches of the terminal whorl are then cut so they are approximately two-thirds as long as the terminal shoot. Following cutting, the line established by the relationship between the top of the terminal shoot and the ends of cut lateral branches of the terminal whorl is extended downward to determine where other lateral branches should be cut.

Minimal shearing of lateral branches in the first few years is recommended. The aim is to remove only excessively long branches. Many growers will shear trees in the third and fourth growing seasons to develop an 85 to 90 percent taper. This is done to develop width in the tree — in later growing seasons, lateral growth of the lower branches will be considerably less than on upper branches. If shearing of the sides is “too tight” early in the life of the tree, trees with a narrow or candlestick taper are likely to result. This is especially likely if the trees are allowed to grow to heights taller than 7 feet.

In the fourth and later growing seasons, shearing continues in much the same manner as in year three. The length of the terminal shoot should not exceed 12 inches.

Cutting of the laterals will follow the taper relationship established by the terminal and top laterals.

It is important to maintain straight sides on the tree and avoid rounded or bullet-shaped trees.

These result from failure to cut the laterals on the upper portion of the tree short enough in relation to the length of the terminal. Trees so sheared appear unnatural and are not as well accepted in the marketplace as are more symmetrically shaped trees.

In the year of harvest, shearing should be minimal. Trees are more natural looking and marketable if only light trimming is done. The basic shape of the tree will have been determined by past shearing activities.

Shearing cuts at this time should be light, removing only those lateral branches that extend beyond the general outline of the tree. If multiple terminal shoots are present, they should be thinned to one centrally located branch.

Usually the terminal branch will be left a little longer than it had been in previous years. It should not exceed 15 inches in

length, however.

Growers do not agree whether trees should be sheared early or late during the shearing period in the harvest year. Some growers will complete the shearing of non-harvestable trees before shearing those to be harvested. They do this because they believe that bud set following shearing will be better if trees are sheared earlier rather than later. Obviously, bud set on trees to be harvested need not be particularly full or complete. Other growers will shear trees to be harvested early so that bud set, needle elongation and coverage of the cut twig ends can occur to the fullest, thereby making the tree look as natural as possible.

Unless shearing is done late (after Aug. 1), it is probable that needle elongation and bud set will be adequate to provide a natural appearance.

Guidelines for shearing firs and spruces As indicated earlier, growth patterns and twig-bud anatomy are different for these species than for pines. The branches of spruces and firs, including Douglas fir, are characterized by the presence of single needles and lateral buds located along the twig. As previously mentioned, when branches are cut during shearing, new buds do not form at the bases of needles. Rather, the lateral bud nearest the cut twig end will assume dominance, and growth the following growing season will begin from this point. For this reason, the time of shearing is not as critical for these trees as for pines.

Shearing for spruces, firs and Douglas fir usually begins in late July or early August and may continue through fall, winter and early spring.

Shearing for newly established plantations should begin during the third growing season after planting.

Each tree should be examined, and double terminal branches and double stems removed. Basal pruning to form a clean handle should also be completed.

If a symmetrical growth pattern is developing naturally in the tree, little, if any, shearing will be necessary at this time.

In the fourth and later years, shearing should concentrate on maintaining a central leader (terminal branch) and symmetrical tree shape. Unless excessive terminal growth has occurred (15 inches or more), the terminal shoot should not be cut as long as full lateral branch development

is occurring. This is particularly true if several lateral buds are located along the terminal shoot.

Generally it is desirable to maintain growing conditions (effective weed control and adequate soil fertility) favorable for the formation of at least one lateral bud per inch of terminal branch. These buds will develop into lateral branches and so increase tree density. If fewer buds are present (less than one per inch of terminal shoot length), the terminal shoot should be cut back to approximately 12 inches in length; with the cut made approximately 1/2 inch above a lateral bud. Other lateral branches that extend beyond the line established from the cut ends of the terminal shoot through the ends of the lateral branches of the terminal whorl should also be cut.

After the tree is about 5 feet tall (usually in the fifth or sixth year after planting), shearing practices should change slightly. The length of the terminal shoot should not be allowed to exceed 12 inches and in some cases should be cut shorter. This depends on the fullness and the number of lateral branches developing from the terminal whorl. It is sometimes difficult to obtain full foliage development in the tips of spruce and fir trees. Reducing the length of the terminal will thicken the tree as lateral branch development continues throughout the tree, and lateral buds and twigs of the terminal whorl increase in length. Little, if any, shearing of lower branches will be necessary because these tend to grow less rapidly than branches near the top of the tree.

In the harvest year, only minimal shearing is required, especially for spruces. Removing competing leaders and lightly shearing the top are usually all that is necessary.

Douglas fir require more shearing because upper branches tend to grow rapidly and secondary growth flushes can result in excessively long terminal shoots. Shearing this growth back to maintain tree symmetry is usually all that is required because lower branches grow less.

Some problem situations One of the challenges in shearing Christmas trees is maintaining a strong central terminal branch. This is essential to maintain good form and to produce a tree of a saleable height in the shortest time possible.

Unfortunately, problem situations that require special attention frequently develop in the terminal whorl of branches.

Competing terminals - This situation arises when two or more terminal branches or shoots are present. It usually develops after the trees have been sheared at least once and results from the failure of any one newly formed or existing bud to assume a dominant position. Failure to cut the terminal branch at an angle during shearing increases the likelihood that multiple shoots will develop.

To correct this situation, remove all but one of the competing terminals. Select the strongest branch that is most centrally located and remove the others by cutting at the base with a hand clipper, rather than a shearing knife. After the selection of a dominant terminal, the shearing process proceeds normally.

No visible terminal The opposite situation to that described above is to have a terminal whorl of branches with no one branch assuming a dominant position. This condition may result from shearing too early so that too many shoots develop or from damage to the bud that would have developed into a terminal branch. Recommended treatment is to select a strong lateral branch and allow it to become the terminal shoot. This requires cutting back all other laterals and positioning the selected lateral in a central dominant position. Some lateral branches may need to be removed entirely. Developing a dominant branch may require tying it to other shorter shoots, using a splint or using commercially available terminal branch training devices.

Damaged or broken terminal - Occasionally terminal branches are damaged. Insects such as the pine shoot borer, birds (grackles find Christmas trees attractive nesting sites) and strong winds commonly cause breakage or injury.

Two approaches are suggested for correcting such problems. If only the upper portion of the terminal has been damaged, it should be cut immediately below the point where the damage begins.

For pines, if this is done early in the summer, new buds will form at this point from which growth will occur the following year. Whether the laterals in the terminal whorl should be sheared

depends on how long the terminal branch is. An alternative is to select a vigorous lateral branch and either splint or tie it to the base of the damaged terminal so that it develops into the terminal position.

For species such as firs and spruces, the bud left for the terminal branch may not develop or the terminal bud on nonsheared trees will fail to grow. In this case, a lateral branch farther down the terminal shoot can be trained to assume the terminal position. To do this, select a vigorous lateral shoot and tie the base of it to the main stem so it is placed in a central position. The end bud on this shoot will develop into the new terminal for the tree. Another approach is to tie two opposite laterals together at the base so they are vertical. After tying, cut the weaker one immediately above the point of tying.

This technique works best in mid summer when newly developed branches are still relatively flexible.

Strong lateral competing for terminal position - In some species, notably Scotch pine, it is not uncommon for a lateral shoot formed the previous year to assume a strong dominant position and compete with the current year’s terminal for the terminal position. Usually this shoot should be removed at its point of origin; however, it may sometimes be desirable to leave it and remove the current season’s terminal whorl of branches. This recommendation is appropriate when growth on the original terminal is weak or, more commonly, crooked.

This situation and the resulting need to select a new terminal branch are more common on some varieties of Scotch pine than others.

Conclusion Shearing Christmas trees is probably the single most important process that affects tree quality. Correct shearing, together with excellent cultural practices — including effective weed control, maintenance of adequate fertility and control of damaging insect and/or disease problems — will help assure the production of high quality trees will be competitive in today’s marketplace.

For more information visit http://forestry.m su.edu/extension/ExtDo cs/shear.htm#Tree%20 response%20to%20shea ring Source: Michigan State University Department of Forestry

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Greenhouse Equipment GREENHOUSE: 84,000SqFt. IBG Arch II structure for sale, gutter connected, disassembled & ready for shipping, 303-915-8589 (Colorado). For photo’s kpriola@hotmail.com

Help Wanted

Miscellaneous C A M PA I G N P O S T E R S : Very reasonable prices. Call Beth at Lee Publications 518-673-0101 or email bsnyder@leepub.com Call 800-836-2888 to place your classified ad.

Help Wanted

Holland Transplanter Co. 510 E. 16th St., Holland, MI 49423 Ph: 1.800.275.4482 Ext. 1 • Fax: 616.392.7996 Website: www.transplanter.com E-mail: hldtrans@iserv.net

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Christmas

Christmas

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

Buying or Selling Christmas Trees?

Use The Christmas Section

Country Folks

Refrigeration

Refrigeration

Grower

1130 Tractors 1135 Tra c t o r s, Pa r t s & Repair 1140 Trailers 1155 Tree Moving Services 1165 Trees

October’s Deadline: Thursday, September 22nd For more information on being a part of this section call

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Christmas Trees

1170 Truck Parts & Equipment 1180 Trucks 1190 Vegetable 1205 Wanted

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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 in the 1st column of these Grower Classifieds.

SEP 22-24 IPPS Western Regional Annual Meeting Radisson Hotel, 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento, CA. The theme for the 52nd annual meeting of the International Plant Propagators Society (IPPS), Western Region. On Internet at www.ippswr.org SEP 28-29 The CanWest Hort Show Vancouver Convention Centre in downtown Vancouver, B.C., Canada. On Internet at www.CanWestHortShow. com SEP 29 - OCT 1 The Landscape Show Orange County Convention Center near Orlando, FL. The show’s theme this year is “Full Sail Ahead.” Some 7,500 visitors are expected.

For complete details and to register, visit www.fngla.org.

OCT 24-28 AgroNomics - Vision 2012 Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, Phoenix, AZ. Contact Cheryl Cooley, 303-6921215 or e-mail ccooley@ asfmra.org.

NOV 4 Statewide Agritourism Summit Robert J. Cabral Agricultural Center/ UC Cooperative Extension San Joaquin County, 2101 Earhart Ave., Stockton, CA. 8:30 am - 4:15 pm. Workshop fee: $20 (includes continental breakfast, lunch and handouts).

To register: http://ucanr. org/agtoursummit.2011.

NOV 10-12 OAN Annual Convention Alderbrook Resort, 7101 East SR 106, Union, WA. Call 360-898-2145.

On Internet at www.alder brookresort.com NOV 14-15 7th Annual Sustainable Ag Expo Paso Robles Event Center, Paso Robles, CA. For more information visit www.sus tainableagexpo.org.

JAN 8-9 2012 National Green Centre Overland Park Convention Center,6000 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. Call 888233-1876 or info@national greencentre.org.

Country Folks Grower Classifieds

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

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

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

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September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 21

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Page 22 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • September 2011

What is sustainable agriculture?

Plant production practices Sustainable production practices involve a variety of approaches.

Specific strategies must take into account topography, soil characteristics, climate, pests, local availability of inputs and the individual grower’s goals. Despite the sitespecific and individual nature of sustainable agriculture, several general principles can be applied to help growers select appropriate management practices: • Selection of species and varieties that are well suited to the site and to conditions on the farm; • Diversification of crops and cultural practices to enhance the biological and economic stability of the farm; • Management of the soil to enhance and protect soil quality; • Efficient and humane use of inputs; and • Consideration of farmers’ goals and lifestyle choices.

Selection of site, species and variety.

Preventive strategies, adopted early, can reduce inputs and help es-

tablish a sustainable production system.

When possible, pest-resistant crops should be selected which are tolerant of existing soil or site conditions. When site selection is an option, factors such as soil type and depth, previous crop history, and location (e.g. climate, topography) should be taken into account before planting.

Diversity. Diversified farms are usually more economically and ecologically resilient. While monoculture farming has advantages in terms of efficiency and ease of management, the loss of the crop in any one year could put a farm out of business and/or seriously disrupt the stability of a community dependent on that crop. By growing a variety of crops, farmers spread economic risk and are less susceptible to the radical price fluctuations associated with changes in supply and demand.

Properly managed, diversity can also buffer a farm in a biological sense. For example, in annual cropping systems, crop rotation can be used to suppress

weeds, pathogens and insect pests. Also, cover crops can have stabilizing effects on the agroecosystem by holding soil and nutrients in place, conserving soil moisture with mowed or standing dead mulches, and by increasing the water infiltration rate and soil water holding capacity.

Cover crops in orchards and vineyards can buffer the system against pest infestations by increasing beneficial arthropod populations and can therefore reduce the need for chemical inputs. Using a variety of cover crops is also important in order to protect against the failure of a particular species to grow and to attract and sustain a wide range of beneficial arthropods.

Optimum diversity may be obtained by integrating both crops and livestock in the same farming operation. This was the common practice for centuries until the mid-1900s when technology, government policy and economics compelled farms to become more specialized.

Mixed crop and livestock operations have several

advantages. First, growing row crops only on more level land and pasture or forages on steeper slopes will reduce soil erosion. Second, pasture and forage crops in rotation enhance soil quality and reduce erosion; livestock manure, in turn, contributes to soil fertility. Third, livestock can buffer the negative impacts of low rainfall periods by consuming crop residue that in “plant only” systems would have been considered crop failures. Finally, feeding and marketing are flexible in animal production systems.

This can help cushion farmers against trade and price fluctuations and, in conjunction with cropping operations, make more efficient use of farm labor.

Soil management. A common philosophy among sustainable agriculture practitioners is that a “healthy” soil is a key component of sustainability; that is, a healthy soil will produce healthy crop plants that have optimum vigor and are less susceptible to pests. While many crops have key pests that attack even the healthiest of plants, proper soil, water and nutrient

management can help prevent some pest problems brought on by crop stress or nutrient imbalance. Furthermore, crop management systems that impair soil quality often result in greater inputs of water, nutrients, pesticides, and/or energy for tillage to maintain yields.

In sustainable systems, the soil is viewed as a fragile and living medium that must be protected and nurtured to ensure its long-term productivity and stability. Methods to protect and enhance the productivity of the soil include using cover crops, compost and/or manures, reducing tillage, avoiding traffic on wet soils, and maintaining soil cover with plants and/or mulches. Conditions in most California soils (warm, irrigated, and tilled) do not favor the buildup of organic matter. Regular additions of organic matter or the use of cover crops can increase soil aggregate stability, soil tilth, and diversity of soil microbial life.

Efficient use of inputs. Many inputs and practices used by conventional farmers are also used in sustainable

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agriculture. Sustainable farmers, however, maximize reliance on natural, renewable, and on-farm inputs. Equally important are the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a particular strategy. Converting to sustainable practices does not mean simple input substitution. Frequently, it substitutes enhanced management and scientific knowledge for conventional inputs, especially chemical inputs that harm the environment on farms and in rural communities. The goal is to develop efficient, biological systems which do not need high levels of material inputs.

Growers frequently ask if synthetic chemicals are appropriate in a sustainable farming system. Sustainable approaches are those that are the least toxic and least energy intensive, and yet maintain productivity and profitability. Preventive strategies and other alternatives should be employed before using chemical inputs from any source. However, there may be situations where the use of synthetic chemicals would be more “sustainable” than a strictly nonchemical approach or an approach using toxic “organic” chemicals. For example, one grape grower switched from tillage to a few applications of a broad spectrum contact herbicide in the vine row. This approach may use less energy and may compact the soil less than numerous passes with a cultivator or mower.

Consideration of farmer goals and lifestyle choices. Management decisions should reflect not only environmental and broad social considerations, but also individual goals and lifestyle choices. For example, adoption of some technologies or practices that promise profitability may also require such intensive management that one’s lifestyle actually deteriorates.

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September 2011 • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • Section A - Page 23

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Page 24 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS GROWER WEST • September 2011

Forecast on Columbia Basin long-term water needs focus of workshops OLYMPIA, WA — How much water will be needed to support communities, farms and fish in the Columbia Basin and where it will come from is the focus of a near-final report from the Washington Department of Ecology’s Office of Columbia River.

“The Columbia River Basin Long-Term Water Supply and Demand Forecast” is being developed by Ecology with assistance from Washington State University and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. A long-term supply and demand forecast is produced every five years, and is due to the Legislature on Nov. 15, 2011.

A series of public workshops is scheduled for Sept. 7, 8, and 9, in Richland, Wenatchee and Spokane to share particulars of the report and to garner feedback about the preliminary findings.

An online version of a workshop will be available in late September for those who cannot attend a workshop in person.

The workshops will be held: • Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 3 to 7 p.m., TriCities West Building Room 131, WSU TriCities, 2710 Crimson Way, Richland • Thursday, Sept. 8, from 1 to 5 p.m., WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, Overley Laboratory Building, 1100 N. Western Ave., Wenatchee • Friday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., WSU Spokane County Extension Office conference rooms B and C, 222 N. Havana, Spokane “For the first time, we’ll have a comprehensive evaluation of what our water needs will be in the Columbia Basin,” said Derek Sandison, who heads Ecology’s Office of the Columbia River. “This report provides a blueprint for how we invest in water supply projects. It will help tell us where and when more water is needed in Eastern Washington.”

Data collected for the 2011 report employs the latest modeling tools and incorporates factors such as climate change and regional and global economic conditions into forecast calculations.

The report also reflects input directly from water users in the basin.

“The report summarizes the likely changes in supply and demand over the next 20 years.

Whether your interest is on changes to the Co-

lumbia River or its tributaries, inside Washington or in other states and British Columbia, Canada, this report has information that will help you make better water planning decisions,” said Michael Barber, lead scientist and director of WSU’s State of Washington Water Research Center.

The Columbia River Basin is particularly sensitive to small changes in overall temperatures. Re-

duced snowfall and earlier snowmelt are predicted to influence surface water flows. The report incorporates climate change impacts on future water supplies and demands.

The report also evaluates stream conditions for critical rivers throughout Eastern Washington through a “Columbia River Instream Atlas” developed by the Washington State Department of Fish and

Wildlife.

“The Instream Atlas evaluates fish stocks and flow and habitat conditions in eight fish critical basins. It will help the Office of Columbia River and other funding agencies target water supply improvement projects in locations where fish need it most,” said Teresa Scott, Water Resource Policy Coordinator for Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Agriculture is the

largest single user of water in Eastern Washington. The combined influences of climate change, economic trends and population growth will result in an increase in the amount of water needed for agricultural irrigation.

The report also predicts that by 2030, diversions for cities and communities in Eastern Washington will increase by approximately 24 percent or an additional

109,000 acre-feet per year, based on expected population growths.

Hydropower use in Eastern Washington is expected to remain fairly stable over the next 20 years, with increases in demand being met through conservation projects and power from other sources.

More information on the forecast is available at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/cwp/wsu_sup ply-demand.html

Coming Soon - The newest publication in the Lee Publications, Inc. family of agricultural papers Sept/Oct

Section One

Serving g Thee Professionall • Growerr • Winemakerr • Seller

Classifieds Equipment Marketing

Wine and Grape Grower will offer features, news and information on growing grapes, and making and selling wines.

As readers of Country Folks and Country Folks Grower you know the value of our publications as you run and improve your business.

If your current business or future plans include grapes or wine you can now have a publication with those same benefits for that branch of your business.

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