The Scoop Online - November 2022

8 Events

Highlights at Northern Green 2023

Check out sessions, registration options, and trade show floor for Northern Green 2023. 26 Important

Reminders for 2023

Don’t forget these critical MDA requirements for 2023.

Apprenticeship Program

Check out the Schedule for a sneak peek of edu cational courses to be offered at Northern Green 2023.

MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

Successful Businesses Grow Here! 1813 Lexington Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113 651-633-4987 • Fax: 651-633-4986

Outside the metro area, toll free: 888-886-MNLA, Fax: 888-266-4986 www.MNLA.biz • www.NorthernGreen.org

Mission: The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is to help members grow successful businesses.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Randy Berg, President

Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • randy@bergsnursery.com

Matt Mallas, Vice-President SiteOne Landscape Supply 763-512-2849 • mmallas@siteone.com

Terri McEnaney, Secretary-Treasurer Bailey Nurseries 651-459-9744 • terri.mcenaney@baileynursery.com

Faith Appelquist, MNLA-CP Tree Quality LLC 612-618-5244 • faith@treequality.com

Greg Krogstad

Rainbow Treecare 952-922-3810 • gkrogstad@rainbowtreecare.com

Patrick McGuiness

Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC 651-331-6500 • pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com

John O’Reilly

Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping 952-473-5425 • j.oreilly@ottenbros.com

Nick Sargent, MNLA-CP

Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 507-289-0022 • njsargent@sargentsgardens.com

Jim Shimon

Willow River Company — Landscaping & Tree Farm 715-386-3196 • jimshimon@willowrivertree.com

Cassie Larson, CAE

MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz

STAFF DIRECTORY

Executive Director: Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz

Associate Director: Jon Horsman, CAE • jon@mnla.biz

Dir. of Government Affairs: Felipe Illescas • felipe@mnla.biz

Education & Cert Mgr: Hallie Chasensky • hallie@mnla.biz

Communications Coor: Brianna Burns • brianna@mnla.biz

Regulatory Affairs Mgr: Jim Calkins • jim@mnla.biz

Foundation Program Mgr: Paulette Sorenson • paulette@mnla.biz

Administrative Assistant: Louise Nemmers • louise@mnla.biz

Accountant: Pam Helgeson • accounting@mnla.biz

Advertising Sales: 763-295-5420

Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com

Legislative Affairs Consultant: Doug Carnival

Ancom Communications Inc and Midwest Radio Rentals 36

Aspen Equipment 38

Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes 3

BCS/Max Distributing ......................................................................... 11

Bullis Insurance Agency 35

Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus 36

Central Landscape Supply ................................................................ 35

Crysteel Truck Equipment 45 Cushman Motor Company 25

Davey Twin Cities Wood Products ................................................... 41 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. 27

Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply 2

Green Turf Sod Farms .......................................................................... 4

Jeff Belzer Chevrolet 28–29

Jeff Martin Auctioneers 43

Kubota 43

Maguire Agency 41 Minnesota Propane Association ..................................................... 35

Niebur Tractor & Equipment 41

Out Back Nursery 45

Persolvent ............................................................................................. 44

Plaisted Companies 7

Rock Hard Landscape Supply 45

SiteOne Landscape Supply ............................................................... 50

SMSC Organics Recycling Facility 38

Spring Meadow Nursery/Proven Winners Color Choice 52

The Resultants

..................................................................................... 27

The Tessman Company 11

Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. 9

Versa-Lok Midwest ............................................................................. 30

Ziegler CAT

Whether

The Scoop, November 2022, Issue 11 is issued monthly, 12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2022, and may not be used without written permission of MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113. Subscription price is $99 for one year, which is included with member dues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113.

Editorial Contributions. You are invited to share your expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific experiences. When submitting an article, please contact the editor at brianna@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987. MNLA reserves the right to edit all Scoop content.

DEC 05 –09

IRRIGATION SHOW & EDUCATION WEEK

Explore the latest technology and products, connect with others, and learn more about today’s relevant irrigation issues and solutions. Register before Nov. 1 for early-bird pricing. Las Vegas, NV ➽ Irrigation.org

NORTHERN GREEN 2023

Save the Date for the premier event for green industry professionals in the northern region. Exhibit booths are available. Registration is now open. Northerngreen.org

GREEN INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE APPLICATION DEADLINE

Become a stronger, more confident leader when you participate in the leadership development program designed with a green industry focus. MNLA.biz

MNLA PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAM

Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2023. Additional Dates: February 24, March 3, 10, 24. Registration is limited. MNLA Office, Roseville, MN ➽ www.mnla.biz/events

GREEN INDUSTRY DAY ON THE HILL

The Day on the Hill is a critical opportunity for YOU to build relationships with elected officials and raise awareness about issues impacting your business, workforce, and the industry as a whole. Sign up to join your colleagues in St. Paul. St. Paul ➽ MNLA.biz

MINNESOTA SHADE TREE SHORT COURSE

A two-day course for everyone involved in urban forestry, arboriculture, and the green industry. Minnesota Certified Tree Inspectors will be re-certified by attending the entire short course. ISA Certified Arborist© CEUs are available for most sessions. Arden Hills ➽ mnstsc.org

on industry events: MNLA.biz/events. Free, member-only videos: MNLA.biz/OnlineEducation.

Berg Berg’s Nursery & Landscape MNLA President

You Are Not Alone

I am writing this in mid-October. Our landscape season is winding down after a busy few months. I have been working on last-minute details for our upcoming Christmas season in the Garden Center.

The product mix has largely been ordered and acknowledged. Fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, tree tops, poinsettias, and various ornaments and decoration all are ordered well ahead of this busy ‘mini season’ that has become so important to many Garden Centers.

I was feeling prepared with all the details in place until my phone rang. A close friend with a Garden Center oper ation located in Iowa called and asked if I had heard that one of our suppliers of fresh wreaths and garlands was not producing the products this year. I was shocked. Here we are in mid-October, the ‘eleventh hour’. Now what? Who else could supply the product at this late date? This supplier provided a huge amount of product to the indus try and word was spreading fast. My phone was ringing with colleagues and friends asking if I had heard. They all had orders with this supplier.

We started to look at our supplier lists, calling and searching for products. Everyone was working together to find a solution. This process took several days. There are only a few producers of this product in the upper Midwest.

This is not the first time that business owners and man agers collaborated to solve a problem. We are all in the same type of business but in different markets. The fact that you are not alone in this is of great comfort. Having a network of colleagues and friends to collaborate with is very valuable. All these friendships came to us through MNLA. Seminars, trade shows, networking events, and committee and board service allowed us to meet and get to know one another very well. The fact that we trust each other and can rely on each other is a huge benefit. These relationships are one of the benefits of what MNLA can do for its members.

I must end by telling you that by the weekend everyone located products to meet their Christmas demand. We did not all buy from the same supplier, but we all did find a vendor to fit our companies’ needs. Could I have solved this problem without the network? I would say yes, but it would not have been an easy task. The MNLA network of friends and colleagues turned this stressful event into a positive experience.

Randy

➽ RANDY BERG is the owner of Berg’s Nursery & Landscape in Austin, and a Certified Professional Landscape Designer. You can reach Randy at randy@bergnursery.com.

ROBOTIC MOWER

Rundown

Odom

WHILE ROBOTIC MOWERS HAVE BECOME COMMONPLACE IN THE EUROPEAN MARKET, their adoption has been slower in the U.S. Despite this delayed acceptance, robotic mower manufacturers are confident that as awareness increases, so will these machines’ popularity.

“As more people become educated about the availability and benefits of robotic mow ers in North America, adoption will become more widespread,” says Jason Connor, director of sales, commercial robotics North America for Husqvarna.

Jason Swanson, VP of global product development for Greenworks, adds that the European market is established and is still growing at 25 percent per year, but it took 10+ years from launch before the general public accepted robotic mowers.

“Many consumers are not aware that it is an option on the market, or they are not familiar enough with the many benefits of robotic mowers,” says Brian Manke, product manager for STIHL. “People are afraid of theft or are skeptical of the performance of robotic mowers.”

For landscape professionals, many are concerned with the feasibility of mapping certain properties. However, manufacturers have various solutions for this matter.

Greenworks opts to map yards with landscape beds and trees with guidewires, but the robotic mowers also have collision detection and a floating body that can react quickly to a gentle touch.

“I map some trees but not all,” Swanson says. “It’s optional. Depends on how delicate trees are and if there is a risk for the mower to be stuck on roots.”

Jill

Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

STIHL’s iMOW has a fully automated mow ing plan that can be tailored to a homeowner’s yard, so it avoids un-mowable landscape.

“This is yet another reason we sell this prod uct exclusively through STIHL iMOW trained dealerships who can provide customized installation and pro landscaper support to problem solve any unique property challeng es,” Manke says.

With Husquvarna’s Automowers, if one part of the yard is separated by a fence, the bound ary and guide wires can be routed through an Automower Fence Door, allowing the mower to make a smooth transition between the two areas. Also, when it comes to driveways intersecting a property, Connor says creative boundary wire design can prevent the Auto mower from having to cross driveways.

“If necessary, a small passage can be created for the Automower to travel safely across a driveway,” Connor says. “This can be accomplished by running wires through exist ing expansion joints or by creating narrow grooves to effectively route wires.”

All three manufacturers are continuing to explore different technology options when it comes to robotic mowers and are confident there is no limit to the type of properties that could be maintained as technology continues to advance.

“I can’t imagine properties not possible to be mowed in the future,” says Swanson.

Benefits of Robotic Mowers

Robotic mowers also offer solutions to labor shortages. Manke says they can serve to supplement landscape maintenance crews, so they can focus on trimming, blowing and other tasks.

“It gives landscapers more bandwidth to expand their business,” Manke says.

Swanson says there are a few different business models landscape professionals could take advantage of, such as having a stationary installed mower that the landscap er monitors and supports through GW Fleet. They can also drop the mower off once or twice a week and pick it up when it’s done.

Connor suggests leasing out Automowers to clients during peak growing season.

“This increase in capability and reduction in costs for the business also results in a better overall customer experience,” Connor says. “The lawn is always mowed, even in-be tween visits, and time is focused on fine-tuning of the overall landscape.”

Aside from helping with the labor shortage, robotic mowers have other benefits beyond that.

ROBOTIC MOWERS ALSO OFFER SOLUTIONS TO LABOR SHORTAGES. MANKE SAYS THEY CAN SERVE TO SUPPLEMENT LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CREWS, SO THEY CAN FOCUS ON TRIMMING, BLOWING AND OTHER TASKS.

DUE TO THE FREQUENT MOWING AND SMALLER CLIPPINGS, ROBOTIC MOWERS ARE CAPABLE OF IMPROVING THE OVERALL HEALTH OF THE LAWN.

Due to the frequent mowing and smaller clippings, robotic mowers are capable of improving the overall health of the lawn.

“One is the mulching mower functionality, which generates significantly less dust than a traditional mower, returns nutrients and moisture back to the soil for a healthier lawn and is beneficial for air quality and those with allergies,” Manke says. “Grass will be greener and healthier due to regular mowing and the added convenience of smart technology con nectivity gives homeowners a well-manicured lawn with little-to-no effort.”

Connor adds that robotic mowers provide time savings, are emission-free, low noise and low maintenance.

“Another benefit is the lightweight chassis and variable paths of the mower that have far fewer impacts on the lawn,” Connor says. “Husqvarna Automower makes lawns become healthier.”

Choosing the Right Brand

Robotic mowers have been around since the 90s and as time has passed, more manufactur ers are joining the fray with their own models.

With the plethora of options, it can be chal lenging to know which brand to go with and understand the main differences.

Swanson advises considering the size and complexity of the lawn, slopes, fleet manage ment options and price when looking for a reputable manufacturer.

“There are many robotic mowers on the market, and it can become overwhelming to choose one,” Manke says. “Beyond overall features and benefits, landscape profession als should consider the full cost of ownership and product service support. At STIHL one of the things that makes our robotic mowers unique is our sales and service model. STIHL iMOW is backed by a network of trained dealers nationwide.”

STIHL iMOW is equipped with LTE con nectivity, GPS tracking and fleet management capabilities, which allows professionals to track and manage their fleet remotely from a computer or mobile device. Manke says their robotic mowers also have the fastest mowing duration for a given mowing area.

Husqvarna’s Automowers feature Exact Position Operating System (EPOS), which

allows for a boundary wire-free solution in certain applications. For their wired units, Connor says their guide wire technology enables efficient coverage for complex lawns.

Some of the notable features of Green works’ robotic mowers are 4G connectivity, a cutting range up to 4 inches, and a fleet management system that is included for their commercial models.

Run times and charge times for the different brands of the robotic mowers vary. Variables in every application also affect these run times.

Greenworks’ runtimes range from 140 to 150 minutes. For the majority of Husqvarna’s product line, mow times range from one to four hours. Their new large acreage mower, CEORA, can mow up to six hours. STIHL’s models range from 60 to 150, but Manke says their automatic charge times make this irrelevant.

“With its intelligent charging system, iMOW maintains battery charge by auto matically returning to its docking station and charging at the optimal charge rate as needed,” Manke says.

iStock.com/Martin Wahlborg

LAURA KATEN has more than 20 years experience in the communication industry. She travels over 100 days a year for speaking engagements, and has spent the last 15 years specifically focused on helping individuals to increase self-awareness around communication habits that either support or unconsciously undermine their success.

GREEN INDUSTRY AWARDS CELEBRATION

RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN MINNESOTA’S GREEN INDUS TRY

TUESDAY, JAN. 10, 4:30-6:30 P.M. TICKETS: $75 ($85 ONSITE)

AWARDS

Join colleagues and special guests in the Gallery at the Hilton Minneapolis for a celebration of Minnesota’s green industry on Tuesday, January 10, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening with your fellow professionals, delectable food, outstanding projects, and fun as we celebrate service, research, leadership, creativity, innovation, and dedication. Kick off your year in style at the Green Industry Awards Celebration!

$75.00 per ticket. One drink, all food stations, dessert & coffee included with ticket purchase. Cash bar is available throughout the event.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

COMMUNICATING FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT!

Join us as we kick off the Northern Green in the main auditorium with international author and communication specialist, Laura Katen! Her talk titled Communicating for Maximum Impact! will highlight some of the most important communication strategies that could mean the difference between your professional—and personal—success or stagnation. This talk will focus around:

• Critical characteristics assumed

• Reversing a negative impression

• Nonverbal messaging

• Undermining words to avoid

• Giving your message immediate value

• Communicating your credibility

• The dos and taboos of virtual communication We are thrilled to welcome Laura Katen as our 2023 Keynote Speaker!

Laura Katen

REGISTRATION OPTIONS

3-Day (Tue–Th) 2-Day (Tue/Wed) 2-Day (Wed/Thur) 2-Day (Tue/Thur) 1-Day (Tue) 1-Day (Wed) 1-Day (Thur) Tues. + Trade Show (Tue–Th)

PRE-REGISTER MEMBER (ON OR BEFORE JAN. 3, 2023

PRE-REG. NON-MEMBER

REGISTER MEMBER ONSITE (JAN. 10-12, 2023)

Choice of 1 Tuesday Master Class

Wednesday Educational Sessions in Seminar Rooms

Thursday Educational Sessions in Seminar Rooms

Thursday's Trade Show Grand Prizes

Access to all exhibits on the Trade Show floor

Access to Wednesday's Free Lunch on the Trade Show floor

Access to Campfire mini-sessions

Access to Hardscape LIVE! and Vehicle Inspection Demo

Access to mini-sessions in the Innovation & Inspiration Theater

 UPGRADES & EXTRAS

Green Industry Awards Celebration Ticket (Tuesday) $75 $85**

Premium Wednesday Upgrade: CEO & MGMT Track

INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP (Requires Wed. Reg. Above)

Premium Thursday Upgrade: Interactive Track

NAME THAT PLANT: PLANT I.D. TRAINING (Requires Thurs. Reg. Above)

Member: $99 Non-Member: $119 Member: $99 Non-Member: $119

Member: $99 Non-Member: $119 Member: $99 Non-Member: $119

Attention Snow & Ice Management Companies:

Worried about snow on show days? Try our "Snow Insurance" Rate Lock. This nonrefundable $20-per-person ticket qualifies the ticket holder for pre-registration rates onsite. Plus, your $20 advance payment will be applied to the onsite registration fee. Offer only available for Northern Green Wednesday & Thursday, and must be purchased during pre-registration dates. If ticket holder cannot attend show, $20 payment is non-refundable.

1Register on or before Dec. 19 to receive badges in the mail. The deadline for pre-registration is Jan. 3 and all who pre-register between Dec. 20 and Jan. 3 have the option of printing a name badge at the Self Check-In Kiosk onsite.

2 Available to the first 1,800 attendees on Wednesday.

*Group Discount: A 10% discount is available to an individual company registering 10 or more people for a 1-Day educational pass or greater. Not valid for student or trade show only passes. Valid only for pre-registration completed online with all registrants entered in one registration. Not valid with other discounts/promotions.

**A limited number of Green Industry Awards Celebration tickets are available onsite.

MASTER CLASSES

PLT RELICENSURE

Speakers: Keith Radatz, and more Course Approval Code #: Pending on approval from MN Dept. of Labor and Industry This course has been submitted to the Minnesota Dept. of Labor & Industry for approval for eight hours of continuing education requirements for the Power Limited Technician License, including 2 hours of code and 6 hours of technical training oriented specifically toward the landscape industry.

7:30am - 4:30pm

3

SELECTION AND USE OF PLANTS IN THE LANDSCAPE

Facilitator: Dr. James Calkins, Sustainable Horticultural Solutions

The class will focus on the principles and theory of plant design, site analysis, and specifically plant selection. Attendees will also learn how to develop quality bedlines, mix and match plants based on function and landscape characteristics, how to build flexibility into the plant design process, and the importance of the relationship between design and implementation. Class includes lecture periods and in-class exercises.

GOING BEYOND LEADERSHIP

Speaker: Steve Keating, Toro, Inc.

10:00am - 4:00pm

9:30am - 4:00pm

Think you already “know enough” about leadership? Well guess again. That attitude will cause poor leaders to fall behind the people who are open minded enough to realize that there will always be more to learn. This session will focus on helping you learn the right tools to be an inspiring leader, not just a manager. Managing is about stuff, like budgets, buildings, inventories and spreadsheets. We manage stuff. Leading is about people and only people. No one leads a business, they manage the business. They lead the people who work at the business. Leadership at its core is helping people deal with what’s happening in their lives. It is about helping ordinary, often “messy” people achieve extraordinary results. Helping people achieve those results often means leading through change. With the speed that the marketplace is changing these days there has never been more for leaders to learn about how to lead effectively. Change is hard for most of us and leading through change is even harder. Come and learn effective leadership tools and techniques to put to work every day. Plus, hear directly from four green industry leaders on what has worked successfully, and what has not, for them in their leadership journey.

Generously supported by:

Attend a Tuesday Master Class at Northern Green, Jan. 10, 2023 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

PESTICIDE RECERT. (CATEGORIES A, E, & P)

Cat. P: 7:30 9:00am

Cat. A & E: 9:15am-4:00pm

Speakers: John Loegering, Angi Anbourn, Prof. Vera Krischik, Jolene Hendrix, Dominic Christensen, Nick Neylon, and more Pending approval by the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture (MDA), this workshop meets Commercial Pesticide Applicator Requirements for Category A (Core), Category E (Turf and Ornamentals), as well as an option to add Category P (Vertebrate Pest Control).

Licensed applicators with Categories A and E who last attended a recertification workshop in 2021, and newly-licensed pesticide applicators in 2022, must attend an MDA-approved workshop by December 31, 2023. By attending the Pesticide Recertification class and scanning in and out onsite with staff of MDA, applicators will obtain recertification credit.

10:00am - 4:00pm

Speakers: Daniel Arabella, Arabella Stone Co. and Scott Frampton, Landscape Renovations, Inc Stonework has become the pinnacle of the greatest landscape work, but that is a misleading stereotype. It is what is on the inside that counts. How are your techniques in building helping create a legacy that we can look back on? No matter what material you choose to use in your construction techniques, there needs to be a greater emphasis on the depth of character in the design and installation.

In this session, local dry stone expert Daniel Arabella will cover topics from design and construction techniques to trends in natural stone, and the latest in tools, skills, and equipment for installation. Additionally, local landscapers will present case studies on recent projects – they will discuss the projects from start to finish including successes and how they overcame obstacles along the way.

Finally, the session will cover how to estimate and bid these projects so they are profitable!

NATURAL STONE WALL BUILDING NATIVE PLANTS FOR MINNESOTA LANDSCAPES

Speakers: James Wolfin, Twin Cities Seed; Brandon Miller, University of Minnesota; Dan Shaw, Board of Water and Soil Resources; Mary Meyer, Retired – University of Minnesota; and Gary Johnson, Retired – University of Minnesota

8:00am - 4:00pm

As urbanization continues to expand, native plants are often displaced by highly cultured species in these unnatural landscapes. The utilization of native plant species – where appropriate – can have significant value to pollinators and wildlife, to name a few. In this Master Class you will learn from experts which native plants would be most appropriate in practical settings such as lawns, landscapes, prairies and wetlands. Topics will include: lawns and pollinators, woody plants and managed landscape horticulture, native wetlands and prairies, native grasses, and native trees.

COURTESY OF:

Come to booth 1127 and meet NASCAR driver, Jeffrey Earnhardt, grandson of racing legend, Dale Earnhardt Sr. Get your picture and an autograph, and a selection of Team Earnhardt swag!

TRADE SHOW FEATURES

Lakeshore Campfire

Connect + Grow on the go! Campfires are hubs for gathering and learning, but they’re not your typical general session.

SUPPORTED BY:

This theater with a huge screen in the center of the action hosts a variety of live events, featured interviews, video highlights, and educational content all tailored for green industry professionals.

Innovation & Inspiration Theater

On Wednesday, grab a FREE lunch gift card* at a lunch sponsor's booth to use at the Mill City Grill concession stands, the trade show cafés, or the Dunn Brothers Coffee in Lobby C. Pick up your lunch gift card at one of the booths shown here!

*Available to the first 1,800 attendees. Only one gift card per person can be given. Redeemable on Wednesday ONLY. More details on the back of your gift card.

• Our Commercial Vehicle Inspection Demo includes a truck and trailer set up together.

• A Minnesota State Patrol officer will be on hand to discuss the most frequent types of commercial vehicle citations, and how to satisfy state and federal requirements.

The Sandbox

SEEK & SEE

10 exhibitors have items hidden in their booths. Find them all, then drop off your completed card in the big drum in Lobby C to be entered into a drawing!

THROUGHOUT THE TRADE SHOW!

Looking to grow more efficient on your hardscape sites? Join Frank Bourque and his team of presenters for live, hands-on demonstrations and interactive sessions that will help improve your team's efficiency.

• Hardscape Tools & Technologies

• How to Significantly Increase Paver and Slabs Installation Efficiency

• New Technologies and Techniques to Increase Your Retaining Wall & Raised Patio Installation

• Features and System Automation for Outdoor Sound, Light, and Fire Features

HARDSCAPE LIVE!

NEW in 2023!

These unique learning spaces include hosted discussions, trade show floor walkabouts, demonstrations, and more…

Campfire

Visit hundreds of exhibitors in the 198,000 square-foot exhibit hall onsite at Northern Green 2023. For the latest listings, check www.NorthernGreen.org. ...AND VISIT THEM ONLINE. Connect with exhibitors all year long by visiting the Trade Show Floor online at www.NorthernGreen.org.

University of Minnesota Turf Research Update

Eric Watkins | 101 CDE

Opening Keynote: Communicating for Maximum Impact

Laura Katen | Main Auditorium

Trade Show Open

LMN Landscape Case Study

LMN Representative | Aud 3

Reducing Soggy Turf with Three Drainage Solutions

John Raffiani | 102 DEF

The Millennial Retailer

Hayden Lawler, Additional Panelists TBA | Aud 1

Landscape Plants That Are Rocking the Industry

Kerry Ann Mendez | Aud 2

Reduced-Risk Management at Theodore Wirth Golf Course

Chris Aumock | 101 CDE

ANSI Pruning Standards Update

Dr. Chad Rigsby | 102 ABC

CEO & MGMT Track: INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP, Pt. 1

Dr. Jermaine Davis | 101 AB

FEWA: How to Employ Legal Temporary Labor: Navigating H-2A and H-2B

Arnulfo Hinojosa | Theater

Landscape Management Industry Chat

Lakeshore

Introducing Innovative New Adhesives from Belgium

Chandler Carlson | Backyard

Rain Gardens—Design and Maintenance for Water Quality and Habitat | Matt Kumka | Theater

MNLA Certification Exam: Study Tips

John Moe, Cert. Task Team | Lakeshore

Research For The Real World: The Year In Review

Jim Calkins | Backyard

MN State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspection Demo Sandbox

Design/Incorporating Fruits in the Landscape

Brian Smith | Theater

Arborist/Tree Care Industry Chat

Lakeshore

Invasive Species/Noxious Weed Status Update

Jim Calkins | Backyard

Pan American Seed: New Varieties Mark Gross | Theater

Hosting a “First Green” Field Trip at Your Facility Nikk Dickerson | Backyard

Landscape Design Industry Chat | Lakeshore

Hardscape LIVE! Setting Up Your Teams with the Right Hardscape Tools, Equipment and Technologies

Frank Bourque | Sandbox

Measure Twice, Apply Once: Practical Reductions of Pesticide and Fertilizer Usage | Ryan DeMay | Theater

Professional Gardening Industry Chat

Lakeshore

Soil Moisture Sensing Technology

John Raffiani | Backyard

Sports Field Design for the Monday Morning Quarterback Ryan DeMay | Theater Landscape Diversity In The Upper Midwest: Underutilized Woody Plants | Brandon Miller | Lakeshore Website/Google Marketing Domination David Kaminski | Backyard

Dealing With Scale

Speaker TBA | 102 ABC Gator Base... Yes, This Stuff Really Works Keith Ehmke | Aud 3

Low Maintenance, High-Impact Perennials by Season | Kerry Ann Mendez | Aud 2

Irrigation Auditing 101 Craig Otto | 102 DEF

Training and Standards For Seasonal Staff League of Minnesota Cities | Aud 1

Reduced-Risk Management: The What, the Why, and the How Paul Koch | 101 CDE

Hardscape LIVE! How to Bid, Sell and Install Pavers and Slabs for Optimum Efficiency and Profits

Frank Bourque | Sandbox

CEO & MGMT Track: INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP, Pt. 2 Dr. Jermaine Davis | 101 AB

Stationary Rope Systems (Climbing Demo) Session 1 Wesley Full | Theater

Landscape Lighting Hot Products | Steve Pallas | Lakeshore Hot Topics In Retail Katie Elzer-Peters | Backyard

Stationary Rope Systems (Climbing Demo) Session 2 Wesley Full | Theater Beneficial Insects in the Greenhouse Vera Krischik | Lakeshore The Future of Outdoor Water Use in the Landscape Tim Malooly | Backyard

My Favorite Plant | Mike Heger, Debbie Lonnee | Aud 2 The Top 10 Green Industry Legal Issues You Need to Know About! Patrick McGuiness | Aud 3 Pollinator-Safe Pesticide Options, Techniques, Timing Marissa Schuh | 102 DEF

Green Cities - Good Health: A Review of the Science Kathleen Wolf | 102 ABC

Virtual Consultations Panel: What You Should Know Diana Grundeen, Cindi Olson, Jason Rathe | Aud 1 Plant Pathology: Dollar Spot and the Microbiome

Using the Soil as an Ally, Not a Foe: Regenerative Golf

Dan Ament | 101 CDE

7:00 AM – MNLA Annual Meeting | 101 FG

Trade Show Open

Connecting the Dots: Landscapes, Human Health and Climate Change

Kathleen Wolf | 102 ABC

Translating the Wild into Designed Landscapes

Thomas Rainer | Aud 2

Global Trends in Retail Garden Centers

John Kennedy | Aud 1

Greenkeeper App! Transforming the Way Turf Managers Make Decisions

Bill Kreuser | 101 CDE

The Equipment of Today Bill Gardocki | Aud 3

PCA Smart Salting Brooke Asleson | 102 DEF

Interactive Track:

NAME THAT PLANT – PLANT ID TRAINING, Pt. 1

Facilitator: Dr. James Calkins | 101 AB

Hardscape Trends Panel | Aud 3

Life Below Ground: Stem Girdling Roots Kent Honl | 102 ABC

Benefits of Managing Smart Application of Water John Raffiani | 102 DEF

Functional Planting: Creative Adaptive Plant Systems Thomas Rainer | Aud 2

Soil Science 101: The Basics Kristi Walker | Aud 1

Sustainability through Precision Turfgrass Management Bill Keruser | 101 CDE

Local Garden Retail Trends: Pt. 1

John Kennedy | Theater

Update On Palmer Amaranth, A Prohibited Eradicate Noxious Weed In Minnesota

Shane Blair, Denise Theide | Lakeshore

Top 10 Diseases from The Plant Disease Clinic Brett Arenz | Backyard

Local Garden Retail Trends: Pt. 2

John Kennedy | Theater

Conifer Needle Cast Diseases Gary Wyatt | Lakeshore Park and Sports Turf Industry Chat Backyard

Hardscape LIVE! How to Bid, Sell and Install Walls, Patios and Steps for Optimum Efficiency and Profit

Frank Bourque | Sandbox

The Professional Wrench

Hector Velazquez | Theater

Shady Opportunities: Understanding Shade from a Landscape & Garden Perspective and Choosing Plants for Shady Sites | Jim Calkins | Lakeshore

Mycorrhizae Use for the Landscaper

Melissa Flora | Backyard

10:45am – MPSTMA Annual Meeting | 101 FG

MN State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspection Demo Sandbox

Safety Topic

Speaker TBD | Theater

Turfgrass Economics 101: 2023 Edition Ryan DeMay | Lakeshore Protecting and Winterizing Minnesota Plants Julie Weisenhorn | Backyard

Hardscape LIVE! Outdoor Kitchen Installations Made Easy

Frank Bourque | Sandbox

12:00pm – MAC Luncheon | Lounge A

Landscape Awards Presentations, Pt. 1 | Theater Garden Center/Retail Industry Chat Backyard

Accepting and Adapting to an Open-Graded Paving Base Keith Ehmke | Lakeshore

12:30pm – MGCSA Annual Meeting | 101 FG

Landscape Awards Presentations, Pt. 2 | Theater Landscape/Hardscape Contractor Industry Chat Lakeshore

Green Industry Legislative Update Felipe Illescas, Tim Malooly | Backyard

Interactive Track: NAME THAT PLANT – PLANT ID TRAINING, Pt. 2 Facilitator: Dr. James Calkins | 101 AB

Invasive Species Management: Case Studies TBA | Theater

How Do Residents Compare Artificial vs. Natural Turfgrass Michael Barnes | Lakeshore Grower Industry Chat Backyard

Deer-Resistant Plants: Really? Julie Weisenhorn | Theater Purpose | Mike Hodges | Backyard Shop Renovation: The Do's and Don'ts

CEO & MGMT. TRACK

*Requires Wednesday Registration, plus paid upgrade.

WED., JAN. 11 | 10:00am-12:00pm & 2:00-4:00pm

INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP

Dr. Jermaine Davis, Jermaine M. Davis Seminars & Workshops, Inc.

As the workforce sees the biggest shift in our lifetime, are you focusing on how to recruit and retain employees? Are you focusing on the right things to make sure your culture is attractive?

Is your organization’s climate friendly or unfriendly to diversity? Does your organization say you are welcoming to diversity when in reality you are not? As a leader, it is imperative all team members learn how to communicate inclusively and work effectively across ALL dimensions of diversity. “Treating everyone the same” may sound logical initially, however it is a plan for disaster and colossal failure within diverse environments. Leading with an inclusive mindset is the key to building culturally inclusive teams and work environments as well as recruiting and retaining employees.

In this engaging and thought-provoking workshop, the instructor teaches leaders how to behave, communicate, and think with an inclusive lens to create an environment that’s respectful of everyone. Identifying leadership blind spots is a key component to moving forward in this area. It’s important to engage in courageous conversations about diversityrelated issues. Dr. Jermaine teaches people how to address sensitive issues without feeling awkward, guilty, fearful, or uncomfortable.

INTERACTIVE TRACK

*Requires Thursday Registration, plus paid upgrade.

THUR., JAN. 12 | 8:00-10:00am & 1:30-3:20pm

NAME THAT PLANT PLANT ID TRAINING

Facilitator: Dr. James Calkins, Sustainable Horticultural Solutions

Plant identification can be challenging but is an important and essential skill for all green industry professionals. This hands-on training will cover plant identification basics of: shrubs (deciduous and evergreen), herbaceous perennials, roses, vines, small fruits, and trees (both deciduous and evergreen). This training is for anyone wanting to develop or improve their plant identification skills and will appeal to many green industry professionals including landscape management staff, garden center staff, landscape designers, landscape contractors, and professional gardeners.

Dr. Jermaine Davis

Dr. James Calkins

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:

IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR 2023

MINNESOTA NURSERY STOCK GROWERS AND DEALERS

If you sell or distribute nursery stock, you must have a nursery stock dealer or nursery stock grower certificate with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). All nursery stock grown in Minnesota must have been officially inspected and certified free of injurious plant pests within 12 months preceding sale. This includes land scapers purchasing stock as needed for installation.

Make sure that your renewal application fee is accurate based upon gross sales of nursery stock from 2022 for dealers and total acres for growers. Inspectors may audit acreage with GPS and may conduct financial audits to validate gross sales amounts listed on dealer renewal applications.

Include all growing locations on your application and provide maps if they are not adjacent to your main location. Stock that is not inspected is not certified and is illegal to sell.

A copy of the nursery stock certificate must be displayed at or near the point of sale. This assures customers that the seller has the required certificate.

Persons found operating without a nursery certificate will pay a penalty equal to the appropriate certification fee. The new applicant dealer fee is $225. The penalty is $225. Renewals will be based upon gross sales of nursery stock from the most recent year in business. Grower’s fees are assessed on acreage.

Sellers will be asked to provide shipping documents to detail the source of all stock purchased for sale. Out-of-state suppliers are a particular focus for inspec tors. Stock must be certified under all applicable state and federal quarantines by the appropriate regulatory official in the state of origin. Proof of this can be a federal stamp, a certificate of quarantine compliance, or a phytosanitary certificate. To limit interruptions during the busy sales season, keep these documents in a separate file and easily accessible to inspectors upon request.

Nursery wholesalers are responsible to assure that persons purchasing stock for resale have a valid nursery certificate. It is a violation to sell nursery stock to an uncertified nursery stock dealer who is required to be certified. This includes landscapers purchasing wholesale material for installation. Nursery certificates are not intended to be used to buy wholesale for personal use. Sales to individuals are at the discretion of the wholesaler.

Stock being held for sale must be kept in conditions that will maintain health and viability. Packaged plants that show up at retailers before most container stock begins shipping are meant to be kept in conditions to maintain dormancy. Once they begin to grow, they must be potted or removed from sale. Balled and bur lapped stock should have root balls covered with moisture holding material.

Stock that is advertised or labeled as beneficial to pollinators must not have a level of systemic insecticide in their flowers greater than the EPA level for mortality of adult honeybees. All plants with pollinator advertising are subject to laboratory testing

for systemic insecticides. If you are unsure if the stock you have meets these requirements its best to remove any language that claims the plants are beneficial to pollinators.

Nursery stock offered for sale must be correctly labeled. Although plants are not required to have specific information on tags or signage, information that is included must not be misleading. This includes cold hardiness labeling. Over several years, the MDA has developed a list of plants and their corresponding USDA cold hardiness zones. This has been done with industry professionals, university specialists and anyone who is interested in contributing. Labels and signs must be consistent with this list. Further, if no cold hardiness is indicated, and the plant is being offered for sale in an area in which it is not cold hardy, it must be labeled “nonhardy”. The list can be found at: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/ cold-hardiness-list.

Inspection staff are always available to pro vide assistance. Our goal is to facilitate your success.

• Steven Shimek – 612.600.6658 steven. shimek@state.mn.us – Twin Cities East and Northeast, MN

• Josh Plunket – 651.201.6080 joshua. plunkett@state.mn.us – Twin Cities North and West Central

• Matthew Hoffman – 507.514.0452 mat thew.hoffman@state.mn.us – Rochester and Southern Minnesota

• Deb Davis Hudak — 218.368.2586 debo rah.davishudak@state.mn.us – Northern MN

• Jacob Murzyn – 320.345.8260 jacob. murzyn@state.mn.us – Saint Cloud, MN and West Central.

iStock.com/druvo

Reprinted with permission from Landscape Management Network

LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT

IS BOTH ESSENTIAL AND EXPENSIVE, SO WHEN MONEY’S TIGHT, IT PAYS TO PURCHASE FAR LESS COSTLY USED EQUIPMENT.

So you’ve made the decision to buy landscaping equipment for your business. You know what kind of equipment you need, which brands you like, but you’re stuck on deciding if your landscape business is purchasing new or used equipment. No matter what, this is an important investment into your business and you need to make sure your cash flow situation is prepared to take on the cost. There’s no right or wrong answer with new or used equipment, but there’s definite pros and cons between the two. We’ll check out what those pros and cons are with new and used landscaping equipment to help your business make the most informed decision.

The Pros & Cons of Buying USED Landscape Equipment

Pros – Used Landscaping Equipment

The

Price is Right

Landscape equipment is both essential and expensive, so when money’s tight, it pays to purchase far less costly used equipment. If you can find a good deal on reliable equipment at a great price point, your bank account will thank you. It’s also important to know that equipment depreciates in value fastest during its first few years, so you won’t be worrying about the depreciating value of your used landscaping equipment.

Protection for Pre-Owned

Used landscaping equipment doesn’t have to mean ‘unreliable’. If you’re concerned about buying a bad piece of equipment, shop from a trusted source. Some suppliers offer certified used equipment that guarantees a thorough inspection, product support and an extended warranty. The extra cost is worth the peace of mind.

Bigger Fleet for Less Budget

It’s simple: The money you’ll save on equip ment will leave room in your budget to buy more if needed. Building a reliable roster of equipment lets your business take on more landscape work. With properly equipped crews, your business will complete jobs faster and more efficiently which will give more time to win jobs.

Cons – Used Landscaping Equipment

Unknown

suppliers

Anyone can sell equipment. There are no credentials, mandatory inspections or certifications, so there’s a good chance used landscaping equipment is going to come with problems. Even if you ask the owner, you really can’t be 100% certain how the equipment was operated, inspected or maintained. Unless you trust the seller, you’re making a signifi cant investment based solely on a handshake.

Outdated Equipment in Poor Condition

Most used landscape equipment is outdated. Unless you luck into an owner going out of

The Inflation Reduction Act

NOTES

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed by President Biden on Aug. 16, 2022, and this new law includes a tax credit for electric vehicles. Within the definition, large commercial grade lawn mowers are included. The tax credit is 30

percent per vehicle/ lawn mower, with a max of $7,500 per vehicle/lawn mower. The credit is available for sales made beginning Jan. 1, 2023, and the credit sunsets in 2032. The interpretation of commercial mowers counting as mobile machinery was confirmed during a

discussion on the Senate floor. The parameters for these mowers must be less than 14,000 lbs. and have a battery capacity of not less than 7-kilowatt hours. This is significant because the parameters limit this tax credit to solely commercial-grade electric lawn mowers.

NALP, along with key equipment manufacturers, previously worked to have this language included in the Build Back Better legislation. When those efforts stalled, NALP continued to explore other options and had discussions with some offices

about a play in the omnibus. The IRS will issue further guidance before tax filings for the 2023 year.

Annual Meeting Notice

Official Notice: Annual Meeting on January 12, 2023 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Notice is hereby given

that the annual membership meeting of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association will be held at 7:00am on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

During the annual meeting, the results of the Board of Directors election will be

announced. An electronic ballot will be sent the first week in December to the primary contact provided to MNLA by each business member.

Calling all Plant Lovers! My Favorite Plant Session Returns to 2023 Northern Green

The popular My Favorite Plant session will return to Northern Green in January 2023. This exciting session, moderated by Debbie Lonnee of Bailey Nurseries and Mike Heger of Ambergate Horticultural Consulting (our favorite plant geeks), is for those who are all about

plants! Participants will hear about tried and true varieties that have become favorites. So, we’re putting out a call to all MNLA members…do you have a time-tested plant that you’d like to feature? Read on to find out how you can participate… Who can present? Growers,

business, most of your used options will be older models. Wear and tear due to years of use will affect the condition of your newly purchased used equipment and increase the likelihood for costly repairs–perhaps much earlier than you anticipated. Landscape businesses need to make sure they have the cash on hand for those untimely repairs or outright replacements.

No Warranty

When you’re purchasing privately from an unknown supplier, chances are you’re ‘taking their word for it’, trusting there’s no hidden damage. The lack of warranty puts your equipment and your business at risk. When purchasing from a dealer, it pays to try and negotiate some level of warranty into your purchase agreement to help protect your investment.

Negative Appearance

Looks matter! If your trucks and equipment are scratched up, sound like they’re dying, and generally look like they belong in the junkyard, imagine the impression people will have of your business. Don’t be surprised when prospective customers judge the quality of your work based on the quality of your equipment. People want work done by busi nesses that care about their own personal image, especially when it comes to residen tial services.

The Risk for LOST REVENUE

Used equipment will break down. If you’re relying on a major piece of equipment for your business to stay efficient and it breaks down in the middle of a job, you’re instantly wasting money every minute you wait for repairs to happen. The biggest form of waste

landscape, gardening or garden center professionals, breeders or educators. Each participant will be given a specified amount of time to present their favorite plant to the audience. When will the session occur? The session will take place on Wednesday, January 11 from 3:10pm–4:10pm

in Auditorium 2 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. How do I apply to participate? If you’re interested in participating, please send an email to MNLA Education & Certification Manager Hallie Chasensky at hallie@mnla.biz.

YOU REALLY DON’T GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION. RELATIVELY NEW, CLEAN AND RECENTLY PAINTED TRUCKS AND EQUIPMENT ARE EXCELLENT PROMOTION FOR YOUR COMPANY AND SHOW EXCELLENT BRANDING.

is waiting, and your business needs to make sure it has a backup plan for when the used piece of equipment finally breaks down.

Best Practices for Buying Used Landscape Equipment

If you decide that purchasing used equipment is your best bet, follow these best practices before you commit.

Question the owner:

• Were they the first owner?

• What was the equipment used for?

• Why are they selling it?

• Were they impressed with the machine’s performance?

Tips:

• Have a reputable mechanic inspect the equipment before you purchase it. This extra step could save you from making a costly mistake.

• Ask for an equipment or vehicle inspec tion report and/or a documented mainte nance history.

• Spend a little extra for equipment that looks clean and well-cared for or have a plan to give it a makeover once it gets to the shop.

The Pros & Cons of Buying NEW Landscape Equipment

Pros – New Landscaping Equipment

Increased Productivity

When you’re buying new, you’re ideally getting the latest and greatest in equipment. It should have the most up-to-date features and func tionality, enhancing your crew’s productivity. With the improved efficiency afforded by new equipment, jobs will get done faster and you’ll be able to say ‘Yes’ to more work.

Minimal Breakdowns

Your new equipment shouldn’t break down

anytime soon after the purchase. The cost of breakdowns can cripple a business. It’s not just the actual repair costs you have to worry about but the costs related to lost productivity, sales opportunities and customer satisfaction. New equipment brings peace of mind, and spending that extra bit on new equipment can go a long way.

Enhanced Professionalism

You really don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Relatively new, clean and recently painted trucks and equipment are excellent promotion for your company and show excellent branding. If you want to win the big jobs, it’s critical that you convey a professional image that builds customer confidence in your brand.

Complete Ownership

As the first owner of your equipment, you don’t have to wonder about the equipment’s history or its current state. By purchasing your equipment vs. leasing, you’ll have no agreements, lengthy negotiations or con tracts to sign. Plus, you’ll have no mandatory maintenance schedule to follow as TLC will be up to you.

Cons – New Landscaping Equipment Delivery Delays

In the construction and landscaping indus tries, the supply of manufactured power equipment doesn’t always meet the demand. Backordered equipment may mean long wait times. And when you need that new machin ery ‘yesterday’, lengthy delays could be costly in terms of productivity and missed sales.

If your business is stuck waiting, here’s to hoping your business can absorb the cost of waiting around wasting time and money.

Budget

When you buy a new piece of machinery, you’re either paying the full cost up front or

taking out a hefty bank loan. Either way, the high cost of new landscape equipment means you may have to hold off on other purchases. Add unexpected expenses and you could have a serious cash flow situation on your hands.

Best Practices for Buying NEW Landscape Equipment

Made the decision to buy new equipment? Before you get distracted by that ‘new equip ment smell’, consider these best practices.

Reference your budget. As an owner, you have a responsibility to ensure you’re a) allo cating an amount to equipment spend in your annual budget and b) not overspending on new (or used!) equipment. Remember: Claim new equipment as a capital allowance for tax benefits!

Confirm lead times with your sales repre sentative. Before you place an order, ensure you’ll have access to your equipment when you need it.

Consider current features and anticipate future needs before you commit to a pur chase. Will your new equipment have the features you anticipate needing six months to a year from now? Or does it make sense to hold off for next year’s model?

Focus on the big picture! While consider ing the expense, consider that equipment is an investment. The savings in labor, repair and downtime should be counted as well as the extra revenue that will be produced by improving your productivity.

In some cases, you may find a gently used secondhand piece of landscaping equip ment that will serve your company well. In other cases, you may realize it’s better to just ‘bite-the-bullet’ and purchase some thing new. Whether you decide to buy your equipment used or new, make sure you take the time to properly evaluate its impact on your bottom line. Choose wisely: Next to your people, equipment is the biggest investment you’ll make in your business.

SALES: 952-808-0033 RENTALS: 952-890-7570 SERVICE: 952-808-7699 ROCHESTER: 507-281-1917 Visit our website at WWW.ANCOM.ORG

IMPLICATIONS FROM A SURVEY WITH MIDWESTERN CONSUMERS

Background

Bioengineering has become a polarizing topic in some circles, with opinions on the technol ogy varying from ecological savior to global catastrophe. Some supporters of bioengineer ing believe it will save the planet by improving yields, cutting the use of pesticides, and even pulling carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Some even say the only way to feed our rapid ly growing population is with bioengineered crops, without which we face mass starvation. Detractors of bioengineering believe it will be the downfall of our planet, bringing superweeds and pests resistant to management, less biodiversity leading to loss of crops and famines, and unknown health side effects like increased cancer risk.

Lost amid the debate on bioengineering is the untapped potential of the technology, as evidenced by the purple tomato contain ing high levels of anthocyanins, which may reduce incidences of cancer, produced by Norfolk Plant Sciences and approved Sep tember 7, 2022 for U.S. consumption. In the

thirty-plus years since the introduction of the first bioengineered food, the FLAVR SAVR™ tomato, bioengineering technology itself has changed. The original technology Genetic modification (GM) introduces new DNA or modified genes from any plant or organism (e.g.: genes that help fish survive frigid waters can be spliced into tomatoes to enhance resis tance to cold). The newer technology Genetic editing (GE) requires no introduction of DNA from outside, instead altering DNA within an organism.

To better understand consumer perspec tives regarding the risks and benefits of bio engineered products, we surveyed consumers about their opinions and valuation of bioen gineering technology, and further, tested to see if survey respondents’ valuations are fluid when given positive or negative information.

Methods and Results

In July 2021 we surveyed 3,077 consumers. Survey respondents were restricted to Min nesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota, with 40% from Minnesota and 48% from Wisconsin. Income was evenly distribut

ed up to $150,000 annually with 19% making less than $25,000 and 6% making over $150,000. Education varied from “Some high school” to “Graduate degree” with 78% of respondents having at least some college and 45% having a college degree or greater.

Before basic definitions were given to sur vey respondents, we asked questions about their familiarity with GM and GE technolo gy. Over 50% of respondents reported they were not at all familiar with GE technology, compared to 20% reporting they were not at all familiar with GM technology. Participants were significantly more familiar with GM over GE. Respondents also reported perceived risk of GM and GE food products on a 5-point scale from “Risk strongly outweighs benefit” to “Benefit strongly outweighs risk”. Before being given any information, their initial per ceived risk of GM technology regarding food (2.77) an initial perceived risk of GE technolo gy for food (2.75) were similar and both in the “Risk somewhat outweighs benefit” category. Although average opinions on the risk of bio engineering were not extreme, respondents were concentrated more at the extremes for GM food and more at the center (bene

fits and risks about the same) for GE food technologies. It is important to recall that this question was asked prior to basic definitions being given to respondents. One explanation might be stronger opinions on GM technolo gy stemming from more familiarity, and the fact that the technology has been around longer. When looking at perceived risk of bioengineering ornamental crops, responses concentrate more at the center (risk and ben efits balanced). This could be evidence that ornamental crops elicit weaker polarization of responses to bioengineering.

We provided survey respondents with basic definitions of GM and GE technology, then tested their appraisal of health benefits by comparing levels of acrylamide (a toxin that can form in fried potatoes), tested their appraisal of bioengineering technology by comparing GM and GE products, and finally tested how their appraisal of health and bioengineering attributes differs between ornamental and food crops by comparing valuation of potatoes (representing food crops) and petunias (representing ornamental crops).

All consumers price relative goods using cost-benefit analysis. This is generally a fast subconscious mental process. They deduct from the amount they are willing to pay for a good with attributes they want to avoid and add to the amount they are willing to pay for a good with attributes they find appealing. Thus, we expect consumers in our study will require a discount (lower prices) on bioengi neered products to the extent that they view bioengineering as an attribute they would like to avoid. Similarly, respondents should be willing to pay more for products with lower acrylamide levels to avoid toxins.

ALL CONSUMERS PRICE RELATIVE GOODS USING COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS … THEY DEDUCT FROM THE AMOUNT THEY ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR A GOOD WITH ATTRIBUTES THEY WANT TO AVOID AND ADD TO THE AMOUNT THEY ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR A GOOD WITH ATTRIBUTES THEY FIND APPEALING.

Survey respondents made several choices between products with different attributes. We found quite inter esting results. For respondents to be willing to purchase a 5-pound bag of potatoes with medium levels of acrylamide (note: they were told all levels would be FDA approved), they required a discount of $0.87 versus the same bag of potatoes with low levels of acrylamide. For respondents to be willing to purchase a 5-pound bag of potatoes with high levels of acrylamide, respondents required a discount of $3.17 versus the same bag of potatoes with low levels of acrylamide. This is clear evidence that consumers value healthier attributes in food crops that could come from bioengineering.

Survey respondents did exhibit more extreme stances on GM valuations compared to GE, and there appeared to be two subgroups for both. Most survey respondents required a discount for GE potatoes, with one group requiring a small discount (around $1.00) and one group requiring a larger discount (around $3.00) compared to conventional potatoes. Valuations for GM were more varied and polarized, with one group near zero, requiring either a very small discount or even willing to pay more for GM potatoes, and the other group requiring a larger discount (around $5.00). Again, we see valuations of GM products more polarized than valuations of GE products.

The above outcomes were also studied in the context of persuasion, adding a layer of complexity. We compared information effects on respondents’ value of GM vs GE products, and on respondents’ value of potatoes (a food crop) vs valuation of petunias (an ornamental crop). Sur vey respondents were randomized into one of five groups: non-readers, readers of positive information on GM, read ers of negative information on GM, readers of positive information on GE, and readers of negative information on GE. The information sheets were approximately 500 words in a bulleted format for easy reading. All informa tion provided regardless of tone was divided into sections: how does it work?, health and safety, environment, busi ness practices, and a short summary. We tried to mimic format of the information across types, varying only when necessary to avoid unnecessary complicating factors.

After reading positive information on GM, the mean value for GM potatoes moved higher by $1.36. After reading negative information on GM, the mean value for GM potatoes moved lower by $1.00. After reading positive information on GE, the mean value for GE potatoes moved higher by $1.17. After reading negative informa tion on GE, the mean value for GE potatoes moved lower by $0.99. The positive and negative information moved respondents in the expected direction, and although GM respondents are more polarized, their mean value is subject to persuasion in both directions. We do see evi dence of cross-technology effects of information. Positive information on GM raised valuation of GE products and vice-versa. Perhaps most interestingly, positive informa tion collapses the subgroups of respondents into one, leaving very little variance of responses. Negative informa

Figure 1. Impact of information comparing GM potato and GM petunia. Created by Marie Abbey.

Figure 2. Impact of information comparing GE Potato and GE petunia. Created by Marie Abbey.

SURVEY RESPONDENTS MADE SEVERAL CHOICES BETWEEN PRODUCTS WITH DIFFERENT ATTRIBUTES. WE FOUND QUITE INTERESTING RESULTS.

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tion increased polarization of respondents’ valuation.

Figure 1 compares the impact of varying types of information on GM potatoes (in green) and GM petunias (in purple), while figure 2 compares impact of the same infor mation on GE potatoes (in green) and GE petunias (in purple). From left to right these comparisons are made for readers of positive information on GM, negative information on GM, etc. All comparisons are made to non-readers (those respondents that were randomly chosen to not receive any informa tion). Impact of information is measured as percent deviation from non-readers’ valuation of these products, which is reflected on the y-axis. Valuations by readers of negative infor mation of any kind deviated from non-readers’ valuation of petunias more than for potatoes. Comparisons between potato and petunia are less obvious for positive information. Valua tions by readers of positive information deviate less for petunias than potatoes that are GM, and more for petunias than potatoes that are GE. Although this evidence is mixed, there is reason to believe respondents may be more persuadable regarding petunias since they may be viewed as less risky since they are not eaten and thus removed from health concerns.

Takeaways

Our aim was to understand what beliefs are behind opinions on bioengineering, and whether those opinions are set in stone or malleable. Given new directions of research in bioengineering and changes in the pro cess of bioengineering itself, the question of whether consumers are open to new information is an important one we hope our research can help illuminate.

The major takeaways are summarized below:

• Consumers are willing to pay more for healthy attributes generated by bioengi neering.

• Consumers are very polarized in both positive and negative directions regard ing GM valuations.

• Positive information treatment reduces polarization of responses, and negative information treatment increases polar ization.

• Both GM and GE valuations are subject to persuasion in both directions.

• There is some evidence that information on GM and GE technologies is more persuasive regarding ornamental crops.

Landscape Construction Equipment Goes ELECTRIC

Jill Odom

Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

WITH LANDSCAPING COMPANIES across the country rolling out all-electric lawn maintenance crews, it should be no surprise that electric construction equipment would find its way to the landscape industry as well. Electric construction equipment isn’t completely new, as hybrid diesel-electric machines have existed for a while.

The most recent debuts in compact construction equipment are all-electric for the first time. You may have seen some models at recent trade shows that were a “proof of concept,” but others are getting ready to enter the market.

Creating Electric Construction Models

Compact excavators were one of the first types of construction equipment to be suc cessfully adapted to all-electric. An electric pump and battery replace the engine and hydraulic pump.

“I think the biggest challenge people have is to ensure that you’ve got comparable runtimes or extended runtimes as much as you can,” says Justin Odegaard, acceleration manager for Doosan Bobcat North America.

David Caldwell, national product manager for Takeuchi-US, agrees that the ability to charge the machine while on the job or swap out batteries to enable the machine to con tinue to operate is a challenge specific to the electric models. He adds that the availability of rare earth elements to build these versions and the initial cost of the machine are also issues.

“The most important thing is to clearly understand the utilization of the equipment and pair the right-sized electric motors and batteries to ensure the machines work in most applications,” says Lars Arnold, electro mobility product manager for Volvo Construc tion Equipment.

Odegaard says they opted to create an all-electric compact track loader with the T7X because of the inefficiencies presented with the hydraulics system.

“When we looked at loaders, there were some concerns there with the size of the package and the time that we expected we would get out of a battery pack and running

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a hydraulic system,” Odegaard says. “Hydrau lics are quite inefficient in the grand scheme of things.”

When Toro decided to introduce the e-Din go 500 in 2020, Jay Thaker, marketing man ager for Toro, says they knew rugged battery power would be part of the future. He says their engineers worked to build a machine that would provide all the benefits and power of a standard compact utility loader with zero engine exhaust emissions. They also recently introduced the wheeled electric Ultra Buggy in 2022.

One thing that has helped with the elec trification of construction equipment is the progress in the automotive industry.

“For example, the battery technology used in the Volvo L25 (compact wheel loader) and ECR25 Electric (compact excavator) is the same or similar to the one used in electric vehicles,” Arnold says. “As on-road EVs become more common, better charging infrastructure will follow, which will obviously benefit the off-road sector as well.”

Contractor Concerns

Just like with the adoption of battery-powered handheld equipment, one of the major con cerns landscape contractors have is whether these models have enough power to get the job done. Most manufacturers have projected runtimes, but in the end, it really depends on the usage of the machine.

“Heavier work may require a quick charge over lunch,” Arnold says. “It never hurts to charge when there is a pause in work. Testing has shown common runtimes of four to six hours.”

Caldwell says Takeuchi’s TB20e can run for a full day, depending on the application and environment.

“A key feature of the TB20e is its ability to run tethered to a power source should the battery begin to lose charge, allowing the operator to remain on the job and continue to work,” Caldwell says.

The TB20e can charge in two to four hours with an external charger and charging with an onboard charger takes six to ten hours. Toro’s Ultra Buggy can deliver up to 8 hours of runtime and also features an onboard char ger. It can be plugged into a 110-volt socket and be fully charged in less than eight hours.

Bobcat’s T7X can get four hours of contin uous runtime, but if the operator is doing less strenuous work, they can get more than four hours out of the machine. Odegaard points out that contractors often claim they work a machine eight to 10 hours a day, but when you look at how long a machine is really being operated, it’s three to five hours as they pause, take breaks and so forth. They may let the machine idle the whole time, but they’re not operating it for 10 hours straight.

“The typical contractor way overestimates how much time they’re actually putting on a machine,” Odegaard says. “With a diesel engine, if it’s running, you’re consuming fuel. With the T7X, if you’re in the cab and you let go of the controls, that’s almost like turning the machine off.”

Similarly, the e-Dingo has an auto-idle fea ture that powers off the machine after it has been idling for a certain amount of time.

“The machine also shifts to low idle after five seconds of non-use and shuts off when not in use for more than 30 seconds,” Thaker says. “The operator can then instantly restart the machine by double-tapping the traction control lever. An off-board 1,200-watt charger recharges the compact utility loader in less than eight hours.”

For those worried that the advent of electric construction equipment will mean the extinction of diesel equipment, manu facturers believe both will be around for the foreseeable future. Caldwell says that as fuel costs rise and advancements in electrifica tion become more affordable, the industry will begin to shift away from diesel-powered machines with traditional hydraulic systems.

“Compact equipment has the ability to make that shift sooner than larger equipment, which certainly applies to the landscape industry,” Arnold says. “However, infrastruc ture and mindsets still need to shift as well. We believe heavy equipment will be a mix of electric, hybrid, conventional and other options for several more years.”

Benefits of Electric Construction Equipment

Despite concerns over runtimes, electric con struction equipment offers power, low noise, zero emissions and the possibility of winning certain jobs.

In the case of Bobcat’s T7X, going all-elec tric allows the machine to peak significantly higher than the diesel engine.

“For the most part, those two machines will feel very similar,” Odegaard says. “They’ll operate the same. People can hop from one to the other and get the same amount of work done, but when you’re really working it hard, those brief peak periods where you’re trying to demand everything out of that machine, all those functions, we can consume or draw more of that power from the battery.”

The electric construction equipment is also significantly quieter, make ideal for work ing near homes, schools and businesses. For instance, the sound level at the operator’s position is reduced by more than 22 percent when going from Takeuchi’s TB216 dieselpowered excavator to the battery-powered TB20e.

“Jobs that previously relied almost entirely on manual labor due to noise ordinances can now look to battery-powered equipment to bring efficiencies to the job site,” Thaker says.

With the T7X, Odegaard says snow remov al companies in particular are excited about how quiet it is, at 92.7 dB for bystanders, as it enables them to conduct residential snow work at times they normally couldn’t. Similarly, it can allow for earlier start times on residential landscaping projects.

“This is a machine you don’t have to turn off to be able to talk to somebody that’s out side the machine,” Odegaard says. “You and I can have a conversation at this level and the

iStock.com/PaulMaguire

machine can be running right in between us and we can hear each other just fine.”

Electric construction equipment also can provide cost savings as there is less mainte nance required and no need for fuel.

When it comes to possibly winning jobs with electric construction equipment, Caldwell advises considering the project’s timeline, the client’s environmental preferences and the positive impact on the surrounding area.

“In other words, can the electric machine get the job done well and on time?” Caldwell says. “Will there be people nearby who could benefit from the use of a quieter machine with lower emissions? If the answer to those questions is “yes,” then an electric machine could be a difference-maker.”

Thaker adds that as more states and muni ci-palities implement emission regulations, a contractor with electric equipment incorpo rated into their fleet may find themselves with an advantage over the competition.

“Not only does electric construction equipment reduce engine exhaust emissions, but it can also prove better suited to work on

certain jobsites in urban environments where noise ordinances are in place,” Thaker says.

“As sustainability regulations become more prevalent, these machines are a way to meet or exceed them,” Arnold says. “Environmental awareness is growing quickly, and people have their own personal goals for getting work done in more climate-friendly ways.”

Test the Waters

Odegaard and Caldwell encourage landscape contractors who are considering electric construction equipment to rent a model first to see if it’s a good fit for their business.

“While electric equipment has many benefits, particularly for working in congested urban areas, it really depends on the contrac tors and their customer bases,” Caldwell says. “If a contractor works primarily on certain types of projects, and if they are marketing themselves as a business focused on green initiatives and environmental stewardship, electric equipment can be an ideal solution.”

Thaker advises landscapers to determine what size equipment they commonly require

and then turn to a trusted dealer who can help match them to the right piece of equip ment for their needs.

Arnold stresses not to just look at the pur chase price. Volvo conservatively estimates electric equipment has 35 percent lower maintenance costs and up to 45 percent reduction in operating hours thanks to the machine turning off instead of idling, reduc ing wear and tear.

“Landscape professionals considering add ing electric construction equipment to their fleet now may find themselves with an advan tage over their peers as customers begin demanding more environmentally friendly and quieter operations,” Thaker says.

Odegaard understands that many are going to be skeptical until they test the equipment for themselves.

“The power that you can get from electric today is nothing like it was even 10 years ago,” Odegaard says. “It’s unbeatable. That’s one of the things with T7X I think that sur prises a lot of people is that they think electric and they think weak.”

Top 5 Ways to Support MNLA at Year-end

By: Monique Kleinhuizen Co-owner, Apex Legacy Consultants

Fast-growing, with a handsome, dense habit, North Pole® arborvitae is a narrow columnar selection that will add bold punctuation to every landscape plan.

Selected by Art Boe of Faribault, MN, it is very hardy and resistant to winter burn with dark green winter foliage. •Space saving habit •Cold hardy •Burn resistant •Native species

Available from Proven Winners® ColorChoice® growers. www.provenwinners-shrubs.com

CONSIDER SETTING ASIDE BUSINESS-RELATED MATERIAL/EQUIPMENT FOR THE MNLA SURPLUS AUCTION

— OR MAKE AN EARLY-BIRD GIFT IN KIND TO THE 2023 NORTHERN GREEN SILENT AUCTION.

As you begin to make year-end plans, you might wonder how to make the biggest bang with your philanthropic buck–and what tax advan tages might be available. Here are some ways to give, even without impacting your day-today cash flow.

As legacy consultants, we work with donors from all walks of life. They vote differently. They approach life differently. Their family situations and the businesses they own and the values they hold are all different. But they have one thing in common: they want to maximize what they can do with the resources they have.

We specialize in legacy gift planning, helping people envision how they’ll transfer assets to their family and favorite causes after they’re gone. But planning conversations often touch on how they can increase their gener osity now while avoiding unnecessary tax. Keep in mind the magic number of 60% — as in you can claim a charitable tax deduction up to 60% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Any gift made in cash, by credit card, by check, or in kind is fair game, as long as it’s to a qualified 501(c)3 and you don’t receive any goods or services in return. Keep that receipt!

As we approach the end of 2022, here are the top five ways we encourage donors to give. Consult your financial advisor or accountant to see which ones might be the most advantageous for you!

Be Kind…Make a Gift in Kind

Consider setting aside business-related material/equipment for the MNLA Founda tion surplus auction — or make an early-bird gift in kind to the 2023 Northern Green silent auction. The MNLA Foundation partners with Fahey Sales to auction off live plants, hardscape materials, equipment, and other assets online. Or, if you have a family cabin stay or another less-business-related item to contribute, donating to the MNLA Founda tion silent auction — held in the atrium of Northern Green — is a great option. Either way, you’ll receive a charitable gift receipt for the fair market value of the goods, you’ll get

some great visibility for your family or busi ness, and the MNLA Foundation will receive the auction proceeds to fund its work. Visit mnla.biz for more information about these auctions.

Take Stock

Do you have appreciated shares? You can give a gift of stock to a charitable organization. You’ll avoid paying Capital Gains Tax on the appreciation, and the full market value of that stock will go to work for your favorite cause immediately. Contact your broker and indicate that you’d like to transfer stock to a charity. You’ll need the nonprofit tax ID number.

Tap Into Your IRA

Are you over 70½? You can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA to your favorite charity. If you don’t need all of your retirement fund, this will allow you to give these pre-tax dollars, up to $100,000 per year per person. Depending on your income bracket, the charity could see significantly more impact than if you were to write a check or give cash (which is post-tax). Cha-ching!

Are you over 72?

Yep, another acronym! At age 72, Americans are required to begin taking an income, or Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), from their IRA. Anyone over 70 ½ can take advan tage of the QCD provision, although if you’re 72 or better, you’ll need to take distributions, and they’re taxable. If you don’t need that income and prefer not to pay tax on it, this is a great way to give. Contact your retirement fund custodian to initiate a QCD.

Have a Farm? Give Crops.

You can opt to donate crops to your favorite charity. There’s no charitable deduction here, but transfer the crop to the charity’s name before selling, and you’ll be able to exclude that from your 2022 income. Especially in a strong agricultural or economic year, you can offset higher income and decrease the potential taxes you’ll pay. Give your nonprofit

a heads-up that a gift is coming, ask the ele vator/bin to transfer a percentage of the yield to the organization, and the nonprofit will collect the proceeds.

Fund a Donor Advised Fund

If a legacy consultant could have a favorite giving tool, the Donor Advised Fund (DAF) would be mine, because it’s just so versatile! We often refer to a DAF as “charitable check book” that can be set up through a foundation in minutes–and has benefits for just about anyone. Funds put into a DAF are immedi ately tax-deductible, up to 60% of your AGI. Then those funds grow with interest until you decide where and when to give them to your favorite causes.

You can fund a DAF with cash, appreciated assets, or even real estate before December 31, get the 2022 tax deduction, and then decide later how you’d like to grant those charitable dollars. A DAF can also be paired beautifully with other estate planning tools, such as charitable trusts. Like a mini-founda tion without fees or maintenance, a DAF can help instill generosity in your heirs for genera tions to come. A DAF can be set up and fund ed in minutes through administrators like the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Fidelity, or Schwab. Grant to nonprofits anytime, anywhere, and in any amount!

➽ MONIQUE KLEINHUIZEN is co-owner of Apex Legacy Consultants. Apex helps families give strategically and create comprehensive legacy plans that celebrate their values, eliminate tax, and give to loved ones and organizations they care about. MNLA is considering launching a partner ship with Apex to make legacy planning resources available to members. Reach out to Executive Director Cassie Larson (cassie@mnla.biz) if you are interested in learning more.

➽ *Information and opinions formed by Apex Legacy Consultants are for educational purposes only. Individuals are advised to consult an attorney and/or financial professional before making estate-related decisions.

2022 Foundation Shootout!

Thank you to all the shooters who joined us for our annual fundraiser tournament at Games Unlimited Hunt Club in Hudson, WI on September 20, 2022! Conditions were perfect with sunshine, vibrant fall colors, lakes, and marshes on this 75-round course. Over 100 attendees

competed in clay pigeon shooting and supported the MNLA Foundation Scholarship Fund. The scholarship program makes it possible for outstanding college students who have chosen horticulture or landscaping as their career choice and/or to complete their college programs.

Carlin Horticultural Supplies

Cherokee Manufacturing

Compeer Financial

Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply

Hiway Credit Union

Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape

Klaus Nurseries

LandscapeHub

Minnesota Mulch & Soil

Plaisted Companies

Rock Hard Landscape Supply

Wilson’s Nursery, Inc.

Giveaway and Raffle Prizes: County Materials

Game Unlimited Hunt Club

Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape

Matt Felkner Financial

MNLA FOUNDATION

Improving the Environment by Investing in Research and Education

You are encouraged to participate in the MNLA Foundation Workforce Development Partners Fund at one of the participating suppliers recognized below.

Your voluntary donation of ½ of 1% (0.5%) on purchases of plants and other nursery, greenhouse and landscape products at these suppliers is used by the MNLA Foundation to grow a brighter future for the industry. On an invoice totaling $1,000 at one of these suppliers, your contribution will be only $5.00. Small, individual contributions add up quickly to make a real difference!

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