Horizon

IRRIGATION

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Legislative & Regulatory Updates

WHIP+ Extension for 2020 & 2021

Congress passed $10 billion in funding for the extension of the WHIP+ program, providing disaster relief payments to producers impacted by weather related disasters in 2020 & 2021. Included in the provisions were the requirement to also extend payment limits per entity applying for aid. In some cases, this may reduce the nursery businesses that choose to apply due to the financial tradeoffs of the program requirements. Specialty crops did get designated a higher payout limit which is a positive development so that the payout closer reflects the average Winter Storm Uri loss for businesses. Consider attending the TNLA Grower Summit where the program specialist from the state Farm Service Agency will present on the WHIP+ program and other relief programs available for nurseries. It should be noted that the WHIP+ program and the relief payments are not accessible yet as the USDA prepares to write the rules for eligibility in the coming months.

Specifics on what passed in the WHIP+ package are found HERE

OSHA Heat Standard Targeting Texas; Initial Comment Period Open OSHA has published their initial statement on the development of the new federal heat standard. The ANPR document requests input from industry and advocacy groups in developing the standard with 114 questions. As stated in the document released, OSHA will be looking at data from Texas and California noting the states lead the nation in heat-related deaths. I would encourage green industry business owners to read through the OSHA release and consider the comments from their business perspective. TNLA will be making comments at the appropriate time. The comment period for this initial opportunity closes on December 27th.

You can find the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) HERE.

Congressional Meetings Wrap Up

TNLA just wrapped up a slate of Congressional meetings on the need for reforms to the H-2A and H-2B programs. The discussions were highly productive, in some cases, educating new staff about the H2 programs and their importance to Texas. I want to say a quick word of thanks for the volunteers who participated, including those who did this type of event for the first time. Following the meetings, we feel several of the Texas congressional delegation are much closer to supporting HR 3897 to provide permanent H-2B cap relief. Congressman Vincente Gonzalez’ staff let TNLA know on Friday that they would be co-sponsoring the bill – a significant win for our industry.

H-2B First Half Cap Hit on Record Pace

The H-2B first half cap was hit earlier than ever before, indicating there is likely to be record demands on the capped program for FY 22. TNLA has been messaging Congress on the need for cap relief through the TNLA Legislative Action Center all year long. In partnership with the H-2B Workforce Coalition, our industry has lobbied Congress for immediate cap relief for FY 22 utilizing the appropriations process. At this point, the House Appropriations bill for the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) has stronger language in the bill directing the administration to release up to 46,000 supplemental visas. For the first time in several years, the Senate version of the DHS funding bill also has language which also allows for supplemental H-2B visas. Given that both chambers’ bills reflect this language, we have hope when Congress finalizes the funding package, we will have firmer ground to ask the Biden administration to release supplemental visas earlier and in greater volume. Based on intel out of Washington D.C., employers can expect the administration to set aside a certain amount of the supplemental visas for the “golden triangle” countries.

Check out the Latest Job Opportunities Available on TNLA’s Career Center

Landscape Design/Enhancement Specialist; Houston, Texas; Prewett, Read & Associates

Supervisor, Streetscapes; The Woodlands, Texas; The Woodlands Township

Head Gardener; Fort Davis, Texas; Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute

Project Manager; Fort Worth, Texas; MBL Inc.

landscape laborers; Houston, Texas; McDugald Steele

Inside Sales Representative; Seagoville, Texas; Green Lake Nursery

landscape laborer; Houston, Texas; McDugald Steele

Vegetation Maintenance Specialist 1; Johnson City, Texas; Pedernales Electric Cooperative

Assistant Director II - Landscape & Campus Services; Huntsville, Texas; Sam Houston State University

Landscape Services Supervisor; Huntsville, Texas; Sam Houston State University

Assistant Superintendent; Austin, Texas; The University of Texas Golf Club

Landscape Services Assistant Supervisor; Huntsville, Texas; Sam Houston State University

For additional information on how to register your company to post a position or post your resume, click here.

NEW TNLA MEMBERS:

REGION 2

Supplier Business CH Products LLC

Curt Hummel Cypress, TX

REGION 3

Retail Business Gray's Nursery & Garden Center

Dana Gray Mineola, TX New TNLA Certified Professionals:

TCNP

Steven Kavanaugh, Calloway's Nursery Amber Cox, Calloway's Nursery

TCWSP

Raul Rivera, Town of Addison

TCLA

Brandy Egger, Windham Instructor

The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Foundation established a scholarship program for students interested in the field of Horticulture.

If you are a deserving student interested in this field of study, please go to the following website for more details: https://tnla.awardsplatform.com/.

The DEADLINE for completing on-line applications for the 2022-2023 school year is December 15, 2021. Only electronic applications using the website above will be accepted.

All scholarship applicants should carefully review the program requirements as explained on the website, and then submit their application, letters of referral and transcripts by the deadline. The Foundation Trustees have stressed the importance of having good personal references accompany the scholarship application form -- many times it is the personal references that help the Trustees decide between two deserving students.

We appreciate your support and promotion of this worthwhile program. If you are interested in finding out more, please visit our website tnlaonline.org or contact Cheryl Staritz at (512) 579-3863 or cheryl@tnlaonline.org.

New TNLA Certified Professionals:

TNLA Tailgate Topics: Aerification (Coring)

Objective: Participants will be able to correctly identify the steps to take when using a core aerifier when treating compacted soils or thatch of turf.

APPLICATION: Using a spading fork or other aeration tool, have participants practice aerating an area of lawn. Participants should know why a lawn needs to be aerated and the results of aeration. Make sure participants are taking the proper precautions when using aeration equipment.

Often times insects, diseases, improper watering, and lack of fertilizer are blamed for a lawn’s decline. Many times the real culprit is soil compaction. The best method to reduce soil compaction, improve water penetration, and aid in thatch control is to aerify (core) the soil.

Aerator equipment has hollow tines or spoon-type times that extract soil cores from the turf. The soil core diameter and length varies with the type and strength of the equipment. Heavier equipment will give rise to deeper penetration.

The type of grass will determine if aeration is needed in the fall or spring. Aerify on a day when temperatures are mild and soil is moderately moist. Aerating when soil is wet leads to greater compaction.

Soil cores should be broken up and worked back into the turf (by dragging, raking, matting, or shattering) or should be left on the lawn to be broken up by rainfall and traffic. Always go over the lawn twice, once in one direction, then in a perpendicular direction.

When using an aerator take the following precautions to ensure a safe and proper aeration. 1. Become familiar with the equipment before you begin using it. 2. Check all belts and chains for wear and make any adjustments before starting. (Safety Requirement) 3. Remove any debris that may come in contact with the aerator. Flag irrigation heads before starting. (Safety Requirement) 4. Operate the equipment at a safe and consistent speed. (Safety Requirement) 5. Never operate the equipment over a sidewalk or paved surface. (Safety Requirement) 6. Always operate the aerator in a safe manner.

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