An AmericanHort Member Benefit

2018:August

A KNOWLEDGE RESOURCE FOR OUR INDUSTRY

IN THIS ISSUE

Best Practices– Better Performance Growing your bottom line goes hand-in-hand with performing better. Performing better means learning and implementing best practices. AmericanHort is here to connect you to those best practices—whether through events, new partnerships, or advocating in D.C., our goal is to always have a connection to the solution that you’ve been looking for. Perform better with best practices. Let us connect you.

PLUG & CUTTING CONFERENCE 2

THE NEW CONSUMER INITIATIVE 4

Coming September 2018 to Charlotte, North Carolina

AmericanHort & NALP Announce Partnership

ADVOCACY UPDATE

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Farm Bill Getting Closer to Goal Line Preparing for Immigration & Customs Enforcement

PLUG & CUTTING 2018

Seeding Smarter Solutions for Better Performance It’s time for another Plug & Cutting Conference, and this year’s is guaranteed to be one of the best yet. At Plug & Cutting 2018, we’re focused on helping you find the newest and best strategies, technologies, and techniques in the world of plugs and cuttings.

Note: Tour registration is limited and does have an extra cost.

In-Depth Workshop This is the event for young plant producers and growers from across the country and the best time to get on the road toward better performance for your company. Join us this September 17–19 in Charlotte, North Carolina for 3 jam-packed days full of excellent education, a really cool tour, a hands-on workshop, and a trade show full of companies who can help solve your toughest problems.

Professional Development Plug & Cutting is a unique conference that offers cutting-edge education focusing specifically on best practices in young plant production. Recognized for years as the leading educational opportunity for growers, attendees will leave with a fresh arsenal of best practices and ideas to keep facilities running smoothly and profitably. At Plug & Cutting 2018, we’re featuring three key tracks, including production input, plug and cutting principles, and problem management, and some sessions will be offered in Spanish as well. Attendees will learn from renowned experts on these topics and how they can specifically relate to their operation.

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Growers know that to grow a clean crop, you have to start from the beginning. Join us for this can’t-miss program with Suzanne Wainwright-Evans as she dives into her Biocontrols for Propagators Workshop. Attendees will learn what biocontrol agents can be used in young plants, what pests they control, and learn firsthand how to apply them. Note: Workshop registration is limited and does have an extra cost.

Trade Show So there’s world-class education, a can’tmiss tour, and an in-depth workshop, what more could you ask for? How about a trade show with 40+ exhibitors who have the answers to your hardest plug and cutting questions. Grow your connections and meet with the business that can help you tackle your biggest problems.

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IN

During the Production Tour, we’re stopping at Metrolina Greenhouses and Rockwell Farms. Metrolina Greenhouses is a family-owned wholesale plant and services company. They are the largest single-site heated greenhouse in the U.S. with 162 acres under roof. Rockwell Farms is a family-owned and operated commercial greenhouse. With 36 acres of environmentally controlled greenhouse space, they are ranked the 51st largest grower in the U.S.

GO

The Plug & Cutting Production Tour is taking attendees to two diverse and unique North Carolina greenhouses. Some of the best learning happens outside of the classroom, so this is the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with the companies who are change the way growing is happening.

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Production Tour

EK & F

Seek & Find ! In each issue, we’ll be “hiding” a new small graphic. When you find it, email us at ConnectSeekAndFind@AmericanHort.org, and tell us where you found it. (For example, “bottom left corner of page 5.”) When you respond by the 1st of the month after the publication is issued, you’ll be entered into a drawing for an AmericanHort super prize pack. For this August issue, respond by September 1.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following AmericanHort members who found June’s icon in our Seek & Find and are winners of our drawing for some AmericanHort swag! Cindy Steffensmeier, Bluebird Nursery, Inc. Clarkson, NE Mike Graham, Plantique Lake Worth, FL* *Note Mike was one of our first Seek & Find winners and has responded each month. Thank you. Mike! You’re a loyal reader!

To learn more about AmericanHort’s Plug & Cutting Conference and to get registered, visit AmericanHort.org/Plug. Jordann Dillard Marketing & Communications Specialist, AmericanHort JordannD@AmericanHort.org

2018:August | 3

CONSUMER PROGRAMS

MEET OUR S TA F F

AmericanHort and the National Association of Landscape Professionals Join Forces on Consumer Website AmericanHort and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) have announced a partnership to raise consumer awareness and drive purchase of plants used for landscaping and gardening through content delivered on the consumer websites LoveYourLandscape.org and LoveYourPlants.org. AmericanHort, the premier trade association for the horticulture industry, will share its expert knowledge of flowers and shrubs on the website and on social channels, through its LoveYourPlants branded content. In partnership with NALP and LoveYourLandscape.org, the website will have new content each month which will promote the consumer and environmental benefits of plants, trees and shrubs and managed landscapes. The AmericanHort featured content in the LoveYourPlants.org area of the website will provide a variety of helpful tips and inspiration for flowers, trees and shrubs. The site will also include a link to find a local plant retailer in a designated area. “Our retail garden members are a great resource for consumers and can help save time and effort by recommending the best plants for a specific purpose,” said Ken Fisher, president and CEO of AmericanHort. “Our goal is to provide advice and inspiration and to connect consumers to their local garden retailer where they can ask questions and purchase exactly what they need.” “NALP launched LoveYourLandscape two years ago as a platform to inspire homeowners to invest in their outdoor living spaces, tout the benefits of healthy lawns and landscapes and stress the expertise offered by landscape professionals,” said Missy Henriksen, NALP’s VP of Public Affairs. “Through the support of our Industry Growth Initiative, we’ve been able to drive

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people to the website and to our Hire a Pro directory.” LoveYourPlants.org and LoveYourLandscape. org encourage visitors to seek professional help by consulting with a retail garden center or nursery and landscape expert for horticulture advice. These experts can provide guidance and offer suggestions for choosing the right plants for garden, landscape or lawn care projects. Both associations will drive traffic to the site through digital ad campaigns, social media outreach and media relations tactics. The website is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2018.

Featuring The AmericanHort Marketing Team Where would any of us be without them?

Terri Brown Director of Marketing & Member Engagement

Jordann Dillard Marketing and Communications Specialist

Katie Gustafson Marketing and Communications Specialist

TerriB@AmericanHort.org

JordannD@AmericanHort.org

KatieG@AmericanHort.org

5 months with AmericanHort

1 year, 10 months with AmericanHort

1.5 months with AmericanHort

Job Responsibilities: Leads email and printed communications, including Print and Digital Connect, manages AmericanHort social media accounts and advertising opportunities

Job Responsibilities: Marketing and communication assignments

Job Responsibilities: Public relations, marketing, content and strategy, and member engagement Favorite Part of AmericanHort: It’s great to work with people who are so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to be part of a team that is so committed to moving the green industry forward.

About NALP The National Association of Landscape Professionals represents an industry of approximately 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation, and tree care experts who create and maintain green spaces for the benefit of society and the environment. The association works with lawmakers and the public to protect and grow the industry and offers education, networking, training and certification programs that increase the professionalism in the industry and inspire its members to excellence. Get more information at LandscapeProfessionals.org.

Terri Brown Director of Marketing & Member Engagement, AmericanHort TerriB@AmericanHort.org

Mary Beth Cowardin VP of Marketing and Member Engagement MaryBethC@AmericanHort.org 9 months with AmericanHort Job Responsibilities: Helps lead AmericanHort in marketing and member engagement initiatives Favorite Part of AmericanHort: I enjoy being part of an organization with the mission of helping an industry thrive and remain strong for generations to come.

Favorite Part of AmericanHort: The AmericanHort staff is a group of fun, hardworking people. So not only do I get to work with some great people each day, but we get to do work furthering an industry full of plant lovers who want to work to make the world a greener place.

Favorite Part of AmericanHort: Everyone has been so welcoming. I’m loving the team and feel right at home here!

Jeremiah Werstein Digital Engagement Specialist JeremiahW@AmericanHort.org Over 3 years with AmericanHort Job Responsibilities: Manages AmericanHort websites and websites of partner organizations, such as HRI. This means making sure they’re up-to-date and working properly across all devices Favorite Part of AmericanHort: I love knowing that my work can have an instant and positive impact on our members. 2018:August | 5

MEMBERSHIP

It Pays to Be

An AmericanHort Membership Means an Investment in the Future With an AmericanHort membership, you’re investing in the future of your business and our entire industry. We specialize in connecting you to the mentors, leaders, and knowledgeable resources you need—when you need them. Knowing the right people and having access to the latest industry information is crucial when it comes to performing at your highest level. Your support allows us to develop and deliver the resources you need to perform better day in and day out, grow faster than you ever dreamed possible, and prepare both yourself and your business for the future.

We’ve been working hard to develop our membership messaging and materials. By now, you may have seen our new membership collateral. Our goal is to ensure that all members understand the value of their membership, regardless of their level of investment. We also want to recruit new members to join our organization by sharing a clear and concise message that communicates how a membership in AmericanHort can help take their business to the next level.

Our industry is made up of dynamic corporations and family-owned businesses, many of which are in their third or even fifth generation of family management. Collectively, the horticulture industry’s production, wholesale, retail, and landscape service components have annual sales of $196 billion and sustain over 1.6 million full- and part-time jobs. That’s big business, and it’s clear that we are stronger together. The size and scope of our industry require constant attention to protect and advance our collective interests.

Different levels of membership provide varying levels of benefit. Basic, Plus, and Premium members are provided with networking, education, and on-going communications about industry topics and trends. In addition, all members benefit from our efforts in Washington, D.C., where our team advocates for you on industry issues.

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Premium membership provides priority access to benefits and services that are unique. This level of membership includes Industry Insider wrap-up discussions, Industry Benchmarking programs that allow you to benchmark against industry segment peers, and consulting and legal access with CJ Lake and K Coe-Isom. John Wolski of Ski Landscape Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana, knows firsthand how valuable access to the free legal consulting can be.

“If you are involved in H2B or H2A, you’ll find it pays to be a premium member of AmericanHort because you get access to free legal advice from CJ Lake,” John told us. “I spoke with Chris Schulte when I had a question about VISAs, and he was very helpful and responsive. Without that access, I might not have received the information I needed and avoided a serious problem.”

Whatever your level of membership in AmericanHort, we thank you for joining or renewing and for making an investment in your future and the future of the industry. If you have suggestions or ideas about educational programs or other services we could provide, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You make it possible for us to help ensure success for years to come. Terri Brown Director of Marketing & Member Engagement, AmericanHort TerriB@AmericanHort.org

PrepareFuture Perform Better Grow Faster

2018:August | 7

HRI Committee members conduct the final steps. They review the top-tier proposals and all numeric ratings and comments collected from each previous reviewer. They then meet to discuss each proposal’s merit and choose which projects to fund.

How HRI Tackles the Industries Biggest Challenges The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), the AmericanHort Foundation, supports both scientific research and students for the advancement of the horticulture industry. Leaders of the industry established HRI on the premise that no one could better direct needed research to advance horticulture than the very people who work in it day in and day out. We stick to that same vision today—we fund and guide horticultural research efforts with the direct input from industry professionals just like you. Think of it as the strong foundation upon which to build your business. HRI has allocated over $7.5 million dollars towards supporting research since 1962 to help solve problems in all facets of the industry, from production issues to environmental and business issues—and all points in between! Research and promotion programs, often called checkoff programs, are common to many commodity groups, such as sweet cherry, dairy, cotton, and many others to help fund research. Environmental horticulture, however, is composed of independent growers and production facilities, mostly family-run operations. Uniformity is not common to our stakeholders, making this type of program challenging, if not impossible, to implement. Enter HRI. Every year, HRI receives thousands of donations to support our mission. The funds 8 | AmericanHort.org

are deposited in an endowment, currently valued around $11 million. Individuals, corporations, and associations contributed this money and continue to do so. The interest earned from the endowment supports research and scholarships. How do we decide what projects to fund? Every year, HRI announces and publicizes a call for research proposals from major universities and federal agencies. Once the proposal submission deadline has passed, reviews begin. The review process requires many more people than just HRI trustees and staff. We enlist the help of about 70 volunteers to help from the industry and the science community. Volunteers commit to doing the hard work of critically reading the proposals and evaluating their relevance to the industry and scientific merit. HRI trustees, industry representatives, and scientists review each proposal using an online review portal and award each a numeric value. This robust review period takes about two months, after which the top-performing proposals, or about half, continue through to the final review stages. Next, donors who have named HRI funds weigh in. They are given an opportunity to review each of the top-performing proposals, rank their top five picks, and provide feedback. The HRI Executive

The entire process from start to finish is a major undertaking. Proposals are typically accepted in May and funding awards are announced the following January or February. HRI’s dedication to the industry doesn’t stop there. Once projects are funded, we shepherd the distribution of project findings to you, the industry. We accomplish this in a number of ways – through feature articles, press releases, research reports,

the Journal of Environmental Horticulture, educational sessions at various conferences and webinars, enewsletters, etc. HRI tackles the biggest challenges – everything from disease management to water quality and availability – to bring you the information and best practices you need to perform better, grow faster, and prepare for the future. If you would like to join the cause as a donor or review, contact us! Jill Calabro, PhD Research & Science Programs Director, AmericanHort JillC@AmericanHort.org

AmericanHort Announces Support on ELD Bill By: Tal Coley, Director of Government Affairs, AmericanHort AmericanHort sent formal letters to Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Rep. Greg Gianforte (R-MT) this week to announce support for H.R. 5949, The Agricultural Business Electronic Logging Device Exemption Act of 2018. This bill gives the option for agricultural businesses to return to paper logs for compliance with Hours of Service regulations, which are rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regarding how many hours a driver can be on duty. Under this legislation, drivers can also continue to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) if they so choose. Many industries in agriculture have unique needs and allowing options on such sweeping regulations will provide some relief in the current environment. Evidence of those unique needs and circumstances are clear as there have been a number of agriculture-related exemption extensions and legislation introduced addressing the issue for various industries. In a press statement released after the bill was introduced, Representative Peterson noted that the legislation will “help reduce unnecessary

stops and delays which threaten the quality of agricultural products on their way to market.” Of significance in the legislation is the definition used for what is considered an agricultural product. The definition— taken from section 207 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946—specifically states that horticulture is included as an agricultural product, which was paramount in support of the legislation. As we have consistently pointed out, regulations centered around the ELD mandate and agriculture have proven to be problematic to this point, with little to no guidance as to who is specifically included in agricultural exemptions. Our industry has long been regarded as part of agriculture not only by USDA but under federal tax and labor laws. This bill provides much more clarity which is essential for compliance reasons. The Agricultural Retailers Association and National Grain and Feed Association have also lent their support to the bill. AmericanHort will continue efforts this summer to garner additional support for the legislation in Congress.

2018:August | 9

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Metrolina Greenhouses Huntersville, North Carolina

In this AmericanHort Member Spotlight, we are featuring Metrolina Greenhouses in North Carolina. Metrolina is one of the tour stops during the 2018 Plug & Cutting Production Tour. To learn more, visit AmericanHort.org/Plug. What was one of the biggest accomplishments at Metrolina last year? We had a strong year in 2017, so there is so much we could point towards, but one of the biggest accomplishments was our ability to drive a sales increase while decreasing our waste by 11% through better variety selection, solid forecasting, great propagation, consistent growing practices, technology driven logistics and replenishment, and our great teams out in the stores. Where do you see Metrolina headed in 2018? Our growth is dependent on helping consumers succeed. Helping them plan the right project, buy the right items, and then have success so they spend more of their time and money on our product the following year. We have strong growth plans to expand our business, but this will only happen if we work with our retail partners to help consumers succeed. Knowing what consumers want, and then helping them understand what they need to be successful, is the key formula for growth.

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What area of your business is Metrolina focused on expanding or improving for 2018? One big focus area of ours is building and improving our team. This means increased investment in 2018 in recruitment, retention, attendance, and training. We only win if we have the best team in the industry and if we build a culture and structure that allows this great team to flourish and grow. What are some of Metrolina’s strengths in the marketplace and how do you make sure this strength continues into 2018 and beyond? Our strength in the marketplace is our focus on being a full-solution provider to all our retail partners. We want to be a resource and solution center in all areas for our customers whether that is in consumer insights, R&D work, variety selection, forecasting tools, logistics, in-store display layouts, or product quality specs. Just providing quality product is not enough anymore and we invest in all areas to make that happen.

“Our dad always said ‘Automate or Stagnate,’ and our company continues to live by that guiding principle.” How has being an AmericanHort member impacted Metrolina in the past and how are you expecting it to impact the future? AmericanHort is a great organization that pools the collective input and needs of our industry into one voice. This is key in regulation reform and assuring our industry has a “seat at the table”. A great example of that is the recent exemption extension of the HOS/ELD trucking regulations for live goods providers. This is huge win for the industry as we work together to find better solutions. What are you hoping to showcase on the Plug & Cutting Production Tour in September? We have always had an open-door policy at Metrolina to both share what we have learned through opening our facilities to others and to also learn from others via frank dialogue about what is working and not working in the industry. One of our core sayings is “Automate or Stagnate”, and our goal on the tour is to show what we have done in automation on plugs and cuttings, while also listening and learning from others

on the tour on what is working in their facilities. What are you looking forward to most as being a part of the Plug & Cutting Production Tour? Our industry has unbelievable talent and diversity, but our fragmented business model with so many players makes it hard for us to harness that talent into idea development. The tour is going to give us a chance to bring that talent together and learn from each other to hopefully grow and expand those great ideas. What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received? Our dad always said “Automate or Stagnate,” and our company continues to live by that guiding principle. But behind the scenes, he always instilled in us that no matter where you are and what work you are engaged in, be the hardest worker in the room. Great ideas are important, but winning on a long-term basis depends on daily and consistent execution of those ideas.

2018:August | 11

FROM THE HILL

A D V O C A C Y U P DAT E S

Farm Bill Closer to Goal Line A new five-year Farm Bill came a step closer to reality on June 28, when the U.S Senate passed its version by a bipartisan landslide vote of 86-11, concluding a week of debate. Next, a Senate-House conference committee will seek to resolve key differences between the Senate and House versions. The most controversial of those, of course, is the House’s addition of new work obligations for recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. (Not our battle, thankfully). The House passed its version of the farm bill a couple weeks ago along a party-line vote of 213-211. For our priorities, the two bills are largely equal. They both sustain key programs for horticulture, including the Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention, National Clean Plant Network, and Specialty Crop Block Grant programs. The Senate bill has one big advantage—$25 million in additional research funding via the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI). The last Farm Bill provided $80 million for SCRI, which has become very significant for leveraging big projects benefiting horticulture, like spray application technology, downy mildew and rose rosette disease solutions, and pollinator health. But in that bill, $25 million was set aside or “carved out” for the citrus industry, which faces an existential crisis from a devastating disease called citrus greening. While citrus growers face terrible threats, other sectors have challenges too. Fortunately, the Senate found a way to fund ongoing citrus research via a new trust fund, allowing all other specialty crop industries to compete for the full $80 million. The House bill has some good provisions as well. For example, report language championed by Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC) seeks to bring practical consistency to how key disaster relief programs work for our 12 | AmericanHort.org

industry. Nurseries in eastern North Carolina suffered badly from Hurricane Matthew, and AmericanHort was pleased to work with industry colleagues in that state, as well as Florida and Oregon, to help available programs work better.

Preparing for Immigration and Customs Enforcement It seems you can’t turn on the TV, pick up a paper, or scroll through social media lately and not hear mention of recent immigration control activity taking place across our country. In early June, the topic touched one of our members, reminding us all of the importance of being prepared to deal with the latest government policies around use if immigrant labor. Here are tips for how small family businesses can protect themselves and be prepared should you get a call requesting an Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) audit: •

No time like now to review I-9 practices by conducting a selfaudit, including record keeping procedures.

Much is happening as well thanks to the pest and disease management program, which is sustained in both bills. For example, the Horticultural Research Institute— the foundation of AmericanHort—has received funding awards over the past several years to help advance a special project known as Systems Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC). Nineteen greenhouse and nursery operations across the country are piloting SANC, which is essentially a quality management program intended to modernize how plants are certified for interstate (and maybe someday international) commerce.

•

Prepare for the possibility of an audit or raid by developing a plan and assigning staff responsibilities.

•

Don’t make the mistake of getting too picky about documents and exposing yourself to hiring discrimination claims. The legal standard when hiring is that any of the documents approved for I-9 purposes appearing genuine on their face should be accepted as such. You don’t want to ask for more than the law requires, or to specify which types of documents you will or won’t accept.

Want to hear how the pilot is proceeding? Ask any of the operations involved. Willoway Nurseries (Tom Demaline), D.S. Cole Growers (Doug Cole), Altman Plants (Ken Altman), and Dickman Farms (Bob Dickman) are among the pilots.

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Given the worsening labor situation, more and more employers are exploring, or turning to, the H-2 visa programs (H-2A for growers, H-2B for non-agricultural). Both programs have their limits; B is of course subject to an unrealistic cap and is very oversubscribed. In either case, do your homework first, or you will learn lessons the hard way.

•

E-Verify is an option some employers are considering. It is not a foolproof system (we are told that good fake documents can and do clear E-Verify) but the program does give an employer who is using it properly a strong defense that they’re doing everything the law allows. Of course,

Craig Regelbrugge Senior VP for Industry and Research, AmericanHort CraigR@AmericanHort.org

Tal Coley Director of Government Affairs, AmericanHort TalC@AmericanHort.org

Note: Listen to a previous webinar featuring Chris Schulte of CJ Lake where he provides tips on workforce development and H2A. You can access this webinar by logging in to the AmericanHort Knowledge Center at AmericanHort.org/KC*. *Having issues logging in? Click the forgot username or password link. Still having issues? We’re happy to help. Contact our office at 614-487-1117 or Hello@AmericanHort.org.

going into E-Verify has the practical effect of severely restricting the applicant pool that’s likely to apply and accept a job. At AmericanHort, we are thought leaders and issue experts in this space. We have detailed employer guidance available to our members. We strongly encourage members of AmericanHort to review our Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) Audit and Enforcement Guidance Document available to all members in our online Knowledge Center. This document provides an overview of recent history and a discussion on general immigration compliance advice to help businesses deal with ICE requests. You can find this document at AmericanHort. org/Compliance. Additionally, premium members have access to legal support resources that we encourage you to take advantage of using. You can read more about the AmericanHort position on Immigration and Custom Enforcement at AmericanHort.org/ICEposition. Craig Regelbrugge Senior VP for Industry and Research, AmericanHort CraigR@AmericanHort.org

2018:August | 13

Connect WITH US

WITH US

Let ’s Get Connected !

We want to get to know you better. Help us do so by joining us in Connect #EngageWithUs—our brand-new way of connecting with our members and community. Snap a pic that best represents the topic of the month, and share it with us on social media with the special hashtag below. Make sure you tag us in the post, too!

This month, share a photo that represents end of summer to you (a few more cookouts? Last minute landscaping? Last days at the pool?), and use the hashtag:

#EndofSummer

@AmericanHort

@youramericanhort @American_Hort

KEY DAT ES

About AmericanHort AmericanHort is the national association of horticulture businesses and professionals across the spectrum of the industry. Without you there is no us, so AmericanHort undertakes the critical task of protecting, preserving, and promoting the national horticulture industry so that people like you can do what you love in an industry that thrives. Perform better, grow faster, and prepare for the future as a member of AmericanHort, the green industry’s leading association.

Webinar

Sanitation for Disease Management August 17, 2:00 PM EST In this webinar, presenter Dr. Fulya BaysalGurel, assistant professor at the Tennessee State University Otis L. Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, TN, will be addressing why you should use sanitation practices at plant production, mechanically transmitted plant diseases, and common disinfectants and improved sanitation/ hygiene practices through research results.

AUGUST

17

To learn more about this webinar and to register, visit AmericanHort.org/Webinars.

Learn more at AmericanHort.org. AmericanHort represents the entire horticulture industry. No matter your specialty, we have the resources you need to cultivate a successful business.

Business Plus

Floral

Greenhouse

Interior Plantscape

Landscape

Garden Retail

Plug & Cutting Biocontrols for Propagators Workshop | Featuring Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, Buglady Consulting Growers have learned that to grow a clean crop, you have to start from the very beginning. This means deploying your biocontrol agents in the propagation stage. Join us for this can’t-miss workshop at the Plug & Cutting Conference where attendees will learn what biocontrol agents can be used in young plants, what pests they control, and how to apply them. Appropriate release techniques will also be covered, as well as packaging and storage of biocontrol agents.

SEPTEMBER

17-19 CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Note: There is an additional cost for the workshop.

Generation Next

Nursery

Research

Hello@AmericanHort.org

Did you know? The AmericanHort Knowledge Center is full of great information on the latest in advocacy, research, and more. This member-only benefit can be accessed by visiting AmericanHort.org/KC and logging in with your credentials.

Recent Article of Interest • The Quarterly Advocacy Brief—An Advocacy Update on Workforce Development and the ABC’s of H2A

2130 Stella Court Columbus, Ohio 43215-1033 USA (614) 487-1117 Main AmericanHort Connect 2018:August © 2018 AmericanHort. All rights reserved. This material may contain confidential information and it is for the sole use of AmericanHort members. The information contained herein is for general guidance and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. It cannot be distributed, reprinted, retransmitted, or otherwise made public without prior written permission by AmericanHort. Please contact the editor at (614) 487-1117 for permission with acknowledgment.

Webinar

Creating a Change to the Management of Your Plants September 27, 2:00 PM EST Do you want to have more control when it comes to the plants you’re growing? Learn and discuss identifying and problem-solving issues with your plants. Find out best practices to force plants to flower, fruit, start growing – or stop. Lean how to manage the flavor of your plants via nutrients, lighting, and other environmental factors. This webinar is presented by Scott Carrus, LEAD Horticulturist at Agritecture Consulting.

SEPTEMBER

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To learn more about this webinar and to register, visit AmericanHort.org/Webinars.

AmericanHort.org 14 | AmericanHort.org

2018:August | 15

C. Pollution and Industrialization

B. Global Warming

A. Cactus Poaching

3. What is the largest threat to cacti worldwide?

C. Tulip

B. Coreopsis

A. Hen and Chicks

1. Every year, the National Garden Association chooses four plants to spotlight. Which plant was NOT chosen for 2018?

Hort Trivia

C. Australia

B. United States

A. Germany

4. Which country’s irrigation systems are the most efficient?

C. 14%

B. 10%

A. 4%

2. Landscaping can add up to what percentage to the resale value of a home?

ANSWERS: 1. A , 2. C , 3. A , 4. C

Electronic Service Requested

2130 Stella Court Columbus, OH 43215 USA (614) 487-1117 AmericanHort.org

Presorted Standard Mail U.S. POSTAGE PAID Columbus, OH Permit No. 1377