UAC Magazine - Fall 2020

URBAN AG COUNCIL MAGAZINE GEORGIA

Keeping Georgia’s green industry informed

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UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

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FALL 2020

Advocate. Educate. Promote.1

WHEN UNMATCHED

PRODUCTIVITY

MEETS LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE.

96-INCH GAS-POWERED LAZER Z UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

®

2

For 2020, Exmark raises the bar again with the introduction of the gas-powered 96-inch Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn mower. Powered by a Kohler® Command PRO® EFI air-cooled engine and equipped with Exmark’s patented RED Technology, the new machine features a durable UltraCut™ Flex Wing cutting deck. With a 48-inch center deck and two 24-inch wing decks, the 96-inch Lazer Z X-Series is the right tool to make quick work of the largest, toughest jobs, while delivering Exmark’s signature cut quality. By cutting more grass, on more properties, with fewer operators, the 96-inch Lazer Z X-Series enables customers to reduce labor costs and increase revenue potential. It provides the performance, productivity and unique value today’s landscape maintenance operation needs.

ASK YOUR EXMARK DEALER ABOUT OUR FLEET PURCHASE DISCOUNT PROGRAM. ATTRACTIVE RETAIL FINANCING GOING ON NOW Find your dealer at exmark.com/find-a-dealer

35 Years as Georgia’s Premium Sod Provider

Here to Help You Grow Your Business 30-day Credit Terms

One Year Warranty

See website for details.

Online Sales Order Anytime, Anywhere

Convenient Delivery, Including Saturday & Monday a.m.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Bermuda | Zoysia | Fescue | Centipede 770-431-1343 • NGTurf.com

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UAC NEWS

UAC Magazine Official publication of the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council

Board of Directors Todd Jarrett, President

Arbor Hill Nurseries Matt Lowe

Swift Straw Josh Morrow

Athletic Fields, Inc. Ken Morrow

The Turfgrass Group Chris Nelson

Chattahoochee Nature Center Bob Scott

Irrigation Consultant Services Ray Wiedman

Outdoor Expressions Ron White TurfPride

Ex Officio

Ellen Bauske

UGA Extension Public Service Assistant Bodie Pennisi

UGA Extension Horticulturist Clint Waltz

UGA Extension Turf Agronomist

Staff

Mary Kay Woodworth

Executive Director Kathy Johnson

Marketing Director & Editor

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

A member of:

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Atlanta Botanical Garden Georgia Agribusiness Council Georgia Arborist Association Georgia Association of Water Professionals Georgia Green Industry Association Georgia Tree Council Georgia Water Alliance National Association of Landscape Professionals National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture Nursery & Landscape Association Executives Southern Nursery Association Tolar Capitol Partners

Georgia Urban Ag Council PO Box 3400 Duluth GA 30096 Phone: 706.750.0350 New Fax: 404.900.9194 numbers!

Email: office@georgiauac.com Web: urbanagcouncil.com All contents copyright 2020

URBAN AG COUNCIL MAGAZINE GEORGIA

FALL 2020

UAC NEWS

5 6 8 10 11 12 12 14

Executive Director message What did you miss? Congressmen meet with UAC members UAC member steps up Scotts Miracle-Gro donates face shields Virtual Lunch + Learn webinars from UAC CB Absolute Advantage New UAC member benefit UAC members make the ABC's top 25 SavATree merges with Downey Trees, Inc. The Bullet-Proof Manager Transforming managers into great leaders

REGULAR FEATURES

16 18 20 22 23 24 27 28 58

Have you met Mario Cambardella, ServeScape.net Pest 411 Crapemyrtle bark scale Safety works Georgia 811 Save the date UAC Annual Sporting Clays Tournament Registration form Pro Project Bennett Design & Landscape GALA It's your time to shine What the tech? Five tips to get the most out of virtual events Directory of advertisers

BUSINESS 30 32 36 38 41

360 surveys Getting meaningful feedback for results Stronger together Build your business by promoting diversity By any other name Benevolent discrimination is still discrimination Economic impact of the Georgia Green Industry 2018 statistics New podcast network launched Produced for and by landscapers

INDUSTRY 42 44 45 46 48 50

Horticulture outreach recognized UGA's Bauske receives national honor New leader for UGA's CAES Nick T. Place named dean and director Number 2 in the nation CAES ranked second for agricultural sciences Facing the challenges Fighting for you - our members Mobile agriculture classroom Collaboration to reach Georgia students Two "wins" this summer 2020 yields good news for Georgia sod producers

URBAN AG

52 Identification is job #1 Managing common landscape diseases 54 The soil's nitrogen cycle Different microbes have distinct roles to play 56 Selecting a screen Great hedges make great neighbors

UAC NEWS

Dear UAC Members and Supporters, With fall upon us, we are still grappling with

the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been challenging for everyone – at home, at work, at school, but I recently read a blog from an Ohio journalist who is an eternal optimist. She wrote, “The pandemic hasn’t been ALL bad. Someone asked 2,000 people to name the top “silver linings” they’ve found in the crisis." Reading her words instilled optimism and gratitude in my life.

Here are the 15 most common answers . . .something to think about!

1.

It’s actually SAVED you money. 28% said it has.

2.

More quality time with friends and family. 28% of people also said this.

3.

More free time in general.

4.

A better grip on the challenges other people face. Like unemployment and childcare issues.

5.

More appreciation for things you used to take for granted.

6.

7.

8.

More grateful for your health.

More time to check in on people.

You’ve eaten healthier. Maybe because we’ve had more time to cook.

You’ve had a chance to reflect on what’s important in life.

10.

Being more aware of your health in general.

11.

Getting back in touch with friends or family you hadn’t heard from in a while.

12.

13.

More quality time with your pets.

Exercising MORE than usual. 21% agreed with that.

something nice for someone.

15.

You’ve learned a new skill.

Looking ahead Now that it is fall, I hope that you agree that it’s time to carefully reconnect with your colleagues, outside, at the first post-COVID UAC event.

You are invited to the 2020 UAC Sporting Clays Tournament, which we will hold – IN PERSON – at Blalock Lakes in Newnan, GA on October 28.

Mary Kay Woodworth Executive Director

The staff at Blalock Lakes and UAC will ensure that it will be a safe event for all, with proper social distancing and mask protocols in place.

This is a great opportunity to reward your employees for persevering with you through the spring and summer, and/or to reward your customers for their loyalty.

Register today at urbanagcouncil.com or use the registration form on page 23.

In this challenging year, we have worked diligently to keep the industry working and knowledgeable of the changes brought on

by COVID-19. Our goal was to provide information to help you run your business, keep your employees safe and– very importantly – advocate for the industry so that businesses could continue operating.

We appreciate your support and membership, which shows that you have confidence in us and that you appreciate the work that we do for the industry, whether it’s in stable times, or difficult times (drought, economic downturns, the current pandemic).

As we embark on new events and efforts, we look forward to seeing you – in person – soon.

Best wishes for a safe, healthy, profitable fall!

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

9.

14. It’s given you a chance to do

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UAC NEWS

WHAT DID YOU MISS? Zoom congressional update

Congressmen meet with UAC members

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

August 21

Thank you to Congressmen Doug Collins and Drew Ferguson for engaging with us to discuss COVID and workforce challenges facing the business community, workforce development, the H2-B visa program, Waters of the United States rule and other regulations, and more. We are fortunate to have them fighting for Georgia jobs and the economy on our behalf in DC.

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The video of the ZOOM meeting is online, in two parts (see links on next page).

Collins and Ferguson’s comments and insight help UAC members understand how Washington, DC operates, and they expressed their appreciation for UAC member engagement – while in DC and back home in Georgia. Please check out these videos on the Urban Ag Council YouTube channel. We look forward to opportunities down the road when we can meet with them and other state leaders in person.

UAC NEWS

WHAT DID YOU MISS? Watch the videos online to stay informed In part one, we discuss COVID-19 impact, PPP, unemployment and future expectations for relief/legislation.

In part two, the discussion focuses on the H-2B visa program, labor challenges and Federal regulation (Waters of the United States rule) and how UAC members can be of service.

Part 1 video link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N4AxcmRKZc&feature=youtu.be Part 2 video link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKMLsyHJBus&feature=youtu.be

Don't miss the UAC Short Takes videos!

Interviews with industry leaders - your fellow UAC members as they discuss how they are meeting the challenges of this very challenging year. urbanagcouncil.com/coronavirus-uac-short-takes

New, Used & Refurbished • Ease of Operation • Low Operating Costs • Single Axle Truck Use

Solid & Dependable Rotary Finishing Mowers

JIM BREWSTER Office Phone:

Mobile Phone:

Wide Range of Solutions

352.284.8029 jim@ssequip.net www.ssequip.net

Southern Specialty Equipment, Inc.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

877.366.5399

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UAC NEWS

UAC member steps up

Scotts Miracle-Gro donates face shields While continuing to be cautious in travel and interactions, we

Their team reached out to Bryan Tolar and UAC as they sought to provide high quality face shields that could be used by hospital staff and others serving those impacted by COVID-19. For many weeks, Scotts stopped manufacturing fertilizer equipment at their own plant in California and instead produced over 600,000 face shields.

In addition, talk of an infection spike in Glynn County and surrounding coastal areas led us to work with State Representative Don Hogan of Saint Simons Island. His leadership with local hospital officials provided 10,000 units being shipped to the Southeast Georgia Health System in Brunswick. No one appreciates that more than Michael D. Scherneck, President and CEO of Southeast Georgia Health System, who oversees the Brunswick and Camden campuses.

In late August, Scherneck received his miracle in the form of 10,000 protective face shields, donated by the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.

They could not have come at a better time.

These were created and shipped at no cost to facilities that requested them. We all owe Scotts Miracle-Gro a special thanks for making such a commitment to protecting others.

We worked with Governor Kemp and his team to send 10,000 units to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA). These faceshields are now available to be shipped to any hospital in the state where dedicated medical workers have a need.

“Given the increasing demand for hospital services due to the coronavirus, I am deeply grateful for the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company’s efforts to get protective gear into the hands of health care providers. I’m also thankful to Representative Don Hogan, Woody Woodside and Bryan Tolar (and UAC) for making this possible.”

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

For many weeks, Scotts stopped manufacturing fertilizer equipment at their own plant in California and instead produced over 600,000 face shields.

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are all finding new ways to advance our interests. UAC is proud of the work we do with Tolar Capitol Partners for our governmental affairs outreach, who facilitated these generous donations from UAC member Scotts Miracle Gro Company.

Gainesville, and Toccoa. "As our health care workers continue fighting on the frontlines of this pandemic, it is imperative that they have access to the resources needed to stay healthy,” said Collins in a press statement. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of Scotts MiracleGro Company and the work of the Georgia Urban Ag Council, health care workers in Northeast Georgia now have yet another layer of protection as they fight to save lives. It’s the generosity of companies like Scotts that remind us we will get through this pandemic together."

Reports that areas around Gainesville were experiencing increased infections this summer led us to engage Congressman Doug Collins.

His quick work allowed us to direct 16,000 face shields to hospitals in Northeast Georgia across the 9th congressional district. These included Blairsville, Blue Ridge, Elberton,

~ Michael D. Scherneck Southeast Georgia Health System We greatly appreciate Scotts Miracle-Gro Company for their generous donation, and Tolar Capitol Partners for allowing us to help facilitate the exchange.

UAC NEWS

From left, with the Southeast Georgia Health System: Tripp Stephens, vice president, Support Services; Christy D. Jordan, Esq., Chief Operating Officer & Legal Counsel; Kyle Culbertson, CMRP, manager, Supply Chain Services; and Michael D. Scherneck, president & CEO; along with Representative Don Hogan and Bryan Tolar of Tolar Capitol Partners.

Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. — 1/2 Page Horizontal Ad for Deep South Turf Expo Program

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PReFeRReD SouRCe for SoD & SeRviCe Since 1986

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Blue Tag Certified grasses ••• over 2,500 acres in Production

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

alabama ••• Residential

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UAC NEWS

Visit urbanagcouncil.com for updates and to register.

Virtual Lunch + Learn webinars from UAC The Business Impact of Marketing

Sponsored by

presented by Darren Rand and Trip Jobe, Rand, Inc.

23: What happens if I invest or cut?

4 September 14: Marketing measurement & making sure it 4 October

measures the impact on your business 4 November 18: Common marketing traps & how to avoid them

Missed part 1?

Don't miss any more!

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Register online now.

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This three-part series will focus on how you should think about marketing, how to think about making investments in marketing and how to measure it’s success. We will talk about ways to evaluate your programs and vendors so that you reach the business goals you set out to achieve. Rand, Inc. will share success stories and pitfalls of companies that made emotional decisions on marketing vs. looking at strategy, customers and analytics.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm Free to UAC members/ $10 per session non-members Register online at urbanagcouncil.com/uac-industry-events/#!event-list

Expanding Your Business Financial Literacy presented by UAC member PNC Bank

management services to consider (Fraud Mitigation) in this 4 September 30: Treasury economic environment.

7: Developing your tax strategy 4 October 4 October 21: Preparing for financing and what changes have occurred post Covid-19 PNC is one of the Top 20 agriculture banks in the nation and has supported the industry for many years. This includes the landscape industry. You require bankers that understand how this industry operates, in addition to the market trends that may impact your business and financial stability. At PNC, we have a dedicated staff of agricultural bankers devoted to keeping your agribusiness running smoothly and profitably. Our sales team is committed to building solid, long-term relationships with agriculture producers and agri-businesses.

PNC is also dedicated to the communities where agriculture producers work and live through our close working relationships with agricultural associations and local extension offices, in addition to supporting county fairs and industry specific conventions.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm Free to UAC members/ $10 per session non-members Register online at urbanagcouncil.com/uac-industry-events/#!event-list Rick Smith, owner of The Pruning Guru Inc.

UAC NEWS

NEW UAC member benefit!

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

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UAC NEWS

UAC members make the ABC's top 25

SavATree merges with Downey Trees, Inc.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle's list of the top 25 Atlanta commercial landscape companies (based on 2019 revenue) has been announced.*

SavATree, the industry leader in professional tree, shrub and lawn care,

UAC is proud to count 18 of the top 25 as members.

1. BrightView Landscape Services, Inc. 2. Russell Landscape Group ** 3. Gibson Landscape Services, LLC ** 4. Yellowstone Landscape 5. Ruppert Landscape ** 6. Gibbs Landscape Co. ** 7. Tri Scapes, Inc. ** 8. Crabapple, Inc. ** 9. HighGrove Partners, Inc. ** 10. Baytree Landscape ** 11. Nature Scapes Inc. ** 12. Greenwood Group Landscape ** 13. Unlimited Landscaping & Turf Mgmt, Inc. ** 14. Outdoor Expressions LLC ** 15. Davis Landscape ** 16. Atlanta Landscape Group LLC ** 17. Ed Castro Landscape Inc. ** 18. A&C Development Inc. 19. Visionscapes Inc. 20. Arborguard Tree Specialists, a Davey Co.**

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

21. The GreenSeason Group 22. SKB Industries ** 23. SGS Landscape Consultants LLC 24. North Georgia Landscape Management 25. LDC Management Group ** *

All companies listed derive 50% or more of their Atlanta business from employing workers who perform professional installation and maintenance of landscape services to Atlanta commercial real estate clientele.

** Current UAC members.

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has announced a merger with Downey Trees Inc. of Atlanta, GA, a full-service and highly reputable company with offices in Norcross, GA, Savannah, GA and Destin, FL. This marks SavATree’s first entry into the Florida market and expands their Georgia presence into Savannah. Both Downey Trees Inc. and SavATree’s current Norcross branches will combine to form a stronger metro-Atlanta presence. SavATree now has 43 branch offices proudly serving customers in 23 states.

Since 1984, Downey Trees Inc. has focused on serving commercial clients, property managers and homeowners’ associations, becoming one of the largest local companies in the Southeast.

Services include tree care, plant health care, vegetation management, retention pond management, and emergency response services.

In addition to current offerings, clients will now have access to a wider range of services including professional lawn care, tick and mosquito treatments, deer deterrents, organic options and consulting services.

“With the addition of these three locations we are able to develop and expand our market presence further into the Southeast region, which has been a priority for some time,” noted SavATree Executive Chairman, Daniel van Starrenburg. “We’re excited to accomplish this by joining forces with Downey Trees. We welcome their dedicated, knowledgeable team and believe the union with our existing Norcross office will be beneficial for both teams and customers. We are further excited to have a new entry into Savannah, GA and the Panhandle area of Florida.”

Owner Paul Bagley stated, “We are very excited about this merger. SavATree shares our philosophy about quality, values and standards, so it’s clear that our two expert teams put together will yield an even stronger, more impactful result for our clients.”

Having trouble reaching customers?

COVID-19 keeping you from seeing your customers in person?

Advertising in UAC Magazine is a great way to get your message out...and keep it out: The current issue is available for viewing on the UAC website, giving you an expanded audience.

The solution is at your fingertips.

Past issues are archived for members to access online at any time, extending your exposure.

PLUS: > > > >

Below industry average advertising rates Member discount Frequency discount Advertiser directory in each issue

Call 706.750.0350 | Email kathy@georgiauac.com

POWER UP YOUR SOIL.

Take your Lawns to the

Level.

Concentrate

Concentrate

Soil & Plant Formula

Concentrate

Directions For Use

SHAKE WELL!

CONTAINS NON-PLANT FOOD INGREDIENT(S): 6.0% Humic Acids (Derived from Leonardite) 3.0% Sea Kelp Extract (Derived from Ascophyllum Nodosum) (Microbe food) INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: 91.00% Water Purpose Statement: Adds humic acid to the soil.

May increase micronutrient uptake.

May increase microbe food.

Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 1-855-606-3378 ▪ greenecountyfert.com F2735

1.0 gal = 8.7 lbs at 68° F

□

net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)

Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service.

Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations.

Caution: Apply only to turf, plants, and soil. If plants are flowering, apply to base of the plant to avoid staining of blooms.This product may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces.

Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact with skin or eyes flush with water immediately.

□

net volume 5 gal (18.9 l)

□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)

CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions. The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc.

Starter Fertilizer GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Total Nitrogen (N).....................16.0% 16.0% Ammoniacal Nitrogen Available Phosphate (P2O5).......21.0% Soluble Potash (K2O)..................2.0%

Directions For Use SHAKE WELL!

The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

Derived from: Monoammonium Phosphate, Ammonium Nitrate, Potassium Hydroxide, Ascophyllum Nodosum

Warm Season Turf: Apply at a rate of 15 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft.

Mix with water at a minimum 7:1 dilution.

Apply directly to foliage or to soil at seeding.

ALSO CONTAINS NON-PLANT FOOD INGREDIENT(S): 3.0% Humic Acids (Derived from Leonardite) 1.0% Kelp (Microbe food) Purpose Statement: May increase micronutrient uptake.

May increase microbe food.

Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.

Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.

Cool Season Turf: Apply at a rate of 15 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft.

Mix with water at a minimum 7:1 dilution.

Apply directly to foliage or to soil at seeding.

Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a at http://aapfco.org/metals.html jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks GreenePOP™ is intended to be used as a starter fertilizer with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management for newly seeded or sodded turf. practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service. Observe GreenePOP™ can also be used as a phosphorus amending any State or Local fertilizer application regulations. product. GreenePOP™ contains 2.31 lbs of phosphorus Caution: Apply only to turf and soil. per gallon. Soil test for phosphorus deficiency prior to use.

Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact with skin or eyes flush with water immediately.

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet

Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. ▪ P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 ▪ 1-855-606-3378 ▪ GreeneCountyFert.com ▪ F2735

1.0 gal = 11.1 lbs at 68° F

□ net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)

□

net volume 5.0 gal (18.9 l)

□ net volume 275 gal (1,040.9 l)

0-0-5

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS SOLUBLE POTASH (K2O)..............5.0% Derived from: Potassium Hydroxide ALSO CONTAINS NON-PLANT FOOD INGREDIENT(S): 8.0% Humic Acids (Derived from Leonardite) Purpose Statement: May increase micronutrient uptake.

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html

Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 1-855-606-3378 ▪ greenecountyfert.com F2735

1.0 gal = 8.1 lbs at 68° F

□

SHAKE WELL!

Tank Mixing: Apply at a minimum rate of 6 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. and a maximum rate of 9 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Dilute with enough liquid to cover 1 acre. Do not apply with less than 7:1 dilution with water. Apply in spring or fall; however, liquid aeration can be done anytime during the growing season. Product is safe for use on all turf types and ornamental plants.

Product is intended to be used as an additive to current fertilizer program.

The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

MIXING WITH FERTILIZERS: N-Ext AIR-8™ can be mixed with liquid fertilizers.

Apply in this order: 1) Water, 2) N-Ext AIR-8™, 3) Water Soluble or Liquid Fertilizer.

Mixing with Pesticide, Herbicide or Fungicide: N-Ext AIR-8™ can be mixed with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and applied. We recommend the following: Use the product within 24 hours of mixing products (especially with fungicides). Do not over-apply pesticides, herbicides or fungicides as they can have an adverse effect e on the populations of soil organisms.

Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.

Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service.

Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations.

Caution: Apply only to turf, plants, and soil. If plants are flowering, apply to base of the plant to avoid staining of blooms. This product may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces.

Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact with skin or eyes flush with water immediately.

net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)

□

net volume 5 gal (18.9 l)

□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)

CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions. The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc.

CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions. The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc.

High Performance Plant Nutrients Fertilizers ▪ Specialty Products ▪ Soil Amendments

MFR BUY/SHIP DIRECT & SAVE

GreeneCountyFert.com

Corporate HQ/MFR: Greene County Fertilizer Company • 1490 Airport Road • Greensboro, Georgia 30642 Our bio-based fertilizers & specialty fertility products are blended to feed plants, improve soil fertility and build topsoil.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html http://aapfco.o

The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

Do not exceed 3 ounces when daytime temps are above 85 degrees.

Tank Mixing: Apply at a minimum rate of 3 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. and a maximum rate of 6 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Dilute with enough water to cover 1 acre. Do not apply with less than a 7:1 dilution with water. wate Product is safe for use on all turf types and ornamental plants.

Product is intended to be used as an additive to current fertilizer program.

The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

MIXING WITH FERTILIZERS: N-Ext RGS™ can be mixed with liquid fertilizers.

Apply in this order: 1) Water, 2) N-Ext RGS™, 3) Water Soluble or Liquid Fertilizer.

Mixing with Pesticide, Herbicide or Fungicide: N-Ext RGS™ can be mixed with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and applied. We recommend the following: Use the product within 24 hours of mixing products (especially with fungicides). Do not over-apply pesticides, ove herbicides or fungicides as they can have an adverse effect on the populations of soil organisms.

Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.

Directions For Use

13

UAC NEWS

The Bullet-Proof Manager

Transforming your managers into great leaders

Special pricing for UAC members!

The Bullet Proof® Manager (BPM) is Crestcom’s signature leadership development program. It provides interactive management training with a results-oriented curriculum and prime networking opportunities. Our leadership training facilitators guide the classes through interactive exercises and group discussions for hands-on learning and collaboration.

Barry Rinehart, President of Compass Leadership Training, will lead the 12-month training program. The BPM program specializes in developing and enhancing leadership and management skills on the 12 most fundamental skills CEOs expected from their leaders: • Communications • Customer Focus • Decision Making • Delegation

Interactive management training

• Developing Productive Teams

BPM’s 12-month format is designed to create a deeper understanding of management skills in all levels of leadership. Our process allows managers time to internalize new information, master skills, and demonstrate how it works for your company.

• Leading Through Change • Managing Time & Energy • Negotiation • Planning & Prioritizing • Problem Solving • Recruiting & Retention

Throughout the year, your leadership facilitator will help your managers navigate challenges and identify solutions.

After graduation from BPM, participants may continue their leadership development through our Crestcom Continuing Education (CCE) program.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Results-oriented curriculum

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Creating positive and lasting change cannot happen in a one-day crash course. We develop your management team over time. Participants will also gain insights and inspiration from our mixed media videos featuring our renowned expert faculty.

Our leadership training facilitators guide the class through live interactive exercises and group discussions. These activities are designed to help participants identify their strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Managers leave each session with a measurable action plan to implement.

• Strategic Thinking Through development programs and consulting practices, Barry delivers real business results impacting organizations productivity and profitability. An experienced leader and strategic thinker, Barry is adept at exploring all angles and is known for taking realistic actions to achieve stated goals. For over 20 years, he’s worked with numerous organizations in various industries, demonstrating a strong track record of developing and empowering people to strengthen themselves and their corporation

Network development Through our unique management training courses, your team has the opportunity to connect with dozens of other local business professionals. Participants from different companies and industries are able to share new ideas and perspectives. As new participants join the program each month, the chances to develop their network expands.

UAC NEWS

UAC member discount Crestcom’s Leadership Development program is a significant investment, but UAC members are now offered a unique opportunity to register for the 12-month program for $5900 – a $500 savings!

It's a process, not a single event

leadership topics delivered virtually 4 24(Zoom platform) or in-person (once Covid

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4

Barry Rinehart, President of Compass Leadership Training, will lead the 12-month training program.

Compass Leadership Training is an authorized licensee of Crestcom International, specializing in developing and enhancing leadership and management skills.

Barry's experience in sales, marketing and finance coupled with his skills in leadership, strategic acumen and team development, provides the foundation necessary to generate results.

Throughout his career Barry has coached, trained and developed others to positively impact their organizations and exceed expectations.

For more information, contact Barry Rinehart: 443.497.0117 or barry.rinehart@crestcom.com About Crestcom

Crestcom International is a trusted leadership training partner for firms ranging from small and medium-sized businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises. Over the last 30+ years we’ve worked with more than 1 million executives in 60 countries, helping them develop new leadership skills, make more thoughtful decisions and hone their managerial acumen. Our leadership development training programs are both accredited and award-winning.

We take a proven approach to develop results-driven leadership competencies in management teams worldwide. Participants learn and apply skills over time, report progress to their management training facilitators, and share their experiences with their peers. They then have the opportunity to participate in continuing education initiatives to reinforce their skills and ensure success.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

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restrictions lift) over 12 months = 2 topics per month > Workshops are interactive, livefacilitated by Barry Rinehart > Workshops include short video content from featured leading authority on each topic - participants hear from subject matter experts most companies don't have access to > Workshops include exercises and casestudies designed to help participants determine how to apply these skills to their roles and responsibilities > Include small and large group discussions Online access to Crestcom's Learning Portal > Participant and company can chart progress with real-time personal dashboard updates > access materials and videos used in workshops > Track action plans and results Monthly debrief meetings with consultant Barry Rinehart > Virtual or in-person personal consulting and coaching meetings held with participants 2-3 weeks after the workshop to insure knowledge transfer and skill implementation Why this process works! > Measured Development - providing the right amount of information at the right pace > Implementation plans - participants determine what they'll do with these skills and tools and the results they measure > Accountability - Debrief meeting with me each month with participants

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HAVE YOU MET

Have you met...

Mario Cambardella, PLA, ServeScape.net

Mario Cambardella Founder of ServeScape.net Address: 5388 Peachtree Road

Chamblee, GA 30341 Phone: 706-461-0029 Email: mario@servescape.net Web: servescape.net

My first job in the green industry was... post-graduation of a bachelor of landscape architecture degree from UGA, I worked for ValleyCrest Companies (now Brightview).

The following four years were a vast and rich experience stretching from estimating, project management, landscape design, and the many technical field aspects on several marquee projects in Colorado, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

The people who have influenced my career ...certainly include my wife. She is a

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constant stream of considerations I had not previously explored. She expands my field of vision, for sure. Professionally, Robert Smithson, Frank Lloyd Wright, Olmsted, Diarmuid Gavin, Randolph Hester, Andrés Duany, Ian McHarg, Darrel Morrison, Jack Crowley, Alfie Vick, and my father, Gennaro Cambardella, have all greatly shaped my perspective on what landscape design and development is, could, should, and ought be.

One piece of advice I would give to someone entering the green industry today is…to take seriously the great

responsibility of being a professional in the green industry. We work with finite materials.

Trees, soil and water are the essential elements to life. Choose how you want to treat these elements wisely. Select a path of respect and you will see the reciprocation in the respect of your peers.

If I had it to do over again, I would….. have listened to my teachers more intently. I was blessed with a number of fantastic professors while at the University of Georgia. I know I did not always give it my best effort. If I had to do it over again, I would probably drink one less beer the night before that 8:00 a.m. studio class.

The thing I like most about my career is…..the vast array of clients, projects and

experiences I've been able to be a part of.

I've had the privilege of working for a multinational private firm like ValleyCrest on both the large-scale landscape development side and the landscape design side, experiencing the joys of running my own boutique designbuild firm, and serving as the City of Atlanta's (not to mention the country's) first urban agriculture director. And now I have established a technology-enabled company designed to improve the green industry's supply chain. From E-commerce, to green roofs, to historic log cabins, to large-scale residential developments, to city parks, to urban farms, I have thoroughly enjoyed being around the planning, design, and development of the natural world.

The one thing most responsible for my success is…the commitment to always keep

going and growing. Working in the natural and built environment makes you a student of each project site. I hope I never lose the sense of adventure and excitement of seeing a site for the first time. Losing touch with the land distances you from many of the reasons this profession is so unique, engaging, and rewarding.

If I could change careers, just for a month, I would…be a hiking and wilderness guide for the Appalachian Mountains or somewhere in northern New Mexico.

HAVE YOU MET One thing most people don’t know about me is…well, I guess this is really two things: one thing I’ve done and one thing I’d rather be doing. Most folks do not know that I graduated from the Montana School of Log Building and despite my zest for entrepreneurial pursuits, I’d rather be on Fish River, sitting at the end of a long dock, with a good book and a six-pack of cold beer.

Mario Cambardella is founder of

ServeScape.net and also serves as Vice President of B Development, Inc. a full-service landscape development firm in Atlanta. He is a licensed landscape architect, member of the Urban Land Institute Creative Development Council, and board member of the MicroLife Institute.

ServeScape is Atlanta’s largest online-only

garden center and wholesale plant nursery.

ServeScape.net is a plant delivery platform designed to enable beautiful and resilient landscapes. ServeScape connects green industry growers and farmers across Georgia to supply metro Atlanta residents and industry professionals with Georgia Grown, high-quality plant material and soil essentials.

Lindsey and Mario Cambardella with daughter, Perry.

When I’m not working, I like to…do

anything with my two-year-old, Perry. She is the highlight of the world around me. And I can't wait to meet her baby sister in January.

Thank you to all of our SEED sponsors!

seed

SEED sponsorship opportunities support | energize | enable | develop

SEED sponsorships offer our members an opportunity to promote their businesses and support UAC at a level beyond the membership dues.

support | energize | enable | develop

URBAN AG COUNCIL GEORGIA

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Buck Jones Nursery Plants • Sod • Landscape Supplies

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UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

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PEST 411

Crapemyrtle bark scale Emerging invasive pest

by Shimat V. Joseph, Department of Entomology, University of Georgia infestation begins when the crawlers settle on the bark. Once they settle, they put out their elongated tube-like mouthpart into the stem, access the phloem vessels, and begin to suck up the plant nutrients. The settled crawlers lose all the appendages as soon as they molt into the second nymphal stage. The nymphs are typically pinkish in color (Fig. 2). During the season, the scale population grows and pretty much covers the entire crapemyrtle bark. They complete a life cycle within 2-3 months; there could be 2-3 generations per year. The nymphs, primarily second instars, are the overwintering stage of this scale pest.

Photo: Jim Robbins, Univ. of Ark. CES, Bugwood.org

Fig. 1. Crapemyrtle bark scale infestation on crapemyrtle.

The crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

lagerstroemiae (Fig. 1) is an emerging threat to crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) in Georgia. As the name indicates, this scale pest attacks the bark of crapemyrtle, the only known scale to do so. This scale, a native to Asia, was first confirmed in Dallas, Texas, in 2004. Since then, this pest has gradually expanded its range to the southeastern states. In Georgia, it was first confirmed in Coweta County in 2014. In 2019, they were found infested in an ornamental nursery in south Georgia. They can potentially spread in zone 6 to 9.

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Biology The crapemyrtle bark scale has three life stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults. Females lay eggs in white or gray felt-like eggsac or ovisac. A female can lay up to 100-300 eggs. Within a week, the eggs hatch and the first instars (earliest nymphal stage) typically referred to as crawlers emerge from the eggsacs. Crawlers have appendages such as legs and antennae and are the only mobile stage of this scale insect. Crawlers prefer the cracks and crevices on the bark, and the

Damage Almost all life stages, from crawlers to gravid females, can activity feed on crapemyrtle and cause serious damage. The infested trees can appear severely stunted, with dieback symptoms on the branches. With a severe infestation, the entire tree can die off.

When nymphs and females insert their strawlike, piercing and sucking mouthparts into the phloem, they suck up more sugars than they need, and the excess sugars are excreted as excrements referred to as honeydew. Because this scale insect profusely produces honeydew, sooty mold fungus readily develops on the honeydew, and thus, the infested bark appears black in color (Fig. 3). However, sometimes sooty mold fungus develops on the leaves which may not be caused by crapemyrtle bark scale but instead caused by crapemyrtle aphid. If you find a red liquid (hemolymph) ooze out from the crushed scales especially when you rub the scales attached to the bark with your fingers, it most likely to be crapemyrtle bark scale.

Host range Crapemyrtle is the most preferred host for crapemyrtle bark scale. Other potential hosts are American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana),

PEST 411 henna (Lawsonia inermis), axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia), Korean Boxwood (Buxus microphylla), pomegranate (Puica granatus), native sinicuichi (Heimia salicifolia) and winged loosestrife (Lythrum alatum).

Monitoring and management Regular inspection of the tree bark will be necessary to detect the problem early. Doublesided tape can be wrapped around the branches to determine crawler activity (gravid females and older nymphs will not be trapped on the tape). In the Gulf states, the first peak of crawler activity is typically noticed in mid-May and the second peak in mid-October. The exact seasonal development of the scale can vary by the local temperature.

As cultural management, pruning the side branches with infestations may reduce the population size. Several predators, mostly ladybugs (Chilocorus stigma, Hyperaspis bigminata, Harmonia axyridis, and Scymnus sp) naturally occur in the landscape and nursery, and they attack the scales and reduce the population to a certain level. Because the population of this scale pest can build up quite rapidly in the summer months, the scales can outnumber the predators. During the early stages of infestation, physically removing the scales using a brush may temporarily help but is less likely to provide long-lasting control. Ants can be observed on the infested crapemyrtle bark, but it is not clear if they function as a predator or instead tend the scales for honeydew.

Fig. 2. Crapemyrtle bark scale nymphs.

Jim Robbins, Univ. of Ark. CES, Bugwood.org

Fig. 3. Sooty mold on the bark of crape myrtle.

Carefully read the insecticide label, including the precautionary statements before applying any insecticides. The insecticide label is the law.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

For longer-term control, the use of insecticides is necessary. Systemic insecticide such as neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin) applied as a soil drench have proven effective. However, these systemic insecticides, especially imidacloprid, can be harmful to foraging pollinators. Insect growth regulators (e.g., pyriproxyfen) have provided effective control if applied when the crawlers are active. The crawlers are devoid of the waxy coating that protects older nymphs and adults.

Horticultural oils have provided inconsistent control and are generally ineffective if not applied during peak crawler emergence window in the spring (April or May).

Jim Robbins, Univ. of Ark. CES, Bugwood.org

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SAVE THE DATE SAFETY WORKS

Make safety a priority

Always call 811 before you dig

by Megan Estes, Georgia 811 Fall is typically a busy time for digging activity

Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injuries, service disruptions and costly repairs if gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines are damaged.

as home renovation projects begin.

Homeowners and landscapers alike should remember to make safety a priority by contacting Georgia 811 prior to starting work that requires digging.

It is important that homeowners and contractors contact Georgia 811 by submitting an online ticket at Georgia811.com or by calling 811 before starting projects that require digging in order to keep communities safe.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

For landscapers and homeowners, some common DIY projects that warrant contacting Georgia 811 beforehand include installing a mailbox or planting a tree or shrub. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injuries, service disruptions and costly repairs if gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines are damaged. Using Georgia 811’s free service by submitting an online ticket or calling 811 will help residents avoid accidentally damaging buried utility lines.

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Georgia 811 encourages professionals and homeowners to take the following steps when planning a digging project this fall: Always contact Georgia 811 before digging, 4 regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property.

A recommended practice is to use water4 based white spray paint or white stakes/

flags to outline your area of excavation.

This will help locators know exactly where you intend to dig.

Plan ahead. Complete an online request 4 at Georgia811.com or call 811 at least

three business days before you plan on digging, thus providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked.

Confirm that all lines have been marked.

4 (After the completion of your ticket, Georgia 811 will provide information on how to check utility member responses.)

Consider moving the location of your 4 project if it is near utility line markings.

If a contractor has been hired, confirm that 4 the contractor has contacted Georgia 811.

Don’t allow work to begin if the lines aren’t marked.

If work is being done around private utilities 4 on your property, contact a private utility locator to mark the utilities.

If a damage occurs, contact Georgia 811 4 and the affected utility. For damage to gas and electric lines, call 911 first.

Visit Georgia811.com for complete info.

4 After contacting Georgia 811, the information collected is sent to local utility companies.

Professional locators will then visit the dig site to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines with spray paint, flags or both.

Once a site has been accurately marked, it is safe to begin digging around the marked areas.

While digging, if the utility line is exposed, any use of mechanized equipment needs to be at least 18 inches from the outer edge of each side of the pipe, cable, etc.

About Georgia 811

Georgia 811 is an industry leader in promoting safety and preventing damage to utility facilities efficiently through high quality and economical notification service; providing education and encouraging compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

WT FullP4C Urban Ag Ad vFinal 2020.pdf 1 2/27/2020 11:19:34 AM

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Grow Your Business with a Strategic Digital Marketing Plan

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OPTIMIZED WEBSITE & CONTENT

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All working together seamlessly to build your brand, generate more leads, and grow your business.

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UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

digital agency

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SAVE THE DATE

Visit urbanagcouncil.com for updates and to register.

Reward yourself and your employees with a socially safe day outdoors full of friendly competition, prizes and BBQ! UAC Sporting Clays Tournament

OCT

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Blast your troubles away | Win prizes | Eat BBQ GEORGIA

DATE: Wednesday, October 28 TIME: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm PLACE: Blalock Lakes

4075 New Corinth Road Newnan GA 30263

Register as a team or an individual! Sponsorships available!

See registration form on next page >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

JAN

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FEB

GALA

1

Georgia Landscape Awards

GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

Early Bird deadline: Friday, January 15, 2021 Final deadline: Monday, February 1, 2021 Awards ceremony: Tuesday, March 23, 2021

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

See page 27 for details and deadlines!

VIRTUAL educational conference & tradeshow

JAN

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Everything you've come to expect from LPU. all without leaving the comfort of your office.

Mark your calendar now!

More details coming soon.

UGA Turfgrass Research Field Day & Tradeshow Exact date to be determined

AUG

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UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

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3, 2021

Updates will be posted at urbanagcouncil.com.

URBAN AG COUNCIL

GEORGIA

SOD

PRODUCERS F I E L D DAY

UAC Georgia Sod Producers Field Day & Tradeshow DATE: Wednesday, Noember 3, 2021 PLACE: UGA Griffin Campus, Griffin GA Updates will be posted at urbanagcouncil.com.

Upcoming UGA webinar

CEU-granting distance education for green industry professionals Insect Pest Management in Turfgrass and Common Disease Problems in Nursery Production November 12, 2020 | 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

For more info, contact Beth Horne at 770-228-7214 or bhorne@uga.edu.

To register for a webinar go to GTBOP.COM

ANNUAL

Sporting Clays Tournament

DATE:

Wednesday October 28, 2020

TIME:

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

PLACE: Blalock Lakes 4075 New Corinth Road Newnan GA 30263

Blast your troubles away | Win prizes | Eat BBQ Registration: 9:00 am | Safety talk: 9:45 am | On course: 10:00 am

Company _________________________________________________________________________________ UAC member? c Yes c No Contact _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________________________________ State __________ Zip ___________________________________ Phone ___________________________________________________ Email _________________________________________________________

Scoring Points will be added to your final score, based on the gauge of gun used.

12 gauge: +0 points | 20 gauge: +3 points | 28 gauge: +5 points | 410 gauge: +10 points | Pump action or side-by-side: +5 points

Participants Please bring your own shotgun and eye protection - limited number of rental shotguns available onsite and must be reserved in advance.

Please contact us directly if anyone on your team needs to rent a shotgun: 706.750.0350.

Your shotgun’s gauge

Check if you don’t have gun

1. ____________________________________________________________

c 12

c 20

c 28

c 410

c

2. ____________________________________________________________

c 12

c 20

c 28

c 410

c

3. ____________________________________________________________

c 12

c 20

c 28

c 410

c

4. ____________________________________________________________

c 12

c 20

c 28

c 410

c

Registration fees Sponsorships are open to UAC business-level members only on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ball Cap Sponsor (1 available): $2500

$

• One 4-player sporting clay shooting team • company logo on welcome banner and ball cap

Shell Bag Sponsor: $2000 (1 more available)

Sod

• One 4-player sporting clay shooting team • company logo on welcome banner and shell bag

$ $

Station Sponsor (does not include a team): $100

$

Team registration (4 players): $800

$

Individual registration: $225/player

$

Lunch only: $35 each

$

Sorry, I can’t particpate but please accept this donation to benefit turfgrass and horticulture research through the Georgia Turfgrass Foundation Trust*!

$

• One individual sporting clay shooting registration • company logo on welcome banner and lunch sign • Company logo on one station sponsor sign • company name on welcome banner • Includes 200 rounds, event ball cap and shell bag for each player, and lunch • Includes 50 rounds, event ball cap, shell bag and lunch

Payment method

Total amount due $ _____________________

c A check payable to Georgia UAC is enclosed.

Please charge my

c Discover

c MasterCard

c Visa

c American Express

Name on card ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Billing address for card ____________________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________________State___________ Zip ________________________ Card # ________________________________________________________ Exp Date: __________ Security code: _________

Register online at urbanagcouncil.com Or send completed form to: Mail: Georgia Urban Ag Council PO Box 3400 Duluth GA 30096 Email: office@georgiauac.com

* GTFT is is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor for complete information.

Questions? 706.750.0350 | office@georgiauac.com

2/24/20

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Lunch Sponsor: $750 (4 more available)

23

SAVE THE DATE PRO PROJECT

Drainage solutions

Project by Bennett Design & Landscape www.bennettdesign.com

Initially the homeowners hired us to correct defective issues and drainage problems created by the home builder.

During a rain, water was coming into the house from the basement and the upper deck area.

Back yard and deck before work began.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

In correcting these problems, the project evolved into a backyard pool project since retaining walls and grading were needed to correct the drainage issues.

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Once the drainage issues were resolved we could begin to design and create the large-scale entertaining and lounging space for the project.

View of backyard pool/spa area from side yard.

Our overall design included the use of highend modern materials that kept this project clean-lined, modern and cohesive to the existing modern architecture. We enhanced this by extending the modern brick into the grilling

cabinet and the retaining walls of the pool and side yard along with oversized pavers in a running bond pattern and square edged pool/ spa coping.

PRO PROJECT

GALA

GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

AWARD WINNER: Distinction

We modernized the upper decks, after repairing the damaged areas, by adding glass railings and a set of steps for access to the new pool area. We created an outdoor grilling station and casual lounging area with a firepit as a focal point in conjunction with the pool and spa.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

We created modern water features in the pool and chose modern furniture to accent the space.

View of backyard pool/spa area from the upper deck.

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The secret of our strength is YOU! As a member of Georgia’s premier association for green industry professionals, you have the power to make your industry stronger.

Networking & marketing

Diverse educational opportunities, from monthly dinner meetings to workshops that help you meet licensing requirements

Meet industry leaders and get your product or service in front of our growing membership

UAC Magazine

Trade show & field days

Six issues/year packed with the information you need on business, industry, and urban ag topics

PLUS:

Legislative support

Education

State and national governmental affairs/legislative monitoring

Judges Choice

The latest trends, newest equipment, and cutting edge research, all brought together for you

Awards From design/build to maintenance to community service to green innovations to safety, UAC awards programs give you a chance to shine and be recognized

Reduce your costs UAC Workers Compensation and Health Benefits programs through WS Pharr/Snellings Walters offer competitive rates and outstanding customer service.

Advocate.Educate.Promote.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

PO Box 3400 Duluth GA 30096 | P: 706.750.0350 | E: office@georgiauac.com | urbanagcouncil.com

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Tell a colleague about Georgia UAC today!

Your continued support of the Georgia Urban Ag Council shows your commitment to a strong industry.

With your help, we can grow even stronger.

Your industry. Your passion. Pass it on.

GALA

GALA

GEORGIA URBAN AG COUNCIL

GEORGIA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Get ready! UAC's Georgia Landscape

Awards (GALA) are coming for 2021. That means this is the year to photograph all of your best projects while they're at their peak.

Entering has never been easier Details, worksheets, success tips, past winners, entry form - it’s all online: urbanagcouncil. com/gala-georgia-landscape-awards.

Reap the rewards Award winners will be honored by their peers at the annual awards banquet and ceremony on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Piedmont Park’s Magnolia Hall.

PLUS:

>

We’ll help you promote your winning projects by posting them on our Houzz, Instagram, and Facebook pages and tagging your company.

Grand award winners will be featured on UAC’s home page for one year.

>

A photo gallery of distinction and grand projects will be added to UAC’s website.

>

GALA projects are featured in UAC Magazine (see the "Pro Project" on page 22), on our Georgia Landscape Pro consumer blog, and in our My Home Improvement magazine ads.

>

A “GALA WINNER” graphic badge will be placed on your company’s UAC web profile and you’ll get a “GALA WINNER” graphic badge to use on your website, correspondence, and business promotions.

>

We’ll provide a press release template to help you spread the word about your winning projects.

And it only rolls around every other year It's not too early to get started

Photos: Gather up to 12 photos to tell your project’s story, focusing on "before" and "after" shots.

Important dates and deadlines Early Bird deadline

5:00 pm | Friday, January 15, 2021 Final deadline for entries

5:00 pm | Monday, February 1, 2021 Judging of entries

Mid-February 2021 Worksheet: Our GALA worksheet Notification of awards walks you through Late February 2021 everything you need to do. Start it anytime Awards banquet & ceremony and save it on your March 23, 2021 computer so you can add info as you gather it, as time permits. When you’re done, use it to Don't fill in the blanks on the online form. Download miss your worksheet and get started today!

Online form: Once your worksheet is complete, use the information to complete the online GALA entry form: urbanagcouncil. com/gala-georgia-landscape-awards.

You can copy and paste information from the worksheet into the appropriate places on the form.

Be sure to save the worksheet as a record of your entry. Use what you’ve written about your project to promote your company in other ways!

Picture your team in the winners' circle.

>>>>>> Enter early and save $$ on your entry fee! <<<<<<

this chance to show off your work and reward your team!

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

>

Your time to shine

27

WHAT THE TECH?

Virtual events

Five tips to get the most out of your attendance

by Sara Crawford, Digital Content Strategist, WT Digital Agency

1.

Go through the event agenda.

Before you register for the event, look through the agenda, and make sure it’s an event that will help you. Going through the offerings will also help you determine whether to get a VIP pass if it is available.

Make a note of all the sessions you want to attend. Put reminders in your calendar on your phone or print out the agenda and highlight the important sessions.

Before the event, you may even want to do some research on the speakers so you will be more familiar with them and their credentials. If there is a session you feel particularly drawn to, reach out to the speaker to tell them that you are greatly looking forward to their session.

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

In many virtual events, there are opportunities to network and chat with other participants, and there are numerous informational sessions and professional development sessions that you can view right from your computer.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Given the pandemic and the need to work and socialize remotely, virtual events

28

are popping up. Many conferences that are normally held in person are going virtual this year, and into 2021. If you are used to attending conferences in person, you may find it difficult to get used to virtual events, and you may find they are not as productive. This isn’t always the case, however. In many virtual events, there are opportunities to network and chat with other participants, and there are numerous informational sessions and professional development sessions that you can view right from your computer.

Before you register for and attend that next virtual event, here are some tips that will help you to get the most out of it.

Treat a virtual event as you would if it were in person. It can be tempting to multitask while you are attending sessions, but if the event were in person, you wouldn’t be able to do laundry at the same time; you would be completely engaged in whatever was happening.

Make sure you block off the appropriate amount of time and you don’t have anything else to do when the event is taking place.

2.

You also want to block off time before and after the event so you don’t have to rush around. If it’s during a workday, tell your colleagues you are treating the event as an in-person event and set an “away from the office” message.

If something urgent does come up, a lot of times the sessions will be available on-demand after the event (see the next tip). Plan to watch it later so you don’t miss out.

Find out if the sessions or slides will be available afterwards. Often in virtual events the sessions are available ondemand after the event takes place. Sometimes, the speaker will even make their slides available

3.

WHAT THE TECH? to participants. Find this out before the session takes place so you will know whether you need to take notes.

You may find that you want to take notes anyway to be fully engaged in the session. Write down any questions that you have, and reach out to speakers with follow-up questions if they don’t have a question and answer session.

These are just a few tips that will help you to make the most of your virtual event. Just like in-person events, you can get as much out of it as you want to if you are fully engaged.

About the author Sara Crawford is an author and Digital Content Strategist for WT Digital Agency. In love with the written word, she strives to provide quality content for all of her clients.

4.

Have a backup plan for your technology. So much can go wrong with technology. Your computer can randomly crash. You can lose internet connection.

Maybe you experience a power outage or your Bluetooth headphones die in the middle of a session. You can’t always be prepared for every possibility, but you can have backup plans in place should any of these things happen.

E: sara@wtmarketing.com P: 404.348.4921 ext. 103

your internet connection before the 4 Test event starts to make sure it’s stable. a backup device like a tablet or even 4 Have your phone that you can switch to if your laptop crashes.

you are using Bluetooth headphones, a 4 Iftablet, or a mobile device, make sure these things are all charged up before the event.

might even want to have an extra set of 4 You headphones you can use or be prepared to

770/233-6107

ugaurbanag.com/certification

use the data on your cell phone as a hot spot should you lose internet connection.

5.

Most events also have built-in networking time and chat rooms that are specifically designed for networking at the event. You may be tempted to sit these out, but just because you’re at home on your computer instead of at a hotel or venue, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on valuable connections.

Are you ready to prove you’re the best?

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Network with other participants.

It is possible to network with other participants at online events. You won’t be able to turn to the person next to you during a keynote speech, but most events will have a chat function where you can message other participants with any comments you have.

Test your knowledge > Gain professional credibility > Join the industry elite

Get certified and watch your business grow

29

BUSINESS

360 surveys

Getting meaningful feedback for results

by Erin Saunders, Leica Geosystems Feedback is one of the most important things we can be given to be able to grow and develop in our careers. One of the tools that can be used to get feedback from the team and stakeholders is a 360 evaluation.

Getting feedback from multiple sources can help you understand how you are perceived in the organization, how that perception may line up with your own self-perception, and skills or competencies you may want to focus on developing.

Getting feedback from multiple sources can help you understand how you are perceived in the organization, how that perception may line up with your own self-perception, and skills or competencies you may want to focus on developing.

Steps to success Here are some guidelines on how 360 feedback can be administered to be most effective in employee development.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

1.

30

First, decide who will administer the 360 evaluation. This should be someone in the organization who can compile the results to keep the responses anonymous and who will keep the feedback confidential.

the 360 is being administered for 4 Ifindividual participants, this can be their manager or HR.

it’s a manager in a smaller organization 4 Iflooking for feedback from his or her team,

it’s typically administered by someone neutral and trustworthy in the organization.

Next, identify what questions to ask. In general, you want to ask about skills that are important for someone to be successful in their role. It can be a very tactical skills-based evaluation, or feedback on some of the softer skills like communication and interpersonal connection.

2.

common areas in which 4 Some individual contributors want feedback

are communication effectiveness, responsiveness, passion for the work, customer focus, decision quality, presentation skills, and problem solving.

typically want feedback about 4 Managers their leadership style, people development focus, communication, accessibility, and support for direct reports.

3.

How you would like to collect the results? It can be done via Excel or Word, or automated slightly using Google Forms or a survey service such as Survey Monkey.

4.

Next, decide who the target audience for feedback is. This can vary depending on the type of information you’re looking for.

may want feedback from their 4 Managers direct reports on their management style. contributors may want 4 Individual feedback from their teams, stakeholders, or customers.

Managers and participants of the survey should align on their target audience before sending out the 360 feedback.

Once you’ve established who will be providing the feedback, give each of the survey participants some background on the process. Help them understand the purpose of the 360, let them

5.

BUSINESS know their responses will be anonymous, and that in order for the process to be useful, it’s important that they are honest in their feedback.

You may want to consider having a call to help them understand the purpose of the exercise as well.

Once the survey participants have responded, the administrator should compile the results. This is a critical part in the 360 process.

6.

It’s important that the employee receiving the results is open to the feedback and that the message is framed properly.

4 4

The manager or administrator should look for themes. She/he may want to consider ranking the feedback from highest to lowest.

Before sending the participant their feedback, help them understand some guidelines of how to best interpret it and what to expect next in the process.

that feedback is one of the most 4 Reinforce important ways in which we grow. We all

have areas that are strengths for us, and we all have areas in which we can improve.

7.

When you sit down to discuss the results, probe for more information.

Some good questions to ask include:

important in your role?

are the areas that scored a little 4 What lower? Are those skills or competencies that are needed for your job?

anything based on this feedback 4 Isyouthere want to try and work on or add as a development opportunity?

For areas that rated lower, first ask “do we care?” If it’s a skill that isn’t needed to be effective in the employee’s role, it may not be something you want to work on developing.

If it is critical, focus on how you can help the employee build that strength.

8.

As you create development plans, leverage free and existing tools online. Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning all have free or low-cost courses around technical skills like financial acumen as well as soft skills like communication and building interpersonal relationships. Using a course like that along with 1:1 coaching can go a long way in building your team’s skills.

The payoff Feedback is one of the most important ways we grow and develop personally and professionally.

When carefully administered, a 360 evaluation can be a great way in which to understand how our self-perception lines up with how we are perceived by others we work with and support.

About the author Erin Saunders is Regional Human Resources Business Partner with Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon.

P: 770.326.9517 E: erin.saunders@leica-geosystems.com

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

surprised you about the results?

4 What there any results that were different 4 Were than what you were expecting? How so? of the results were not surprising?

4 Which did the results align with your self4 How assessment? are the areas you would agree 4 What are your key strengths? How are those

In general, people are going to be happier and more effective at their jobs if they are using and playing to their strengths. Consider spending a good portion of the conversation talking about how to better leverage the employee’s strengths.

31

BUSINESS

Stronger together

Build your business by promoting diversity in the workplace

by Lindsey Getz places to start just may be a closer look at your business, including not only your hiring process but what you do to nurture an inclusive environment.

Words can make a difference According to Sharon Jones, a lawyer by training and a diversity consultant who specializes in providing diversity and inclusion consulting, sometimes exclusion happens unintentionally.

It’s not like business owners set out to only hire certain individuals, but even something as seemingly innocuous as a job ad may inadvertently exclude people from the hiring pool due to language used.

One of the best places to start just may be a closer look at your business, including not only your hiring process but what you do to nurture an inclusive environment.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

You’ve undoubtedly been hearing about inclusion and diversity a lot lately, and

32

with all of the other challenges this year has brought, you might be getting to a point where you just want to gloss over the issue.

But now is the right time to focus on inclusion and diversity in your business. After all, they’re more than just the latest hot topics. They are an opportunity that can be seized in an effort to make your company better.

But what can you do? The idea of even getting started in making actionable changes can feel overwhelming. It’s an important issue that is worth more than some quick tips, but we all have to start somewhere. One of the best

“For instance, you might say that no women ever apply for the jobs you advertise, but have you somehow implied you need to be a ‘strong man’ to get the job?” questions Jones, founder and CEO of Jones Diversity with offices in Chicago and New York. “The language used in your job ads should be able to be perceived neutrally.”

Kelly Dowell, a green industry consultant and marketing expert who grew up working at her dad’s lawn and landscaping company, Dowco in St. Louis, agrees and says that it goes beyond just your job ads, but your company’s culture — or what she calls its “backbone.” In other words, even if you make improvements to your hiring process and make job ads more neutral, if your website paints a different picture, it’s not going to matter.

“You want to hire people who have researched your company and know what you’re all about,” she says. “But if they’re doing that and they don’t see people that look like them — such as having minorities or women in leadership roles — are they really going to want to apply?”

BUSINESS Dowell says one of the landscaping industry’s greatest complaints is a lack of labor. But what if you’re doing something to unintentionally limit your potential labor pool? Whether business owners intend to or not, it’s not uncommon for them to hire people “like them,” Dowell says, and that even extends to people who “look like them.” But diverse representation on your leadership team and across your company can be such a strength.

When you hire people who aren’t just like you, you can expand your company’s horizons in so many ways, including your customer base.

Diversity at the leadership level Thinking about fostering diversity amongst your leadership team is so important. Jones says that when “measuring the diversity of your company you must do it at all levels.”

“It’s not enough to look at your laborers and say that you encourage diversity,” she says. “In order to build a truly inclusive workplace, you need to look at diversity in your leadership roles too. This is so important to business operations as a diverse leadership team is going to bring a broader lens at which to look at things. As a whole, it will ultimately improve your business by encouraging a more diverse perspective.”

Dowell points out that you should still look at qualifications and skills. Nobody is saying you should hire someone just to be able to say you’re a diverse company. But you should broaden your view of the pool from which you hire.

It may also mean setting your own team members up for success. Hiring from within brings many benefits. You’re choosing someone who already knows your company and is committed to it. But if you’re looking to promote field staff and help them rise through the ranks into leadership positions, you may need to put the structure in place to allow them

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

33

BUSINESS to do so. Only looking at individuals with a degree automatically shuts the door on a lot of individuals who never had the opportunity to attend school.

“My advice is to always look from within when you can,” Dowell says. “Can you offer some management or leadership coaching that might make one of your field staff members a great fit for an opening you have now or in the future?

There might be someone on your team who has great skills to offer — they’re hardworking, loyal and work great with other people. But where else would they have had the opportunity to learn the leadership skills if not given the chance? How can we allow minorities to climb the ladder if we’re not giving them the tools they need to be successful?”

That’s something that Krisjan Berzins, president and CEO of Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape in Alexandria, Virginia, has taken to heart. Berzins says that his leadership team, which has far more women than men and includes a Latina woman, became more diverse organically and by promoting from within.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

“I think diversity has to come from a place that is authentic and genuine, which happens when you’re not just out to check a box but to make sure you’re including all candidates in the search and hiring process,” Berzins says.

“Diversity is what makes our country great and unique — it is a melting pot of so many people of different walks of lives and cultures, and I think diversity can be a great strength of your business too. It allows you to consider so many more perspectives and ways of doing things that you may never have thought about.”

34

Bettering your business, now As you reflect upon improving your hiring process and being more inclusive, you should also spend some time thinking about your company culture. Do you have a workplace where your current employees feel comfortable?

Are you taking steps to foster an inclusive environment? Jones says it’s important to approach this seriously if you want to make changes that will move you forward as a company. She adds that it has to be more than

just “watching a 30- minute video and feeling like you’ve done your part.”

One thing that Jones recommends is unconscious bias training (also referred to as implicit bias training), which can help people to identify certain thought patterns that they have which may make them biased without even realizing it.

“Most people don’t have conscious discriminatory thoughts,” she adds. “But there are unconscious patterns that have an impact on the way that we think, regardless of our intentions. Unconscious bias training allows us to start to unpack this and disrupts our thought patterns.”

Jones recommends Harvard’s Implicit Association Test at implicit.harvard.edu/ implicit, which measures attitudes and beliefs that people maintain. It’s free and has been used by millions. Jones says that from a “self-awareness standpoint,” this test can be a powerful place to start, though it may be uncomfortable to confront. But it’s what you do next that really matters.

“After taking a test like that and walking away acknowledging that you have some bias, the next thing you need to ask is, what can I do to make sure I disrupt those patterns at work?”

Jones says. “The first step is self-awareness, but the second step is what you do about it. This is where education is so important.”

Being open to new ideas and different ways of thinking is such a big piece of this. But in doing that, it helps to try and look at your company from a different lens. Are you truly supporting your team with resources that will help them succeed? For the landscape and irrigation industry, it can’t be ignored that a large percentage of the labor force is made up of Latinx individuals. If you’re not looking closely at what those individuals need to succeed at your company and ultimately rise through the ranks if that’s something they want, then you may need to reevaluate your processes. Do you offer resources in both English and Spanish?

BUSINESS Do you have someone who is bilingual on the leadership team?

Berzins says that he has spent a lot of time thinking about how his company can continue to cultivate a climate of inclusivity, and that has meant looking at the way in which his leadership staff can reflect the values, language and culture of the company as a whole.

On top of that, Berzins says that continuing to make hiring choices that are not just about landscaping skills but also about finding people who have integrity and character must be intentional.

“We can teach the landscaping skills, but if we want to have people who are inclusive and welcoming and who are supportive, it does mean that you’re bringing in the right people in the first place,” Berzins says. “We can say we don’t tolerate racism or that we want to be inclusive of all people, but we also need to hire people who help support that positive culture we want to create.”

“I think that for a lot of people, these issues do require stepping out of their comfort zone,” Dowell says. “But we have to do that. This shouldn’t just be an initiative for 2020 because it’s a so-called hot topic. Business owners and leadership teams need to start thinking outside of the box and contemplating solutions that are sustainable for their company for the long run. It might be rough, and it might be uncomfortable. But it’s a must if you’re someone who truly wants to move forward.”

This article was originally printed in Irrigation & Green Industry, August 2020, Vol. 24, Issue 8. View the article here: igin.com/article-8234-Stronger-together. html

About the author

Lindsey Getz is a contributing editor to Irrigation & Green Industry and can be reached at lindsey.getz@ yahoo.com.

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BUSINESS

By any other name

Benevolent discrimination is still discrimination

by Stanton Law LLC

Start with diversity training The co-authors noted that diversity training with emphasis on helping employees work together more effectively and fostering dialogue is a good place to start.

But asking employees to sign a pledge or directing employees to meet with a person of another race to discuss racism, while well intentioned, could be going too far. While the employer’s efforts might be considered unbiased and progressive, the latter instances could violate antidiscrimination law, the attorneys stated.

Even the most well-meaning statement or policy won’t satisfy all constituents. Ultimately an employer’s active involvement could add unnecessary complication to an already delicate situation while also running afoul of discrimination laws.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Amid the on-going national and local headlines about protests, social injustice and

36

police reform, employers have grappled with whether to make public statements or otherwise take action. Consider internal as well as external ramifications before taking any stand, making a statement or encouraging employee action, wrote Todd Stanton and Amanda Farahany of Barrett & Farahany in a July 10 Fulton County Daily Report article.

Even the most well-meaning statement or policy won’t satisfy all constituents. Ultimately an employer’s active involvement could add unnecessary complication to an already delicate situation while also running afoul of discrimination laws.

“Encouraging employees to be mindful of racism is fair game, but requiring specific action based on race is problematic,” Farahany and Stanton wrote.

Focus on things you can control The co-authors encourage employers to focus their efforts in areas over which they have some control.

eliminate explicit race-based directives 4 First, from any message and instead, prioritize

equality, the ultimate goal of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Know that while you may feel a moral obligation to start an internal conversation, you have no legal obligation to do so. Keep any conversations uplifting and not too specific, while abiding by employment laws, the coauthors noted.

the company’s and leader’s actions 4 Discuss to maintain a positive work environment

and demonstrate the company’s commitment through equitable employment practices.

consider involving your attorney 4 Finally, in the review process of any new policies, internal or external statements.

BUSINESS

Rally employees with positive activities Supporting positive activities and causes can be effective means of rallying the company and employees, Farahany and Stanton noted. Matching employee contributions to predetermined charities and volunteering in under-served communities are positive actions that are far less likely to have a polarizing effect.

Consider and engage with the employee’s perspective The attorneys acknowledge that in today’s climate making a donation can be perceived as a political statement. While the importance of an open dialog with employees should not be discounted, expressing support for employees does not obligate the Company to engage with outside causes. Employers should help employees understand that the absence of monetary support for a specific organization

doesn’t equate to ambivalence about current cultural issues. “You can still be 100% against racism and not contribute to BLM, or propolice and not contribute to a PBA,” Farahany and Stanton noted.

The attorneys agreed that employers should help employees to realize if they feel discriminated against, it is their right and responsibility to report it immediately. Then, as the employer, it’s your obligation to listen and react accordingly. On the one hand, it is unrealistic to think you can keep the topic of social injustice out of the office, on the other, “if you want to make a statement or implement a new policy or program, consult your attorney and consider all ramifications before moving forward,” Farahany and Stanton advised.

You can read the entire article on the Fulton County Daily Report website (subscription required). stantonlawllc.com/benevolent-discrimination-is-stilldiscrimination-2/

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37

BUSINESS

Economic impact of the Georgia Green Industry 2018 statistics and evaluation

by Ben Campbell, Associate Professor and Extension Economist, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Georgia and Hayk Khachatryan, Associate Professor, Food and Resource Economics Department, University of Florida

Overview

2018 statistics

The Georgia Green Industry consists of wholesale nursery, greenhouse, turfgrass sod producers, landscape design, construction/ maintenance firms and wholesale and retail distribution firms (e.g., garden centers, home stores, mass merchandisers with lawn/garden departments, brokers/rewholesale distribution centers, and allied trade suppliers (Hodges et al., 2015).

As the Georgia Green Industry continues to change and adapt to new market conditions, it is essential to understand the impact of the industry on the state and regional economies. This article provides the dollar impacts as well as employment associated with the Georgia Green Industry.

10th ranked state in Green Industry total 4 economic impact and employment $9.97 billion in total regional impact 4 > 38,202 in direct employment > 66,527 in total employment

2nd ranked state in direct and indirect 4 output contributions in the Southeast U.S. 3rd largest agricultural farm gate value 4 (including container nursery, field nursery,

greenhouse, and turf) in the state (Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, 2020)

A multi-state assembly of agricultural economists and horticulturists have joined together under the auspices of the USDA multi-state group (currently S1087) to form the Green Industry Research Consortium.

Over the past 30+ years the Consortium has conducted research on a wide variety of

Table 1. Economic Impact of the Georgia Green Industry in 2018.

Industry Sector

Employment Employment Labor Income Reported Contributions Contributions (Jobs) (Jobs) (M$)

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Greenhouse and nursery production

38

2,968

4,163

205

390

1,688

103

Farm/garden equip./nursery/florist wholesalers 4,774

6,150

335

Lawn/garden equipment and supplies stores

4,590

8,545

390

Florists

1,192

2,574

103

Landscape architecture and services

24,288

43,407

2,365

Overall

38,202

66,527

3,500

Lawn/garden equip. manufacturing

BUSINESS topics within the industry. Notably, for this report, the Consortium develops economic impact estimates every five years for each state in the U.S. to better understand trends and impacts of the industry. Using data from this group, published by Hodges et al. (2015) and Khachatryan et al. (2020), and other resources as noted, this report strives to understand the current (2018) state of the Georgia Green Industry.

Overall state of the Green Industry in the U.S. The total value added economic contributions (GDP contributions, including labor income, other property income, and business taxes) of the U.S. Green Industry in 2018 was estimated at $191 billion and employment impacts were 2.3 million jobs either directly or indirectly related to the industry (Hall et al. 2020). The largest Green Industry segments in terms of employment and value added contributions were landscaping and horticultural services (with estimated 1,460,669 jobs and $221.89 billion value added), greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production (with 217,574 jobs, $28.69 billion), and lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores (with 292,614 jobs, $43.80 billion).

Value Added Contributions

(M$)

Output Contributions (M$)

Overall state of the Georgia Green Industry Georgia ranked 2nd in the Southeast (13th in the U.S.) for direct sales with $3.053 billion in revenues across greenhouse/nursery production, lawn/garden equipment manufacturing, farm/ garden equipment/nursery/florist wholesalers, lawn/garden equipment and supplies stores, florists, and landscape architecture and services.

The Georgia Green Industry had a regional impact of $9.972 billion which ranks 2nd in the Southeast (10th in the U.S.). The Georgia Green Industry had a $5.512 billion valued added contribution (GDP contribution) which includes labor income, other property income (e.g., rents, royalty, corporate profits), and business taxes.

The Georgia Green Industry also contributed $472 million in state taxes, $745 in federal taxes, and $3.5 billion in labor income.

The industry employed 10 people per 1,000 persons and contributed $525 per person in GDP. Georgia ranked 2nd in the Southeast (10th in the U.S.) for direct and regional employment contributions with 38,202 and 66,257 jobs, respectively. This implies the Georgia Green Industry was directly responsible for over 38,000

State Taxes Contributions (M$)

Federal Taxes Contributions (M$)

Direct Output-Sales (M$)

549

14

42

260

187

549

11

24

182

638

753

96

82

182

694

1,279

92

82

386

18

21

150

248

68

3,539

6,594

241

493

1,974

5,512

9,972

472

745

3,053

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

305

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BUSINESS jobs and indirectly responsible for over 66,000 jobs. Thereby, the Georgia Green Industry contributes 104,729 jobs in Georgia and the surrounding region.

Green Industry Employment - 2018

In comparison to the previous study of 2013, U.S. Green Industry direct output decreased by 32% ($4.5 billion to $3.1 billion) while regional economic contributions increased by 48% ($6.7 billion to $10 billion). Direct employment decreased by 20% from 47,555 in 2013 to 38,202 in 2018, but indirect employment increased by 4% from 64,066 in 2013 to 66,527 in 2018. GDP contributions increased by 45% from 2013 to 2018 ($3.8 billion to $5.5 billion).

Total Regional Impact (in billions)

Farm Gate Value (%) - 2018

(data taken from the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development 2020 AgSnapshots)

The largest individual sector in regard to outputs and employment, both directly and indirectly, was landscape and architectural services (Table 1), representing nearly 64% of direct industry employment, 65% of direct output, 66% of regional economic output, and 64% of value added contributions. Farm/ garden equipment/nursery/florist wholesalers were the second biggest sector by employment and impact followed by greenhouse/nursery production.

The impact As can be seen by the economic impact, the Georgia Green Industry has a significant impact on the Georgia and regional economies. This impact has increased since the last Green Industry Survey conducted in 2014.

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BUSINESS

New podcast network launched Landscape Disruptors produced for and by landscapers Landscape Disruptors launches a podcast with new episodes every Friday for landscape business owners looking to scale, grow, increase customers and build an elite company.

Owning and operating a landscape company comes with its challenges so Landscape Disruptors is here to share tips, secrets, and first-hand experiences that have worked for the industry’s most successful companies.

Landscape Disruptors is a new platform launching to showcase top performers in the landscape and snow industry and discuss all things related to business and beyond.

The podcast is hosted by Stanley “Dirt Monkey” Genadek, who brings years of experience entertaining and informing landscape business owners. Produced and sponsored by LMN, the new platform will be launching with a full season of podcast interviews and a number of industry disruptors including LMN CEO and co-founder Mark Bradley, author and coach Jeffrey Scott, The Pond Guy Greg Wittstock, and more.

~ Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek

In addition to weekly podcast episodes, Landscape Disruptors will be an active resource for business owners in the landscape and snow industry by offering access to webinars for in-depth breakdowns of business tips discussed in the podcast episodes.

Photos courtesy of LMN Virtual and future inThe podcast is hosted by Stanley “Dirt person events will also Monkey” Genadek, who brings years of take place to create a experience entertaining and informing space for landscape landscape business owners. industry disruptors to network and share their thoughts and experiences with each other.

“We wanted to create a media outlet where people can continue to learn and actively engage,” said Mark Bradley on the launch of Landscape Disruptors. “This is real advice from real people that have put in the work and gone through the trial-and-error process of growing their business.”

Reprinted with permission from Green Industry Pros. For more, visit greenindustrypros.com.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

“We’re tapping into some of the greatest minds in landscaping and snow and learning what did and did not work for these guys to become successful, down to the dollar. This is insider information most people would pay to access and we’re bringing it straight to your headphones.”

These entertaining and engaging weekly conversations will cover topics such as scaling and growth, business management techniques, and marketing tips from industry professionals that can be applied in real-time.

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INDUSTRY

Horticulture outreach recognized UGA's Bauske receives national honor

by Josh Paine for CAES News

Contributed photo

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Ellen Bauske, program coordinator in the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture, has received the American Society of Horticultural Science’s 2020 Extension Educator of the Year Award.

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Ellen Bauske is a boundary spanner — she’s

people to move as a group in the direction of accomplishment. It's a rare skill."

known as a person who brings people and organizations together on national, regional and local levels.

Harald Scherm, head of the Department of Plant Pathology, agrees. “Ellen has consistently reinvented herself and her Extension programming during the past 15 years,” he said. “She has been remarkably responsive to emerging needs and opportunities.”

It’s one of the many reasons she received the American Society of Horticultural Science’s 2020 Extension Educator of the Year Award, which recognizes an educator who has made an outstanding contribution to extension education in horticulture for more than 10 years.

Bauske currently serves as chair of the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture, an organization she's worked with to strengthen academic and industry collaboration since 2012. Along with fellow academics, she gathers industry stakeholders and national leaders from nongovernmental organizations to help increase recognition of the human health, economic and environmental benefits of consumer horticulture.

Bauske serves as a program coordinator for the University of Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. She has helped develop innovative programming in a variety of disciplines, including integrated pest management, water, consumer horticulture, Master Gardener Extension Volunteer training, community gardens, landscape and tree care worker safety.

The evolution of a 'doer' "Ellen Bauske is a doer,” said Dan Suiter, who is chair of the center’s faculty advisory committee.

“Her formal training is in plant pathology, but she has been very adaptable in the many years she's been with the Center for Urban Agriculture. She, like no one I've known, can get

“For the first time in consumer horticulture, we’re making an effort to lock arms with our industry partners, and that’s a game changer.

We’ve always paid attention to home gardeners, but now we have also reached out to our industry stakeholders, retailers and the services that meet the needs of gardeners. That includes landscapers, arborists, garden centers, garden writers and the many nonprofits involved in residential food production.

We are forging those relationships now to build common ground. We’ve been putting out proposals for grants and they’re getting better and better.” ~ Ellen Bauske

INDUSTRY Gail Langellotto, professor of urban and community horticulture Extension at Oregon State University, says the organization has been a successful endeavor under Bauske’s leadership.

“It is not hyperbole to say that she has helped to elevate the field of consumer horticulture so that those of us who work in the field are better networked, more competitive for federal funding, and better able to communicate the value of our work to stakeholders and decision makers. ~ Gail Langellotto

A history of outreach Based at the UGA Griffin campus for more than 15 years, Bauske stays connected to UGA Cooperative Extension specialists and agents around the state. One of her most well-known focus areas is chainsaw education programming, and she developed the UGA Saw Safety Team to have agents deliver trainings and timely information to industry professionals and homeowners.

Tree care is the most dangerous job in the U.S. The Southeast is prone to many natural disasters that cause extensive tree damage.

Storm damage is dangerous for professionals, and it often prompts homeowners who don’t regularly use chainsaws to pull them out and start cutting.

Outreach for the program included videos like, Common tree felling accidents and what you can do to prevent them, which has been viewed nearly

She has also authored or coauthored numerous guides and UGA Extension publications, including Chainsaw Safety: Always Use Your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Choosing a Landscape Irrigation Contractor” and Hiring a Tree Care Service.

Whether it’s organizing a survey for the Georgia Arborists Association, promoting native pollinator programs or creating training materials for OSHA, Bauske always has a teamoriented approach.

“I’ve never had a project with less than five people on it,” she said. “I’ve done a lot of work with the states around us. We can do more together than we could ever do alone.”

Growing community Locally, Bauske has helped support the Healthy Life Community Gardens in the Fairmount community, a historically Black neighborhood in Griffin. The garden serves as a focal point for extension educational programming and provides a safe location for activities.

After the development of the garden, an interest in the history of the neighborhood fostered the Fairmont Oral History Project, a collaboration with the UGA Special Collection Libraries to document the desegregation of the city.

“I had once read that community gardens are often the site of political organization — they’re not kidding,” she recalled. “It’s amazing what fruits grow there.”

For more information about ASHS, visit ashs. org. To learn more about the Center for Urban Agriculture, see ugaurbanag.com.

About the author Josh Paine is a marketing specialist with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

“With the hurricanes blowing through, OSHA (the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) asked if we could do an emergency safety training about chainsaws.

When storms like that go through, everybody grabs a chainsaw — and I mean everybody.

They’ll think, ‘it’s already on the ground, how dangerous can it be?’ It’s incredibly dangerous,” Bauske said.

680,000 times. Ultimately, a total of 1,220 people received 2,215 hours of in-person safety training.

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INDUSTRY

New leader for UGA's CAES

Nick T. Place named dean and director

by Sam Fahmy

Nick T. Place, an

I stand ready to proactively work with the outstanding faculty and staff at CAES and UGA who are poised to take the college to whole new heights.” ~ Nick T. Place

academic leader with a record of applying researchbased expertise to the needs of agricultural producers and communities, has been named dean of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and director of the UGA Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Experiment Stations.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Place is currently dean for extension, director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service and a professor in the department of agricultural education and communication at the University of Florida. His appointment at UGA is effective Jan. 1, 2021.

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“I am delighted that Dr. Place will serve as the next dean and director of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “With his farreaching experience as a scholar, practitioner, educator and administrator, he will provide outstanding leadership to the college in the years to come.”

As dean and director of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, a position he has held since 2012, Place oversees faculty located in each of Florida’s counties, 13 research and education centers, 15 academic departments and the School of Forest Resources and Conservation. He previously served as associate dean and associate director of University of Maryland Extension and as a

faculty member at UF, where he was graduate coordinator and led the graduate program in agricultural education and communication.

He began his career as an extension agent at Penn State University, where he conducted educational programs in dairy, livestock, 4-H youth development and community development.

Place’s research and scholarship focuses on teaching and learning along with domestic and international extension services and their role in youth, community and economic development. His work has been supported by $1.7 million in grants and contracts from agencies such as the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the National Security Education Program. He is the author or co-author of more than 30 peer-reviewed publications as well as a book, several book chapters, and numerous extension publications.

He was selected by the USDA to work in Poland for six months to assist the Polish Ministry of Agriculture in restructuring and reorienting its agricultural extension system.

“Dr. Place has devoted his career to the landgrant ideal that universities exist to address the needs of our nation while producing knowledge and talent for global impact,” said S. Jack Hu, the university’s senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “I am confident that he will provide visionary leadership to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences that promotes excellence in teaching, research and service.”

Place was a fellow of the two-year Food Systems Leadership Institute program sponsored by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and the Land Grant System.

His additional honors include receiving the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education Outstanding Achievement Award and the North American Colleges and

INDUSTRY Teachers of Agriculture Teacher Fellow Award.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in dairy husbandry at Delaware Valley College in Pennsylvania. He earned his M.S. in dairy and animal science and his Ph.D. in agricultural and extension education from Penn State University.

“I am looking forward to becoming the dean and director of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,” Place said. “There is recognizable strong potential in areas such as agricultural technology, innovation, food systems and a host of other areas across all three missions of research, teaching and extension

outreach. I stand ready to proactively work with the outstanding faculty and staff at CAES and UGA who are poised to take the college to whole new heights.”

A 24-member search committee co-chaired

by Jennifer Frum, vice president for Public Service and Outreach, and Dale Greene, dean of the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, helped identify finalists for the position. The committee was assisted by the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller and the UGA Search Group.

Number 2 in the nation

CAES ranked No. 2 college for agricultural sciences by Niche

by Maria M. Lameiras for CAES News

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has ranked second on the 2021 list of Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences in America, up one spot from the 2020 ranking.

Released this month, Niche’s ranking is based on data from the U.S. Department of Education. According to the platform, the ranking “compares the top agricultural science degree programs including animal sciences, horticulture, aquaculture, agronomy, crop science and turf management.”

CAES has a fall 2020 undergraduate enrollment of 1,456, and a graduate/professional student enrollment of 624, its highest graduate enrollment to date. Since 2017, graduate enrollment at CAES has increased 20.7%, and the college has 20,790 living alumni worldwide.

CAES has nine academic departments with 21

Cornell University captured the top spot on the 2021 UGA's College of Agricultural and Best Colleges for Environmental Sciences has a fall 2020 undergraduate enrollment of 1,456, and a Agricultural Sciences graduate/professional student enrollment list, and the University of 624, its highest graduate enrollment to of Florida came in at date.

No. 3.

Overall, UGA is ranked No. 11 on Niche’s 2021 list of Top Public Universities in America.

About the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Founded in 1859, UGA CAES plays an integral role in UGA’s land-grant mission through its instruction, research and extension programs. Today CAES has campuses in Athens, Griffin and Tifton, seven research and education centers, five 4-H centers, and Cooperative Extension offices that serve each of Georgia’s 159 counties. For more information, see caes.uga.edu.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Other factors include test scores, the percentage of college majors, program demand, student and alumni surveys, expenditures per student, research expenditures and the percentage of total annual agricultural sciences graduates nationally that come from each program.

majors and leads the nation in research in poultry science, food safety, entomology, plant breeding and cultivar development.

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INDUSTRY

Facing the challenges

Fighting for you - our members

by Bryan Tolar, Tolar Capitol Partners State budget By far, the largest big-picture challenge remains the state budget and the many agency and education components that rely on tax revenues.

The current budget anticipated a 9% drop in state funds, but the lingering impacts of the pandemic are forcing additional soul searching as the calendar rolls forward. Federal funding, or lack thereof, is also a big determining factor.

UAC recently held a Zoom call with members to engage with two of Georgia’s U.S. Congressmen to discuss COVID-19 legislation and more.

2020 has been one-of-a-kind…and we

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

certainly hope it is not repeated in 2021. As I write this update, hope for an adapted college football season is still on the horizon – and with it, a promising symbol of normalcy.

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Regardless of the challenges, through all of the change and awkwardness brought on since March 2020, UAC has never hesitated to advance the industry in all the ways you deserve and expect.

Your investment in UAC makes it all possible.

The 2020 legislative session First, let’s reflect on outcomes of the 2020 legislative session. As you know, policy initiatives often build upon one another and react to current events, COVID-19 included.

Should the economy sputter further or falter, expect lawmakers to take swift corrective action through deeper budget cuts for the current FY2021 budget as well as the FY2022 budget planning process. Time will tell.

Business benefits The 2020 legislative session also yielded several business benefits for UAC. These included: to U.S. Congress that we need 4 atoresolution improve the federal H-2A and H-2B

guest worker visa programs for landscaping, agriculture, forestry, and other related fields;

law that restructures the appointment 4 atiming of members to the Georgia Seed

Development Commission (GSD) to help ensure continuity for the board over time;

law updating and strengthening Georgia's 4 aindustrial hemp law for enforcement and

production licensing, including greenhouses; and

law regarding COVID-19 that provides 4 afacilities with extensive immunity from civil

liability for injuries or death alleged to have been sustained because of actions taken by the business.

All are good building blocks for UAC members.

Sales tax exemptions A faltering budget could resurrect efforts that surfaced at the State Capitol in June. Sadly, these recent actions sought to eliminate several

INDUSTRY sales tax exemptions, including one for sod sales direct from the farm. Doing so would put Georgia sod growers at a severe disadvantage to sod farms in adjacent states. This or other similar attacks could reduce the size of current sales tax exemptions and tax credit programs which would have impacted all Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption (GATE) purchases for ag inputs and energy used for agribusinesses.

Desperation for state tax dollars can cause hazy, even delusional thinking, so we are preparing now to fight that battle with lawmakers when they reconvene in January.

UAC efforts Finally, efforts continue to advance the UAC profile and membership throughout the pandemic.

A well-received series of UAC Short Take videos helped share the message of adjustment and experiences from a variety of UAC members and education partners.

It is unfortunate that the usual member engagement events, such as monthly industry suppers and the Turfgrass Field Day in Griffin had to be scrapped, but work goes on.

UAC recently held a Zoom call with members to engage with two of Georgia’s U.S. Congressmen to discuss COVID-19 legislation and more. Congressman Doug Collins and Congressman Drew Ferguson were pleased to join the discussion and share their insight. This too was provided as video footage for UAC members who could not attend the live event.

Looking ahead The months ahead are clearly critical as to how our state and communities can move forward.

Previous comments touch on many challenges, but changes at the State Capitol will also play an important role.

The retirements of Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Wilkinson and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom McCall are huge losses alone, but they will accompany the shuffling of many other lawmakers as well. Their collective leadership will not be easily replaced.

A strong, engaged membership will continue to allow us to weather the storm. We encourage you to reach out and speak up on ways UAC can help your business build a better tomorrow.

No doubt, football will cure some ills…we love sports and it is symbolic of brighter days ahead.

Thank you and continue your efforts to stay safe.

When’s kickoff???

Tolar Capitol Partners provides background and status information on key issues, prompting action from our members when needed and lobbying on behalf of our industry. tolarcapitolpartners.com

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Additional COVID-19 activity came when UAC member Scotts Miracle-Gro manufactured over 600,000 plastic face shields at their plant in California. They reached out to UAC to

help place the shields in hospitals for front-line workers in Georgia. UAC connections with Governor Kemp, Members of Congress, and state legislators led to the August delivery of 36,000 face shields to hospitals and to Georgia’s Emergency Management Agency.

We are thankful for the generosity of Scotts Miracle-Gro and to the partnerships that exist in the UAC membership to deliver on education, outreach and opportunities that help our industry and our state.

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INDUSTRY

Mobile agriculture classroom

UAC, GGIA and UGA collaborate to reach Georgia students The NEW Georgia Ag Experience is a STEM based mobile classroom that showcases Georgia’s diverse agriculture.

This state-of-the-art agricultural learning experience is designed for students in grades 3 – 5. Students will be using technology like augmented reality, simulated learning games that highlights the future of Georgia agriculture and allows students to explore potential careers.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Using words, photos, and interactive displays, the horticulture station will illustrate “a plant’s journey from greenhouse to your house.”

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Woody ornamentals, turf and other plant materials are incorporated in this learning experience, with facts and figures that connect the environmental and economic importance of horticulture products and services.

Plant growth, appropriate plant selection and design are areas that are highlighted in the educational activities, and a highly interactive irrigation display is included in the station, demonstrating that this is a shared need and requirement for all types of plant material to grow and thrive.

INDUSTRY

Other sectors represented in the NEW Georgia Ag Experience include Cotton, Poultry, Peanuts, Fruit & Vegetable, Pecans and Forestry, along with associated ag careers such as veterinary medicine.

Planting seeds

Many thanks to those in the industry who contributed to this important educational experience and thank you to the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and the Georgia Farm Bureau for spearheading the project.

Workforce development and careers are high priority as well, allowing students to select from different career paths to explore.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

The Georgia Ag Experience’s goal is to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders by planting a seed today, and UAC is proud to be part of it.

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INDUSTRY

Two "wins" this summer

2020 yields good news for Georgia sod producers

An effort by Georgia legislators to remove the sales exemption

Many of our sod producer members contacted legislators to explain how eliminating the exemptions would make Georgia growers vulnerable to surrounding states, who have the same exemption.

for sod sold on the farm in Georgia was thwarted by the advocacy of the Georgia Urban Ag Council (UAC) and our members earlier this summer.

Legislators were looking for money to mitigate massive spending cuts due to COVID-19, and saw this exemption, among others, as lowhanging fruit.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

House Speaker David Ralston, among others, voiced opposition to eliminating these exemptions, maintaining that businesses would cut more jobs without them. Many of our sod producer members contacted legislators to explain how eliminating the exemptions would make Georgia growers vulnerable to surrounding states, who have the same exemption.

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We will watch this closely in coming months, in the case the conversation comes up again among our legislators.

This good news for Georgia Sod Producers was followed in August by a ruling by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published in the federal register that they have determined sod to be agriculture and as such U.S sod haulers can claim important Hours of Service (HOS) exemptions as part 49 CFR 395.1(k)(1), commonly referred to as the 150 airmile radius rule.

This ruling comes on the heels of two years of collaboration between the FMCSA and Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) which began in 2018 after several TPI members reported that they were experiencing confusion among local law enforcement officials as to which crops can or cannot claim important agricultural commodity exemptions. Much of this began when a new mandate on Electronic Logging Devices and Hours of Service Supporting Documents was published in the federal register in 2015 under Docket No. FMCSA-2010-0167.

The official announcement can be found in the U.S. Federal Register here: www.turfgrasssod.org/the-u-s-dot-deemssod-to-be-agriculture-for-hours-of-serviceregulations Note that the ruling may seem confusing, as it states that the action by FMCSA is denial of application for exemption (from TPI) as moot.

The reason for this is that FMCSA analyzed the application, public comments, and applicable law and they determined that turfgrass sod is an agricultural commodity already subject to the HOS exemption, so the exemption was unnecessary, therefore moot. TPI’s application clearly laid out the groundwork for FMCSA to include turfgrass sod in the definition of agriculture commodity.

Many thanks and congratulations to TPI Executive Director Casey Reynolds for diligently pursuing this ruling, and thank you to our members who weighed in on this with the FMCSA! Thank you to our members for their support and specifically the sod producers who are members of UAC.

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URBAN AG

Identification is job #1

Managing common landscape diseases

by Paul Pugliese for CAES News

The most important part of landscape disease management is identifying the problem. Eighty percent of all plant disorders are the result of the inability of a plant to adapt to its environment.

Knowing the problem begins with being able to correctly identify the plant.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

Plant ID can clue you in to what environmental extremes the plant may or may not John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org be able to tolerate, such as full sun, The key with stem and branch diseases is to shade, drought, poor scout susceptible plants frequently — such as drainage, freezing, for Seiridium canker on Monterey Cypress — etc. Many stresses and catch the problem early. Often, the only solution is to prune out the affected portions can be avoided with of the plant to limit spread. proper planting and maintenance. A stress-free plant is often better able to tolerate disease and insect pests.

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The simplest solution is often the best approach when dealing with fungal diseases in the landscape. The majority of fungicides on the market don’t provide “curative” control. In fact, they should be used preventatively and well in advance of an anticipated disease issue. Most recommendations will focus spraying fungicides on new spring growth because young, tender leaves and shoots are more susceptible to disease injury, and damp spring weather conditions are often ideal for fungal diseases to start.

Remember, once a leaf is damaged with spots or

necrotic lesions, that spot is permanent until that leaf falls off the plant, no matter how much you spray. Before spraying, it is usually a good idea to prune out the worst sections and then spray to protect the rest of the plant.

The location of the disease often determines the course of action. Disease issues and general control options can be lumped into three main categories: leaf diseases, stem and branch diseases, or root and vascular diseases. Leaf diseases, such as powdery mildew and fungal leaf spots, are not generally considered lethal.

Plants that are otherwise healthy can tolerate significant leaf loss and often will be able to produce new leaves either midseason or next spring. As plants approach late summer or early fall, the loss of leaves is even less of a concern on deciduous plants.

Leaf diseases are often considered an aesthetic issue and it’s important to understand that, although the problem may look unsightly, it should not kill the plants. It is true that leaf diseases are a stress factor, and, if compounded with other environmental stress issues over the course of multiple years, could lead to a more serious outcome. However, the cause of plant death is usually not due to a leaf disease alone, and any environmental stresses should be of greater concern.

Stem and branch diseases can often cause more permanent damage to a plant. For example, many fungal cankers and gall-forming diseases can spread to kill entire branches or, if they spread to the main trunk, may kill the entire plant. The key with stem and branch diseases is to scout susceptible plants frequently — such as for Seiridium canker on Leyland cypress — and catch the problem early. Often, the only solution is to prune out the affected portions of the plant to limit spread. Fungicides provide little help once stem or branch diseases have formed.

URBAN AG Root and vascular diseases such as Rhododendron wilt caused by Phytophthora, Fusarium wilt or Verticillium wilt on tomatoes are usually considered lethal diseases. These diseases kill plants either by impeding the flow of water-conducting vascular tissues inside stems or they cause roots to rot. In either case, the permanent wilt-related symptoms are the result of a fungus blocking the uptake of water. If a plant is permanently wilted and doesn’t respond to normal watering, it’s likely the result of a root-rot or vascular-stem disease. Fungicides will not cure plants infected with a vascular wilt.

Often the best approach is to plant resistant varieties and to ensure plants are selected and installed according to their preference for soil moisture, sunlight, shade and drainage. With most trees and shrubs, it’s generally a good idea to plant their roots an inch or two on the high side to ensure good drainage.

Remember, the best tools for disease management are proper plant selection, good maintenance practices to minimize stress, and

identifying disease problems early. A good motto to follow is “if in doubt, prune it out.” Be sure to clean pruning equipment with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water when removing diseased plant material. If the problem is likely lethal to the plant and can’t be saved by pruning and minimal treatments, then apply the “if in doubt, take it out” rule to minimize spread to adjacent plants. Also, realize that some plants are inherently problematic when it comes to certain diseases — like leaf spot on red tip photinia — and an alternative plant species should be considered instead of fighting a never-ending uphill battle.

For more information and free farm, lawn or garden publications, contact your local county Extension office, which can be found at extension.uga.edu/ county-offices, or visit extension.uga. edu/publications.

About the author Paul Pugliese is the agriculture & natural resources agent for the University of Georgia Extension office in Bartow County.

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UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

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URBAN AG

The soil's nitrogen cycle

Different microbes have distinct roles to play

by Xinda Lu, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Under our feet, in the soil, is a wealth of microbial activity. Just like

Vivian Wauters

humans have different metabolisms and food choices, so do those microbes. In fact, microbes play an important role in making nutrients available to plants.

A recent review paper from Xinda Lu and his team looks at different roles that various soil microbes have in soil’s nitrogen cycle. Lu is a researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Nodules forming on the root of a soybean plant. These nodules will give a home to soil microbes in exchange for nitrogen.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

According to Lu, “Soil microbes catalyze most of the transformations of soil nitrogen into plant-usable forms. Diverse microbes use different processes – and sometimes work together. Knowing the various styles of soil microbes, and linking microbes to specific soil processes, can be important knowledge for farmers.”

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The review was recently published in Soil Science Society of America Journal. Funding was provided by the Oregon Agricultural Research Foundation

Modern nitrogen fertilizers are applied in the form of ammonium. Through a biological process called nitrification, soil microbes convert ammonium to nitrates that plants can absorb. In order to be efficient at this process, microbes need oxygen. Researchers are studying nitrification because it can be linked to greenhouse gases and loss of fertilizer.

New microorganisms identified Although microbiologists have been studying the nitrogen cycle for over a century, not all steps were well understood. New microorganisms have recently been identified. A type of prokaryote (single-celled organism) called archaea has also been playing a role in nitrification.

Archaea are not technically soil bacteria, due to their structure. There are many more archaea that contribute to nitrification in some soils than there are bacteria responsible for the same activity. Including the role of archaea in nitrification has broadened the understanding of scientists and researchers.

Researchers reviewed various studies of soil nitrification. This included the abundance of microbes in soil in relation to various environmental factors. Soil pH, temperature and the ratio of soil carbon to soil nitrogen were all compared to the number of microbes in each soil sample. Soil depth and other factors also influence microbe abundance.

Environmental factors Previous studies have shown, for example, that nitrification archaea are more abundant than bacteria in warmer temperatures. Other microbes thrive in lower temperatures.

Soil pH also influences how active soil microbes are in the nitrification process. Soil bacteria Nitrospira were more dominant in acidic soils, including forests and farm fields.

Microbe communication Researchers have also studied how various microbes “talk” to each other. This keeps the nitrification process running smoothly. Various mechanisms have been proposed, including cell signaling. The presence of nitric oxide in soils may enhance interactions between microbes.

Soil scientists are sure they have not found all the microbes that contribute to the vast array of services soils provide. Just as astronomers discover new stars in the sky as tools advance, so will soil microbiologists find new soil microbes.

Some may be involved in nitrification.

Collecting and cataloging the type, abundance and location of soil microbes will continue to advance the knowledge we have about the soil nitrogen cycle.

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URBAN AG

Selecting a screen

Great hedges make great neighbors

by Josh Fuder and Sheri Dorn for CAES News

Consider planting a mixture of plants rather than just one type. This can give multiple seasons of interest (like some plants that bloom in winter, while others bloom in the summer) and can provide a mixture of habitat and food sources for wildlife, such as birds and pollinators.

Most importantly, encourage the homeowner to be patient. Decisions made for short-term benefits may result in long-term pain. When privacy or an undesirable view needs to disappear, homeowners want it today, not five years from now, but choosing plants that grow quickly and then spacing them close together is not the answer.

Hedges, like the Taxus baccata (yew) pictured at Hills and Dales Estate in LaGrange, Georgia, can shape and frame a view, divide spaces in a landscape and provide privacy.

Hedges have been used for eons to define property lines. Traditionally used to

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

keep animals in, they now are valued for their abilities to enclose a space, screen a view, and even lower utility costs by shading or providing a windbreak.

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11 See the Call g8e 20! > article on pa

When considering a hedge, keep the site conditions and space limitations in mind.

Be realistic — if the side yard is only 10 feet wide, do not even consider plants that grow wider than that. Determine the amount of sun and shade. Finally, look for overhead and underground utilities before planting.

Consider Leyland cypress, a plant that grows 3 to 4 feet per year and that can reach 50 feet in height and 30 feet in width. These trees need at least 15 feet from the center of one tree to the center of the next. Since this does not give the immediate infill and screening that the homeowner wants, we may be tempted to plant them 4 to 5 feet apart, in straight lines.

Yes, they will quickly create a solid screen, but in a short period thereafter the plants will begin to thin and die back because they are shading each other or because disease issues are worsened due to close plant spacing.

It is especially easy to make this mistake when starting with a small plant in a 3-gallon container. Always choose the number of plants and their spacing based on mature growth expectations and patiently wait for that healthy hedge to establish.

Planting and installation

Make great plant choices

Locate the property line and honor it. Space the hedge at a distance from the property line that allows for the mature growth of the plants.

When planted with room for their mature size, plants make lovely hedges that won’t require heroic pruning.

Arrange in groupings of three to five of one type next to three to five of another, alternating by type of plant. If one plant develops a

URBAN AG problem, it is not likely that it will take out the entire hedge.

Install the plants at the proper depth so that the root flare from the trunk is at the normal soil surface. Planting too deeply is a leading cause of plant death. Dig each planting hole at least twice as wide as the initial root ball.

Take care to provide at least 1 inch of water each week for the first year. Apply water slowly and at a low rate, such as with a soaker hose or drip irrigation, allowing it to soak into the soil.

Plant suggestions Here are a few of our favorites:

‘Merry Christmas’ is a popular cultivar for fruit-set. You will need a male plant to have berries on the females.

Owl’ juniper (Juniperus virginiana) 4 ‘Grey 5- to 6-foot height, 4- to 6-foot width and requires full sun. It's a drought-resistant cultivar of the native Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Redcedar) that has silver to gray foliage.

tea olive (Osmanthus fragrans) 104 Fragrant to 20-foot height, 10- to 14-foot width and requires full to part sun. A lovely, simple evergreen with an oval-type shape, it has a fantastic fragrance from tiny white flowers in spring and fall.

abelia (Abelia x grandiflora) has a cleyera (Ternstroemia gymnanthera), 4 Glossy 3- to 6-foot height and width and requires 4 Japanese also sold as Cleyera japonica, has a 10- to 15full sun to part shade. Given space and left alone rather than sheared, this rounded shrub will make a great hedge, reaching 8 feet. Its summer flowers are lovely.

(Camellia sasanqua) has a 14-foot 4 Camellia height, 8- to 12-foot width and requires full

sun with afternoon shade. It's slow growing but offers fantastic blooms in winter to early spring, depending on the cultivar. Protection from winter winds is recommended.

Leaf™ holly (Ilex x ‘Conaf ’) has a 4 Oak 15- to 20-foot height, 8-foot width and

requires full sun to part shade. Oak Leaf™ holly shows conical growth when young, but matures into a more upright, pyramidal form.

Bruner holly (Ilex x ‘Emily Bruner’) 4 Emily has a 15- to 20-foot height, 8-foot width and

(Ilex glabra) has a 6- to 8-foot 4 Inkberry height and width and requires full sun to

4

part shade. The nondescript flowers on this native are a favorite of bees and other pollinators and birds like the black fruits later in the year.

American holly (Ilex opaca) has a 15- to 30-foot height, 10- to 20-foot width and requires full sun to part shade. Winter wind may cause a problem with these hollies.

viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) 4 Sweet has up to a 20-foot height and width and requires full sun to part shade. It makes a great informal hedge, and the flowers will attract butterflies and other pollinators.

viburnum (Viburnum 4 Leatherleaf rhytidophyllum) has a 10- to 15-foot height

and width and requires full sun to partial shade. Its late-spring blooms attract butterflies, and berries will provide winter food to birds.

For more information on which plants may be best suited to your site and needs, please check out University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Bulletin 625, “Landscape Plants for Georgia,” at extension.uga.edu/publications.

About the authors

Josh Fuder is the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agricultural and natural resources agent in Cherokee County.

Sheri Dorn is an Extension ornamental specialist and state Master Gardener coordinator in the department of horticulture at the UGA-Griffin campus.

UAC MAGAZINE | FALL 2020

requires full sun to part shade. ‘James Swan’ is the male pollinator which will be required if the beautiful red berries are desired.

foot height, 8- to 10-foot width and requires full sun to part shade. It will overgrow the sidewalk when used as a foundation plant but makes a nice hedge. It tends to be a little lumpy in its overall appearance.

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