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Oregon's nursery sales grow to new heights

The Oregon nursery industry climbed to its second-best sales year on record in 2017, according to newly released figures from the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

The state's wholesale and retail nurseries tallied an estimated $947.7 million in sales during the calendar year, which was more than enough to make nursery and greenhouse crops Oregon's top agricultural commodity, ahead of cattle and calves, which were in second place at $695 million.

"The wholesale nursery industry is a traded sector that serves markets in every time zone of the United States, as well as Canada and overseas, and brings significant dollars back to the Oregon economy," said Jeff Stone, executive director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries. "More than three-fourths of what we grow in Oregon is shipped over state lines, to destinations as far away as the East Coast."

It was the Oregon nursery industry's best sales year since 2007, when $1.039 billion worth of Oregon nursery and greenhouse products were sold, just prior to the Great Recession.

Read more details on www.DiggerMagazine.com.

Oregon Nursery Country puts forth its best at Farwest

Growers, landscapers, retailers, brokers, landscape architects, educators, service providers and suppliers came together for the 2018 Farwest Show, held August 22–24 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. It was a remarkable convergence of about 5,000 green industry professionals representing 28 countries and 45 states.

But regardless of age, experience level or industry segment, all were there for three principal reasons — to learn, network, and do business together.

"What I heard from people on the floor was all positive," said show chairman and OAN member Patrick Newton, owner of Powell's Nursery in Gaston, Oregon. "People were happy that Farwest attracted serious buyers. Folks weren't just there to check out the show. They were there for a reason." » Learn more

Register today for the 2018 OAN Convention

Registration is now available for the 2018 OAN Convention, which will be held Friday–Saturday, October 26-27, at Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond, Oregon.

Join your fellow OAN members in Central Oregon for a well-deserved getaway as we celebrate a successful year. You'll enjoy social time with old and new friends, talk about the issues that are vital to Oregon nurseries, and honor the industry's achievers at the annual President's Awards Banquet. Bring your family – complimentary (and fun!) child care will be provided.

This year's theme will be announced next week. Watch this space and stay tuned! The schedule includes Friday night Hospitality Suites, the Saturday annual meeting (with continental breakfast before and lunch after), and the President's Awards Banquet that evening. All events and meals are free except the banquet, which is $69 per person for dinner. » Register today!

Lodging reservations are also available. Contact Eagle Crest Resort at 855-682-4786 and mention the "OAN" to receive special rates starting at $109/night plus tax. Rates good until October 5 or when room block is full. » Reserve your room today!

Sponsorships available. Support convention and give your brand positive exposure in a fun environment. Click here for details to become a sponsor or contact Allan Niemi for details at 503-582-2005 or aniemi@oan.org.

Smart sprayer becomes commercially available

After years of research, nurseries looking for a machine to selectively apply fertilizers and chemicals to their plants — and only their plants — finally have what they wanted.

The USDA Agricultural Research Service has licensed its smart sprayer technology to Smart Guided Systems LLC, the agency and the company announced. Orders are being accepted for delivery in spring 2019. An add-on kit option enables growers to retrofit existing spray equipment. Orders for the equipment were being taken at the recent Farwest Show, which was held August 22–24 in Portland, Oregon. » Read more

Maple spider mite confirmed in Oregon nurseries

The maple spider mite, Oligonychus aceris, has been detected in two Clackamas County nurseries, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Robin Rosetta of OSU Nursery Extension, Research & Education describes the pest as roughly the size of (and often misidentified as) the two-spotted spider mite, which inflicts similar damage to Platanus occidentalis, Acer spp., and Aesculus spp.

Currently, this pest hasn't created any known issues with shipping or selling products, given that spider mites have already been identified in northeastern and southeastern United States.

Growers are encouraged to pitch in and help identify and manage this pest. Please visit the Pacific Northwest Nursery Integrated Pest Management (IPM) site for details, including links to resources about miticides and dormant oils for spider mites. » Read more

Nominate a deserving individual for an OAN award

Do you know someone that deserves recognition for making our nursery industry better? Let us know about it!

Our industry is made up of an incredible group of hardworking people constantly driven to improve their business, help their neighbors and contribute to our shared success. The OAN awards process is designed to recognize these people in a variety of categories, but we need your help to identify them! Use our online nomination form today. Please include the specific award for which the individual is being nominated and a brief summary of why you feel he or she should be considered.

Nomination deadline is Friday, September 21.

Recipients will be honored at the President's Award Banquet at the 2018 OAN Convention, Saturday evening October 27 at the Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond, Oregon.

Thank you for your help in honoring the people who elevate our association. » Read more

Subscribe to eDigger and become a nursery expert

The OAN is excited to announce the launch of eDigger, a new email edition of Digger magazine. It's a new way to read the Digger content you already enjoy, including original articles, columns from industry professionals and valuable tips for growing your business. Each monthly email will contain excerpts from that month's magazine, with links to the full articles. All OAN members will receive eDigger automatically by email. Other eligible green industry professionals may also sign up to receive the magazine by email, traditional print, or both by going to www.diggermagazine.com/subscribe.

Need help with your safety program?

A great safety program is crucial to ensure your workplace is safe. OAN members have access to our online library of 150 safety and health related handouts and posters. Downloads include attitude and awareness, confined spaces, fire safety and emergency response, hazard communication, lifting and moving material, safety posters, and personal protection. Each document is offered in both English and Spanish. Visit the safety page to browse the safety handouts (Members only).