On October 17, 1989, the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants assembled to battle it out in game 3 of the World Series. Then, an hour before the first pitch, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake rocked northern California. There were reported 3,700 injuries, 63 deaths and over $6 billion in damages reported. The series was postponed for 10 days. When the games resumed, the A’s were crowned baseball’s champions.
Every once in a while, Mother Nature reminds us how little we actually control. She gives abundantly, but at rare and unexpected times, she takes away.
The past few months have reminded us of just that. In March, there were 244 preliminary reports of tornados touching down in Texas, the Midwest and the South, including 191 in just the last seven days of the month. This was triple the average amount during the same time period from 1990–2010.
California, which has been in an extended multi-year drought, saw one of its wettest winters since 1985. Through a dozen atmospheric rivers, California has received more than 78 trillion gallons of water. Their snowfall of 57 feet has nearly doubled their usual yearly amount of 30 feet. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of September 2022, 99% of California was experiencing drought conditions. As of April 1, 2023, that number had plummeted to less than 9%.
In Oregon, the average rainfall during April is around 3 inches. This year, in the first 10 days of April alone, we received 4.6 inches of rain. March also saw 6 inches of rain this year compared to our yearly average of 3.5 inches.
We love rain! Oregon’s climate is a major reason we can grow a variety of plant material. However, this year’s heavy rains have created challenging disruptions.
To put it in perspective, a gallon of water equals about 8 pounds. A typical 15-gallon potted container carrying plant material can weigh up to 90 pounds. It is estimated that potted soil can retain 1 quart of water for every gallon size. With consistent watering from rain, that 15-gallon container could increase in weight from 90 pounds up to 116 pounds.
This has a huge impact on freight cost and efficiency. For example, if a customer ordered 100 plants in 15-gallon containers, the weight of those plants could fall anywhere between 9,000–11,600 pounds.
Now imagine this scenario with a variety of plant sizes and 51 feet of truck space to fill. Quickly things will add up, making it a challenge to maximize freight capacity and save customers money.
For another example of weather-caused disruptions, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, Oregon, attracts tourists from all over to attend their spectacular annual Tulip Festival. The farm opens to the public from late March through early May. Typically, peak bloom is early April, but this year, the tulips bloomed three weeks later than normal, disrupting foot traffic, operations and sales.
There is an old saying that reads, “It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand.” We can only work with what we’re given. We can control our processes, we can control how we interact with our team and our customers. We can be resilient, adaptable and teachable.
I was impressed one Thursday morning as our hard-working team gathered. It was cold and the rain was fast and heavy. Everyone was clad in thick hoodies, coats, rain gear and gloves, knowing their day was going to be extra challenging. Yet despite the harsh conditions, they were ready to face the day and get the job done.
Likewise, I have been impressed by the resilience shown by other nurseries and garden centers around the state. Their can-do attitude sets Oregon growers and garden centers apart.
Every day is a great day to have a great day.
Todd Nelson, OAN President (2022-2023)
President’s Message from the May 2023 issue of Digger magazine | Download PDF
