Columns

The new era of the industry is upon us

By Jeff Stone — Posted July 21, 2022

It is easy now to look back at how the nursery industry used to be. It’s tempting to measure by the old markers of success, and pine for a time that seemed simpler. In families, business and within our national psyche, that’s a natural reflex. The opportunities and challenges confronting our industry are both familiar […]

Turbocharge your career at Farwest

By Josh Robinson — Posted July 21, 2022

It’s almost Farwest Show time, and I am pumped for it. The Farwest Show has been a staple in my life for as long as I can remember. My first memories of the show were going there with my parents as a small child. The highlight for me was getting together with my brother as […]

Clean Water Act rulemaking review bears watching

By Maureen Bayer — Posted June 22, 2022

2020 rules under Trump remain in effect as the EPA works to overhaul discharge permitting process Section 401 of the Clean Water Act provides that a federal agency may not issue a permit or license to conduct any activity that could result in a discharge into waters of the United States unless a Section 401 […]

Pushing back on the unworkable

By Jeff Stone — Posted June 22, 2022

Worker safety is critical, and nursery and greenhouse operations make it a priority. Our industry has learned a lot from the dynamic and harsh weather events of the past year. But Oregon agriculture has been put back on its heels by a new set of heat and smoke rules, created under pressure from labor and […]

Where the lessons are

By Josh Robinson — Posted June 22, 2022

Life moves too fast. My eighth grader just finished the school year and, frankly, I am replaying the 10,000+ times people told me, “Life only moves faster the older you get.” For everyone that ever told me that, and heard my adamant reply that “I live in the moment” and “It won’t apply to me” […]

Goodbye to Buchholz Nursery

By Mike Darcy — Posted May 25, 2022

When the owner of a nursery decides to retire, what happens to the business? If there is a family member involved who would like to take it over, then that might become a solution to keeping the business alive. But, if family involvement is not an option, then what? A nursery is unlike most other […]

The greatest privilege of a lifetime

By Jeff Stone — Posted May 25, 2022

When the month of June rolls along, there is one day that stands out: Father’s Day. I am one of the fortunate sons who had a caring father. He drives me nuts, but he is mine. In the nursery and greenhouse industry, I see many fathers who should be the leading example to a nation. […]

Thank God for June!

By Josh Robinson — Posted May 25, 2022

In the agricultural community, there are many things that set us apart from other industries. But after a rough spring, the one I notice most is resilience. And this year, we have definitely needed it. I can’t recall ever needing to phone so many friends to cry on their shoulders, nor do I remember so […]

Show your primary colors by voting

By Jeff Stone — Posted April 20, 2022

Going back years, most of my Director’s Desk columns have focused on the evergreen topic of nursery and greenhouse labor — or more precisely, the lack thereof. Every year, the U.S. Congress proves its consistent, even surgical failure to put politics aside and pass a sensible and sustainable immigration visa system. Agriculture needs it, but […]

Feeling revitalized

By Josh Robinson — Posted April 20, 2022

The mask mandate is over. It seems like everyone recently has a little extra pep in their step. Life resembles a somewhat normal state again. Combine that with the spring air and return to outdoor activity, and “revitalized” is the proper word for the feeling. Speaking of revitalization, it is time to look at restoring […]