Efficiency begins at the top. It starts with company leadership setting an expectation and empowering employees to contribute their ideas and expertise. It’s about encouraging dynamic, back-and-forth conversations in the workplace. Companies such as wholesale propagator JLPN Inc. in Salem, Oregon; wholesale grower Skagit Horticulture in Mount Vernon, Washington; Eshraghi Nurseries in Hillsboro, Oregon; wholesale […]
Oregon launches loan program for young farmers
By — Posted
Demographic tides are moving farmers, as a group, in an older direction. The average U.S. farmer is now 59.6 years old — up from 57.5 in 2007 and 54.9 in 2002. Oregon is not immune to this trend; in fact, Oregon farmers are, on average, even older. It’s a trend that state officials and industry leaders […]
Farwest Week is next week!
By — Posted
It’s been quiet around here on the Daily Digger blog, but that’s just because we’ve been getting ready for the 2013 Farwest Trade Show, in Portland, Ore.! Farwest is the biggest nursery industry trade show in the West, and it’s still the place where buyers can overcome developing shortages and find the material they need. […]
Dwarf conifers highlight the May issue of Digger
By — Posted
Dwarf conifers (PDF) are on the cover of the May issue of Digger magazine. This issue has an unmistakable greenhouse focus. Go here to read the entire issue as a flipbook — fast connection recommended — or download the individual articles as PDF files. Additional articles in the May issue include: Leader Profile (PDF) — […]
25,000 more H-2B visas made available
By — Posted
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced last week that more than 25,000 additional H-2B guest worker visas are now available for the 2009 filing period. Petitions will be accepted immediately. The agency had announced way back in January that all 66,000 visas allocated for fiscal 2009 were already spoken for, nine months before the […]
The pros and cons of furloughs
By — Posted
Sad though it may be, many employers resorting to layoffs and terminations as a means to reducing costs. After all, labor is the largest expense for many employers. During the current recession, a different option has become increasingly popular. Furloughs are mandatory, unpaid time off for a larger group of employees. Unlike layoffs, furloughs keep […]
Nurseries: the next generation
By — Posted
Do you know a young person who might be willing to consider a career in nurseries, or just agriculture in general? www.thelandlovers.org is a nifty new site that provides information about the different careers that are available. A tip of the hat to Chris Guntermann for letting us know about this well-made and informative site.