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Show your primary colors by voting

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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

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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 […]

April 2022 — The Tree Issue

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Welcome to our first-ever Tree Issue! Articles inside include an in-depth analysis of the best crabapples varieties, the recipe for successful tree production, and helping the marketplace meet their customer’s expectations. In the Meet the Leader feature, read about the life and accomplishments of Rod Park, owner of Park’s Nursery and former OAN president and […]

When you know what to grow

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When considering which trees to produce, several factors are important, but profitability is king What’s the recipe for becoming a successful grower of trees? Try one part climate and weather, another part land and inputs. Add in a solid team of employees and loyal customers, some business acumen and a dash of forecasting magic. Don’t […]

Meet the Leader: Rod Park

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OwnerPark’s NurseryOAN member since 1986 OAN roles/positions:• Young Nursery Person of the Year (1986)• OAN President (1991)• Political Awareness Award (1996)• Pacific Coast Nurseryman Outstanding Service Award (1998)• Clayton W. Hannon Distinguished Service Award (2006)• Honorary Lifetime Membership (2019) Service positions on the OANAwards, Convention, Finance, Government Relations, Nominating, and ONPAC committees Tell us about […]

Blind spots

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I recently had the opportunity to get involved in a discussion with other nursery industry professionals about blind spots. It was an eye-opening experience and helped me better appreciate all the things that our great community does. What is a blind spot? I don’t mean the part of your car that blocks your view of […]

Yoshitomi Brothers Inc.

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Founded: 1960 by Ed, Fred, Robert and Kay Yoshitomi OWNERS: Don and Mariah KondoKNOWN FOR: Growing a wide variety of perennials (40%), annuals (40%) and vegetable starts (20%) wholesale, for delivery to retail garden centers.PEOPLE: Randy Gettel, production, logistics and maintenance manager; Gilbert Baltazar, head grower; Dan Bamberger, landscaper sales and production manager; Josh Stenson, […]

Fly like an EAGL!

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I am heading to Austin, Texas shortly. I’m going to assist my brother, Chris (president of Robinson Nursery Inc.), and his wife, Marie (marketing director at Robinson), in finishing the capstone course for Dr. Charlie Hall’s EAGL program (Executive Academy for Growth and Leadership). For those of you who haven’t heard about this program, it […]

Ag overtime should not pit owner versus worker

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As Oregonians, we have a long and storied tradition of political compromise. I believe that any policy debate should include a range of perspectives. This discussion can lead to mutually satisfactory solutions. That’s why the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) is disappointed with ongoing efforts by PCUN (Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste), the farmworkers […]