The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service again has funding to prepare an annual Floriculture Crops Summary report (after several years lapse in the survey). The information is valuable to producers to help learn industry sales and pricing trends. Good survey results depend on a high percentage of the industry reporting. The survey is being mailed out to commercial floriculture growers the week of Dec. 10 and reporting is due before Feb. 8. More information is available at https://safnow.org/commercial-floriculture-survey-responses-needed.

Want to learn more about how to scout for disease and insect pests from the experts? NYS IPM is offering their Online Greenhouse Scout School certificate program and webinar series again this fall. The information is relevant any crops or situations where you might be scouting, though the programs are aimed at greenhouse production and the typical pests one finds in an ornamental greenhouse.

All the information including the agenda and how to register can be found at: https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/events/greenhouse-scout-school

The certificate program offers you all 6 webinars plus additional programming on-line, a set of scouting equipment, hands-on exercises, practice quizzes, on-line resources and Q and A options with the presenters (6:00-7:30 on Thursday evenings) – $300 per person. (limit of 30 certificate students)

For the webinar series, you can sign up for one or all of them – $25 each or $125 for all 6. (6:30-7:30 on Thursday evenings)

1 DEC pesticide recertification credit is available for each webinar (also for certificate students) in categories 1a, 3a, 3c, 24 and 25. New England credits are being applied for.

Webinars are presented by John Sanderson, Margery Daughtrey, Cheryl Sullivan, Stephanie Burnett, Elise Lobdell and Betsy Lamb.

Any questions? Contact Betsy Lamb, eml38@cornell.edu.

There is a yet-to-be-confirmed report of chrysanthemum white rust in central NY. This is an excellent reminder to brush up on what you need to do to protect your plants and how to recognize this disease. Check out this updated disease alert:

ttps://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/fact-sheets/chrysanthemum-white-rust

A key takeaway is that when temperatures under 73F and rainfall means it’s time to think about preventative measures.

DATE:  Deadline is July 30, 2019

The Long Island Flower Growers’ Association (LIFGA) will celebrate its 60th anniversary on August 8 at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, NY.

A special Anniversary Book is being prepared to celebrate this event. You can highlight your business in the Anniversary Book by purchasing a full-page ad, a half-page ad, or a quarter-page ad.

Your ad can contain anything you would like, including a logo and photos.  (The book will be published in black-and-white only).

Time is limited! Responses are needed as soon as possible in order to have the book printed.

Applications are now being accepted for more than 25 different scholarships through the American Floral Endowment (AFE).

Sophomore, junior, senior and graduate students studying floriculture and horticulture must submit their applications online by the May 1 deadline.

Scholarships range from $500 to $6,000. In 2018, the Endowment awarded more than $42,000 in scholarships.

“AFE strives to support the next generation of industry members in any way we can. One of the ways we do this is through awarding scholarships to help ease their financial burdens,” said Greg Royer, Chairman of Royers Flowers & Gifts and AFE Education Committee Chair.

For more information on each scholarship and to apply, please visit Endowment Scholarships.