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.

In the fall we made the difficult decision not to hold in-person conferences in January 2022. I look forward to the time when we all can meet again in person, but in the meantime we’ve arranged some online options.

There will be two Greenhouse/Floriculture Sessions for the Long Island Ag Forum. In addition to the two Greenhouse/Floriculture Sessions there are also General Sessions covering key updates on Ag labor, pesticides, water reporting, and more, as well as a Nursery Session and others that you may be interested in.

The full LI Ag Forum Program can be found by clicking here..

Details on registration and DEC credits available can be found by clicking here. Please register by January 14

There will be two Greenhouse/Florticulture Sessions below:

Date: January 18, 2022 @ 3:30-5:30PM (1.50 credits in 1A, 3A, 24, 25; 0.50 credit in 22,23)

Strategies to Cut Greenhouse Energy Costs Neil Mattson, Cornell University

This presentation will take a look at current energy prices and projections, discuss ways to identify your biggest energy users through energy audits and benchmarks, update on where we are at with LED energy efficiency, and other tips to save on energy.

Nature vs Nurture: Quick Reviews of Pest Management Issues from 2021 Dan Gilrein, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County

This presentation will take a look at current energy prices and projections, discuss ways to identify your biggest energy users through energy audits and benchmarks, update on where we are at with LED energy efficiency, and other tips to save on energy.

Whodunit 2021—The Reasons for the Symptoms in Your Crops Margery Daughtrey, Cornell University

This presentation will discuss the diseases seen this past season on greenhouse and potted crops, with a focus on teaching attendees how to recognize symptoms in the future and how to best manage the problem. Cultural management as well as pesticide management will be covered.

Date: January 20, 2022 @ 1:00-3:00PM (2.00 credits in 1A, 3A, 24, 25; 1.00 credit in 21, 22, 23)

Plant Growth Regulators in Herbaceous Perennials Joyce Latimer, Virginia Tech

Plant growth regulators are simply another production tool that you can use to improve the quality, habit, and salability of your herbaceous perennials. Learn more on how growth retardants as well as growth enhancers can fit into your production practices.

How Nutritional Monitoring Can Help Keep Your Crops on Track W. Garrett Owen, University of Kentucky

This presentation will discuss nutritional monitoring is important, the methods used, and how to interpret the results. How to properly diagnose nutritional deficiencies and differentiate them from disease and pest issues will be discussed. Attendees will learn how nutritional monitoring can keep crops healthy and less predisposed to disease and cultural issues. Available tools and resources will also be covered.

Another educational webinar will be held on February 9th, 9:00 AM -12:30 PM.

Speakers will include Rick Yates, Griffin Greenhouse Supplies; Meg McGrath, Cornell University; Richard Stup, Cornell University; NYS Ag & Markets; and Margery Daughtrey, Cornell University.

re information.

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.