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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260303T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260303T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T120808
CREATED:20260205T164427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T042537Z
UID:23361-1772564400-1772568000@www.ascfg.org
SUMMARY:Digging Deep: High Tunnel Pest Management Practices for Cut Flower Growers
DESCRIPTION:Nick Volesky\, South Dakota State University\nMarch 3\, 2026\, 7:00 p.m. Eastern \n\n\n\n\nPest pressure can cause significant losses in specialty crops nationwide\, including cut flowers. However\, plant-insect pests represent only 0.5% of all insect species\, making accurate identification critical. Feeding damage can occur on all parts of a cut flower\, impacting both plant health and aesthetic quality\, which in turn affects marketability. Given the wide variability in specialty cut flower species and the regions in which they are grown\, standardized thresholds and management recommendations are difficult to establish. Therefore\, management strategies should rather be focused on individual farms\, taking into account factors such as budget\, farm size\, and the specific pests present. This presentation will train cut flower growers in proactive scouting methods\, identification of insect pests and plant diseases\, understanding the damage they cause\, their life or disease cycles\, and appropriate control strategies. Emphasis will be placed on integrated pest management\, including cultural\, mechanical\, and biological control techniques. \nNick Volesky is an Extension Horticulture and Specialty Crop Field Specialist with South Dakota State University\, based in the beautiful Badlands and Black Hills region of western South Dakota. In his role\, he works alongside a multidisciplinary team to serve stakeholders across the state through education\, outreach\, and programming. His work focuses on addressing consumer horticulture needs\, including home landscape plantings and specialty crop production in farms\, homes\, schools\, and community gardens. Nick recently completed graduate studies at Utah State University\, where his research evaluated the timing and protective cultivation methods for delphinium and larkspur cut flower production in the intermountain west. His expertise includes integrated pest management in specialty crop systems\, protected cultivation methods\, and vegetable and cut flower production. He is an active member of ASCFG and is passionate about specialty crop production and the Cooperative Extension system\, which connects research-based knowledge with community stakeholders. Nick is especially committed to supporting growers in optimizing their production through sustainable\, evidence-based practices. \nAttendees Receive: \n\nLive webinar access.\nEvent recording for one year.\nElectronic copy of presentation slides.\n\nRegister Today! \nSponsored by:
URL:https://www.ascfg.org/event/digging-deep-high-tunnel-pest-management-practices-for-cut-flower-growers/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.ascfg.org/wp-content/uploads/harvesting-flowers-in-the-field-the-fresh-herb.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers":MAILTO:membership@ascfg.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T130000
DTSTAMP:20260428T120808
CREATED:20260205T165825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T170045Z
UID:23367-1772625600-1772629200@www.ascfg.org
SUMMARY:Industry Trends and Forecasts: What’s Coming and How to Prepare
DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, March 4\, 2026\nNoon EST\nPresented by Drs. John Dole (NCSU) and Charlie Hall (TAMU)\n\n\n\n\nUnderstanding industry trends and market forecasts is essential for flower farmers and floral businesses looking to plan strategically and stay competitive. Drs. John Dole (NCSU) and Charlie Hall (TAMU) will explore current trends shaping the floral industry\, from consumer preferences to supply chain shifts\, and provide insights into what’s expected in the months ahead. We’ll also highlight opportunities for growth\, emerging niches\, and strategies to stay agile in a changing marketplace. \nIdeal for growers and floral business owners seeking to make informed\, forward-looking decisions\, this session provides actionable insights to help your business thrive today and plan confidently for the future. This one-hour Zoom-based webinar will offer a Q and A session with John and Charlie and is complimentary for ASCFG Members. \nAbout the Instructors: Dr. John M. Dole is a leading researcher\, educator\, and author in the specialty cut flower industry. He is a professor of horticultural science at North Carolina State University and has spent decades advancing research on cut flower production\, postharvest handling\, and floriculture economics. Dr. Dole is co-author of the widely used reference Floriculture: Principles and Species and has played a key role in supporting flower growers through research\, extension\, and leadership with organizations such as the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG). \nDr. Charlie Hall is a nationally recognized economist and professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University. He specializes in the economics of the green industry\, with research focused on consumer behavior\, market trends\, profitability\, and business management for horticultural enterprises. Dr. Hall is a frequent speaker and author\, providing data-driven insights that help growers\, retailers\, and industry organizations make informed strategic decisions. \nZoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. All webinars are recorded.  \nNot an ASCFG member? Register here to receive the webinar instructions!
URL:https://www.ascfg.org/event/industry-trends-and-forecasts-whats-coming-and-how-to-prepare/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.ascfg.org/wp-content/uploads/Vashon-header-e1770310834714.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers":MAILTO:membership@ascfg.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260309T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260309T210000
DTSTAMP:20260428T120808
CREATED:20260129T205718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T211549Z
UID:23187-1773086400-1773090000@www.ascfg.org
SUMMARY:Ask an Expert: Managing Diseases of Dahlia\, Zinnia\, Sunflower\, and Snapdragon Cut Flower Crops ​
DESCRIPTION:​Dr. Margery Daughtrey will cover the most common and aggravating diseases of dahlia\, zinnia\, snapdragon and sunflower\, giving points on identification and prevention. The diseases featured will include root rots\, stem rots\, leaf spots and flower blights as well as systemic vascular wilts. You will learn more about Xanthomonas\, rust\, Septoria\, powdery mildew\, downy mildew and Verticillium wilt\, among others. Cultural\, biological and chemical controls will be given. Even some diseases that defy control will be described. In the Q & A time\, Margery will be happy to hear stories of growers’ successes and failures at management of particularly gnarly diseases. \nMargery Daughtrey is a Senior Extension Associate with the Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology of Cornell University. She has conducted a research and extension program on the management of diseases of ornamental plants since 1978\, at Cornell’s Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center in Riverhead\, NY. She educates growers on management of greenhouse and nursery crop diseases\, runs a diagnostic laboratory and investigates controls for problems such as powdery mildew\, impatiens downy mildew and boxwood blight. Daughtrey holds a B.S. degree in Biology from the College of William and Mary and an M.S. in Plant Pathology from the University of Massachusetts\, as well as a PhD from Cornell University. She was named a Fellow of APS in 2012. Daughtrey is coauthor of several books\, including Diseases of Herbaceous Perennials and the Compendium of Flowering Potted Plant Diseases\, as well as the Compendium of Bedding Plant Diseases and Pests. \nZoom instructions will be emailed to ASCFG members prior to the event. All Ask an Expert events are recorded. \nSponsored by:
URL:https://www.ascfg.org/event/ask-an-expert-managing-diseases-of-dahlia-zinnia-sunflower-and-snapdragon-cut-flower-crops/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.ascfg.org/wp-content/uploads/MLDinGhse3-e1769720226493.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers":MAILTO:membership@ascfg.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T120808
CREATED:20260205T164851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T190928Z
UID:23363-1773169200-1773172800@www.ascfg.org
SUMMARY:Digging Deep: Shaking up your Approach to Pest Management
DESCRIPTION:Alison Kutz of Sound Horticulture\nMarch 10\, 2026\, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern \n\n\n\n\nBiological approaches\, whether wireworm control in that dahlia field or aphid control on your sweet peas\, has come a LONG way. Are you ready to embrace some approaches that reduce the impact on the natural environment? Are you hoping to market your flowers as pesticide free or organic? In this webinar taught by Alison Kutz of Sound Horticulture\, participants will learn how to identify key beneficial species used in cut flower and specialty crop production\, understand how they support integrated pest management (IPM) goals\, and discover where to source and how to release them effectively. Be prepared for spring with a game plan as to how you want to approach managing some key pests\, like thrips\, aphids\, wireworm and spider mites. \nAttendees Receive: \n\nLive webinar access.\nEvent recording for one year.\nElectronic copy of presentation slides.\n\nRegister Today! \nSponsored by:
URL:https://www.ascfg.org/event/digging-deep-shaking-up-your-approach-to-pest-management/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.ascfg.org/wp-content/uploads/Erin-McMullen-2-e1773169691433.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers":MAILTO:membership@ascfg.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T130000
DTSTAMP:20260428T120808
CREATED:20260205T170412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T185929Z
UID:23369-1773230400-1773234000@www.ascfg.org
SUMMARY:Selling to Florists? Here’s What You Need to Know
DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, March 11\, 2026\nNoon EST\nPresented by Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers\n\n\n\n\nSearching for an alternative revenue stream in this uncertain economy? Do you want to begin selling to florists but not sure where to start? This webinar will walk you through the essential steps for entering the florist market with confidence. \nJoin the renowned Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers as she covers what florists look for in a new grower partner—quality standards\, consistency\, communication\, and reliable availability—as well as how to present your offerings in a way that builds trust from the very first interaction. You’ll learn how to price blooms\, create simple availability lists\, deliver products professionally\, and navigate common challenges in grower–florist relationships. \nWhether you’re a new grower or expanding beyond farmers markets and CSA sales\, this session offers clear\, practical guidance to help you build strong\, lasting partnerships with florists and grow your business sustainably. This one hour Zoom-based webinar will offer a Q and A session with Jenny\, and is complimentary for ASCFG Members. \nEllen Frost founded Local Color Flowers in 2008 and has built a thriving floral community through events\, education\, and hands-on design experiences. She now expands that work online through FlowerMore\, where flower growers become better designers\, offering classes\, a free weekly newsletter\, and educational videos. \nA longtime member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers\, she was the first florist to receive the Allan M. Armitage Leadership Award in 2016 for her commitment to local flower sourcing. She holds an MBA and brings both business expertise and hands-on farming experience to her work\, leading the conversation around flowers with passion and purpose. \nZoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. All webinars are recorded.  \nNot a member? Register today to receive webinar instructions!
URL:https://www.ascfg.org/event/selling-to-florists-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.ascfg.org/wp-content/uploads/Ellen-Frost-2-e1770311041926.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers":MAILTO:membership@ascfg.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T120808
CREATED:20260205T165311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T191157Z
UID:23365-1773774000-1773777600@www.ascfg.org
SUMMARY:Digging Deep: Five Best Things to Manage Soil Health for Cut Flower Farmers
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Robert Schindelbeck\, Extension Associate\nDirector of the Soil Health Lab\, School of Integrative Plant Science\, Cornell University\nMarch 17\, 2026\, 7:00 p.m. Eastern \n\n\n\n\nHealthy soil is the foundation of every successful flower farm. In this webinar\, we’ll explore five proven strategies to build and maintain soil health for long-term productivity and plant resilience. Learn from Dr. Robert Schindelbeck of Cornell University how to improve soil structure and fertility through composting and organic matter\, make the most of crop rotations and cover crops\, manage water efficiently\, and use soil testing to guide nutrient decisions. Whether you’re growing in the field or under cover\, you’ll come away with practical tools to nurture your soil—and grow stronger\, more vibrant flowers season after season. \nAttendees Receive: \n\nLive webinar access.\nEvent recording for one year.\nElectronic copy of presentation slides.\n\nRegister Today! \nSponsored by:
URL:https://www.ascfg.org/event/digging-deep-five-best-things-to-manage-soil-health-for-cut-flower-farmers/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.ascfg.org/wp-content/uploads/soil.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers":MAILTO:membership@ascfg.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T130000
DTSTAMP:20260428T120808
CREATED:20260205T170737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T190125Z
UID:23371-1773835200-1773838800@www.ascfg.org
SUMMARY:Selling Wholesale: Is that Right for Your Farm?
DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, March 18\, 2026\nNoon EST\nPresented by Erin McMullen of Rain Drops Farm\n\n\n\n\nSelling to wholesale customers\, whether they’re florists\, designers\, or resellers\, requires a clear understanding of their needs and expectations. Join the fabulous Erin McMullen of Rain Drop Farms as she offers a practical introduction to building successful wholesale relationships and preparing your farm or floral business to sell at scale. We’ll cover what wholesale buyers prioritize\, including quality\, consistency\, and communication\, and how to present your product line in a way that inspires confidence. Participants will learn how to set appropriate wholesale pricing\, create professional availability lists\, manage orders efficiently\, and meet delivery or pickup standards. We’ll also discuss common challenges and how to avoid missteps when working with larger-volume buyers. \nWhether you’re transitioning from retail sales or looking to expand your market channels\, this session provides straightforward guidance to help you enter the wholesale market with clarity and success. This one-hour Zoom-based webinar will offer a Q and A session with Erin and is complimentary for ASCFG Members. \nAbout the Instructor: Erin McMullen is a veteran flower farmer and co-owner of Rain Drop Farms\, a specialty cut flower farm based in Philomath\, Oregon. She and her husband\, Aaron Gaskey\, began their farm around 2000\, initially growing mixed produce before shifting their focus to cut flowers\, especially dahlias\, annuals\, and perennials. Over more than two decades they’ve developed Rain Drop Farms into a multi-acre operation supplying local and regional markets\, florists\, and wholesale cooperatives like the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market. \nZoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. All webinars are recorded. \nNot a member? Register today to receive webinar instructions!
URL:https://www.ascfg.org/event/selling-wholesale-is-that-right-for-your-farm/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.ascfg.org/wp-content/uploads/Erin-McMullen-2-e1773169691433.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers":MAILTO:membership@ascfg.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T130000
DTSTAMP:20260428T120808
CREATED:20260205T171025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T190201Z
UID:23373-1774440000-1774443600@www.ascfg.org
SUMMARY:Increasing Profitability in Tough Times
DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, March 25\, 2026\nNoon EST\nPresented by Jenny Marks of Trademarks Farm\n\n\n\n\nUnusual economic conditions are putting new pressure on flower farmers and floral businesses. Join Jenny Marks from Trademarks Flower Farm as she provides practical guidance on how to track profitability—and how to make smart operational adjustments when the numbers call for change. You’ll learn straightforward methods for monitoring key financial metrics\, spotting trends\, and identifying which parts of your business drive (or drain) profit. We’ll also cover strategies for improving efficiency\, adjusting plans or product lines\, and making informed decisions that build financial resilience. \nDesigned for growers watching the bottom line\, this session offers clear\, actionable tools to help your business stay adaptable and sustainable in a shifting economic landscape. This one-hour Zoom-based webinar will offer a Q and A session with Jenny and is complimentary for ASCFG Members. \nAbout the Instructor: Jenny Marks is a flower farmer and educator based in Clifton Springs\, New York\, where she owns and operates Trademarks Flower Farm\, a productive and profitable one-acre flower farm known for its early spring blooms and efficient growing practices. Growing up immersed in agriculture\, Jenny worked in various farming roles before starting her own farm. She now specializes in cut flowers like ranunculus and dahlias\, selling through markets\, CSAs\, and other channels\, and focuses on building sustainable\, profitable farming systems. In addition to running her farm\, Jenny founded Trademark Farmer\, where she teaches and mentors small-scale flower growers through online courses and coaching\, and serves as the Northeast Regional Director for the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. \nZoom instructions will be emailed to ASCFG members prior to the event. All events are recorded. \nNot a member? Register today to receive webinar instructions!
URL:https://www.ascfg.org/event/increasing-profitability-in-tough-times/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.ascfg.org/wp-content/uploads/Roselily-Angela-2-x-2-e1770311417842.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers":MAILTO:membership@ascfg.org
END:VEVENT
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