Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers

ASCFG Farm Tour: Leap Frog Flower Farm
2023-06-01 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Leap Frog Flower Farm, 4919 Miller Road, ,, Earlysville, VA, United States
Quick Details

Host: Liz Faucher
Address: 4919 Miller Road, Earlysville, Virginia
Website: www.leapfrogflowerfarm.com
Date and Time: June 1, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Attendance Cap: Limited to 25 attendees.

From the Host
I have been growing for 5 years. My method until recently has been mostly “throw it against the wall and see what sticks.” I’ve tried pretty much everything: CSAs, small farmers’ markets, big farmers’ markets, DIY weddings. I didn’t have a cohesive plan and vision until I helped found Central Virginia Flower Collective in spring 2022. Being a part of a cooperative selling model has helped me hone and fine-tune my growing and sales plans. Not only does the Collective provide extensive stem metrics through Rooted Farmers, it provides weekly feedback on what is and isn’t a saleable item.
I’d like the focus of this tour to be on the collective model. I am in central Virginia, where we have faced an uphill battle to encourage the use of local flowers. After attending a Johnny’s webinar on flower cooperatives in 2021, I contacted every local farm listed in the ASCFG directory. Seven of us came together and started CVFC.
For the farm tour, I’ll showcase the farm and steps that I’ve taken to turn a former cow field into a working flower farm. Then, several of our collective members will form a panel to discuss how joining a collective has impacted their growing and sales plans for 2023.
Register

SPONSORED BY

ASCFG Farm Tour: CA & J Farm
2023-05-31 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | CA & J Farm, 5620 East River Road, Foster, VA, United States
Quick Details

Host: Jean Howard
Address: 5620 East River Road, Foster, Virginia
Website: www.cajfarm.com
Date and Time: May 31, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Attendance Cap: Limited to 50 attendees.

From the Host
We are an example of all you can do with only five acres! We opened in 2017. We are an off-grid solar, educational, herb, egg, cut flower, and music farm in Mathews County, Virginia. We do everything small scale, using organic practices. We also present programs on farm, off farm and online; offer an annual herbalist course. We share knowledge on natural wellness, living simple and self-sustaining, farm skills, and healing music. Our farm includes chickens, ducks, rabbits, beehives, 3 big dogs, herb and cut flower gardens, hoophouse, grow room, indoor education and music center, large outdoor stage, meditation areas, Yellow Barn Store, refreshment area, large firepit gathering area. We are open to the public—a good example of adding agritourism to your farm model. We have a Non-Profit Fiscal Sponsor for the Music at the Farm.
We will discuss our efforts to produce cut flowers organically, as well as an herb talk, “Staying healthy at any age – so we can do the work we love!” There will be time to enjoy the labyrinth, peace pole, and woodland wellness walk.
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ASCFG Farm Tour: Farm Lot 59
2023-05-23 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Farm Lot 59, 2714 California Ave., Long Beach, CA, United States
Quick Details

Host: Sasha Kanno
Address: 2714 California Ave., Long Beach, California
Website: www.farmlot59.org
Date and Time: May 23, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Attendance Cap: Limited to 100 attendees. Lunch included.

From the Host
Farm Lot 59 is a 501(c)3 working urban farm that specializes in growing rare and unusual varieties of flowers and organic vegetables. We envision a world where we serve as a center for community engagement and wellness – it is not our farm, it is yours. We provide a local Food Hub with the vegetables we grow. Our goal is to serve vulnerable populations in our community, to help with immediate food needs, and inspire them to eat and live healthily. We use our diverse farm to host educational, volunteer, and other events that bring together our community to learn about the benefits and possibilities of urban farming and so much more. We fund our efforts through our Farmstand sales of the unique flowers we grow, and through generous donations.
Our year-round farming operation has two high tunnels, drip irrigation, grey water produce washing station, and rain barrels to collect water. Our practice is minimal till to no-till. We use cover cropping, tarping, and have a shed full of small farm tools.
Sasha Kanno is the founder and farmer of Farm Lot 59. Before it was founded in 2010 Sasha was a floral designer working in film and for prestigious shops in LA and OC. Her designs have been featured in People magazine, The Knot, and other publications. She has been awarded numerous grants and awards for her work in the community as a leader, innovator, and driving force in the local food and floral movement. She is a member of Slow Flowers, the Association of Specialty Cut Growers, and an active member of the USDA Farm Service Agency County Committee serving Los Angeles County.
Attendees will be able to see our off-season greenhouse improvements (version 5.0 ) and how we grow in our two high tunnels. By the end of May, we will be wrapping up spring and planting our first round of summer annuals. We look forward to sharing with you!
Register

Tunnels for Improving Timing, Yield, and Quality of Five Cut Flowers
2023-05-16 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Part of the ASCFG Research and the Flower Farmer Webinar Series!
Dr. Melanie Stock
UPDATED: Event Details
Dr. Melanie Stock
Join Dr. Melanie Stock from Utah State University as she presents highlights on her research on several crops in high desert conditions. This talk will detail season extension with flowers, including all the ways Dr. Stock and her team use high tunnels and low tunnels. She will discuss her research on tunnels with dahlia, peony, ranunculus, stock, and snapdragons.
Please look for Dr. Stock’s article on early season cultivation of freesia in cold and mountainous regions that are vulnerable to drought during late summers in a future issue of The Cut Flower Quarterly.

Presenter Biography
Dr. Stock is a soil scientist. Her lab focuses on high-value crops and resource use efficiency to improve the environmental sustainability and economic viability of small farms. Her research interests include adapting cut flower crops for Utah from basic cultivation methods to nutrient management and physics-based season extension, overwintering, and water-use efficiency. Visit the Small Farms Lab at smallfarmslab.com and on Instagram (@usu_smallfarms)!
About the Research and the Flower Farmer Webinar Series
The goal of this webinar series is to connect ASCFG members with the latest academic research in cut flowers and to inspire new ideas for crop, farm, and business management. During these online events, recent recipients of the Research Foundation’s Competitive Grants will share synopses of their research, along with the exciting applications of the results, before a short Q and A session with attendees.
Can’t attend a presentation? Don’t worry – the webinar will be recorded and be accessible in the ASCFG Members Only portal after the event.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.

Ask an Expert: Cultivating Native Species in Cut Flower Farming
2023-05-15 20:00 - 21:00 UTC | Zoom
Climate change, species decline and ecological breakdown brings renewed attention to what farms grow and how they grow them. One big question growers face is how do my crop and production choices affect my environment? And are there changes I could make to minimize negative impacts or even create positive ones?
In this presentation, Matthew Dell of Treadlight Farm will look at how floriculture and horticulture has a unique opportunity to create productive spaces that also serve local ecological systems. By choosing more native species over exotic species, growers can create habitat for local fauna while also bringing unique products that command a premium to floral markets. He will also discuss production methods for maximum profit and impact, challenges, and sourcing.
Treadlight Farm grows on 15 acres in New York’s Rondout Valley, and sells wholesale specialty cuts throughout the greater NYC metropolitan area. They are certified organic and passionate about native plants, and have been in business since 2015. Website: https://www.treadlight-farm.com/

Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.
Sponsored by

Reminder: The Cut Flower Quarterly Submission Deadline
2023-05-15 | CA
The Cut Flower Quarterly is the only periodical dedicated to informing growers about the production, postharvest care, and marketing of cut flowers. Are you contributing an article or a feature to the next issue? Or do you wish to purchase an advertisement or sponsor an event? All submissions for the Summer Issue are due on May 15, 2023. Vendors and suppliers are welcome to explore our different advertising and sponsorship options.

Have a question? Contact us at operations@ascfg.org.

Longterm Subzero Storage of Specialty Cut Flowers
2023-04-18 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Part of the ASCFG Research and the Flower Farmer Webinar Series!
Dr. John M. Dole, North Carolina State University
Jennifer Kalinowksi, North Carolina State University

Event Details
Dr. John Dole and his colleague Jennifer Kalinowski will present their research on the best practices for postharvest cold storage of cut flowers across multiple species. By developing effective long-term cold storage procedures for cut flower growers and farmers, this research has direct benefit for ASCFG members. The researchers will discuss the exciting outcomes of their research and answer questions from audience members.
Presenter Biography
Dr. John Dole
Dr. John Dole received his B.S. from Michigan State University and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, with both degrees in horticulture. Dole was on the faculty of Oklahoma State University for 11 years before moving to North Carolina State University’s Department of Horticultural Science in 2000. He became director of graduate programs for the department in 2004, department head in 2011, and is the former president of the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS). Currently, Dole serves as the executive advisor for the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, a 2,900-member national organization devoted to the production and use of cut flowers.
About the Research and the Flower Farmer Webinar Series
The goal of this webinar series is to connect ASCFG members with the latest research in cut flowers and to inspire new ideas for crop, farm, and business management. During these online events, recent recipients of the Research Foundation’s Competitive Grants will share synopses of their research, along with the exciting applications of the results, before a short Q and A session with attendees.
Can’t attend a presentation? Don’t worry – the webinar will be recorded and be accessible in the ASCFG Members Only portal after the event.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the ev
ent. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.

Ask an Expert: Breeding Unique Zinnias
2023-04-10 20:00 - 21:00 UTC | Zoom
Join us for the April 2023 Ask an Expert session, taught by zinnia expert Tiffany Jones of Blomma Flower Farm. Attendees can expect an overview of how to get started breeding zinnias, including the overall process; how to determine the breeding goal(s); and discover surprising details like the magic of “green seed” as well as the business advantages and benefits of breeding zinnias.
Tiffany Jones studied Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Architecture in college and started a small suburban farm in the very crowded Southern California market about 6 years ago. For business reasons she spent several years digging into professional papers, graduate studies, books, online forums and spoke with prominent farmer-breeders in order to gather the information she needed to successfully breed her own zinnias, simultaneously experimenting with that knowledge on her farm. Her online presence and simple videos have inspired people all over the world to begin breeding zinnias for their own purposes. Jones’ comprehensive how-to book based on her research is coming soon in late 2022.
Farm: https://blommaflowerfarm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blommaflowerfarm/

Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event.
A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.
Sponsored by

Digging Deep: Planning for the Future
2023-03-30 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
About the Webinar Series
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers is pleased to announce a four-day educational intensive called Digging Deep: Topics in Cut Flower Farming. This intensive features four 90-minute, Zoom-based presentations given by experts in farming, floral design, and agricultural law. Registrants can attend the virtual live events, have the opportunity to participate in Q and A sessions, and will receive access to the webinar recordings after the events for the duration of 2023. Attendees must register by noon on Friday, March 24, 2023.
Thursday’s Event

Title: Planning for the Future: Legal Strategies for Retirement & Farm Transitions.
Speaker: Pamela Epp Olsen of Pamela Epp Olsen Law
Time: Thursday, March 30, 7:00 — 8:30 p.m. Eastern

Description
As a wife and daughter of farmers/ranchers, lawyer and estate planner Pamela Olsen understands how agricultural operations function, from family dynamics to commodity cycles. Over the past two decades, she has worked extensively with farmers and ranchers to provide creative estate planning and business transition solutions in this professional sector. In this presentation, she will provide an overview of planning strategies that can optimize retirement and farm transitions for cut flower farmers.
Sponsored by

Registration

Digging Deep: Designing Funeral and Celebration of Life Flowers
2023-03-29 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
About the Webinar Series
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers is pleased to announce a four-day educational intensive called Digging Deep: Topics in Cut Flower Farming. This intensive features four 90-minute, Zoom-based presentations given by experts in farming, floral design, and agricultural law. Registrants can attend the virtual live events, have the opportunity to participate in Q and A sessions, and will receive access to the webinar recordings after the events for the duration of 2023. Attendees must register by noon on Friday, March 24, 2023.
Wednesday’s Event

Title: Designing Funeral and Celebration of Life Flowers
Speaker: Carole Patilla of Tuckshop Flowers
Time: Wednesday, March 29, 7:00 — 8:30 p.m. Eastern

Description
Carole Patilla is the owner of Tuckshop Flowers in the United Kingdom. An award winning florist and instructor, Carole has a passion for crafting customized funeral floral designs that celebrate the unique individuality of the departed. In this presentation, she will present on advanced floral designs for funerals and other end of life events with a special emphasis on using green and earth-friendly techniques. The presentation will include a lecture, a demonstration of designing a casket spray, and a question and answer session with attendees. Registered attendees will also receive a discount code that applies to her online workshops.
Sponsored by

Registration

Digging Deep: Lean Farm Methods for Cut Flower Farming
2023-03-28 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
About the Webinar Series
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers is pleased to announce a four-day educational intensive called Digging Deep: Topics in Cut Flower Farming. This intensive features four 90-minute, Zoom-based presentations given by experts in farming, floral design, and agricultural law. Registrants can attend the virtual live events, have the opportunity to participate in Q and A sessions, and will receive access to the webinar recordings after the events for the duration of 2023. Attendees must register by noon on Friday, March 24, 2023.
Tuesday’s Event

Title: Lean Farm Methods for Cut Flower Farming
Speaker: Ben Hartman of Clay Bottom Farm
Time: Tuesday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastern

Description
In this presentation, Ben Hartman, author of The Lean Farm, will explain how the lean system can be applied to cut flower operations to minimize waste, increase efficiency, and maximize value and profits with less work. Specific topics covered will include: using 5S to organize a farm, how to precisely identify value, the 7 mudas (wastes), and kaizen (continuous improvement). Ben will share concrete tips that farms of any size and type can start applying right away along with photos showing lean principles in action on flower farms and on other farms. Lean is a production system that originated in Japanese production and is now widely used in all types of industries.
Sponsored by

Registration

Digging Deep: Climate Change, Soil Health, and its Impact on Agriculture in North America
2023-03-27 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
About the Webinar Series
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers is pleased to announce a four-day educational intensive called Digging Deep: Topics in Cut Flower Farming. This intensive features four 90-minute, Zoom-based presentations given by experts in farming, floral design, and agricultural law. Registrants can attend the virtual live events, have the opportunity to participate in Q and A sessions, and will receive access to the webinar recordings after the events for the duration of 2023. Attendees must register by noon on Friday, March 24, 2023.
Monday’s Event

Climate Change, Soil Health, and its Impact on Agriculture in North America
Sarah A. Isbell, Research Scientist for PASA Sustainable Agriculture
Monday, March 27, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastern

Description
Join Sarah A. Isbell as she presents her work for Pasa Sustainable Agriculture’s Soil Health Benchmark Study. Sarah recently earned a Ph.D. in Ecology from Penn State University where her research focused on cover cropping and reducing tillage in organic grain cropping systems, nitrogen management, and soil ecology. Sarah has also worked as a farm-based educator in Massachusetts, grown vegetables in New York’s Hudson Valley, and spent a summer researching soils and agro-silvo-pastoral systems in Sardinia, Italy. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Dickinson College.
Sponsored by:

Registration

H-2A for Cut Flower Growers: Could it Work for You?
2023-03-20 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Lori Whitten, the founder of Poetry Flower Farm, and her team have significant experience in H2A legislation. ASCFG members are invited to join this complimentary webinar to go over compliance with H2A legislation and a strategy for small flower farms to form a cooperative that allows them to share employee labor. They will discuss the H-2A temporary seasonal non-immigrant visa program to include: Criteria to qualify for the program, and what Joint Employment means and how small farm operations could share the cost, benefits and liabilities of the program. They will then segue into a brief compliance overview and provide a contact to answer questions for those already using the program. Then we will wrap up with a live Question and Answer Session. The webinar will be recorded and available for viewing in the ASCFG Members Only learning portal after the event.

Ask an Expert: Selling Flowers to Florists
2023-03-13 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join the March 2023 Ask an Expert session for an exciting conversation between Maya Kosok and Ellen Frost, farmer and florist! This session will dig into the nitty gritty details of selling to florists, touching on such topics including variety selection, availability lists, approaching florists, bunch sizes/stem length, pricing, and more.
Maya Kosok is the owner of Hillen Homestead, an urban cut flower farm in Baltimore City now in its 10th season. Hillen Homestead sells primarily to local florists in the DC/Baltimore region and grows a wide range of annuals, perennials, woodies, and more using sustainable practices. Maya is passionate about building community and relationships with neighbors, customers, fellow growers, and anyone walking by who stops to chat at the farm. Maya has presented at many conferences and garden clubs, including the Pennsylvania Alliance of Sustainable Agriculture (PASA), Future Harvest, Just Food, and Garden Clubs of America, and she loves sharing tangible and specific information that will help other growers.
Ellen Frost is the renowned florist of Local Color Flowers shop in Baltimore, MD, and co-contributor of The Cut Flower Quarterly column, “The Farmer and The Florist.” She is passionate about using local flowers in her work and in 2016, she was awarded the Allan M Armitage Award for Leadership by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. She has been featured on The Flower Podcast, the Slow Flowers Society, and much more.

Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.

Sponsored by

Manipulating Light Quality and Duration to Improve the Greenhouse Production of Specialty Cut Flowers
2023-03-07 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Part of the ASCFG Research and the Flower Farmer Webinar Series!
Dr. Roberto Lopez, Michigan State University
Caleb Spall, Michigan State University
Event Details
A recent recipient of an ASCFG Grant, this project seeks to determine the ideal lighting conditions, in both the intensity and duration of lights, for growing flowers in greenhouse settings. In response to the growing market for specialty cut flowers throughout North America, crop growth and management in greenhouses can help meet the year-round demand for flowers. Dr. Lopez and Mr. Spall will discuss the exciting outcomes of their research and answer questions from audience members.
Presenter Biography
Dr. Roberto Lopez
Dr. Roberto Lopez is an associate professor and controlled environment/floriculture extension specialist with a 45% research, 30% teaching, and 25% extension appointment in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University. His research focuses on propagation and production of young and finish plants (floriculture, leafy green, and culinary herb crops) in greenhouses, growth rooms/containers, warehouse-based plant factories, and vertical farms. The primary objective of his research is to determine how light (quantity, quality, and duration), substrate and air temperature, and carbon dioxide in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) production influences crop timing, rooting, yield, quality, flavor, nutrition, and subsequent performance.
About the Research and the Flower Farmer Webinar Series
The goal of this webinar series is to connect ASCFG members with the latest research in cut flowers and to inspire new ideas for crop, farm, and business management. During these online events, recent recipients of the Research Foundation’s Competitive Grants will share synopses of their research, along with the exciting applications of the results, before a short Q and A session with attendees.
Can’t attend a presentation? Don’t worry – the webinar will be recorded and be accessible in the ASCFG Members Only portal after the event.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.

Reminder: ASCFG Grower Grant Applications Due
2023-03-01 | CA
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers periodically awards funding to cut flower growers for on-farm research. Results of the research should benefit specialty cut flower growers in the field or greenhouse. The program is open only to current ASCFG members who have grown cut flowers commercially for at least three years.

Application Materials: Learn more about the application process and materials here.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2023
Questions? If you have any questions, please email them to mail@ascfg.org.

Comparison of Dahlia Cultivars for Specialty Cut Flower Production in the Northeastern United States
2023-02-21 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Part of the ASCFG Research and the Flower Farmer Webinar Series!
Dr. Stephanie Burnett, University of Maine
Dr. Bryan Peterson, University of Maine
Event Details
Join Drs. Burnett and Peterson as they discuss their project, which evaluated a wide range of commercially popular, field-grown dahlias to compare the postharvest life of a cold-sensitive crop in Northern climates that have a limited growing season. The researchers will discuss the exciting outcomes of their research and answer questions from audience members.
Presenter Biography
Dr. Stephanie Burnett
Dr. Stephanie Burnett is an Associate Professor of Horticulture at the University of Maine. Her research primarily focuses on production issues for greenhouse and flower growers. She teaches the floriculture courses at the University of Maine (Herbaceous Landscape Plants and Greenhouse Management) along with Introduction to Horticulture.
About the Research and the Flower Farmer Webinar Series
The goal of this webinar series is to connect ASCFG members with the latest research in cut flowers and to inspire new ideas for crop, farm, and business management. During these online events, recent recipients of the Research Foundation’s Competitive Grants will share synopses of their research, along with the exciting applications of the results, before a short Q and A session with attendees.
Can’t attend a presentation? Don’t worry – the webinar will be recorded and be accessible in the ASCFG Members Only portal after the event.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.

Ask an Expert: Find and Keep Farm Employees, Part II of II
2023-02-20 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join us for the second moderated panel discussion featuring four cut flower farms throughout North America as they discuss the challenges of finding, training, and retaining farm employees. Inspired by the recent article, “How’s Your Labor Situation?” in The Cut Flower Quarterly, these sessions will take a deep dive into agricultural employee management topics. Attendees can expect to hear from four different farmers about their experiences, which will segue into a question and answer session.
Meet the participating farmers!

Jennifer Joray of Eastern River Farm
Seth and Kelci Wright of Firm Root Farm
Rebecca Kutzer-Rice of Moonshot Farm
Michelle Elston of Roots Flower Farm

Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.

Reminder: The Cut Flower Quarterly Submission Deadline
2023-02-15 | CA
The Cut Flower Quarterly is the only periodical dedicated to informing growers about the production, postharvest care, and marketing of cut flowers. Are you contributing an article or a feature to the next issue? Or do you wish to purchase an advertisement or sponsor an event? All submissions for the Spring Issue are due on February 15, 2023. Vendors and suppliers are welcome to explore our different advertising and sponsorship options.

Have a question? Contact us at operations@ascfg.org.

Reminder: Dave Dowling Scholarship Applications Due
2023-02-01 | CA
The ASCFG is dedicated to advancing the domestic cut flower industry by encouraging young people to consider cut flower production as a career. To foster this goal, every year the ASCFG will award $1,000 each to two students interested in becoming cut flower growers thanks to the Dave Dowling Scholarship. Successful applicants will receive one-year ASCFG memberships and accompanying benefits.
The program is open to students working toward a two- or four-year degree, or a graduate degree, in horticulture or floriculture. Applicants must have at least one full year of studies remaining before finishing the degree. Previous applicants not awarded a scholarship may apply again if they still meet all requirements. Part-time students may be considered if they have taken at least 9 credits per year for at least one year, are planning to enroll in at least 9 credits for the coming year, and are enrolled in a program leading to a horticulture or floriculture degree.

Application Materials: You can access application materials and information here.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023.
Questions? If you have any questions, you are encouraged to email them to mail@ascfg.org.

What You’ll See in ’23: An ASCFG Supplier Showcase, Part II
2023-01-23 15:00 - 18:00 UTC | Zoom
Part II of II Webinars
The ASCFG is delighted to announce an opportunity to connect with agricultural and cut flower vendors in the upcoming Zoom-based webinars, “What You’ll See in ‘23.” ASCFG members are invited to attend the complimentary webinars, during which vendors will discuss current and forthcoming products, tools, and other useful resources. Please see the schedule below for more details!

Monday, January 23
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET

BallSeed
InFlora
Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Leo Berbee Bulb Co.
Raker-Roberta’s Young Plants
Seven Springs Farm Supply
Zabo Plant Inc

Win Prizes from Showcase Vendors!
Each vendor in the showcase has donated an item to be won by attendees. Your donation of $25 or more to the Research Foundation will allow you to be entered into a drawing for a variety of prizes. You do not have to be present to win. All proceeds go to the ASCFG Research Foundation, which fosters and supports original research in cut flower farming topics.

Registration and Donation Information

What You'll See in '23: An ASCFG Supplier Showcase
2023-01-16 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Part I of II Webinars
The ASCFG is delighted to announce an opportunity to connect with agricultural and cut flower vendors in the upcoming Zoom-based webinars, “What You’ll See in ‘23.” ASCFG members are invited to attend the complimentary webinars, during which vendors will discuss current and forthcoming products, tools, and other useful resources. Please see the schedule below for more details!
Monday, January 16
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET

American Takii
Botanical Trading Co.
Cubed Laboratories
Sakata Seed
Spring Meadow Nursery
Syngenta
Walters Gardens

Win Prizes from Showcase Vendors!
Each vendor in the showcase has donated an item to be won by attendees. Your donation of $25 or more to the Research Foundation will allow you to be entered into a drawing for a variety of prizes. You do not have to be present to win. All proceeds go to the ASCFG Research Foundation, which fosters and supports original research in cut flower farming topics.

Registration and Donation Information

Ask an Expert: Find and Keep Farm Employees, Part I of II
2023-01-09 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join us for a unique, two-part moderated panel discussion featuring four cut flower farms throughout North America as they discuss the challenges of finding, training, and retaining farm employees. Inspired by the recent article, “How’s Your Labor Situation?” in The Cut Flower Quarterly, these sessions will take a deep dive into agricultural employee management topics. Attendees can expect to hear from four different farmers about their experiences, which will segue into a question and answer session.
Meet the participating farmers!

Jennifer Joray of Eastern River Farm
Seth and Kelci Wright of Firm Root Farm
Rebecca Kutzer-Rice of Moonshot Farm
Michelle Elston of Roots Flower Farm

Note: This is Part One of two sessions. The second webinar will occur on February 20, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.

Ask an Expert: Developing a Social Media Strategy for Your Farm
2022-12-05 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join Hannah Muller from Full Belly Farm to learn about social media strategies for flower farmers and growers! Social media is a powerful communication and sales tool for businesses. But which platforms and techniques are best for your operation? Attendees can expect to discuss the purpose, advantages, and disadvantages of different social media platforms before moving onto reviewing different strategies for promotions, sales, and more. We look forward to seeing you!

Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.

Ask an Expert: Is Agritourism Right for Your Farm?
2022-11-14 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join Melissa Fery and Audrey Comerford from Oregon State University Extension as they share their expertise in agricultural tourism (often also called agritourism). Attendees can expect to learn about the concept and to discuss the goals of agritourism; to see examples of what agritourism can look like in different farming environments; and to consider different factors before embarking on an agritourism endeavor. We look forward to seeing you!
Melissa Fery is an Associate Professor for the Oregon State University Extension Service serving small farms in the southern Willamette Valley. She has been supporting Oregon agriculture in the areas of soil quality, small-scale livestock and pasture production, and land stewardship for over 20 years. Most recently she has been working with farmers and ranchers to explore agricultural tourism and on-farm marketing to diversify income and aid in farm succession. Melissa and her family live on a small farm where she enjoys a rural lifestyle, growing plants and raising animals. You can reach her at Melissa.Fery@oregonstate.edu.
Audrey Comerford serves as the Agritourism Coordinator for OSU Extension Service in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties in Oregon. Growing up in the Willamette Valley gave her the opportunity to be familiar with diverse farming activities. Audrey’s efforts strive to bring education and understanding about the benefits of agritourism and farm-direct marketing as an additional revenue source to farmers, tourism groups and government entities. She is part of the OSU College of Agriculture’s Agritourism Working Group and currently collaborates with organizations such as Travel Oregon, Oregon Agritourism Partnership and local tourism offices. She currently lives on a small farm with her husband and raises sheep for fiber. You can reach her at Audrey.Comerford@oregonstate.edu.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event. A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.

ASCFG Farm Tour: River Twist Homestead
2022-10-11 09:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | River Twist Homestead, 5334 River Road, Jamestown, NC, United States
Host Carl and Jan Galloni of River Twist Homestead.
Details:

Limited to 50 attendees. Lunch included.
Registration costs $100.00. Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and fees are refunded only in case of emergency.
Register here!

Attendees will be split into two groups. One will start the day with tours of our fields and high tunnels, including harvest and prep for delivery; seedling transplanting; bed teardown; Earthway Seeder demonstration; and high tunnel do’s and don’ts. Then we’ll move to the seed shed and cooler to learn more about soil blocking and our homemade sifter for peat and compost.
Before lunch, Sammi Price of Just Priceless Florist in High Point will discuss how to prepare flowers for sale to florists. At the same time, the second group will spend time with artist Jan, learning to color wash and hand letter their own farm sign from start to finish, leaving with their own personalized sign. After lunch, the groups will switch activities.

ASCFG Farm Tour: Daveco
2022-10-01 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Daveco., 11711 W. 47th Street S., Clearwater, KS, United States
Hosts Clarence Denton and Lou Lemont of Daveco
Details:

Limited to 32 attendees
Registration costs $50.00. Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and fees are refunded only in case of emergency.
Register here!

What started in 2016 as a small (15 x 32) hoophouse to grow landscape flowers and plants is now four large tunnels (5000 sq. ft.), and several garden areas growing cut flowers for florists in the Wichita area. Starting small and increasing our production and sales each year has allowed us to grow into our market. All our crops are grown within 50 steps of our processing and cooler area. Efficient flower farming on a small scale through succession planting, and growing in tunnels has helped us triple our sales in three years. We plan to demonstrate the stand-up planter—custom-built for our farm—and other creative ideas to make flower farming a bit easier. Information on tunnels, shade cloth, pests, and supports for our crops will also be discussed.
We have invited several of our florists to visit with our grower attendees. We know they have lots of question to ask of them. They have been a wealth of information for us since we started in 2018. We will have dahlias, sunflowers, celosia, and dusty miller still growing in the tunnels at the time of our tour.
Sponsored by:

Farm Tours in Maryland
2022-09-27 08:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | CA
Through a partnership with the University of Maryland Extension, the ASCFG is pleased to announce two additional farm tours in September 2022. Attendees will tour Hertzler’s Cut Flower Farm in Charlotte Hall, MD, and Zekiah Ridge Farm in La Plata, MD. Tickets are $30 per attendee; please see the schedule below.
Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Schedule

Check-in will start at 8:00 a.m. on September 27th, 2022.
8:30 – 10:00: Tour of Hertzler Flower Farm, Jacob Hertzler.
10:00 – 10:30: Travel to Zekiah Ridge Farm (about 15 minutes away).
10:30 – 12:00: Tour of Zekiah Ridge Farm, Cindy Bliss.
12:00 – 12:45: Lunch provided for tour participants.
12:50 – 1:10: Diseases of Cut Flowers. Speaker: Karen Rane, Plant Pathologist, University of Maryland Extension
1:10 – 1:20: Insect Control in Cut Flowers. Speaker: Stanton Gill, Entomologist, University of Maryland Extension
1:20 – 1:45: Weed Control in Cut Flowers. Speaker: Alan Leslie, Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension – Charles County

Purchase Your Tickets Here!

Ask an Expert: Crop Planning and Succession
2022-09-12 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Crop Planning and Succession
Whether you are growing for markets, grocery stores, floral designers, or your farmstand, you want a bright mix of flowers all season long. In an attempt to demystify succession planting, Jeanie McKewan, former owner of Brightflower Farm, will take you through the steps of planning your crop to make sure you have all the flowers you need and want throughout the season.
Zoom instructions will be emailed to members on the day of the event.
A recording of this session will be archived in Members Only.
Sponsored by:

ASCFG Farm Tour: Fernabelle Acres
2022-09-12 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Fernabelle Acres, 3530 80th Street, Franksville, WI, United States
Host Emily Watson of Fernabelle Acres
Details:

Limited to 75 attendees. Registration closes on Thursday, September 8.
Registration costs $100.00. Registrations taken on a first-come, first-served basis and the fee refunded only in case of emergency.
Register here!

After 12 years of growing on a half an acre, Fernabelle Acres is building towards 8 acres for this year with the possibility for much more. Come and join us on our new farm and see the adventure happening in real time. This is our second season on the new farm and we are in the process of scaling up rapidly.
I worked with the FSA to get funding for a 36-acre farm field. I’ll talk a little bit about the process of finding the farm and working with the FSA for financing. Then we’ll break up into groups and tour the farm where we will discuss some of the decisions we have made and the growing pains we have experienced. Joe Schmitt will be on hand to share some of his favorite time- and labor-saving tips and tools. Afterwards we will have an optional social hour. We’ll provide light refreshments and you bring your camp chair.
Sponsored by:
