Education

Techniques will be discussed for stress management in container production of boxwood that reduce disease risk. Propagation recommendations and transplant scheduling will be shared along with recent research that reduce the risk of production losses. Growing healthy boxwood root systems quickly is the basis of these disease prevention strategies.

The Louisiana Native Plant Society is developing and implementing a certification program by which local landscape professionals are trained to understand the ecology of, identify, design with, propagate and maintain native plant landscapes. The program will create a directory of those successfully completing the instruction. This will allow homeowners, municipalities and government entities to find qualified and knowledgeable professionals in this field. Basic Training will begin in June 2025 in three Louisiana cities Advanced, specialized training will follow in 2026.

Proper maintenance of landscape equipment is essential for ensuring its longevity, performance, and safety. Regular upkeep, such as cleaning, oil changes, blade sharpening, and tire checks, helps prevent costly repairs and downtime. Well-maintained equipment runs more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and improving productivity. It also minimizes the risk of accidents, as malfunctioning machinery can pose safety hazards. By keeping equipment in optimal condition, landscapers can enhance the quality of their work, reduce environmental impact, and extend the lifespan of their tools, ultimately saving time and money in the long run.

Let's take a Deep Dive into the new and improved Nursery Crop Insurance Policy named Nursery Value Select. As a fellow nursery grower, I understand the desire to protect and secure your investments and livelihood. We will discuss how the policy works, eligible plant types and categories, what it protects against, important dates to remember, but most importantly how to best safeguard your nursery operation.

Join us for an engaging and informative course designed specifically for American agribusinesses looking to tap into the benefits of the J-1 Visa Program. This program enables you to bring bright and enthusiastic English-speaking international interns & trainees to your operation for 12-month programs. We will break down the J-1 Visa process in an easy-to-understand way. You’ll learn about eligibility requirements, the application process, and how to find the right candidates for your operation. Whether you're new to the J-1 Visa Program or looking to expand your existing knowledge, this course will equip you with the information and insight you need to evaluate the program and consider its application on your operation.

Too many business managers and owners rely on a bookkeeper or their accountant to track the financial data. If we were to give a quiz to these same people, we would likely find them lacking in basic financial knowledge. In this informative session, participants will obtain a well-rounded understanding of how they can use the information to help them in better managing their business.

Too many business managers and owners rely on a bookkeeper or their accountant to track the financial data. If we were to give a quiz to these same people, we would likely find them lacking in basic financial knowledge. In this informative session, participants will obtain a well-rounded understanding of how they can use the information to help them in better managing their business.

Sure, many all businesses get a financial sheet that is updated each month, but is it being utilized to its fullest? Do they create a cash flow chart? Have they established a set of goals, both long and short term? Seminar attendees will discuss examples of these and create a plan for the future of their business. Understanding cashflow management will show you how much money to expect in your checking account for each of the next 12 months.

You may get all the proper forms and taxes completed on time. You probably have never had your business audited with regard to any of the forms or tax returns you have submitted. Yet, there are many things that you should know about the accounting aspect of your business. Your accountant may know most of them, but to make sure, both of you have to be "on the same page". This session will share 14 key aspects of financial management that you should be aware of.

Many of us hear about the better operating businesses within the industry. Often times we meet these owners, while wishing we could be more like them, and are hopeful as we talk to the owner that we can pickup a tip or two that will reflect in the profitability and operation of our own business. Having done so for many years, Tom Shay is going to share his list of the most important traits to duplicate from these industry leaders.