2014 PCTGA Summer Meeting July 18 19, 2014 Mahantongo Valley Farms Pitman, PA
Spring is here! We are putting the finishing touches on the 2014 Summer Meeting, and it looks to be a great time! Exhibits open Friday, July 18, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. The evening Mix N Mingle celebrates summertime with a picnic dinner at the Mahantongo Valley Farms. Burgers, dogs and refreshments will be provided. The beer truck from last year s meeting will again have various brews and a fresh root beer. This will be a nice chance to catch up with colleagues and spend time with exhibitors. Saturday, July 19, 2014, is a full-day of educational sessions and exhibitor hours. Education sessions include subjects such as spray calibration, wreath making, identification of tree issues, grafting, a farm tour and agriculture technologies. Several sessions have core and category credits for those who need pesticide recertification credits. The exhibitor trade show will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Lunch will involve the membership meeting as we enjoy a chicken barbeque catered by Mahantongo Fire Company. It will be another great Summer Meeting in Pitman, PA. Don t delay complete the registration form so that you are set to attend. Feel free to share this information with colleagues or other farms that may not yet be PCTGA members. We look forward to seeing you all in July! Gary Thomas, Meeting Chairman The Snyder family of the Mahantongo Valley Farms extends a big welcome to the PCTGA and to all attendees of the 2014 summer meeting being held at our Leck Kill-Schwaben Creek Farm. We are located in the historic Pennsylvania Dutch Mahantongo Valley of Central Pennsylvania and have been growing Christmas trees since the early 1980s. We started out raising spruce, pine and Douglas fir. We have expanded acreage and variety types. Currently we have over 25 varieties of conifers growing on our rolling hills. The summer meeting has a vast array of topics, demonstrations and expert speakers. For growers dabbling with exotic tree varieties, the meeting should be of great value and interest, with many sessions being devoted to their culture and propagation. There will also be Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir and other standard varieties of trees to see and explore something for everyone! Larry and Joanne Snyder, Mahantongo Valley Farms (Host Farm)
PCTGA Summer Meeting Program July 18 19, 2014 Friday, July 18, 2014 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Exhibitor Set up Mahantongo Valley Farms 3:00 8:00 p.m. Registration Desk Open Mahantongo Valley Farms 3:00 8:00 p.m. Exhibitors and Demonstrations Come and visit with our Exhibitors and also see live demonstrations of the latest and newest equipment. 6:00 8:00 p.m. Mix N Mingle Bar-B-Q Network with the exhibitors and other attendees at Mahantongo Valley Farms. This is a great time to share ideas, relax and enjoy yourself! Make sure to sign up to bring your appetizer/snack, side dish or dessert! Saturday, July 19, 2014 7:00 a.m. Breakfast On your own at hotel (included in room rate) 8:00 a.m. Registration Desk Open Mahantongo Valley Farms 8:45 a.m. Please arrive at Mahantongo Valley Farms 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Exhibitors and Demonstrations Come and visit with our exhibitors and also see live demonstrations of the latest and newest equipment. 9:00 9:50 a.m. Concurrent Sessions Attendees will be split into two groups, and will alternate between classes in the morning and afternoon sessions. Group 1 Meet the Farm: Take a tour and learn about the history and operations of Mahantongo Valley Farms. The first part of the tour will include a presentation by Larry Downey. Trimming Techniques Larry Downey, Downey s Tree Farm and Nursery This session will focus on the trimming techniques used to control the lama growth and attain dominate terminal leader. There will also be a discussion on the advantages of growing Korean fir versus other firs. There will also be a review of the Korean fir hybrids, their advantages and disadvantages.
Group 2 Site Selection for Christmas Tree Species Jim Rockis, Reliable Source Seed and Transplants This thirty minute session will give an analysis of soils, aspect and climate for various conifer tree species used in the Christmas tree industry. Grafting Conifers Darryl Bowersox, Hill View Tree Farm Grafting can be an important tool used by growers to preserve the superior genetics of selected trees. The methodology behind successful grafting will be discussed and grafting demonstrations will be made. Corporate Wreath Making Marlene Downey, Downey s Tree Farm and Nursery This session will explore the niche world of corporate wreaths, which is wholesaling decorated wreaths at retail pricing, all before the Christmas shop opens. The advantages and disadvantages of this approach will be discussed with a French ooh la la je ne sais quoi flare. 10:00 10:50 a.m. Group 1 Meet the Farm Part 2: As the host farm tour continues, it will include a session by Glenn Bustard. Mediterranean Firs Glenn Bustard, Bustard s Christmas Trees This session will offer information on growing many of the newer Christmas tree species. Variations such as Nordman, Turkish, Corkbark and Grand Fir will be shown and discussed. How to care, shear and trim the trees will be explored, as well as their usage in the tree and greens market. Group 2 Sprayer Calibration: Protecting Your Crops and Your Bottom Line Dr. Kerry Richards, Ph.D. Penn State Pesticide Education Program, The Pennsylvania State University Accurate sprayer calibration will not only protect your trees from potential pest damage, but can also mean significant savings on your chemical bill. Growers who have taken advantage of the Pesticide Education Programs calibration program have noted up to 10% savings on the amount of material the need to apply due to calibration problems that were identified. It is not good enough just to guess how much you are applying, it is even more important to know what kind of coverage you are getting. This presentation will demonstrate the benefits of proper sprayer calibration.
10:50 11:10 a.m. Break Bow Making Susan Haas This session will offer the option for attendees to learn the basic skills of bow making. This is a hands-on opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade. 11:10 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Groups 1 and 2 An Overview of Douglas-fir Pests Sarah Pickel, IPM Education Specialist, PA Department of Agriculture This talk will review life cycle information and control methods for a number of pests facing Douglas-fir trees. Award Winning Wreath Making Gary Hague, Hague s Christmas Trees This session will include a basic demonstration of wreath-making and decorating, discussions of other uses for greenery and wreaths and opportunity to create your own wreath. 12:00 1:30 p.m. Lunch and Membership Meeting Spend time visiting and networking with the exhibitors. A chicken barbeque lunch will be catered by the Mahantongo Fire Company. 1:30 2:20 p.m. Concurrent Sessions Attendees will be split into 2 groups, and will alternate between classes in the morning and afternoon sessions. Group 1 Sprayer Calibration: Protecting Your Crops and Your Bottom Line Dr. Kerry Richards, Ph.D. Penn State Pesticide Education Program, The Pennsylvania State University Accurate sprayer calibration will not only protect your trees from potential pest damage, but can also mean significant savings on your chemical bill. Growers who have taken advantage of the Pesticide Education Programs calibration program have noted up to 10% savings on the amount of material the need to apply due to calibration problems that were identified. It is not good enough just to guess how much you are applying, it is even more important to know what kind of coverage you are getting. This presentation will demonstrate the benefits of proper sprayer calibration.
Group 2 Meet the Farm: Take a tour and learn about the history and operations of Mahantongo Valley Farms. The first part of the tour will include a presentation by Larry Downey. Trimming Techniques Larry Downey, Downey s Tree Farm and Nursery This session will focus on the trimming techniques used to control the lama growth and attain dominate terminal leader. There will also be a discussion on the advantages of growing Korean fir versus other firs. There will also be a review of the Korean fir hybrids, their advantages and disadvantages. Corporate Wreath Making Marlene Downey, Downey s Tree Farm and Nursery This session will explore the niche world of corporate wreaths, which is wholesaling decorated wreaths at retail pricing, all before the Christmas shop opens. The advantages and disadvantages of this approach will be discussed with a French ooh la la je ne sais quoi flare. 2:30 3:20 p.m. Group 1 Site Selection for Christmas Tree Species Jim Rockis, Reliable Source Seed and Transplants This thirty minute session will give an analysis of soils, aspect and climate for various conifer tree species used in the Christmas tree industry. Grafting Conifers Darryl Bowersox, Hill View Tree Farm Grafting can be an important tool used by growers to preserve the superior genetics of selected trees. The methodology behind successful grafting will be discussed and grafting demonstrations will be made. Group 2 Meet the Farm Part 2: As the host farm tour continues, it will include a session by Glenn Bustard. Mediterranean Firs Glenn Bustard, Bustard s Christmas Trees This session will offer information on growing many of the newer Christmas tree species. Variations such as Nordman, Turkish, Corkbark and Grand Fir will be shown and discussed. How to care, shear and trim the trees will be explored, as well as their usage in the tree and greens market.
3:20 3:40 p.m. Break Bow Making Susan Haas This session will offer the option for attendees to learn the basic skills of bow making. This is a hands-on opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade. 3:40 4:30 p.m. Groups 1 and 2 Christmas Tree Research Update Dr. Rick Bates, Associate Professor of Horticulture, Penn State University This session will provide an overview and update on a number of local, regional and national research projects of interest to Christmas tree growers. The current status of the CoFirGE (Turkish fir) evaluation project will be discussed, including an update on tree establishment and hardiness at the Pennsylvania and New York test sites. Information will also be presented on the USDA Christmas tree improvement project, as well as results from a recent Phytophthora root rot study. Award Winning Wreath Making Gary Hague, Hague s Christmas Trees This session will include a basic demonstration of wreath-making and decorating, discussions of other uses for greenery and wreaths and opportunity to create your own wreath. Future PCTGA Meetings Mark your calendars! 2015 Winter Meeting 2015 Summer Meeting January 2015 New Cumberland, PA July 2015 Farm TBA
PCTGA Summer Meeting Farm Information Mahantongo Valley Farms Farm Address: Mahantongo Valley Farms, 4367 Schwaben Creek Road, Leck Kill, PA 17836 Farm Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mahantongovalley.farms Directions to Mahantongo Farms from the hotel: Head toward Schuylkill Rd on Schuylkill Mall Road Go for 203 feet Turn left onto Schuylkill Road Go for 1.0 mile Turn left to stay on Schuylkill Road Go for 0.4 mile Continue on PA-61 N. Go for 0.5 mile Take ramp onto American Legion Memorial Hwy Go for 12.3 miles o (I-81 S) toward Harrisburg Take exit #112/PA-25/Hegins Go for 0.3 mile Turn right onto Shermans Mountain Road (PA-25 W) Go for 5.8 miles Turn right onto N Good Spring Road (PA-125) Go for 6.3 miles Turn left onto Main Road (PA-125) Go for 0.5 mile Continue on Schwaben Creek Road Go for 4.3 miles PCTGA Summer Meeting Lodging Information Holiday Inn Express and Suites Holiday Inn Express & Suites 958 Schuylkill Road Frackville, PA 17931 Direct Phone: 570.874.1700 http://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/ hotels/us/en/frackville/fckvl/hoteldetail The Summer Meeting will be hosted at Mahantongo Valley Farms. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Frackville, PA for attendees. Room Rates $130.00 (plus tax) (All rooms also include breakfast.) Attendees should call the Holiday Inn Express & Suites) to secure their reservation using this registration code: PCTGA. These discounted room rates will only be available until June 17, 2013, or until the room block is filled. Reservations received after the above date will be accepted on a space and rate available basis. You must identify yourself as being with the PA Christmas Tree Growers Association Summer Meeting and use the above code to receive the meeting room rate. To ensure you have a room at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, please make your reservation immediately.
2014 PCTGA Summer Meeting Registration Form (page 1) July 18 19, 2014 Registration must be returned to the PCTGA office, postmarked on or before July 1, 2014 to receive the discounted early registration fee. The cancellation deadline is July 11, 2014. PCTGA cannot refund the cost of meal tickets. There is no charge for youth under age 10. CONTACT INFORMATION Business Name: Street Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Fax: Email: MEMBERSHIP STATUS PCTGA Member Non Member PCTGA Retired Member (a current or past PCTGA grower who no longer is active in the industry, yet still holds interest) Other State Christmas Tree Association Member (member of neighboring associations are invited to register at member rates) ATTENDEE NAMES List names as they should appear on name badges. Please print clearly and make copies if more room is needed. Children are defined as those individuals 10 and under. 1. Adult Child 2. Adult Child 3. Adult Child 4. Adult Child 5. Adult Child EMERGENCY CONTACT & SPECIAL NEEDS Name of non attending contact: Phone: Please check here if you have any special dietary needs or require special accommodations in order to participate fully in this meeting. Please call the PCTGA office and a staff person will be happy to discuss your needs. PA Christmas Tree Growers Association, 2207 Forest Hills Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112 Phone: 717.238.9765, Fax: 717.238.9985, Email: admin@christmastrees.org, Web: www.christmastrees.org
2014 PCTGA Summer Meeting Registration Form (page 2) July 18 19, 2014 Business Name: FRIDAY EVENING MIX N MINGLE FOOD ITEM Please check which type of item you are bringing to the Mix N Mingle picnic: Appetizer/Snack Side Dish Dessert FULL REGISTRATION (includes Friday Mix N Mingle; exhibitors & demonstrations both Friday & Saturday; all education sessions on Saturday; Lunch & Membership Meeting on Saturday) Register Register By July 1 After July 1 PCTGA Member Farm Rates 1 Attendee $135 $160 $ 2 or More Attendees # of attendees @ $125 $150 $ PCTGA Retired Member* # of attendees @ $50 $75 $ Non Member** # of attendees @ $270 $295 $ *Retired Member: A current or past PCTGA grower who no longer is active in the industry, yet still holds interest. **Non Member Full Registration rate includes PCTGA membership through December 2014. ***Note: There is no charge for youth under age 10. TOTAL $ PAYMENT INFORMATION Cash/Check (make payable to PCTGA) Visa MasterCard Discover Name on Card: Card Number: Signature: Exp. Date: Security Code: PA Christmas Tree Growers Association, 2207 Forest Hills Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112 Phone: 717.238.9765, Fax: 717.238.9985, Email: admin@christmastrees.org, Web: www.christmastrees.org