Larry Kuhns (Penn State) –- Friday-
“If I knew then what I know now”- This
presentation covers a host of mistakes I made during
my years in the Christmas tree business, including
several major errors made before I planted a tree.
There’s a high probability that every grower
in the audience will be able to relate to one or
more of them.
Michelle Podolec (Cornell) – Friday
- Smart phones and other media – continued….Follow
up session using live online computer access to
show you how to actually use the applications on
your smart phones, iPads, etc… She will talk
through evaluating the apps and installing them
while you look at the Android/Apple marketplaces.
Sue Bostic – Social Media - Viral
marketing from a growers standpoint. Sue will discuss
her experience with Facebook and other social media-
from the phase of personal resistance to having
over 1200 “friends” hitting on her Facebook
page. She will discuss how this avenue has enhanced
the marketing for Joe’s trees.
Sue Hoffman and Sue Bostic (Virginia) -
The Two Sues are back by popular demand. They will
hold 2 different sessions (1 on Fri., 1 on Sat.)
in wreath design that is the newest trend and that
will help you with wreath sales.
Brett Crosby (Custom Ag. Solutions, Cowley,
WY) – Risk Management issues related to
estate planning. Where To Begin in Planning for
the next Generation
The seamless transfer of an operation from one generation
to the next is a tremendous challenge. Many farmers
feel overwhelmed, and don’t know where to
start, so they ignore the issue, and thus make it
worse. In this seminar, we will discuss the how
to start planning for the transfer of assets and
responsibilities to the next generation. Specifically,
we will discuss what questions need to be addressed
before beginning the planning process, what professionals
should be involved, what costs to plan for, and
some specific examples of creative solutions to
complex estate transfer challenges
Kevin Cook (Farm Bureau) – Friday
– Workman’s Compensation – Description
to follow
Richard Moore – Saturday- Checkoff
Program Update
Dave Hicks and Gary Henderberg (CTFANY)
– Buying and Selling Bough Material –
A-Z. Dave and Gary will cover many aspects related
to bough material: Answers, Boughs/Branches, Cost/Care,
Decorate, Enjoy!, Freshness, Greens, Harvesting,
Investment, Juniper, Kissing balls, Loading trailers.
tractors, Materials, Nippers/Novelties, Optimize,
Planning, Questions, Roping, Species/Supplies, Tools,
Utilization- Maximum, Ventilation, Why wholesale,
X-tra special, Yellowing of greens, Zero waste.
John Rogers (Bluebird Society) – “All
about Bluebirds – and More” He will
discuss the life history of the Eastern Bluebird,
nest box management, other birds that b=nest in
bluebird boxes, and more. The focus is on bluebirds
and how we, as tree farms, can assist in keeping
the population alive. John also shares his passion
for the natural world in hopes the audience will
absorb some broader and deeper messages about nature.
The program has variety, feeling, and is thought
provoking. With visually beautiful photographs,
sounds, and sincere, enthusiastic presentation style,
this program is of interest to anyone who appreciates
nature.
Katie Piretti (Farm Family) – Insuring
Risks Related to the Christmas Tree Industry and
Smart Phone Apps – They will discuss insurance
risks related to our industry and also briefly cover
how to apply their application to the smart phones
or iPads.
Wreath Competition- Peter Goderie- Chairperson
We are considering 3 categories this year for the
Winter Convention:
1) Novice Decorated – Decorated Traditional
12’ wire frame – all natural greens
– may be mixed (no proncess pine), Red velvet
bow, cones, berries – wired ribbon is acceptable.
2) Master Decorated – Decorated 12”
wire frame, made with all natural evergreens –
may be mixed (no princess pine) – to Portray
the theme “Old World Christmas” –
with all handmade decorations.
3) Open Class- Kissing Balls- any size, made with
all natural evergreens (no princess pine) as long
as it can be hung – “Anything Goes.”
Details will follow. Registration forms will be
on the website.
General membership meeting- to vote for
Board of Director open positions, vote on By-Law/Constitution
changes regarding fiscal to calendar year and audit
committee.
Entertainment: “Anybody’s Guess”
– Jack/Faye Beckwith and band members
will play following Friday night buffet dinner.
As the band plays, they will invite anyone from
the audience who may wish to participate in”Christmas
Tree Farmers Got Talent”. Any talent is welcome
– from reading poetry, singing, dancing, comedy,
etc... Performers are asked to bring their own back-up
music on a CD or cassette tape or be prepared to
“wing it” with the band. If you wish
to participate, please let Jack and Faye know in
advance – sign up- so they can vary the program.
IT WILL BE GREAT FUN…..
Hope to see you there. See enclosed registration
form and return envelope.
Sincerely,
Rob Brown
