The national election on Nov. 8 surprised many, with Donald Trump (R-N.Y.) coming from behind to beat favored Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) for the presidency. In addition, Republicans kept their hold on both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Republicans now have a unified hold on the U.S. executive and legislative branches of federal government.

A Trump presidency and the many Republican down-ballot victories have the potential to shake up the green industry.

Craig Regelbrugge, senior vice president of advocacy and research with AmericanHort, anticipates the election’s outcome will have significant impact — most positive, but with some trouble spots.

“Many have grown weary of eight years of a ‘regulatory juggernaut’ that was especially challenging in the labor and environmental regulation areas,” Regelbrugge says. “Beyond some of the rule changes themselves, we’ve had major concerns with employers being exposed to greater and greater litigation risks by activists.”

On the whole, the green industry should see opportunities for a more business-friendly environment. Don’t expect change overnight, though, especially in the area of unions and unionization, he says.

“The National Labor Relations Board has been hyperactive and hyper-partisan with decisions favoring unions and unionization,” Regelbrugge says. “It will take some time for the composition of the NLRB to achieve more balance, but it will happen.”

Having the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government aligned in the same direction could lead to less gridlock and more movement on traditionally sticky issues. Regelbrugge says that’s a reasonable expectation, especially if House Republicans retain Paul Ryan as Speaker of the House.

“Ryan is ideologically anchored but policy oriented, and will understand the need for balance and avoiding overreach,” Regelbrugge says. “There is still a check-and-balance in the Senate, in that leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will likely have 52 votes, and key procedural motions require 60. So if new minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and his 47 colleagues are unified, there’s some firewall there.”

The Trump wild card

Of course, the elephant in the room is President-elect Trump. During his campaign, immigration was one of his biggest focal points, and one of the most divisive planks in his platform. The horticulture industry has been attempting to reform immigration for years, and and if Trump holds to his campaign promises, it could create major labor problems.

“While wide majorities of Americans support reforms consistent with those we have sought over years, the Trump campaign really doubled down on harsh immigration rhetoric, and it will be hard to walk that back,” Regelbrugge says. “The real challenge here is that Trump has surrounded himself with advisors cut from the most extreme cloth on this issue. It’s almost sure to be an ‘enforcement first’ approach — not just walls or barriers on the border and deportation of criminal aliens.”

Regelbrugge says the industry could see an early push to make the E-Verify program mandatory for all employers, and rapid escalation of worksite enforcement. This could take the form of raids, or I-9 audits (“silent raids”), he says. This would be dangerous for the green industry.

“Such an approach could overburden and crash the limited legal visa programs now used by our industry, as demand spikes and outstrips capacity. Maybe Trump won’t go there, but he is surrounded by advisors who will push for it.”

Upcoming issues

Labor and immigration are clearly the issues that will receive the most attention in 2017, Regelbrugge says. Health care is just behind, and will certainly be addressed.

“Whether the push is to repeal the Affordable Care Act or reform it, Republicans will need to have a workable alternative that doesn’t kick 20 million people off the health care rolls,” Regelbrugge says.

The Farm Bill is set to be debated and reauthorized in 2018; it’s become a major source of funding for key research and pest prevention programs. And, whether it comes legislatively or administratively, business owners should watch for regulatory relief from the Department of Labor’s overtime rule that was recently granted appeal by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

A Trump presidency and the many Republican down-ballot victories have the potential to shake up the green industry.

Many industry representatives oppose the new overtime rule, which increases the salary threshold for overtime-exempt workers to $47,476, more than double its current threshold of $23,660. Gregg Robertson, who handles government relations for the Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association, says the issues most frequently brought up in his state include the federal overtime rule, fixing H-2A and H-2B, finding employees and the boxwood blight quarantine.

Karen Summers, executive vice president of the Southern Nursery Association, has a similar view from her members.

“The things that we hear most are concerns on labor issues (H-2B, seasonal workers, overtime rule) and of course ObamaCare,” she says.

The Oregon Association of Nurseries supports comprehensive immigration reform and has a list of current or pending federal legislation it would like rescinded or amended, including the overtime rule, the EPA’s Worker Protection Standard, and the Pesticide Applicator Certification rule. The OAN supports an agricultural worker solution that provides work authorization for experienced agricultural workers, and a more flexible, market-based visa program for the future that meets agriculture’s need for both seasonal and year-round workers.

OAN’s members rely on readily available and quality water to grow their products. Therefore, OAN supports policies aimed at conservation, quality and supply improvements. However, OAN is calling to rescind the EPA’s Waters of the United States rule. That’s because OAN opposes federal expansion of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act and/or new regulations that threaten the state’s ability to deliver water to the agricultural industry.

In 2015, the EPA and the Department of Defense passed the Waters of the United States rule, which defines federally controlled waters referenced in the 1972 Clean Water Act. This piece of legislation, which asserts federal regulatory authority over small bodies of water such as wetlands and some ponds, was called an overreach by industry groups. Later rebranded as the Clean Water Rule after more than a year of evaluation, argument and a presidential veto, the proposed regulation is currently in the hands of the U.S. Court of Appeals. On the campaign trail, Trump said he would eliminate WOTUS.

“Lots of good folks in the industry have disengaged from the political process in recent years, frustrated with the gridlock and hopelessness,” Regelbrugge says. “Given both opportunity and potential trouble spots ahead, it’s time for everyone to suit back up and re-engage.”

Matt is managing editor for Nursery Management magazine, a GIE Media Horticulture Group publication.

3 takeaways from Dümmen Orange’s Potted Plant Palooza

The day-long seminar highlighted how the latest indoor varieties can jive with 2017’s home décor and lifestyle trends.

By Cassie Neiden

At an event held in Franklin Park Conservatory’s quaint country barn in downtown Columbus, Ohio, industry members came together to see new introductions of poinsettias, kalanchoes and mums. They also sat in on presentations from production experts to learn how to best grow indoor varieties, and heard from trends experts who shared the ways indoor gardening is becoming mainstream. Here’s some of what we saw during Potted Plant Palooza.

1. Pink will be this spring’s go-to color.

That’s right – pink! And a lot of it. Saturated pinks in a variety of hues can either act as standalones, or mix for a tone-on-tone effect, says Dümmen Orange Marketing Specialist Lindsay Pangborn. This selection is much different from the soft, baby pink hues typically associated with the color. Instead, the intense palette can be mixed with corals for a sophisticated and modern look.

2. Poinsettias have come a long way.

In the past 20 years, these indoor plants have improved their dark green foliage, bract shape/form and postharvest life significantly. Additionally, more and more novelties have entered the market for fresh and imaginative takes on these holiday varieties, says Dr. Allen Hammer, Product Developer at Dümmen Orange. He predicts that within the next 10 years, poinsettia cultivars will boast even stronger upright branching and root systems, but industry members must look at what consumers want to carry these plants through the Baby Boomer generation. Poinsettia containers with extra additions — like frosty ferns or Christmas cactuses — might push Millennial retail sales, Hammer suggests, adding that biodegradable pots may also help attract this more eco-conscious generation.

3. Indoor gardening is on the rise.

Clint Albin presented Garden Media Group’s “Grow 365” 2017 report, which forecasts that growing plants in the home — be they ornamental or edible — is becoming more and more popular. Tidy gardens in smaller, urban spaces, Uber-izing sales through subscription services for continued patronage, touting the health and wellness benefits of plants are all areas growers can dive into as they market their plants to Millennial buyers this year. Check out this month’s “Growing Edge” on page 6 for a bigger recap.

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3 takeaways from N.G. Heimos’ 2016 Poinsettia Trials

The annual event showcased classics as well as new holiday plant trends.

By Chris Manning

At their annual poinsettia trials in Columbia, Ill., N.G. Heimos Greenhouses showcased more than 100 poinsettia cultivars. With varieties ranging from traditional red to newer, flashier options, there was a little something for everyone. Here’s some of what we learned about the latest poinsettia trends at this year’s trials.

1. Princettia finishes on top.

Attendees voted on what they thought were the top varieties on display, and the Princettia Queen Pink came out on top on the overall performance category. Rounding out the top five were Ferrara, Luv U Pink Splash, Ice Punch and Majoris Red.

To see the full results, visit bit.ly/2016heimostrials

2. Packaging is key.

Among the topics discussed at the trials was packaging and how it can impact poinsettia sales. This isn’t a new debate — more specialized and branded wrapping has been an industry trend for a few years now. But there is some concern that selling poinsettias has become more about how the poinsettia is marketed as opposed to how the plant looks. While both elements are important, it’s the packaging that creates the uniqueness for each individual plant when presented to consumers, according to N.G. Heimos’ managing director Amy Morris.

3. We must market to both Boomers and Gen Y.

After growers had visted the trials, voted for their favorites and headed home, Heimos invited consumers to purchase the trials’ plants. Older consumers who came for poinsettias were drawn to novelty varieties like Princettia Queen Pink and other newer options, Morris says. But in most cases they did also purchase a traditional red poinsettia. There was some concern among growers at the trials about if/when Millennials will start buying poinsettias and types they will ultimately be interested in buying.

Morris, however, cited painted poinsettias as one area where sales have risen while also attracting Millennials in large numbers.

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You are a highflier. When you say you’ll do something, it gets done well and on time, regardless of the personal cost. It’s your character, and a huge part of the success you so richly deserve.

Unfortunately, being highly responsible also sets you up to be the parade pooper-scooper. If you’re someone who regularly cleans up messes, you know exactly what I mean.

There are two major problems with being the parade pooper-scooper. First, you will never be fully effective, creative or happy if you take on other people’s jobs and life responsibilities. Secondly, instead of being helpful, you’re actually conditioning people to drop the ball and do less than their share.

What about you? Are you good at saying “no?” Are you willing to let others fail and suffer the consequences of their actions or lack thereof? Or, does the thought of the ball getting dropped keep you in a vicious clean-up cycle?

If you’re regularly carrying other people’s workloads and responsibilities, it’s time to tell yourself the truth about whether your employees are truly good employees or if it’s time to take corrective action. It’s time to start reminding yourself, “Not my circus. Not my monkeys.” And, it’s time to start saying “no” without explaining yourself.

Seven ways to say “no” without explanation:

1. “No.” While this short answer gets the job done, if you cross your arms, stomp your foot and say it forcefully, you will sound like a 2-year-old. Not good for inspiring loyalty and admiration in your followers.

2. “No, thank you.” Clear, concise and far more polite than an emphatic “no.”

3. “That doesn’t/won’t work for me.” When faced with this answer, healthy individuals accept your push back. Additionally, it often leads to creating a solution that works for both parties.

4. “I can’t do that, but I’m happy to do this.” Use this answer when you can cheerfully do a portion of the request, or have something else to offer that doesn’t cause you to feel resentful.

5. “I’m flattered to be asked, but my plate is full. You might want to ask [insert name of person who doesn’t carry their weight].” This is a simple way to even out the workload. As long as you’re willing to enable others to coast and do less than their job or share of the work, they will be delighted to do so.

6. “Let me get back with you.” This response gets you out of the heat of the moment and enables you to consider your resources and goals before making a commitment. Added bonus — it enables you to check with others before committing them. The only caveat is you actually need to get back with the person. Otherwise, you leave them hanging and become the person causing the problem.

7. “I can help you with that tomorrow (or next week, next month, next year).” This is the correct answer when a lack of preparation on their part compels them to try to make it your crisis/deadline. You know what’s on your plate, including your own deadlines, goals and resources. You also know their job responsibilities. Act accordingly.

Once you say “no,” it’s imperative that you stop talking. Offering excuses and explanations only weakens your stance and compels them to help you find a way to say “yes.” I regularly remind myself to “bite my tongue and die” when I’m tempted to engage in verbal overflow.

While saying “no” can be difficult and painful, doing so provides huge long term dividends professionally and personally. You may feel guilty, but rest assured, guilt goes away. Resentment, on the other hand, always builds. When forced to choose, I hope you’ll always pick guilt.

Sherene works with organizations that want to boost their Leadership IQ so they can enhance effectiveness, increase employee engagement and raise productivity. sherenemchenry.com

With the hurricanes along the East Coast and in the Northwest this past fall, and the prediction of heavy snow in some areas this winter, growers frequently question the load that their greenhouses will withstand.

All buildings, including greenhouses, headhouses and storage buildings are affected by external and internal loads. These loads are transferred through the frame members and foundation to the ground. Loads are commonly classified as dead loads, live loads, snow loads, wind loads and in some locations, earthquake loads.

Dead loads

Dead loads are gravity loads that are constant in magnitude throughout the life of the building. They include the walls, roof, glazing and fixed equipment. Fans, suspended heaters and overhead piping for water or heat are also considered a dead load, as they are permanently attached to the structure. Long-term crops, such as tomatoes or cucumbers that are suspended from the trusses, are frequently identified as a dead load. Short-term crops, such as hanging baskets, are normally considered a live load.

Values for wind uplift must not exceed the dead load of the structure, otherwise the structure could be lifted out of the ground. This can occur occasionally to hoophouses that only have the pipes driven 18 to 24 inches into the soil. These structures weigh very little, and the hoop shape acts like an airplane wing that tends to create uplift when the wind passes over it.

Live loads

Live loads are more difficult to calculate, as they can change. One common live load is a maintenance crew repairing glazing on the roof. Another is a trolley conveyor that moves plants into the greenhouse. The carrier full of plants weighs 200 to 300 pounds. This is a concentrated load that moves as the conveyor is pushed along. The National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) design guidelines recommend that purlins, rafters and trusses be designed to support a minimum concentrated load of 100 pounds at midspan.

Short-term plant loads are considered live loads. NGMA recommends that these be limited to a maximum of 15 pounds/square foot (psf). A crop of 10-inch hanging baskets could add from 3 to 5 psf.

Wind loads

Loading from the wind can come from any direction, but is usually considered to act in a horizontal direction against the walls. Basic wind speeds for design are 90 miles/hour (mph) for most of the U.S., except the West Coast — which uses 85 mph — and the east and southeast coasts where hurricanes are common. There, loads vary from 90 to 150 mph depending on the distance from the coastline.

The basic wind speed is adjusted for factors such as site exposure; height and shape of the building; roof slope; and use factor. Greenhouses and sales buildings that are open to the public have a higher use factor than a production greenhouse. The above factors are applied to the wind velocity to get a wind load. Structural member size and resistance to overturning are then calculated.

During heavy wind conditions, doors and vents should be closed to reduce the double effect of external wind pressure and the force of the wind that gets in through the openings.

Snow loads

Snow loads vary considerable from 0 psf along the south coast of the U.S. to more than 100 psf in northern Maine and in some of the higher mountain areas. Local building codes specify the design snow load.

Snow can be light and fluffy with a water equivalent of 12 inches equal to 1 inch of rain. It can also be wet and heavy with 3 to 4 inches, equal to the weight of 1 inch of rain. Snow having a 1-inch rainwater equivalent will load a structure with 5.2 psf. This amounts to about 6.5 tons on a 25 x 96-foot greenhouse.

Design snow loads are usually adjusted to consider building exposure, roof slope, heat loss through the roof and the type of occupancy. As the heat loss through the glazing on a greenhouse is high, the design usually considers that most of the snow will melt or slide off.

Drifting snow causes unbalanced loads that may collapse greenhouses. Two to four times normal loads may occur where drifts or sliding snow build up. This is especially true in ranges of several hoophouses where they are placed side by side. It can also occur on the leeward bays of a gutter-connected range. A space of at least 10 feet should be left between freestanding greenhouses to provide space for the snow that slides off. If there is not adequate space, sidewalls may be crushed in.

Other considerations

In practice, combinations of loads are used as several types of loading may occur at the same time. For example, there may be a high wind associated with a snowstorm.

In some areas of the country, earthquake loads may have to be considered. Production greenhouses are usually exempt, as they have limited human occupancy.

Today, most manufacturers provide a structural analysis for their greenhouses. This may be required to obtain a building permit and insures that the greenhouse will handle the forces of nature without problems.

John is an agricultural engineer, an emeritus extension professor at the University of Connecticut and a regular contributor to Greenhouse Management. He is an author, consultant and certified technical service provider doing greenhouse energy audits for USDA grant programs in New England. jbartok@rcn.com