Jul 21, 2016

Producing Profitable Plugs? By Tim Hodson

Are you looking for ways to improve your plug production? Are you trying to find new and innovative ways to improve the bottom line in your greenhouses?

If you are, then you need to know about AmericanHort’s Plug & Cutting Conference that will be taking place Sept. 19-21, at the Sheraton Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California.

The Plug & Cutting Conference is a part of AmericanHort’s GrowPro series of educational events.

This year’s Plug & Cutting Conference has 32 educational sessions (including eight sessions presented in Spanish) from 25 noted industry experts on all of the major issues growers face today. Here are just a few of the topics that will be covered during the three-day event: battling greenhouse diseases; water management; integrated pest management; media selection; effective PGR usage; lighting technology and many other plug production issues.

Pesticide recertification credits are being offered from more than 20 states.

On September 19, attendees will have the opportunity to tour three different young plant growing facilities: First Step Greenhouses in Temecula; Plug Connection in Vista; and EuroAmerican Propagators in Bonsall.

During the behind-the-scenes tour, visitors will have a chance to see how these three companies operate and what innovative things they are doing to differentiate themselves from other young plant producers.

Organizers also have planned an all-day, hands-on workshop on biocontrols on Sept. 19. The workshop will provide participants with an overview and insight into how growers can use biocontrols effectively in their greenhouses.

And last but not least, approximately 40 exhibitors are expected to be on hand showing their latest products and services to help make your job easier and improve your profits.

So if you want to produce profitable plugs, you might want to circle Sept. 19-21 on your calendar.

For more information on the program or to register to attend, just go to www.americanhort.org/plug.

— Tim