May 2010

I Just Got Back By Tim Hodson

This issue of GPN was due to the printer right after we returned from California Spring Trials, so we didn't have enough time to write a full recap of the trials. The June and July issues will have extended coverage of the California Spring Trials with all the new variety introductions, marketing programs and other products that were on display, but I figured I would take this opportunity to give you a sneak peek at just some of the things we saw this year.

The Week That Was
We were rocking and rolling all week long — especially our first night in southern California, where we got to experience a 4.4-magnitude earthquake at 2 a.m. It was a fun way to start our week.

We noticed it right away, and the breeders confirmed it: Attendance was up this year, and the mood of the growers and retailers we talked to along the way was incredibly upbeat. Maybe it had something to do with the early spring weather that much of the country had been experiencing prior to trials; regardless, the atmosphere was positive everywhere.

All of the breeders did a really nice job with their displays, and the plant material at all of the locations looked fantastic. We also were impressed with the products and programs that all of the allied companies were showcasing. Everyone put a lot of time and effort in their trials exhibits, and it really showed.

Our Spring Trials trips are always exhilarating, educational and exhausting. This year was no exception.

Check out www.CaliforniaSpringTrials.com
We were tweeting, blogging, updating our Facebook pages and posting photos every day during Spring Trials. You can see those additional photos and read Jasmina's blog on www.CaliforniaSpringTrials.com.