2020 rules under Trump remain in effect as the EPA works to overhaul discharge permitting process Section 401 of the Clean Water Act provides that a federal agency may not issue a permit or license to conduct any activity that could result in a discharge into waters of the United States unless a Section 401 […]
Pushing back on the unworkable
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Worker safety is critical, and nursery and greenhouse operations make it a priority. Our industry has learned a lot from the dynamic and harsh weather events of the past year. But Oregon agriculture has been put back on its heels by a new set of heat and smoke rules, created under pressure from labor and […]
Where the lessons are
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Life moves too fast. My eighth grader just finished the school year and, frankly, I am replaying the 10,000+ times people told me, “Life only moves faster the older you get.” For everyone that ever told me that, and heard my adamant reply that “I live in the moment” and “It won’t apply to me” […]
Goodbye to Buchholz Nursery
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When the owner of a nursery decides to retire, what happens to the business? If there is a family member involved who would like to take it over, then that might become a solution to keeping the business alive. But, if family involvement is not an option, then what? A nursery is unlike most other […]
The greatest privilege of a lifetime
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When the month of June rolls along, there is one day that stands out: Father’s Day. I am one of the fortunate sons who had a caring father. He drives me nuts, but he is mine. In the nursery and greenhouse industry, I see many fathers who should be the leading example to a nation. […]
Thank God for June!
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In the agricultural community, there are many things that set us apart from other industries. But after a rough spring, the one I notice most is resilience. And this year, we have definitely needed it. I can’t recall ever needing to phone so many friends to cry on their shoulders, nor do I remember so […]
Show your primary colors by voting
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Going back years, most of my Director’s Desk columns have focused on the evergreen topic of nursery and greenhouse labor — or more precisely, the lack thereof. Every year, the U.S. Congress proves its consistent, even surgical failure to put politics aside and pass a sensible and sustainable immigration visa system. Agriculture needs it, but […]
Feeling revitalized
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The mask mandate is over. It seems like everyone recently has a little extra pep in their step. Life resembles a somewhat normal state again. Combine that with the spring air and return to outdoor activity, and “revitalized” is the proper word for the feeling. Speaking of revitalization, it is time to look at restoring […]
Trees that stand above
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This issue of Digger is devoted to trees,and this made me reflect on some of the many benefits they provide for us. Perhaps Henry David Thoreau summed my reflections best in his famous words: “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” Trees certainly do contribute much to our […]
Smoldering ashes at the Capitol
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There is an old black and white photo in the Oregon State Capitol café, located in the basement of the building, and it has always spoken to me. Located off in a non-descript place near dining tables along the wall, it shows the old capitol building engulfed in flames. I can almost feel the heat […]
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