FNGLA Tampa Chapter Fall Social and Networking Event

Inviting all Tampa Chapter FNGLA members (and those who want to get plugged in to the green industry in this region) to our Fall Networking and Social Event. 

Hope to see you there!

Lake Region FNGLA Social Put-Put Golf Tournament

Come out and have some fun with the FNGLA Lake Region Chapter Social and Fund Raiser!

Core/Private Pesticide Applicator Exam Preparation Class

Do you need prep courses for the General Core Exam (both 487 and 482) and/or Private Applicator Exam?  Do you need two CEUs for Core and/or Private pesticide licenses? Both of these prep classes are available on September 26th.

If you are planning to take an exam(s) for Private Applicator and/or General Standards Core you must have a voucher number to take the exams.
You can obtain a voucher through FDAC at: https://pesticideexam.ifas.ufl.edu/  If you are taking the prep classes to refresh your knowledge and get CEUs you will not need a voucher number.

Follow the instructions to get a voucher number.  (you will need this number when you come to take the exam).

Please see below for more information about the class and links for registration.  Remember, bring the voucher number with you!!!   You will also need to register through Eventbrite for the class(es).  See the links below.

General Core Prep – September 26th from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.  2 Core CEUs available (both 482 and 487).  The cost of this class is $15.00 + processing fee.  The Exam follows the class if you choose to take it.
 
Private Applicator Prep – September 26th from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm.  2 Private CEUs available.  The cost of this class is $15.00 + processing fee.  Exams will follow the classes.

     The link to register for one of the classes or both is here:  Registration link

Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Producer Grants

Southern SARE Producer Grant Calls for Proposals Released

GRIFFIN, Georgia – The Call for Proposals for the 2020 Producer Grant Program, intended for farmers/ranchers and farmer/rancher organizations throughout the Southern region, is now available from the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) program.

Proposal submission deadline is November 15, 2019.  Announcement of funded proposals will take place in late February 2020.

The maximum funding amount for a Producer Grant has increased to $15,000 for individual farmers/ranchers and $20,000 for farmer/rancher organizations.

Producer Grants are used to conduct sustainable agriculture research projects that solve agricultural production challenges farmers face and to develop information on what works and what doesn’t so that other farmers and ranchers facing those same challenges can benefit from the results of the funded project.

Producer grants are not designed to pay a farmer to farm; buy livestock, equipment, or land; make permanent farm improvements, or support private enterprises through capital investments.  Southern SARE Producer Grants are competitive research grants, designed to take some of the financial risk away from trying a solution to an agricultural production issue.

Projects may be funded for up to two years. Producer organizations should be comprised primarily of farmers/ranchers and must have a majority farmer representation on their governing board.

For detailed information on how to apply for a Producer Grant, download the current Producer Grant Call for Proposals.

Rose Rosette Mites Detected in Florida

First report of Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, the vector of Rose rosette virus in Florida.
by Xavier Martini, Austin N Fife, Gary Knox, and Mathews Paret

The eriophyid mite Phyllocoptes fructiphilus is the vector of Rose rosette virus (RRV), an emaravirus identified as the causal agent of the devastating Rose Rosette Disease (RRD). Incidence of RRD has grown exponentially, as the range of P. fructiphilus spread from the non-native, invasive wild rose, Rosa multiflora (Thunb) into other cultivated and uncultivated roses in the southeastern United States. In July 2019, P. fructiphilus was collected for the first time in Florida. Phyllocoptes fructiphilus is an established native pest of ornamental roses in the western United States and has become widely distributed in the eastern United States. However, the mite has never been previously found in Florida. RRV is currently not established in Florida. However, RRV infected plants have been identified on plants shipped for commercial production to Florida many times since 2013 and destroyed by UF-IFAS in collaboration with DPI-FDACS. Phyllocoptes fructiphilus were not present in any of these intercepted plants. This new confirmation of the presence of Phyllocoptes fructiphilus in the landscape is critical and warrants continued monitoring of the mite in Florida.

Description and biology

Eriophyid mites like Phyllocoptes fructiphilus are notable for their small size (140-170 µm long and 43 µm wide), carrot-shaped body and for having only four legs instead of the usual eight for other mites. P. fructiphilus lives on the new growth of buds and between stem and leaf petioles during the warm season. Mites overwinter under bark and old bud scales. Females begin laying eggs on shoots in the spring. Development from egg to adult takes 1 week. Adult females can live up to 26 days, and they can lay an egg each day. Therefore, these mites have the potential to build up to large numbers very quickly. P. fructiphilus lives and breeds on all cultivated roses, wild native roses and wild non-native roses such as multiflora roses.

Disease symptoms

It generally takes between 17 and 90 days for P. fructiphilus to transmit RRV to a rose. Symptoms appear 1 to 3 months after infection. As the mites are not visible to the naked eye, knowledge of how to recognize RRD symptoms is essential. Symptoms include: witches’ brooms (red small twisted leaves on elongated branches); severe thorn proliferation; leaf mosaic; distorted leaves and flower buds. Some of these symptoms can be misidentified and confused with herbicide damage or young leaf flush. In spring and fall, many healthy roses have reddened foliage; however, red pigmentation associated with RRD will persist for the life of the foliage. Plants usually die 1 to 2 years following infection.

Dispersal

Phyllocoptes fructiphilus dispersal is mostly aerial and the mite spreads via wind currents between plants. Therefore, the closer a rose is located to RRD roses the more likely it is to be infested, especially if the roses are situated downwind from the mite source. It is likely that humans also disperse these mites by moving infested plants or plant parts between different locations. Phoretic dispersal via insects and other animals is also possible but has not yet been demonstrated for P. fructiphilus. Another possible source of dispersion is by contaminated clothing and equipment.

Management

There is currently no cure for RRD. If a plant is infected, it is recommended to uproot (as the virus survives in the roots) and destroy the plant immediately. A new plant can be planted 7 days later in the same location, as mites do not survive more than 5 days without a rose host. To avoid spread of the disease, it is recommended to inspect roses for RRD symptoms before being purchased and avoiding entering areas with roses after coming back from an infested area. RRD can be transmitted by grafting but not by pruning.

Cultural control of mites

As dispersal of the mites is mostly aerial, walls and windbreaks may reduce P. fructiphilus dispersal and the spread of RRD. When planting roses, leave enough space between plants to prevent leaves from touching, which allows mites to crawl from one plant to another. Pruning will reduce mite populations, but prunings and fallen debris may contain mites. To prevent prunings from dispersing mites, it is critical to immediately bag prunings on-site and transport bagged materials for off-site disposal.

Chemical control of mites

Spirotetramat (e.g. Kontos®) and abamectin (e.g. Avid®)* based miticides include products labelled for eriophyid mite control in greenhouses and nurseries. Some studies indicate that carbaryl or bifenthrin based insecticides may effectively control P. fructiphilus. These chemicals can be found in some products labelled for use in landscapes and home gardens.

Scouting and collection

Due to their size, the mites are only visible under magnification. They can be found on leaf petiole bases and axillary buds, and are associated with fast-growing and soft tissues. There are a few different species of eriophyid mites that live on rose other than P. fructiphilus. Species identification can only be done under a microscope by a specialist. If the presence of either Phyllocoptes fructiphilus or RRD is suspected, please contact below before shipping. Collect the damaged/infested shoots and/or fruit and place them into a sealable polyethylene bag. Place paper towels into the bag (to reduce mold) and then carefully seal the bag before sending it to the following addresses:
Sam Bolton Division of Plant Industry/Entomology Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services The Doyle Conner Building, 1911 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32608 samuel.bolton@FreshFromFlorida.com 352-395-4679 or Dr. Xavier Martini University of Florida NFREC, 155 Research Road, Quincy, FL 32351 xmartini@ufl.edu 850-875-7160

Resources

For more information on RRD, please visit these sites: Rose Rosette Disease: A New Disease of Roses in Florida https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp317
Roserosette.org

* Mentioning these pesticides does not signify endorsement or recommendation of any specific treatment option or chemical by the University of Florida.

Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead), lebbeck mealybug, (Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae), Updated Pest Alert

This Pest Alert was issued by FDACS on a mealybug with a wide range of hosts...
https://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/84014/2481005/pest-alert-nipaecoccus-viridis.pdf

INTRODUCTION
The first report of lebbeck mealybug in Florida occurred in 2009 where Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Specialists Andrew Derksen (DPI) and Karolynne Griffiths (USDA) collected this New Western Hemisphere Record on November 13, 2009 from Palm Beach County on host plant dodder, Cuscuta exaltata. Since then there are 89 records of this species from over 40 host plant species in four counties in Florida (Broward, Martin, Miami Dade, Palm Beach) (FDACS-DPI database). On June 14, 2019, a citrus sample with lebbeck mealybug was collected by Lauren Diepenbrock (University of Florida) (E2019-3408-1) in Highlands County, Florida after noticing heavy infestation of white wax on branches and citrus fruits (Fig. 1). This find represents a new county record and is the first occurrence of lebbeck mealybug in commercial citrus.

DESCRIPTION
Approximately 4 mm long by 3 mm wide with body color black, purple to blue green with thick white or pale-yellow wax. Females produce an ovisac (Fig. 1) with a wax that is sticky when touched. In high densities (Fig. 1), waxy secretions may appear as a continuous layer of wax which will obscure individual mealybugs. Wax may turn yellow in older infestations. Specimens do turn black in 70% alcohol. This might be a good, quick field diagnostic, but species confirmation will require slide mounting (Stocks and Hodges 2009). For pictures visit the link above.

HOST PLANTS AND GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION
 It has been reported from over 45 host plant families including several species of citrus from at least 63 countries all over the world. (García Morales et al., 2016).

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
This is an agricultural pest in many parts of the world on a variety of agricultural crops. In Florida, citrus, cotton, ornamentals and tropical plants would all be potential impacted crops. In citrus growing areas of Jordan, where this insect had been a pest prior to introduction of biological controls, it caused such extensive damage that groves were burned in an effort to eradicate it (Stocks 2013). Losses in citrus groves are mainly due to premature fruit drop. In South Africa, infested citrus acreage demonstrated losses of up to 50% of the crop (Cilliers and Bedford, 1978).

How Does Mulching in Large Ornamental Production Containers Compare with Preemergent Herbicides?

Season long weed control in large containers that may take six months to a year to finish can be very challenging.  Preventing weed emergence and seeding is critical to maintaining a clean crop and reducing costs.   

We wondered if we could spread a relatively cheap biological mulch over the top of large production containers to reduce weed growth relative to spraying or applying a preemergent herbicide.  We also considered an addition of a tackifier which is a glue to hold down mulch particles for better weed control.

Dr. Chris Marble of UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center and I applied for and received a USDA Southern Sustainable Research and Education On-farm Grant to test the idea.

At four locations and multiple crops, we tested an assortment of mulches:  pinebark, shredded wood, paper slurry, pinebark with paper slurry, sawdust, and we tested with and without the tackifier on all those mulches.  In addition, we included a plastic mulch; the same as vegetable or strawberry growers use. We also included no mulch and a preergent herbicide as controls to see differences.

After a couple of years of research we learned a few things.  All mulches stopped weeds from germinating from the surface soil in the pot early after application.  The more successful mulches over time prevented blown in weed seeds from finding a good spot to become hydrated and gain a foothold on the surface. Plastic mulch was the best followed by large pine bark.

Tackifier had no effect on the mulch performance.

Here is a video of the research that summarizes the work we were able to accomplish.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1AGjuMfqFqhpF667ZPPmOuKH9oqmDJpvR

For a poster style summary you can click here:  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nPp45rOSFK61ShBU_JwE-VEbR813uA0F

I would like to give a special thanks to Greg Shiver at J&R Nursery and Vincent Tort at Sun City Tree Farm for their on-farm help and USDA SSARE for the funding.

CEUs at the CEU Round Up

Come out to the Extension Office and finish up all those CEUs you have been putting off.  The CEU Round Up will be in Hillsborough County on June 26, 2019 starting at 8:30 am.  Here is a look at what will be presented.  You can get 2 Private and 2 Core CEUs and a lunch.

8:30 am – 9:00 am Registration & Introduction
9:00 am – 9:50 am Tank Mixing to Sidestep Disasters  - Dr. Fred Fishel
10:00 am – 10:50 am Updates on Insect Management in the Landscape -  Dr. Adam Dale
11:00 am – 11:50 am Organic Amendments, Biostimulants, Root-Enhancers, Etc. as Tools
for Nematode Management - Dr. Billy Crow
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch Provided by Extension Office
1:00 pm – 1:50 pm Crested Floatingheart and Related Species in Florida - Dr. Lyn Gettys
2:00 pm – 2:50 pm Pesticide Spill Management and Cleanup  - Paul Mitola
3:00 pm – 3:50 pm Native Wetland Plants in Florida  - Dr. Lyn Gettys
3:50 pm – 4:00 pm Closing and CEU Distribution

Prices are $30.00 for government workers and $50.00 for industry.  Prices will change and go up after 6/15/19.  Registration ends on 6/24/19.  Register online at : www.ftga.org

Profit Margin Videos

If you are interested in maintaining costs and pricing plants you might want to check out these two videos from Dr. Charlie Hall from Texas A&M and AmericanHort.  He goes over the incremental increases in costs relative to previous year's category costs and compares them prior to the Great Recession.  This is good information if you are seeking to raise your prices and need to be armed with good information.  You can check out his perspectives at this link: 
https://www.americanhort.org/page/IIR_2019PerspectiveonProfitMargins

Private Applicator Exam Prep Class and CEUs

Do you need prep courses for the General Core Exam (both 487 and 482) and/or Private Applicator Exam?  Do you need two CEUs for Core and/or Private pesticide licenses? Both of these prep classes are available on April 25th. 

If you are planning to take an exam(s) for Private Applicator and/or General Standards Core you must have a voucher number to take the exams.
You must obtain a voucher through FDAC at: https://pesticideexam.ifas.ufl.edu/  If you are taking the prep classes to refresh your knowledge and get CEUs you will not need a voucher number.

Follow the instructions to get a voucher number.  (you will need the number when you come to take the exam).

Please see below for more information about the class and links for registration.  Remember, bring the voucher number with you!!!   You will also need to register through Eventbrite for the class(es).  See the links below.

General Core Prep – April 25th from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.  2 Core CEUs available (both 482 and 487).  The cost of this class is $15.00 + processing fee.  The Exam follows the class if you choose to take it.
   
Private Applicator Prep – April 25th from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm.  2 Private CEUs available.  The cost of this class is $15.00 + processing fee.  Exams will follow the classes.

     The link to register for one of the classes or both is here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-private-and-core-pesticide-applicator-training-hillsborough-county-tickets-55233430678​

Additional Paraquat Training Requirements

The EPA is now requiring those who use paraquat to take an additional EPA approved training.  

Paraquat dichloride, commonly referred to as “paraquat,” is an herbicide registered in the United States since 1964 to control weeds in many agricultural and non-agricultural use sites. It is also applied as a pre-harvest desiccant on some crops including cotton. It is also used as a burn-down herbicide around nurseries borders, edges, and roadways.

All paraquat products registered for use in the United States are Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs), which can only be sold to and used by certified applicators (and applicators under their direct supervision). There are no homeowner uses and no products registered for application in residential areas.

EPA identified 27 paraquat fatality reports through 2014 in its Incident Data System (IDS). The IDS database contains all registrant submissions of adverse health effects from pesticide products, as required by federal law. More than 80% of all identified paraquat fatality cases reported to IDS were due to ingestion of the product.

At least eight of these 27 deaths were due to the accidental ingestion of paraquat. All eight of these accidental deaths involved transfer of paraquat into a beverage container. 

Here are some real stories of fatalities from the misuse of paraquat from the EPA.

• In 2003, a 49-year-old male took a sip from his coffee cup in which he had poured paraquat because the product’s bottle was deteriorating. He realized his mistake and went to the Emergency Department. At that time, he was vomiting, cold and sweating profusely. Doses of activated charcoal were administered and his stomach was pumped; morphine was provided for esophageal pain; and he was intubated to support breathing function on the fourth day. Aggressive supportive care continued until he died on the tenth day.
• In 2010, a 44-year-old male mistakenly drank paraquat, which he thought was fruit juice. He developed difficulty breathing and vomited blood. He was admitted to the hospital intensive care unit where he died after 20 days of aggressive treatment.
• In 2008, an 8-year-old boy drank paraquat that had been put in a Dr. Pepper bottle, which he found on a window sill in the garage. He died in the hospital 16 days later. His older brother had used the product on weeds around the house and put it in the bottle in the garage. The older brother obtained the product from a family friend who is a certified Restricted Use Pesticide applicator.

Due to the risk of accidental ingestion the EPA is requiring certain changes be made.

• Changes to the pesticide label and distribution of supplemental warning materials to highlight the toxicity and risks associated with paraquat products.
• Restricting the use of paraquat to certified pesticide applicators only. Individuals working under the supervision of a certified applicator are prohibited from using paraquat.
• Specialized training for certified applicators who use paraquat to emphasize that the chemical should not be transferred to or stored in improper containers.
• New closed-system packaging designed to prevent transfer or removal of the pesticide except directly into proper application equipment. This will prevent spills, mixing, pouring the pesticide into other containers or other actions that could lead to paraquat exposure.

To prevent the severe injury and/or death from paraquat ingestion, a paraquat product must:

• Be used only by a certified applicator or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. Per new EPA-approved labels (which should begin appearing on products in 2019), paraquat may be used only by a certified applicator.
• Never be transferred to a food, drink or any other container.
• Always be kept secured to prevent access by children and/or other unauthorized persons.
• Never be stored in or around residential dwellings.
• Never be used around home gardens, schools, recreational parks, golf courses or playgrounds.

The new training for paraquat use can be found here.  EPA Training

A handy number to have at all times is the poison control center 800-222-1222. 

The Youth Plant Show and Sale at the Strawberry Festival 2019

How do we get the next generation interested in horticulture?"  One way to do that is to give kids opportunities to practice horticulture skills and then encourage and financially reward them in their efforts at growing plants. We also demonstrate the appreciation of greenery in our lives, homes and businesses.

Hillsborough County youth in 4-H and FFA clubs have been growing plants for the Strawberry Festival Youth Plant Show and Sale and will be entering their projects on Wed. February 27, 2019.  Plants will be judged for best of class and best of show awards and then all plants will be auctioned off in a silent and live auction on Sunday, March 3rd, 2019.  The silent auction starts at 11:30 am the live auction will start at 2:30 pm.  The best part about buying plants at the auction is that you will get free tickets to next year's festival when you get on the buyer list.  If you are one of the top buyers you will get tickets and free parking right up close to the action for next year's event.

This is a great opportunity to motivate youth to continue to flex their "green thumbs" and reward their efforts.  Not only are they learning to grow plants but they are learning how to build businesses, market goods, social interaction, and inter-personal skills that they will need later in life.  Please come out and support the Strawberry Festival Youth Plant Show and Sale and continue to keep Hillsborough youth growing.  If you have any questions about this event please give Shawn Steed a ring at the Extension office 813-744-5519.

Aquatic Spray Technician Wanted

Florida Natives Nursery is seeking an Aquatic Spray Technician

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Managing nuisance and exotic vegetation in wetland mitigation sites and storm water ponds
- Spraying herbicides
- Weed-eating
Basic qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Must be able to lift 50lbs
- Must have valid driver’s license and clean record.
- Ability to operate ATV and other 4x4 vehicles.
- Ability to identify basic plant species commonly found in storm water ponds and wetland
mitigation sites
- Must be able to work in the field in hot and humid conditions
- Must be comfortable working in remote locations
- Must be authorized to work in the US without company sponsorship
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certified Applicator license with Aquatic and Natural Areas endorsement
- Prior experience operating a backpack sprayer, 4 wheeler and/or small boat
- Prior relevant experience preferred but not required (will train the right individual)
- Knowledge of native and exotic wetland plants is a plus
- Self-motivated; strong initiative; effective oral & written skills
- Positive attitude, flexible, team-oriented approach
- Work ethic that recognizes the importance of punctuality and initiative
Job Type: Full-time

For more information contact:
Florida Natives Nursery, Inc.
4115 Native Garden Drive
Plant City, FL 33565
www.FloridaNativesNursery.com
(813) 754-1900

BASF Meeting at Extension Hillsborough County

Join us at the Extension Office as we discuss weeds and pests with guest speakers from UF/IFAS and BASF!

FNGLA Lake Region Meeting

Florida Nursery Growers & Landscaping, Assn.

LAKE REGION CHAPTER

FEBRUARY MEETING

   

WANTED

 Your Best POT of CHILI to Share

4TH Annual Chili Cook Off!!!

(with prizes to win!)

DATE: Tuesday, February 5, 2019
LOCATION: POLK COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE
in the Valencia Room,1700 HWY 17 & 98 SOUTH, BARTOW, FL 

SOCIAL TIME: 6:00 - 6:30 P.M.DINNER TIME: 6:30 P.M

PRICE:   $15.00

WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
Chili, Bread/Crackers, Brownies & Drink Provided
RSVP by February 1, 2018 via email or 863-644-6491

PROGRAM TIME:   7:00 P.M.

Earn 1 CEU for Pesticide License
Topic: Calibration and Respirator Safety
BY: Mr. Chris Oswalt
our Polk/Hillsborough County
Extension Citrus Agent.

Any questions please call Karen @ 863-644-6491

Business Outlook 2019

(freeimages.com)

I learned at an early age, while fishing from a jon boat in the Everglades, to always keep an eye on the horizon for stormy weather.   I remember a particularly bad storm that blew in from the northwest behind a high levee we were aside (facing east). It was on top of us before we could start the motor and outran our low “h.p.” engine on the race home.  We had a real small motor on that boat and I am sure that the “h.” stood for hamster because there were definitely no horses pushing us that day while we laid low in the boat and prayed lightning wouldn’t strike us.   Watching the horizon for storms is also a good idea for the nursery business and the business cycle in general. 

As we turn another year over, it is probably a good place to start to check the business “horizon” in the year ahead.  Looking at the “skys,” the weather seems decent and the near forecast (two quarters out) looks good at about a 2.5 - 2.7 % GDP increase (IMF, The Conference Board).  However, there might be some clouds brewing on the distant horizon. 

A notable leading indicator of recession is the spread between the 10-year Treasury note and the three-month Treasury bill.  This can be an indicator of recessions about a year in the future.  When the yield spread between the two drops below zero, a recession may be on the horizon.  Although this doesn’t exactly couple, there is increasing probability with the inversion of the spread (going below zero).  If you would like more information on this topic here is the research paper  https://www.newyorkfed.org/medialibrary/media/research/current_issues/ci2-7.pdf?utm_campaign=JM-305&utm_medium=ED&utm_source=ska

As I write this, the yield spread is 0.26 and we can see as a predictor that there is about a 19% chance of a recession this year.  I would feel confident going out in the jon boat without a rainsuit if this were a rain chance.  However, the trendline seems to show that the inversion will occur between Q1 or Q2 in 2019.  That would put the risk of a recession increasing and a forecast for a recession event about Q2 2020.

Another useful economic indicator tool is the Econ P.I. site.  (www.econpi.com) by David Rice.  This is a conglomerated graphing of 19 economic indicators and shows rate of change and an overall mean computed.  Depending upon which quadrant of the graph the means are calculated, informs where the business cycle is and where it is moving. Some of the indicators are turning negative and his computation is showing an aggregate mean moving towards an indication of a slowing economy.

Even with all the vagaries in the economy, we still have a predicted good year ahead of us.  The prediction is that the US will have about a 2.7% growth in GDP for 2019 (Conference Board). Which should translate into a good business environment.  The architectural billings index for Nov. 2018 showed a slight uptick above 50 for the Southern region, which translates towards a slight increase in architectural services for non-residential construction and is a forecast of about 9-12 months of building in the future. 

So, if I was making the forecast (and I am no economist), as things stand, this should be a decent year for our industry.  For crops that are looking at a multiple year production cycle (trees, palms, etc) start thinking about how you can weather a recessionary storm if one happens in 2020.   Whatever you grow, now is the time to check your “business engine h.p.” and ditch the hamsters.  Make sure your horses can outrun or out-weather the potential storm if it brews up. 

Another thing I learned, is that when it comes to predicting weather, economy, or fishing, sometimes your guess is probably as good as the experts. We still have a long way to go to getting those forecasts right.

All the best in 2019!