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MAINTAINING SUSTAINABILITY IN A TOUGH ECONOMY - A WORKSHOP FOR NURSERY OWNERS

Extension Education

Creig Kimbro
EXTENSION AGENT III
University of Tennessee Extension
COALMONT

Abstract

Many commercial nursery owners have seen challenging times before but the past three growing seasons have been exceptional. With the U.S. economy facing some of the worst times in American History, commercial nursery growers have had their market literally dug out from under them. The University of Tennessee Extension saw a need to assist nursery owners “Maintain Sustainability in a Tough Economy.” The UT Extension program in Grundy County formed a dynamic team with diverse economic development and horticultural production backgrounds to immerse a team project that could help nursery owners establish an economic plan and overcome potential risks. The project addressed several risk management principles that could assist area nursery owners and operators in overcoming tough economic conditions in the nursery business. Project participants were identified as greenhouse operators, field grown producers, and container nurseries in Grundy County, Tennessee and the surrounding counties involved in the nursery industry. Participants attended twelve (12) different educational presentations on production risks and management, marketing, financial risks, small business management, and stress management. Upon completion of the two-day workshop, participants also received assistance through personal visits, newsletters, telephone, and e-mail contacts. As a result of all the project educational programs, an economic impact of over $105,000 was reported by nursery owners that attended. Participants reported an over-all gain in knowledge of 67% on risk management concepts, financial risks, and marketing. Fifteen (15) participants also took at least one important step to assist them in managing different types of risk in their operation.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: C.C. Kimbro, M.L. Bruch, C. Hall, M.A. Halcomb, C.D. Manning
  1. Kimbro, C. Extension Agent, University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee, 37313
  2. Bruch, M. Extension Specialist, UT Extension Center for Profitable Agriculture, Tennessee, 37174
  3. Hall, C. Ellison Chair in International Floriculture, Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension, Texas, 77843
  4. Halcomb, M. Extension Area Nursery Specialist, University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee, 37110
  5. Manning, C. Extension Area Farm Management Specialist, University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee, 37355