No changes on the COVID guidance but Governor Cuomo is working on a phased re-opening. (see part of statement below) My advice is to have clear plans for how the ornamentals industry will ensure safety and reduce potential infection. I know you are all individually doing this already and I don’t know who the industry leaders will be that are consulted, but forewarned is forearmed and anything that can help get the ornamentals industry open for business is a good thing in my book! (then I can get back to talking about IPM!)
The phased re-opening will also be based on individual business and industry plans that include new measures to protect employees and consumers, make the physical work space safer and implement processes that lower risk of infection in the business. The state is consulting with local leaders in each region and industry to formulate these plans. https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/amid-ongoing-covid-19-pandemic-governor-cuomo-outlines-phased-plan-re-open-new-york-starting
Webinar on H2A workers by Penn State. May 7 at 6:30-8:30 ET. Information on how to register at https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/penn-state-webinar-h-2a-agricultural-workers-in-times-of-uncertainty/
Garden Center Twilight Q&A recording https://youtu.be/Ipt7k89T4eM.
This is the one I mentioned yesterday.
“Growing Cut Flowers” with Martha Gioumousis
Wednesday, April 29, 6:00-8:00pm
Learn to grow your own cutting garden for beautiful bouquets all season long. Join us to learn about annual flower varieties that are easy to grow in your home garden and lend themselves to making beautiful arrangements. Prior to her position as coordinator of the Tompkins County Community Beautification Program, Martha worked on cut flower research with Cornell horticulture professor Chris Wien, growing and cutting thousands of beautiful blooms. In this class, she will share tips for variety selection, timing of planting, best practices for growing and cutting, and more.
Cost: $10-$30 per person self-determined sliding scale, special Covid-19 Solidarity pricing of $0 for those who are unable to pay at this time. Receive a link to the Zoom Class once you register online at: https://civi.ccetompkins.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1778&reset=1 Questions? Contact Jennie Cramer, jrc10@cornell.edu or (607) 272-2292 ext. 146.
Dealing with Stress – some helpful hints
https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/dealing-with-stress-on-the-farm-during-trying-times/
What works for you? I am doing online exercise classes (which makes the cats laugh hysterically), writing notes and crocheting shawls (which has the added benefit of clearing out space in the house!) at the moment.
From e-Cornell – Free webcasts on navigating COVID with your business (not specifically aimed at ornamental businesses)
Optimize Your Financial Dashboard: Use Data, Metrics and Key Indicators To Drive Decision-Making
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 1pm ET
Register Now
Can Economic, Political, and Public Health Relations Align?: Emerging on the Other Side Of COVID-19
Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 12:30pm ET
Register Now
Learning Strategies in a Changing World: Overcoming Challenges and Investing in the Future
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 12pm ET
Register Now
Have a great day!