Five things that you should know about the PMC for March 25, 2021
COVID-19 Update
All COVID protocols continue and all staff and crew are healthy. Washington is now allowing those who work in ag in congregate settings to receive the vaccine. Most of the staff have received at least one dose, as have several on the crew. Some are apprehensive about it but that may change as others get vaccinated without complications.
Sales
There is not a new sales report to report upon. New sales are received daily, especially since a new availability list was sent out yesterday. They most likely still lag slightly from last year but if sales continue to come in as they have in the past day that could change. There are still ample quantities of a variety of species available so please contact Jess our Sales Manager with any inquiries.
Field Cleanup
Field cleanup has been completed. The cutting blocks have been cut back, raked out and fertilized. They are ready to produce another great crop of live stakes for the 2021-22 planting season.
The first and 2nd year seed beds have been weeded as well and are presently weed free. Many of the early annual weeds such as Annual Bluegrass, Chickweed and Groundsel (to name a few) have lived up to their reputation as well as ever. That should keep them at bay for about a month and then it will be time to do it again.
Weather
After receiving over ½” of rain since yesterday all field activities have stopped. Even with the sandy soils here it takes a while for that much precipitation to go away. The fields are muddy now but the rain has stopped and field work should resume tomorrow with the top priority being preparing for transplanting early next week. Everything remains on schedule and proceeding normally.
Life Goes On
Inside the sales and shipping season continues in full swing and the outside activities are focused on growing stock for next years sales season. Getting ground ready for production for 2023 and 2024 is on the radar as well, not to mention the olfactory glands. The first of 6 loads of chicken litter have arrived. By the time transplanting is completed there should be enough to spread on the ground opened up by this year’s harvest. That will be worked into soil and a barley cover crop will be planted soon after. This ground will be well prepared for fall seed bed this year and spring seedbed and transplant bed next year. The big question is what will the market be for conservation seedlings in our region then. Stay Tuned.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks.
Jim Brown, WACD PMC Nursery Manager