Five things to know about the PMC for August 26, 2021
This week’s “five things” PMC update is going to be brief, as in four things, not five. Here are a few highlights of the week:
Sales
Sales continue to be surprisingly strong. As of August 23, 2021 the PMC has posted $703,398 in sales for the 2021-22 season. That is a 45% increase from where sales were on August 24, 2020 ($385,760), and 58% of the budgeted amount for PMC plant sales revenue ($1,209,000) for the current fiscal year. Jacquie and Lori are working hard to keep up with all of the inquiries, quotes, sales orders, deposits, etc.
Operations
Production activities are on schedule. The non-irrigated areas like fallow fields and roads are drier than ever before. One big challenge has been getting the fall seedbed ground wet enough to work. Fortunately, the irrigation reel makes that challenge possible.
Seed Collection
The PMC has been keeping up with its seed collections as different species become ready. As reported in a previous update, the availability of some conifer seeds is becoming limited. A request for potential conifer collecting opportunities was made which did result in an offer to collect Western White Pine cones from a blister rust resistant stand. A total of 14 bushels of cones were harvested and will be taken in for processing, extraction, testing, and storage. Hopefully additional opportunities open up in the future.
Coming Attractions
In addition to keeping up with incoming sales, ongoing weeding, seed collections, and fall seedbed prep, the PMC will start looking toward harvest. We will start harvesting and shipping live stakes in early October. They will not be dormant but Willow tolerates it and several customers have requested early delivery. Bare root seedling harvest does not start until the first of December but preparations are ongoing. Packaging and shipping supplies are needed, as well as tools and gear for the crew.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Jim Brown, WACD PMC Nursery Manager
https://wacdpmc.org/about-us