This past weekend, we had the pleasure of attending the 3rd annual Montana Cut Flower Conference in Missoula, Montana, and what an incredible experience it was! Not only did we walk away with some valuable insights to improve our flower farm, but we also got to connect with some of the most passionate and knowledgeable flower farmers in the state.
We wanted to share some of our favorite takeaways from the conference and give you a sneak peek into what’s coming next here on the farm!
Dahlia Cuttings: New Colors for 2025
If you’ve visited our farm, you know that we grow a LOT of dahlias. After listening to Alexis from Green Thumb share her expertise on propagating dahlias from cuttings, we are beyond excited to try this method next year! Even more special, we’ll be focusing on growing new colors that will match my daughter’s August wedding. We can’t wait to see how these new blooms will add to the beauty of our fields!
Soil Health: It All Starts Beneath the Surface
One of the most important lessons from the conference was the value of soil testing. Patrick Managan walked us through the process, emphasizing that soil health is the foundation of a successful farm. While nitrogen levels can fluctuate throughout the growing season, having a soil test done will give you a clearer picture of what’s going on below the surface. For us, it’s a great reminder that healthy flowers start with healthy soil, and we’re eager to put this knowledge to work.
Government Programs for Soil Improvement and Sustainability
Brad Holliday from NRCS shared some fantastic opportunities for farmers looking to improve their soil health, extend their growing seasons, support local habitats, and even reduce erosion. He discussed how government programs are available to help landowners implement sustainable practices, and we’re definitely interested in exploring these options for our own farm. Sustainable farming is something we’re deeply passionate about, and these programs could help us take our efforts to the next level.
Pest Management: Why Some Years Are Worse Than Others
Have you ever wondered why certain pests, like those pesky leafhoppers, seem worse some years than others? We learned from Eva of Schutter Lab that weather plays a big role in how these pests travel. Leafhoppers, which carry diseases like Aster Yellows, are transported by weather systems, and when the conditions are just right, we’re more likely to see an influx. It was fascinating to dive deeper into the science of how pests migrate and impact our crops.
Inspiration from a Fellow Farmer: Cindy’s CSA Success
One of the most inspiring moments of the conference was watching my friend Cindy from Bleeding Heart Flower Farm present on her CSA program. Her deep knowledge and dedication to her farm shone through, and I couldn’t be prouder of her! Hearing her speak reminded me just how lucky I am to be part of such a wonderful farming community where we all support and uplift each other.
Looking to 2025: Flower Stand Revamp
We also left the conference with some exciting ideas for revamping our flower stand in 2025. Thanks to Lennie Larkin of B-Side Farms, we’re feeling inspired to give our flower stand a fresh new look and bring some new offerings to the table. While we’re still in the early brainstorming stages, we can’t wait to share more with you as our plans unfold.
The Power of Community
Lastly, one of the biggest takeaways from the conference was the importance of community. Being surrounded by fellow farmers who share the same passion for flowers, exchanging ideas, and learning from one another is something truly special. A huge thank you to the Montana Cut Flower Association for putting together another amazing event. We left feeling energized and ready for the year ahead.
What’s Next for the Farm?
As we wrap up this growing season, we’re incredibly grateful for your support. Whether you’ve visited our flower stand, attended one of our farm events, or engaged with us online, your enthusiasm keeps us going. While there’s still some autumn cleanup to be done (the work never ends!), we’re already looking forward to what 2025 will bring.
Thank you for being part of our farm’s journey. We can’t wait to see you at the farm again soon!
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