LM Week in Review, Jun 13, 2006

Business & the Economy

Positive news for continuing operations, but charges due to discontinuation of agricultural implement line lead to net loss for the quarter.

Scotts Miracle-Gro grows again: acquires Landmark Seed

Personnel from Landmark's Albany, OR office, along with the field sales team, will continue in their present capacities with Scotts.

ServiceMaster reports 6% revenue increase for its first quarter

TruGreen segment revenue growth offset by lower customer count

Profile Products acquires Dryject

DryJect's soil fracturing system will use the Profile Porous Ceramic inorganic amendment creating an into an integrated system of aeration and soil modification.

Deere reports 23% increase in net income for Q2

Commercial & Consumer Division sales up 7% but operating profit falls on higher raw material costs and low volume

Industry Announcements

Gro-Pro changes name to Etigra

The company said the name change "depicts a broader presence and more accurately reflects the direction the company is moving with portfolio growth and market expansion."

Dixie Chopper 'cooks' up publicity

The folks in Dixie Chopper's research and development department, to promote the company's new propane-powered model, equipped one with a LP gas tabletop grill.

New Green Industry Consulting Firm Launched

Viridian Group, Inc. recently launched globally, offering consulting services for business, sales and marketing and human resources.

Spring-Green names new president

James Young, 34, took over as president of Spring-Green Lawn Care on June 1.

Events

Upcoming Event Roundup

Umass Extension Green School and June Turf Field Day
2006 Michigan Garden Plant Tour
Rain Bird Academy travels to Florida
MAC-ISA urban forestry field day
PLANET Specialty Symposium

July is "Smart Irrigation Month"

The Irrigation Association seeks to raise the importance of efficient irrigation technology; also some advance details about the November International Irrigation Show

Job Safety

National Safety Council promotes Commercial Equipment Operators Training Program

Developed in cooperation with Toro and Exmark, the program teaches safe zero-turn mowing techniques in both English and Spanish

Irrigation and Water

Look for the WaterSense label

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a new program called WaterSense to educate American consumers on making smart water choices that save money and maintain high environmental standards.

On the Record: Online

If you grow it, they will come

By Stephanie Ricca

Turns out, it is interesting to watch the grass grow. I also picked up a few more key points about grass biology, pinot noir and the ongoing discussion over genetically modified turfseed during this year's seed company tours in Oregon.

Good intentions gone overboard?

By Michael Seuffert

The city council of Naples, FL, recently approved a law that requires landscape and lawn care companies doing business inside the city limits to earn an annual city certification.

Reference Shelf

UMass Extension publishes 2006-2007 Professional Guide for IPM in Turf

Publication covers latest technicques for integrated management of lawns, athletic fields and golf courses

Cornell publishes 2006 Pest Management Guidelines for Commercial Turfgrass

New and expanded edition has a moisture-resistant cover and spiral binding

Weather

Landscapers can help prevent wildfires

Here are some common sense principles that can be employed to make your homes safer from wildfires.

WEB EXTRA: Don't let your business be blown away this hurricaneseason

By Craig Cowden

The best solution to reducing the damaging financial results is good preparation.