Green Report

Sponsored by Hotchkiss Insurance Agency In this episode, Hall of Fame speaker Terry Brock breaks down how AI is already transforming nurseries, greenhouses, and landscape operations—and how you can use it to grow profits in 2026. Forget buzzwords and sci-fi hype. This session delivers real-world examples and live demos showing how horticulture businesses are using AI to improve forecasting, reduce waste, spot trends early, and strengthen customer relationships. You’ll explore practical AI tools—including but not limited to ChatGPT—and walk away with a realistic action plan for what to test, what to ignore, and how to get your team using AI effectively, even if you’re not a tech expert. If you want AI to work for your business (not overwhelm it), this episode is your roadmap.

Sponsored by Hotchkiss Insurance Agency In this TNLA webinar, industry experts share the latest research and innovations in thrips management and biological control. Learn how to identify thrips, strengthen integrated pest management programs, and apply practical, sustainable solutions for greenhouse and controlled-environment operations. Panelists include, Katerina Velasco-Graham, M.Agr., M.S., Subin Neupane, Ph.D., and Pedro Toledo, Ph.D.

Sponsored by Hotchkiss Insurance Agency In this episode, learn how to attract and convert high-end landscaping clients without wasting time on unqualified leads. Discover why traditional marketing falls short with affluent buyers, how to position your company as the obvious premium choice, and ways to prequalify prospects, improve pricing transparency, and close bigger, more profitable projects.

Sponsored by Hotchkiss Insurance Agency In this episode, Dr. Rafia Khan provides a critical update on the invasive two-spot cotton leafhopper recently detected in Texas. Learn how to correctly identify this emerging pest, recognize early signs of infestation, and implement effective management strategies to protect plants, nurseries, and landscape operations. This episode is essential listening for growers and green industry professionals navigating this new and evolving threat.

Sponsored by Hotchkiss Insurance Agency | Presented by TNLA + LeanScaper | Hosted by Tommy Cole Running a business shouldn’t mean sacrificing your time or personal life. In this episode, Tommy Cole reframes productivity as a systems problem—not a hustle problem—and shares practical ways founders can redesign how they work. Listeners learn how to escape the busyness trap, audit where their time is really going, and rebuild their schedules around values, priorities, and purpose. The session explores the F.L.O.W. productivity model, the power of eliminating, automating, and delegating effectively, and how AI can serve as a personal time coach to keep systems running smoothly. Designed for business owners and leaders feeling stretched thin or out of alignment, this episode offers a clear, structured path to reclaiming time, gaining clarity, and leading with leverage—not burnout.

In this episode, Curtis Smith (TNLA Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs) sits down with Arnulfo Hinojosa, COO of FEWA, to break down the latest changes to the H-2A program following the U.S. Department of Labor’s new Interim Final Rule. In just 30 minutes, we cover what employers in the nursery, greenhouse, and landscape sectors need to know heading into the 2026 filing season — including new wage calculations, advertising requirements, incidental tasks, staggered start dates, interview waivers, and the broader legal landscape surrounding H-2A. Topics include: • What’s now in effect under the Interim Final Rule • How OEWS wage data, skill levels, and the Adverse Compensation Adjustment will impact pay • Best practices for advertising wages and retaining returning workers • Clarifying incidental tasks and job-order scope • How staggered start dates and interview waivers work under the new system • What lawsuits and regulatory shifts mean for employers • Practical next steps for green-industry oper

Water took center stage in Texas this year. In this episode of The Green Report Podcast, we sit with Jeremy Mazur, Director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Policy for 2036, to unpack the constitutional amendment on water, the groundwater fight from the regular and special sessions (including Rep. Cody Harris’s efforts), and what it all signals for next session—with a focus on real-world impacts for TNLA members.

This episode of the Green Report takes you inside the fast-paced world of the Texas Legislature with TNLA’s Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, Curtis Smith. From a record-setting water infrastructure win to stopping dangerous licensing and pesticide bills, Curtis breaks down how TNLA successfully defended the green industry at the Capitol. Plus, hear how TNLA members made a direct impact through advocacy and grassroots outreach—and what’s next for protecting your business. For more information on TNLA and Advocacy, visit www.TNLAonline.org.

In this episode of the Green Report Podcast, we head out on the 2025 Texas Plant Trial Road Trip with Paul Winski, Program Specialist for the Green Industry at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Recorded live from the Houston-area stop at Brookshire’s 1502 Farm to Market 1489, Paul walks us through how more than 60 plant varieties are performing in real-world Texas heat and humidity. He also shares timely updates on collaborative research with TNLA members—including work on boxwood, biochar, and root growth regulators—with Native Texas Nursery, Lone Star Trees, and Everde. Discover what’s growing strong in Texas and what it means for your landscape or nursery business.

Get the inside scoop on this year’s highly anticipated Plant Trial Roadtrip with Dr. Andrew King, Assistant Professor at Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center in Overton. In this Green Report Podcast episode, Dr. King previews what growers, retailers, and landscapers can expect when the tour kicks off June 26 in Overton. Discover which plants are standing out in both container and landscape trials, and learn about key insights shaping the season's top performers. Listen in and plan your visit: Watch the Overton Plant Trial Preview

In this episode, we sit down with Savanna Taylor Thornton, Business Development lead at Lone Star Trees, to get an insider’s look at how the 2025 spring season is shaping up for one of Central Texas’ premier wholesale tree growers. Savanna shares what’s flying off the field this year, the growing demand from landscape and nursery professionals, and what trends are taking root when it comes to tree types and sizes. We also dive into how recent worldwide issues that are impacting production, the ongoing challenges her team is navigating—from labor and logistics to pricing pressures—and how Lone Star Trees continues to prioritize quality and service. Beyond the field, Savanna brings a dynamic perspective shaped by her roles as Vice Chairman of TNLA Region VIII and a graduate of TNLA’s Leadership Bootcamp. She talks about how those leadership experiences have informed her approach to business development and industry advocacy. Savanna shares her foresight into looking ahead to what’s next for Lone Star Trees i

In this insightful episode, we’re joined by Dr. Andrew King, ornamental specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and assistant professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University. Dr. King gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the Texas Superstar® Trials, explaining how this influential program evaluates and elevates standout plants that thrive in Texas conditions—impacting growers, landscapers, and gardeners statewide. We dive into the key traits researchers look for in potential superstars, from heat and drought tolerance to visual appeal and marketability. Dr. King also discusses his work in additional ornamental plant trials, shedding light on how these efforts complement the Superstar program and broaden the understanding of performance in diverse environments. Listeners will hear about some exciting new plants emerging from recent trials, what makes them promising for Texas landscapes, and the current research Dr. King is leading that could shape the future of ornam

Join moderator Curtis Smith (TNLA) and expert panelists Devin Guinn (AquaGreen Global, LLC), Anique Watson (Action Visa Assistance) and Antonio Vergara (Mundo Verde Irrigation and Landscaping) for an insightful live podcast. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of H-2A and H-2B work programs in the Texas green industry, sharing practical advice for navigating complex regulations, securing reliable labor, and fostering workforce sustainability. Sponsored by Forward.us, this session is a must-listen for industry professionals seeking to adapt and thrive. Thank you to our sponsor FORWARD.US

Join us as we “Prepare for All Things” with Brett Hoogeveen, who takes us behind the scenes to share his expert insights on strategic decision-making. Brett, the co-founder of Better Culture and Mindset, has a proven track record of helping teams achieve business growth and success. In this episode, you’ll discover how to engage your team in premortem conversations, shifting the focus from the to-do list to driving meaningful outcomes.

Join Paul Winski from Texas AgriLife Extension as he talks with Bill Barr, a seasoned expert in the nursery industry. In this episode, Bill reflects on his extensive career, which includes experience at several nurseries as well as his current role as a consultant specializing in propagation and new product development. Together, they explore the evolution of the nursery industry, highlighting the significant impact of technology on propagation techniques. Bill discusses his thoughts on automation and AI as commonplace tools within the industry, along with key factors affecting vegetative propagation. He shares tried-and-true germination methods and evaluates the advantages of different hormone applications. Additionally, Paul and Bill delve into the recent transition of the International Plant Propagator's Society to the International Plant Production Society, emphasizing how this change will enhance IPPS's reach and influence in the field of propagation.

In this podcast episode, dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) as the Green Report engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Mark Manny from Evergro Organic Recycling, Weston Nieman of Native American Seed and Ryan Laird from San Jacinto Environmental Suppliers. The group discusses their current utilization of AI in various business operations and contemplates its potential impact on the industry's future. They also talk about how AI can optimize day-to-day activities, leading to enhanced efficiency within the Green Industry. The dialogue highlights both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI, raising intriguing questions about its role in reshaping the nursery and landscape industry’s sustainable practices.

Paul Winski with Texas AgriLife Extension talks with Adrian Muehlstein, TMCNP at Southwest Wholesale Nursery, where Adrian discusses strategies for preparing their staff for Spring by ensuring they are well-versed in plant characteristics, equipment training, and safety. Adrian also addresses supply chain challenges in delivering quality products to their customers. As a former Chairman of the TNLA State Board of Directors, Adrian emphasizes his dedication to developing youth initiatives within the association to support education and workforce training for high school students.

Join us on our latest podcast episode as we dive into the world of sales with Jack Jostes, President & CEO of Ramblin Jackson. Ramblin Jackson is a full-service agency specializing in sales and marketing strategy, visual identity, website design, development, and search engine optimization. Their mission is to help small businesses succeed. In this insightful conversation, Jack shares invaluable insights on how to qualify budget in sales conversations. Listen in as Jack shares his top tips to secure customers for landscape companies gearing up for the busy Spring Season. Plus, don't miss out on a special promo code for Jack's book, "The Tree of Good Fortune." Tune in now to elevate your sales game and make the most out of every conversation.

TNLA delves into the fraudulent activities plaguing Landscape Supply Companies, causing significant financial losses. Luis Chamorro, representing Heirloom Soils, shares insights on combating this issue, detailing how he collaborated with Facebook to dismantle over 2500 suspicious profiles. He extends an invitation for further discussion and assistance through direct messages on any of Heirloom Soils' social media platforms. TNLA has joined forces with Luis to develop an informative flyer for distribution among your employees. To access this invaluable resource, please get in touch with Luis via email at luis.chamorro@warrens.us.

In this episode, Paul Winski with Texas AgriLife dives into the world of wholesale nursery business with Brad Abrameit, President of Magnolia Gardens Nursery. With 165 acres of production specializing in shrubs, perennials, and trees, with both a wholesale division and tissue culture lab Magnolia Gardens Nursery stands as a key player in the Texas market, with 95% of its business staying within the state. The nursery operates as a midsize company with a unique focus on tissue culture, selling young plants wholesale. Brad shares insights into the intricacies of running two different but interconnected businesses under one roof, leveraging shared services, administration, and technical expertise. One of the key trends Brad discusses is the increasing demand for cold-hardy and drought-tolerant plant materials, growing edibles and growing plants that are drought and pest resistant native to Texas. Brad sheds light on the challenges facing the nursery industry, particularly concerning rising costs and inflation. L