Meet David McKinney
Five questions with a 2020 HortScholar David McKinney is Curator of Collections and Grounds at Iowa Arboretum and Gardens, where he blends formal horticulture, prairie restoration, and native woodland management across 170 acres. Since participating in the AmericanHort HortScholar virtual program in 2020, David has become a leading voice in conversations around ecological gardening, native […]
Who Will Tend What You’ve Grown?
By Tommy Irvine, lead agriculture advisor, Pinion The horticulture industry is approaching a major wave of generational turnover. Many business owners today are Baby Boomers in their 60s and 70s, meaning a significant number are expected to retire within this decade. When veteran owners step away without a transition strategy, key decisions stall, institutional knowledge […]
Follow Along on the Plug & Cutting Production Tour Trail
The Plug & Cutting Conference’s Experiential Production Tours are a deep dive into both production and operations management. Young plant growers from across North America will gather in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the 2026 Plug & Cutting Conference, hosted by AmericanHort. Scheduled for September 14-16, the biennial event is designed specifically for professionals specializing in plugs, […]
Data, Dialogue and the Future of Young Plants
Young plant production keeps it human in an increasingly digital field. Young plant production has always required precision, timing, and an eye for detail. But today’s plug and cutting producers are increasingly relying on something beyond traditional greenhouse operations and intuition. They are dependent on data. At two stops on the 2026 Plug & Cutting […]
July 2026 Connect
AmericanHort Seeks Member Input on Tariff Proposals That Could Affect Horticulture Supply Chains
AmericanHort is asking members to share information about imported products, materials, and production inputs that are important to their businesses as several federal trade actions move forward. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is currently reviewing multiple tariff-related actions that could affect horticulture supply chains. These include proposed Section 301 tariffs related to forced […]
New Tariff Proposals Could Affect Horticulture Imports and Supply Chains
By Kamron Newberry Several new and proposed trade actions are moving forward that could have implications for horticulture businesses, imported inputs, and broader supply chains. AmericanHort is closely tracking these developments to understand potential impacts on our members better and to ensure the horticulture industry’s concerns are represented as these actions move through the federal […]
Top 3 Ways to Get Involved with Local Schools
Simple, impactful strategies to grow the next generation of horticulture professionals in your local area Provided by Seed Your Future Connecting with your local school is one of the most effective ways to build awareness of horticulture careers and strengthen the future workforce. Whether you’re a grower, retailer, or public garden, small, intentional efforts can […]
How Benchmarking Data Helps You Make Smarter, Faster Decisions
When you invest in supplies for your business, you compare options and choose what will deliver the best return—both financially and operationally. The same business-minded approach applies to how you make decisions about performance: using benchmarking data helps you evaluate where you are today, identify opportunities, and make confident choices that support your overall business […]
Thank You for the Opportunity
By Ken Fisher, President & CEO, AmericanHort As I prepare to step aside as CEO of AmericanHort, I’ve been asked several times to reflect on the defining accomplishments of the past decade. I understand the question. Ten years is a meaningful chapter for any leader—and for me, it has been an incredibly rewarding one. I […]