They had to cut their labor by 60 % when the COVID-19 crisis started in other 2020 , but Kendall Farms , a California peak farm , is now back to 100 % labor . Still , with this year ’s rise in sales they could actually use another 20 % of additional labour , report Jason Kendall . After a fire destroy 80 % of their craw in 2007 , and being gravely impacted by COVID-19 since early 2020 , Kendall is eventually look forward to a hopeful hereafter , while trying to navigate more potential challenges . They are even planning to boom their current production of 350 acres of 500 + totality by another 25 % over the next match of old age . Kendall FarmsHigh demandAccording to Kendall , they are currently experiencing a complete polar situation compared to early 2020 . “ In April last year we lost 40 % of our cut-rate sale but it rally very cursorily ever since . sale in the follow Summer find fault up drastically , especially for the supermarket . As a result , we made up for our losses . Yet our wholesale side still shin , as event such as weddings were shut down . This yr , cut-rate sale have been increased by another 25 % , as the need has been vast . Especially our raw eucalyptus varieties have been gaining a lot of popularity recently , as we are noticing that masses are aroused about new and different types of textures . ”From 40 % to 100 % laborIn March of 2020 Kendall Farms had to cut down toil by 60 % , as their sale had dropped by 50 % at that point . “ Fortunately , we received a Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) loanword , which enabled us to bring everyone back . ” Still , with the 30 % of supererogatory sales , being back at their normal amount of labor is not enough . “ With this year ’s growth in sales we could in all probability apply another 20 % of additional trade union movement . ”AutomationAs they are in need of more project to fill the demand , Kendall Farms have been adding more and more automation recently , especially in their sweetness product . “ For example , we have machines that tie and cut the bouquets before packaging , as well as automated labeling and boxing . This seriously speeds up the cognitive operation and helps mitigate our demand for proletariat . ”ChallengesWhile the sales have been increasing rapidly , labor is not the only challenge they are dealing with . “ The weather has been a particular challenge , as we have had a really wry year . As a result , we are forced to affix with local dominion water supply , as just using our well is not enough . Another concern is the uncertainty concerning political science regulations . If there is another lockdown implemented , we do not have a go at it how that will affect us and the economy in universal . Fires are also always another concern in California , as we experienced in 2007 when we lose 80 % of our crop because of a fire . It is unmanageable to navigate the future with so many potential challenge . ”Hopeful futureDespite the challenges , Kendall is content with how things are get going and stimulate about the hereafter . “ We have been around for over 30 age and we have had to plow with many ups and down feather . Therefore , we are grateful for our current state of affairs , with there being such high demand and monetary value for flower . We have elbow room for expansion , so we are hop to expatiate for about 25 % in the coming year , and planting more eucalyptus and wax flowers . Also , we will definitely keep mechanisation a big part of our future . No matter the challenges , we stay motivated because of our love for flower . ”
For more data : Kendall FarmsJason Kendall[email protected]www.kendall - farms.com
© FloralDaily.com/Elvira Oosterbaan
