One of the best ways for horticulture professionals to stay informed of industry news is to subscribe to horticulture and field crop publications. There are many horticulture publications, including magazines, trade journals and newsletters that cover current trends in horticulture and field crops. Rather than inundate yourself by subscribing to them all, you may want to pick and choose the ones that best meet your business's needs.

There is a huge selection of industry publications to choose from. Where some are very limited and cover specific topics, others give an overview of the whole industry and offer a variety of resources. The trick is to get the most information out of the fewest resources, thus saving you money and keeping you informed without consuming all your valuable time. When choosing horticulture and field crop magazines, remember the following:

1. Order your magazine about horticulture directly from the website, if possible, or you may miss out on subscription perks.

2. Some horticulture magazines offer free trial subscriptions.

3. When subscribing to publications, find out what period your payment covers. Make sure you receive any back issues within the time period you pay for. Some publications may just begin subscription with the current issue.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Subscribe to field crop magazines and take advantage of the perks

Many publishers offer discounted pricing with subscriptions, in addition to other perks. Check to see if they offer free trial subscriptions or copies. You may even be able to cancel your subscription without payment or penalty if you are not absolutely satisfied.

I recommend: Farmers' Market Today offers a free "mini" subscription to those who qualify, in addition to a free sample copy. The Progressive Farmer provides a risk-free trial issue for field crop professionals to review prior to purchasing.

Take advantage of online horticulture and field crop publications

E-mags and web publications have evolved for the better, and there are many benefits to taking advantage of them. Not only are they readily available, the medium also allows publishers to compliment articles with multimedia resources. You may be required to sign up as a member, but that can be an added bonus. It could get you access to free sample copies or journal archives.

I recommend: The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service is a very extensive site that provides a vast array of agricultural publications covering horticulture and field crops. You can even sign up for sneak peek email alerts. Horticulture Magazine offers an industry community forum where industry professionals can share information.

Join a club or association for access to horticulture journals

If you're a horticulture professional, you may consider becoming a member of an association. Associations are dedicated to staying abreast of the latest industry news and trends. As a member, you'll receive access to free publications, as well as other informational resources.

I recommend: The American Horticultural Society and the American Nursery & Landscape Association are both horticultural associations that offer online newsletters to members. As a member, you get access to additional industry tools and resources. American Society for Horticultural Science produces a number of trade publications for industry professionals.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with your local library for publications. Many offer online access to horticulture periodicals, journals and articles you can view for free.