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Earlier this week, the federal government reopened following a shutdown that, while brief, had immediate implications for employers relying on federal agencies to function without interruption. Even short shutdowns can have real-world consequences for the green industry—especially when it comes to seasonal labor programs like H-2A and H-2B. During a funding lapse, large portions of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) are furloughed, including staff within the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC). This office is responsible for processing H-2A and H-2B job orders and issuing labor certifications. When these offices are not operating, applications are not reviewed, certifications are not issued, and processing timelines effectively freeze. For industries like ours timing is critical. Even a short disruption can compound existing delays, throwing off hiring schedules and creating uncertainty for employers who are trying to plan months in advance. TNLA continues to closely monitor these developments and communicate with agency officials to understand and mitigate impacts on our members wherever possible. Thanks to TNLA Members Who Reached OutDHS Releases 64,716 Supplemental H-2B Visas We do have some positive news to share!! Following sustained advocacy from industry stakeholders—including strong engagement from TNLA members—the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), working jointly with the Department of Labor, has announced the release of 64,716 supplemental H-2B visas for fiscal year 2026. These visas are in addition to the 66,000 H-2B visas authorized annually by Congress. Visa availability is tied to employment start dates and worker status:
Why This Matters to TNLA MembersLandscapers and other seasonal businesses continue to face serious workforce shortages that cannot be filled through the domestic labor market alone. The release of supplemental H-2B visas provides important, though temporary, relief for employers trying to meet demand during peak seasons. This action reflects ongoing pressure from employers across multiple industries and underscores the need for longer-term, structural reforms to the H-2B program that provide predictability, reduce uncertainty, and better align visa availability with real-world workforce needs. Thank you to the TNLA members who engaged on this issue and responded to calls to action. Your advocacy continues to play a critical role in shaping outcomes that directly affect Texas green industry businesses. As always, TNLA will keep you informed as additional details and guidance become available. Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team
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TNLA recently facilitated a tour at Native Texas Nursery in Austin alongside Katie Marschner of Congressman Greg Casar’s (D-Austin) office. The visit gave a firsthand look at a leading wholesale nursery operation and created an opportunity to highlight how people, plants, and policy intersect to support a strong and resilient green industry in Texas. A Texas Original  Founded in 1987 on just three acres in South Austin by Bill Carson, Native Texas Nursery began with a straightforward mission: providing high-quality native plants to area garden centers. Demand grew steadily, and by 2000 the nursery had expanded to seven acres, ultimately relocating to its current 40-acre site on Milo Road in East Austin to accommodate its growing operation. Today, it serves retail nurseries, landscape professionals, architects, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations across the state, a testament to its enduring relevance in Texas markets. Leadership and Legacy We were warmly welcomed by Emily Brown (Owner/CEO), whose leadership has guided Native through decades of market shifts. Emily spoke passionately about the integral role of her H-2A workforce, highlighting how long-tenured employees bring deep expertise and reliability to the nursery. This success underscores how critical a stable, experienced workforce is to the green industry. Long-tenured H-2A employees bring institutional knowledge that cannot be quickly replaced, from plant care and seasonal timing to mentoring newer staff. This continuity strengthens operations, improves efficiency, and ultimately benefits customers across Texas. It also highlights why reliable and predictable federal guest-worker programs are essential for nurseries and landscape businesses that depend on skilled seasonal labor to meet market demand. Leading much of the tour was James Plyler, Sales Manager, who has been with Native for over a decade. James’s familiarity with the nursery’s operations and his capacity to explain complex production and landscape supply concepts made him an ideal guide, and his involvement on the TNLA Education Committee underscores his dedication to industry education. James offered a beautiful insight into Native’s culture: “At this nursery, we don’t just grow plants…” — a reflection on how the company fosters growth in both plants and people alike. Also on hand was Mario Gonzalez who wore many hats in the operation. His quick wit and willingness to share stories made it clear he’s a vital part of the team the sort of person who quietly keeps things running and brings lightness to hard work. The depth of experience among Native’s staff highlights how much the industry depends on knowledge passed from one generation of workers to the next. Employees who have spent years mastering their craft contribute not only through their labor, but by teaching others and strengthening the overall operation. This kind of skill transfer reinforces the need for workforce policies that recognize horticulture as a profession built on expertise, training, and experience. Preparation  As the nursery prepared for a potential winter storm expected over the weekend, we saw firsthand how they ready their stock and staff for challenging weather. Trees were thoughtfully laid down and shielded in groups, revealing the nursery’s diligent planning. The nursery’s preparations reminded us of how closely the green industry is tied to Texas’s increasingly unpredictable weather. Thoughtful planning, protective measures, and lessons learned from past events like Winter Storm Uri demonstrate how nurseries adapt to safeguard both plants and people. As communities look for ways to strengthen resilience against extreme weather, the role of nurseries in recovery, replanting, and long-term landscape stability becomes even more important. Advocacy and Appreciation  Congressman Casar’s district staffer, Katie, was especially impressed by how Native Texas Nursery treats and retains its workforce, and by the pride and expertise employees bring to their roles. She shared that learning directly from businesses like this is critical. Understanding how the industry operates helps ensure our voices are better informed and more effectively heard. Hosting policymakers and their staff at member businesses like Native Texas Nursery helps bridge the gap between policy discussions and real-world operations. Seeing a nursery in action provides context that cannot be captured in briefing papers alone, from workforce dynamics to seasonal pressures and environmental challenges. These first-hand experiences help ensure that future policy decisions are better informed and more responsive to the realities of our industry. What This Means for Texas Landscapes Native Texas Nursery stands as a vibrant example of how a business can grow with, and for, the market. Its presence since 1987 shows a continuous commitment to quality, innovation, and people. Whether preparing for weather extremes, supporting skilled workers, or supplying diverse plant material that enhances urban and rural landscapes alike, Native’s model reflects what the nursery and landscape industry aspires to be.
Elections don’t just shape headlines: they shape how our businesses operate every day. From water regulations and labor policies to plant movement rules and local landscape ordinances: decisions made at the ballot box directly affect our green industry. As the 2026 election cycle approaches, Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is committed to making sure our members are informed, prepared, and empowered to participate. This guide breaks down why these elections matter, what races and deadlines to know, and how you can help ensure our industry’s voice is heard. Why Elections Matter to the Green Industry Policy decisions made at every level impact how our industry grows and operates.
Important Congressional Races to Watch The 2026 congressional elections in Texas will feature major races, but they’re also being shaped by unusual turnover and redistricting that could significantly change the state’s representation. So far, nine Texas members of Congress are not seeking re-election, creating many open seats. Without incumbents on the ballot, these races are expected to be more competitive and closely watched, giving voters greater influence over who represents them in Washington. At the same time, mid-decade redistricting has redrawn district boundaries across Texas, forcing some incumbents to step aside and reshaping the political landscape. Together, retirements and redistricting have turned Texas into a high-stakes battleground in 2026, one that could influence control of the U.S. House and federal policy decisions that matter to the green industry. Know What’s on Your Ballot Before heading to the polls, take time to review the candidates and issues you’ll be voting on. County election offices publish official sample ballots that reflect exactly what will appear on your ballot. For additional background and context, the Texas Tribune offers a primary ballot lookup tool to help voters see what races are on the ballot for the March primary: https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-march-2026-primary-ballot/ Key Election Dates to RememberMark your calendar with these important deadlines for the March 3, 2026, Primary Election.
How You Can Help Strengthen Advocacy EffortsTNLA advocates for the green industry year-round, and member involvement plays an important role in helping us stay informed, responsive, and effective. When members share what they’re seeing and stay engaged, TNLA can identify issues earlier and advocate more proactively on behalf of the industry.
Member participation helps:
Here are a few ways you can help and stay involved: 1. Stay Informed TNLA regularly shares legislative and regulatory updates through the Hive Legislative & Regulatory Group. This group is a central place for timely information, advocacy updates, and opportunities to engage. 👉 Join or follow the group here: https://thehive.tnlaonline.org/topics/45449/feed 2. Share What You’re Seeing Many issues affecting our industry start at the local level. New ordinances, water restrictions, licensing changes, or regulatory concerns are often first noticed by members in their own communities. Members are encouraged to post and share observations in the Hive, not just read updates. TNLA staff actively monitor these conversations and use this insight to track trends and respond proactively. 3. Take Action When You Can Responding to action alerts, voting, and contacting elected officials all help amplify the green industry’s voice. Hearing directly from constituents who live and work in their districts helps policymakers better understand how decisions affect real businesses. If you’re ever unsure whether something is worth flagging, reach out. Advocacy works best as a two-way conversation, and no issue is too small to share. Working Together for a Stronger Industry Elections and policy decisions directly impact the future of Texas’s green industry. By staying informed, sharing what you’re seeing, and engaging when opportunities arise, you help ensure that industry perspectives are reflected in decision-making. Together, we can continue supporting policies that allow Texas’ green industry to grow and thrive. Questions or insights? Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team:
On December 31, the U.S. Departments of Labor and Homeland Security announced plans to make 35,000 additional H-2B visas available for fiscal year 2026, on top of the 66,000 visas already authorized by Congress each year. The agencies have indicated these supplemental visas will be released through a temporary final rule, with details expected in the coming weeks.
This is welcome news for seasonal employers, but it’s important for TNLA members to understand both what this announcement does and does not address. The Administration confirmed it will use its congressionally granted authority for FY 2026 to release the 35,000 supplemental visas. That number is significantly lower than in recent years, representing roughly a 50 percent reduction compared to the supplemental visas made available in fiscal years 2023 through 2025. The Administration has also indicated that these visas will be targeted toward what it considers critical infrastructure sectors, including forestry, hospitality, tourism, transportation, manufacturing, and related industries. Many green industry businesses could fall within or support these sectors, but the exact eligibility requirements, filing timelines, and worker restrictions have not yet been released. Those details will come once the temporary final rule is published. Even with this announcement, the H-2B program remains heavily oversubscribed. The first-half cap for fiscal year 2026 was reached on September 12, and the second-half cap is expected to be reached quickly. Without a timely release of the supplemental visas and potentially further action by Congress, many seasonal employers will continue to face workforce shortages that directly affect their ability to operate. As TNLA has outlined in its advocacy efforts, the H-2B program is already costly and highly regulated. Employers must recruit U.S. workers, pay premium wages, secure approvals from multiple federal agencies, and comply with strict program requirements. The workers themselves are temporary and seasonal, and they return home at the end of the season. They are not immigrants. For many businesses, access to H-2B labor is what allows them to meet peak demand, keep year-round American employees working, and avoid turning down work or cutting services. For the green industry, lack of access to H-2B labor often means delayed projects, reduced services, higher costs, and lost contracts. Research shows that each additional H-2B worker supports multiple full-time U.S. jobs, including supervisors, drivers, logistics staff, and administrative employees. When labor shortages persist, businesses are forced to scale back operations, putting American jobs at risk and increasing costs for customers. TNLA continues to press both the Administration and Congress to move quickly. This includes urging the Administration to promptly issue the temporary final rule allocating supplemental visas for FY 2026, encouraging Congress to retain seasonal employer protections in the FY 2026 DHS appropriations process, and continuing to push for longer-term cap relief that provides predictability and stability for responsible employers. We are actively using these points on Capitol Hill and in ongoing conversations with federal agencies to advocate for the full scope of the green industry. As more details become available, TNLA will continue sharing updates and practical guidance so members are prepared to act. Link to press release HERE Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team Curtis Smith – Director – [email protected] Karan Mehta – Manager – [email protected]  The Lone Star Hort Forum brings together leaders, educators, and solution-providers who help move the Texas green industry forward. We’re grateful for the support of industry partners who continue to invest in our community and serve professionals across the state. Here’s a look at a few of the companies supporting the 2026 Lone Star Hort Forum.  John DeereFor more than 185 years, John Deere has helped customers become more productive through innovative, reliable equipment and technology-driven solutions. Known for its commitment to sustainability and long-term value, John Deere develops intelligent, connected machines that deliver real results in the field and on the job site. From equipment performance to parts, service, and lifecycle support, John Deere focuses on helping businesses operate efficiently while unlocking both economic and sustainable value. Learn more HERE  Leaf Landscape SupplyHeritage Landscape Supply Group has acquired Leaf Landscape Supply, marking its first focused expansion into live goods distribution. This addition strengthens Heritage’s presence in Texas and creates a foundation for long-term growth in nursery products alongside its existing landscape supply network. Leaf Landscape Supply continues to serve landscape professionals across the Austin area with a strong focus on nursery products and live goods. The company maintains its local leadership and team while benefiting from additional resources to support continued growth. Learn more HERE
Landmark NurseriesFounded in 1984, Landmark Nurseries is a family-owned wholesale nursery dedicated exclusively to serving landscape contractors throughout Texas. With more than 900 acres of production across multiple growing facilities, Landmark produces a wide range of high-quality plant material, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, groundcovers, and trees. Supported by a statewide network of wholesale distribution centers, Landmark Nurseries helps contractors access consistent inventory, fair pricing, and efficient delivery — reinforcing its role as a reliable plant partner for the Texas green industry. Learn more HERE We appreciate the continued support of these companies and their commitment to serving landscape professionals across Texas. You can meet many of our industry partners in person at the 2026 Lone Star Hort Forum, January 5–7 in Grapevine, Texas.
👉 Learn more about the Lone Star Hort Forum: https://www.tnlaonline.org/lone-star-hort-forum.html At TNLA, leadership development isn’t just a benefit—it’s an investment in the future of Texas’ green industry. Through the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp, presented by the TNLA Foundation, professionals from across the state gain the tools, confidence, and connections needed to lead effectively in today’s evolving business environment. Inside TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class V – Session III This week, TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class V gathered in Dallas for their third session, combining in-depth education with real-world learning experiences. The session began with a full-day education program focused on Communication Mastery: Speak, Listen, Influence, led by instructor Dee Maddox. Participants explored how clear communication strengthens teams, improves workplace culture, and drives better business outcomes—skills every leader needs, regardless of role or company size The class also participated in guided tours that connected leadership concepts to real-life operations:
These experiences are a hallmark of the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp—bridging classroom learning with practical application. Celebrate With Us at the Lone Star Hort Forum Class V is now approaching the finish line. Their final session and graduation will take place during the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum, and all members are encouraged to register and attend to celebrate their achievements and see firsthand the impact of this program.
Why Apply for the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp? Participants leave the program with:
Applications are now open for the next class please reach out to [email protected] for more info or questions Register for the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum and join us for the Class V graduation: https://www.tnlaonline.org/lone-star-hort-forum.html A special thanks to our Key Contributing Partner
 Rafia Khan, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Overton, TX Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is working on publishing a series of educational articles to assist homeowners and green industry professionals in recognizing and managing two recently confirmed invasive insect pests in Texas: the two-spot cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula) and the short-spined thrips (Thrips parvispinus). These pests pose emerging risks to ornamental plants by affecting plant health, appearance, and market value.
The planned articles will provide clear descriptions of pest identification and injury patterns to support early detection. Feeding by the two-spot cotton leafhopper causes a condition known as “hopperburn,” characterized by leaf curling, yellowing, bronzing, reduced vigor, and, in severe cases, plant death. This pest attacks a wide range of ornamental hosts, including hibiscus, and is often difficult to detect due to its small size and concealed feeding behavior. Short-spined thrips are tiny, highly polyphagous insects that feed on numerous ornamental crops, including annual bedding plants and tropical ornamentals. Their feeding leads to foliar scarring, distorted shoots, flower drops, and stunted growth, resulting in reduced plant quality and marketability. In addition to injury symptoms, the articles will summarize current regulatory actions, including quarantine measures and inspection efforts implemented by regulatory agencies to limit pest movement and spread. Management options discussed will be based on science-based recommendations developed from research conducted by other researchers and institutions, with an emphasis on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies such as monitoring, sanitation, cultural practices, and targeted chemical controls when necessary. Through these publications, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension aims to improve awareness, encourage early reporting, and promote informed decision-making. By providing timely, research-informed guidance, Extension seeks to help homeowners and professionals reduce the impact of these invasive pests and protect the long-term sustainability of Texas landscapes and ornamental production systems. The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association recently helped bring a congressional district tour to Brazos Citrus Nursery in West Columbia, about 60 miles southwest of Houston. The nursery is owned and operated by George Shackelford, a second-generation citrus grower who also serves on the TNLA Board of Directors, and the visit included staff from Congressman Troy Nehls’ office who came out to see firsthand how citrus is grown and managed here on the Gulf Coast. Background: The Place, the People, and the IssuesGeorge Shackelford and his wife, Leah, welcomed everyone with coffee and donuts and took time to share the family history behind the nursery and what makes their operation unique   The conversation covered challenges that growers across the green industy are dealing with every day, including:
The Tour The tour kicked off by hopping into George’s truck and heading out to several greenhouses on the property. Before anyone stepped inside, staff got their first surprise: a decontamination chamber, where they were lightly sprayed with a human-friendly sterilization solution to prevent the spread of disease.
From there, it was through a series of double doors and powerful fans designed to keep any outside contamination from entering, followed by an overhead door for extra precaution. George explained that these steps may seem intense, but they’re necessary to protect young citrus trees. Inside the greenhouse, staff were met with rows of beautifully manicured three-gallon citrus trees, lined up neatly and thriving. George walked everyone through the careful, step-by-step process he follows to make sure every tree meets the highest standards before it ever leaves the nursery. One detail that caught the congressional staff’s attention: citrus trees in his nursery don’t see direct sunlight until they’re ready to be transported to market, a testament to just how controlled and intentional the growing process is.
As the tour continued across the property, it became clear just how much planning, precision, and hands-on care go into producing healthy citrus trees, long before they ever reach a customer. The Shackelfords  From the moment you meet George Shackelford, it feels less like a business visit and more like stopping by a family member’s place. He has a genuine, down-to-earth way about him that immediately puts people at ease. That humility is matched by a deep understanding of the citrus industry and an ability to adapt as the business and regulations change. By his side is his wife, Leah, who keeps a close eye on the financial side of the business and knows exactly how the operation is performing. Together, they make a strong, well-balanced team. George also serves on the TNLA Board of Directors, representing growers and bringing their perspective to the table. While citrus is the heart of the nursery, George also works in bamboo and other fruit as a wholesaler. A walk around the property reveals a few surprises as well, including exotic deer and well-fed cattle. The cattle actually started as a school project for their daughter, who decided she wanted to show cattle. George admits he questioned it at first, but today he has no regrets.  Why District Tours Matter District visits like this are a critical part of TNLA’s advocacy strategy. They allow policymakers and staff to see real businesses, hear directly from our members, and better understand why science-based policies matter for the green industry. George’s resilience and commitment to Texas agriculture shows the dedication required to operate in today’s environment. Interested in Hosting a Tour?Reach out to us to learn how TNLA can help coordinate a visit and showcase the impact of your business and our industry on the State of Texas. Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team
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AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
February 2026
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