As the industry rebounds, reports here and here show that the improving housing market, commercial construction and property occupancy rates are among positive factors that boosted the industry last year and project an even stronger 2015. Not only are landscape companies anticipating increases in installation and maintenance, but equipment dealers are also seeing solid gains.
IBIS World, a market research company, reports that the pest control industry is in the growth phase of its life cycle citing rising demand for industry services due to increased number of pests and use of extermination services. It’s interesting to note that Forbes.com recently reported on a Sageworks study that lists Services to Building and Dwellings, including pest control, as a top five industry to start a business.
Mike Zawacki, editor of the Golf Course Industry magazine, said it best in that “we’re constantly discussing the state of the industry … as we see it.” His recap shares that being good stewards of existing resources, such as water, will continue to be a focus for the industry as we all seek to create a more sustainable and environmentally responsible golf course. This is a theme not just for golf, but also for many industries in this post.
The Agriculture industry outlook is up and down. According to recent reports from BusinessWeek and Farm Equipment, farm machinery sales are projected to continue to slump in 2015 as a result of falling crop prices, though other factors also appear to be contributing to an overall slowdown. To that end, the Des Moines Register reported the Department of Agriculture said farmers predicted plantings of the eight major field crops – corn soybeans, wheat, cotton, sorghum, barley, oats and rice – will amount to 3.8 million acres less than 2014 calculations. It’s not all bad though; long-term industry outlooks remain unchanged from current levels and show slow, steady gains.
In the Horticulture Industry, the Garden Media Group 2015 Garden Trends Report shows an interesting consumer focus towards products that are environmentally friendly and safe. While there’s still debate according to Horticulture Week about the flower of the year, one thing these reports all shed light on is a focus for consumers to spend more time outdoors. That great news extends to lawn and landscape industry vendors as well.
Of course, what these reports convey can only be taken with a grain of salt as each business and region within a given sector may experience varied results than the industry projection. To that end, no one can truly project what’s in store. For the most part, the overall economy continues to rebound creating a trickle effect that bolsters each industry outlook as well.
Here’s to getting into the habit of writing 2015 on everything.
Happy Spraying!
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