The 2026 Farwest Show Announces a New Automation Summit
Graphic for the Automation Summit at the 2026 Farwest Show. | Farwest Show, Oregon Association of Nurseries
Automation is reshaping how nursery growers operate, from when plants are first propagated to the time when they are shipped and delivered.
That’s why the Farwest Show is bringing together experts to exchange insights, wisdom, and ideas at a forward-looking Automation Summit. They will share tools, technologies, and methods to help growers drive greater efficiency, lower costs, improve product consistency, and solve labor challenges.
“The nursery industry is changing because the opportunity is there and circumstances demand it,” says OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone, who will emcee the summit. “Every grower needs the knowledge that will be shared at this summit. It is all built on possibility. We believe the exchange of ideas will create synergy that will in turn elevate the solutions that are shared.”
The Automation Summit will take place on the first day of this year’s Farwest Show, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, at the Oregon Convention Center. It is free to all registered Farwest attendees, and additional details are available at FarwestShow.com/Automation.
The panel of experts will include:
- Chris Thiesen of Burro
- Asa DeForest of HarvestWise Drone Solutions
- Di Hu of Moss Robotics
- Tom Fessler, co-owner of Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas Inc.
- Todd Nelson, co-owner of Bountiful Farms Nursery Inc.
The Automation Summit is part of 45 hours of expert-led seminars across three days and five career tracks — business, garden communication, grower, pest management and landscaping. Another free session is the first-day keynote by renowned green industry economist Dr. Charlie Hall, which will have insights for everyone.
“Nurseries have tough seas to navigate these days,” says Jamie O’Brien, Seminar Coordinator for the Farwest Show. “They undertake considerable risk as they pursue their bottom line of supporting people, planet and profit. The Farwest Show is here to provide tools and ideas that will help make the journey safer and more profitable.”
Farwest will take place August 26–28, 2026, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, OR. Register by July 31 to take advantage of early-bird pricing for Farwest expo and seminar passes.
Subscribe to eNewsletter
