Oregon-Based Panzer Nursery Closes After 60 Years in Business

The transition from 2023 to 2024 has been a challenging one for some of the nation’s largest greenhouse growing operations. In early November 2023, we reported that Dan Schantz Greenhouses in Pennsylvania made the difficult decision to shut down at the end of the year (as of now, there is no word on a potential buyer). Then in early January, Costa Farms announced it was acquiring Battlefield Farms in Rapidan, VA.

Now comes word that Panzer Nursery in Oregon, which was #45 on Greenhouse Grower’s 2023 Top 100 Growers list, has closed. According to Panzer Nursery owner Brad Bloes, “I decided to retire. There were many reasons that contributed to the decision, but it was time. I had 42 years here and the business enjoyed 60 years.” Founded in 1963, the operation was a grower of top-quality florist azaleas.

Is this going to be a trend in 2024? It’s too early to say, but for every opportunity in the floriculture market, there are also challenges involved in running a business in this industry. In the meantime, we send our best wishes to the entire Panzer family and team.