In this episode, Jazmin Albarran, executive director of Seed Your Future, discusses her unique background in mental health and youth development, and how it informs her work in horticulture. The conversation explores the importance of engaging the next generation in horticulture careers, changing perceptions about the industry, and the resources available for students and educators. Jasmine emphasizes the need for collaboration between education and industry, the role of technology in horticulture, and the global reach of Seed Your Future's initiatives.
In this episode, Dr. Peter Konjoian and Michelle engage with Rahul Ram, a high school freshman passionate about hydroponics. They explore his journey into hydroponics, the importance of sustainability, local food production, and the future of agriculture. The conversation delves into the role of robotics and AI in farming, the economic aspects of hydroponics, and the potential for growing food in space. Rahul's insights reflect the innovative spirit of his generation and the importance of education in shaping future agricultural practices.
This week, we are joined by Andrew Ogden. Andrew discusses his path after completing his PhD and finding a role within Plant Breeding at the University of Georgia. He is currently located at the Griffin Campus within the University of Georgia. In this episode, he discusses the different projects he is working on in the plant breeding space with different colleagues.
You can find Andrew at:
This week we are joined by Cayla Holleman of OnPoint Corp. She provides insight into the diverse world of finance that is available to producers. We talk about everything from capital stacks to feasibility studies to government grant programs. Cayla shares a wealth of knowledge on the different places that producers can find funding to support their businesses.
You can find Cayla at:
Kirsten Simmons, a farm and the co-founder of Good Agriculture talks to us about farming and building a product that supports small farmers. Small farmers are expected to do everything, some Kirsten learned from her experience as a farmer. She's trying to help them focus on what they want to do and what they are good at. Hopefully, along the way, Good Agriculture can help them be more competitive and more successful.
During this episode, Brian Sullivan CEO of Indoor Ag-Con discusses what the event can teach its participants. From March 11-12, 2025, in Las Vegas, this conference has educational opportunities both in learning sessions and on the trade show floor. You can't miss it! Learn more by listening in or visiting https://indoor.ag
GROWECON20
Peter and Michelle visit with Brian Sullivan CEO of Indoor Ag-Con that is set to be held March 11-12, 2025 in Las Vegas. Indoor Ag-Con is the premier event covering the technology of growing crops in indoor systems, using hydroponic, aeroponic and aquaponic techniques. Editions have featured keynotes from leaders in farming, supplier, technology, customer, government and academic sectors. The events unite growers, investors, real estate developers, agtech leaders, produce buyers, academics, policymakers, industry suppliers and advocates. They come together for lively discussions of the industry’s promise, issues and future across formal conference proceedings, practical mini workshops and exhibits.
The Grower & The Economist listeners can get 20% registration with the coupon code: GROWECON20
Learn more by listening in or visiting https://indoor.ag
Maximilian Knight, CEO of Rooted Robotics, shares his journey from a high school interest in hydroponics to founding a company focused on affordable automation for small and medium-sized farms. Realizing the high costs of automation in the industry, he pivoted to creating cost-effective robotic systems, especially for microgreens farmers, to tackle common challenges like seed planting, harvesting, and tray washing. Rooted Robotics' team has developed a range of machines, including seeding, watering, and cleaning systems, that can either work as standalone units or be connected to create an integrated process line. Listen in to learn more!
There is such much out of a farmer’s control and it makes the job so stressful. There are conversations happening now about farmer mental health. The most basic way for you to help someone in crisis is to check in with your neighbor and see how they’re doing. Hear from Successful Farming Lisa Foust-Prater about her conversations around farmer mental health.
Learn more at: https://www.agriculture.com/mentalhealth
Michelle Klieger and Dr. Peter Konjoian talk to Guillermo Rodriguez, who operates a virtual CFO business for the cannabis industry. This episode talks about when and how small businesses can leverage fractional expertise.
While small and medium sized growers may not need GAP audited financial statements, they may need guidance on loans, business structure and more. Guillermo's company helps small businesses take those steps without hiring a full-time employee. Learn more during this episode!
Michelle Klieger and Dr. Peter Konjoian are back from their summer break. They sit down with the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food (CAFF) Director, Heather Friedrich and University of Arkansas Professor, Dr. Michael Popp to discuss their work in the local food movement. The combination of university research and CAFF's hands on experience makes this a unique discussion examining what is needed to enter the local food marketplace for new and beginning farmers.
Small and medium sized growers are routinely told that they have to get bigger to get more efficient. But what if we remove the assumption that you have to get big? This episode delves into several calculations, including the heat requirement calculation, and how it impacts the growers who want to stay small. While much is instinctively known by growers, the science behind it can be helpful so you aren’t relying on a salesperson to do the calculation for you. This episode is also being released in conjunction with Dr. Peter Konjoian’s article in the August edition in GPN magazine.
Marketing is a critical part of business but when do you take that leap and hire someone outside your small employee circle? Pen and Petal President Kerstin Poehlmann sat down with Michelle Klieger and Dr. Peter Konjoian to discuss her business and when it's take to take that step. Listen to this episode for her insights and what to look for in your next PR firm.
Dr. Peter Konjoian and Michelle Klieger are joined by Rebecca White, Public & Government Affairs Associate at the Hanover Co-op Food Stores & Auto Service Centers of NH & VT. Hanover Co-Op has a local purchasing goal, and they purchase from small and large farms, alike. Learn how they make decisions and how they work with farmers to get their products on their shelves.
Michelle Klieger and Dr. Peter Konjoian dive into the newly released USDA ERS Vegetable and Pulse Outlook report and examine trends. These trends are something small growers should consider when investigating new and upcoming and coming crops to grow. How can they do that? Learn during this podcast!
Is it possible to change the nutrient profile of our vegetables to make them more nutrient dense? Michelle Klieger and Dr. Peter Konjoian delve into Peter's research this week and how children are the driver of parent's consumer decisions. Will kids eat more carrots in 2525? Tune in to find out!
Brian D. Sparks, Editor of Greenhouse Grower, a part of Meister Media Worldwide, discusses starting a podcast with Peter and Michelle, as his organization recently launched and how it offers growers another tool in their toolbox. But don't worry - this podcast wouldn't replace the print magazine. This is just another tool for growers to access information critical to improving their businesses. Greenhouse Grower is ready to serve all generations, with the media source they must want.
Tune in to learn more insights. Or listen on your favorite podcast player!
Rene is back by popular demand, for his fourth episodes of The Grower & The Economist. We are reminded that growers range from hobby gardeners, homesteaders, small businesses, and commercial operations. This week we discuss starting spring plants. Our discussion applies to all growers looking to maximize their growing season.
How do you tackle crop scheduling? Let us know.
Since last summer, Dr. Peter Konjoian and Michelle Klieger have been talking about metrics to evaluate business decisions. Peter likes ROI. Today, they work through a real-life ROI case study with a subscription tool that Michelle is considering for her research project. This situation can be applied on small and medium sized operations as well. Have a situation? Please let us know!
There's been a lot of talk about peat as regulations in Europe impacts its availability and the definition of sustainability. Peat grows, very slowly, in bogs in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Raising some questions about using this renewable resource and how to maintain healthy bogs. Peat is an important growth medium in greenhouses throughout North American and Europe. However, with the new restrictions there is demand for alternatives.
USDA Research Lead James Altland talks with Peter Konjoian and Michelle Klieger. We discuss why North American peat is sustainable, how substitutes compare to peat, and what impact regulations and climate change will have on the price and availability of peat.
Learn more about Jim Owen at USDA-ARS and Jeb Fields at LSU research.