Shows
The Grower & The EconomistIndoor Ag-Con 2025!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. 2025-02-2631 minThe Grower & The EconomistDo You Have A Virtual CFO?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!
http://www.summitcpa.net
2024-11-1340 minThe Grower & The EconomistLocal Food to Local PlateMichelle 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.
2024-10-3056 minThe Grower & The EconomistIs Bigger Really Better?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 G...2024-07-3134 minThe Grower & The EconomistTell Your Story! Marketing for Small BusinessesMarketing 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.
2024-07-1043 minThe Grower & The EconomistThe Buyer's Perspective: Hanover Co-OpDr. 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.
2024-06-0541 minThe Grower & The EconomistU.S. Vegetable Sales Jump 82 Percent?!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!
2024-05-2234 minThe Grower & The EconomistIn the Year 2525...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!
2024-05-0833 minThe Grower & The EconomistMore Greenhouse Grower Podcasts!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!
2024-04-2437 minThe Grower & The EconomistIs $6,000 for Data a Good Price?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!
2024-03-2736 minThe Grower & The EconomistWhat's The Deal with Peat?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 i...2024-03-1343 minThe Grower & The EconomistTechnology and AI: For the Small, Medium Sized GrowersMichelle and Peter sit down with Andrew Brooks from Priva to discuss global trends that are impacting the small and medium sized grower. Larger growers can manage temperatures to the 1/10 degree but you can only get to 1 degree. What does that mean as you compete in the global market space?
2024-02-2817 minThe Grower & The EconomistIt's GlobalFood systems are complicated. On The Grower & The Economist, we talk to and about small producers and local food systems. However, as many of you know, Michelle has a background in international trade. Today, Michelle and Peter discuss Michelle's research and how global trade allows for cheap food, year-round. Learn how trade keeps people fed while the northeast is snowed in.
Check out Michelle's Book: The Demise of Free Trade
2024-02-2107 minThe Grower & The EconomistSeed Catalogs Are Presents in JanuaryHave you started planning your seed order for the spring? Peter and Michelle are too! We love talking about crop scheduling. This episode starts with some new thoughts about ordering seeds and planning your crop schedule 2024 and also goes back to one of our first episodes on crop scheduling back in 2020.
2024-02-1446 minThe Grower & The EconomistSNOW DAY!Here at The Grower & The Economist we are experiencing our first snowstorm in two years. Winter is usually considered the slow season for small to medium vegetable growers but there is still work to be done. Greenhouses allow us to extend our season but they require maintance and planning. Listen to Michelle and Peter discuss the "off season."
2024-01-3127 minThe Grower & The EconomistGrowing Trust: Strategies for Farm Marketing and Customer LoyaltyAre you struggling with your marketing? Are you focusing on tactics but don't have a strategy? Hear from Good Egg Marketing's Myrna Greenfield about ways to focus your marketing efforts and grow your business. Peter and Michelle delve into why this area is a challenge and how farmers can work with consultants to break down the roadblocks!
Get your copy of Marketing Your Farm by Myrna Greenfield.
2023-12-2846 minThe Grower & The EconomistWelcome To Season 2!The Grower & The Economist is officially kicking off Season 2 of our podcast! As we closed in on 100 episodes, we've realized that the show has grown and evolved since 2020. This episode gives a preview of the amazing material we have schedule for 2024!
Thanks for listening and Happy New Years.
-Peter & Michelle2023-11-2926 minThe Grower & The EconomistAvoid the ROI TrapDr. Peter Konjoian questions Michelle Klieger on what is ROI (Return on Investment) and why she thinks there are limitations on this model of decision making. Michelle shared her concerns with ROI during prep calls for their #Cultivate2023 workshop. Looking for more tools to enhance your decision making process... this episode has them!2023-07-1827 minThe Grower & The Economist4 Tips for July 4thDr. Peter Konjoian & Michelle Klieger each share two tips for growers this summer. These tips highlight how differently growers and economists think & how different each part of your business is. We hope you find these four midsummer tips helpful! 2023-07-0412 minThe Grower & The EconomistDr. Knuth Talks Horticultural Entrepreneurship & Beneficial InsectsJune 2023 Greenhouse Management Magazine's cover feature Dr. Melinda Knuth joins Economist Michelle Klieger and Grower Dr. Peter Konjoian on this episode to dive into research that Dr. Knuth is doing at NC State's Cognitive Behavioral Laboratory. The three of them met at the Greenhouse Grower's Executive Summitt last December where they were all speakers.Dr. Knuth shares her path. Like most of our guests it's a winding. Today, Dr. Knuth conducts research and trains PhD students those interests both our resident economist and horticulturist- like, What is the biophilic hypothesis and how does it? and Will consumers pay more f...2023-06-2044 minThe Grower & The EconomistA Soil Scientists Take on Soilless GrowingMichelle Klieger and Dr. Peter Konjoian interview Eileen Mullet, a recent graduate from University of Wisconsin River Falls, on her research involving soils and her time working in a greenhouse. We learn how her experience in a university greenhouse was similar and different to a production operation. This researcher is able to apply her classroom knowledge to her real life experience that is invaluable to our small growers, who listen to this podcast. 2023-06-0631 minThe Grower & The EconomistTaking the Plunge & Going DigitalAfter being in business 30 years, Dr. Peter Konjoian has gone digital and launched a website for his company. This discussion between Peter and Michelle Klieger delves into the complexity of being a small business owner who wants to do it all. Is it possible to tackle every task on your own as technology evolves? And at what point should you consider contracting out the work? Listen today for their in-depth discussion and analysis!
2023-05-2339 minThe Grower & The EconomistMore Than Just a Glaze: BonusMost technology comes with a steep up-front cost, which will be amortized over a few years. Is this investment worth it for your small farm? Dr. Peter Konjoian and Michelle Klieger discuss the economics of trying to decide if new technology is cost effective.
2023-05-0204 minThe Grower & The EconomistMore Than Just a GlazeYour polyethylene cover on your greenhouse has become more important than ever as technology expands to include anti-condensate and improve the growing environment. Learn from Yannis Lempidakis of Sunmaster Greenhouse Films and Dr. Peter Konjoian how your next polyethylene cover purchase can create a better and healthier environment for your plants for 5 years!
2023-04-2540 minThe Grower & The EconomistSpring has SprungDr. Peter Konjoian and Michelle Klieger discuss how crop scheduling can benefit local New England farms as early and late season crops usually command the highest value but not the largest volume. The discussion also delves into value-added food products as a potential source of diversified income for the small Northeast grower.
2023-04-1128 minThe Grower & The EconomistBONUS EPISODE: Back2Basics at #Cultivate2023Dr. Peter Konjoian and Michelle Klieger give a sneak preview of their workshop at Cultivate 2023. Their 90-minute episode is titled: Back2Basics: Small Greenhouse and Farm Technology and will feature previous podcast guest experts: Molly Dishman of Bartlett Instrument Company & Keith Bemerer of Prospiant.
Listen to the sneak peek, then register for #cultivate2023 . If you have questions, you want answered during the live session, email us. 2023-04-0419 minThe Grower & The EconomistIt's 65 Degrees, Should I Start My Seeds?Dr. Konjoian and Michelle discuss climate change impact on greenhouses and small to medium sized farms with examples ranging from maple trees to impatiens. They challenge the perspective of crop schedules by asking questions, such as does a grower maintain their current schedule or adjust to the warmer temperatures and get ahead of the market. Another big decision discussed in this week’s episode is experimenting with nighttime temperature in greenhouses as it relates the product quality and price premiums. Listen to learn how this can diversify and de-risk your portfolio.2023-02-2834 minThe Grower & The EconomistFashion Trends & AgricultureDecades ago, cabbage demand was off the charts and Dr. Konjoian listened to his father not to grow cabbage the following season. Dive into the technical terms and more examples of leading indicators in the agriculture business. We have talked about fuel prices and labor, but how can farmers adapt to local consumer behaviors and national fashion trends? Qualitative observations as well as the absence of indicators as we saw in the unprecedented pandemic are key in the gamble of agriculture.2023-01-2435 minThe Grower & The EconomistLet’s recap GROW Executive Summit!Guest: Janeen Wright and Brian Sparks, Meister Media publishers
Dr. Peter Konjoian and Michelle discuss takeaways from GROW Executive Summit with Janeen Wright and Brian Sparks, two editors for Meister Media Worldwide. This year, the conference brought an interactive schedule on labor, profitability and the supply chain. Positive feedback was received on the topics, size, and participation of guests and kudos was given to the agriculture industry as a whole for finding new ways to get information from diverse voices to growers. We also hear an inside perspective on how and why the conference was built and...2023-01-1040 minThe Grower & The EconomistIs a Propagating Greenhouse Right for Your Operation?The past two episodes we talked with Guest Expert Keith Bemerer from Prospiant about keeping greenhouse heating costs down. This we discuss specific strategies for starting and maintaining propagation in a greenhouse. We review the main benefits, such as giving ownership over your supply, managing quality of your main cultivators and diversifying income. Dr. Peter Konjoian recommends solutions for four factors of temperature, moisture, lighting and ventilation. Michelle brings the key point on knowing when to choose to take control versus outsource. This discussion echoes the resourceful mindset and ingenuity of a small and medium sized grower.2023-01-0334 minThe Grower & The EconomistDonating Excess Produce. What does it Means for Farm Budgets?Donated food is a major part of our food system. Even with low levels of unemployment, many families have not recovered from the pandemic. High prices are pushing families in every American community to see out more food from local services. Some of the need is met by local farmers, some from national food programs, and others from dozens of diverse programs that aim to collect excess produce from farms and bring it to those who need it.
Peter and I talk about the economics of farms donating excess. We cover the tax implications as well as...2022-11-2418 minThe Grower & The EconomistInflation 101 from Professor KliegerThis week’s podcast episode dives deep into inflation, rising input costs, and the economic relationships we can use to prepare for challenges in the upcoming growing season. One of the major drivers we are seeing in this cycle is that there are fewer goods available across industries. Take a look back with us at the patterns of the Great Depression to Great Recession to the financial crisis and pandemics. We can predict challenges in export commodities with the rising value of the dollar and competition in import commodities. Learn from two small farmers Michelle visited this week who ar...2022-11-0926 minThe Grower & The EconomistMega-Grocery Merger Impacts Local FarmersKroger and Albertson's grocery stores are looking to merge in a $26 billion deal. The resulting company will have 5,000 locations. Peter and Michelle discuss the impact on local farmers, local brands, and consumers. This bonus episode acts a quick take. For additional information, check out Michelle's weekly newsletter or Twitter feed. 2022-11-0208 minThe Grower & The EconomistOn-Farm Risk Mitigation StrategiesThis week’s episode is a continued discussion on the threats to agriculture, such as recent global droughts and input price inflation, as well as strategies to mitigate unforeseen risks. Michelle and Peter explore the advantages for nimble growers while applying cross-industry examples from a business perspective. They dive into two difficult questions: what does it take for a crop to be profitable in a local structure and for a farm to be sustainable in an unstable economy? Input is welcomed from all listeners to share knowledge on threats and risk-mitigation strategies on the farm.2022-10-0531 minThe Grower & The Economist5 Steps to Leverage Input Purchases in Your BusinessGuest expert, Jon LaPorte is the Farm Business Management Educator at Michigan State University. Michelle and Jon met as panelists on Greenhouse Grower's Grow Executive Series Webinar discussing how growers can manage today's high input costs and remain profitable. Jon has created a five-step plan to help all types and sizes of growers make better input purchasing decisions. Advantageous pricing is normally a benefit for the largest growers, but walking through Jon's process, we learn that Peter is already executing most of this process. 2022-09-2155 minThe Grower & The EconomistFlowers without Smell?Can you imagine that roses and other ornamental flowers without any fragrance? Dr. Konjoian tells us how it nearly happened. Plant breeding is power but single tracked improves sometimes have unintended consequences. 2022-08-3102 minThe Grower & The EconomistWhat is the food system of the future?So far this year, Michelle and Dr. Peter Konjoian have talked to experts at every spot on our food supply chains. From Alice Hill, who runs a non-profit grocery store, to Dr. Cari Peters, who works to help producers at all levels understand the importance of fertilizer, the GATE has taken a full tour of how food gets from the farm to the table.
With all this input from experts, one big question has come to the surface: what's the role of profit when it comes to groceries and food? Our current system is completely built around...2022-08-2437 minThe Grower & The EconomistFinding a Way to Stand OutThis week’s guest expert is Dr. Christopher Currey, Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University. Dr. Currey’s desire to get his hands dirty and see the results of his work took him out of the lab and into the field. His non-traditional jobs bring a unique perspective to the horticulture industry, to his students, and to our listeners. From choosing quality over quantity at a botanical conservancy, to growing tropical orchids in the harsh Minnesota winters, to finally specializing in commercial herb production, his findings and lessons apply to traditional and specialty producers alik...2022-07-2744 min
The Grower & The EconomistThe Top Metric to Evaluate Your LightingGuest expert Alex Bodell joins us today to talk about lighting designs, his journey to improve greenhouse plant lighting, and the lessons learned. Peter and Alex researched how specialized LED lights could elicit better plant responses. They were surprised to find that in most cases, the amount of light that plants get is more important than the type of light. From these lessons learned, Alex helps growers understand the total amount of light their plants need and build units that are affordable and effective. His current research aims to improve plant lighting through technology that is accessible for small...2022-06-2933 minThe Grower & The EconomistChevy vs. Ferrari of GreenhousesThis week, guest expert Keith Bemerer an Inside Sales Representative from Prospiant, Inc. joins The Grower and The Economist to talk about greenhouses and more specifically why all greenhouses are not the same. Bemerer not only provides a brief history of greenhouse designs, but he explains which greenhouses are ideal for which farmers. When should growers purchases the Chevy and when to go all on the Ferrari of greenhouses? No conversation is complete without talking about the high price of energy and ways that growers can manage those costs without losing efficiency. 2022-05-0442 minThe Grower & The EconomistEat Your RampsThe pandemic laid bare the two parallel food and agricultural supply chains that operate below the radar in the United States. Dr. Jeffery Dorfman’s research highlighted that most of the produce Americans eat goes through a restaurant or institutional supply chain, not through grocery stores. Adding further insights into why lockdown was so difficult for the produce industry. His research explored state programs to purchase farm products and distribute them through paid and food aid channels. Even with all the challenges that small and medium-sized growers face, it was refreshing to hear Dr. Dorfman say that he would co...2022-04-2033 minThe Grower & The EconomistPractical Advice from Dr. Gloom & The Grim ReaperPeter Konjoian and Thomas Ford met at the University of Maryland many years ago. They reconnected over Thomas’ recent article in E-Gro, titled Emerging Threat to Greenhouse Profitability and it is Not a Pest or Disease. He was referring to higher costs of production and supply chain disruptions that have left growers with the basic supplies they need for their operation. While business topics are not popular among many growers, Thomas felt it was time to sound the alarm. Some growers are seeing cost of production increase by 60% over last year, and still, they resist raising their prices.
2022-04-0637 minThe Grower & The EconomistBONUS: The Many Benefits of PermacultureWe continue our conversation with Greta Zarro and Ben Tyler of Unadilla Community Farm. In this bonus episode we dive a little bit deeper into permaculture practices, how agroforestry helps environmental and economic sustainability, and what steps farmers can take to create closed-loop systems in their region. This quick conversation is informative, it touches on agronomic and economic factors, and it gives small and medium-sized growers actionable advice. That is everything we try to cover on The Grower & The Economist in 13 minutes!
2022-03-3008 minThe Grower & The EconomistDynamic Accumulators: Turning Farm Waste into Farm FoodPeter describes the work of Greta Zarro and Ben Tyler of Unadilla Community Farm as “noble work”. In addition to having a beginning farming program, distributing a veggie box and growing over 230 different fruits, vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms, Unadilla is also conducting cutting edge research on dynamic accumulators. We learn that dynamic accumulators are plants that have higher uptake of certain nutrients than standard plants. To date, there is very little peer reviewed research on these plants, to support the anecdotal evidence that farmers have been relying on for years and the possibility of closed-loop nutrient management systems. Greta and B...2022-03-2331 minThe Grower & The EconomistEat Less of the Cow and More of What the Cow EatsDecades ago, a professor told Peter to eat less meat and more plants. It might have taken 30 years, but now this message is coming from all different directions. On a recent trip to KFC, Peter tried their plant-based alternative-chicken products and mostly enjoyed it. There are more options today, but there are also more ways to grow crops today. Michelle and Peter explore opportunities for animal feed production in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Can indoor, commercial-scale feed production reduce the land required by agriculture, reduce the water needed, and have a positive environmental impact? Michelle shares her research on...2022-03-0934 minThe Grower & The EconomistEcological to EconomicalThis week, Johann Buck is the Director of Technical Services & Innovation at BioAg joins The Grower and The Economist as our guest expert. BioAg offers biologicals that include soil amendments, biostimulants, and biologicals. Dr. Buck explains that we've gained a lot of knowledge about what soil is and how it is important to for the plants. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) can be soilless, and these operations tend to focus on the sterile parts of the operations like the lights. However, he is bringing biostimulants to CEA and has found that many of the growers he works with are eager...2022-02-2237 minThe Grower & The EconomistGrowing Urban Ag: Part 2Today, we finish our discussion with guest expert Zachary Grant on his work as a Cook County Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator. We explore the difference between low-capital and high-capital urban agriculture and how to convert the new farmers that take Zachary's classes into long-term producers. We dig into different ownership models, scalability, and aggregation. And we end the conversation with a reflection on how new, urban farmers and traditional farmers are not very different. We start to consider opportunities to bring these two communities together as we all work to increase local and regional food systems. ...2022-02-0924 minThe Grower & The EconomistFrom Abandoned Lots to Roof Tops: Urban Ag Moves InGuest expert, Zachary Grant join's The Grower and The Economist for this special two-part, 50th episode special on local food systems and small farms. Peter is always looking to increase the amount of local food communities eat. Zachary makes Peter's day when he shares that with urban agriculture cities like Detroit and Chicago could meet 75% of their produce needs by farming in the vacant lot inventory! As a University of Illinois Extension Educator and with the help of his partner Kathryn Pereira, he is teaching, mostly new farmers, how to farm in the urban setting. Zachary works with Herban...2022-01-2835 minThe Grower & The EconomistBest of 2021Have you just recently found this podcast? This is a great episode to start with. Peter and Michelle talk about what they learned in 2021 and give a recap of the dozen or so amazing guests that joined the show. They also share the things they are looking forward to next year.
If you hear about an episode you like, please go back and have a listen.
If you like the podcast, please rate us wherever you listen to podcasts.
If you would like to be a guest, please email Michelle at michelle@stratagerm.com.
Happy 2022!2022-01-0535 minThe Grower & The EconomistUnderstandable Business Fundamentals Every Grower NeedsThis week, guest expert Chris Laughton joins The Grower and The Economist. Chris got is undergraduate degree in horticulture and his graduate degree in applied and resource economics, making him the perfect guest for our two-sided episode. Chris is the Director of Knowledge Exchange at Farm Credit East, where he writes and speaks on topics relating to the intersection of agriculture, economics and management. Through these topics Chris provides industry with the strong business foundation they need to be successful.
This information is not only for Farm Credit East clients. Many of his reports are available on t...2021-12-2230 minThe Grower & The EconomistOwn a Family Business? Tips to Survive the HolidaysThis week's guest expert is Dr. Maria Marshall. She is a professor at Purdue University and the James and Lois Ackerman Endowed Chair in Agricultural Economics. Dr. Marshall brings her expertise on rural business development to The Grower and The Economist. Many small businesses are family businesses, including the two businesses that your hosts grew up in. We all know that when things are going well everything is easy and when the challenges arise things get hard and dark quickly. This dynamic can be more complicated during the holidays, when families and co-workers/owners are together in a personal...2021-12-0836 minThe Grower & The EconomistDonating Excess Produce. What does it Means for Farm Budgets?Peter and I talk about the economics of farms donating excess. We cover the tax implications as well as the emotional value we get when we contribute to our communities. We touch on when it makes sense and when it might not make sense for a farm. As well as best practices.
This episode is re-aired. It was produced before Thanksgiving 2020.2021-11-2413 minThe Grower & The EconomistCan You Turn Inflation Into An Opportunity?Michelle and Peter continue their discussion about a Washington Post article about food inflation. Today, they explore how small and medium size growers can adapt to a high inflation environment. Small businesses are agile and able to adopt quickly, giving them an advantage over bigger players that take longer to adjust. We focus specifically on growers can adjust to higher energy prices and supply shortages are disrupting businesses. Can you turn this challenge into an opportunity?2021-11-1036 minThe Grower & The EconomistBig, Scary Inflation... What do you need to know?The Washington Post recently had an article titled: Here’s why your food prices keep going up, that impacts all growers and consumers. Peter and Michelle take the next two episodes to breakdown this article paragraph by paragraph and tell you what it means to you and your business. Learn the basics about inflation and what's driving up food prices. 2021-10-2735 minThe Grower & The EconomistFrom Starch Content to Disease Resistance, Plant Breeding Offers SolutionsAndrew Ogden is this week's guest expert. He is a plant breeder and a horticulturalist by training, but didn't grow up on a farm. For over a decade he has owned and operated a farm in Costa Rica. He went back to school because he wanted to empirically test many of the organic methods, which would ultimately help growers. This summer he completed his dissertation at University of New Hampshire. In addition to earning a PhD, he also got to name a new gene responsible for powdery mildew resistance. Andrew shares his research, his farming experience, and gives us...2021-10-1440 minThe Grower & The EconomistKeep It Simple StupidThis week guest expert, Daniel J Jacques Grower Service Manager from Sun Gro Horticulture. Dan provides an overview of how growers can use superior quality peat moss, peat-based and bark-based horticultural growing products. First, we dig into the differences between these products. Then we talk about industry trends including use in sustainable agriculture, organic production, and the impact of sky-rocketing freight costs on new products that Sun Gro Horticulture has available. While there is a lot to understand, Dan reminds us to keep our mixes simple. 2021-09-2936 minThe Grower & The EconomistGrowing Tomatoes? When Sell'em, Eat'em, or Win a Tomato Fight...Not every flower or vegetable that comes from the farm has equal value. The time of year, size of the fruit, and its grade factor into the value. With each item farmers calculate the crop's value and then decide what to do. Sometimes the best end up in the farmer's house. Other times, they choose to sell it for the highest profit. Other times, tomatoes make great ammo farm kids. We explore how farmers optimize their happiness and profits at different stages throughout the summer. 2021-09-1534 minThe Grower & The EconomistTrustworthy Resources Every Grower NeedsMichelle and Peter dig into resources that growers can depend on for up-to-date, verified information to grow and manage their businesses. We cover Land Grant Universities, Cooperative Extension, and Grower Associations. These tools and resources provide ongoing learning, cutting edge research, tools to improve your business, and networking opportunities. 2021-09-0134 minThe Grower & The EconomistAre Biologicals Ag's Solution to Limited Inputs?Guest Expert Michelle Jones of The Ohio State University explains biologicals and their role in improving plant quality during production and after harvest. The benefits for growers and consumers are large. We discuss the possibilities of lower fertilizer and water use as the federal government limits water withdrawals from the Colorado River Basin for the first time. Learn about this growing field and how growers can maximize their benefits. 2021-08-1834 minThe Grower & The EconomistIt's Our Game to Lose!This week guest expert Dr. Bridget Behe joins The Grower and The Economist. Dr. Behe is a horticultural market researcher, a speaker, and the host of Podcast Marketing Munchies. She shares her research on why consumers buy horticultural products and why demand increased during the pandemic. Dr. Behe also shares valuable insights on how garden centers can market high and low price items, the benefits of social media, and why our industry is so special. But most importantly, she reminds us that plants provide emotional, health, and environmental benefits and the industry does not tell consumers about these benefits...2021-08-0444 minThe Grower & The EconomistIs Lack of Skilled Labor Negatively Impacting You?Farm and agricultural business constantly struggle to find unskilled labor. That's why over 250,000 visas are issued annually for farm work. While unskilled labor is a commonly discussed challenge within agriculture there might be a bigger issue that is not being discussed - the lack of skilled labor. This week, Peter and Michelle examine where skilled labor is needed on a farm, why it's hard to find, and where some solutions might come from. This episode is the result of conversations we've had with guest experts including: Bartlett Instruments, Dosatron International, Steward Investments, the Boulder County Farmers' Market, and Purdue...2021-07-2123 minThe Grower & The EconomistRegenerative Farm Financing Takes OffThis week's guest expert is Dan Miller, founder of Steward a is a private lending partner, financing the growth of regenerative farms and sustainable producers through simple, flexible business loans. Dan walks us through his connection to farming, how Steward works, and some recent success the company has experience. These loans help regenerative and sustainable producers unlock new potential and scale their businesses. 2021-07-0737 minThe Grower & The Economist3 COVID Trends Sticking AroundGuest expert Ariana Torres, Assistant Professor in the Departments Horticulture & Landscape Architecture and Agricultural Economics from Purdue University joins us to discuss diversification, marketplaces changes she's seen during COVID and non-traditional markets that producers can sell into. Ariana's expertise draws on her experience working on her family's farm, an internship in entomology, a master's project in lighting and her current research as an agricultural economist. This week we talk about everything from market segmentation to community resilience to the future of farming.2021-06-2344 minThe Grower & The EconomistAdditional Opportunities to Automate on Every Size FarmAfter a short break, The Grower and The Economist is back! This week, we welcome guest expert Lee Wonders, the National Sales Manager for Dosatron International. Lee shares his 20+ years of horticulture experience with our listeners. Before working at Dosatron he was a nursery grower, owner, and manager. Lee explains what water powered dosing technology is, how it works, and how to maximize the benefits on your farm. This episode is not only a crash course in automation, but also reminds growers to consider their own on-farm time investment. 2021-06-0938 minThe Grower & The EconomistThe Local PremiumThis episode of features guest expert Professor Alicia L. Rihn of the University of Tennessee's Institute of Agriculture and her research into what consumers want and what they are willing to pay for. Consumer demographics as well as regional influences impact what consumers are looking for from producers and what they will pay for it. Alicia's background in horticulture as well as business has helped her discover insight into the complex equation that leads to producer profitably. We discuss her research into adaptability and how small growers are able to adapt quickly, in part because they are better able...2021-04-1444 minThe Grower & The EconomistFarmers Markets ReinvisionedPeter and Michelle check back in with Brian Coppom, Executive Director of the Boulder County Farmers' Market. Nearly a year ago, the pandemic forced the market to reinvent itself. Farmers' markets are often a social outing where friends and families hangout outside, eat, and purchase local offerings. With COVID restrictions in place, Brian and his term transformed parts of the market into a distribution center and later a food hub. While sharing the market's journey, Brian also shares a lot of insight on consumer education and how food hubs can help small and medium-sized producers expand their offering and b...2021-03-3151 minThe Grower & The EconomistDefining and Achieving SuccessGrowing crops is a journey that requires continuous learning, flexibility, and a roadmap. Growers can be beginners or experts, hobbyist or business owners. Regardless of where you are, there is always a next level. To find that next level, you have to know what your next goal is. Rene shares his goal of getting the most out of his garden. To achieve that goal, Peter introduced him to "succession planning". With this framework, Rene is able to plan out his seasons on post-its in his basement. He can model his season and move the post-it notes around to ensure...2021-03-1731 minThe Grower & The EconomistBeing Better Than Last YearThe Grower & The Economist welcomes Rene Rawhouser back for a two-part conversation about preparing for the 2021 season. Rene covers topics everything from crop scheduling, excitement around the newest seed catalogue, to his basement germination room. You will see that from home gardeners to commercial growers the tools are the same (a schedule is a schedule is a schedule), the excitement is the same, and challenges are the same but the scale or the number of zeros at the end of the numbers vary. 2021-03-0423 minThe Grower & The EconomistCrop Marketing - What Does It Really Mean?Growing and selling crops is a complex equation. Horticulture and business must combine to make a profitable business. Crop marketing means different things to different people, but in the industry all the terms are often combined. Michelle breaks down the different meanings of crop marketing and then dives into how growers can drive success by applying the principle of cost-business analysis everyday. 2021-02-1725 minThe Grower & The EconomistCocoa Trees Growing During a New England SnowstormIn the last episode, Peter talks about the importance of having a greenhouse to add some control and predictability to your operation. The level of control that controlled environment agriculture may not be fully recognized by most people. With more than a foot of snow outside, Peter is growing cocoa trees in his Massachusetts greenhouse. This is incredible. Chocolate, bananas, and coffee don't grow in the United States. They are the crops people point to when promoting international trade, yet with the right technology and understanding of plant physiology Peter is trying to change that.2021-02-0334 minThe Grower & The EconomistClinging to Control During Unpredictable TimeThis conversation started as a look back at the last eight months of The Grower and The Economist. Peter and Michelle each highlighting some of the lessons learned from 2020. The conversation quickly evolves into thinking about 2021. We start the year off with a huge lesson from Peter. To be successful, farmers and greenhouse operators need to have some control over their operations ... this means having greenhouse. While asset can be a challenge, Michelle breaks down the economics and shows how this experience can improve the cash flow, not just piece of mind. 2021-01-2032 minThe Grower & The EconomistIlluminating a Plant: Science, System, and BusinessMichael Cardenas and Jason Green from Heilux, Creators of LumaFilm® and GrowFilm® Brands of Products are this week's guest experts on The GATE. They share how a jewelry story light found it's way into agriculture and is now used by greenhouses, vertical farms, and even by home growers. It's used by growers of food and cannabis alike, because according to Peter, "a plant, is a plant, is a plant".
The lighting industry continues to evolve and grow. In this discussion we cover many of the different factors influencing the industry, from new government regulations requiring all horticulture be...2021-01-0643 minThe Grower & The EconomistThe Greenhouse Journey from Thermostats to APIsThis week, Peter and Michelle are joined by the owners of Bartlett Instruments Company, Dave Bartlett and Molly Dishman. This family owned company has been a manufacturer of instrumentation equipment and controls for over 70 years. We discuss how a family owned business compete and thrive in this space. Plus, Peter and Dave reminisce about where technology was 30 years ago and the cutting edge sensor and cloud computing innovations that Bartlett is rolling out for this customers today. 2020-12-2337 minThe Grower & The EconomistFood Safety is on Everyone's MindBeth Scheckelhoff is an Extension Educator with OSU's extension service and this week's guest expert. Beth explains the ins and outs of food safety. She works with farmers that sell everything from food to ornamentals. She gives them the tools, training, and advice they need to help keep employees and customers safe. COVID has increased our collective awareness of hygiene and best practices to stay healthy. Building on this knowledge, we discuss how basic steps like good communication and guides are the basis of a strong agricultural food safety program.
If you are looking for additional resources, pl...2020-12-0940 minThe Grower & The EconomistEconomics of Donating ProduceMany small farms donate extra produce to local food banks and other charities. Can this be a good business decision? Or do some growers use it to hide losses? Michelle & Peter dig into some of the benefits and discuss how to record the donates so you know how profitable your operation is.
Happy Thanksgiving from The Grower & The Economist 2020-11-2613 minThe Grower & The EconomistGrower Education Solutions and 2020 Trends from CropKing's CEOJ. Paul Brentlinger is the CEO of CropKing Inc and our guest expert this week. He shares how CropKing works to educate growers as well as the 2020 trends he has seen this year. Some of the growers he works with had to pivot in March and April but were able to adapt and grow their businesses throughout the summer and fall. We also talk about automation and how it's more affordable than ever farms that are 2-5 acres to start adopting these technologies. 2020-11-2545 minThe Grower & The EconomistTime to Tackle Variable CostsGood bookkeeping is critical to running a profitable business. In the last episode, we covered fixed costs. Now it's time to understand variable costs. What are variables cost? When should you stock up on inputs that are on sale? When should you keep your money and cash and deploy it later? Michelle and Peter provide practical examples to keep this topic interesting and a strong tool for growers. 2020-11-1130 minThe Grower & The EconomistCost Accounting Increases ProfitabilityThis is the first of a two-part discussion about cost accounting. We start with fixed costs. What are they? How do growers think about them? How can growers use better understanding of fixed costs to improve their profitability and make better business decisions? We include on-farm and off-farm examples to help better explain these concepts. Next time we cover variable costs. 2020-10-2843 minThe Grower & The EconomistIn-season notes, Post-season improvementsPeter provides listens tips on what notes to take during the growing season. Now that the season is wrapping up, Peter & Michelle discuss ways to leverage your notes from all season to make improvements next year. Good recordkeeping is critical, learn why and how to make it easier to implement. 2020-10-1435 minThe Grower & The EconomistTrialing Like a ProThis week's guest expert is Brian Krug, Greenhouse Technology Leader at Corteva Agrisciences. When Brian & Peter met, Brian made the rookie mistake of taking Peter's advice without ever testing the new technique on a small portion of his greenhouse. Years later, they've presented together many times on why trailing is important for growers and best practices. This is the first time Michelle joined the conversation adding more context from the economic and profitability prospective. 2020-09-3059 minThe Grower & The EconomistCOVID Silver Linings for Small ProducersLabor Day weekend is the end beginning of the end of the summer season. Peter and Michelle look back at the last 6 months and discuss how the COVID pandemic changed the food system and created new opportunities for small and medium sized farms. It's been a difficult year, with a lot of transitions. Peter and Michelle learned a lot from recent Guest Experts. In this episode, they synthesize the lessons that all growers can take into the fall and winter as they start to think about next year.2020-09-0935 minThe Grower & The EconomistWhy Small Producers Should Pick Specialty ProductionGuest Expert Mario Ortez is a PhD Student at Purdue University in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Mario joins Michelle and Peter to talk about his family coffee farm in Nicaragua and his decision to start producing and selling specialty beans. He grew up on a farm that grew commodity beans. After studying agribusiness and becoming the owner of a small plantation, Mario wanted to become a coffee connoisseur and explore specialty coffee. Differentiated specialty coffee production opens the door to differentiated sophisticated consumers in markets with high purchasing power. These customers want the story behind each cup of...2020-09-0233 minThe Grower & The EconomistThe Power of BeesNatalie Olofsson interviews her friend Sophie Gregoretti who is president of their high school bee club, a position she never expected to have before her freshman year. Sophie does not come from a farming or conservation background and she stumbled into the club. Now she teaches students about bees and their importance in our food system. Michelle & Peter learned a lot this week and we hope you do too!
Sophie works with Alix Bartsch of the Lexington Bee Company.2020-08-2627 minThe Grower & The EconomistWhere do consumers get their nutrient education from?Where do we learn about food and nutrition? Who's responsibility is it to teach our children about food and nutrition? The fact that 7% of American adults think chocolate milk comes from brown cows according to the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy found, suggests that there are information gaps. Formal education is limited, schools teach less than 5 hours of nutrition education per year. Athletes have started sharing their routines, but that might not be the right diet for the average person. Many people look to farmers, but do they have the time, expertise, or training? This week we dig...2020-08-1935 minThe Grower & The EconomistTeacher turned Grower- We're Never Done LearningIn Part 1 with Rene Rawhouser, she shared why he gardens and how he got started. When gardening there is always something new to learn. Rene shares a few of his favorite grower resources and some of the changes he's made over the last ten years to help meet the demands of his consumers. In the beginning Peter helped Rene accelerate his growing confidence, but as a former teach Rene is very aware that we are never done learning. New challenges arise and new best practices are created. This year a new gardener in Rene's community is testing the limits o...2020-08-1237 minThe Grower & The EconomistTransforming Potatoes into a Dinner SuperstarAccording to Brent Preston of The New Farm, a gardener grows food and a farmers grows and sells food. This week's guest expert is Rene Rawhouser blurs the line. He is an avid gardener, who feeds 15 people on his 2,500 square feet of land. Like commercial growers he needs to think about crop schedules, extending his crop season, and rapidly changing consumer preferences. Unlike farmers, he doesn't get paid. Instead he is rewarded by knowing he is providing quality vegetables for his children and grandchildren. In part one, he shares why he gardeners, how he got started, and when he r...2020-08-0520 minThe Grower & The EconomistHome Gardens Aid Local Farms, Not CompeteLike many people living under stay at home orders this spring, Natalie picked up gardening. From carrots to potatoes gardening has been interesting and surprising. On this episode, Michelle questions whether Natalie's at home vegetable production helps local farmers or is competition for them. If the people planting gardens were the people purchasing from local farms, then won't they lose sales. Peter thinks gardening helps and uses Natalie's amazing potato example as proof. 2020-07-2938 minThe Grower & The EconomistFood Education: From Classroom to Controlled Environment AgricultureThis is part two of our discussion with summer intern Natalie Olofsson on local and regional food. We've discussed how much local food is sold to farmers' markets. Another major buyer is school lunch programs. We also look more broadly food and produce education. The younger generations are interested in learning more about where their food comes from. Yet, knowledge is still low and growers have a lot of room to educate their customers.2020-07-2224 minThe Grower & The EconomistLocal Foods: An Opportunity for Small GrowersThis week we welcome Natalie Olofsson to the show. Natalie is a student at Lexington High School, in Lexington MA and is interning for The Grower & The Economist. Natalie conducting some research on local food. How much food is sold locally, what is sold locally, and where are people buying it? During the next few episodes we look at local food from three perspectives, a grower, an economist, a consumer. We've learned that increasing demand for local food is a huge opportunity for our audience. 2020-07-1526 minThe Grower & The EconomistBringing New Crops & Varieties into RotationPeter and Michelle met talking about indoor agriculture. Michelle used her seed industry experience to talk to indoor growers about improving their variety selection. As an experienced grower and educator, Peter helped growers integrate new varieties and crops into their current rotation profitability. This week we dive into why to consider new varieties and then how to adopt them on your farm. Peter's three-year plan offers clear benchmarks for success. 2020-07-0841 minThe Grower & The EconomistGreenhouse & Vertical Farm Food Production Duet ViewGreenhouse Product News' June Edition is out. This month Peter's guest expert is Michelle. In this article, they dive into cultivar selection, plant breeding, and seed quality. Even though we are 10 episodes in, this was the first article we wrote together, hashing out the details in Peter's greenhouse last February.
Read the article here.2020-06-2415 minThe Grower & The EconomistCan Small Growers Survive?GPN's top 100 growers list raised a lot of questions for Michelle & Peter. We prize large operations but is it possible to be small and successful? This question is more pressing today because nearly 40% of greenhouse growers went out of business during the Great Recession. Is another round of consolidation coming or will a coronavirus induced recession be different? Here are some ways the small farmers can survive this time around.2020-06-1736 minThe Grower & The EconomistHow Farmers Can Transition from Supplying Restaurants to Home ConsumersDanielle Schwab is the founder of Illuminate Supply Chains and the host of the Illuminate Your Plate podcast. She has a background and global trade and supply changes and now she has built an online space to connect eaters with their food. When the supply chain disruptions started and restaurants shut down, Danielle started making calls. She wanted to help get food from farms to households looking for fresh products. There is an interest in fresh food and understanding our food supply chain right now and Danielle is a natural teacher. She helps farmers tell their stories and helps...2020-06-1036 minThe Grower & The EconomistResearch Shows the Benefits of FlowersThis week, Mike Novakowski is our guest expert on TheGate. He is the New York sales representative for Harris Seeds. Mike spends his weeks visiting produce auctions and talking to growers about their season and current events. While the news headlines paint a terrible picture of the state of agriculture. Mike shares stories of sold out hanging baskets, grocery stores buying from local auctions, and his own personal experience with a roadside stand. This year Mike has experienced a great sense of community and new buyers from near and far!
Visit The Cheshire Farmacy...2020-06-0334 minThe Grower & The EconomistPushing the Boundaries of Indoor FarmingGuest expert Kevin Jakiela is co-founder of Toronto-based Just Vertical. In this episode, Kyle shares how Just Vertical got started, what makes their product unique, and changes his company has seen since the outbreak of COVID-19 earlier this year. Kyle and Peter share a passion for pushing the boundaries for what can be grown indoors. Peter is working on growing root crops in greenhouses and Kevin has tackled quinoa in his beautiful system.
To watch Just Vertical's Toyota video: https://vimeo.com/3793268252020-05-2737 minThe Grower & The EconomistWhat To Grow With Nationwide Protein ShortagesDemand for high protein foods continues to climb. First, it was Aktin's and South Beach Diets, then gluten-free foods. Now, COVID-19 has forced meatpacking plants across the United States to close and meat processing was down over 25%. Consumers will likely look for protein-rich alternatives. Peter goes through crops that you can add to your rotation this summer that fill this demand. 2020-05-2031 minThe Grower & The EconomistAvoiding the Silent AssassinPeter as worked as a researcher and a garden center operator. In both stages of his career crop scheduling has been critical. Understanding how to schedule successive crops to ensure consistent sales is important in remaining profitable. Now as a presenter, Peter takes what he has learned from years of hands-on work and teaches other growers about timing, adjustments, and dumping. By understanding your timing, adjusting it with Peter's rules farms can achieve better profitability and reduce shrinkage.
Farms are adjusting their product offers in light of COVID-19. Working with new crops means a new production schedule. T...2020-05-1341 minThe Grower & The EconomistNow what are we going to grow?Every season growers decide what crops they are going to grow. Now, COVID-19 has closed restaurants and changed how consumers shop for their food. In light of these changes, it might be time for growers to rethink what they are planting. Peter dives into principles of selecting which crops to produce to help each grower decide if they want to have a mono-culture or a many culture farm and how to use the 80-20 rule to increase productivity. 2020-05-0630 minThe Grower & The Economist33 Years of Experience & It's Practically UselessBrian Coppom, Executive Director of Boulder County Farmers' Markets joins Michelle and Peter to talk about the changes he's seeing because the market cannot meet in it's traditional format. Brian and his team are coming up with creative solutions to help pair customers with growers and make sure that locals still have access to high-quality fresh foods. 2020-04-2940 min
The Grower & The EconomistMeet the Grower & the EconomistGet to know the Grower - Peter Konjoian & the Economist - Michelle Klieger. Peter and Michelle have teamed up to bring small and medium-sized greenhouse growers information they need to transition their businesses during the coronavirus crisis of 2020. Peter draws on his experience as a grower, a garden center owner, and a research, while Michelle shares up-to-date economic analysis about the food and agriculture sector.
This week you will get to know the team - next week we dive right in.
2020-04-2421 min