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!