The Grower & The Economist

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.

Michelle 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?