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.

In the second of a three-part series with Keith, we go back to the history of roofing materials to dive into the intricacies that make up an efficient greenhouse operation. There are four technology advancements to watch out for in the greenhouse system with relatable examples. Keith gives insight into low cost solutions from using repurposed materials to environmental controllers, thermostats and propagation with one main goal - don't lose the heat.

We continue our conversation with Keith Bemerer of Prospiant, Inc. on energy conservation and cutting costs with a focus on greenhouses. We discuss some of the difficult questions a greenhouse operation has to face, such as locking in fuel prices, raising consumer price or shifting production, and technology interventions for long term solutions. Bemerer reveals trends and guidance through extensive experience with controlled environment agriculture (CEA). We uncover recent trends from horticulture to vegetable market, securing a mix of energy sources, and an example of energy curtains to reduce heat loss in a greenhouse.

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 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.

This 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 are still using this economic shift to experiment with crops and management practices. “It’s our game to lose” is referenced from a previous podcast guest, Dr. Bridget Behe.

Kroger 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. 

Nathan Fouriner of Home Harvest Central Massachusetts is this episode's guest expert.  With his engineering background and his love of systems, he has built a business that gives homeowners beautiful and functional outdoor space. This includes everything from raised beds, to fruiting trees, to underground water reservoirs. The passion and excitement that he brings to edible landscaping will make listeners, homeowners, and clients feel like kids touring Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. 

This 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.

Guest 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. 

Food security is normally described in terms of affordability and accessibility. Dr. Marcus Coleman explains why acceptability and accommodations are important as well. Understanding what the community actually wants and helping support a system that meets those needs.