The Grower & The Economist

This episode explores the critical issues of water scarcity in the Colorado River Basin, the impact on agriculture, and the future of water management and food production in arid regions. Guests discuss scientific, economic, and policy perspectives, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and regional cooperation.

In this episode, Daniel Kluko shares his journey from computer science to pioneering vertical farming, focusing on hydroponic crops like radishes, kale, and bok choy. He discusses the importance of plant health, sustainable practices, and the future of small and medium-sized operations in the industry.You can reach Daniel at [email protected].

In this episode, Dr. Israel Joukhadar shares his journey from growing up on the Navajo reservation to becoming an assistant professor at New Mexico State University. He discusses his focus on water conservation and innovative agricultural practices, emphasizing the importance of actionable science that directly benefits growers. The conversation also touches on the significance of graduate education, the role of economics in agriculture, and the need for collaboration across different sectors to address common challenges in the industry.

Join us in this episode as Dr. Ruchika Kashyap, an assistant professor at the University of Georgia, shares her journey in plant pathology, focusing on the exciting field of urban and controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Learn about her research on plant diseases in high-tech growing systems and her vision for science communication through her upcoming podcast, Urban Pods. Discover how collaboration across disciplines and regions is shaping the future of sustainable urban farming.

In this episode, Michelle and Dr. Konjoian speak with Sarah Carlisle, the founder of Rascal Relish, about her journey in creating a sustainable food business focused on seasonal craft condiments. Sarah shares her experiences with local farmers, the importance of using seconds to reduce food waste, and the challenges of educating consumers about local produce. She emphasizes the need for community support for small farms and the value of understanding where our food comes from. The conversation also touches on pricing, sourcing, and Sarah's aspirations for the future of her business.Find Rascal Relish at - rascal relish

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:Email: [email protected]

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:Email: [email protected]: 605-670-9859LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cayla-holleman

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.agGROWECON20 

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!  http://www.summitcpa.net

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.

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?

Food 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 

Have 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.

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."

We all know there are so many apps and software out there that could help grow our business but are they right for the small and medium size grower? This week's episode interviews Aaron Allison, co-founder of SBI software, to see what his company's software can tell our growers and how they can incorporate into their business. Will you make the transition from pen and paper to digital? 

Happy New Year! We think marketing your business is a really important topic for small growers. Last week we aired an episode with Myrna Greenfield of Good Egg Marketing. We think it was a great episode. Here's a clip. If you missed it, go back to last week and catch the whole episode. Here's the link to Myrna's book.

Are 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.

As land grant extension agents have become further and further stretched, private consultants with company affiliations have been on the rise. Andy Peterson was recently interviewed to discuss his role as a consultant that also educates farmers. His career path has put him in contact with many small and medium sized growers that had questions that he answered and/or tried to assist with! 

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 & Michelle

Dr. 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!

Dr. 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!

June 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 for plants that are treated with beneficial insects instead of pesticides? 

Michelle 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.

After 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! 

Value added processors have a unique job and perspective in the small- and medium- sized supply chain. Listen to this week’s episode with guest speaker Brian Ruhlmann, founder of Craic Hot Sauce's, to learn about their story, communication strategy, and how they source from 18 farmers last year. That is 100% of peppers and tomatoes sourced locally! We discuss opportunities of vertical integration as well as profitable examples of coordination in your value chain. Brian convinced us that it is all about having a good Craic! Support Craic: Projects | Expanding local authentic made hot sauce | Patronicity

Most 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. 

Your 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!

Dr. 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. 

Dr. 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.

This week, we talk with Charles Smith and Dr. Victoria Holden, co-founders of Imio, to learn about their regenerative ag biotech company. Imio develops microbial inoculants that replace chemical inputs in agriculture. They noticed the amount of organic matter left at the end of a season that didn’t have an economic benefit to the farm and set out on a journey to transform the organic “waste” into a product that has positive economic benefits for farmers and the environment. One season’s “waste” becomes a source of nutrients for the next season, and presents a variety of benefits relative to landfilling, composting, or burning residuals as fuel. In this episode we explore the scientific process and research Imio has done. The types of growers that can benefit from the technology, how the product works, and the difference between compost and their product Re-Gen. Check out Imio.co FAQs and if you purchase Imio products, use discount code THEGATE for 10% off.

Animal integration is especially fun when we are talking about goats! Learn how John Bennett of Goats of Dover went from a marketing background to goatscaping in this week’s episode. We discuss goat diet preferences, predator and pesticide concerns, timing of a job and life expectancy. There is a lot to understand about the changing environment from poison ivy to deerworm. John hits home by embedding an integrated approach to eradicating invasive species into his business model. Enjoy!

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.

Rene returns as a three-time guest on The Grower and The Economist podcast. His reason for gardening may be different than a small and medium sized grower, but he faces the same challenges and successes! We discuss some of the decisions behind ordering seeds, the importance of logging and taking pictures, fertilizer decisions, and some experiences to look forward to in the upcoming season. One point that hits home for many gardeners is the added benefit of teaching others a responsibility and respect for growing one’s own food.

Decades 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.

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 what to expect for next year.