Podcasts

The Grower & The Economist

Peter Konjoian (Grower) & Michelle Klieger (Economist) share expert insights to help small and medium-sized growers adjust to the rapidly changing farm and food landscape as well as increase the productivity and profitability of their operation. We are one part grower and one part business just like your business. Edited by Katelyn Parsons

Latest Episode

In 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!

May 8 • 33m 50s

Episodes

In the Year 2525...

May 8 • 33m 50s

More 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!

April 24 • 37m 36s

Spring Has Sprung - Have You Started Your Plants?

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.

April 10 • 45m 26s

Is $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!

March 27 • 36m 12s

What'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 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.

March 13 • 43m 59s

Technology and AI: For the Small, Medium Sized Growers

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?

February 28 • 17m 58s

It's Global

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

February 21 • 7m 59s

Seed Catalogs Are Presents in January

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.

February 14 • 46m 10s

SNOW 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."

January 31 • 27m 6s

Software, Date & Analytics

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?

January 17 • 43m 48s

Marketing Bonus!

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.

January 3 • 1m 16s

Growing Trust: Strategies for Farm Marketing and Customer Loyalty

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! Marketing Your Farm by Myrna Greenfield.

December 28 • 46m 29s

Three Major Horticulture Trends & A Call for Education Programs

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!

December 13 • 51m 9s

Welcome 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 & Michelle

November 29 • 26m 30s

Avoid the ROI Trap

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!

July 18 • 27m 7s

4 Tips for July 4th

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!

July 4 • 12m 10s

Dr. Knuth Talks Horticultural Entrepreneurship & Beneficial Insects

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?

June 20 • 44m 49s

A Soil Scientists Take on Soilless Growing

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.

June 6 • 31m 54s

Taking the Plunge & Going Digital

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!

May 23 • 39m 29s

Things are heating up...

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

May 9 • 49m 40s

More Than Just a Glaze: Bonus

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.

May 2 • 4m 32s

More Than Just a Glaze

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!

April 25 • 40m 1s

Spring has Sprung

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.

April 11 • 28m 25s

BONUS EPISODE: Back2Basics at #Cultivate2023

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.

April 4 • 19m 28s

Regenerative Agriculture Biotech Company Tackles Crop Loss

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.

March 28 • 40m 17s

Eradicating Invasive Species with Goats of Dover

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!

March 14 • 37m 4s

It'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.

February 28 • 34m 15s

Respect for the home gardener

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.

February 14 • 47m 34s

Fashion Trends & Agriculture

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.

January 24 • 35m 30s

Let’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 what to expect for next year.

January 10 • 40m 47s

Is 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.

January 3 • 34m 58s

Baby, It's Cold Outside - Don't Lose the Heat!

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.

December 20 • 41m 19s

How to Manage Greenhouse Heating Costs This Winter

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.

December 6 • 24m 23s

Donating 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 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.

November 24 • 18m 11s

Inflation 101 from Professor Klieger

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.

November 9 • 26m 44s

Mega-Grocery Merger Impacts Local Farmers

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.

November 2 • 8m

Willy Wonka's Landscapes

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.

October 19 • 39m 57s

On-Farm Risk Mitigation Strategies

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.

October 5 • 31m 48s

5 Steps to Leverage Input Purchases in Your Business

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.

September 21 • 55m 7s

Redefining Food Security

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.

September 14 • 3m 40s

The Power of Collaborative Farmer-to-Farmer Peer Networks

This week we take a look into what it means to develop a comprehensive curriculum for new farmers on a small and medium scale with guest expert, Dr. Marcus Coleman. He is currently serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Tulane University and previously served as Program Director for Grow Louisiana Beginning Farmer Training Program at LSU AgCenter. Dr. Coleman explains the importance of diversification and some of the common barriers that small- and medium-sized growers face in the beginning, specifically in New Orleans and Louisiana as a whole. However, he is bringing an innovative shift to farmer training by incorporating marketing and leadership development. We learn a lot in this conversation about tools to help farmers take the lead, examples of farmers scaling up and one positive outcome of the pandemic.

September 7 • 45m 32s

Flowers 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.

August 31 • 2m 28s

What 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 the idea that farmers and other producers are in the business of producing food for profit. But what if our system being based on profit means it is harder for people to eat fresh healthy foods? Can we improve freshness and availability in our food system without it pricing consumers out? Michelle and Peter try to figure it out in this episode where we review everything we've learned so far about the food system this year.

August 24 • 37m 16s

Topless Greenhouses: Innovation Required to Feed America

Guest expert, Alice Hill, shares her perspective on how small, agricultural production can feed rural America's small towns. Earlier in her career, she grew wheat and raised cattle in Kansas. Then, she switched to organic wheat. Now, instead of selling to large, unknown markets, she produces food for her small, agricultural, Kansas community. She spends two days a week running a grocery store where people can meet, mingle, and purchase her products. And demand is growing as people come from nearby towns. Alice is convinced that rural America can start feeding itself again and she is excited to share everything she has learned. She even invented the topless greenhouse to extend the Plain States growing season. Check out her book for all the details.

August 10 • 32m 44s

Finding a Way to Stand Out

This 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 alike. As Dr. Konjoian likes to say, a plant is a plant is a plant. Sometimes we need a different angle to understand the hard lessons and Dr. Currey provides it.

July 27 • 44m 27s

Everything Fertilizer: Inflation, Disruptions, & Sustainability

Dr. Cari Peters, Master Crafter of Jack's Formulas at J.R. Peters, joins The Grower & The Economist to share her journey, her focus on quality assurance, and where fertilizer innovation is heading. Listeners will appreciate her dedication to managing supply chain distributions while still ensuring high quality products to customers. Her advice on rising input costs and how to manage them without sacrificing profitability. And the new products to expect based on current fertilizer sustainability research.

July 13 • 40m 21s

The Top Metric to Evaluate Your Lighting

Guest 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 growers. These are simple for growers to adopt, but take hours of agronomic, lighting, and engineering expertise to create. Here's your chance to peak behind the curtain. Here's the link to Cornell's Hydroponic Lettuce Handbook

June 29 • 33m 20s

Diverse, Integrated Family Farms are Positioned for Success

Guest expert, Jeff Hake joins The Grower and The Economist to share his experience working in a multi-generational, multi-business, family farming and food production business. Funks Grove Heritage Fruits & Grains is a specialty fruits and grains farm on historic Route 66 in central Illinois, using organic practices. Funks Grove Pure Maple Syrup sells their own maple syrup along with pancake mixes from the farm, all made in their commercial kitchen. These family businesses are vertically and horizontal integrated and highlight how diversification and product exploration can continue to help the businesses evolve and grow. Jeff reports that even with increasing prices and input shortages the Funk family enterprises are well positioned to manage the current challenges, invest in the community, and support local food access. Don't miss the blog post referenced in the podcast. One thousand small chains

June 15 • 37m 18s

Shortages: Worse than Inflation

This is the second part of a two-part series on the end of Just-in-Time production. Businesses are used to operating lean, with little inventory. They could purchase the inputs they needed on short notice. After months of higher prices and supply chain disruptions businesses are not only facing higher prices but also lack of availability of critical inputs. In Part 1, we explain what's going on and why. In Part 2, we offer small and medium-sized growers solutions and opportunities that help their businesses thrive.

June 1 • 26m 30s

Just in Time is Out of Time

"The pandemic might be winding down, but the disruptions are here to stay." To be successful in business many companies are lean. They don't hold excess inventory or supplies. This has worked for decades. For example, if the plastic on the greenhouse rips the grower goes to the hardware store and replaces it easily. Today, almost every industry is facing supply chains disruptions. And a replacement that used to be easy to secure is not quite challenging. Inventory is out-of-stock and shipments are delayed. It could take days, weeks, or even months to get the inputs needed to run the business. That means, the grower needs to have the plastic on-hand or face much steeper consequences. We finish with some places where small businesses can use this change to their advantage.

May 18 • 30m 8s

Chevy vs. Ferrari of Greenhouses

This 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.

May 4 • 42m 32s

Eat Your Ramps

The 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 consider being a vegetable farmer that sells to independent restaurants. It left us with hope for local production and local value chains.

April 20 • 33m 39s

Practical Advice from Dr. Gloom & The Grim Reaper

Peter 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. The pandemic forced growers to pivot quickly. Now, after two years of good returns, these continued disruptions are forcing major changes in the industry. Who would have thought the most valuable person on the farm or in the greenhouse was the sourcing specialist? Contact Thomas Ford: tgf2@psu.edu

April 6 • 37m 19s

BONUS: The Many Benefits of Permaculture

We 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!

March 30 • 8m 19s

Dynamic Accumulators: Turning Farm Waste into Farm Food

Peter 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 Ben share their experience getting a SARE grant, the research they have conducted, and their next steps. Full Report Here

March 23 • 31m 47s

Eat Less of the Cow and More of What the Cow Eats

Decades 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 alfalfa production in the American Southwest and the opportunity for animal agriculture to drive new CEA innovation that would help all growers.

March 9 • 34m 9s

Ecological to Economical

This 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 to try new things when they understand the research and development trials. Trials help farmers test new things and find combinations that reduce inputs and/or improve the plants nutrient efficiency. Early in this conversation, it is clear that it is the first of many that the three of us will have.

February 22 • 37m 56s

Growing Urban Ag: Part 2

Today, 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. If you would like to see more great content from Zachary, check out his Urban Ag Connect Vlog Series which he curates on the state Local Food System and Small Farm YouTube channel.

February 9 • 24m 36s

From Abandoned Lots to Roof Tops: Urban Ag Moves In

Guest 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 Produce (a 2-acre diversified vegetable farm), non-profit urban farms that provide training for workers and process to underserved communities, and well-funded controlled environment agriculture.

January 28 • 35m 58s

Best of 2021

Have 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!

January 5 • 35m 50s

Understandable Business Fundamentals Every Grower Needs

This 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 their website for anyone to read and learn from. Chris is an excellent resource for growers and business owners throughout the region and maybe even outside of it. To join the Farm Credit East newsletter email Chris (Chris.Laughton@farmcrediteast.com).

December 22 • 30m 24s

Own a Family Business? Tips to Survive the Holidays

This 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 setting. Dr. Marshall shares advice and tips for avoiding these dark places and provides thought-provoking questions for families to start asking themselves. Find more of Dr. Marshall's tools and services: Director, North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD.org) Director, Purdue Institute for Family Business (purdue.ag/fambiz) Editor, Choices Magazine (AAEA)

December 8 • 36m 55s

Donating 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.

November 24 • 13m 50s

Can 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?

November 10 • 36m 43s

Big, 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.

October 27 • 35m 27s

From Starch Content to Disease Resistance, Plant Breeding Offers Solutions

Andrew 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 a crash course in grafted plants.

October 14 • 40m 34s

Keep It Simple Stupid

This 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.

September 29 • 36m 52s

Growing 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.

September 15 • 34m 19s

Trustworthy Resources Every Grower Needs

Michelle 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.

September 1 • 34m 17s

Are 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.

August 18 • 34m 41s

It'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 nearly enough!

August 4 • 44m 56s

Is 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 University.

July 21 • 23m 30s

Regenerative Farm Financing Takes Off

This 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.

July 7 • 37m 23s

3 COVID Trends Sticking Around

Guest 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.

June 23 • 44m 48s

Additional Opportunities to Automate on Every Size Farm

After 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.

June 9 • 38m 49s

The Local Premium

This 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 to communicate these features and changes to their customers. And how these growers evolved during the pandemic to take advantage of shifting conditions and consumer preferences.

April 14 • 44m 52s

Farmers Markets Reinvisioned

Peter 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 be profitable. It's a long episode, but a good one!

March 31 • 51m 22s

Defining and Achieving Success

Growing 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 he has the right rotation of crops around his garden that maximizes output, soil health, and still meets the demands of his hungry family!

March 17 • 31m 44s

Being Better Than Last Year

The 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.

March 4 • 23m 41s

Crop 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.

February 17 • 25m 59s