Podcasts about growers

This week host @Jackgreenstalk (aka @Jack_Greenstalk on X/instagram backup account) [or contact via email: JackGreenstalk47@gmail.com] is joined by panel with @spartangrown on instagram or X f.k.a. Twitter at https://x.com/grown43626 or email spartangrown@gmail.com for contacting spartan outside social media, any alternate profiles on other social medias using spartan's name, and photos are not actually spartan grown be aware, @TheAmericanOne on youtube aka @theamericanone_with_achenes on instagram who's amy aces can be found at amyaces.com , and Rust Brandon of @fulcrop.sciences / fulcrop.ceo regained Rust.Brandon instagram page, and products can be found at bokashiearthworks.com, This week we missed @NoahtheeGrowa on instagram , Matthew Gates aka @SynchAngel on instagram and twitter @Zenthanol on youtube who offers IPM direct chat for $1 a month on patreon.com/zenthanol , @drmjcoco from cocoforcannabis.com as well as youtube where he tests and reviews grow lights and has grow tutorials and @drmjcoco on instagram, and and @ATG Acres Aaron The Grower aka @atgacres his products can be found at atgacres.com and now has product commercially available in select locations in OK, view his instagram to find out details about drops!

On today's episode, we get one final regional update for the year. Join Sarah, Justin, Rob and Anna Sara to hear what's happening in the fields around the state. Rob shares information about calculating growing degree days and the importance of using that information to make decisions in spraying/managing crops. Justin tries to stump the agents with a (somewhat seasonal) trivia question, and everyone has a little debate over Christmas décor. Thanks for tuning in for the 2025 season, and we sure hope you'll join us again next year!

The best way to keep your bill down in Hampton Roads? Buy local. 

California winegrape growers have removed nearly 40,000 acres of vineyards, roughly 7% of the state's winegrape acreage, and the Trump administration proposes sweeping changes to the Endangered Species Act, setting up a fight with conservation groups.

My Patreon!! :) https://www.patreon.com/ShaneDawson (as alway, no pressure!!) MINT MOBILE  Make the switch today! https://mintmobile.com/grower DRAFT KINGS CASINO! Download the app, use code GROWER,  New players get FIVE HUNDRED SPINS over TEN DAYS on your choice of Cash Eruption slots when you wager five dollars. SEAT GEEK Use my code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/GROWER2025 Sponsored by SeatGeek. Max $20 discount Sponsor The Shane Dawson Podcast: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/the-shane-dawson-podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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This is the second special podcast with an arboriculture focus produced as part of ArbWeek, HortWeek's deep dive into all things arb held from 24 - 30 November.Listen to Jeremy Barrell on how 'Failing clients deserve failing trees', plus tree growing, procurement, planting and establishmentThis week's guests bring their distinct perspectives on the arb sector - but also bring a holistic perspective having worked together for many years on fascinating and crucial research projects.Kevin Martin, head of tree collections at RBG Kew and Adam Dunnett, production and amenity director for Hillier Nurseries are thought leaders in their fields and bring fascinating insights and forthright opinions to their discussion with Rachael Forsyth.They discuss tree planting and establishment, ground breaking research with "remarkable" results that is transforming tree selection and understanding of how to grow and in particular, water, trees.Skip to...00:00:49 How Kevin and Adam began their careers in horticulture00:05:45 Kevin Martin on his research into resiliant trees sourced from around the world00:09:53 Trees we should be planting to weather the future00:14:40 Hillier's 'Streetwise' range of trees for urban environments00:17.39 Peat-free growing and trees00:20:48 Groundbreaking research into irrigation for trees at Hillier00:30:13 The importance of grants, continuity in Government support and business certainty00:40:39 Adam Dunnett on seeing changes in the school curriculum making a difference to hort00:50:40 The latest on Resistor elms00:52:43 Kevin and Adam's 'dream' pieces of research topicsOn the topic of encouraging young people into horticulture, Adam Dunnett relates a "chink of light" following a visit to a secondary school where as part of their work on the "2050 project" they are looking at what trees will be thriving in 25 year's time. "That's just one school, but actually that could be really quite transformational if that's happening in other schools!"Kevin says: "Horticulture and growing plants is an applied science, and it's one fo the most important applied sciences we do and it's so overlooked...it's always been seen as suitable for someone who's not academic, and that's not the case."We need some of the brightest people to solve some of the biggest questions...we need to work on that narrative."In this episode the Victorians get a couple of name-checks and we also get some top tips on which tree to go to to get unbeatable conkers.Podcast presenter: Rachael ForsythPodcast producer: Christina Taylor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here in the Northwest, we produce nearly 88% of all U.S. fresh pears, but on the canned side, the August closure of the Del Monte canary left many growers holding the bag ... until the USDA stepped in.

This week host @Jackgreenstalk (aka @Jack_Greenstalk on X/instagram backup account) [or contact via email: JackGreenstalk47@gmail.com] is joined by panel with @spartangrown on instagram or X f.k.a. Twitter at https://x.com/grown43626 or email spartangrown@gmail.com for contacting spartan outside social media, any alternate profiles on other social medias using spartan's name, and photos are not actually spartan grown be aware, @NoahtheeGrowa on instagram , and Rust Brandon of @fulcrop.sciences / fulcrop.ceo who's products can be found at bokashiearthworks.com, This week we missed @TheAmericanOne on youtube aka @theamericanone_with_achenes on instagram who's amy aces can be found at amyaces.com , Matthew Gates aka @SynchAngel on instagram and twitter @Zenthanol on youtube who offers IPM direct chat for $1 a month on patreon.com/zenthanol , @drmjcoco from cocoforcannabis.com as well as youtube where he tests and reviews grow lights and has grow tutorials and @drmjcoco on instagram, and and @ATG Acres Aaron The Grower aka @atgacres his products can be found at atgacres.com and now has product commercially available in select locations in OK, view his instagram to find out details about drops!

Grower's Edge CEO Matt Hansen shares how his company has pivoted and changed in the ag fintech space to help ag retailers and manufacturers grow and improve their marketing, product placement and revenue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northwest cherry growers can now look back on the largest harvest in six years, but it might not be enough to really celebrate.

California cling peach growers face an uncertain future after long-term contracts worth more than a half-billion dollars were voided by Del Monte Foods, and in a move aimed at easing frustration among producers, the USDA reopens approximately 2,100 Farm Service Agency county offices.

In this episode of our Character Deep Dive series Milk, Emma, and their special Guest Ruth from Rose City Clocktower take a walk in the gardens as they discuss the Poppy Grower. Join our community on Discord! https://discord.gg/grimscenarios Check out the Grim Scenarios Twitch Channel! https://twitch.tv/grimscenarios Check out our socials by clicking below! https://linktr.ee/grimscenarios

Chloe Whiteside, ICL's technical area sales manager covering Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire – has spoken on the HortWeek podcast about the highs and lows of the 2025 spring bedding season and what the strong start and weaker finish mean for the 2026 bedding plant season.She talks about what bedding growers should be doing in the lead-up to the spring season and gives advice about watering, nutrition and storage regimes for peat-reduced and peat-free growing media.On nutrition, she talks about using controlled release fertiliser and water solubles, as well as which biocontrol, biopesticide and biostimulant products are at the grower's disposal and, as a BASIS qualified adviser, what she recommends.Before joining ICL, Whiteside spent 10 years in horticultural research at ADAS, delivering research projects on a wide range of ornamental and edible crops. She managed the AHDB funded Bedding and Pot Plant Centre trials, as well as the AHDB, Defra and industry-funded project on Transition to Responsibly Sourced Growing Media Use in UK Horticulture. The project ran for five years and covered all sectors of horticulture, from bedding propagation right through to container grown trees and soft fruit production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tyler tags off of a previous episode on maintenance plans for customers and ties it into a conversation around Grower Serveys. Alex Koehn, General Manager of Dynamic Ag Services, LLC, joins Tyler in studio to discuss what he has done for grower serveys and what he has done to implement changes based off of the serveys.

A rejected set of long-term contracts has growers bracing for major losses and hoping the December 4 cannery auction brings relief.

Don, Kari, Shan, and Greg unpack the season's rollercoaster: a soggy May that drove scab, rust, and bitter rot risk, followed by a dry, color‑rich harvest window. We lay out infection windows, what worked for Honeycrisp, why alternate row coverage backfired, and how to prep smarter for next season.Photo Credit: Lindsay Brown, Penn StateMusic Credit: “The Raven and the Swan” by Josh Woodward is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License. Courtesy of FreeMusicArchive.orgMake sure you sign up to get notified of future Extension events for tree fruit growers! Sign UpFlight Seasonalities of Main Fruit Pests During the Growing Season

The November 19 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered one of the most insightful tech-focused interviews of the season as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Steven Pistoresi, General Manager of On-Farm Solutions for Semios. What followed was a deep dive into pest control, water management, automation, and how Semios' suite of products is helping growers tackle today's toughest challenges while preparing for tomorrow. Pistoresi, a familiar name to Valley sports fans from his standout baseball days at San Joaquin Memorial and Cal Berkeley, has taken his competitive drive straight into ag innovation. He told listeners that Semios' mission is simple: make farming more predictable, more profitable, and more sustainable using real-time data and smart automation. Semios, which manages over 100 million acres globally across its family of brands, is best known on the West Coast for its mating disruption technology—a pheromone-based system that prevents pests like navel orangeworm, vine mealybug, California red scale, and codling moth from reproducing. “It's exactly what it sounds like,” Pistoresi said with a laugh. “We make it very hard for the pests to find each other. It's sustainable, effective, and it reduces chemical reliance.” Each orchard or vineyard receives one emitter per acre, installed and serviced by Semios' own field team. “Growers don't have to do a thing,” Pistoresi said. “We handle installation, mapping, monitoring, and maintenance. It gives growers peace of mind and removes labor headaches.” Beyond pest control, Semios is now a full-stack on-farm technology company through partnerships with brands like WiseConn, Agworld, Alltrack, and Greenbook. Weather stations, soil moisture probes, irrigation automation, frost control tools, and pest monitoring all feed into the Semios platform, giving growers a complete real-time view of their fields. “You can sit in your truck and run your entire irrigation system from your phone,” Pistoresi said. “We're giving growers the ability to use water more efficiently, reduce labor, and make decisions based on live data instead of guesswork.” Nick and Josh noted how dramatically farming has changed since Pistoresi's grandfather grew mushrooms in the Valley. “You can't farm like grandpa did,” Pistoresi agreed. “There's too much at stake now—water shortages, labor costs, environmental rules. Today's farmer has to be smarter, faster, and more innovative.” What makes Semios stand out, he said, is its people. “Our field team takes pride in their work. Everything we install—every emitter, every sensor—affects a real family farm. We know that.” He encouraged growers curious about cutting costs, improving sustainability, or upgrading their technology to reach out. “We love talking to growers. Even if you're not sure what you need, we'll help you figure it out,” he said. The interview wrapped with Papagni praising the Semios team. “Every time we see them at shows, everyone is smiling. That tells you everything you need to know.” Pistoresi laughed, saying, “We just love what we do. Agriculture is who we are. Helping growers succeed is the whole point.”

For more than 50 years, the Environmental Species Act has regulated the way that farmers can use certain crop tools, like pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. But American farmers are experiencing the most significant change in ESA policy yet, as the judicial system compels the Environmental Protection Agency to adapt its policies and comply more precisely with the law as it's written. So in this episode, we're learning about how NCGA remains active in the public input process for this policy change, ensuring that growers do not lose access to the tools that help them feed and fuel the world. We'll speak with Dr. Becky Langer, NCGA's Director of Inputs and Innovation, about how the process is playing out, how NCGA has partnered with the EPA, and what the impact will be when it's all said and done.

Episode 157 – Dallas Growers ClubThis week, JP sits down with Joe from Dallas Growers Club — and no, it ain't Texas… he reps Dallas, Oregon, and he's carving out his lane one fire cut at a time.Joe's path is anything but typical. He grew up between the Bay Area and Taipei, Taiwan, giving him a global perspective most growers never get. He speaks fluent Mandarin and learned early business game watching his pops run a women's shoe company — lessons in hustle, people, and discipline that still shape him today.After playing college football, life took a turn that led him straight into the world of cultivation. Through a girlfriend, he met the grower who became his first real mentor, the person who opened the door to everything Joe's doing now. From there, he hit the road:California → New York → Oregon, soaking up game, building skills, and learning what real cultivation takes in different parts of the country.Joe's holding it down in Oregon, always hunting for the next new hitter and staying active at every cannabis event he can pull up to. He moves with love for the plant, shares game with the people, and keeps the fire in rotation. Keep an eye out for him — because when Joe shows up, he's got a jar of something funky that you're definitely gonna want to try.⸻

The November 18 edition of the AgNet News Hour offered a fascinating look into the future of California agriculture as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill interviewed Taylor Wetli, U.S. Commercial Manager for Solinftec, the global ag-tech company behind the SOLIX autonomous sprayer. The discussion highlighted how robotics, AI, and solar power are transforming fieldwork and offering growers new tools to save money, time, and labor.   Wetli explained that the SOLIX platform is an autonomous scouting and spraying robot that uses solar energy and AI to identify and target weeds in real time. “It's like a Roomba for the field,” he said. “It navigates on its own, monitors crop health, and applies herbicide only where weeds exist — saving farmers up to 90 percent on chemical use.”   The unit's design is entirely self-sustaining. “It's powered by solar panels and a lithium-ion battery,” Wetli said. “Even after 14 hours in the field, the battery still runs above 80 percent. The system is efficient, continuous, and fully autonomous.”   Papagni noted that California farmers are constantly battling rising costs and labor shortages, and technology like this could be a game changer. Wetli agreed, explaining that the technology is built to optimize input use and reduce dependence on manual labor. “Labor is one of the biggest challenges in agriculture,” he said. “This doesn't replace people — it helps them work smarter. Growers can focus on higher-level decisions instead of spending time on repetitive field tasks.”   The SOLIX system also collects valuable agronomic data, measuring crop height, stand count, and row spacing, while continuously scanning for weeds and disease. “It's like having an agronomist in the field 24/7,” Wetli said. “The robot never stops learning and helping farmers make better decisions.”   Papagni pointed out the irony that while he's not a fan of solar panels taking up farmland, he supports this form of solar use. “You've got the solar on top of the unit, not in the field,” he said. “That's the kind of innovation I can get behind.”   Wetli, who grew up on a corn and soybean farm near Purdue University, said he's seen firsthand how technology is transforming traditional farming. “I've been with Solinftec for six years,” he said. “When we started, the robot looked like a ping-pong table rolling across the field. Now it's a 40-foot-wide, fully autonomous sprayer that can scout and spray crops all day long. The evolution has been incredible.”   Although Solinftec's current focus has been the Midwest and Southeast, Wetli confirmed that California is next. “We met a lot of growers at FIRA USA this year,” he said. “There's major interest in bringing the SOLIX platform to specialty crops — from vegetables to tree nuts — and we're looking forward to expanding into the West.”   Papagni and McGill both praised Wetli's vision, saying automation represents the bridge between “today's farming and tomorrow's.” Papagni added, “We talk about making ag tech attractive to the next generation — this is how we do it. We bring in tech-savvy young people and show them agriculture can be high-tech and high-impact.” Wetli closed by encouraging California farmers to learn more. “Our goal is to help growers cut costs, improve productivity, and make smarter, data-driven decisions,” he said. “We're here to make farming easier and more sustainable.” Papagni ended the show with his trademark enthusiasm. “This is the future of farming,” he said. “Automation doesn't replace the farmer — it empowers them.”

This week host @Jackgreenstalk (aka @Jack_Greenstalk on X/instagram backup account) [or contact via email: JackGreenstalk47@gmail.com] is joined by panel with @spartangrown on instagram or X f.k.a. Twitter at https://x.com/grown43626 or email spartangrown@gmail.com for contacting spartan outside social media, any alternate profiles on other social medias using spartan's name, and photos are not actually spartan grown be aware, and @TheAmericanOne on youtube aka @theamericanone_with_achenes on instagram who's amy aces can be found at amyaces.com , This week we missed @NoahtheeGrowa on instagram , Rust Brandon of @fulcrop.sciences / fulcrop.ceo who's products can be found at bokashiearthworks.com, Matthew Gates aka @SynchAngel on instagram and twitter @Zenthanol on youtube who offers IPM direct chat for $1 a month on patreon.com/zenthanol , @drmjcoco from cocoforcannabis.com as well as youtube where he tests and reviews grow lights and has grow tutorials and @drmjcoco on instagram, and and @ATG Acres Aaron The Grower aka @atgacres his products can be found at atgacres.com and now has product commercially available in select locations in OK, view his instagram to find out details about drops!

On today's episode, we are joined by Jhessye Moore-Thomas from the (formerly) Climate Smart Program. She brings us our November “Grower Spotlight” which is Saxmore Farms in Dorchester County. Hear about the Smith Family, who have been farming in the area since the 50's. They grow many crops and use sustainable practices on their 15-acre operation. In addition to growing crops, they are pillars of their community, helping to educate other growers and even helping to establish the Dorchester Farmer's Market as an outlet for other farmers to sell produce. Anna Sara then joins in to share with us a little bit of Thanksgiving history. She tells us about the history and lore of the “Three Sisters Planting”. Learn what the planting method is and a little about how different indigenous tribes tell the story of the origin. We hope you enjoy!

Ag employers took a big sigh of relief last month after the Department of Labor revised the methodology for determining the H-2A program's Adverse Effect Wage Rate.

Join us for a special Montreal edition of the 11 Wins Podcast as we hit the road, dive into the world of premium craft cannabis, and sit down with the team behind one of the most consistent and beloved strains in the game — 514's Perfect Amnesia Haze.This episode features an in-depth conversation with the key minds responsible for bringing this legendary strain to life:Patrick Page — Head of Cultivation at Great White North Growers & 514 Cannabis, the new-school grower with a razor-sharp passion for quality and consistency;Paget — the analytical strategist pushing brand innovation and culture;and George Goulakos — Executive Cultivator at Great White North Growers & 514 Cannabis, whose mastery of genetics, phenotype selection, and long-term vision helps shape 514's signature craft identity.Thanks for watching our podcast. We invite guests from all walks of life to explore our existence and celebrate humanity! Please share, like and subscribe! Follow us on Instagram: 11 Wins Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/11winspodcast/Winny Clarke: https://www.instagram.com/winnyclarkeEllevan: https://www.instagram.com/ellevanmusicSign up for Winny's Mailing List here: http://eepurl.com/gCIZg1Get Ellevan's book: STFU: Thoughts and Feelings shorturl.at/pIS08 Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1XDoMv08pT9EfyBaCXNnaj?si=7a557f0e0bf14d4d Follow and Listen to Ellevan on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0G1sZ8clT2oSvzQ3IL2ZRd?si=vJVw9FLyS6GtF453Ny21kQ

Tim and Tyler talk about Tyler's experience at the Western Growers Annual Meeting this week and recap the "Shark Tank" event from the show. — This episode is presented by Corteva R&D.  — Links Western Growers - https://www.wga.com TRIC Robotics - https://www.tricrobotics.com  Drift Sense - https://drift-sense.com  Lumo - https://lumo.ag 

On this episode of the No-Till Farmer podcast, brought to you by Yetter Farm Equipment, technology editor Noah Newman sits down with young farmers James Hepp and Joel Reddick for a discussion about their strip-till and no-till systems, and the challenges they face as young farmers.

The November 14 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured Ian LeMay, President of the California Table Grape Commission, in a wide-ranging discussion with hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill about California's thriving table grape season, global trade challenges, and the pride of representing one of the state's most iconic crops. LeMay described this year as “a fair season” overall, with high-quality fruit, steady demand, and continued harvest stretching through Thanksgiving. “We had a really moderate spring and summer that allowed the fruit to mature beautifully on the vine,” he said. “Growers have done everything possible to deliver a high-quality crop, and we still have promotable volume through December.” The conversation highlighted how California growers continue to lead the world in both innovation and consistency. “We're growing more than 80 varieties of table grapes now,” LeMay said. “Since 1982, the Commission has partnered with the USDA to bring new, longer-lasting, better-tasting varieties to market.” He praised the role of technology and automation, noting that the industry is evolving quickly. “From robotics to new breeding programs, agriculture is attracting computer scientists and engineers — not just agronomists,” he said. LeMay's enthusiasm for his work was evident. “It's a huge point of pride to represent this industry,” he said. “California table grapes are grown by families who've been doing this for generations with integrity and care. When I walk into a meeting overseas, I know I'm representing the best fruit in the world.” While California's domestic market remains strong — with more than 70% of grapes staying in the U.S. — LeMay continues to travel globally, promoting the state's fruit in over 20 countries. “There's real confidence in California table grapes,” he said. “Buyers know what they're getting — quality, safety, and consistency.” The discussion also turned to tariffs and regulation. LeMay said the current U.S. tariff policies have not yet significantly impacted table grapes but emphasized that global trade remains unpredictable. He also addressed the challenges of farming in California's heavily regulated environment. “Yes, the costs are higher — from labor to pesticide regulation — but that's also our badge of honor,” he said. “When buyers purchase California grapes, they can have full confidence that they're getting the highest standards in the world.” Both Papagni and McGill praised LeMay for his leadership and passion. “Ian's the kind of representative California agriculture needs,” Papagni said. “He's professional, positive, and never afraid to tell it like it is.” McGill added, “California consumers vote for higher standards — now it's time to support that by buying California-grown.” As the holidays approach, LeMay encouraged listeners to keep California grapes on their tables. “They're still in stores, they're sweet, and they're healthy,” he said. “If you don't have California grapes at Thanksgiving or Christmas, you're missing out.”

This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Ross the Produce Boss and Dan the Produce Man dig into some seasonal gems—fresh Florida citrus, Honey Nut squash, and a few more late-fall goodies hitting produce departments right now. Then the duo welcomes Dustin Robison from Harvest Central, a sweet potato grower out of Livingston, California. Dustin breaks down sweet potatoes the way only a farmer can: organic, conventional, flavor differences, storage and cooking tips, plus a few Thanksgiving prep hacks to make those holiday dishes really pop. It's all happening right here on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media.

Scott German ND Soybean Growers - Farm Update

In the race to decarbonize agriculture, the spotlight often falls on carbon sequestration, genetics, and alternative proteins. But have we overlooked something that's right in front of us? Electricity.Mike Casey is a self-described “tech bro turned farmer” from Cromwell, New Zealand. Mike runs what's believed to be the world's first fully electric farm, made up of 21 electric machines, from irrigation systems and frost-fighting fans, to electric tractors and forklifts. His business is aptly named Electric Cherries, where power is generated from renewable sources on-farm. Mike says this has enabled him to save tens of thousands on energy costs every year, while also developing a business model for farming that's both profitable and low-carbon.Sarah and Mike discuss:How an old diesel pump kicked off Mike's electrification crusadeThe economics of going electric on a farm (and is it only possible in New Zealand or on a cherry farm?)What electric machinery changes (and doesn't) about running a farm business Why farmers stand to benefit from the shift away from centralized, fossil fuel power generation to decentralized renewable energyMike is also the CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, a movement helping Kiwis switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy. His mission is simple: make electric technology an economic no-brainer for every farmer and household.Useful Links:On-Farm Electrification isn't an equipment change, it's a systems change, Agtech So… What?Electric Cherries,  Evoke Ag presentation by Mike CaseyElectric Farms Report, Rewiring AotearoaThe future of (decentralized) fertilizer, with Jupiter Ionics (Tenacious portfolio company)For more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.

Honey bees may not be top of mind when it comes to canola production, but they can play a subtle yet valuable role in crop development and harvest timing. While canola is generally self-pollinating, the addition of bees can help the crop pollinate more uniformly and potentially wrap up earlier, advantages that matter at harvest.... Read More

Washington raspberry growers have to be happy with the size and quality of this year's crop.

As food insecurity grows, Iowa's gardeners are stepping up to help feed those in need — plus, how an improv nonprofit is empowering Iowa's youth to grow confident on and off stage.

Voltiris has developed spectroscopy-based solar panels that filter light for greenhouse crops while generating renewable energy. Unlike traditional opaque panels that cause 60-80% yield reduction in high-tech greenhouses, Voltiris's technology harvests only the light wavelengths unused by photosynthesis. In this episode, we sat down with Nicolas Weber, Co-Founder and CEO of Voltiris, to explore how a former BCG consultant and a PhD spectroscopist are navigating multi-season validation cycles with family-owned greenhouse operations across Northern Europe. Topics Discussed: Why spectroscopy expertise unlocked a solution to greenhouse energy challenges The technical reality: traditional solar creates 60-80% yield loss in high-tech greenhouses Earning credibility with second and third-generation greenhouse operators Time as constrained resource: multi-season validation in agriculture markets System-level thinking required to manage complex greenhouse operations Offline GTM in conservative B2B agriculture: fairs, referrals, and crop advisors Platform strategy: expanding from solar to complete greenhouse energy management GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Time constraints differ fundamentally in hardware: Voltiris faces season-dependent validation cycles where "you can throw as much cash as you want on a tomato, it's going to take one year to demonstrate that it works." Most growers demand 2-3 full growing seasons before adoption. Hardware founders must structure runway, investor expectations, and partnership terms around immovable biological or physical timelines—not software-style iteration speeds. Product-market fit exists before product in infrastructure plays: Voltiris confirmed demand preemptively. Nicolas explains: "If the technological promise holds, there is demand...the growers, they already told us from the beginning we're waiting for solution like this to come." When selling infrastructure that solves existential problems (energy transition, electrification mandates), validate market pull before achieving technical proof. This inverts typical startup sequencing but derisks decades of R&D investment. Treat early customers as co-creation partners, not transactions: Voltiris positions initial deployments as "joint creation" rather than sales. Nicolas's pitch: "This is the future vision. Are you ready to build it with us and do you want to jump into that shit with us?" In markets with 25-30 year product lifecycles and 3-year company track records, transactional selling fails. Structure partnerships with shared risk, transparent data access, and collaborative problem-solving. Master domain expertise at operator level, not executive level: Voltiris's technical co-founders became greenhouse operations experts, not just energy technology experts. Nicolas credits this: "My two co founders are now among the best experts you have in terms of how to run a greenhouse." In complex B2B environments (agriculture, manufacturing, logistics), founders must understand day-to-day operations—not just C-suite pain points—to build credible solutions. Use direct feedback environments to compress learning cycles: Dutch growers provided unfiltered assessment within minutes. Nicolas values this: "If what you're building is not good, you would know directly within five, 10 minutes...they would say, not worth my time, please, the door is here." Seek brutally honest customer segments that accelerate validation, even if acquisition is harder. Fast negative feedback prevents wasted development cycles on wrong assumptions. //   Sponsors:  Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co // Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role.  Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM  

Not that there aren't enough challenges for agriculture these days, exports and trade bring some of the biggest.

Welcome to a special edition of Beats Vines & Life: New Jersey Wine Edition, brought to you by the Garden State Wine Growers Association! On this episode, host MJ Towler gathers wine experts and local trailblazers Hank Zona and Dustin Tarpine for a lively conversation about New Jersey's vibrant wine scene.Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just wine-curious, get ready to discover the fascinating history, dynamic terroirs, and emerging trends shaping the Garden State's wine industry. From hands-on vineyard stories—like starting Cedar Rose Vineyards with literally a chainsaw and a dream—to inside looks at the upcoming New Jersey Wine Expo, the episode explores how local wineries are redefining East Coast wine culture and building genuine connections with their communities.Tune in to hear about unique grape varietals, the spirit of New Jersey winemaking, how food and wine experiences are leveling up across the state, and why NJ might be your next wine destination. You'll also get tips on pairing local wines, stories about life in the vineyards, and reflections on what it takes to build a growing wine region in an unlikely place.Grab a glass, settle in, and join the journey—because in Jersey, it's all about celebrating mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and all you wine drinkers!For more information about the NJ Wine Expo click the link!For more information about New Jersey Wine Month click the link!Follow New Jersey Wine on IG!Follow Cedar Rose Winery on IG!Follow Hank on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give Beats Vines and Life a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show, sign up at blackwineguy.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week host @Jackgreenstalk (aka @Jack_Greenstalk on X/instagram backup account) [or contact via email: JackGreenstalk47@gmail.com] is joined by panel with @spartangrown on instagram or X f.k.a. Twitter at https://x.com/grown43626 or email spartangrown@gmail.com for contacting spartan outside social media, any alternate profiles on other social medias using spartan's name, and photos are not actually spartan grown be aware, and @TheAmericanOne on youtube aka @theamericanone_with_achenes on instagram who's amy aces can be found at amyaces.com , and Rust Brandon of @fulcropsciences / fulcrop.ceo who's products can be found at bokashiearthworks.com and This week we missed @NoahtheeGrowa on instagram , Rust Brandon of @fulcrop.sciences / fulcrop.ceo who's products can be found at bokashiearthworks.com, Matthew Gates aka @SynchAngel on instagram and twitter @Zenthanol on youtube who offers IPM direct chat for $1 a month on patreon.com/zenthanol , @drmjcoco from cocoforcannabis.com as well as youtube where he tests and reviews grow lights and has grow tutorials and @drmjcoco on instagram, and and @ATG Acres Aaron The Grower aka @atgacres his products can be found at atgacres.com and now has product commercially available in select locations in OK, view his instagram to find out details about drops!

My Patreon!! :) https://www.patreon.com/ShaneDawson (as alway, no pressure!!) BABBEL!! Start speaking a new language in 3 weeks with Babbel

In this episode, we dive into the unconventional training methods that growers are swearing by — and put them to the test. From wild workflows to surprising tweaks that can transform a setup overnight, we explore what's backed by real results and what's just hype. Tune in as we break down practical takeaways you can actually apply to your own grow and separate the myths from the methods that truly work.Support the show

It takes a village run by Matriarchs , Vicky and Mausi who I interview here, to create a well integrated , Permaculture Coffee farm with 4 bio digestors fueling kitchens and fertilizing the farm, 2 micro-hydro generators powering their refrigeration, solar thermal hot water for all showers and sinks, micro-dairy heritage breeds for making their own European cheeses, grass fed beef, worm compost, pigs for their own sausages. This 700 employee , 7 generations family farm, on 900 hectares in the mountains of Nicaragua with it's own bio preserve for the peak and upper slopes a large lake with an Eco resort adjacent and 600 acres of Coffee with avocado, macadamia, citrus and cocoa, with it's own clinic, school and internationally known Eco resort and restaurant with homemade chocolate desserts to die for! All made from on site cocoa and vanilla. Sign up today to reserve your space in our Permaculture class in this amazing setting and culinary experience.- Register here-https://www.permaculturenewyork.com/

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is more than a nuisance, it poses a serious risk to vineyards. Brian Walsh, Extension Educator and Spotted Lanternfly Researcher with Penn State Extension, explains how this invasive insect threatens grapes across the eastern U.S. From unusual egg-laying behavior to honeydew-covered canopies that attract stinging insects, Walsh explores why vineyards are especially at risk and how growers can prepare during peak pressure in September. Learn about insecticide options, biocontrol efforts, and scouting strategies—whether SLF is in your area or not.  Resources:   96: Spotted Lanternfly - Threat to California 175: How to Prepare for Invasive Pests in Your Vineyard An Introduction to the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly:Webinar on April 21, 2023   Brian Walsh Research Update of Spotted Lanternfly in Grape: Webinar on March 9, 2022 Spotted Lantern Fly  Spotted Lanternfly Management in Vineyards Spotted Lanternfly Management for Landscape Professionals  Vineyard Team Programs:  Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate Online Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet   Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year – Discount Code PODCAST25 Vineyard Team – Become a Member  

Onida, South Dakota grower, Ryan Olson says the last three weeks the weather has been pretty good. National Sunflower AssociationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest "Your Farm" Podcast: Scott Monroe, Food Safety Educator with Purdue Extension, talks about the "Safe Produce Indiana" training program. You'll hear how they're educating Indiana's fruit and vegetable growers about on-farm food safety to reduce contamination risk and ensure their produce remains safe for all of us. The "Your Farm" Podcast is one of many new podcasts available as Hoosier Ag Today Presents YOUR Purdue Extension—a Podcast Network.

Today's episode is a special one. We're talking with the very knowledgeable and very lovable Farmer Jesse Frost from No-Till Growers and his The Growers Daily Podcast . Some of you may know that The Composter actually started as part of the No-Till Growers family, and I was originally hired by them to host the show. Jesse's going to talk us through how the Composter Podcast came to be, how it's grown, and what he's up to now. And of course, we'll dig into how he's using compost on his farm these days. If you haven't already, definitely check out The Growers Daily Podcast, hosted by Jesse—I love catching it on YouTube for great growing tips.Support Jesse's work (

Ever wish choosing a cover crop was a little easier? Well, farmers across the West now have some help.

We get together with Nella Mae Parks and Maud Powell this week to discuss the challenges of farming in arid environments, and a new network they are forming for growers in those climates! Nella Mae and Maud are from dry parts of Oregon, and they are starting the Western Arid Growers Network (WAGN) to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning for arid growers. A lot of people think “rainy” when they hear “Oregon.” But Nella Mae and Maud share stories from their own farms to illustrate the peculiarities of farming in their climate, which has low rainfall and wide temperature swings from hot days to cold nights.They also tell us about a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grant they are working together on, highlighting the role of the SARE program in supporting sustainable agriculture and the launch of the WAGN. Their SARE project will use on-farm research with moisture monitors to help growers in arid climates evaluate how much water they actually need to use for optimum crop growth. This is particularly important in arid environments where water is limited- if less water could be used without compromising growth, that would make the water that is available go further. Stay tuned for the results of this research project. Connect With Guest:Website: aridgrowers.orgInstagram: @aridgrowernetwork Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support: This episode is brought to you by Tend, the all-in-one, AI-powered farm management platform trusted by modern growers. Tend helps you cut through the busywork, so you can focus on growing and selling what matters. With Tend, you can plan your crops, assign and track tasks, manage inventory, and handle your sales and accounting, all in one smart, easy-to-use platform. Whether you run a 1-acre farm or manage a large operation, Tend adapts to your scale and style, supporting everything from manual labor to fully mechanized workflows. Try it for free at Tend.com, no credit card required. Nifty Hoops builds complete gothic high tunnels that are easy to install and built to last.  Their bolt-together construction makes setup straightforward and efficient, whether it's a small backyard hoophouse, or a dozen large production-scale high tunnels- especially through their community build option, where professional builders work alongside your crew, family, or neighbors to build each structure -- usually in a single day. Visit niftyhoops.com to learn more. Farmhand is the virtual assistant built for farmers—helping CSAs scale sales, run error-free fulfillment, and deliver 5-star service. Whether you're at 100 members or 1,000, Farmhand helps you grow without burning out. You've heard us—and our farmers—right here on the Growing for Market Podcast. Explore more stories and learn more at farmhand.partners/gfm. There are a lot of farm sales platforms out there, but there's only one that's cooperatively owned by farmers. That's GrownBy — your all-in-one solution to simplify farm sales. GrownBy makes online farm sales easy and affordable; setting up your shop is free, and you only pay when you sell. Join over 900 farms who have already signed up for GrownBy, at grownby.com. If you have never attended an ASCFG Conference, there is no better time to invest in yourself! The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers is welcoming Growing for Market readers to register at the ASCFG member rate for the 2026 Conference in Albuquerque on January 13-14. Register at ascfg.org. BCS two-wheel tractors are designed and built in Italy where small-scale farming has been a way of life for generations. Discover the beauty of @bcs_america on your farm with PTO-driven implements for soil-working, shredding cover crops, spreading compost and more – visit bcsamerica.com to find sale pricing and your nearest dealer. Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

This week host @Jackgreenstalk (aka @Jack_Greenstalk on X/instagram backup account) [or contact via email: JackGreenstalk47@gmail.com] is joined by panel with @spartangrown on instagram or X f.k.a. Twitter at https://x.com/grown43626 or email spartangrown@gmail.com for contacting spartan outside social media, any alternate profiles on other social medias using spartan's name, and photos are not actually spartan grown be aware, and @TheAmericanOne on youtube aka @theamericanone_with_achenes on instagram who's amy aces can be found at amyaces.com , and Rust Brandon of @fulcropsciences / fulcrop.ceo who's products can be found at bokashiearthworks.com and This week we missed @NoahtheeGrowa on instagram , Matthew Gates aka @SynchAngel on instagram and twitter @Zenthanol on youtube who offers IPM direct chat for $1 a month on patreon.com/zenthanol , @drmjcoco from cocoforcannabis.com as well as youtube where he tests and reviews grow lights and has grow tutorials and @drmjcoco on instagram, and and @ATG Acres Aaron The Grower aka @atgacres his products can be found at atgacres.com and now has product commercially available in select locations in OK, view his instagram to find out details about drops!

Pumpkin growers have had a nightmare year. The crop needs plenty of water and the hot summer made them ripen too early for Halloween. Cost of living pressures have also affected some farms running visitor attractions like Pumpkin patches.Drought could continue into 2026 for some parts of England. The National Drought Group met yesterday and warned that England would need 100% of its average rainfall to ease the situation, but only 2 months so far this year had seen that much rain.After 2 legal challenges the Government has published a new version of its Carbon Budget, which lays out how climate targets will be met towards the eventual goal of net zero in 2050. Green energy is the Government's headline, but what's in the plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from farming?We visit North Harris to find out what it takes to keep an island free of invasive species.Presenter: Charlotte Smith Producer: Sarah Swadling

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