The Grower & The Economist

Dec 18 2024 119 ep. 34 mins 1k
The Grower & The Economist Podcast artwork

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

  Business
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Dec 18 2024 48 mins  
Maximilian Knight, CEO of Rooted Robotics, shares his journey from a high school interest in hydroponics to founding a company focused on affordable automation for small and medium-sized farms. Realizing the high costs of automation in the industry, he pivoted to creating cost-effective robotic systems, especially for microgreens farmers, to tackle common challenges like seed plant

Have You Checked In With Your Neighbor?

Dec 04 2024 56 mins  
There is such much out of a farmer’s control and it makes the job so stressful. There are conversations happening now about farmer mental health. The most basic way for you to help someone in crisis is to check in with your neighbor and see how they’re doing. Hear from Successful Farming Lisa Foust-Prater about her conversations around farmer mental health. Learn more at: http

Do You Have A Virtual CFO?

Nov 13 2024 40 mins  
Michelle Klieger and Dr. Peter Konjoian talk to Guillermo Rodriguez, who operates a virtual CFO business for the cannabis industry. This episode talks about when and how small businesses can leverage fractional expertise. While small and medium sized growers may not need GAP audited financial statements, they may need guidance on loans, business structure and more. Guillermo's comp

Local Food to Local Plate

Oct 30 2024 56 mins  
Michelle Klieger and Dr. Peter Konjoian are back from their summer break. They sit down with the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food (CAFF) Director, Heather Friedrich and University of Arkansas Professor, Dr. Michael Popp to discuss their work in the local food movement. The combination of university research and CAFF's hands on experience makes this a unique discussion examining w

Is Bigger Really Better?

Jul 31 2024 34 mins  
Small and medium sized growers are routinely told that they have to get bigger to get more efficient. But what if we remove the assumption that you have to get big? This episode delves into several calculations, including the heat requirement calculation, and how it impacts the growers who want to stay small. While much is instinctively known by growers, the science behind it can b

Tell Your Story! Marketing for Small Businesses

Jul 10 2024 43 mins  
Marketing is a critical part of business but when do you take that leap and hire someone outside your small employee circle? Pen and Petal President Kerstin Poehlmann sat down with Michelle Klieger and Dr. Peter Konjoian to discuss her business and when it's take to take that step. Listen to this episode for her insights and what to look for in your next PR firm.

The Buyer's Perspective: Hanover Co-Op

Jun 05 2024 41 mins  
Dr. Peter Konjoian and Michelle Klieger are joined by Rebecca White, Public & Government Affairs Associate at the Hanover Co-op Food Stores & Auto Service Centers of NH & VT. Hanover Co-Op has a local purchasing goal, and they purchase from small and large farms, alike. Learn how they make decisions and how they work with farmers to get their products on their shelves.

U.S. Vegetable Sales Jump 82 Percent?!

May 22 2024 34 mins  
Michelle Klieger and Dr. Peter Konjoian dive into the newly released USDA ERS Vegetable and Pulse Outlook report and examine trends. These trends are something small growers should consider when investigating new and upcoming and coming crops to grow. How can they do that? Learn during this podcast!

In the Year 2525...

May 08 2024 33 mins  
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!

More Greenhouse Grower Podcasts!

Apr 24 2024 37 mins  
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 improv