Sunday's Experience
September 9, 2007
Hands-on Learning
Learn by doing, not just viewing. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, attending one of Sunday's pre-conference workshops will provide you with tools, tips and strategies to achieve new levels of excellence
Pre-Conference Workshop: GrowerTalks' "Inside Look"
(Lunch and snacks will be provided)
Workshop Facilitator: Dr. Brian Whipker, North Carolina State University
Attention Bedding Plant Growers! Be prepared to get dirty. We’re taking you out of the classroom and into the greenhouse for a full day of hands-on workshops at Willoway Nursery’s new 5-acre, state-of-the-art greenhouse range in Huron, Ohio. Guided by some of industry’s leading experts, you’ll learn about various greenhouse inputs and tools, from potting soils and fertilizer, to chemical applications and biomass heating. Geared toward experienced and novice growers alike, this hands-on workshop will focus on those keys to production that growers tend to forget about or overlook.
During the day, you’ll move in small groups to various demonstration and workstations throughout the greenhouse, where you’ll see and use various tools and techniques, and learn tips and strategies that you can take home to your own greenhouse.
The growers and academics who’ve designed and will present this session are some of the best in the business, with a wealth of knowledge across a broad range of topics. We guarantee you’ll pick up some valuable tips you can put to work on your next crop.
Your registration fee includes transportation to and from the Renaissance Hotel and a box lunch, plus refreshments throughout the day. Enrollment is limited, so sign up early!
Alternative Energy
Tom Demaline, Willoway Nurseries, Inc.
If you’re curious about alternative heating technology, you’ll love this station: Willoway Owner Tom Demaline will give you a personal tour and description of his new biomass boiler system, which is capable of burning a range of fuels, from corn to cow chips.
Alkalinity Testing
Dr. Brian Whipker, North Carolina State University
High alkalinity levels in irrigation water has a major impact on substrate pH levels. Learn the techniques of how to measure and manage alkalinity in your greenhouse.
Pour-Thru Testing
Dr. James Gibson, University of Florida
Need a quick way to measure the pH and EC levels of your plants? Pour-Thru monitoring is the answer.
Growing Media
Rick Vetanovetz, SunGro Horticulture
Learn how the components of a growing medium influence its physical attributes and what you need to know to select the proper product or manage what you currently use.
Fertilizers
Dr. Cari Peters, J.R. Peters Inc
With so many types of fertilizer on the market, how do you select the correct one? Dr. Peters will give the inside scoop.
Greenhouse Automation
Robert Lando, AgriNomix
Willoway uses a variety of mechanization and automation for soil handling and plant potting. Robert Lando will walk you through the tools and how they’re set up, and will answer your questions about modern headhouse layout and efficiency.
In-house Disease ID Technology
Colleen Warfield, North Carolina State University
An accurate diagnosis is the first step in effective management. Find out what tricks or tools are available to help you diagnose
disease problems "in house."
ID Equipment for Insect & Disease ID
Dr. Brian Whipker, North Carolina State University and Dr James Gibson, University of Florida
Is your problem an insect or is there fungal spores? Too small to see? There are now some inexpensive magnification tools available to growers to aid in diagnosis.
Sprayer Techniques and Calibration
Kurt Becker, Dramm Corporation
Chemicals are expensive, and too little or too much being applied is not a good thing. Getting the application right provides optimal control and makes economic sense.
Gadgets for Tracking Light and Temperature
Dr. Erik Runkle, Michigan State University
With energy being a premium, having quick and accurate monitoring equipment will help you determine if you are providing the desired growing conditions in your greenhouse.
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Pre-Conference Workshop: Lean Flow Basics
(Lunch will be provided)
Gary Cortes, FlowVision
If you've been hearing about "lean flow" and want to see it in action, here's your chance. Lean flow expert Gary Cortes has agreed to
host a special one-day version of his two-day, $800 flagship workshop, allowing you to get hands-on experience with lean
flow techniques. Gary will spend the morning covering the basics of lean—what is it and how can it help you reduce costs while
optimizing production. Then after lunch, you'll try your hands at lean flow as you assemble a model cannon using traditional
batch manufacturing techniques and lean flow techniques. Come and learn how lean flow techniques can be applied in an industry that's ripe
for lean! Workshop space is limited, so sign up early!