Rhyzone Podcast

Within the realm of digital media, publications such as GrowerTalks and Green Profit represent the enduring significance of print media in the industry. Jennifer Zurko and Chris Beytes, prominent personalities at Ball Publishing, contribute 50+ years of experience and knowledge as they delve into the intimate aspects of horticulture journalism and publishing. This engaging discussion sheds light on how journalists navigate the industry, giving a voice to the people and organizations behind the headlines. “... If we didn't love horticulture and support our growers, we'd be out of business quickly. So you want to build relationships, we want to see everyone we interview be successful.” –Chris Beytes Jennifer Zurko is Editor of GrowerTalks and Green Profit magazines. Even though she has a sports journalism degree from Northern Illinois University and thought she’d be a sideline reporter for some sports team, she’s been in the horticulture industry for 20 years. Jen may have interviewed a couple of highly paid major league athletes during her sports-writing days, but she considers herself lucky that she’s been adopted into such a great industry with great people. In 2023, Jen earned a Garden Comm Award for her story on succession planning at Kube-Pak, a growing operation in Allentown, New Jersey. Chris Beytes is Editor-in-Chief of GrowerTalks and Green Profit magazines and author of the widely read weekly e-newsletter, Acres Online, which reaches nearly 27,000 horticulture industry members in 66 countries. Chris is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in journalism and a minor in ornamental horticulture. A former Florida greenhouse owner with his wife, Laurie, Chris has been with Ball Publishing since 1993. In that position, he travels the U.S. and the world to stay current on the latest horticultural production, marketing, and retailing technologies and trends. Highlights of his career (thus far) include interviewing King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, and emceeing (seven times) the International Grower of the Year awards in Germany. Ball Publishing: Since 1937, Ball Publishing has provided the horticulture industry with the best, most up-to-date information on the latest crops, culture, and innovations. Their media includes GrowerTalks and Green Profit magazines, newsletters, online resources, videos, and webinars. Listen up, Rhyzers! Never miss a moment from the studio: follow us on your favorite platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

For today’s growers, walking the crop and interpreting technical data go hand in hand. Pieter Kwaakernak (General Manager for Hoogendoorn America) joins us to delve into the benefits and challenges of integrating technology into greenhouse management. He highlights how sensors, automation, and data analytics are creating optimal conditions for plant growth –yet not replacing the vital experience and human touch of the growers themselves. “Technology and new developments you have to see as an opportunity to do better; to do better as a grower, to have more acreage under your control, to do things more efficiently, and most of all, have more fun in what you’re doing…” –Pieter Kwaakernak Pieter Kwaakernak is a seasoned professional with over two decades of expertise in the horticulture sector. He currently holds the role as General Manager at Hoogendoorn and is responsible for the Canadian market. Pieter's profound connection to horticulture traces back to his roots. Hailing from a family of farmers in Friesland, NL, he embarked on his educational journey in the Netherlands at AOC Terra in Frederiksoord, where he earned his degree in Plant Production and Management. Pieter’s pursuit of knowledge led him to further studies in Deventer and culminated in a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture and International Business from Larenstein University in Wageningen. Outside of his professional endeavors, Pieter remains an active advocate for sustainable horticulture practices. He believes in the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing to address the challenges facing the industry, such as climate change and resource constraints. Hoogendoorn Growth Management is a leading player in the field of horticulture technology and many of the greenhouses in Ontario, BC, and Quebec are using Hoogendoorn climate control solutions such as the IIVO climate control system (a system that Pieter played a vital role in introducing to the Canadian horticulture landscape). To learn more about Plant Empowerment, visit plantempowerment.com, and LetsGrow.com (proud founders and Implementation Partners of the Plant Empowerment community). Listen up, Rhyzers! Never miss a moment from the studio: follow us on your favorite platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

School’s back in session as Horticulture Faculty Professor, Laura Bryce, notes the educational trends and teaches us how the green industry’s ties to technology are shaping the next generation of horticulturists. Dig in to discover the key role education plays in nurturing a sustainable and thriving horticultural workforce and how you can adapt to the changing employment landscape. “Getting aligned with a company that has lots of opportunity to grow, good training, and mentorship is really really important to build that confidence [for horticulture graduates]” –Laura Bryce Laura Bryce is a horticulture educator at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Plant Health, which complements her more than 22 years in the crop production industry. In addition to working at KPU, Laura has worked with Flowers Canada Growers and the BC Landscape and Nursery Association on integrated pest management projects and also spent many years growing hydroponic vegetables. In her spare time, she enjoys being in nature, reading books, and watching true crime documentaries. Hiring in horticulture? Connect with Kwantlen Polytechnic University students eager to join your team: KPU Careers Listen up, Rhyzers! Never miss a moment from the studio: follow us on your favorite platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

The data doesn’t lie; future-proofing your horticulture business means leveraging technology and standardizing. We flip the mic on our own host, William Klaassen, and invite industry renowned economist and speaker, Dr. Charlie Hall, to lead the conversation. William and Charlie reflect on ​the transformative impact of data-driven decision-making, intelligent software, and integrated ERP systems –and how these tools are enabling growers to make informed decisions that positively affect their bottom line. “Our industry, in particular, is data rich but information poor. We have tons of data but we don’t necessarily know how to intelligently make decisions from that data.” –Dr. Charlie Hall Aster Software provides and implements powerful tools and strategies to take businesses to the next level. By solving pain points with easy-to-use and adaptable systems, Aster reignites the spark of joy felt when growing professionals (like you!) can find clarity from the IT chaos and focus on what you do best: growing your plants, expanding your business, and empowering your team. Visit astersoftwaregroup.com for the full story. iQ Grower ERP is Aster Software’s complete software package. With iQ Grower ERP’s unique approach, solutions to complex nursery issues become clear. Take control with an all-in-one, cloud-based system that grows with your live goods: product code management to match your inventory’s life cycles, crop grade and specification tracking, live product availability, and so much more… For more about William, visit our About page. Revisit Charlie’s episode, Decoding the Economics of Horticulture, on your favorite platform. Listen up, Rhyzers! Never miss a moment from the studio: follow us on your favorite platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Are your people the drivers of profitability in your business? Ricardo Campos, from Ball Seed Company, takes us along on his journeys through the worlds of commercial horticulture, academic research, lighting innovations, and soil science to offer actionable insights into your workforce’s operational success. And shines light on how you can empower and motivate your team by aligning performance incentives with specific productivity goals. “That which can be measured can be improved. And that which is measured and rewarded is optimized.” –Ricardo Campos Ricardo Campos was recognized early in his career by Greenhouse Grower Magazine as one of the “Forty Under 40” leaders for his many contributions to the industry. He currently works for Ball Seed Company, leading the LED revolution sweeping across North America and Latin America, and bringing new technologies, such as GreenPlugs, to growers focused on increasing net profits. He was recruited into the horticultural industry by the Paul Eck Ranch and quickly became an industry leader. Ricardo championed efforts to introduce tools such as Bonzi, Imidacloprid, anti-thrips screening, sanitation protocols, and other important innovations. Ricardo is a natural leader and has had an impressive trajectory in the management of horticultural enterprises. Ricardo has a degree in Agronomy and Pest Management from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona and started his career in research at the University of California Riverside where he co-authored important papers on the use of Biorational Pesticides, beneficial insects, and pesticide degradation on strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce, and other important crops. He currently serves in the prestigious Ellison Chair at Texas A&M University. His understanding of onshore and offshore farm management, large-scale stock production, propagation, finishing, logistics, and sales, have played a key role in every successful project conducted under his leadership. Listen up, Rhyzers! Never miss a moment from the studio: follow us on your favorite platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

What are your plants telling you? Plant Empowerment pioneer, Peter Van Weel, is no stranger to the idea of branching out from traditional growing practices. He gives us a glimpse into the methodology behind this holistic mindset, simple steps you can take to enhance your growing process, and ways to tap into the natural growing power and resilience of plants. “The idea is that once you see how the plant reacts…then you can start thinking about what can I do to improve this, and then you are really on the path of using plant empowerment for what it’s meant for…” –Peter Van Weel Plant Empowerment is an integrated approach to the cultivation process that is based on the natural vigor of plants and uses physiological and physical principles instead of “green thumbs” and feeling. Moreover, Plant Empowerment is universally applicable for all crops, all occurring climate zones, and various types of greenhouses. For more about Plant Empowerment, visit: plantempowerment.academy or plantempowerment.com Peter Van Weel had a rich, 42-year career as a researcher at Wageningen University and Research, developing various innovative systems that are common in today’s greenhouses, such as the ebb and flood watering, roof cleaning, movable benches, and aquaponics systems. Together with Jan Voogt, he developed the climate control strategy “Aircokas” based on monitoring stomatal behavior and optimizing photosynthesis that is described in a patent and an ISHS publication (2008). After his retirement in 2016, he started the private company Weel.Invent to develop integrated, robust, low-investment, and uncomplicated production systems for greenhouse cultivation.

Do you have the right people in the right seats? As an Executive Leadership Coach and Author (The Power of People Skills), Trevor has honed in on assessment tools for enhancing the self-awareness of leaders and employees, while creating a culture of belonging. We unlock the tools for attracting and retaining the best talent and developing the potential in your team. “You get the people you deserve. So I think it all starts with: Who am I? Do I have the right attitudes? Am I someone that people would want to work for? Because the business is just a reflection of you personally.” –Trevor Throness Trevor Throness works as a veteran coach, speaker, and consultant who specializes in working with growing businesses (from 1 million – 1 billion dollars in sales), helping them resolve the challenges that always come with fast growth. Trevor has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, organizations, and business families fix people problems, enhance communication, attract top talent, and build exceptional cultures. Trevor is the author of the book: The Power of People Skills, released by Career Press NY in September 2017. The Power of People Skills helps leaders permanently fix chronic people problems. Trevor has written for or been featured in The Globe and Mail, the New York Post, Inc., Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Chief Executive magazines, as well as numerous podcasts and interviews. Trevor is also the CEO and Senior Instructor for the business education website: professionalleadershipinstitute.com and creator of the DISC Personalities Assessment tool. For articles, templates, and expert advice, browse the Professional Leadership Institute’s Resources. For more about Trevor: Web: trevorthroness.com LinkedIn: Trevor Throness

Tech and nature collide in the world of Integrated Pest Management. Get ready to deep dive into this fascinating world and explore the powerful potential of biological controls with professional Agrologist and IPM Specialist, Greg Welfing. From natural predators and beneficials to drones and biotechnology, this episode uncovers the various holistic strategies used to keep pests at bay and shape the future of pest control. “It takes a lot of thought, it takes a lot of knowledge on your pest biology; and all of those things have to come up in conversation when you’re developing a pest plan.” –Greg Welfing As a professional Agrologist, IPM Specialist, and sales technician for Anatis Bioprotection, Greg is the go-to guy for helping growers develop their IPM strategies. He consults with nursery teams to understand their needs and environmental pressures before presenting insects (a.k.a. beneficials) as options for their biological control programs, all with the overall goal of helping the grower in the best way possible. Based in Quebec, Canada, Anatis Bioprotection is a leader in producing and distributing insects, mites, beneficial nematodes, and biopesticides. They offer effective ecological solutions to control insects and pests in horticultural, greenhouse, and agricultural crops –no matter the scale. https://anatisbioprotection.com/en/

In the economics realm, Dr. Charlie Hall truly has a green thumb! Over the past 30+ years, he has grown to be the preeminent source for wisdom and guidance within the horticultural world. He joins us (as our first virtual guest) for a deep dive into the topics and tools that matter most to you and your business. Despite the challenges of global financial crises, pandemic uncertainty, and job market pressures, Dr. Hall underscores how the growing industries are teeming with economic resilience, fast-paced innovation, and endless potential. “Whether you’re a grower, retailer, or service provider in this industry, you’ve got to put your best foot forward in terms of your value proposition; you’ve got to know what value you’re creating and really hit on that to your customer base…” –Dr. Charlie Hall A native of North Carolina, Dr. Charlie Hall grew up in the nursery industry and holds extensive academic accolades; achieving a B.S. in Agricultural Economics, a Master’s Degree in Ornamental Horticulture, and a Ph.D. He is nationally recognized for his expertise in the Green Industries. Dr. Hall’s major research, teaching, and extension areas of specialization include strategic management, market situation/outlook, cost accounting, and financial analysis. His enthusiastic trademark style makes him a sought-after speaker for various industry-related associations and organizations' regional, national, and international meetings. Dr. Hall is currently a Professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University and holder of the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture –positioning him to inspire and educate future generations through initiatives such as the Executive Academy for Growth & Leadership (EAGL). For more about Dr. Hall: LinkedIn: Charlie Hall Web: Texas A&M University For more about the Executive Academy for Growth & Leadership (EAGL), visit eaglnetwork.com or Ellison Chair in International Floriculture. Improve your financial literacy and make meaningful business decisions using the YourMarketMetrics.com tool.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your team? With 30+ years of experience under her belt, Lindsay Benard (Senior Corporate Trainer) is an advocate for learning how to navigate generational and cultural shifts in our workplaces –while relating to each other on a human level. Our conversation delves into how you can be a better listener, and in turn, a more effective leader by speaking the personal “language” of each member on your team. “People are going to work environments where they feel valued, engagement is encouraged, they have strong belief in the organization: in its senior leadership…in where the company is going…in what it stands for, and the company is able to demonstrate for them that they are valued.” –Lindsay Benard Founded in 1912 and inspired by one man’s belief in the power of self-improvement, Dale Carnegie is an industry leader in professional training and development. With courses in 35 languages across 80 countries, the organization has evolved into a worldwide movement to impact as many lives as possible through the transformational experiences only they offer. For more about Lindsay: Web: lindsaybenard.com LinkedIn: lindsaybenard For more about Dale Carnegie: Web: dalecarnegie.com Facebook: @DaleCarnegieTraining Instagram: @dalecarnegietraining LinkedIn: Dale Carnegie Training Twitter: @DaleCarnegie YouTube: @Dale-Carnegie

It’s what’s underneath that counts when cultivating the foundation for an optimal growing environment. Encompassing a range of cultivation floors and water management solutions, the ErfGoed team is a global leader in complete, efficient, and easy-to-use systems. Cor Bremmer (Head of Commerce) and Jack Ford (Sales Manager USA) join us to dive into their approach to customizing projects for their grower customers and accelerating continuous research and development. “We listen to the customers, and the more challenging the questions are, the more enthusiastic [our] colleagues are.” –Cor Bremmer Representing half a century of rich history, ErfGoed continues to exemplify the sound knowledge of soil, vertically-drained cultivation floors, and water technologies that founder, Hans de Jong, envisioned. Closely translating to “heritage” in English, the name reflects their team’s drive to honor the resources gifted to them in a sustainable, reliable, and unique way. For more about ErfGoed: Web: erfgoed.com Facebook: ErfGoed Teeltvloeren Instagram: @erfgoedteeltvloeren LinkedIn: ErfGoed Twitter: @ErfGoedVloer

There’s no time to rest on your laurels in the quest for continuous improvement. As head of this industry-leading department at Qualitree, Will De Rover is embracing change, sparking discussions, and guiding his fellow teams to collaborate on solutions that improve everyone’s daily work lives –all with a healthy dose of self-reflection, humility, and perseverance! “Innovation is solving deeply personal problems. And I try to use that in my everyday work, that if I’m solving a problem that someone’s having, and it’s painful for them, and I can fix that, then we’re making the company better as well.” –Will De Rover For more about Qualitree: Web: qualitree.com Facebook: Qualitree Instagram: @qualitree LinkedIn: Qualitree YouTube: Qualitree

It’s all about the people! As President of Van Belle Nursery, Dave Van Belle is surrounded by a team that leads and grows by example. Dave relates his team-first approach, highlighting how investing in your people and developing their skills leads to mutual loyalty, confident decision-making, and free-flowing idea sharing –propelled by those closest to the action. “If our company can be successful, I’m successful, and if I’m successful, they’re successful. We’re all aligned the same way.” –Dave Van Belle Founded in 1973 by Bill and Grace Van Belle, Van Belle Nursery continues to supply industry-leading young and finished plants along with new genetics featured in the Bloomin’ Easy® range. The wholesale operation, based in Abbotsford, BC, prides itself on caring for their people and embodying their 5 Core Values: Best Effort, Always Positive, Respect People, Find a Better Way, and Do it Now. For more about Van Belle Nursery: Web: vanbelle.com Facebook: Van Belle Nursery Youngplants Instagram: @vanbellenursery LinkedIn: Van Belle Nursery Inc. YouTube: Van Belle Nursery

With a continuous improvement mindset, there is always room to grow! Henk Rozendaal, Qualitree’s Director of Process Innovation and Automation, has built a career in streamlining operations –and striving for buy-in across the teams involved in every step. Henk shares his journey to Qualitree and his practices for overall success: remaining curious, embracing change, assessing production effectiveness, and knowing where to focus your resources. “I think if you want to be innovative as a person, but also innovative as a company, that doesn’t mean that every idea, everything that you do will be successful. If you don’t make mistakes, they say that’s the biggest mistake.” –Henk Rozendaal For more about Qualitree: Web: qualitree.com Facebook: Qualitree Instagram: @qualitree LinkedIn: Qualitree YouTube: Qualitree

For multi-generational businesses in the green sector, it’s all in the family! As a second-generation Owner/Manager of Orchard Park Growers, Gerard Schouwenaar exemplifies the balance between effective succession planning and fostering the professional development of his own children who have active roles within the company. Culture, leadership, and core values drive this conversation. "I'd be wrong if I just mandated everything. Because the next generation is bringing a lot of good information to the table. So how do we combine what I've seen and know together with what they're seeing and how do we make a path forward?" –Gerard Schouwenaar Orchard Park Growers is a family-run floriculture wholesale grower based in Canada’s Niagara Region. Drawing from Dutch heritage and excellence founded in the fruit farming industry, Orchard Park has been in operation for over 45 years and continues to innovate through the craft of greenhouse growing. For more about Orchard Park Growers and their history: Web: orchardpark.net Facebook: Orchard Park Growers Instagram: @orchardparkgrowers LinkedIn: Orchard Park Growers Ltd.

Much like the plants produced, the world of horticulture is a living, breathing entity. Growers and suppliers must be adaptive, leveraging sales and operational data to make informed decisions and offering the best plant for every end consumer. As Sales Director of Ball Seed, Jim Kennedy is always on the pulse of this dynamic industry. From the impacts of the pandemic to developing trends, he shares an overview of current hot topics in the sector –with renewed optimism for the future. “Plan for profit and plant to plan” –Jim Kennedy Launched by George J. Ball in 1905 as a wholesale cut flower operation, Ball Horticultural Company has grown to be a global leader in breeding, distribution, and research across 20 countries on 6 continents. Part of the Ball family of companies, Ball Seed is North America’s leading wholesale horticultural distributor. Under its 4th generation of family ownership, every member of the Ball team proudly takes part in finding solutions for the industry and providing tools to support grower success. For more about Ball Horticultural Company: Web: ballhort.com Facebook: Ball Horticultural Twitter: @BallHort LinkedIn: Ball Horticultural Company

The Horticultural Industry stems from a community of learning, sharing, and growing. Brought to you by the team at Qualitree, the Rhyzone Podcast brings together guests from all walks of the Green Sector. In this introductory conversation, William Klaassen and Tony Van Oort discuss the vision for the podcast, reveal the story behind the name, and hint at various topics and guests that will be featured. Join us in sharing and learning on Rhyzone, the Horticulture Leaders Podcast. “This is our next step in being [a] center of learning” –Tony Van Oort