Cultivation Elevated - Indoor Farming, Cannabis Growers & Cultivators - Pipp Horticulture

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Cultivation Elevated - Indoor Farming, Cannabis Growers & Cultivators - Pipp Horticulture

If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then this is the show for you. Each week, join Host Michael Williamson as he travels across the country, to explore the world of vertical farming and the future of cannabis and food production through his conversations with leading industry operators, growers and executives who are demonstrating success and resilience as growers and cultivators. Each episode provides stories and key insights that will inspire and show you first-hand, how each of these companies have overcome challenges, and found their own path to success. Brought to you by Pipp Horticulture. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

  1. 035 - Automation for CEA Facilities with Cale Winters of Rhythm CSS

    NOV 13

    035 - Automation for CEA Facilities with Cale Winters of Rhythm CSS

    📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTube Introduction & Guest Overview:Michael Williamson and Anders Peterson host Cultivation Elevated, discussing innovations in vertical farming and cannabis production. They welcome Cale Winters, owner of Rhythm Cultivation Solutions and Services (Rhythm CSS), which specializes in horticultural automation and controls.Background of Rhythm CSS:Winters explains his journey from industrial engineering to founding Rhythm CSS, driven by the goal of developing automation solutions for complex cultivation environments like cannabis.Rhythm CSS offers fully integrated control systems for managing lighting, irrigation, fertigation, and environmental parameters in grow facilities.Early Challenges in Cannabis Cultivation:Cultivation previously relied heavily on manual processes, which were labor-intensive and inconsistent.Winters highlights the lack of accessible, cannabis-specific automation and control systems, which led to inefficiencies in commercial grows.Fertigation and Environmental Control:Rhythm CSS designs customized fertigation systems with options for batch and direct injection setups to suit different grow operations.Cale Winters emphasizes the importance of day storage for managing water supply and irrigation needs, particularly in high-frequency watering programs used in crop steering.User-Friendly Interface and Training:Rhythm CSS's platform is tailored for cultivators, making it intuitive and easy to learn compared to traditional industrial control systems.The system allows for cross-training and quick on-boarding, reducing dependency on specialized staff and mitigating risks if key employees leave.Data Collection and Automation:The importance of data in cultivation is stressed, especially for maintaining consistency and identifying trends.Rhythm CSS’s platform enables comprehensive data collection across all systems, providing insights for operators and facilitating better decision-making.Challenges with Space Allocation and Design Flexibility:Many grow facilities under-allocate space for fertigation and water storage, leading to design challenges.Rhythm CSS assists clients with custom equipment layouts to maximize space efficiency without compromising functionality.Redundancy and Risk Mitigation:Winters recommends having backup water and treatment systems, ideally storing at least two days' worth of water.Redundant systems are essential for mitigating the impact of equipment failures or supply interruptions.Future of AI and Machine Learning in Cultivation:Rhythm CSS is exploring AI applications to enhance predictive analytics and automate responses to environmental conditions.However, Winters emphasizes the importance of reliable sensor data and warns against rushing AI solutions into critical processes.Sensor Technology:Rhythm CSS has integrated advanced sensors to improve the accuracy of environmental monitoring.Proper sensor placement and maintenance are critical to ensuring accurate data and avoiding potential errors with automated adjustments.Conclusion & Contact Information:For those interested in Rhythm CSS solutions, Winters provides contact details and encourages potential clients to reach out for personalized consultations. This episode provides an in-depth look at Rhythm CSS's role in advancing cannabis cultivation technology, emphasizing automation,...

    1h 1m
  2. 034 - Understanding the Importance of Airflow Mapping in Your Grow Room

    OCT 9

    034 - Understanding the Importance of Airflow Mapping in Your Grow Room

    📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTube Introduction: Hosts Michael Williamson and Anders Peterson introduce this episode of "Cultivation Elevated" - the episode's focus on airflow mapping and quantification in vertical farming and cannabis production.Project Example: Michael shares his experience working on a startup project and the importance of commissioning the building and team for airflow optimization, especially in multi-tiered systems.Airflow and Plant Growth: Anders emphasizes how airflow is a crucial factor in plant growth, acting as a balancing factor for energy, VPD (vapor pressure deficit), and other parameters.Mapping Airflow:Michael discusses his approach to airflow mapping using drawings, measurements at consistent elevations, and data quantification for better airflow management.Anders highlights the benefits of using both direct and indirect methods (airflow sensors and leaf surface temperature readings) to create airflow maps.Tools and Techniques:Discussion on tools like hot-wire anemometers for accurate airflow measurement and why infrared thermometers with adjustable emissivity are needed for proper leaf surface temperature measurements.Tips for measuring air velocity, spacing, plant height, and using color-coded maps in Excel for easy visual analysis.Airflow and Yield:Poor airflow leads to issues like hotspots, uneven plant growth, and reduced yields.Too much airflow can also cause issues like nutrient toxicities or wrinkly leaves.Optimal Airflow Ranges:Optimal airflow for veg and flowering stages discussed, generally ranging from 200 to 300 feet per minute.Emphasis on the need to find consistency in airflow distribution across the growing space.Leaf Surface Temperature:The importance of taking leaf surface temperature measurements during the middle of the photo period.These readings help monitor plant health and ensure VPD is within acceptable ranges.Room Design and Commissioning:Suggestions on room design planning, including considering airflow distribution and using technologies like CFD (computational fluid dynamics) modeling for precise planning.A discussion about retrofitting or designing rooms to maximize airflow and minimize future issues.New Technology:Michael discusses Pipp’s VA S 2.0 airflow system, which provides more control over airflow and energy efficiency, allowing growers to dial in airflow to meet specific needs.Practical Advice:The episode closes with advice on regularly checking airflow, understanding the value of airflow mapping, and recognizing how airflow can impact yield and overall crop quality. This episode dives deep into how proper airflow management in indoor and vertical farming environments can significantly enhance crop health, growth, and consistency. ABOUT CULTIVATION ELEVATED: If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then this is the show for you. Each week, join Host Michael Williamson as he travels across the country, to explore the world of vertical farming and the future of cannabis and food production through his conversations with leading industry operators, growers and executives who are demonstrating success and resilience as growers and cultivators. Each episode provides stories and key insights that will inspire and show you first-hand, how each of these companies have overcome challenges, and found their...

    58 min
  3. 033 - How Retrofitting and Rebates Can Transform Your Cannabis Facility

    SEP 25

    033 - How Retrofitting and Rebates Can Transform Your Cannabis Facility

    📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTube Podcast Title & Hosts: Cultivation Elevated, hosted by Michael Williamson and Anders Peterson.Episode Topic: Discussion on retrofitting cannabis cultivation facilities, energy rebates, and emerging markets for cannabis.Guest Speakers: Mitch Galton (Director of Business Development) and Brett Cherniack (VP of Sales) from Urban Gro, a company providing integrated design and engineering solutions for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facilities. Key Discussion Points: Urban Grow’s Services:Specializes in retrofitting existing facilities and energy-efficient solutions for cannabis cultivation and other CEA industries.Offers architectural design, cultivation system integration, and equipment commissioning.Retrofitting Cannabis Facilities:Challenges include assessing existing infrastructure (power, water, and space layout), especially in transitioning non-cannabis buildings.Planning is critical, focusing on utilities, space allocation, and goals before starting a project.Importance of ensuring proper infrastructure (HVAC, lighting) before retrofitting.Types of Retrofits:Existing cannabis facilities needing upgrades versus non-cannabis facilities being converted.Challenges with distressed assets, where companies failed, requiring complete overhauls.Converting single-level facilities to multi-tiered systems to increase canopy space but requiring significant HVAC and lighting upgrades.Building Selection for Retrofits:Important to consider zoning, local regulations, utility availability, and city support when selecting a building for a retrofit.Delays in power availability can derail timelines and budgets, sometimes taking up to 24 months to get proper utility infrastructure.Energy Rebates:Significant rebates available for upgrading lighting and HVAC systems, covering up to 100% of the costs in some cases.Utilities have become more knowledgeable about cannabis cultivation and offer tailored energy efficiency programs.Planning ahead for energy rebates can save a company substantial amounts, and waiting for rebate approvals (about 4 weeks) is strongly recommended before making purchases.New Cannabis Markets:Examples from new states like Alabama and Kentucky show the challenges of being the first to market, such as not having patients or customers yet.Importance of scaling cultivation in phases to match market demand and avoid overbuilding.Challenges in HVAC Rebates:HVAC rebates are more complex to calculate compared to lighting due to constant system usage in cannabis cultivation.Some states are developing more prescriptive rebate programs for dehumidifiers, a major part of HVAC systems in cultivation facilities.Closing Thoughts:Both Mitch and Brett emphasize the importance of detailed planning, especially when dealing with capital-intensive retrofits.Urban Gro’s team has extensive experience in cannabis, helping cultivators make smart decisions regarding retrofits, new facilities, and energy rebates. ABOUT CULTIVATION ELEVATED: If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then this is the show for you. Each week, join Host Michael Williamson as he travels across the country, to explore the world of vertical farming and the future of cannabis and food...

    59 min
  4. 032 - Engineering Excellence in CEA | Lessons from Mike Zartarian

    SEP 4

    032 - Engineering Excellence in CEA | Lessons from Mike Zartarian

    📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTube Mike Zartarian’s Background:Mike shares his journey from working as a design engineer to focusing on controlled environment agriculture, including his work in both indoor vegetable production and cannabis cultivation.He co-founded Zartarian Engineering with Mike Siegel and has been instrumental in designing holistic cultivation facilities.Challenges in Indoor Cultivation:Mike discusses the unique challenges of designing and commissioning indoor cultivation facilities, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that considers the entire plant life support system.He highlights the differences between growing cannabis and other crops like lettuce, noting that cannabis is particularly energy-dense and sensitive to environmental variables.Commissioning and Tuning Cultivation Facilities:The conversation delves into the critical process of commissioning a new facility, which involves ensuring that all systems operate as designed before plants are introduced. Mike stresses that skipping this step can lead to costly mistakes and crop loss.He shares his approach to commissioning, which includes pre-operational testing, sensor placement, and gradually ramping up plant introduction to ensure optimal system performance.Sensor Technology and Innovation:Mike introduces the new canopy sensor array developed by Zartarian Engineering, which includes an IR sensor to measure leaf surface temperature—a critical factor in accurately calculating VPD (vapor pressure deficit) for cannabis crops.The discussion covers the importance of accurate sensor placement and density, as well as the impact of leaf surface temperature on crop steering and environmental control.Best Practices for Cultivation:The episode concludes with practical advice for cultivation facility operators, including the need to balance optimization versus maximization in facility design, managing systems and teams effectively, and the importance of commissioning to ensure long-term success.Conclusion:Mike shares his deep expertise in CEA and indoor cultivation, offering listeners actionable insights into designing, commissioning, and optimizing indoor grow facilities. The hosts emphasize the value of Mike’s approach and suggest a potential follow-up episode to explore additional topics in more depth. ABOUT CULTIVATION ELEVATED: If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then this is the show for you. Each week, join Host Michael Williamson as he travels across the country, to explore the world of vertical farming and the future of cannabis and food production through his conversations with leading industry operators, growers and executives who are demonstrating success and resilience as growers and cultivators. Each episode provides stories and key insights that will inspire and show you first-hand, how each of these companies have overcome challenges, and found their own path to success. Brought to you by Pipp Horticulture. SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bwsOgN... Apple: a...

    1 hr
  5. 031 - Precision Planning: Mastering Cannabis Financial Modeling

    AUG 21

    031 - Precision Planning: Mastering Cannabis Financial Modeling

    📺 Subscribe and watch on our Youtube channel IntroductionHosts: Michael Williamson and Anders Peterson.Guest: Ian Miller, CEO of Catalyst BC. Ian's background includes raising significant private equity, working in various sectors including high-end yachts, and being on the founding team of Loop Pay.Discussion TopicsFinancial Modeling ChallengesUnique challenges in creating financial models for the cannabis industry, such as commoditization and margin compression.Importance of accurate KPIs and the variability of operator performance.Impact of regulatory environments and compliance on financial models.Investor PerspectivesKey factors investors look for in financial models: detail, sobriety of assumptions, and realistic schedules.Importance of having skin in the game and available resources.Construction and Operational ChallengesUnique construction challenges in cannabis facilities.Importance of power availability and realistic project scopes.Common mistakes: inadequate power planning and underestimating the complexity of projects.Revenue Projections and ProfitabilityCritical variables affecting revenue projections and profitability.Speed to market, talent, capitalization, and achieving KPIs are essential.Detailed planning and high-quality execution are crucial for maximizing profits.Emerging Trends and DevelopmentsShift from equity to debt financing.Trends in multi-layer horticulture and automation.Importance of energy cost analysis and life cycle costs.Customer Retention and Market KnowledgeImportance of knowing your customer demographic.Strategies for building customer loyalty and retention.Examples from retail operations highlighting the significance of customer service.Personal Story and MotivationIan shares a personal story about his father's experience with medical cannabis.Emphasizes the impact of cannabis on health and the motivation behind Ian's involvement in the industry. ABOUT CULTIVATION ELEVATED: If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then this is the show for you. Each week, join Host Michael Williamson as he travels across the country, to explore the world of vertical farming and the future of cannabis and food production through his conversations with leading industry operators, growers and executives who are demonstrating success and resilience as growers and cultivators. Each episode provides stories and key insights that will inspire and show you first-hand, how each of these companies have overcome challenges, and found their own path to success. Brought to you by Pipp Horticulture. SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bwsOgN... Apple: a...

    1h 6m
  6. 030 - Planting Density & Substrate Strategies

    AUG 6

    030 - Planting Density & Substrate Strategies

    📺 Subscribe and watch on our Youtube channel This Cultivation Elevated episode primarily focuses on advanced cultivation strategies for cannabis indoors, covering topics ranging from substrate selection to irrigation strategies and environmental control. Substrate Selection and Characteristics Anders and Michael discuss various substrates used in cannabis cultivation, including rockwool and coco. Rockwool is favored for its consistency across batches and inert nature, making it suitable for precise nutrient control and advanced cultivation techniques under high light levels. On the other hand, coco is praised for its blend of steerability and risk mitigation, though it poses challenges due to variability between batches and potential issues with nutrient content. Factors Influencing Substrate Choice Consistency and Manageability: Rockwool is highlighted for its consistent performance and suitability for advanced irrigation strategies where precise steering of plant growth is crucial.Steerability and Risk: coco offers flexibility but requires careful management due to variability in batch quality and nutrient content. Plant Density and Irrigation Strategies The conversation delves into optimal plant densities and their impact on cultivation outcomes. They emphasize the importance of tailoring planting densities to specific cultivars and optimizing them based on factors like light penetration, airflow, and irrigation needs. Environmental Control and HVAC Sizing A significant portion of the discussion revolves around HVAC system design and sizing. They stress the importance of basing HVAC requirements on canopy square footage rather than plant count due to the variability in plant counts during cultivation cycles. This approach provides flexibility and ensures that environmental conditions are adequately maintained regardless of changes in plant density. Practical Tips for Growers Irrigation Strategies: They recommend basing irrigation strategies on substrate volume per plant and per square foot to ensure adequate moisture levels and prevent aggressive dry backs overnight.Microbial Management: Practical advice includes managing microbial risks during harvest, particularly with open-top coco substrates, to avoid contamination and maintain crop quality. Advanced Cultivation Techniques The speakers share insights into advanced techniques such as sub-canopy air circulation and under-canopy lighting to optimize plant growth and yield. They highlight the benefits of using specific substrates and configurations that support these techniques effectively. Facility Design Considerations The conversation concludes with considerations for facility design, emphasizing the importance of substrate choice, plant density, and environmental control systems in maximizing cultivation efficiency and yield. Conclusion Overall, this episode of Cultivation Elevated provides a comprehensive overview of advanced cultivation practices for cannabis, emphasizing the critical role of substrate choice, irrigation strategies, and environmental control in achieving optimal crop outcomes. Michael and Anders’ insights cater to both new growers and experienced cultivators looking to enhance their understanding and practices in indoor cannabis cultivation. ABOUT CULTIVATION ELEVATED: If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then...

    35 min
  7. 029 - Navigating Retrofitting Challenges For Multi-Tiered Growth

    JUL 17

    029 - Navigating Retrofitting Challenges For Multi-Tiered Growth

    📺 Subscribe and watch on our Youtube channel Michael and Andres discussed Retrofitting, transitioning from single-tier cultivation to multi-tiered cultivation.Retrofitting is prominent in maturing markets, driven by factors like energy codes (e.g., Title 24 in California) and rebate programs.Incentives such as rebates facilitate the transition to more efficient technologies like LED lighting.Most retrofit projects involve moving from single-tier HPS to multi-tier LED setups.Considerations during retrofitting include adjusting airflow, humidity, and cooling capacity to accommodate the increased canopy levels.How it's crucial to rethink mechanical system layout and size appropriately when retrofitting.The importance of environmental control outside of the cultivation rooms, such as in fertigation rooms, must be considered.Planning and investment are necessary for successful retrofitting, but the long-term benefits include increased production and efficiency.The process requires careful planning, investment, and adaptation to address structural, environmental, workflow, and efficiency challenges.Engaging with experts and leveraging innovative solutions can optimize facilities for vertical cultivation and maximize production potential.Anders and Michael per usual offer themselves as resources for those considering or undergoing retrofitting projects and encourage sharing experiences for mutual learning. ABOUT CULTIVATION ELEVATED: If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then this is the show for you. Each week, join Host Michael Williamson as he travels across the country, to explore the world of vertical farming and the future of cannabis and food production through his conversations with leading industry operators, growers and executives who are demonstrating success and resilience as growers and cultivators. Each episode provides stories and key insights that will inspire and show you first-hand, how each of these companies have overcome challenges, and found their own path to success. Brought to you by Pipp Horticulture. SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bwsOgN... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... GET A FREE GROW CONSULTATION BELOW: https://pipphorticulture.com/contact/ ABOUT PIPP HORTICULTURE: Pipp Horticulture is the leading...

    19 min
  8. 028 - Maximizing Efficiency: Streamlining Cannabis Cultivation Through Multi-Tier Systems

    JUL 3

    028 - Maximizing Efficiency: Streamlining Cannabis Cultivation Through Multi-Tier Systems

    📺 Subscribe and watch on our Youtube channel The discussion revolves around the optimization of labor and space efficiency in cannabis cultivation. Anders and Michael highlight the importance of streamlining labor processes and minimizing touch-points to increase productivity and reduce costs. They emphasize the significance of time-saving measures in labor-intensive tasks, as seconds can translate to significant savings in labor costs. The conversation delves into the transition to multi-tier cultivation systems and the challenges growers face, particularly regarding labor access to upper tiers. Solutions such as Elevate platform systems are discussed as game-changers in enabling efficient access to multiple tiers for cultivation tasks. The complexity of engineering and designing multi-tier cultivation rooms is addressed, reframing it as a matter of familiarity rather than inherent complexity. Anders and Michael stress the importance of growers stepping out of their comfort zones to embrace new cultivation methods, which ultimately leads to improved proficiency. They highlight the advantages of multi-tier cultivation in maximizing space efficiency and increasing yield potential. A specific example is provided where a grower plans to retrofit their single-level facility to multi-tier after experiencing the benefits. The discussion concludes with an emphasis on the role of top-line revenue in reducing costs and the commitment to providing growers with valuable information and tools for success. Overall, the podcast provides insights into the optimization of labor and space efficiency in cannabis cultivation through the adoption of multi-tier systems and innovative cultivation methods. ABOUT CULTIVATION ELEVATED: If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then this is the show for you. Each week, join Host Michael Williamson as he travels across the country, to explore the world of vertical farming and the future of cannabis and food production through his conversations with leading industry operators, growers and executives who are demonstrating success and resilience as growers and cultivators. Each episode provides stories and key insights that will inspire and show you first-hand, how each of these companies have overcome challenges, and found their own path to success. Brought to you by Pipp Horticulture. SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bwsOgN... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... GET A FREE GROW CONSULTATION BELOW: a...

    32 min
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If you are a grower or owner looking to optimize your existing or new cultivation facility or anyone looking to cultivate more in less space, then this is the show for you. Each week, join Host Michael Williamson as he travels across the country, to explore the world of vertical farming and the future of cannabis and food production through his conversations with leading industry operators, growers and executives who are demonstrating success and resilience as growers and cultivators. Each episode provides stories and key insights that will inspire and show you first-hand, how each of these companies have overcome challenges, and found their own path to success. Brought to you by Pipp Horticulture. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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