The STEM Podcast

Bill Calkins is the host and guest of this episode of STEM identifying different tribes of likeminded shoppers and offering tips for how to attract and inspire them.

Dr. Laura Masor, a plant breeder for Ball FloraPlant joins STEM to explain the product pipeline from conceptualization, research, breeding and trialing to commercialization in floriculture.

Greg Soles, a Product Representative with Darwin Perennials and a true advocate for perennial plants joins STEM to talk about crop scheduling and new breeding that result in profit during shoulder seasons using fresh, flowering perennials.

Jason Twaddell, Territory Manager with Ball FloraPlant, joins STEM to talk about everything you need to consider from planning to shipping a crop of annuals so you hit critical dates. Reduce shrink and maximize profitability by executing at all stages of production.

Dr. Todd Cavins, Ball Seed Technical Services, joins STEM to talk about proper care and handling of young plants – specifically plugs and liners. Todd begins by discussing reasons to start with young plants versus seed or unrooted cuttings and the benefits of buying in plugs and liners. He then digs into some of the common challenges the technical services team runs into each Spring and some specific tips and tricks for receiving young plants.

Dr. Marvin Miller (industry legend, Ball Seed market research manager, economist and trend spotter) joins us to talk about a strategy for greenhouse growers to consider producing more Jumbo Packs and 1801 sized material to meet the new needs of today’s younger shoppers and homeowners. Dr. Miller walks us through the demand from a statistical (and anecdotal) perspective, as well as pointing out how the economics are positive for growers.