Rhyzone Podcast

In this episode, host William Klaassen sits down with Brian Sparks , Editor of Greenhouse Grower , to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping the greenhouse industry — and how growers can take their first steps. From data collection to practical efficiency gains, Brian shares insights from industry surveys showing a growing curiosity about AI, even among those who haven’t yet adopted it. T...

William sits down with Grace Sharkey (from Orderful) to demystify EDI—what it is, why it still powers retail in 2025, and how growers can start simple and scale. They dig into real-world pitfalls (chargebacks, labels/UPCs, “dialects” by retailer), the API vs. EDI conversation, and why the goal is to make your data pipes so reliable they’re… boring. That’s where clarity (and cash flow) live. "“ We...

In this episode, host William Klaassen digs into the world of autonomous equipment with Charlie Anderson, CEO of Burro. From humble beginnings in an unheated barn to deploying over 500 autonomous systems globally, Charlie shares how his childhood on a working farm—and a serious distaste for hopping off tractors to weed—sparked a mission to automate labor-intensive tasks in agriculture.  Charl...

In this engaging episode, William sits down with Adam van Wingerden from Silver Fern to unpack the unique challenges and opportunities in the horticulture software space . From the friction of change management to the power of community in greenhouse tech, this episode is full of honest insights and industry wisdom.  Together, they explore:  Why software gets a bad reputation in horticul...

In this captivating episode, William Klaassen sits down with Angelo Petitti, a luminary in the horticulture industry with over 50 years of experience.  Angelo shares insights on building trust-first leadership, fostering a community-focused business culture, and adapting to industry challenges through vertical integration and innovation. His passion for giving back and empowering others shines thr...

Drones, Data, and Dreams: Precision Horticulture Takes Flight - Episode 26 In this episode of the Rhyzone Podcast, host William Klaassen speaks with Kate Dodde from Dutchman Tree Farm about the intersection of agriculture and technology. Kate shares her experiences managing inventory and data at the tree farm, utilizing drones for photogrammetry, and organizing the farm's drone program. They discu...

Looking to strengthen your relationships with your customers? Need to run your garden center and horticulture business more efficiently? Struggling to find strategies to keep up with today’s competitive market? You’ll find answers here! This episode features an in-depth conversation with Mikel Lindsaar, CEO and Founder of StoreConnect, a software company based in Sydney, Australia. Mikel helps sma...

A small change in efficiency in the horticulture world leads to a big impact on the bottom line. Moss Robotics is tackling one of the most common troubles nurseries of all sizes face, inventory. With a good dose of tenacity and a strong vision, Di and Shrijit are ready to make big changes to horticulture, you can count on it.  “Our goal is to give growers more accurate data to make better decision...

The horticulture landscape has been evolving rapidly year after year, primarily driven by advancements in technology and the growing demand for sustainable practices. As these changes reshape the industry, the integration of technology like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is becoming increasingly critical for businesses looking to streamline operations and improve efficiency. To provide insight...

In the horticulture industry, there’s a problem that plagues every nursery. Inventory. Dr. Joe Mari Maja has a wealth of knowledge in technology that he’s using to find a solution to this ongoing quandary. From RFID tags to data collection, we’re tackling this from all angles. "This technology is coming and you need to be prepared for it." —Dr. Joe Mari Maja Dr. Joe Mari Maja is a Senior Researche...

The horticultural marketing world is as fluid of an environment as it can get. Let Dr. Bridget Behe and Katie Elzer-Peters help you navigate the complicated world of branding, garden centers, and choice selections in our latest episode. "We are living in capitalism and this is how it all works." —Dr. Bridget Behe Dr. Bridget Behe is a distinguished professor in horticultural marketing at Michigan...

Horticulture and its many roots are ready for a marketing shakeup. Jeff and Jon from Brands in Blooms are trying to modernize the way businesses in the hort industry connect with consumers. With their fresh approach to making a difference for these businesses and their customers, this duo is already making waves in the gardening world. "We are passionate about helping garden centers connect with t...

Year after year, the world of horticulture is shaped by technology. With a focus on autonomous drones and data collection, Frans-Peter Dechering (Co-Founder of Corvus Drones) is driven to make a positive impact on the future of growers and nurseries. From disease detection to inventory management, Corvus is ready to enact meaningful change for the industry. "Green fingers are nice, but plant data...

Technology in the horticulture world has been accelerating at a pace not seen since the advent of automated planting machines used for greenhouse operations around the world. Bram Tijmons from PATS Indoor Drone Solutions is no stranger to tech. While he may not come from a horticulture background, the advances he’s made in drone technology for pest control will surely bring the industry to new hei...

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 o...

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 a...

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 aligne...

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 –a...

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 in...

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...

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 deser...

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 th...

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 marke...

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 perso...

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 gr...