Matt Schoneman of VistaTrac (left) and Steve Lyles of Steven Lyles Farms talk about traceability during a meeting session at VegetableGrowerConnect.
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During a meeting, Kerry Scott of MAS Labor (left) discusses labor solutions with Roy Guerini of Bengard Ranch.
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Growers and suppliers had an opportunity to visit and network during evening receptions.
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Growers competed in a golf challenge one evening during the Connect. Pictured here (L-R) Mark McLaughlin (Kleen Globe), Roy Guerini (Bengard Ranch), and Chris Drew (Sea Mist).
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American Vegetable Grower's Richard Jones (left) and Bruce Frasier of Dixondale Farms compete in a golf challenge.
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While the golf challenge took place, several Connect attendees observed in the warm night air in San Diego, CA.
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American Vegetable Grower contributing editor David Eddy (center) talks with Joe Petrocco of Petrocco Farms (left) and Brad Benton of Bowles Farming Co.
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At an evening reception, Michael Leggett of Axiall Corp. (left) talks with Charlie Montgomery of Rousseau Farming and Darren Filkins of Bolthouse (right).
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American Vegetable Grower's Richard Jones (left), Diane Hart (far right), and Chad Gillyard (second left) talk with Julie Kerr and Robert Sakata of Sakata Farms.
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During the Grower Roundtable, Bryan Woodruff of Betteravia Farms (left), Darren Filkins of Bolthouse (center), and Chris Drew from Sea Mist (right) engage in conversation about issues impacting ag, such as labor and profitability.
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Greg Lewis of Duda Farms (left) and Armando Mandujano of Mandujano Brothers discuss labor issues the the Grower Roundtable during the VegetableGrowerConnect in San Diego Nov. 12-15.
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Vegetable growers discussed labor issues, among others, during the Grower Roundtable.
Some of the largest and most progressive vegetable growers in the West along with decision makers from leading suppliers met in San Diego Nov. 12-15 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn for two-and-a-half days of meetings and networking at American Vegetable Grower’s VegetableGrowerConnect.
The basis for the event is a series of private one-on-one meetings between growers and suppliers. Growers were interviewed ahead of time to match them up with suppliers who can address their individual needs with specific presentations.
Roy Guerini of Bengard Ranch said the event was a great learning experience and a way to build relationships.
“I got a lot of good information from the suppliers that normally I wouldn’t’ have received from local suppliers,” he explains. “I really liked the setting for the meetings, and the camaraderie that was gained by meeting with these new people.”
25 Years of Project GREEEN’s Growth in Controlled Environment Agriculture
“It’s great,” said Airtec Sprayers’ Tim Schaal. “The one-on-one meeting format gives you an opportunity to not just make your sales pitch, but to hear what the growers’ specific needs are that relate to your products, so in that sense it’s great experience. It’s more of a conversation than a sales pitch on either end.”
In addition to the meetings, both growers and suppliers had opportunities to make new connections during meal functions and receptions throughout the event. The half day was devoted to a grower-only forum to discuss industry problems and issues and also talk about possible solutions.
The ability to network with other growers and suppliers was the biggest benefit of one grower attendee, Bryan Woodruff of Betteravia Farms.
“It is just good to talk to others in the industry and realize that other people are going through the same things you are in the field,” Woodruff said.
If you’re interested in learning more about VegetableGrowerConnect or participating in the event in 2015, visit VegetableGrowerConnect.com or email Rosemary Gordon.
015VegetableGrowerConnect Delivers Results For Growers And Suppliers [slideshow]
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Rosemary Gordon is editor of American Vegetable Grower, a Meister Media Worldwide publication. See all author stories here.