Meet The New Editorial Advisors For Greenhouse Grower TECHNOLOGY

GG Tech Editorial Advisors Feature ImageGreenhouse Grower TECHNOLOGY was launched in early 2016 with the goal of providing more comprehensive coverage about the advancements in greenhouse automation, structures, equipment, and technology, and how it can help growers maximize efficiency.

In that effort, we’ve asked for guidance from some of the premier technology and automation experts and influencers within the horticulture industry. These individuals have expertise in various aspects of greenhouse technology, and together, they are now known as the Editorial Advisory Board for Greenhouse Grower TECHNOLOGY. Learn all about their backgrounds and expertise in the profiles below, and look for their friendly and familiar faces on the back page of each issue in our advisor column, “Talking Shop: Equipment.”

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We thank these illustrious industry experts for their help and guidance, and we look forward to bringing their experience and advice to your operation.

A.J. Both, Rutgers University

Dr. A.J. Both is an Extension Specialist in Controlled Environment Engineering at Rutgers University. Both’s research focuses on controlled environment agriculture and includes engineering and crop production projects in growth chambers, greenhouses, and high tunnels. His research interests include greenhouse environment control, hydroponic vegetable production, supplemental lighting, and energy systems.

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Paul Fisher, University of Florida

Dr. Paul Fisher is a Professor and Floriculture Extension Specialist at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. His applied research and farm advising focus on greenhouse technology, crop modeling, propagation, and root zone management.

Cole Mangum, Bell Nursery USA

Cole Mangum is a third-generation member of the Mangum family, operating the broad business of Bell Nursery USA, based in Elkridge, MD. As Vice President of Production, Mangum is responsible for implementing technology and automation that will streamline the day-to-day production of Bell Nursery’s many locations, totaling 7,400,000 million square feet of environmentally controlled greenhouses.

Erik Runkle, Michigan State University

Dr. Erik Runkle is Professor and Floriculture Extension Specialist in the Department of Horticulture at MSU. Runkle’s program focuses on the environmental physiology of herbaceous plants. Particularly he works with manipulating light and temperature to produce commercial crops with desired attributes in greenhouses and other controlled environments.

Lloyd Traven, Peace Tree Farm

Lloyd Traven is Co-Owner of Peace Tree Farm in Kintnersville, PA. As a small-scale, organic grower, Traven has been active in seeking out and incorporating technologies that will allow Peace Tree Farm to grow ornamental and food crops with precision. He is well-versed in determining return on investment for greenhouse technology, and works closely with academia and the industry to develop ideas and solutions.

Art VanWingerden, Metrolina Greenhouses

Art VanWingerden is Co-CEO and Co-Owner of Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, NC and York, SC. VanWingerden takes an active role in designing new automation equipment and technology, working closely with equipment manufacturers to develop solutions. Many of these technologies have been implemented not only at Metrolina Greenhouses’ vast facilities, totaling 7,100,000 square feet of environmentally controlled greenhouse space, but also in greenhouse operations throughout the industry.

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