Announcing the Greenhouse Grower 2021 Technology of the Year Award Finalists
July 3, 2021 The Greenhouse Grower Medal of Excellence awards program at Cultivate’21 in Columbus, OH, will feature the Greenhouse Grower Technology of the Year Award. The award recognizes new technology that has the potential to have a lasting impact on greenhouse production. Products under consideration can come from several categories, including greenhouse structures/coverings, lighting systems and components, automation/transplanting, irrigation, environmental controls, software, heating/cooling, soil mixers/pot fillers, and conveyors/benches.
Here are the five finalists for the 2021 award, as determined by a panel representing leaders in the greenhouse industry (check out the slideshow above for a closer look). Greenhouse Grower will announce the overall winner at its Medal of Excellence evening on July 12 at Cultivate’21.
Advanced Energy Horticulture Lighting and Power System
The Advanced Energy lighting system includes a patented intelligent transfer switch and configurable power supply. It is designed to reduce water and power consumption, as well as operating costs, while increasing crop yield.
A centralized current source outside the growing area distributes power directly to all luminaires, which eliminates the need for individual drivers, while allowing the operator to adjust each light individually.
The end result is less equipment needed, and an estimated 38% savings in energy and installation costs.
AgriNomix Production Scoreboard
This new ERP integration system enables growers of all sizes to track their inputs and outputs, and make any needed adjustments to production operations in a timely and effective manner.
Fast delivery of real-time data helps growers monitor operational efficiencies, and improve accountability across their production teams.
The Scoreboard can integrate Cross-Platform tracking, and data is readily accessible whether on-site or working remotely. Estimated production can be compared to live, real-time results whenever needed.
VYPR Top Lighting System from Fluence by Osram
The VYPR top light series offers growers multiple spectrum choices, helping maximize crop growth in greenhouse and indoor settings.
The latest VYPR top lighting system also features patented thermal management technology, more compact and efficient power supplies, three new mounting options for flexible installation, and new reflectors.
Built for greenhouses and high-bay indoor cultivators producing year-round, the VYPR series enables growers to maintain predictable production, increase crop yields, and improve plant quality.
Ecoation OKO Platform
The OKO Platform enables growers to obtain real-time IPM risk projections and predict biocontrol agents’ distribution in greenhouses.
The model provides a map of pest and disease risks in the greenhouse on a daily basis. It complements human scouting, fills in the gaps, and provides growers the ability to map IPM issues in the entire greenhouse more frequently than human scouting routine.
As ecoation continues to expand the OKO platform, it is also partnering with other tech companies to add enhanced vision technology to help automate grower decision making in the greenhouse.
Candidus Adaptive Lighting Control
Candidus provides greenhouses consistent lighting conditions and predictable crop production. The controller monitors sunlight in real time and determines how much supplemental light is needed at any particular time. This information is used to control dimmable lights and turn non-dimmable lights on and off to assure that the crop receives the correct Daily Light Integral.
The system assures that the crop receives the right amount of light and that supplemental light is provided when the plants can use that light most efficiently.
Candidus is adaptable to any size operation, from small high tunnels to large greenhouses. Compatible with any commercial lighting system. Through a simple user-interface, growers can set up zoning, photoperiod, Daily light integral, and night interruption.
A special thank you to our 2021 Medal of Excellence title sponsor WestRock.
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