Announcing Greenhouse Grower’s 2025 Medal of Excellence Award Winners
July 15, 2025 Greenhouse Grower was back in Columbus, OH, this week, holding its annual Evening of Excellence event on Monday, July 14, during Cultivate’25. The awards reception celebrates those greenhouse operations, plant breeders, technology companies, and other organizations that strive for excellence.
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As expected, there was much of that to be found during the event, which was supported by sponsors Growmentum, Lambert Peat Moss, Profile Products, and Prospiant. Keep reading to learn more about this year’s award winners.
Innovator Award: Light Bio/Firefly Petunia
The Firefly Petunia was developed by Light Bio, a pioneering synthetic biology company focused on cultivating vibrant bioluminescent plants through the melding of proprietary technology and advanced genetic engineering. This remarkable plant has captured public attention for its ability to bring natural illumination into homes and gardens. With abundant white blooms by daylight, it transforms into an enchanting display of living light after dusk.
Readers’ Choice Award: Begonia iCandy Series (Syngenta Flowers)
This new begonia series from Syngenta Flowers is available in five colors and features large double flowers. Ideal for quarts and larger pots, iCandy flourishes in partial sun and shade.
Technology of the Year: Burro
Burro AI helps improve the automation of greenhouse work and reduce the amount of labor required to do day-to-day tasks. Because it is powered by electric motors, Burro vehicles make it possible for the horticulture industry to lessen its reliance on fossil fuels. Costs become more predictable, which leads to the potential for increased profitability. Burro utilizes both cameras and lidar technology in its units to make them more responsive to obstacles in their path and to account for trailers they are towing. The units are 4-wheel drive, so they can handle a variety of terrain. Burro has also developed implements for the units to make them usable year-round, specifically a mower deck and spray unit.
Industry’s Choice Award: Begonia iCandy Series (Syngenta Flowers)
This new begonia series is available in five colors and features large double flowers. Ideal for quarts and larger pots, iCandy flourishes in partial sun and shade.
Industry Achievement Award: Brian Whipker, North Carolina State University
Brian’s research accomplishments and his efficient methods of disseminating information on plant nutrition and diagnosis have set him apart as a leader in the industry. The high level of respect he receives from both peers and growers is a testament to his impact. His willingness to help others and share his knowledge has made him one of the most respected and relied-upon figures in floriculture.
Operation of the Year: Hampshire Farms, Hampshire, IL
Hampshire Farms, which grows perennials and houseplants for the Midwest, is a people-first company that emphasizes professional growth and development. The company practices open-book management and meets frequently to evaluate financial performance and identify areas for improvement. The ownership team is committed to investing the profits of the company back into the business. The goal is a balanced approach between replacing aging infrastructure and investing in complementary new technologies, which allow it to grow production and revenue at a faster pace.
Editor’s Choice Award: Dahlia Cherie series (Danziger)
The Cherie series from Danziger has a mounding habit and bears large double flowers in both solids and bicolors. The flowers on the plants in containers look like they are resting on the foliage. However, as plants grow out in the landscape, the flower stems stretch above the leaves and are even more showy.
Head Grower of the Year: Brad Meyer, Bachman’s
Brad Meyer is the consummate quiet professional who leads by example and strives to elevate the people around him. Bachman’s, which celebrates its 140th anniversary this year, is known as an innovative company that is continually improving its systems, and Brad has embraced and mastered these ongoing upgrades. Brad has fully embraced IPM systems that focus on the interface of biologicals and biorationals to build interlocking systems that support overall plant health from young plant to finished plant. His approach has saved Bachman’s money and time while producing a wide variety of resilient ornamental crops.
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