Holding Onto Outdated Growing Methods? Commercial Growers Explains What It Takes To Outpace The Market

This article is part of Benzinga Cannabis' series ‘Cultivator Chronicles,' which focuses on the latest trends, developments, and major players in cannabis cultivation. Stay tuned as we dig into the world of cannabis growers and their contributions to this rapidly expanding market.

Chris O’Ferrell and Luca Boldrini, veteran commercial marijuana cultivators, have published ">100g/sqft: The New Cultivation Standard," a guidebook for commercial cannabis growers. It covers the balance between yield, quality, and cost in a volatile market, drawing on the author's extensive experience in modern, technologically advanced cultivation practices.

The book addresses the significant knowledge gap in cannabis cultivation, noted by O’Ferrell as an area dominated by gatekeeping. "It is designed to help businesses standardize the art of growing cannabis to remain competitive," he said, suggesting an industry-wide shift towards the methodologies it introduces.

In an exclusive interview with Benzinga Cannabis, they delivered important knowledge for investors, interpreting company earnings, understanding market fundamentals, recognizing cost-effective cultivation practices and identifying market trends—key elements for informed investment decisions in the cannabis sector.

Technological Advancements In Cultivation & Packaging

Technological advancements are transforming cannabis cultivation and packaging, significantly boosting efficiency and productivity. Boldrini and O'Ferrell explore these crucial changes in their comprehensive guide, emphasizing the shift to LED lighting and the implementation of automated packaging systems.

Boldrini underscored LEDs, their enhanced energy efficiency and the capability to fine-tune light spectrums for improved plant growth. "LEDs offer significant energy savings and greater light output," he noted, aligning with contemporary commercial operations' sustainability goals.

Building on this point, O'Ferrell delved into the importance of selecting equipment like LED lighting systems based on their reliability, efficiency, and flexibility. "Reliable equipment reduces operational disruptions and is often recommended by manufacturers known for its durability," O'Ferrell explained.

Furthermore, O’Ferrell and Boldrini underscored the importance of data-driven cultivation practices. They advocate for the precise management of nutrients and watering schedules through technologies like substrate sensors and ERP systems. "This method leverages sensor data to make informed, scientific decisions that consistently improve outcomes," O'Ferrell added, emphasizing the increased efficiency and consistency in operations.

Transitioning from cultivation technology to post-harvest processes, the book also addresses the critical yet often overlooked aspect of packaging in cannabis production. O'Ferrell and Boldrini point out the drawbacks of the predominantly manual packaging processes, which can lead to considerable product loss and inconsistencies in product weights.

They foresee that automation in packaging will reduce labor costs, and waste and guarantee more consistent product weights—factors that are crucial for regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction. "Implementing more automated packaging solutions can significantly cut labor costs and ensure more consistent product weights," Boldrini said.

These issues will be a hot topic at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago this Oct. 8-9. Join us to get more insight into what the wave of weed legalization means for the future of investing in the industry. Hear directly from top executives, investors, advocates, and policymakers. Get your tickets now before prices go up by following this link.

Preparing For Market Fluctuations

O’Ferrell and Boldrini emphasize the need to adapt cultivation strategies to market volatility to maintain business stability. 

They highlighted the critical role of genetics in aligning cultivation practices with market demands. This involves close collaboration with finance and marketing teams to ensure that cultivars meet consumer preferences, effectively balancing cost-effectiveness with the potential for higher market prices.

Running A Lean Operation In Cannabis Cultivation

They also emphasized the importance of running a lean operation in cannabis cultivation. "Eliminating waste and reducing unnecessary plant touches are pivotal in cost-cutting and enhancing operational efficiencies," Boldrini explained. By continuously gathering and analyzing data, timing processes, and comparing the cost-effectiveness of similar products, they ensure that every aspect of the operation is optimized.

This methodology not only reduces costs but also improves the consistency and quality of the output, which are essential for scaling operations effectively in the competitive cannabis industry. "This lean approach is essential for scaling operations effectively in a competitive market," O'Ferrell concluded.

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