Greg Nowak, Ouding Bedding Plants:
"US (MN): "iSii compact helps me to grow crop more consistently"
About the company
Stan Ouding Bedding Plants Inc, established in 1971, is an ornamental floriculture and vegetable nursery at Market Street, Kalamazoo in Michigan USA. At this 10 acre nursery over 500 different kinds of vegetables and bedding plants are grown, such as Guinea Impatiens. With a team of 41-47 staff members 300,000 units are produced each year. These multi packs are mainly sold in garden centers spread over 20 states in the USA. Third generation owner Greg Nowak has upgraded his business with modern technology to make sure they can offer their customers the finest quality plants that the market offers.
The challenge
Greg Nowak: “Everything with a motor on it, is automated in our double poly greenhouse. We have integrated computers for climate control, transplanting, quality control and inventory. For example we use real-time inventory: our customers can book their products even before the items hit the ground. These items are scheduled and saved for a particular customer in a preferred time frame. In 2014 we wanted to make our irrigation strategy more efficient. We contacted Anderson, of which we already had used 3 older systems, and they advised us to use the iSii compact. With this computer we do not need to use a calculator or do any math to mix up different fertilizers: it is programmed to do exactly what it needs to do.”
The result
“The iSii compact really exceeds my expectations. What I find very convenient is that I can continuously monitor the current situation in my greenhouse on my iPhone, iPad or computer at a glance. This is important for me since I am not working in the field the whole day. I find the system very easy to use. For example: for some months we were having cooler temperatures. It was easy to dial up the fertilizer for a 100 parts per million for a couple of days. Since I have been using the iSii compact my crop is more consistent and I realize savings on water and fertilizers. I am also very positive about my contacts with Anderson/Hoogendoorn. They have been very open minded for my wishes and used my ideas to improve the system. In addition, issues were solved quickly. For these reasons I would definitely recommend this system to other growers.”
For more information
Hoogendoorn Growth Management
Annemieke van Balen
T: +31 (0)10 460 80 80
Email: aba@hoogendoorn.nl
www.hoogendoorn.nl