September 2024 - 35

BIG GROWER
Equally important is the improvement in the quality of
work life of the employees - citing anything that gets one
out of a Tyvek spray suit in August is a good thing.
" The other important area for us is water
conservation, " James said. " We utilize ebb and flood
irrigation in about one acre of the facility, which reduces
water consumption by about 90%. Outside, the majority
of our runoff is captured and reused on outdoor crops.
Georgia is home to many beautiful lakes and rivers that
we all have a responsibility to protect. "
As for energy consumption, James Greenhouses
intentionally built a facility that is largely cooled by
passive ventilation.
" Additionally, we use hot water radiant heat throughout
the facility and have recently upgraded to more efficient
boilers, reducing both emissions and energy costs, " he said.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
In the course of 26 years, Ken and Leah James have faced
many challenges and have worked hard to find solutions.
These days, the biggest issues are labor availability and
rising input costs.
" This fast-paced physically demanding nursery
environment requires constant focus on quality of work
life if one expects to retain good people, " James said.
" This begins with company culture and training. We do
everything we can to promote from within and provide
continual opportunities for employees. "
The company offers employees some perks, such as
cash bonuses for employee of the month, cash referral
bonuses, vacation day prizes at company events, tuition
reimbursement and more.
" It helps people feel like part of a community rather
than just a workforce. With an average tenure of
nine years for our salaried employees, it seems to be
working. We have only recently embraced the H-2A
program, but it has become a vital part of our operation, "
James said.
With input costs, the trick is in reducing waste.
Seamless production with minimal yield loss is what the
company strives for as it does its best to ensure the 600
line items it produces 52 weeks a year has little excess.
" It starts with software investments that allow us to
source products from vendors with the best track record
and highest quality, " James said. " We start with the best,
not the cheapest inputs, and manage those inputs with
scheduled activities through the entire crop cycle. It's a
very regimented process that is repeatable and makes it
easy to identify wasted materials, time and energy. "
LOOKING AHEAD
Things at James Greenhouses are not slowing down,
as it continues to speed up the pace of doing business.
" We continue to invest in software links to our
suppliers and customers, " James said. " It allows us to
offer accurate current and future inventory so we can
all plan further out. It also allows for the inevitable plan
changes to happen with minimal effort, reducing cost
and complication. "
A graduate of the University of Miami, Keith Loria is
an award-winning journalist who has been writing
for almost 20 years. View his recent writing at
keithloria.contently.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2024 BIG GROWER 35
http://keithloria.contently.com http://www.berger.ca/en
September 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2024
