📣 [MJBizCon RECAP] 📣 Wait until you see what we have in store for the year ahead! 🤯

📣 [MJBizCon RECAP] 📣 Wait until you see what we have in store for the year ahead! 🤯

📣 [MJBizCon RECAP] 📣 Wait until you see what we have in store for the year ahead! 🤯
“I just want to thank everyone so much for stopping by our booth this year and for an absolutely great show. We are proud to announce our acquisition of GGS Structures, it’s going to be an alliance partnership that is unmatched in the industry. They have been in this business for 40 years with a team of highly skilled cultivation experts. Our team is extremely excited about it and we are thrilled about what it means for both companies. We look forward to seeing everyone here again next year bigger, better, and stronger. We appreciate all the clients that stopped by and told us how great the product is working for them, and look forward to working with all new clients that stopped by this year. Thank you very much MJBizCon 2021, can’t wait for 2022!” – Craig Umans, President of Pipp Horticulture

Get a FREE Grow Consultation

GGS AND PIPP HORTICULTURE

Pipp Horticulture Acquires the GGS Group of Companies

GGS AND PIPP HORTICULTURE

Pipp Horticulture (a division of Pipp Mobile Storage Systems, Inc.) (“Pipp”), the leading provider of space-saving, multi-level mobile cultivation systems, announced today that it has acquired the GGS Group of Companies (“GGS”). Based in Vineland, Ontario, GGS is one of the most recognized names in the Horticulture industry. They have been the leading manufacturer of top-quality greenhouses and turnkey greenhouse growing solutions including traditional rolling benches, heating and ventilation systems, and curtain systems.

“We are thrilled to welcome the entire GGS team to the Pipp family of companies,” said Craig Umans, Pipp President and CEO. “GGS has decades of experience manufacturing greenhouse structures and has become a leading supplier to the horticulture industry. The company has consistently impressed us with its ability to deliver value to its customers, and we look forward to our next phase of growth.”

Planted Detroit
Planted Detroit
TerrAscend
TerrAscend
“We are pleased to partner with PIPP as we build an even more expansive platform to serve our customers,” said Leigh Coulter, President and Owner of GGS. “Our expertise in designing, manufacturing and installing commercial greenhouse structures, combined with Pipp’s state-of-the-art vertical farming and space optimization solutions, will allow us to offer North American growers a complete and efficient solution.”
“We are delighted to see two such complementary companies come together today. This acquisition is another step in Pipp’s strategy to become the leading supplier of turnkey solutions to all segments of horticulture globally,” said Marc Paiement, Senior Partner at Novacap. “We look forward to continuing to work with them throughout this process, providing support and expertise to help them achieve their goal.” For the past several years, Pipp Horticulture’s mission has been to help cultivators across the globe save time and money by creating a more efficient grow facility and help streamline operations. Pipp has not only developed a product line that was purposefully designed to serve the cultivation market, but they have strategically acquired companies like GGS and Vertical Air Solutions, the leading provider of In-Rack Airflow Systems for indoor vertical farming, to be able to offer the industry a turnkey cultivation solution, continuously improving upon their services, and developing products that positively affect canopy output and facility operations. Following this transaction, Coulter will remain President and CEO and operations will remain under the GGS banner. The combination of the two companies will expand Pipp’s position as the leading provider of Indoor Commercial Grow Racks, Greenhouse Structures and In-Rack Airflow Systems in North America.
TerrAscend
TerrAscend
TerrAscend
TerrAscend

About Pipp Horticulture

Pipp Horticulture is the industry-leading provider of vertical farming and space optimization solutions. We work with commercial agriculture professionals globally, to design, install, and optimize operational spaces throughout cultivation, post-harvest, manufacturing, and distribution facilities through the implementation of the vertical and mobile rack, cart, and ventilation systems. The Pipp team merges over 40 years of commercial mobile storage experience with horticulture industry experts with over 50 years of operational experience in commercial agriculture and seed-to-sale production. Pipp provides expertise, insight and network connections far beyond our mobile systems in support of our mission to augment financial performance and mitigate risk for our partners. For more information, please visit www.pipphorticulture.com.

About GGS Structures

The GGS Group of Companies is comprised of GGS Structures Inc., JGS Limited and Niagrow Systems Ltd. For over 40 years GGS has been designing and manufacturing greenhouses and growing environments throughout North America. Our design approach considers all the aspects of your agribusiness for greenhouses with immediate capability, greater convenience, and maximized growth potential. Tasco Dome, a brand of GGS, is a leader in fabric-covered buildings for the agriculture, industrial and equestrian industries. JGS Limited provides state-of-the-art greenhouse solutions for research facilities, educational institutions, conservatories and more. Niagrow Systems Ltd. designs greenhouse heating systems to make sure growers have the right amount of heat in the right location at the right time to maintain the ideal growing environment. For more information, please visit www.ggs-greenhouse.com

About Novacap

Founded in 1981, Novacap is a leading North American private equity firm with more than C$8B of AUM that has invested in more than 100 platform companies and completed more than 150 add-on acquisitions. Applying its sector-focused approach since 2007 in TMT, Industries and now Financial Services, Novacap’s deep domain expertise can accelerate company growth and create long-term value. With experienced, dedicated investment and operations teams as well as substantial funding, Novacap has the resources and knowledge to build world-class businesses. Novacap has offices in Brossard, Québec and Toronto, Ontario. For more information, please visit www.novacap.ca.

Have questions about this recent partnership? Ask us below!

Get a FREE Grow Consultation

Cultivating Cannabis Profits With Vertical Farming Technology

Is Vertical Farming Profitable?

Cannabis legalization continues to gain traction in the United States. In response, growers are seeking ways to optimize their operations to meet customer demands. However, due to rising real estate and operational costs, tax, and legal burdens, traditional single-tiered cultivation systems have struggled to meet efficiency KPIs and financial performance metrics.

The question is, how can we solve this dilemma?

One solution is vertical farming. This technology is surprisingly easy to integrate into your facility, and you can greatly reduce labor costs while increasing yield. Whether corn, cucumbers, or cannabis, the goal of any agriculture operation is to produce large and healthy crops. Here is where vertical farming excels. 

Still, you may wonder, “Is vertical farming profitable?” 

Absolutely. In fact, some research shows vertical farming can increase yield by 129-200% and net profit by $3.60-5.50 per square meter. Specifically, in cannabis cultivation, multi-tiered facilities have lower production costs and higher yields per square foot than single-tier.

Let’s explore six ways vertical farming can boost your profitability as a cannabis cultivator.

What Is Indoor Vertical Farming?

Vertical farming is one of the more productive methods of growing cannabis, fruits, flowers, and vegetables. These innovative indoor multi-tier systems allow business owners to get the most from every cubic foot of their facility, every watt they use, and every labor hour that goes into production.

So what financial advantages does vertical farming provide?

Some advantages are straightforward (e.g., more canopy space), while others require an understanding of system integrations to measure accurately (e.g., labor efficiency). Still, the benefits all add up to a significant impact on profitability.

Is Commercial Vertical Farming Profitable?

As a commercial grower, you’re likely wondering about the financial benefits of making the vertical switch.

Taking advantage of new technology in multi-tier farming requires attention to detail, data collection, and a clear action plan. This reason, and many others, highlights why choosing trusted solution providers is important for troubleshooting, making informed decisions, and optimizing the tools in your facility.

1. Water Use Efficiency

Vertical farming provides a great opportunity to fine-tune fertigation automation and limit runoff. Some cultivators can eliminate runoff altogether, which significantly impacts wastewater from the facility as a whole. Multi-tiered facilities also use equipment that captures and reuses fertigation runoff and water from the dehumidification system. 

While this approach does require filtration and treatment, the free water and lower waste outweigh the filtration costs. In the end, combining precision irrigation systems, detailed media management guidelines, effective drainage, and strategic water treatment make these savings possible.

2. Less Energy Consumption

Successful indoor vertical farming operations rely on LED lamps for lush and healthy plant growth. These high-quality lighting solutions are far more energy-efficient than traditional HID fixtures. Plus, they produce less heat, thus reducing the performance needed from your cooling and airflow systems.

Another benefit of vertical farming is the access to purpose-built solutions that allow you to maximize your production per watt and cubic foot. Tools like high-intensity lighting, environmental controls, automated fertigation, and controllable airflow allow crop steering to be more than a buzzword. Proper control of these inputs allows the performance of every mechanical solution to produce more while using less energy.

3. Lowered Labor Costs

One of the biggest advantages of vertical farming technology is the ability to control the environment and maintain consistent plant management. In addition, quality SOPs and predictable growth allow for the most efficient labor allocation.

Specifically, vertical farms allow employees to complete tasks like defoliation in less time. Another example is the foliar application of IPM — more plants can receive treatment per labor hour than in single-tier setups.

Also, technological advancements like purpose-built HVACD systems or the Vertical Air Solution’s In-Rack Air Circulation System maintain plant vitality and reduce unnecessary touches. This consistent and controllable airflow balances humidity, temperature, and CO2 levels throughout the entire vertical racking system, from top to bottom and front to back. By reducing pathogen pressures and driving plant vitality, fewer labor hours are needed to support cultivation success.

In short, vertical farming equipped with environmental controls will streamline production, prevent unforeseen issues, and help employees accomplish the most impactful tasks.

4. Year-Round Farming

Professionally designed indoor vertical farms are resilient to the challenges of nature, including freezing conditions, scorching heat, strong winds, migratory pests, wildfires, seasonal changes in DLI, and other unpredictable factors. By taking control of the environment, you effectively become the provider of nature. As long as your systems are well-maintained, you can ensure consistent results and enjoy more harvests throughout the year.

Indoor vertical farming allows you to continue operating and maintain the appropriate environmental conditions, despite external temperatures and extreme weather conditions. This ability enables you to optimize genetics and, in many cases, trigger senescence and shorten flower times. Indoors, your facility is optimized for maintaining consistent plant health, even in the harshest winter storm. 

Let’s look at an example:

Assume you have 3,000 square feet of flowering canopy yielding 60 grams per square foot.. That equals 396 pounds per harvest. If you have a controlled indoor environment, you may achieve six harvests per year or 2,378 lbs. That’s almost 2,000 pounds more by harvesting multiple times a year.

If you sell for $1,000 per pound, your six harvests in a single year would produce $2,378,000 in top-line revenue compared to the single harvest, which would produce a modest $396,000. Multi-tier indoor farming allows you to go a step further and optimize not only the square footage of your facility but also the cubic footage and increase overall yield. Cycles per year and total canopy square footage can have a significant impact on the bottom line of your business, and vertical farming provides the fastest return on investment.

5. Minimized Use of Pesticides and Fungicides 

Vertical grow racks from Pipp Horticulture feature an antimicrobial and fungal-resistant coating that ensures easy cleaning and a long working lifespan. Our unique integrated slope grow tray designs and drainage system limit water-born pathogen pressures. Our in-rack airflow system, VAS 2.0, mitigates microclimates and helps prevent powdery mildew. We continue to engineer solutions that reduce pest and pathogen pressures so you can spend more time working on the plants and less time looking for the culprit.

Moreover, facility designs with plant quarantine rooms and procedures that require employee PPE (e.g., Tyvek suits, booties, beard nets) have a distinct advantage in control over greenhouse or outdoor gardens. Some facilities install air chambers, use sticky floor pads, positively pressurize their cultivation rooms, and have a spray bottle of their preferred “human sanitizer” outside of each room to prevent contamination.  Indoor Vertical farming requires procedures and environmental control for effective IPM but also creates a cultivation environment that reduces the use of pesticides, bactericides, and fungicides.  

Ultimately, vertical farming delivers a protected and adjustable environment with fewer pesticides by leveraging other forms of control.

6. Increased Yield per Square Foot

Cultivators have been standardizing metrics like pounds per light and grams per square foot for a long time. Thanks to lighting innovations, fertigation advancements, and environmental management tools, genetics are producing like never before. Today, fully mobile multi-meter cultivation facilities have the most efficient room utilization, allowing facilities to utilize their vertical space to achieve prolific yields and higher cannabinoid and terpene content than ever before.

A massive canopy also demands a prolific vegetative space, ensuring only the healthiest plants enter the flower space and load-in timelines are met. Moreover, cultivators can support a nursery model revenue stream by providing enough plants for their facilities and others in need.

For an easy and straightforward analysis of the vertical opportunity in your space, utilize Pipp’s Cannabis Yield Calculator. With this tool, you can see room utilization metrics and projected revenue gains relative to the room size and number of tiers. This plan can be a great way to predict ROI timelines and phasing plans.

How Much Does Implementing Vertical Farming Cost?

Vertical farming equipment will require an initial investment, as does every shift in infrastructure. Growers will need to determine the correct lighting layout, tier spacing, augmented airflow, aisle space for workflow, fertigation system, climate controls, and growing media. Ongoing costs like HVACD and irrigation maintenance should be considered, too. While some of these processes can be intimidating, Pipp’s team of cultivation experts is an excellent resource to ensure your decisions are well-informed.

Here are a few areas to consider before implementing vertical farming systems:

  • Lighting technology: When selecting an LED fixture, you must consider several things (e.g., efficiency, intensity, spectrum, price, form factor, and after-purchase support). However, choosing the correct lighting for Mother, Vegetative, Clone, and Flowering plants should focus on optimizing the light during each growth stage.
  • Airflow management: Controlling the distribution of conditioned CO2-rich air through the canopy is more challenging in multi-tier than single-tier. The configuration of your supply and return dampers, additional fans, and rack spacing will determine how effectively you can homogenize room conditions and eliminate stale air.
  • Automated environmental controls: Climate control can be tricky with vertical farming, but automated environmental systems simplify the process. These technologies enable growers to monitor temperature and humidity levels for optimal plant development and drive plant performance through advanced crop steering strategies.

Regardless, the benefits of vertical farming vastly outweigh the startup costs. Optimizing your facility for maximum growth capabilities opens a world of opportunities for cultivating multiple genetics and consistently producing quality products. With time, increased yields will counterbalance your investment, satisfy demands, and ease your mind about your decision. 

Vertical Farming is the Future

Industry experts propose a rapid expansion in the vertical farming industry, with annual profits expected to reach $7.3 billion by 2025. The promise of institutional financing under federal cannabis reforms is also on the docket, so now is the time to invest!

Vertical farming technologies are critical for growers to stay current with the latest advancements. Acquiring and installing high-quality technologies means savvy indoor farmers can continue cultivating cannabis profits well into the future.

Get a FREE Grow Consultation

Pipp Cultivating Cannabis Connections at MJBizCon 2021

Pipp Cultivating Cannabis Connections at MJBizCon 2021

When you’re out roaming the massive floor of the MJBizCon conference & cannabis expo next week, stop by our booth and say hello. Pipp Horticulture is one of over 1,000 cannabis industry exhibitors that will attend the 10th annual MJBizCon in Las Vegas from Oct. 19 to 22, 2021.

“Come meet with our team of the most experienced cultivation experts in the vertical farming industry,” said John Ritter, Director of Sales at Pipp Horticulture.

Pipp Horticulture will be at booth #C6235. Visitors to Pipp’s booth can interact with the company’s innovative TRAK-FREE™ mobile vertical racking system to feel how smoothly it glides along the floor with a simple turn of the handle.

“This hands-on experience transforms a prospect into a customer,” said Tom French, Director of Engineering & Operations at Pipp. Attendees will also have an opportunity to see Pipp’s patent-pending ELEVATE™ Platform system up close and in person.

Elevate Your Vertical Farming IQ at MJBizCon 2021

Pipp Horticulture’s ELEVATE™ Platform System is a robust, lightweight, and portable deck that allows cultivators to access the upper levels of Pipp’s Multi-Tier Mobile Grow Racks quickly, efficiently and safely.

The company’s groundbreaking system integrates with Pipp’s Bulk Rack Shelving Systems without need for modifications. Growers can easily install The ELEVATE™ Platform System on new or existing Pipp mobile vertical grow racks. Be sure to ask us about the ELEVATE™ Platform System and any other Pipp products and services at MJBizCon. We’re here to help!

MJBizCon Is The Preeminent Cannabis Event of the Year

Produced by MJBizDaily, the cannabis industry’s top business news publication since 2011, MJBizCon is the cannabis industry’s most revered event.

“MJBizDaily is highly respected in the industry and this is reflected at every event,’’ said Craig Umans, President & CEO of Pipp Horticulture. “Our team has consistently walked away with valuable leads, conversations, and opportunities that invigorate us for the year ahead. There is a high level of engagement, which makes the experience worthwhile for all parties who participate.”  

Held on 250,000 sq. ft. of expo floor at Las Vegas Convention Center, the three-day MJBizCon event gives attendees enough space and time to experience all there is to offer. Pipp’s first year at MJBizCon was in 2017. While last year’s virtual show was excellent, the company is excited that MJBizCon will be live again in 2021.

“There’s nothing like having a face-to-face conversation with like-minded attendees,” said Curtis Dadian, National Sales Manager at Pipp. “In-person is something we have been waiting for with high anticipation.”

Besides promoting its core products and services at the marijuana business conference & expo, Pipp will have the opportunity to join business leaders, major private investors, wholesale cultivators, and other industry professionals at cannabis networking events and educational seminars.

MJBizCon’s 2021 keynote speaker ABC’s Shark Tank star and The Shark Group CEO, Daymond John. Daymond is also founder/CEO of FUBU and presidential ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship. Networking events at MJBizCon this year are Achieving Equity in Cannabis, and Empowering Women in Cannabis while dozens of breakout sessions will bring Pipp and other players the latest trends and developments in cannabis. Here are just a few we’re looking forward to.

  • A Candid View of Cannabis Markets in 2021 and predictions for 2022
  • The Next Wave of Innovation and Investment in the Cannabis Economy
  • Supply Chain Interruptions, Shortages and New Contaminants: Cannabis Industry Impacts of Covid-19
  • Unicorn Yields : Raising the Bar of What Cannabis Can Produce feature latest technologies
  • From the Ground Up: Launching a Cannabis Cultivation Operation

“For cannabis companies seeking partnerships, advice, investors, connections or new products and services, MJ Biz Con is the place to do it,” said Curtis Dadian.

When you stop by Pipp’s booth #C6235, ask about our major industry announcement and be sure to enter the company’s giveaway for a chance to win Pipp’s exclusive Grower’s Survival Kit, valued at $500. The Pipp Grower’s Survival Kit includes merchandise from some of the most highly respected brands in the industry like YETI®, Revelry, Method Seven, Farmer’s Defense and more!

Look forward to connecting at MJBizCon 2021! 

Get a FREE Grow Consultation

7 Signs a Plant Is Healthy

Signs of a Healthy Cannabis Plant

The cannabis industry is rapidly growing and is on pace to more than double in value by 2025. While new cultivators begin to enter the industry, one factor continues to set each grower apart – the health of their canopy. Achieving a plentiful harvest of healthy cannabis is not an easy task. It takes diligence, education, and many years of experience to become masterful at the grow process. From root development to canopy airflow, it is a meticulous process that must be measured and monitored continuously.

If neglected, microbials, pathogens, and pests appear and reproduce rapidly throughout the canopy, potentially destroying or minimizing total harvest yields. However, early detection helps to overcome these hurdles, so the cultivator can focus on growing lush and nutrient-rich cannabis plants.

Here we’ll discuss how to recognize the noticeable signs that indicate healthy plants throughout the cultivation process.

Visual Appearance

Visual appearance is one of the easiest ways to determine the health of a cannabis plant. Through simple visual cues, a cultivator can get a good indication of plant health and identify deficiencies that require attention.

Here are four initial visual considerations to recognize when looking for plant health:

• Typical leaf color (no discoloration) and consistency throughout plants.
• Strength of leaves – No wilting, dropping, or curling. Ideally, leaves stretching up towards the light.
• Number of leaves – mature plants typically have seven or more leaves.
• Void of spots, variegation, burnt tips.

As operations scale up, these visual cues may be more difficult to distinguish. Pipp Horticulture’s Mechanical Assist Drive System allows for easy observation of the visible appearance of plants throughout multiple aisles at the same time. To view the top-level canopy, install the ELEVATE side rails on each side of Pipp’s vertical racks, take the first deck, slide it into place on the rails, then daisy chain remaining decks down the aisle. From there, hook the ladder on, and the operator is ready to access the second level!

Root Development

After examining the general visual appearance on the top of the plant, be sure to check on the plant’s root development. Roots are the foundation for cannabis growth, and poor root development can indicate that the plant is not absorbing water or transporting essential nutrients.

When determining if a root system is healthy, check for these indicators:

• Healthy white appearance with little to no browning
• Roots should be plentiful and grow outward to the edges of the container
• No signs of root rot (brown and mushy)
• Not rootbound or tangled

Remember: maintaining healthy roots is essential for producing healthy plants!

Air Movement

The growth environment, including air circulation and ventilation systems, can also play a role in determining a plant’s health. Proper intake and exhaust ensure sufficient amounts of CO2 for photosynthesis and prevent environments favorable to microbial growth.

This is why destratification techniques should be utilized to minimize any microclimates caused by transpiration from plants and other factors. Vertical Air Solutions Air Circulation System keeps consistent airflow throughout every part of a vertical grow and allows cultivators to take control of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels.

Watch how to maximize airflow throughout the pruning process below:

Brix

Brix (symbol °Bx) is a measurement of the sugar/sucrose levels in plants. A higher brix count typically indicates a healthier, more nutritious plant. Use a refractometer to measure Brix (sugar) and ensure that it is in the ideal range for healthy photosynthesis. This range is between 12%-30% and is a good indicator of plant health.

Defoliation is one of the most effective ways to raise sugar levels by redirecting sugars to the most needed parts of the plant. When searching for a Brix Refractometer, there are a wide variety of measurement tools available online and in hydroponic stores.

Runoff

Runoff is the water stream that goes beyond the root zone of the cannabis plant. This water is full of useful information about plant nutrient levels, fertilizer, and more. Measuring the concentration of solubles (PPM) and soil acidity (pH) in runoff can be an excellent indicator of overall plant health.

When performing these measurements, compare PPM/EC & PH of runoff to input PPM/EC & PH. Runoff should be considerably lower in PPM/EC, showing the plant is effectively taking in nutrients. These levels can easily be determined by using test strips from a local hydroponic store or, for more accurate measurements, use a digital EC/PH/Temp monitor.

Visual Pest Inspection

As discussed, precise temperature, airflow, and humidity levels are all essential to growing nutrient-rich plants. However, these conditions can often harbor unwanted pests and insects. The ability to identify these insects, their preferred environmental conditions, and how fast they can multiply throughout a canopy is essential to plant preservation. Visually scouting for these pests can be done by the human eye or through cameras, AI, and pest control software.

Consider utilizing yellow sticky traps, microscopes, AI, and companion plants in the pest management process. After taking all the necessary measures, the absence of or limited amount of certain pests is a good indicator of plant health.

Trichomes

Trichome color and appearance can help gauge timing for an optimal harvest. Typically healthy trichomes at their peak concentration will have a slightly milky white color, meaning they are full of THC. At this stage, use an HD digital camera/microscope or a small hand-held microscope to observe overall ripeness.

When taking an up-close look, keep an eye out for any burnt or amber colors as this could indicate some damage. Ensuring proper room temperature, humidity, and light exposure throughout the entire growth process can keep trichomes from suffering any destruction.

Summary

In conclusion, it’s essential to recognize the signs of an unhealthy cannabis plant before it spread throughout the canopy. Pipp Horticulture’s vertical farming equipment can also assist with keeping plants healthy, increasing ROI, and getting more from every harvest.

Get a FREE Grow Consultation

Finding the Best Grow Tray for Your Cultivation Facility

Finding the Best Grow Tray for Your Cultivation Facility

Grow trays might be a second thought when selecting supplies and equipment for your cultivation space. But the wrong choice could result in broken equipment or pathogen friendly growing environment. Grow trays are vital to every cannabis grow and in this article we’ll review the different options and their pros and cons.

Cannabis grow trays are offered in various levels of quality and format. As with most things in life, investing in something that will last and provide a clean, safe environment for your plants pays off.

What is a Grow Tray?

 

Grow trays are molded containers that are designed to hold plants and enable easy and efficient irrigation. They are typically long, rectangular, and shallow. The most common dimensions for grow trays are 4’ x 8’.

Grow trays were certainly not invented for the modern-day cannabis industry. They have been used in greenhouse settings since the 18th century in North America. Some believe that Chinese farmers were cultivating cannabis in grow trays as far back as 500 BCE or even earlier.

While plant-growing trays are a common item on every cultivation facility’s supply list, it’s worth reevaluating the quality and value of trays you might be purchasing at local stores. The materials used in manufacturing the trays have a big impact on their performance and contribution to the growing environment.

Two Irrigation Methods

 

Irrigation in outdoor gardens is different from the methods we describe below, which are ideal for greenhouse or indoor gardens. Here is an overview of the main two ways grow trays are utilized in cannabis cultivation facilities:

Drain to Waste

One of the most common indoor cultivation setups is called Drain to Waste. The grow trays hold the plant containers which connect to numerous irrigation lines. A reservoir pumps nutrient solution to the trays and the lines release it to the tops of the plants. The solution drips through the plant medium, feeding the roots, and flows out the bottom of the plant containers. This run-off is then drained from the trays to ensure there’s no standing water in the trays that can be a host to many issues in the grow facility.

Fostering healthy root systems is vital to increasing yields. Placing several drip lines onto each plant ensures that the nutrient solution drains through the plant’s roots evenly and thoroughly. The entire surface area of the plant’s grow medium should be moistened. The faster the grow media drains, the more emitters the drip system will need.

Ebb and Flow

A less commonly used approach in commercial indoor cultivation is the ebb and flow method. Similar to the ways the ocean ebbs and flows on the shore, this method periodically floods the grow tray. The roots are fully flooded each time from the bottom, while Drain to Waste is a slow drip to the top of the grow medium. A drainage hole at the bottom of the trays brings water back to the reservoir where it can go through filtration and treatment to be used again.

Challenges with Low Quality Trays

 

Cutting costs when it comes to grow trays can mean increased costs down the road. A healthy grow environment stems from multiple factors, including the materials and equipment used in the setup. Below are some major challenges associated with growing plant trays:

Sagging

Low cost trays are often thinner to save on manufacturing costs. When they are loaded with cannabis plants, they often sag or bow, which causes water to pool. Standing water is a grower’s nightmare. It can attract pests and encourage mold, bacteria or fungus to take hold.

Cracking

Over time, exposure to UV radiation can degrade plastic trays that were not made with special UV-stabilized plastic material. These trays have a shorter shelf life and can become brittle and crack. A chalky appearance and color shift on the surface are indicators of degradation.

Cracks lead to leaks and a host of added problems, like standing water on the floor and mold or microbial issues.

Sanitization Challenges

Between every round, cultivators sanitize their facility and the tables and trays in the grow rooms. With repeated scrubbing and cleaning, cheap plastic grow trays will bend, warp, or crack. Investing in grow trays manufactured of a more durable material affords long-term use and ability to withstand repeated vigorous cleanings.

Lack of Integration

Grow trays aren’t made to fit all cannabis facility designs and growing spaces. This is especially true for vertical farming operations. Purchasing trays produced by the same vendor that manufactured the vertical racking systems will ensure a proper fit and seamless integration with other equipment like HVAC and lights.

Pipp’s Top of the Line Grow Trays

Our cannabis industry product line is manufactured using the highest quality materials and manufacturing processes. With the expertise of industry mavens, we’ve designed superior grow trays and vertical racking systems. Below are the different grow trays that we manufacture, right here in the USA.

ABS Combo Grow Trays

ABS is a thermoplastic polymer typically used for injection molding. The benefits of ABS trays are that they provide UV-stability, make cleanup very easy, and are extremely durable.

Pipp’s ABS Combo Grow Trays provide the best balance of cost and performance, as they can be used for both drip-to-drain or ebb and flow irrigation styles. These grow trays are designed to sit level to provide cannabis plants with a flat growing surface. A network of sloped canals within the ABS Combo Grow Trays ensures proper drainage.

Our ABS Trays have a proprietary coating with anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. Investing in trays that have been treated in this specific way helps prevent issues that impact crop production and business profitability.

GHI Aluminum Grow Trays

Aluminum trays are a bigger investment, but they are corrosion resistant throughout the tray’s life. They have a robust aluminum construction with great durability and a reflective white powder coat finish that absorbs or wastes very little light.

Pipp’s GHI (Greenhaus Industries) Aluminum Grow Trays are one of the only aluminum grow trays a commercial cultivator will find suitable for a large-scale operation. Built-in slopes allow run-off to move efficiently to drain fittings, while integral supports provide attachment points for lights and HVAC. The 1” pilot hole pattern allows simple attachment of any accessory.

GHI Aluminum Grow trays can be used for either drip to drain or ebb and flow
irrigation styles and are also treated with our anti-microbial and anti-fungal coating.

Finding a Quality Grow Tray

 

At Pipp Horticulture, we know our business. Our innovative products have been designed in partnership with cannabis growers and engineered in-house. Only through first-hand cultivation tech experience and leading manufacturing practices were we able to develop and produce our grow tray offerings. Given the many vulnerabilities and challenges of lower quality grow trays, Pipp’s ABS Corrugated or Aluminum Grow Trays stand out.

Get a FREE Grow Consultation

How Pipp Mobile Storage Systems Grew Into The Horticulture Industry

How Pipp Mobile Storage Systems Grew Into The Horticulture Industry

 
 

Written by Karen Lloyd, Maximum Yield

Pipp Mobile Storage Systems thought it would breeze into the cannabis space, take direction from growers, and roll with flow. But that wasn’t exactly the case for North America’s largest provider of mobile shelving and storage solutions. In 2017, vertical farming hadn’t yet been dialed into perfection and Pipp realized, rather quickly, the legal cannabis industry was new territory for everyone.

“Our customers were looking to us to help guide the process, determine proper work-flow, spacing, elevation, plant density, and other key elements that are affected by or attached to our racking systems,” says Pipp’s sales management team.

Pipp entered the horticulture space with nearly 40 years of experience in the retail industry. As a business that has traditionally selected a single market to serve and lead, the team says Pipp hit the jackpot with the horticulture industry. The Walker, Michigan-based company didn’t wait long to get schooled in the world of growing. Pipp attended seminars, acquainted itself with appropriate suppliers, dropped into trade shows, hired experienced growers, and developed a green thumb of its own.

“The horticulture space demands focused attention to detail, deep analysis, continual improvement, innovation, corporate strength and staying power,” says the team. “These requirements speak directly to the attributes that embody Pipp Mobile Storage Systems, Inc., and now Pipp Horticulture.”

Pipp’s mobile vertical grow racks and Greenhaus grow tray systems allow cultivators to increase production by maximizing their cubic canopy footprint without increasing the square footprint of the growing room or building. Designed to meet the requirements of each and every specific customer and project, racks can be built up to 56 feet long and 23 feet high.

Pipp Horticulture Mobile Vertical Grow Racks - Vertical Farming

Pipp’s vertical grow racks also incorporate:

• Mobile carriages

• A drive system

Vertical rack structures

• Integrated grow trays

• Airflow components

• Anchorage

• Anti-tip features

• Catwalk platforms

• Ladders

Pipp Horticulture is on a neverending mission of continual product improvement and advancement and has been awarded several U.S. patents for its technological innovations.

A Vision for Vertical Farming

Advancements in technologies will continue to push the horticultural industry forward and further expand its reach. The future is bright for growers and Pipp sees tremendous growth ahead rooted in what indoor cultivation will mean to families, cities, and the world. Vertical farming maximizes production, reduces operating costs, and increases overall revenue per square foot by as much as three times.

“People will be accessing and consuming fresher and healthier foods, while new employment opportunities will present in major cities previously unable to cultivate locally,” says Pipp’s sales team. “The possibilities are limitless, and we are humbled to have a place in it all.”

When it comes to vertical farming there have always been two primary dilemmas: rails on the floor and servicing upper levels. To address these high-demand concerns, Pipp designed a new TRAK-FREE Carriage System as well as a mobile elevated platform. “We see horticulture, indoor cultivation and processing, specifically, as the future for our organization and we are committed to hitting the ball out of the park for our customers, suppliers, employees and all who we serve.”

Pipp’s TRAK-FREE Carriage System leaves a smooth surface with no bumps or barriers to maneuver over between racking rows while the company’s ELEVATE Platform System enables cultivators to walk freely along upper grow levels without being hindered by rolling ladders or scaffolding. All Pipp rails are thoughtfully designed and meet ADA compliance standards.

The sales management team says the company won’t release a product or product feature without an extensive factory and client beta site testing. Although Pipp’s entry point into the horticultural industry was through the cannabis market, the company didn’t want to limit Pipp Horticulture to any specific cultivation or plant processing category. Instead, the company looks forward to building and developing solutions for all growers.

Green By Nature

The cubic space utilization of Pipp mobile systems is, by nature, a greenfriendly phenomena. Less space, electricity, lighting, water, gas and other critical resources are needed due to the efficient use of space. “Pipp is committed to being a green friendly supplier in the horticulture space,” says the sales team. The company’s recycled content for steel and aluminum products is an industryleading 66 percent while the majority of its packaging materials come from recycled materials.

Additionally, Pipp Horticulture offers LEED certification assistance to each and every customer. With hundreds of projects on the go and completed installations under its belt, Pipp’s knowledge base only continues to grow. The company’s in-house team now includes professional engineers, CAD designers, sales support, and experienced operators to provide partners with outstanding support before and after installation. “This is not a micromanaging culture, but rather a highly committed team that respects one another and understands that our individual performances affect and benefit the group, including our customers, as a whole,” says the sales team. “We are dealing with and affecting a living product that moves to its own schedule, not ours. Because of this, our performance is essential, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”

Stay tuned as Pipp Horticulture continues to enhance its current offering and create new products to improve plant health, operational efficiencies, and environmental benefits for cultivation facilities worldwide.

Get a FREE Grow Consultation