Trust your training

60 years ago, mountaineers — such as Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, who were the first to summit Mount Everest in 1953 — wore heavy woolen and cotton-blend clothing, and carried large oxygen tanks, wood-handled ice axes and other weighty items. As they moved towards the summit, they may have been carrying upwards of 40 pounds worth of gear at high altitudes, which would’ve made the climb even more challenging. Advances in clothing, gear design and related technologies are likely factors in a higher number of modern-day climbers being able to attempt such feats.

However, climbing a mountain is a challenge no matter what gear you’re using or how well you’re clothed. Mountaineers train extensively so that when the trek gets difficult, they can rely on what they’ve learned and trust their instincts, leaving as little as possible to chance. They train their bodies by eating well, exercising and properly acclimating to high altitudes. They prepare themselves mentally by reviewing possible scenarios, planning their exact route and getting to know their fellow expeditioners. They gather the best gear for their situation and learn how to use it well. The preparation for an expedition like the one Hillary and Norgay embarked upon usually takes longer than the trip itself.

While you may not necessarily be planning a summit of Mount Everest in the near future, there is certainly a lot to be said about the importance of preparing and training appropriately to ensure success in your business. If you’re one of the growers considering switching part or all of your produce operation to a hydroponic, or soilless, system, choosing the right system and learning to operate it well is key to good yields and a smooth production cycle. One of the best ways to learn your system is to take advantage of webinars, training sessions and other technical support offered by the companies producing and distributing the product as well as university extensions, trade magazines and industry experts.

This month we have our second edition of the State of Hydroponic Produce Growing report, starting on page 19. In it, we look at who’s growing hydroponically, what they’re growing, expectations and more, comparing the 2016 results to last year’s inaugural report. And you can continue learning about water and nutrition in hydroponic systems with the latest Hydroponic Production Primer article on page S16.

kvarga@gie.net | (216) 393-0290

Twitter: @Karen_GIE