MakersOnAcres

This is an exciting episode of the Makers On Acres Podcast. Today I have a special guest Dr. Nate Storey of Bright Agrotech. Dr. Storey is the creator of the Zipgrow towers and the CEO of Bright Agrotech in Laramie, Wyoming. Bright Agrotech is one of, if not, the leader in vertical farming technology and implementation. Tune in today as I ask Dr. Storey about Bright Agrotech, the Zipgrow towers and more on aquaponics and hydroponics. Don’t miss this episode. If you are thinking about trying hydroponics, aquaponics or growing plants for profit you must listen in to this episode! Bright Agrotech: Bright Agrotech was founded in 2010 and is based in Laramie, WY. Currently, Bright Agrotech is exclusively owned by the equity partners and has not needed to raise venture funding. Bright Agrotech is the owner and steward of Upstart University, an engaging and approachable farm e-learning platform that empowers aspiring modern farmers to plan, build, and operate a successful farm. Visit Bright Agrotech today at BrightAgrotech.com

Today on this quick episode of the Makers On Acres Podcast I have a huge announcement about a great guest we have scheduled for next weeks Podcast! Must listen, plus more on our future and our BIG plans!

Thermodynamics and Arduino? On this episode of the Makers on Acres Podcast, Brett and Bryce talk about the plans for their new greenhouse project. Getting sidetracked the duo also discuss thermodynamics and Arduino fun! Check out this episode as the Duo returns to Pod casting together after a long holiday break!  

So many articles today talking about how millionaires and billionaires are investing in saving the planet. So much money thrown around, but what is the true outcome? I believe that they truly due care (most anyway), but have lost track of where real innovation comes from. Tune in today to get my thoughts on the topic.

Today I am finally back! It has been a few weeks as I have been spending all my spare time researching products for our store!   Thanks for your patience. Today I chat a little bit about getting started with the Arduino boards and how we can implement them into our greenhouses and gardens. This is just a small intro into Arduino, I am hoping to have in depth videos done soon.

Today on the show I discuss what you should expect from a greenhouse and all it can do. Show notes: _______________________________________ Growing in a greenhouse What should we expect? – Aquaponics results – Done proper, faster growth possible – Done propper, denser planting possible – needs monitoring and a little pre-educating before starting endeavor. – still a need for soil and other mediums – Some plants will just not be a good fit for aquaponics – redundancy, back up in case of failures – ability to utilize natural fertilizers from other protein sources – cloning abilities -aeroponics – mist beds – year around production -solar powered heating and cooling systems -solar powered lighting to fill gaps – passive solar designs – thermal mass heat storage designs – saving time through automation -building in redundancy/contingency plans (soil garden=fail safe) – all systems will need inputs – like entropy, nutrients etc will be lost in transitions – protein production – fish – rabbits – good fertilizer for soil based – able to grow them food in the greenhouse – Quail are a small protein bird that could be implemented in small scale in a greenhouse -can i expect to feed my family with a greenhouse – depending on size of family and size of greenhouse – depends a lot on labor input, geographical location (i.e. heating/ cooling battles, solar exposure etc.) – possible profitability on excess produce or plant propagatin production. – Grow plants you normally could not grow in your zone! – IT WILL COST TIME AND $ to do it correctly.

Well today I talk a bit about doing things right. It may sound a bit cliche, but this is a topic that drives me nuts in my professional life and family life as well. Do things right, and things are so much easier! Tune in today to listen.

How do we truly innovate in today’s world of on demand information? How do we create new ideas and solve problems with new innovations? Well today I discuss a bit about how to divide your time into segments and how to find your true passion. Without working in your true passion much can be lost in your creations including your interest. Join us today as we talk passions and talents.

Today we talk a bit about some of the important basic tools any maker or builder should have in their shop.  We will be talking about basics for the beginning maker. We don’t go into the advanced tools on this show, just the basics and necessities. Below is a list of some basics. Tools for building and making that should be in any makers garage or shop. Klein screw driver set Klein magnetic nut driver set Klein Diagonal cutters, full size Ace Hardware precision screwdriver set Mini flush cutters Klein wire strippers Small, medium and large crescent wrenches Metric and standard combination gear wrench set Metric and standard socket wrench set Adjustable soldering iron Utility knife Bench vise Precision vise Fluke multi-meter Dremel tool with accessories Cordless drill and impact set, Milwaukee or Makita Circular saw (worm drive preferred) Reciprocating saw Drill bit set Hole saw set Spade bit set 2-12” pipe wrenches Table saw Router with table Headlamp light Tape measure in 1/16th increments Combination square 12” Speed framing square 12” 2’, 4’, and 6’ levels Irwin small medium and large channel locks Klein Lineman pliers Angle grinder ¼ sheet Palm sander Wire feed welder Metal chop saw 10” sliding miter saw Allen wrench set, metric and standard Air compressor (big enough to power tools) 18 gauge finish nail gun Framing nail gun Shop vac Work lights Hack saw Bench grinder Multiple random clamps

Bryce and I talk about our first big build together, an indoor aquaponics system that did great. Ever since then Bryce has developed into the same obsessed maker as his father. Today we also talk about the greenhouse project and announce Bryce’s Kids Corner that will be on the site soon.