Investment in New Equipment Fails to Solve Cannabis Yield Issues
A cannabis facility's investment in new fertigation equipment failed to improve yields, highlighting the need for disciplined cultivation practices over technological fixes
Key Points
- 1Cannabis facility invests in new equipment to boost yields
- 2Yield issues persist despite technological upgrades
- 3Neglect of stock plants and protocols identified as root causes
- 4Industry trend shows over-reliance on technology over execution
- 5Future success depends on disciplined cultivation practices
In a bid to boost production, a 100,000-square-foot cannabis facility recently invested heavily in new fertigation equipment, hoping to address persistent yield issues. Despite the significant financial outlay on advanced technology, the expected improvements in crop yield did not materialize. Instead, the facility's production costs increased, and the root cause of the problem remained unaddressed
The decision to invest in new equipment was driven by pressure from investors seeking efficiency and executives looking for quick fixes. The facility's leadership believed that upgrading to new recirculation pumps, dosing equipment, and touchscreens would resolve their issues. However, the core problem lay not in the technology but in the execution of cultivation practices, with neglected stock plants and outdated propagation protocols at the heart of the issue
According to High Times, the facility's stock plants, referred to by staff as 'grandmas,' were well past their prime, leading to poor cloning success rates. The propagation team struggled with outdated mother plants, some of which had not been replaced in nearly two years. This neglect resulted in inconsistent plant growth and irrigation challenges, further exacerbating the yield problem
The cannabis industry often falls into the trap of seeking visible solutions for visible problems, yet the real issues often lie beneath the surface. While new equipment can be an alluring solution, it is the consistent application of disciplined cultivation practices that truly drives success. The facility's leadership failed to recognize that their focus should have been on standard operating procedures and maintenance schedules rather than on high-tech installations
The case highlights a broader industry trend where reliance on technology overshadows the importance of execution and accountability. As margins tighten, the cannabis sector must learn from other agricultural industries, such as greenhouse vegetable production, where success is built on rigorous standards and repeatable processes. For the cannabis facility in question, future success will depend on addressing these fundamental execution flaws rather than on further technological investments