Future-proofing nursery production — maximising investment in automation is on 3 September at
Sponsored by Hortec
THE PANEL:
Steve Dunn, Hortec
Daryl McWhinnie, McLarens Nurseries
David Nieburg, Country Herbs
Steve Carter, Farplants
Chaired by HortWeek editor Matthew Appleby
With rising labour costs and chronic worker shortages squeezing margins, this practical expert panel will look at fully automated processes, advances in technology and the efficiencies they can bring. Forward-thinking UK nurseries McLarens, Farplants and Country Herbs will share their experiences, while Hortec will present the latest advances and options from manufacturers including Javo and Stolze.
Chair Matthew Appleby will lead an interactive Q&A, putting a crucial question to all three nursery managers: If you could automate just one specific part of your production line today, where would you start to achieve the maximum return on investment?
Whether you are evaluating your first piece of automated machinery, adapting your equipment for peat-free production, or optimising an existing potting line, this 45-minute panel provides direct, field-tested guidance from the growers leading the way.
Meet the Panelists & Discussion Focus
Steve Dunn, Hortec
Representing event sponsor Hortec, Steve Dunn will outline the latest technical advances in potting machinery and handling systems from leading manufacturers, including Javo and Stolze. Steve will focus on how modern equipment design allows nurseries to scale up efficiency, improve pot-filling consistency, and integrate modular automation step-by-step into existing nursery setups without needing to replace entire production lines at once.
Daryl McWhinnie, McLarens Nurseries
Bringing extensive front-line experience with high-capacity Javo machinery, Daryl McWhinnie will offer practical insights into mechanical weed suppression. McLarens Nurseries relies on automated barktoppers to control weed growth across large container volumes. Daryl will discuss the operational efficiencies of automated topping, maintenance expectations, and how switching from manual weed management to automated topping impacts bottom-line labour costs.
David Nieburg, Country Herbs & Plants
Automation is a multi-year journey rather than an instant transformation. Having operated an automated transplanter paired with his potting lines for around 10 years, David Nieburg brings invaluable long-term operational perspective. He will discuss the practical realities of integrating specialised transplanting machinery with established Javo potting machines, sharing how machinery integration continues to deliver labour savings a decade after initial installation. He added: "Investment in automation needs to be right!"
Steve Carter, Farplants
The nationwide transition toward peat-free and peat-reduced substrates presents distinct physical challenges for mechanical systems. Steve Carter will explore how alternative growing media affect equipment routines, soil feeds, and pot filling. His session will focus on the operational adjustments growers must make—from altered maintenance schedules to recalibrating machine mechanics—to handle changing media without sacrificing line speed or quality.
Meet the speaker: Steve Dunn
Meet the speaker: Daryl McWhinnie
Meet the speaker: Steve Carter
