Voices of the Industry with Jennifer Zurko & Chris Beytes of Ball Publishing – Episode 17

Rhyzone Podcast

Within the realm of digital media, publications such as GrowerTalks and Green Profit represent the enduring significance of print media in the industry. Jennifer Zurko and Chris Beytes, prominent personalities at Ball Publishing, contribute 50+ years of experience and knowledge as they delve into the intimate aspects of horticulture journalism and publishing. This engaging discussion sheds light on how journalists navigate the industry, giving a voice to the people and organizations behind the headlines.

“... If we didn't love horticulture and support our growers, we'd be out of business quickly. So you want to build relationships, we want to see everyone we interview be successful.” –Chris Beytes

Jennifer Zurko is Editor of GrowerTalks and Green Profit magazines. Even though she has a sports journalism degree from Northern Illinois University and thought she’d be a sideline reporter for some sports team, she’s been in the horticulture industry for 20 years. Jen may have interviewed a couple of highly paid major league athletes during her sports-writing days, but she considers herself lucky that she’s been adopted into such a great industry with great people. In 2023, Jen earned a Garden Comm Award for her story on succession planning at Kube-Pak, a growing operation in Allentown, New Jersey.

Chris Beytes is Editor-in-Chief of GrowerTalks and Green Profit magazines and author of the widely read weekly e-newsletter, Acres Online, which reaches nearly 27,000 horticulture industry members in 66 countries. Chris is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in journalism and a minor in ornamental horticulture. A former Florida greenhouse owner with his wife, Laurie, Chris has been with Ball Publishing since 1993. In that position, he travels the U.S. and the world to stay current on the latest horticultural production, marketing, and retailing technologies and trends. Highlights of his career (thus far) include interviewing King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, and emceeing (seven times) the International Grower of the Year awards in Germany.

Ball Publishing: Since 1937, Ball Publishing has provided the horticulture industry with the best, most up-to-date information on the latest crops, culture, and innovations. Their media includes GrowerTalks and Green Profit magazines, newsletters, online resources, videos, and webinars.

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