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.
Listen up, Rhyzers! Never miss a moment from the studio: follow us on your favorite platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!