Canna Cribs Episode 4: Los Suenos Farms

Introduction

• Presenter: Nate, owner of Growers House.
• Location: Los Suenos Farms, Pueblo, Colorado.
• Described as potentially the largest cannabis farm in the world with 36 acres and 36,000 plants.

Overview of Los Suenos Farms

• Guest: Jared, Sales Manager.
• Located in the "banana belt" of Pueblo, known for its agriculture, particularly peppers.
• Transitioned from a steel industry stronghold to an agricultural area over the decades.

Farm Structure

• Comprised of four licenses over 36 acres, each covering about 7 acres.
• Separate businesses but collectively known as Los Suenos Farms.
• Shifted from producing predominantly flower (60%) to predominantly trim (90%) due to the concentrate market's growth.

Meeting Dr. Matt

• Role: Scientist with a PhD in plant genetics.
• Focus: Plant genetics and abiotic stress responses.
• Challenges: Adapting indoor varieties to harsh outdoor conditions including extreme winds, humidity, and temperature swings.

Propagation Techniques

• Use Jiffy Performa pellets and Clonex gel for propagation.
• Achieves 95-100% success rate in cloning.

Farm Operations with Ryan

• Role: Farm Manager.
• Vegetative Cycle: Multiple vegetative tracks for plants destined for different growing paths (field vs greenhouse).
• Uses Agrotech greenhouses with features like condensation control, ventilation, and light deprivation systems.

Environmental Controls

• Utilizes Link 4 systems for environmental decisions every 15 seconds.
• Lighting primarily uses Gavita lights.

Planting and Cultivation

• Practice called "plasticulture" used in high-value agriculture.
• Benefits: Warms soil, prevents plant-soil contact, conserves moisture.
• Uses drip irrigation with Dosatron injection for nutrients.
• Utilizes drones for monitoring plant health and conditions.

Harvest and Processing

• Handles massive harvests, typically over 40,000 pounds.
• Employs dry trim methods for field products, with 10% being trimmed wet for quality.
• Uses Twister trimmers and conveyor systems for efficient processing.

Storage and Packaging

• Guest: Casey, Inventory Manager.
• Uses 35-gallon barrels and Mylar bags for storage, ensuring moisture content is maintained.
• Packaging: Utilizes nitrogen sealing for product preservation.

Processing at Mesa Organics

• Guest: Jim, Owner.
• Unique relationship with Los Suenos for processing and extraction of cannabis.
• Utilizes supercritical CO2 extraction for purity and safety.

Equipment and Processes

• Uses apex extraction systems, including large-scale units like "Ginormica."
• Process involves multiple stages: extraction, curing, oil processing, and distillation.
• Outputs high-potency distillate for various cannabinoids.

Conclusion

• Los Suenos Farms exemplifies advanced agricultural and processing techniques in cannabis cultivation.
• Collaborative efforts between cultivation, processing, and retail sectors.
• The episode concludes with a visit to the Mesa Organics dispensary and a purchase of cannabis product.