Speedling Inc.
Commissioner's Agricultural Environmental Leadership Award
Speedling was incorporated as a young plant production company in 1968 in Sun City. Although the company has grown to eight nurseries in the United States, the original site remains in production. This farm, located south of Ruskin, is home to its EPS Manufacturing Facility and Corporate Offices. The EPS facility produces the industry standard “Speedling Flat,” which facilitated widespread transplanting of fruit, vegetables, flowers and other crops worldwide. This design improved utilization of greenhouse space, reduced production costs and decreased usage of water, heat, fertilizers and agrichemicals. The original Sun City farm has been continuously producing superior young plants and serving its loyal customers for over 50 years.
The Sun City nursery boasts over 800,000 square feet of greenhouse space. It is the most diverse farm, with an assortment of greenhouse types that allow production of a wide range of vegetable, ornamental, forestry, forage and specialty crops. All greenhouses are equipped with overhead water trolleys and utilize the “1 to 5 Moisture Scale” developed by the Floriculture Research Alliance. This standard evaluation of moisture coupled with precise delivery allows irrigation to a prescribed moisture level, reducing runoff while improving performance and consistency. Standard operating procedures are frequently updated for efficiency and to ensure compliance with industry and water-quality standards.
At Speedling’s location in Bushnell, Florida, over 4 million gallons of water circulate throughout 700,000 square feet of growing space. This innovative sub-irrigation circulation system reuses water to consume up to 80 percent less water. It allows watering and feeding without wetting the foliage, thereby reducing incidence and spread of foliar disease. The Bushnell farm produces vegetables, tobacco and seed geraniums for many of the world’s largest growers. It also produces the soilless media used by Speedling and sold through its Horticultural Division.
Speedling is enrolled in Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Water-Quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) and uses its overhead irrigation system and sub-irrigation system to reduce water and nutrition losses. Water is recycled for reuse and tested daily to ensure quality. Likewise, soil is formulated and tested to reduce fertilizer requirements. All facilities are designed to reduce waste, maximize throughput of consistent quality and take advantage of natural sunshine and airflow. Inputs are measured and studied continually to increase efficiencies at each step of production.
Nationwide, Speedling continually evaluates new technology and has ongoing projects to improve efficiencies, benefit the environment and better service its customers. Not only is the technology tested and shared among Speedling nurseries, Speedling also works with other researchers and agriculturalists. Speedling is a member of the International Plant Propagators Society, whose motto is “to share and to seek.” Speedling believes education is vital to the sustainability of agriculture. The company actively works to educate youth, consumers and elected officials through tours, school visits and donations. Speedling worked closely with the Girl Scouts of America, various FFA chapters and the University of Florida to promote good agricultural practices and education. Speedling also provides yearly plant donations to AgVenture and Ag in the Classroom. Speedling encourages team members to enroll in training and industry conferences to expand their knowledge and network.
