Overview
As part of the International Protea Association Conference, Kendall Farms proudly hosted a farm tour that brought together nearly 123 people from seasoned growers and breeders to local enthusiasts, attendees were given a rare, behind-the-scenes look at our farm and operations. This year’s conference was hosted at the scenic Temecula Creek Inn from March 30 to April 4, 2025. The week featured an impressive lineup of guest speakers, collaborative learning sessions, and immersive experiences designed to support and uplift the global Protea community.
Highlights included exclusive farm tours at Kendall Farms and others, offering attendees a firsthand look at real-world operations. The conference concluded with presentations from industry leaders—among them our very own Troy Conner, who shared a powerful talk on the transformative role of technology in the future of farming.
Guests rotated through two key areas—Farm and Production—aboard four tour buses. On the production side, visitors followed the journey of each stem from receiving to shipping, while our team shared insights into the tools and technologies we use to streamline and enhance every step of the process.
The tour included a scenic stop at a farm overlook, where guests were welcomed by a vibrant flower booth and a tractor beautifully decorated with Proteas, Banksias, Pincushions, Waxflowers, Baby Blue Eucalyptus, and Parvifolia. A live drone presentation followed, offering a unique aerial scene of the drone flying over the farm. Guests had the chance to connect, take photos, and soak in the thoughtfully arranged floral setup. Some highlights of the production tour included the quality control process, UV treatment tunnel, and the inside look of our bouquet department.
About the International Protea Association
The International Protea Association (IPA) was founded in 1984 with a clear mission: to bring together researchers, propagators, producers, marketers, breeders, and educators in a shared space for collaboration, education, and growth. At its core, the IPA exists to strengthen the global Protea industry through open communication and lasting partnerships (International Protea Association, n.d.).
Today, the association includes more than 100 members representing countries such as Australia, Chile, China, Colombia, and Ecuador. Its reach is global, but its impact is deeply personal—fostering meaningful connections across the supply chain and nurturing a collective drive for excellence.
A key part of the IPA’s work lies in organizing conferences and workshops that inspire innovation and spark conversations across borders. Among its most anticipated events is the XX International Protea Association Conference, a gathering dedicated to advancing Protea research, sustainability, and best practices. The following paragraphs provide an overview of the Kendall Farms tour and highlight the key topics discussed throughout the visit.
The Kendall Farms Tour
Quality Control in Action
Quality started the moment the flowers arrived at the door. During the tour, our team explained how Tory, our lead quality control inspector, carefully reviews each bunch to ensure it meets our standards—checking stem height, bunch weight, and bloom stage. Guests learned about our conveyor system equipped with pause-and-check gates, which allows the team to pause the line for more detailed inspections when needed. This behind-the-scenes look highlighted the care and precision that go into maintaining the consistent quality Kendall Farms is known for.
Eco-Friendly, Longer-Lasting Flowers
Sustainability has always been a core value at Kendall Farms. During the tour, guests learned about our use of a UV treatment tunnel—a chemical-free method that uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and extend the vase life of our flowers. David, our Receiving Supervisor, highlighted how this eco-friendly approach has outperformed some of the traditional treatments we’ve used in the past.
By embracing innovation and eco-conscious practices, Kendall Farms has continued to deliver the quality our customers expect—along with flowers that stay fresher, longer.
Crafting Consistency: Inside Our Bouquet Line
Bouquet production at Kendall Farms is described as both an art and a Science. Guests learned how each piece must meet strict standards for shape, size, and consistency—all while being handled with care to preserve the integrity of every flower and green.
To meet growing demand without compromising quality, our General Manager, Katalina and our Head of Department of Bouquet, Alberto, explained how we operate efficient assembly lines equipped with conveyors, labeling machines, and precision tools. Flowers move smoothly through each stage of production, with the capacity to assemble up to 650 bouquets and 700 bunches per hour, averaging around 9,000 units daily.
Technology plays a key role in this process. Machines apply UPC stickers, align jar and vase labels with precision, and print box labels during packing. Our automated water-filling system ensures each vase receives the ideal amount of chilled floral solution—helping to extend freshness once the flowers reach the customer.
Speakers also emphasized our commitment to sustainability, explaining how production waste—such as trimmings, leftover water, and packaging materials—is carefully managed to reduce environmental impact.
Drone Presentation
While guests gathered at the farm’s scenic overlook, they watched drones soar across the sky during a live presentation led by our Agricultural Engineer, Daniel, and Precision Ag Specialist, Justin. The presentation highlighted how drones contribute to precision farming—helping us monitor field conditions, track plant health, and apply fertilizers and pesticides only where needed.
Attendees learned how this smart use of technology improves crop care, reduces waste, and enhances sustainability across our farm. It was a compelling demonstration of how innovation supports our daily operations.
Implemented Technologies That Maximize Efficiency and Sustainability
The day after the farm tour, Troy Conner took the stage at the conference to share insights on how technology is reshaping modern agriculture. His presentation explored how advanced tools are creating more efficient, data-driven, and eco-friendly farming practices.
Troy discussed the growing role of spray drones for targeted crop treatment, the power of multispectral imaging for plant health analysis, and how AI technology is being used to optimize decision-making on the farm. He also highlighted precision irrigation systems and soil moisture sensors that help conserve water and better respond to field conditions.
One standout innovation discussed was the use of UV sanitization—a chemical-free solution that reduces bacteria and extends shelf life, aligning with our commitment to both quality and sustainability.
Overall, Troy painted a vivid picture of how farming is evolving—and how Kendall Farms is embracing that evolution to stay ahead.
Kendall Farms Mission
It was truly an honor to be included in this incredible event. We extend our sincere thanks to the International Protea Association for organizing such a meaningful conference, and to the esteemed guests who took the time to visit Kendall Farms. Sharing our farm, our processes, and our passion with fellow Protea enthusiasts from around the world was a memorable experience we’ll cherish.
The XX International Protea Association Conference, along with the farm tour at Kendall Farms, offered a dynamic mix of knowledge sharing, innovation, and connection—bringing together a global community united by a shared passion for Proteas.
From hands-on experiences in bouquet production to engaging conversations on sustainable farming and cutting-edge technology, the event highlighted the spirit of collaboration and progress that continues to drive the Protea industry forward.
At Kendall Farms, we’re proud to be part of that journey. As we continue to grow with purpose, our mission remains clear: to cultivate not only beautiful flowers and greens—but a better, more sustainable future for farming.
Want a closer look at the tour and all the beautiful moments we shared? 🌿✨
We captured some of the highlights—including the decorated tractor, the drone presentation, and behind-the-scenes shots of our bouquet line—over on Instagram.
Click the link below to check out the post and relive the experience with us! Be sure to follow for flowers, farm stories, and a peek into everyday life on the farm.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DH_fwLVP5WJ/
Sincerely,
Kendall Farms
