Welcome to a special feature here at Pecos Valley Production, where we proudly share with you the insights and stories from the heart of our growing operations. In this edition, we are thrilled to present an exclusive interview with our esteemed Lead Cultivator, David Risley, whose green thumb and pioneering spirit have been pivotal in sculpting the landscape of our beloved grows.
Join us as David takes us through the winding paths of his personal and professional growth, shares the innovative cultivation practices that set Pecos Valley apart, and gives us a sneak peek into the exciting future strains that promise to delight both novices and connoisseurs alike.
1. Could you kick us off by sharing your official title at Pecos Valley Production?
Director of Cultivation.
2. Let’s dig into your green-thumb journey. Can you take us through your background and experience in cannabis cultivation?
I worked at a garden center during my college years, and at some point decided that I’d like to continue working with plants, so switched my major from business/real estate to horticulture. In 2009 I received a B.S. in Horticulture from CSU – and was hired on as the stock plant grower for a 200,000 sq ft ornamental greenhouse. My plan at the time was to grow flowers (and despite cannabis being legalized in CO in 2009 did not include growing weed professionally… other than the 6 plants in my basement).
Through a series of fortunate encounters I was connected with some enterprising individuals – and we started Kind Love, where I managed the cultivation for 5 years, until 2014. In 2014, I broke off with one of the owners to start Euflora and build one of the first commercial cannabis greenhouses within Denver.
This got me back in the greenhouse, which I loved, and really built the foundation for how I grow today. After 4 years with Euflora, I did a brief 2 year stint as Director of Cultivation for Budfox (another snazzy greenhouse facility in Denver). In 2020, I was connected with Pecos Valley through the greenhouse builders I work with. They brought me on to design their new facility, which I did. Now, we grow a bunch of killer flower, and the rest is history!
3. We’re proud of the unique cultivation process at Pecos Valley Production. Could you enlighten our readers about what makes our cannabis cultivation distinct and special?
We use a high-quality living soil that comes charged with a bunch of goodies. This reduces the amount of fertilizer we apply throughout the cycle. It gives us a lot of the benefits of a strictly organic grow, while maintaining the ease and predictability of a more traditional fertilizer strategy.
We have a pretty unique positive pressure greenhouse design. This gives us a lot of advantages over a traditional negative pressure greenhouse. Incoming air is filtered before being pushed underneath each row of benches through a series of air socks.
Holes on top of the socks distribute the air up and through the canopy, which gives us fantastic air exchange. The positive pressure keeps the critters out and gives us a near perfectly uniform environment. The fact that we’re a greenhouse allows us to take advantage of the sunlight and often agreeable weather conditions, and operate much more efficiently than an indoor facility.
We also run 25 x 144’ hoophouses during the warmer months. These plants are grown as nature intended with minimal inputs, so they can be offered to our customers at a much lower price. The hoops dont have the same level of control as our ‘fancy pants’ greenhouse — but the plants are being grown in a very sustainable manner — which for me as the cultivator feels right.
4. The anticipation for new cannabis strains never wanes. Could you reveal your favorite strains that Pecos Valley Production plans to introduce this year?
Yeah! We just brought on a bunch of new genetics. A few that pop out are:
- Mercy (Gage Green Group, classic OG funk, super potent)
- Black Marshmallow (I have a test on this at 35%)
- Tropicana Cherries (for you cookie lovers)
- Bolo Runtz
- Purple Onyx (Ice Cream cake x Jealousy)
- Headlamps #3 (Northern Lights #5 x Headband)
- Chin Check (Jealousy x Triangle Kush) x Purple Punch
Also, we’re phenotyping the new High Fructose Corn Syrup and Subzero runs from Grow More Fire. Some really exciting crosses in here! Keep an eye out for these genetics on our menu and checkout some our featured flower below:
5. Being at the heart of Pecos Valley Production’s cultivation, you must have a unique perspective. Could you share what you love most about being part of the cultivation process?
What I love most is seeing the transformation of a tiny seed (or clone) into a thriving, vibrant plant. There’s a sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from nurturing each plant through every stage of growth, knowing that our efforts will ultimately result in high-quality cannabis products that bring joy and relief to our customers. Being able to work with such a diverse range of strains and cultivars also keeps things exciting and constantly challenges me to learn and improve as a cultivator.
6. Growth and quality are at the core of our ethos at Pecos Valley Production. How do you ensure that these values are reflected in your cultivation practices?
Each run is a chance for us to further refine our process; we do our best to take advantage of this opportunity and do a lot of R & D. Its not uncommon for three or four different tests to be going on in a single flower room. Sometimes these are pretty straightforward, and we are simply assessing plant growth rates under different inputs or fertigation strategies.
Other times, we are testing more complicated control system and environmental modifications. Recently we’ve started aggressively lowering temps going into the last few weeks of flower (which has really made our flowers pop with color and given us a much more uniform finish).
We achieve this by prioritizing a holistic approach to cultivation that emphasizes sustainability, consistency, and attention to detail. From selecting premium genetics to implementing strict quality control measures, every decision we make is guided by our dedication to producing the finest cannabis possible.
7. Not all plants are created equal; cannabis is indeed special. For beginners or the uninitiated, could you explain why cultivating cannabis is a craft itself?
Unlike many other crops, cannabis is highly sensitive to its environment and requires careful monitoring and adjustment to thrive. From selecting the right genetics and optimizing growing conditions — to meticulously tending to each plant’s needs throughout its lifecycle — every aspect of cultivation is a labor of love.
8. It’s always thrilling to see new faces join the Pecos Valley Production family. Can you provide any tips or advice for someone interested in becoming a cannabis cultivator?
For those interested in becoming a cannabis cultivator, my advice would be to start by educating yourself as much as possible about the plant and the cultivation process. There are many resources available, including books, online courses, and workshops, that can provide valuable information on topics such as genetics, growing techniques, and pest management.
Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteer opportunities at a licensed cultivation facility can be incredibly beneficial. Networking with other cultivators and industry professionals can also open doors and provide valuable insights. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes; cultivating cannabis is as much an art as it is a science, and there’s always something new to discover!
9. We always say that Pecos Valley Production is more than just a cannabis brand; it’s a community. How do you see our community reflected in your work as our lead grower?
As the lead grower at Pecos Valley Production, I see our community reflected in every aspect of my work. From collaborating with my colleagues to caring for our plants, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that permeates everything we do.
Our community is built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and support, and those values are evident in the way we interact with each other and with our plants.
Whether we’re sharing knowledge and expertise, lending a helping hand during busy times, or celebrating successes together, our sense of community is what drives us to strive for excellence in everything we do. Being part of the Pecos Valley Production family isn’t just about growing cannabis – it’s about being part of something bigger than ourselves and making a positive impact on the world around us.
A Heartfelt Salute to Our Cultivation Maestro: Here’s to Celebrating Growth, Wellness, & Community at PVP!
With warm gratitude, we extend our thanks to David for his unwavering dedication and for sharing his insights with us all—it’s clear that his hands have not only tended to plants but have also helped craft the Pecos Valley Production legacy.
As our community continues to grow, we invite you to visit our premier New Mexico cannabis dispensaries and partake in the fruits of our labor, born from a blend of time-honored tradition and cutting-edge cultivation techniques.
*The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.*
