THE ECONOMICS OF WATER MANAGEMENT IN WINEGRAPE VINEYARDS

THE ECONOMICS OF WATER MANAGEMENT IN WINEGRAPE VINEYARDS

By Stan Grant We have explored various aspects of water management in vineyards in past Lodi Growers Coffee Shop postings, but we have yet to consider economics, as we will here.  For the sake of this discussion, we will assume competent vineyard management, adequate...
MECHANICAL LEAFING OF VINEYARDS, TIMING IS EVERYTHING

MECHANICAL LEAFING OF VINEYARDS, TIMING IS EVERYTHING

I must start by saying there really isn’t a mechanical leafer I’ve met that I didn’t like. It doesn’t matter what brand I’m working with, they all seem to do a good job. When they are not doing well, it seems to always be a timing issue. So, I thought it would be good...
MINIMIZING AND MANAGING WATER SPROUTS AND SUCKERS

MINIMIZING AND MANAGING WATER SPROUTS AND SUCKERS

APRIL 17, 2018. BY STAN GRANT. First: A Bit About Grapevine Buds Grapevines are hardy plants that have several traits to help them survive. Compound buds are among these. Elongating shoots trained to form grapevine trunks, arms on head-trained vines, and cordons on...
GOT VOLES? PERHAPS ANTHRAQUINONE IS THE ANSWER

GOT VOLES? PERHAPS ANTHRAQUINONE IS THE ANSWER

Voles (Figure 1) are short, stocky rodents that often cause extensive girdling damage to a variety of tree and vine crops throughout California (Figure 2).  Vole management is often quite challenging given how numerous they can be in a given area.  In more recent...
ZINFEST 2018 – SAVE THE DATE!

ZINFEST 2018 – SAVE THE DATE!

Vintner’s Grille Each year, the Lodi ZinFest’s Friday night Vintner’s Grille at the Lake is a special affair where you can mix and mingle with Lodi’s finest winemakers and growers, while watching the sun sink into Lodi Lake. Enjoy the region’s finest pairing of...
VINEYARD DESIGN & MANAGEMENT FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY

VINEYARD DESIGN & MANAGEMENT FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY

FEBRUARY 22, 2018.  BY STAN GRANT, VITICULTURIST. Management actions have two essential performance attributes – effectiveness and efficiency. To achieve maximum effectiveness or impact, one must do the proper thing at the right time. To achieve maximum...