While innovations in vineyard mechanization have come a long way, labor challenges still prevail in the California raisin industry — and those issues have been amplified since the pandemic.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor George Zhuang as he shares what labor-saving options growers have to stay in the game.  Read more about it in American Vineyard …

Most agricultural news coverage of the wildfire impact last year focused on the wine grape industry.  Though raisins don’t share the same concern for smoke taint as wine grapes, the lack of radiant sunlight due to smoky overcast skies had a significant effect on the sugar accumulation and natural drying process for much of Central Valley raisin crop last year. …

A dry winter and spring impacts more than just water availability for the season. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor Gabriel Torres as he shares expected vineyard pest and disease pressures in a dry year.  Read more about vineyard pest and disease management in American Vineyard Magazine.   Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.

Choosing when to irrigate this season with a very limited resource amidst the current drought can be quite a challenge, and the adverse effects of insufficient irrigation are already becoming manifest in the 2021 San Joaquin Valley wine grape crop.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor Karl Lund and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine. Please thank …

Recently planted Pinot Grigio and wondering how much yield to prepare for in its early years? Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor George Zhuang as he shares some key insights for growers from a San Joaquin Valley perspective. Read more in American Vineyard Magazine.   Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

The University of California grapevine breeding program has recently come out with some exciting new rootstocks with great characteristics the better manage pests, diseases, and even drought conditions. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor Karl Lund, as he shares what what growers should know about some of the specific traits and availability of these rootstocks. Read more in …

Thinking of planting a new vineyard? Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor George Zhuang as he shares some important layout considerations to save money and maximize efficiencies. Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.   Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

Sudden Vine Collapse is a disease complex that has become a lot more widespread across California than was previously thought. First coined by growers as Mystery Vine Collapse, researchers now have some answers.  Watch this brief interview with UC Davis Plant Pathologist Akif Eskalen to find out more and read about it in American Vineyard Magazine.   Please thank this …

As Californians are concerned about heading into another drought, grape growers may be able to assist in replenishing our depleting groundwater supplies during these stormy months.  Watch this brief interview with William Horwath from UC Davis and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.   Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.