Gregory V. Jones is the Director of the Evenstad Center for Wine Education, holds the Evenstad Chair in Wine Studies, and is a professor and research climatologist in the Department of Environmental Studies at Linfield College in Oregon. He specializes in the study of climate structure and suitability for viticulture, and how climate variability and change influence grapevine growth, wine production and quality. Greg holds a BA and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia in Environmental Sciences ...
Sep 05, 2019•30 min•Ep. 67
Dan Rodrigues, Owner of VinaQuest has been farming his whole life. Dan oversees pest control, irrigation, replant, development, and investigates problems on winegrapes, blueberries, and avocados grown from Salinas to Northern Santa Barbara. Additionally he is a lecturer at California Polytechnic State University on viticulture practices and vineyard management. Dan talks about how the loss of materials impacts farming; disease management for mildew, sour rot, and weeds; the effects of a wet wint...
Aug 15, 2019•21 min•Ep. 66
Audra Cooper, Broker/Partner at Turrentine Brokerage began her career in 2006 providing support for grape brokers throughout the state and has served as lead grape broker for the Central Coast region of California since 2012. She grew up on ranches in the Central Coast and graduated from California State University at Fresno with a degree in Agricultural Economics. Audra talks about what wine and grape brokering is, the factors that affect grape pricing, the 2018 grape market, how sustainable ce...
Aug 07, 2019•28 min•Ep. 65
Dr. Alfredo Koch, Ag Business, Viticulture & Enology Coordinator, describes the Viticulture and Enology Program at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California. Topics include the content of the degree program, the work students do as part of their training, the campus vineyard, and the wines the students make and sell. References: AHC ( Allan Hancock College) AHC Class Search AHC Distance Learning AHC Vineyards and Winery AHC Viticulture & Enology Program Allan Hancock Winery Review...
Jul 18, 2019•25 min•Ep. 64
Jim Anshutz, Partner, AgH2O talks about irrigation system maintenance, technology, and efficiency. Topics include system pressure, flushing, protecting emitters, system design, pumping, irrigation scheduling, Reference California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Irrigation Training and Research Center (ITRC) Fresno State Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) Irrigation Consumer Bill of Rights (Drip/Micro Irrigation)| ITRC Irrigation Consumer Bill of Righ...
Jul 04, 2019•30 min•Ep. 63
Kacy Smith, Health and Wellness Coordinator & Michael Parola, Assistant Ranch Manager and Sustainability Director at Smith Family Wines talk about the social equity component of sustainability at Smith Family Wines. Topics include their 401(k) retirement plan, health insurance plan, and extensive health and wellness program which includes paid time for exercise, family fitness events, and exercise equipment in the workplace. References: Pinnacle HealthCare Richard Russell CrossFit | Kacy’s c...
Jun 20, 2019•31 min•Ep. 62
Dr. Stephanie Bolton, Sustainable Winegrowing Director, Lodi Winegrape Commission, talks about sustainable farming in Lodi including the use of beneficial insects, pesticide reduction, grower-to-grower education, and the sense of community that makes the Lodi wine region a special place. References: 54: Growing Grapes on Two Coasts (podcast with Dr. Cliff Ohmart) Stephanie Bolton’s LinkedIn Page Stephanie Bolton | Stephanie@lodiwine.com Historic Vineyard Society Lodi American Viticultural Areas ...
Jun 06, 2019•37 min•Ep. 61
Jeff Newton President and CEO, Costal Vineyard Care Associates discusses his career, the history and future of the Santa Ynez American Viticultural Area. Topics include how he got into farming, why he chose wine grapes, and changes he’s seen in the Santa Ynez Valley AVA over the years. References: Coastal Vineyard Care Associates Founding Father: Jeff Newton | Interview with Heather Daenitz Grower Interview Jeff Newton | Interview with Laurie Daniel Jeff Newton’s Bio Winegrowing Areas of Santa B...
May 16, 2019•37 min•Ep. 60
Paul Crout, Agronomist, Helena AgriEnterprises and Vice-Chair, California Association of Pest Control Advisers, talks about the mismatch between farming and the perceptions and beliefs people have about agriculture. He touches on local, state, and national level means of education growers can be involved in and his own efforts to educate the public about what farmers do and do not and how that may differ from public perception. References: California Association of Pest Control Advisers Californ...
May 02, 2019•41 min•Ep. 59
Mark Browning, owner, Barn Owl Box Company and Head Researcher, Barn Owl/Rodent Project discusses barn owls, their role in the environment, their habits and behaviors, their biology, their prodigious appetite for rodents and how to attract and keep them around the farm. References: Barn owl battles Kestrel for nesting spot Barn Owl Biology Barn Owl Nesting Box Fact Sheet The Barn Owl Box Company The Barn Owl/Rodent Project Crops and Barn Owls Prey Consumption by a Large Aggregation of Barn Owls ...
Apr 18, 2019•40 min•Ep. 58
Fritz Westover, owner/operator of Westover Vineyard Advising describes growing conditions and challenges in multiple states across the Southeastern United States and Texas. Fritz’s career has taken him from Pennsylvania to Texas, California to Italy, giving him a unique perspective on growing grapes in different conditions around the world. References: 4/22/19 Webinar | Practices for Promoting Vineyard Sustainability in Challenging Climates | Fritz Westover & Vineyard Team “Growing Grapes in...
Apr 04, 2019•45 min•Ep. 57
Conservation burning is a way of dramatically reducing greenhouse gasses and particulate releases from burning woody material like old grapevines. Biochar is a soil amendment that can hold water and nutrients in the soil for slow release to the plants. Raymond Baltar, Director of the Sonoma Biochar Initiative; Director of the California Biochar Association and Biochar Project Manager at Sonoma Ecology Center explains how to execute a conservation burn and make biochar to reduce smoke and capture...
Mar 21, 2019•53 min•Ep. 56
One of the most respected viticulturists on the West Coast, Mark Greenspan, Ph.D., President and Viticulturist, Advanced Viticulture, Inc. discusses the science and technology of irrigating winegrapes for maximum quality and yield while managing vine stress and conserving water. Topics include irrigation scheduling with pressure bombs, dendrometers and leaf porometers, technology in the vineyard, and the science behind managing vine stress for maximum benefit. References: Advanced Viticulture, I...
Mar 07, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 55
Mark Chien, Program Coordinator of the Oregon Wine Research Institute, has devoted his career to helping grapegrowers in some of the most difficult growing regions in the world. Over the past four decades Mark’s work as an educator and extentionist in Pennsylvania and Oregon has improved wine quality on both coasts. Mark shares highlights from his career including his years as a vineyard manager, Pennsylvania State University viticulture extension agent, and program coordinator for Oregon Wine R...
Feb 21, 2019•44 min•Ep. 54
This podcast is a recording from a workshop we co-costed on soil health. As part of California Climate Investments, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Healthy Soils Program distributed $5.8 million in cap and trade funds in 2018 to farming and ranching operations for the implementation of soil health practices that sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This workshop brought together our team of researchers and growers from Cal Poly, the Vineyard Team, J. L...
Feb 07, 2019•42 min•Ep. 53
Dr. Cliff Ohmart shares insights from his career in sustainability research and education in winegrapes and other crops. He talks about how his experiences with the Lodi Winegrape Commission and grape growers in the Lodi appellation shaped how he sees IPM and sustainable winegrowing today. References: 27: 50 years of IPM | Peter Goodell (Sustainable Winegrowing) 35: Integrated Pest Management in Sustainably Farmed Vineyards | Bart Haycraft (Sustainable Winegrowing) Google search results for “Cli...
Jan 17, 2019•32 min•Ep. 52
Leading expert Dr. Andrew Landers of Cornell University discusses his more than thirty years of research and development on pesticide sprayer technology to reduce pesticide use through accurate, efficient delivery of the product to the plant. References: 1/15/19 Tailgate Meeting | Effective Vineyard Spraying - Soledad 1/17/19 Tailgate Meeting | Effective Vineyard Spraying - Santa Maria 2015 Precision Agriculture Workshop (Video) Andrew Landers Webpage Effective Vineyard Spraying | Andrew Landers...
Jan 03, 2019•41 min•Ep. 51
Kris Beal, M.S., Executive Director of Vineyard Team, recounts some of the history of the organization, it’s current activities and what the future holds in store. The Vineyard Team identifies and promotes the most environmentally safe, viticulturally and economically sustainable farming methods, while maintaining or improving quality and flavor of wine grapes. The Team is a model for wine grape growers and will promote the public trust of stewardship for natural resources. References: About the...
Dec 20, 2018•33 min•Ep. 50
Grapevine Leaf Roll-associated Virus 3 as well other virus diseases of grapevines have a profound effect on wine quality and the economic viability of a vineyard. Dr. Kari Arnold the Area Orchard and Vineyard Systems Advisor at Stanislaus County, Associated with University of California Cooperative Extension, describes the connections between the Californian plant propagation system, the movement of mealybugs both in the vineyard and across the globe, the difficulty of identifying virused plants...
Dec 06, 2018•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 49
Jean-Pierre Wolff, Owner & Vintner of Wolff Vineyards, turning a nuisance into an asset by restoring the stability and ecological functioning of the creeks that surround his property including the steelhead trout spawning habitat. He also realized an economic benefit by preventing the loss of tons of soil to erosion. References: 42: Farming with Wildlife | Lucas Pope (Podcast) Central Coast Regional Board Members Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board Coastal San Luis Resource Co...
Nov 15, 2018•24 min•Ep. 48
Walt Mahaffee, Ph.D., Research Plant Pathologist, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Corvalis explains how and why Grape Powdery Mildew populations become resistant to certain fungicides. He also explores how to mitigate resistance and describes current research on how fungicide resistance starts in Grape Powdery Mildew and how it spreads from one place to another. References: Mahaffee’s USDA Agricultural Research Service webpage Fungicide Resistance Action Committee website Fungicide Resistanc...
Nov 01, 2018•39 min•Ep. 47
References: Conserving Irrigation Water | Jacob Hernandez & Craig Macmillan (Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast) Dr. McCarthy Profile Google search for ”Michael McCarthy viticulture” “Managing vines during heat waves” Fact Sheet from Wine Australia REGULATED DEFICIT IRRIGATION AND PARTIAL ROOTZONE DRYING: An overview of principles and application | Paul E. Kriedemann & Ian Goodwin Sign Up | Irrigation Efficiency Project Sustainable Ag Expo Sustainable Ag Expo Attendee Registration Discount ...
Oct 18, 2018•38 min•Ep. 46
Sarah Lopez, Executive Director of Central Coast Water Quality Preservation, Inc., gets into the details of monitoring flowing water for the presence of pesticides and fertilizers which could have originated on farms upstream. Topics include how monitoring is done, why it is done, and the Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) makes compliance with regulations easier and less expensive for growers. References: Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Coast Regional Water Quality ...
Oct 04, 2018•35 min•Ep. 45
This episode features two speakers on pesticides: violations and pesticide container recycling. Opening the show is an interview with Marc Lea, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner, San Luis Obispo County Ag Department. Marc describes some common violations of the pesticides regulations his office enforces. These include drift, improper use or lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the misuse of rodenticides. Past two of the episode is a recording from the 2017 Sustainable Ag Expo. Lottie ...
Sep 20, 2018•22 min•Ep. 44
Josh Prigge, Founder and CEO of Sustridge, a sustainability consulting firm, talks about the ways he has helped his former employers and current clients to not only reduce their environmental impacts, but to work toward regenerative ways of doing business. References: Sustainable Hawai’I Pacific University Facebook page Josh’s Blog josh@sustridge.com Sustainable Nation | Josh Prigge (Podcast) Sustridge Get More Subscribe on Google Play , iTunes , Stitcher , TuneIn or wherever you listen so you n...
Sep 06, 2018•34 min•Ep. 43
Halter Ranch comprises 281 acres of winegrapes, 15 acres of organic walnuts, and 3 acres of olives situated in 2,000 acres of oak woodland. This means wild animals are a consideration in farming activities year round. Vineyard Manger Lucas Pope and his team have found ways to co-exist with the native fauna including deer, coyotes, mountain lion, and rattlesnakes. References: 30: Managing the Landscape Around the Vineyard | Lino Bozzano (Podcast) Apex Predator (Slides) | Dr. David Headrick Critte...
Aug 16, 2018•22 min•Ep. 42
Betsey Nash, owner of Nash HR Services, brings the listener up to speed on the “ban the box” law, hiring best practices including using applications instead of relying solely on resumes, communicating expectations to employees and finding applicants who are the right fit for your company. References: 38 Communication in the Workplace |Beth Wonson (Podcast) Ban the box article Betsey Nash | betsey@nashhrservice.com com org SHRM – Society for Human Resources Management Get More: Subscribe on Googl...
Aug 02, 2018•40 min•Ep. 41
Steve McIntyre, Owner, Monterey Pacific Inc. and Board Member, Pierce’s Disease/Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Board talks about the PD/GWSS Board, its function, and how the board works to reduce the impacts and spread of this disease. As chair of the PD/GWSS Board Research Screening Committee he works with other growers and scientists to decide what research to fund including an expanded mission to address Vine Mealybug and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. References: 16: Managing Pierce’s Disease in Te...
Jul 19, 2018•32 min•Ep. 40
Tom Lorish, Senior Customer Relationship Manager, describes multiple Pacific Gas & Electric Company programs and rebates to put money into growers’ pockets. References: 39: Saving Water, Saving Energy, Saving Money Advanced Pumping Efficiency Program (APEP) July 26, 2018 Tailgate: Water Efficiency, Solar Energy, and Battery Storage Net Energy Metering (Video) | An easy to understand video explaining Net Energy Metering PG&E Agriculture and Food Processing Rebate Catalog PG&E website ...
Jul 12, 2018•7 min
Tom Lorish, Senior Customer Relationship Manager, describes some of the ways the Pacific Gas & Electric Company can help growers increase the efficiency of how they use electricity on their farms- especially when it comes to irrigation. Topics include well pump efficiency testing, time-of-use rate plans, net energy metering, and net energy metering aggregation. References: Advanced Pumping Efficiency Program (APEP) July 26, 2018 Tailgate: Water Efficiency, Solar Energy, and Battery Storage N...
Jul 05, 2018•41 min•Ep. 39
