Learn how NEWA's hyper-localized modeling, paired with HOBO weather stations, helps growers use the optimal pest management and disease countermeasures.  Jon Clements, Extension Fruit Team Leader at UMASS Amherst presents the models and tools that NEWA has developed to help growers with insect pest and plant disease risk assessment, and Matt Sharp of HOBO presents how HOBO stations work with NEWA's tools. How to use NEWA Models for Growing Recommendations In the first portion, Jon will demonstrate how to use NEWA models for recommendations on spray schedules, irrigation and thinning models, including: Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Using the Apple Scab Model for targeted fungicide applications to reduces chemical costs and improve the timing of sprays. Irrigation Optimization: Use data on precipitation and environmental demand to help manage water, particularly for drought monitoring in high-density orchards with smaller root systems. Crop Thinning Decisions: The tool

When we launched the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast in 2016, we weren’t sure where it would go. Now, 300 episodes later, it’s become a go-to resource for growers, researchers, educators, and wine industry professionals dedicated to sustainability. To mark this milestone, we flipped the mic around and interviewed our host, Craig Macmillan, PhD — long-time vineyard and winery professional, educator, and now podcasting veteran — to reflect on some favorite episodes, meaningful moments, and what’s ahead. From Zoom Recordings to Global Reach Craig began hosting when the podcast was just an idea sparked by the Vineyard Team’s goal to make sustainable winegrowing knowledge more accessible. “I wasn't a podcast listener at all,” Craig admits. “But I said sure, why not? Let's try it.” Since then, the show has featured scientists, growers, and innovators from all over the world, creating a ripple effect of conversations and c

This year’s Sustainable Ag Expo packs serious value for your professional development. Whether you’re earning DPR or CCA hours (or both!), we’ve got you covered with a mix of in-person and on-demand sessions designed to fit your schedule. Total CE Hours Available: 13 Online Courses - open through November 28, 202511.5 DPR (incl. 3 L) 13.5 CCA 16 In-Person Seminars - November 11-12 in San Luis Obispo7.5 DPR (incl. 1 L) 17 CCA Proactive Steps for Complying with CA Pesticide Laws and Regulations Tuesday, Nov. 12 | 3:30–4:30 PM Speaker: Mel Graham, County of San Luis Obispo Department of Agriculture Get practical guidance for staying compliant with California’s pesticide use requirements. Learn about common violations, how to avoid them, and what’s coming in 2025 and 2026. Calibration of Vineyard Sprayers Online | Oct. 13-Nov. 28 Speaker: Dr. Andrew Landers, Professor Emeritus, Cornell University Fine-tune your spray precision!

The Sustainable Ag Expo isn’t just about earning CE hours—it’s a gathering place for wine industry professionals to learn, network, and celebrate the future of sustainable farming. From morning burritos to student-led research and vintage tractor showcases, this year’s Expo is packed with unique opportunities to make your experience more meaningful and memorable. Here are six can't-miss events happening alongside the seminars: 1. Monday Kick Off: Farming for the Future 🗓️ Monday, Nov 10 | 5:00–7:00 PM 📍 Center of Effort Winery Sponsored by Inland Desert Nursery Start your week with an evening of connection, SIP Certified wines, and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Expo headliner Dr. Chris Chen, will lead a forward-looking conversation on vineyard management in a changing climate. 🎟️ Free for ticket holders (while supplies last), requires separate reservation; additional tickets $50.  2. Breakfast Burritos & Coffee = Day 1 Fuel 🗓

We’re excited to unveil the full in-person schedule for this year’s Sustainable Ag Expo, happening November 11–12 at the Madonna Inn Expo Center. Whether you’re a grower, researcher, or ag business, our two-day program delivers actionable insights to help you grow smarter and more sustainably. Highlights include: Expert-led talks & cutting-edge research — Learn from leading voices in soil health, climate-smart farming, and ag-technology Practical, field-tested strategies — Gain tools you can implement immediately CE-accredited sessions — Earn continuing education hours while you learn Networking opportunities — Connect with peers, exhibitors, and industry experts Don’t miss your chance to plan the ultimate Expo experience!

This November, growers and agricultural professionals will gather in San Luis Obispo for the 2025 Sustainable Ag Expo, an event designed to foster innovation, provide high-impact education, and create meaningful connections across the wine and agricultural industries. When/Where: Kick-Off Event - Monday, November 10, 5:00-7:00 pm  |  at Center of Effort Winery Trade Show & Seminars - Tuesday, November 11 & Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 am-5:00 pm  |  at Madonna Expo Center What to Expect The 2025 program offers a robust lineup of content focused on critical topics like climate resilience, automation, and workforce development, with 17 in-person seminars offering 20+ hours of CE credit. Two-day ticket holders also receive access to 13 online courses with an additional 10+ CE hours available from October 13–November 28. Even More Opportunities to Connect and Learn Kick-Off Event: The event begins with a special Monday Night Kick-Off hosted at Cen

We’ve got great news for growers and ag professionals looking to knock out some continuing education—11 of Vineyard Team’s most popular online courses are now re-released and approved for DPR and CCA hours! Each course has been updated with new codes and fresh certificates, so even if you’ve taken them before, you can enroll again and earn credit. Whether you need to maintain your license or just want to stay sharp on sustainable farming practices, these courses offer valuable, accessible education at just $10 each. Enroll today and start learning at your own pace! GO TO COURSES *Don't forget to revisit CE requirements and make sure your license number is attached to your account.

Join us to explore how pollinator conservation, hedgerows, and innovative technology can enhance vineyard health and productivity. Learn practical strategies to protect beneficial species, reduce pesticide impacts, and attract birds that support your vines. Experience a guided hedgerow walk at McIntyre Vineyard, gain insights from an expert panel discussion, and witness a demonstration of beneficial insect release. REGISTER Speakers: Madeline Kangas, Xerces Society Sara Frazer, Monterey Pacific Jazmin Lopez, Pisoni Vineyards Jaclyn Bennett, Parabug Sam Earnshaw, Hedgerows Unlimited JoAnn Baumgartner, Wild Farm Alliance CE Approved: DPR 1.5 - O; CA 2 - S

You can glean a lot of information about a wine from the label. The next time you walk down a wine aisle, you may notice that you feel comfortable with the common terms and symbols like vintage, place of origin, and percent alcohol, but feel some confusion when you see some of the increasingly present ones like natural, vegan, and organic. In this week’s Marketing Tip, we’re giving you a green wine glossary: 5 common wine designations defined so you’ll wonder no longer.   Your Green Wine Glossary Vegan  Not every wine fits a vegan lifestyle. During the winemaking process, small particles can cause haziness or unwanted flavor properties. Winemakers can add a fining agent that will bind to these tiny particles and make them large enough to be filtered out. Many fining agents are animal-based – for example: egg whites, casein, and gelatin. Wine that was fined with any of these materials cannot be considered vegan. Vegan wines include those that

We’ve got great news for growers and ag professionals looking to knock out some continuing education—11 of Vineyard Team’s most popular online courses are now re-released and approved for DPR and CCA hours! Each course has been updated with new codes and fresh certificates, so even if you’ve taken them before, you can enroll again and earn credit. Whether you need to maintain your license or just want to stay sharp on sustainable farming practices, these courses offer valuable, accessible education at just $10 each. 👉 Enroll today and start learning at your own pace! GO TO COURSES 📌 SIP Certified members: All of Vineyard Team's online courses count toward your 12.1.1 Continuing Education hours. Be sure to upload your course certificate.