It’s generally believed that farmers are slow to adopt new technology. Yet, while this adage may be true for more expensive and untested innovations, when a new technology is practical, affordable and can prove its value and reliability, farmers will indeed set aside their innate caution and readily invest. Tyler Klick is a case in point. As the viticulturist and a co-owner of Redwood Empire Vineyard Management in Geyserville, CA, he decided to try an innovative smart irrigation technology developed by Lumo. Klick first installed Lumo smart valves on a few client vineyards last season. After seeing how they helped increase labor efficiency, reduce wasted water, and improve clients’ crop outcomes, he rolled it out to more than a dozen vineyards his company manages. “I’d love to get to a point where all of our clients have it installed,” says Klick. Lumo smart valves also help West Coast viticulturists adjust to changing weather patterns, which have brought

Afternoon Brief, March 31st

Fire Destroys Outbuilding at Napa County Winery, Other Structures Spared: A fire destroyed an outbuilding at a winery east of Yountville on Thursday night, but was contained without damage to other structures, authorities said...

Afternoon Brief, March 29th

Winemakers Appreciate the 2% Excise Tax Inflation Cap Set by the Canadian Federal Budget: Wine Growers Canada (WGC), the national voice of Canada’s wine industry, has welcomed the federal budget announcement capping the annual alcohol excise tax adjustment at 2%...

Redwood Empire Vineyard Management to deploy first of its kind smart irrigation technology in vineyards this summer Sonoma County, California, March 15, 2023 – Lumo [lumo.ag], an Agtech company focused on water sustainability through the development of smart valve and irrigation technology, is proud to announce that leading vineyard management company, Redwood Empire Vineyard Management (REVM) is set to trial the first smart irrigation valve for growers this summer. REVM is among the first vineyard management companies to recognize the benefits of Lumo's smart irrigation technology. The vineyard management company, which manages vineyards on behalf of vineyard owners and provides a range of services such as the planting and harvesting of grapes, vineyard maintenance, irrigation, fertilization, and pest and disease management, understands the importance of an irrigation system that delivers consistent and reliable results. "Lumo's smart irrigation valve is very promis