“Lumo has been the linchpin in the re-engineering of our approach to water management.”  Michael and Kara Busselen, the Owners of Woodhawk Vineyards, farm 21 acres of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon for Silver Oak, situated 1,000 feet above sea level, overlooking the Alexander Valley and Russian River at the northern end of Sonoma County. They're also starting to make some of their own high-end Cabernet. Michael and Kara in the vineyard. Over the past couple years, they’ve evolved their irrigation strategy in collaboration with Fruition Sciences and Redwood Empire Vineyard Management, supported by data from a sap flow monitor they have installed in one of their blocks.  The big shift in practice has been getting away from running relatively frequent, short-duration sets and moving toward running longer-duration irrigations less often. “Far fewer but far more strategic,” with the aim of improving the root architecture

Afternoon Brief: Ontario Threatens to Ban US Alcohol in Tit-for-Tat Response to Tariffs Threat

Premier Doug Ford has told the Liquor Board of Canada to clear US alcoholic drinks off retailers shelves if the tariff threat becomes reality...

In collaboration with the Lake County Winegrape Commission, HotSpot AG will give a live demonstration on agricultural pump and valve remote control. Laura Garza from the Mendocino RCD will discuss determining when to schedule vineyard irrigation. Learn about how to interpret pump efficiency results and when to use a Variable Frequency Drive from Tom Hammond with the Sonoma RCD. Refreshments are provided by the Lake County Farm Bureau. Uncover the latest and greatest technology in irrigation that allows for remote monitoring, control, and scheduling for maximum efficiency to boost your bottom line! Agenda:  7:00-7:15 am Refreshments 7:15-8:00 am Laura Garza, Mendocino RCD 8:00-8:45 am Tom Hammond, Sonoma RCD 8:45-9:15 am HotSpot AG Training Center 9:15-9:45 am L&L Live Demo 9:45-10:00 am Feedback from Julio Gonzales and general questions Location: Mauritson’s Nova Vineyard, 6153 Staheli Dr, Kelseyville, CA 95451 Time: July 9th, 7am-10am  Register for Free

Global Leader Continues to Expand Environmental Commitment   Few organizations or businesses have been as proactive in addressing environmental concerns and lessening their impact than the Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW). Ten years ago, Sonoma County Winegrowers announced its intent to become the nation’s – and likely the world’s – first 100% certified sustainable wine region by 2019.  It was a bold, ambitious declaration but Sonoma County’s winegrowers were committed and, together, they succeeded in meeting their target in just five years.  Today, Sonoma County has a record 99% of its local vineyards certified sustainable. Five years ago, Sonoma Winegrowers became an exclusive participant in the California Land Stewardship Institute’s (CLSI) Climate Adaptation Certification program marking the first-time participating growers could obtain certification for a comprehensive greenhouse gas reduction and carbon sequestration program. &n

Afternoon Brief, May 8th

Willamette Valley Wineries Hire Fire Litigation Lawyers to Investigate Suing Pacific Power for Grape and Wine Losses Arising from the 2020 Labor Day Fires: Today Willamette Valley Vineyards, Brigadoon Wine Co., Samuel Robert Winery, Retraite, LLC (fka Lingua Franca – LS Vineyards Holdings, LLC), and Elk Cove Vineyards Inc. announced they have hired a well-known legal team to investigate filing suit against Pacific Power, a division of PacifiCorp, in the Oregon state circuit courts...

From freezing temperatures, record-breaking highs, and smoke taint becoming more common, it is more important than ever to protect your crops from the next disaster. Join George Petersen Insurance for an informational presentation on the coverages available to farmers through the federal crop insurance program.  Hear from NAU Country’s Western Branch Claims Manager, Matt Barr about information on recent claims in the area. Learn about covered perils and the claims adjustment process. Elisabeth Quick, Producer at George Petersen Insurance Agency will give an overview of how coverage election options intersect with the USDA/FSA subsidy. Find a location near you, and register today... Sonoma County Wednesday, January 11th - 10am to 12pm George Petersen Insurance - Santa Rosa 175 W. College Ave, Santa Rosa, Ca Mendocino County Tuesday, January 10th - 9am to 11am Mendocino County Farm Bureau - Board Room 303-C Talmage Road, Ukiah, Ca Click here to Register Today

Afternoon Brief, September 21st

WineAmerica: What’s Wine Worth? $276 Billion: The 2022 Wine Industry Economic Study reveals the true, deep impact of the wine industry on the larger U.S. economy...

Afternoon Brief, July 26th

Cornell Partners with NYS to Fight the Spotted Lanternfly: The devastating spotted lanternfly's spread to upstate and western New York is not a matter of if, but when, experts say - and Cornell is a key player in helping slow the infestation...

You may have noticed it's harder to get stuff these days. It doesn't look like things are going to get better anytime soon. More importantly, they aren't likely to get better in time for frost season.  Oh yee a little faith...and planning. Why not order your new frost alert system today? The AV team can have everything installed and ready to go before the first buds start pushing. Track data, set thresholds, and receive alerts. Avoid the panic. Contact paul@advancedvit.com to discuss the best system for your vineyard. Looking to get in on the SWEEP Grant? The Sonoma RCD and Sonoma County Farm Bureau are hosting a FREE online informational workshop on the State Water Efficiency & Enhancement Program (SWEEP). Join on Zoom November 18th 10-11:30 am. Click here to register SWEEP provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who implement practices to improve water use efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Maximum award is $200,000. Applicat