For many North Coast growers, Fleabane has gone from an occasional nuisance to a persistent challenge. Once it takes hold between rows or drip lines, it competes with young vines for moisture, slows canopy growth, and creates long-term pressure that can be costly to manage later in the season.  What’s catching many growers off guard right now is timing. Fleabane does most of its damage before spring even begins. By the time it becomes tall, fibrous, and woody, mechanical removal struggles, contact herbicides lose effectiveness, and regrowth surges after bud break.  Why Fleabane Persists  Unlike many annual weeds that fade with summer heat, fleabane germinates and seeds aggressively over winter, forming low mats that harden into upright stalks by early spring. That’s why post-harvest through dormancy (Q4) is often the most strategic time for control, not April or May when vineyard crews are already stretched across canopy management an

A Vibrant Future USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Grant Field Day Description: An in-depth look at the intricacies, logistics, challenges, and effects of grazing sheep in vineyards. A vineyard tour and grazing demo with owner/operator Anna DeLaski of Solminer followed by a panel discussion led by Gabe Worthington (MTI Soil Scientist/ Certified Crop Advisor) on the effects of incorporating grazing into permanent cropping systems.  Speakers: Anna DeLaski, Solminer Gabe Worthington, MTI Kelly Mulville, Paicines Ranch Hillary Graves, Booker Vineyard Mindy Record, Paso de Record & JUSTIN Vineyards Randy Record, Paso de Record Cole Bakke, IOU Sheep Co.  REGISTER CE Approved: CCA 2 S

Trying to manage the weeds in your vineyard? John Roncoroni, Weed Science Farm Advisor Emeritus with the University of California Cooperative Extension, Agriculture and Natural Resources covers control practices including biological, mechanical, cultural, chemical, and perhaps in the future, electrocution. Although weeds rarely compete with vines, they can host insect and vertebrate pests and get in the way of pruning crews, increasing labor costs. Listen in for John’s number one tip to better manage weeds in your vineyard. LISTEN IN Resources:           128: A New Focus on Weed Management (Rebroadcast) 26th IPM Seminar #1: Sustainable Weed Management for Vineyards and Vineyard Ponds Herbicide-resistant weeds challenge some signature cropping systems (Journal article) John Roncoroni MAINTAINING LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT: Herbicide-resistant weeds challenge some signature cropping systems Post-harvest Weed Control with Napa RCD and John Roncoroni (video) Sus