Two years ago, I wrote an article on AI in the vineyard for WBM. Feel free to read that article here…if you want. Otherwise, my basic argument was that although AI will eventually play a role in how we farm grapes, it’s a long way off compared to other industries and even other crops. We who grow grapes are the last ones to see such innovation. And since then, AI has grown exponentially. If two years ago you were playing around with Chat GPT to create bizarrely distorted images and learn about tax loopholes, you can now go onto the likes of Claude and have it just create a website for you from a single prompt. Chatbots like this have essentially eliminated the need for entry-level coders. However Claude is a computer, so it makes sense that it’s gotten very good at writing code for other computers. Similarly Chat GPT has digested the entire internet, and curates any answer for you by plucking it from its vast network of information. Sometimes its correct, and other t

Grapevine diseases like powdery mildew and grapevine leafroll can devastate yield and quality, but most vineyards still rely on manual scouting and delayed responses. At Vivid Machines, we’re changing that.  Our Vivid XV3 system uses computer vision technology to detect disease early, monitor canopy health, and deliver real-time data so growers can act fast, treat precisely, and protect their crops more sustainably! Learn how early detection is helping vineyards improve yield, reduce input costs, and make smarter decisions all season long. https://www.vivid-machines.com/blog/early-detection-better-protection---ais-role-in-vineyard-disease-management-canopy-health

The 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo is set to take place from November 11-13, 2024. This year’s event promises an unparalleled educational experience, offering over 20 continuing education hours through both online and in-person programs. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the latest innovations and research in pest management strategies, automation and mechanization, soil health, and more. The Expo boasts an impressive lineup of speakers from prestigious institutions such as UC Davis, Oregon State University, Cal Poly, and UC Berkeley. These experts will present cutting-edge findings and practices that are shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.   Take a Sneak Peak: Monday, November 11, 5:00-6:00 pm Speaker: Fritz Westover, Westover Viticulture Dormant Grapevine Pruning & Vine Training: Are we Slowly Killing our Vines?: Hear from our Expo Headliner about the impact of pruning and training on vine health, the extent of problems caused by diseases versus w

Farmers and agricultural experts indicate that better access to ongoing education is crucial to advance their businesses. Recognizing that advancements in science and technology are constant, Vineyard Team launched a series of online courses to deliver the latest education on sustainable winegrowing.  Courses feature insights from experienced farmers, researchers, and UC Extension. Best of all, viewers can access these courses for free (saving $380)! All courses within Sustainable Winegrowing On Demand include valuable continuing education hours (11.5 Department of Pesticide Regulation, 34 Certified Crop Advisor), and a train-the-trainer kit so viewers can easily educate their team. Through this program, there is a unique opportunity to connect with other sustainable winegrowers through roundtable discussions. Larry Witted, PCA and CCA from Lodi, California shares, "The Sustainable Winegrowing education from Vineyard Team allows me to view cutting-edge educational pro

Vineyard Team's introduction of Sustainable Winegrowing On-Demand in 2023 brought forth a game-changing initiative. This program includes no-cost online courses that explore essential subjects like soil health, pest management, nutrition, and climate change, benefiting winegrape growers and industry professionals alike. Get instant access to 20 courses - absolutely free! -These courses prioritize sustainable winegrowing methods and all count towards valuable Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) or Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) continuing education hours: Trunk Renewal for Management of Trunk Diseases | DPR 1 - O; CCA 1 - IPM Waves of Innovation in Virus Vector Disruption: Vine Mealybug | DPR 1 - O; CCA 1 - IPM Improving Nursery Practices to Prevent Fungal Contamination and Biocontrol Strategies Against Grapevine Trunk Diseases | DPR 1 - O; CCA 1 - IPM Beyond Climate Change: The Agricultural Response and the Concept of Climate Smart Agriculture | CCA 1 - SWM Biologicals Upda

Session 1: Grapevine Disease Detection & Prevention  2024 Presenting Series Sponsor: Damaging grapevine diseases caused by virus and virus-like agents, including the red leaf diseases, are becoming widespread in vineyards and can cause significant devastation on grape quality and yield. This session, led by industry experts and researchers, will explore advanced techniques and technologies for early disease detection, empowering growers with the knowledge to identify and mitigate risks effectively. From understanding the nuances of common grapevine diseases to implementing proactive prevention strategies, participants will gain invaluable insights to protect their vineyards and optimize crop health. Additionally, we will examine the ongoing research efforts aimed at gaining further insights into vectors and other pertinent factors, which can inform the development of innovative strategies. Register Now! Session Panel:  

GROWING FORWARD: Vineyard & Grower Virtual Event Understanding Grapevine Disease Detection and Implementing Prevention Strategies Registration has opened for the first session in our 2024 Growing Forward series, a Vineyard & Grower focused Virtual Conference tackling the most pressing topics and issues faced throughout the grape growing cycle. Grapevine Disease Detection & Prevention This session, presented by researchers and vineyard consultants, will delve into advanced techniques and technologies for early disease detection. This exploration aims to empower growers with the knowledge to identify and mitigate risks effectively. From understanding the nuances of common grapevine diseases to implementing proactive prevention strategies, participants will gain invaluable insights to protect their vineyards and optimize crop health. Additionally, we will examine the ongoing research efforts aimed at gaining further insights into vectors and other pertinent factors, which

Meet the Experts at the Sustainable Ag Expo When: November 14 & 15 Where: The Madonna Inn Expo Center, in beautiful San Luis Obispo, CA With your 2-day pass to the Sustainable Ag Expo, you get access to our 14 in-person seminars November 14 & 15, PLUS 10+ hours of online courses (available Oct. 16 through Nov 30).  CE hours applied for: DPR: 8.5 hours in-person, 9.5 hours online (including 2.5 hours Laws & Regs) CCA: 16 hours in-person, 12.5 hours online THAT'S A TOTAL OF 18 DPR & 28.5 CCA HOURS! Click HERE to view the full program. GET YOUR TICKETS SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT Dr. Katie Gold, Cornell Our new podcast this week happens to feature another awesome speaker and expert that is a part of our online program for the Sustainable Ag Expo this year! Dr. Katie Gold’s Grape Sensing, Pathology, and Extension Lab at Cornell (GrapeSPEC) studies the fundamental and applied science of plant disease and plant-microbe interaction sensing to improve integrat