Episodios

  • 296: Using Lasers for Bird Pest Management
    Jan 15 2026
    Lasers may offer a chemical-free way to deter bird pests in vineyards and other agricultural systems. George Gallagher, Department Head of Animal Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, explains why bird pressure goes beyond crop loss, raising concerns about disease risks like salmonella, E. coli, and transmission of avian influenza. He shares results from a controlled study using a handheld laser, aimed at birds' feet, to measure how long it took them to respond. The research showed that different birds react differently. George highlights the importance of animal safety and the role of species-specific vision when evaluating new deterrent tools. Listen through the end to hear if the lasers work on rats. Resources: 58: Barn Owls114: Designing a Vineyard for Year-Round Sheep Grazing 272: 30 Gophers a Night: Why Barn Owls Belong in Your VineyardCal Poly Animan Science DepartmentGeorge GallagherGeorge Gallagher |Amanote ResearchGeorge Gallagher | Research Gate Tactical to Practical: The Human Component of Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate Online Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member
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    30 m
  • 295: Wine Law Essentials: Contracts, TTB, Social Media & More
    Jan 1 2026
    Legal oversights can cost wine brands dearly, but with the right guidance, many are entirely preventable. Lindsey Zahn, Managing Partner of Lindsey Zahn P.C. Alcoholic Beverage Law Firm, breaks down the top four legal pitfalls wineries and wine brands must avoid. From building solid contracts and understanding who owns what, to navigating TTB labeling rules, producing non-alcoholic wines, and staying compliant with social media advertising laws, this episode arms you with practical knowledge to reduce risk and protect your business from penalties. Resources: 187: Labor and Employment Law Tips from a LawyerCode of Federal Regulations - Food Labeling Code of Federal Regulations – Labeling and Advertising of WineDealcoholized Wine and Malt Beverages - LabelingGuidance for Industry: Food Labeling GuideLindsey Zahn Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Sustainable, Seriously Sustainable Ag Expo – The Premiere Winegrowing Event Vineyard Team – Become a Member
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    40 m
  • 294: Rooted in Community: Winery Stories of Generosity | Marketing Tip Monday
    Dec 22 2025
    Foxen and Niner show impactful ways to weave generosity into everyday business. As you plan for 2026, think about the unique ways your brand can meaningfully engage with your local community. Then, share your team's participation, spotlight the organizations you support, and tell the stories that highlight your values. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course *** Apply for SIP Certified Wine Likely Story Strategies Marketing Tips eNewsletter Sustainable Story Worksheet Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member
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    3 m
  • 293: How Solar Panels Can Improve Vine Resilience and Wine Balance
    Dec 18 2025
    Rising temperatures and erratic weather accelerate ripening, spread disease faster, and shift sugar, alcohol, and acidity levels. All of which threaten wine quality and style. At Geisenheim University, Dr. Manfred Stoll is testing "vitivoltaics": semi-transparent, trackable solar panels installed above vines. The system moderates heat, radiation, and extreme weather, while improving young vine establishment and water infiltration. Beyond the vineyard, this renewable energy can power everything from irrigation pumps to EV charging stations for wine tasting guests. Resources: 281: How Rootstock Impacts Vine Drought Tolerance and Longevity283: Developing Cold-Hardy Grapes with 23andMe TechnologyAgrivoltaics in the VineyardAgrivoltaics in wine growing areasAre These Smart Solar Panels the Future of Sustainable Vineyards?Assessing the economic performance of agrivoltaic systems in vineyards - framework development, simulated scenarios and directions for future researchGrape Growth and Berry Development Under the Agrivoltaic System in VineyardsManfred StollSoaking Up the Sun: Agrivoltaics Build Resiliency into Producers' Operations in Rio Grande Valley Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate Online Courses – DPR & CCA Hours SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member
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    43 m
  • 292: Testing Vinifera vs. Hybrids: Which Survives Climate Stress Better?
    Dec 4 2025
    Will hybrid grapes help vineyards survive climate change? Professor Karine Pedneault of the Université du Québec en Outaouais explores this question through trials that expose grapevines to drought and heat stress. Testing both vinifera and hybrid varieties, her research measured plant water flow and metabolic responses to determine resilience. While hybrids still carry a stigma around flavor, they showed promising resistance, raising the potential to reduce fungicide use by up to half and adapt more sustainably to extreme weather scenarios. Resources: 223: New Decision Support System for Irrigation Efficiency213: High Resolution Data from Space Helps Farmers Plan for Climate ChangeKarine Pedneault Karine Pedneault – Google ScholarKarine Pedneault - InstagramKarine Pedneault - LinkedInKarine Pedneault – Research GateMetabolic response of vitis vinifera and interspecific vitis sp. varieties to heat stress, water deficit and combined stress, using a metabolomic approachThe organic vineyard as a balanced ecosystem: Improved organic grape management and impacts on wine quality Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team – Become a Member
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    41 m
  • 290: Fighting Powdery Mildew with UVC Light
    Nov 20 2025
    With fungicide resistance on the rise, grape growers are looking for new ways to manage powdery mildew. Lexi McDaniel, Viticulture Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, explores the science behind using UVC light to combat this grapevine disease by directly disrupting the DNA bonds needed for replication. She shares insights from her trials, including why the light must be applied at night, how often it needs to pass through the vineyard, and how this technique compares to traditional fungicide programs in both cost and effectiveness. Resources: 117: Grapevine Mildew Control with UV Light197: Managing the Sour Rot Disease Complex in Grapes219: Intelligent Sprayers to Improve Fungicide Applications and Save Money235: Battling Fungicide Resistance with Glove Sampling266: Soft Pesticide Trial: Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Botrytis, and Sour RotField-Scale Ultraviolet-C Light Applications to Manage Grapevine Powdery MildewGrapevine Powery Mildew UV-C InformationIntroducing UVC applications for powdery mildew control in grapevinesLexie McDanielNorth Carolina State ExtensionUltraviolet-C (UVC) Light Can Be a Powerful Tool Against Grapevine Powdery Mildew Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the yearVineyard Team – Become a Member
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    28 m
  • 291: 3 Eco Buzzwords You Didn't Know Are Sustainable | Marketing Tip Monday
    Nov 17 2025
    Terms like "regenerative," "climate‑smart," and "social equity" aren't just buzzwords—they're the building blocks of sustainable winegrowing. Learn wine brands protect soil, reduce energy use, and support people, all while producing high-quality wine. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course *** Apply for SIP Certified WineLikely Story StrategiesMarketing Tips eNewsletterSustainable Story Worksheet Print Electronic Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the yearVineyard Team – Become a Member
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    2 m
  • 289: How Spotted Lanternfly Puts Grapes at Risk—and What Growers Can Do
    Nov 6 2025
    Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is more than a nuisance, it poses a serious risk to vineyards. Brian Walsh, Extension Educator and Spotted Lanternfly Researcher with Penn State Extension, explains how this invasive insect threatens grapes across the eastern U.S. From unusual egg-laying behavior to honeydew-covered canopies that attract stinging insects, Walsh explores why vineyards are especially at risk and how growers can prepare during peak pressure in September. Learn about insecticide options, biocontrol efforts, and scouting strategies—whether SLF is in your area or not. Resources: 96: Spotted Lanternfly - Threat to California175: How to Prepare for Invasive Pests in Your VineyardAn Introduction to the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly:Webinar on April 21, 2023 Brian WalshResearch Update of Spotted Lanternfly in Grape: Webinar on March 9, 2022Spotted Lantern Fly Spotted Lanternfly Management in VineyardsSpotted Lanternfly Management for Landscape Professionals Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - DonateOnline Courses – DPR & CCA HoursSIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year – Discount Code PODCAST25Vineyard Team – Become a Member
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    38 m
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