Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Sustainable Winegrowing
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 331: Rethinking Wine Packaging | Sustainable Story | 12 oct. 2026 | 00:03:04 | |
By eliminating foil capsules and switching to lighter bottles, SAMsARA cut waste and emissions—reminding wine lovers that great wine doesn't need extra packaging. Resources:
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| 330: Human-Robot Collaboration for Precision Agriculture | 01 oct. 2026 | 00:36:17 | |
Imagine one vineyard machine that can prune, harvest, monitor vine health, and help guide irrigation decisions throughout the season. Manoj Karkee, the Norman R. and Sharon R. Scott Professor of Agricultural Science at Cornell University, explores how artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber-physical systems can make farming more efficient and economical. Learn how multipurpose and soft robotics can tackle vineyard tasks, how cameras and sensors feed AI models to guide crop management, and how human-robot collaboration reduces labor, input costs, and resource use. Resources:
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| 329: Sustainability Starts with People | Marketing Tip Monday | 28 sept. 2026 | 00:00:16 | |
When we talk about sustainability in wine, practices like conserving water, enhancing soil quality, and supporting biodiversity often come to mind. But sustainability is about more than caring for the land; it's about caring for the people behind every bottle. Resources:
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| 328: Rethinking Vineyard Weed Management to Build Healthier Soils | 17 sept. 2026 | 00:36:40 | |
Healthy soils are built through years of management decisions and sometimes rethinking old practices. Jim Lincoln, General Manager of Beckstoffer Vineyards in Napa Valley, shares how his approach to weed management has evolved from cultivation and herbicides to mowing, sheep grazing, cover crops, and no-till practices. Learn how these changes have improved under-vine soil health, influenced weed populations, and affected costs. Jim discusses the real-world tradeoffs of building soil health and the opportunities it creates to improve fruit quality. Resources:
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| 327: The Feedback Loop Behind Better Wine | Sustainable Story | 14 sept. 2026 | 00:03:22 | |
Growers rarely taste the wine made from their grapes. At Hope Family Wines, Stasi Seay uses annual tastings to help them connect their farming decisions to what's in the glass. Resources:
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| 326: Increasing Microbat Activity for Vineyard Pest Management | 03 sept. 2026 | 00:36:22 | |
Microbats are tiny natural predators with a big appetite for insects, but the uniform structure of a vineyard can keep them from venturing far into the block. Matt Fowles, Owner and CEO of Fowles Wine, noticed that vineyard blocks near trees had less moth pressure than those bordered by open grassland. He shares how that observation inspired a system of vertical structures designed to give microbats echolocation points and encourage them to move deeper into the vineyard. Early trials show increased bat activity and promising potential for natural pest control in vineyards. Resources:
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| 325: 4 Wine-Focused Social Media Tips: Q&A with Heather Daenitz | Marketing Tip Monday | 31 août 2026 | 00:04:16 | |
Social media keeps changing, but wineries can stay relevant with a focused strategy. Heather Daenitz (Craft & Cluster) shares practical advice on Instagram Stories, audience engagement, searchable content, authentic video, and content series that help wineries connect with wine consumers. Resources:
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| 324: Why Great Wine Isn't Enough: The Science of Liking | 20 août 2026 | 00:34:25 | |
Why we like wine has less to do with our taste buds than you might think. Zata Vickers, professor of Food Science and Nutrition and director of the Sensory Center at the University of Minnesota, explains the science behind why we like what we like. Learn how repeated exposure, positive social experiences, and even the words used to describe wine influence our preferences. Along the way, she shares surprising insights into what babies' reactions can teach us about taste and why food preferences are learned more often than they're born. Resources:
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| 323: Nature's Night Shift | Sustainable Story | 10 août 2026 | 00:02:22 | |
Mesa Vineyard Management teamed up with Cal Poly to track barn owls and understand where they hunt in an effort to help growers strengthen natural pest control in vineyards. Resources:
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| 322: Managing Spotted Lanternfly with Biological Control | 06 août 2026 | 00:33:11 | |
Biological control is emerging as one of the most promising tools against spotted lanternfly. Anne Johnson, postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University, explains how spotted lanternfly damages grapevines by draining plant sap and producing honeydew that fuels sooty mold. She shares new research showing that North American predators, including spiders, praying mantises, and birds, are already helping keep this invasive pest in check. Learn which biological control strategies show the most promise, why removing tree of heaven matters, and how community science is accelerating discoveries for sustainable spotted lanternfly management. Resources:
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| 321: 4 Ways to Get More from Every Social Media Post | Marketing Tip Monday | 27 juil. 2026 | 00:02:45 | |
Boost your social media marketing without creating more content. Discover four simple strategies to improve SEO, help the right audience find your posts, increase saves and shares, build authentic connections, and repurpose content to maximize your reach. Resources:
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| 320: How Grapevine Rootstocks Affect Drought Tolerance, Yield, and Canopy Growth | 16 juil. 2026 | 00:36:16 | |
Choosing the right grapevine rootstock can improve drought resilience without sacrificing yield. Patty Skinkis, Viticulture Extension Specialist and Professor in the Horticulture Department at Oregon State University, shares findings from long-term Oregon rootstock trial comparing mature and young vineyards. Learn which rootstocks produced larger canopies and higher yields with less water stress, why traditional low-vigor choices may struggle in no-till systems, and how this research is shaping an updated guide to help growers select rootstocks for climate resilience, vineyard establishment, and future production. Resources:
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| 319: From Remote to Reliable | Sustainable Story | 13 juil. 2026 | 00:01:33 | |
While Santa Barbara's Foxen Canyon area is known for its natural beauty, reliable cell service is not one of its amenities. | |||
| 318: The Hidden Life of Grapevine Roots: When Roots Really Grow | 02 juil. 2026 | 00:25:22 | |
Many winegrape growers don't realize that grapevine roots are constantly growing, dying, and regenerating throughout the season. In this episode, David Eissenstat, Professor Emeritus at Penn State University, explains how decades of root research have challenged the myth that roots only grow at bloom and after harvest. He shares how underground research techniques reveal the hidden life of grapevine roots, why young roots drive water and nutrient uptake, how root growth changes with temperature and moisture, and what growers should know about managing vineyards with a deeper understanding of root biology. Resources:
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| 317: Print Media Isn't Dead | Marketing Tip Monday | 29 juin 2026 | 00:05:02 | |
Think print is a thing of the past? Think again. Discover why print remains a powerful marketing tool for wineries, offering lasting impressions, stronger recall, and a personal touch that digital channels can't always match. Learn how to make your print materials work smarter and more sustainably. Resources:
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| 316: Three-Cornered Alfalfa Hopper: Monitoring, Models, and Management | 18 juin 2026 | 00:29:28 | |
Three-cornered alfalfa hopper (TCAH) is the only confirmed insect vector of grapevine red blotch virus in Vitis vinifera, yet many growers first realize they have the pest only after spotting petiole girdling in the vineyard. Cindy Kron, North Coast IPM Advisor at UC ANR, shares findings from two years of weekly sweep-net monitoring at Oakville Research Station that revealed TCAH adults are present well before bud break, suggesting grapevines are not their preferred host. She explains the insect's life stages, why legumes serve as key feeding and reproductive hosts, and why detecting early instars remains a major challenge for vineyard IPM. Cindy also discusses how degree-day models may help growers better time tillage to reduce TCAH populations and limit grapevine red blotch risk. Resources:
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| 315: Nature's Lawn Mowers | Sustainable Story | 08 juin 2026 | 00:01:48 | |
Meet Gilbert the Pig and friends. These goats, sheep, and Kunekune pigs replaced herbicides and mowing with year-round weed control. And they're adorable. Resources:
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| 314: Cut Bird Damage and Costs: Real Grower Results Using Vineyard Lasers | 04 juin 2026 | 00:26:42 | |
Wine grape growers are turning to precision technology to mitigate bird damage while reducint labor and material costs. In this episode, Joseph Traut (Cypress AgTech) joins growers Chad Foster (Maverick Farming) and Paul Ramirez (Loma Escondida Farming) to share real-world experience using an autonomous, silent laser system that protects 20–30 vineyard acres per unit. Learn how to optimize placement, program effective coverage patterns, and time use from mid-June through harvest. Hear which bird species are easiest to deter, where challenges remain, and how this approach supports sustainable, worker-safe vineyard management. Resources:
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| 313: Train Your Team to Talk About Sustainability | Marketing Tip Monday | 25 mai 2026 | 00:02:23 | |
Two-thirds of consumers say sustainability matters when choosing what to buy. Learn how to equip your tasting room team with simple, authentic talking points that help guests connect with your values and turn every interaction into a memorable brand experience. Resources:
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| 312: Why the Best Ag Tech Is Built With Growers | 21 mai 2026 | 00:49:52 | |
The biggest challenge in ag tech isn't innovation — it's making tools that actually work on the farm. Matthew Hoffman, General Partner and Head of Farms at Reservoir, shares how the company is helping ag tech startups develop tools that solve real farming challenges. By partnering directly with specialty crop producers, including winegrape growers, Reservoir gives companies access to farms, equipment, and real-world feedback to refine technologies before they reach the market. Matthew highlights emerging innovations in autonomous equipment, robotics, machine vision, and farm management technology, and explains why grower involvement is essential to creating solutions that fit the realities of vineyard operations. Resources:
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| 311: A Softer Way to Fight Fungus in Vineyards | Sustainable Story | 11 mai 2026 | 00:01:39 | |
Andy Fles, Vineyard Manager at Shady Lane Cellars, wanted to make his fungicide program even more sustainable. So, he set up an experiment that put "soft" materials head to head with his usual program. Support the Podcast: Vineyard Team Programs:
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| 310: Can Your Vineyard Soil Hold Enough Water Without Irrigation? | 07 mai 2026 | 00:30:16 | |
Can your soil hold enough water to carry vines through the season without irrigation? Miguel Garcia, Regenative Agriculture Project Manager at Napa RCD, shares findings from a 15-vineyard study across California's North Coast. By measuring organic matter, soil respiration, active carbon, and aggregate stability, the project evaluates how soils store and supply water over the growing season. Learn how cover crops, tillage practices, and deep root systems shape soil and moisture dynamics, and how dry-farmed vineyards compare with the broader soil health database. Resources:
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| 309: Create Memorable Winery Experiences That Drive Sales | Marketing Tip Monday | 27 avr. 2026 | 00:09:50 | |
Memorable winery visits don't happen by accident. They're designed. Craig Macmillan (Niner Wine Estates) shares how storytelling, insider access, and well-trained staff turn winery tours into long-lasting customer relationships. Resources:
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| 308: Balancing Cost, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Vineyard Management | 16 avr. 2026 | 00:32:18 | |
Making the best sustainable farming decisions isn't about choosing one solution; it's about weighing the best strategies for your vineyard. Lucas Pope, Vice President of Altera Solutions, shares how growers can balance performance, cost, and long-term impact by understanding trade-offs. Lucas dives into developing a vineyard for efficiency, the best irrigation setup, composting, herbicide-free practices, and fungicide resistance, while emphasizing collaboration with clients to select the best approach for each unique site. Resources:
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| 307: Planting for Pollinators | Sustainable Story | 13 avr. 2026 | 00:01:47 | |
147 native plants now create a thriving monarch butterfly sanctuary. What started as a passion project now supports biodiversity with minimal maintenance. Resources:
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| 306: Using Barn Owls for Gopher and Rodent Control in Vineyards | 02 avr. 2026 | 00:36:03 | |
Barn owls are natural predators of gophers, voles, and mice, three of the most common vertebrate pests in vineyards. Matt Johnson, Professor in the Department of Wildlife at Cal Poly Humboldt University, studies how farms and wildlife can mutually benefit each other. Matt shares practical guidance on barn owl nest box design, placement, and maintenance, and explains how vineyard landscapes and surrounding habitat influence owl occupancy. Resources:
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| 305: 3 Easy Ways to Promote Your Sustainability | Marketing Tip Monday | 30 mars 2026 | 00:03:17 | |
Wine buyers care about sustainability—but are you talking about it? Learn three practical ways to share your sustainable winegrowing story through tasting room interactions, sales conversations, and social media that builds trust with today's conscious wine consumers. Resources:
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| 304: Vineyard Mothballing: Costs, Risks, and Long-Term Yield Consequences | 19 mars 2026 | 00:31:04 | |
With current market shifts, vineyard mothballing can buy growers time—but it requires strategy, not abandonment. Chris Chen, Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor with UC Cooperative Extension, draws on research in Australia and field experience in California to outline what minimal management really looks like. From pruning approaches and livestock integration to pest and disease management, irrigation by rootstock and soil type, and long-term yield risks, he explains how to reduce costs now without compromising a vineyard's future—or risking fines. Resources:
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| 303: Too Salty to Irrigate: A Vineyard's Unexpected Water Solution | Sustainable Story | 09 mars 2026 | 00:01:34 | |
When a newly dug well revealed water too salty for irrigation, Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard faced a serious threat to vine health and wine quality. Discover how a reverse osmosis system and an unexpected salt-loving grass transformed a costly setback into a biodiversity-boosting solution. Resources: *** Tell Your Sustainable Story Online Course *** Support the Podcast: Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing | |||
| 302: New Cover Crop Tool for Western Growers | 05 mars 2026 | 00:31:37 | |
Cover crops play a critical role in building healthy, resilient soils in vineyards and agricultural systems. Sarah Light, Agronomy Farm Advisor with UC Cooperative Extension, shares how cover crops protect soil from wind and heavy rain, improve water infiltration, and increase on-farm biodiversity. She introduces a newly released cover crop selector tool developed for Western growing regions, with guidance on species selection, termination practices, and grower goals such as reducing compaction, fixing nitrogen, and supporting pollinators. This practical resource helps growers choose the best cover crops for their location, crops, and management objectives. Resources:
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| 301: Turning Sustainability into Sales | Marketing Tip Monday | 23 févr. 2026 | 00:02:35 | |
Consumers want transparency and sustainability—and they reward it with loyalty and sales. This episode breaks down four key ways to communicate sustainability, from tasting rooms to sales channels, showing how clear, credible messaging builds trust and drives purchasing decisions. Resources:
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| 300: From Sour Rot to Succession Planning: Craig Macmillan's Favorite Podcast Moments | 19 févr. 2026 | 00:21:33 | |
A decade of viticulture education is right at your fingertips. Executive Director Beth Vukmanic interviews longtime host Craig MacMillan to celebrate ten years and 300 episodes of the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast. Together, they reflect on some of Craig's most memorable interviews—from new discoveries in sour rot and space-to-farm technology, to using storytelling to sell more wine and tackling leadership transitions. Resources: 17: New Discoveries about Sour Rot 129: The Efficient Vineyard Project 161: Use Storytelling to Sell More Wine 233: The Gap Between Space and Farm: Ground Truthing Satellite Data Models 239: Ford Pro Pilot – Trialing Electric Trucks in the Field 249: Making it Easier to Use Satellite Data in Agriculture 257: Understanding Winery Visitors – Increase Sales with your Messaging 268: How to Tackle Leadership Transitions Successfully 286: To Till or Not to Till: Impacts on Soil, Vines, and Vineyard Budgets Support the Podcast: Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing | |||
| 299: A Winery, a Festival, and a $150,000 Investment in Music Education | Sustainable Story | 09 févr. 2026 | 00:01:32 | |
While the Whale Rock Music Festival is renowned for rocking the Central Coast every year with live music and family-friendly activities. The event has an even greater purpose: supporting Templeton High School musicians through the parent-volunteer organization, TIMBA. Resources:
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| 298: How Cover Crops Shape Grapevine Root Systems | 05 févr. 2026 | 00:27:31 | |
Root systems are more than just anchors, they are the plant's stomach, communicating with their environment through a network of microbes. Suzanne Fleishman, Assistant Professor of Root Biology at Penn State University, introduces the emerging field of Root Agroecology, which integrates plant physiology and omic methods to improve sustainability in vineyards. She shares insights from a five-year red fescue cover crop trial showing reduced pruning weights and improved vine balance, as well as shifts in rhizosphere microbiomes. Her future goal? A grower tool that predicts the best cover crops by site. Resources: 72: Soil Microbes and Nutrient Availability 151: The Role of the Soil Microbiome in Soil Health 159: Under-Vine Vegetation to Control Vine Vigor Can Cover Crops Improve Wine Grape Production Resilience? Research revealing grapevine root relationships Suzanne Fleisman – Google Scholar Suzanne Fleishman – Research Gate Support the Podcast: Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing | |||
| 297: Consumers Want Sustainable Wine—Here's How to Be Seen | Marketing Tip Monday | 26 janv. 2026 | 00:01:56 | |
Eco-conscious wine lovers are willing to pay more for sustainable products—but they won't dig for details. In this Marketing Tip Monday, learn how to meet consumer demand for sustainability by making it easy. With 60% of younger and multicultural wine buyers preferring sustainable wines, visibility is key. Show your story at a glance with the SIP Certified logo on your label. It's fast, simple, and signals your commitment to people and the planet. Resources:
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| 296: Using Lasers for Bird Pest Management | 15 janv. 2026 | 00:30:16 | |
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:
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| 295: Wine Law Essentials: Contracts, TTB, Social Media & More | 01 janv. 2026 | 00:40:08 | |
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:
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| 294: Rooted in Community: Winery Stories of Generosity | Marketing Tip Monday | 22 déc. 2025 | 00:03:08 | |
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 *** 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 | |||
| 293: How Solar Panels Can Improve Vine Resilience and Wine Balance | 18 déc. 2025 | 00:42:54 | |
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:
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| 292: Testing Vinifera vs. Hybrids: Which Survives Climate Stress Better? | 04 déc. 2025 | 00:40:43 | |
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:
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| 290: Fighting Powdery Mildew with UVC Light | 20 nov. 2025 | 00:27:51 | |
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:
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| 291: 3 Eco Buzzwords You Didn't Know Are Sustainable | Marketing Tip Monday | 17 nov. 2025 | 00:02:20 | |
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:
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| 289: How Spotted Lanternfly Puts Grapes at Risk—and What Growers Can Do | 06 nov. 2025 | 00:38:05 | |
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:
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| 288: Why Now Is the Time to Promote Your Sustainable Certification | 27 oct. 2025 | 00:02:31 | |
64% of consumers say sustainability is a top purchasing factor—even during inflation. But how do you turn that intent into action? Learn how to close the "aspiration-action gap" by proudly promoting your sustainable certifications and showing customers your commitment to responsible practices. Resources:
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| 287: Dry Farming Vineyards: Where It Works and How to Begin | 16 oct. 2025 | 00:30:41 | |
Dry farming is more than just skipping irrigation—it's a deliberate practice that starts with soil stewardship. Lauryn Leeds Pesch of Chavez & Leeds Family Vineyards and Leeds & Pesch Vineyard Consulting shares her deep-rooted knowledge in dry farming, a technique that relies solely on stored winter and spring rainfall to meet a vine's needs. Learn about a $2M research initiative with the Department of Water Resources exploring water conservation in coastal California vineyards, the 5-step cultivation process, and how a new mapping tool can help you find and learn from neighboring dry-farmed vineyards. Resources:
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| 286: To Till or Not to Till: Impacts on Soil, Vines, and Vineyard Budgets | 02 oct. 2025 | 00:28:47 | |
Can no-till really work in low-rainfall, compaction-prone soils? Taylor Jones, Director of Viticulture at Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyards in Santa Barbara, California shares insights from an 8-year vineyard floor trial comparing till vs. no-till practices. From vine vigor to soil health, microbial life to tractor fuel savings, Taylor reveals surprising data and offers practical advice for growers considering a shift in floor management. Resources:
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| BONUS: Regenerative Farming, Irrigation Efficiency, and Agroforestry Tips from Kevin Rost | 25 sept. 2025 | 00:19:51 | |
After wrapping up Episode 284 on SGMA, Kevin Rost (Apollo Ag Technologies) and host Craig Macmillan kept the conversation going—and it was too good not to share. In this bonus episode, Kevin dives deeper into the benefits of maintaining irrigation distribution uniformity, selecting cover crops based on grower goals, and how agroforestry and silvopasture can revolutionize water retention and soil health. Learn how regenerative practices can reduce water use, pesticide inputs, and fertilizer needs while improving soil biology. Resources:
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| 285: 4 Essential Social Media Marketing Tips to Boost Your Brand _MTM | 22 sept. 2025 | 00:03:30 | |
Social media doesn't have to be overwhelming—especially with the right strategy. In this episode, we share four essential tips to grow your brand online, straight from digital marketing expert Emma Tessler of 95 Media.
Learn how to make social media work for you without burning out. Resources:
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| 284: SGMA Demystified - Acronyms, Deadlines, and What You Need to Know | 18 sept. 2025 | 00:20:43 | |
Understanding your water use is essential—whether it's regulated or not. Kevin Rost, Sales Representative for Apollo Ag Technologies in Fresno, California, shares how growers can get ahead of evolving water management expectations. Using California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) as a case study, he explains acronyms like GSA and GSP, outlines affordable tools for monitoring water use, and highlights why participation in local decision-making matters. This episode offers valuable insights for any grower looking to protect their resources, reduce costs, and build a more resilient farm. Resources: Vineyard Team Programs: | |||
| 283: Developing Cold-Hardy Grapes with 23andMe Technology | 04 sept. 2025 | 00:33:55 | |
Most of the world's wine grapes, like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, come from Vitis vinifera, a species prized for fruit quality but highly vulnerable to cold, pests, and disease. Assistant Professor Soon Li Teh of the University of Minnesota is developing new cold-hardy cultivars by combining traditional breeding with DNA technology—essentially 23andMe for grapes. His work taps into the resilience of native American species to improve winter survival and disease resistance. But it's no quick fix: the process from initial cross to cultivar release takes 18 to 25 years. Resources:
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