Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/112023
COVER STORY Clemens holds the U.S. distribution rights for Wagner, according to Heiko Beckers, Clemens��� U.S. sales manager. Next generation guided by GPS Double row planting machines are twice as fast (and twice as expensive). done quickly, and the uniform spacing makes other mechanized work such as harvesting, spraying and pruning easier. ���You get nice, straight parallel rows that are great for any mechanization,��� he said. And with planting done in just a few days, Waltz said his vineyard workers can start on other spring tasks sooner. Another benefit, especially for growers in the East, is that clients have total control of graft height during planting. Waltz said his vineyard is vulnerable to hard eastern freezes, and a uniform graft height on the vines makes it much easier to complete hilling work in the fall. ���I would highly recommend it, even if it���s just an acre of vines,��� he said. Wagner partners with another German supplier, Clemens Technologies, which also manufactures vine-planting machines. Beckers said Clemens has been producing planting machines for the past 20 years but just recently introduced GPS to improve planting accuracy. Machines like Hosmer���s require a laser guide to ensure a straight row. Because of the setup, Hosmer said he could only plant in one direction, as each row needs to be plotted before planting With the GPS-guided system, Beckers said operators input the dimensions of the vineyard and its shape followed by the coordinates of the first and last vine in the first row. Planting the first row helps operators calibrate the machine. Once it���s set, Beckers said the operator just needs to set the row distance, width and vine spacing, and the machine is ready. The machine does require some training. ���You���re planting to 1-inch accuracy, you have to understand it���s a complex machine,��� he said. The latest line of Clemens��� planters can plant up to 15,000 vines per day and come with optional equipment that can lay stakes, drip lines and plant each vine with a shot of water and fertilizer. Beckers We���re Getting Bigger So You Can Get Better. Vintage Nurseries���growing with your success in mind. Day after day, we plant and plan at Vintage Nurseries, expanding our product selection and service to meet your growing needs. In an effort to be a reliable source for all of our customers, we strive to maintain the highest standards in the industry. Quite simply, the bigger we get, the harder we work to keep your success and satisfaction our top priority. Wasco 661-758-4777 Paso Robles 805-237-8914 www.VintageNurseries.com Modesto 209-523-8036 800-499-9019 SerVINg the WINe, table grape aND raISIN INDuStrIeS 26 W in e s & V i ne s M AR C H 20 13 Santa Rosa 707-542-5510