Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/210765
GRAPEGROWING in one system, pest management data in another system and cost accounting in another system with no elegant way of tying it all together. This is something the newer farm-management databases can do very well, yet they don't seem to be widely used. A perception of limited value MERISTEM While there are many reasons why growers do not take advantage of computer software technology, I feel they are all related to the perception of limited value its use will bring to their farming. Most farm database systems are not cheap, and to get the most out of using one it is necessary to devote a considerable amount of time to set it up and to learn how to use it effectively. Time and money are in short supply on most farms. Furthermore, a grower often discovers their way of doing things does not necessarily match the way a farm data-management system is set up to capture data and report back results in a useable form. The predicted use of drones in vineyards is just the latest example of technology being ahead of its practical application because it presents many practical challenges. First, model airplanes are not the easiest things to Some vineyard technology makes it possible to store several years worth of data about bud break, véraison, weather, ripeness and harvest for various blocks all in one place. fly, and helicopters are even more difficult. I flew remote-control model planes for a while as a hobby and learned it was not if you were going to crash your model, but when. Second, let's consider what they might be used for in the vineyard. Spraying is often mentioned as something they can do. A gallon of water weighs almost 8.5 pounds. Even when using ultra-low-volume spray technology, a pretty large aircraft will be required to carry enough water to mitigate continually refilling the aircraft's Your Source for All Vineyard Trellising Supplies Visit our Booth at the Unified Symposium! Gripple Fastening System Available at JSC! Largest Manufacturer of Grape Stakes Nationwide! Grape Stakes | Wire | Grow Tubes | Fencing T-Posts | Bird Netting | Vine Protection | Anchors End Posts | Tying Materials | Cross Arms All Trellising | And More! 800.423.8016 www.JimsSupply.com 38 W in es & V i ne s DEC E M be r 20 13