Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/816747
May 2017 WINES&VINES 69 GRAPEGROWING I n a decade or less, a vineyard owner could "farm" by sitting in front of a moni- tor or, more likely, a smartphone or tablet. Unmanned aerial vehicles, self-driving tractors with robotic implements and elabo- rate real-time monitoring systems could eliminate the need for human labor and turn into a reality the concept of the "no- touch" vineyard. While it's debatable when such a future will arrive, as agricultural labor continues to grow more scarce and more expensive, it's undoubt- able that more and more vineyard operations will be mechanized and eventually automated. The subject was the focus of lengthy sessions at this year's Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento, Calif., and the WiVi conference hosted in Paso Robles, Calif., by Wine Business Monthly. (Both Wine Business Monthly and KEY POINTS Insights from two grower panels discuss- ing vineyard mechanization. Before investing in machines, first deter- mine if your vineyard has the proper setup. Take a systematic, holistic approach to mechanize more field work than just harvesting. Heading Toward the 'No-Touch' Vineyard Growers discuss the current trends in mechanization and its future By Andrew Adams New mechanical harvesters such as the ERO Grape- liner 6000 conduct continuous harvesting and sorting. Vineyard Tools Battery Powered Pruning Shears • 1.25-inch and 1.5-inch cutting capacity models • 15,000 pruning cuts per battery charge • Includes lithium battery, harness, holster and carrying case www.zenportindustries.com | 503-524-7289 Gra ing Tools w zenportindustri Tying Tools & Supplies Harvest Shears ineyard T ols Pruning | Gra ing | Tying | Harvest