Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/946131
28 WINES&VINES March 2018 HERE'S WHAT WORKS with mechanization a central feature. The Com- mission is forming a "Mechanization Dream Team" with the goal of preparing Lodi for in- creased mechanization, including a year-round fully mechanized demonstration vineyard. In a previous column, I wrote that while the idea of being self-contained and "doing it all by myself" sounds good, in reality it's impos- sible. More importantly, I believe it's a bad idea, as it may prevent you from getting the benefits of new technology. You may need automated leaf pulling, but you don't have to own and operate the leaf puller. Just like you need diesel for your tractor, but you don't need to own and operate your own oil refinery. You trust Chev- ron to do that for you. There are many labor-reducing solutions for the small grower who is facing unprece- dented labor challenges. As you move for- ward, I encourage you to start by assuming that there are solutions, and that a positive, methodical approach will allow you to achieve your goals. Andy Starr, founder of StarrGreen (starrgreen.com), is an entrepreneur, marketing manager and winemaker who provides strategy, management and business develop- ment consulting services. A resident of Napa Valley, Calif., he holds a bachelor's degree in fermentation science from the University of California, Davis, and an MBA from UCLA. Vinescape's planting machine marks the vineyard, plants the vine and inserts the vine stake. The Industry's Most Trusted Source for... Advanced Crush Pad Equipment: OPTICAL SORTING – 100% CLEAN FRUIT NEw Orchard - Rite wind Machines: (Eastern Canada Only) & Quality USED Wind Machines (Throughout North America) New & Used Single & Multi – Row Sprayers Grape Harvesters: New & Field Ready Used Equipment Now Available with ON BOARD SORTING & DESTEMMING!! A P O C New Collard Leaf Removers & Hedgers & High Quality Used Canopy Management Tools t: 905.646.8085 I tf: 1.866.677.4717 I lakeviewvineyardequipment.com I 40 Lakeshore Rd., R.R. # 5 I Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Please Call Today for Current Pricing!