Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/95545
GRAPE GRO WING Highlights • A cost-benefit analysis should be conducted for any new vine- yard practice being implemented. • Since winegrape growers get paid by the ton, they should track the cost of vineyard inputs by the ton. • Performance metrics that measure inputs such as nutrients, energy and water can be used to measure profitability as well as environmental stewardship and social progress. additionally, there is limited research about the effects cover crops have on yield and quality. Therefore, there are two parts to assess- ing the impact that a practice has on the bottom line: 1) the cost of implementing the practice, and 2) the effect the practice has on yield and quality (a.k.a. vineyard performance.) Ideally, the deci- sion about whether to implement a practice should be based on a cost-benefit analysis. Cost-benefit analysis While using a cost-benefit analysis to decide if a practice should be implemented seems like an obvious approach, it is often only done partially or not done at all. For some important practices, however, a sound cost-benefit analysis is very doable. Let's look at irrigation management: For vineyards where ir- rigation is necessary, an irrigation-management plan consists of several practices from determining when and how long to irrigate to measuring and maintaining irrigation system performance. It has been established that irrigation management can have a dramatic effect on yield and quality. Each practice has implemen- tation costs, and it is relatively straightforward to combine them to determine the cost of an irrigation-management plan. It is also pretty straightforward to assess the impact an irrigation-manage- ment plan has on yield and quality. But the cost-benefit analysis is not yet complete. A grapegrower should also measure the impact an irrigation-management plan has on water use, which is a criti- cal vineyard input. Using vineyard performance metrics may be one way to make a cost-benefit analysis more complete. What is a performance metric? A performance metric is a measure of the outcome of a practice or set of practices. For example, the amount of irrigation water applied per acre per year is a performance metric for an irrigation- management program. Yield and winegrape quality are also per- formance metrics. While it is natural to focus on implementing a vineyard practice or set of practices, since that is what we do in our vineyards on a day- to-day basis, it is important to remember that we are interested in the outcomes of the practices rather than the practices themselves. Moreover, it is key to measure all important outcomes. In the case of irrigation management, we should measure not only yield and quality but also water use. Measuring outcomes using per- formance metrics will help determine the cost-benefit analysis of a practice. Together, we can keep flavor at its peak. Since 1963, Parker domnick hunter has been developing comprehensive filtration solutions designed to optimize your wine making process. • Filter cartridges which help preserve the unique characteristics of your wine Value-added benefits • Lower overall filtration costs so you remain highly competitive • Technical service available on-site to audit and help achieve process efficiency You can rely on Parker domnick hunter for consistent and reputable performance, call 877 784 2234 today for a free technical assessment of your filtration process. [ Stop by Booth 1206 @ Unified Wine 2013 ] www.parker.com/processfiltration dhpsales.na@parker.com OREGON CONVENTION CENTER, PORTLAND OREGON FEB 19 & 20 2013 SYMPOSIUM.OREGONWINE.ORG 56 WINES & VINES DECEMBER 2012 Parker dhP Dec 2011 Qtr Pg BW_UWGS Preview.indd 1 11/7/2011 2:14:40 PM