co-op/farm development and outsourcing...• scale of project – acreage and vine density •...

CO-OP/Farm Development and

OutsourcingManaging Labor vs. Mechanization

Stirling Wine Grapes Inc.swiginc.org

Stirling FoxOwner/Founder: Stirling Wine Grapes Inc. (SWiG)Newberg, OR • Wine Industry Professional since 1989• Managed over 80 different vineyard sites across

Willamette Valley since 1994- Over the last 28 years have managed entire estate vineyard operations for such brands as Willamette Valley Vineyards, Rex Hill, Bergstrom, Chehalem, Patricia Green Cellars, Scott Paul Wines, Eminent Domaine, J. Christopher, Evening Lands and more…- Sites range in size from 5 acres to 150 acres

• Currently Managing Vineyards for 58 Winery Clients

• Organic, Biodynamic, LIVE Certified Sustainable and Conventional Operations


When Mechanization Is Right For You

• Scale of Project – Acreage and Vine Density• Trellis Material Type – Wood vs. Metal• Seasonal Timing – Wet/Dry • Physical Site Characteristics – Slope, Soil Type• Labor Availability – Competing Crops, Population

Density


Cooperative Options (Mechanical)

• Pre-Pruner• Leaf and Shoot Removal• Hedging• Harvesting• Multiple Row Spray Systems• Helicopter Spraying• Electric Hand Tools; Pruner, Tie Gun


Mechanical Pre-Pruning of Grapevines


Mechanical Leaf and Shoot Removal


Mechanical Hedgers


Harvesting


Multi-Row Sprayers


Helicopter Spraying


Electric Hand Tools


When Mechanization Is Right For You

• Scale of Project – Acreage and Vine Density• Trellis Material Type – Wood vs. Metal• Seasonal Timing – Wet/Dry • Physical Site Characteristics – Slope, Soil Type• Labor Availability – Competing Crops, Population

Density


Scale of Project – Acreage and Vine Density

• Acreage Justification, Move-in Fees

• Row Width, In Row Spacing


Trellis Material Type – Wood vs. Metal

• End Post Type/Size

• Line Post Type

• Vine Training Stake


Seasonal Timing – Wet/Dry

• Summer/Winter Conditions

• Labor Supply

• Tractor Caused Soil Compaction


Physical Site Characteristics – Slope, Soil Type

• 0 – 30% Slope

• Rock, Size, Percent

• Soil Characteristics and Compatibility


Labor Availability – Competing Crops, Population Density

• Strawberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Apples, Marijuana, and more…

• Timing and Weather

• Proximity to Population Centers

• Wage Competition


Cost Comparison Per Acre7 ft. spacing,1550 Vines/Acre (3 tons/acre)

Task By Hand Mechanized(Including Operator Labor)

End Post Installation(30 posts per acre)

$500 $320

Leaf Removal $275 $165

Hedging $230 $140

Pruning (Single Arm Cane Prune) $341 $300 (variable)

Tying Vines (Single Arm Cane Prune)

$310 $250

Spraying $70 (Single Row) $45 (Multi Row)

Harvesting $800 $550


Mechanical Advantage

• Available When Labor Is Not• Night Shift Options• Reduction in HR Cost/Issues

- Safety - Reduction in Crew Supervision

“The tools are here. Are they right for

you?”

co-op/farm development and outsourcing...• scale of project – acreage and vine density •...

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