Mendocino Winegrowers Inc. is hosting an Economic Summit and Trade Show on Thursday, May 9th at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds in Ukiah. As the largest wine business trade show ever held in Mendocino County, it will feature the latest in farming equipment, with a huge display of harvesters, electric tractors, vineyard and winery supplies, and more!
You’re invited to get the inside track on “The State of the Mendocino Grape Market,” in a feature presentation by Glenn Proctor of Ciatti Company, and Chad Clark of Allied Grape Growers. With figures just in from the 2018 Grape Crush Report, growers are eager to know what the marketplace will hold for 2019.
The marketplace will certainly present challenges in 2019, due to record-breaking yields in Mendocino County last year. Lise Asimont, currently Director of Vineyard Operations for Cakebread Cellars and previously Director of Grower Relations with Francis Ford Coppola Winery, will speak on how to differentiate your grapes in this very competitive market.
Trucking and driver shortage continue as a major concern for grape growers. Yvonne Sams of G3 Enterprises will speak on harvest planning, innovative “Drop” program, and GPS tracking now available from G3 Enterprises, as well as current challenges and upcoming regulations involved in transporting grapes.
Labor issues and how to reduce farming costs are perennially hot topics. Vineyard mechanization is always top of mind, and we have brought together industry experts to speak to the newest technology. What is around the corner for farming? Innovation equals automation! Tyler Rodrigue of Noble Custom Harvesting will share what is already happening with automation in other regions…prepare to be “AU-inspired.”
Water remains a critical resource for our industry. Janet Pauli of the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission will give an update on the status of the Potter Valley Project. How do we secure the future of water for our inland growers?
Financial resources are vital to surviving and thriving in these challenging times. American Ag Credit will provide a brief tutorial on managing the financial health of your business, whether it’s wine or grapes. Mendocino County has experienced unfortunate natural disasters the past few years with the disastrous wildfires of 2017 and 2018. USDA and Farm Service Agency will speak about what programs are available to assist those with lost crops or damaged farmland and to help plan for managing future risk.
You don’t want to miss this Trade Show, with all the latest in vineyard equipment – harvesters, tractors, and more. Have you ever seen an electric tractor? Demonstrations will be taking place during the trade show portion of the program from 1-3pm. Numerous vendors will be showcasing the products and services necessary to succeed in today’s market. It’s all here under one roof!
Tickets are $25 for MWI members, $35 for non-members and available at MendoWine.com/events. Lunch will be served complimented by great Mendocino wine. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
