Nitrogen Fertilization in the Vineyard
The annual goal in the established vineyard is to have the vines fill their allotted trellis space, top out vegetative growth just above the top wire at veraison, and produce a crop that is in balance with the vegetative vigor. Regretfully high water availability and high nitrogen (N) content of Mid-Atlantic soils typically leads to excess vigor and extended vegetative growth.
Early Season Insect Management: Flea Beetles
Identification and BiologyGrape Flea beetles, Altica spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), are small (4-5 mm), oval shaped, metallic blue-purple beetles that jump when disturbed.Grape flea beetles overwinter as adults and become active on warm April days when grape buds begin to swell. Adult beetles are most numerous following mild winters.
Early Season Insect Management: Climbing Cutworms
This general term applies to the larvae (caterpillars) of a large number of butterfly/moth species (Lepidoptera) in the noctuid family that feed on buds, young shoots and leaves. Cutworm damage most commonly occurs in vineyards with weeds under the trellis or mulch, and in sandy or light colored soils.
Capturing the Bounce; Surviving the Dip
Mastering Marketing - April 2020As we move through the realities the Covid-19 protocols, many are experiencing first hand its effect on their business’s viability.
You’re Going to Need a Different Marketing Plan
Mastering Marketing - March 2020According to online sources, "May you live in interesting times" is an English expression which purports to be a translation of a traditional Chinese curse. Everyone can agree that these are indeed “interesting times” and feels like every day brings more negativity. The actions taken to curtail the viruses spread will have long ramifications.
Can SMART Ever Be Dumb??
Master Marketing - January 2020December is often a “Slam” month for most direct marketers. Holiday sales, year-end inventories to conduct, annual profit projections, and the final push of multiple last quarter marketing initiatives that were often launched even before Halloween. The major goal is to end the year in the financial black. Other goals now take a back seat.
2019 USDA Direct Marketing Summit
Master Marketing - October 2019Earlier this month I attended the 2019 USDA Direct Marketing Summit held in Chicago, IL. I had the opportunity to display one of the 22 poster presentations featured at the summit. My poster featured the Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center’s Website, its modules, and its client impact.
Crop Development Sampling
It is critical to properly monitor and assess fruit maturity characteristics to make the appropriate management, harvesting, and winemaking decisions to produce the best quality grapes and wine possible. The first step to assess ripeness and quality is to take a proper sample that best represents the actual ripeness stage of the cultivar in that block of the vineyard.
Crop Management
The goal of most grape growers is to produce high quality grapes for wine. For making the best wine, the highest quality grapes are often the most mature and uniform. In today’s quality driven marketplace, the best fruit will command the highest prices and the greatest demand.
Pesticide
This webpage offers pesticide information, training, and resources for pesticide applicators. Private Applicators
Pick Me! Pick Me!
Mastering Marketing - May 2019You have a quality product. You’ve identified your target customers and crafted your promotional materials for that audience. But, consumers have so many buying outlets and product options, how can you convince them to them to choose yours? It’s a crowded marketplace out there.
Brand Voice—Make It Speak Loudly
You’ve worked hard to have a timely and attractive website. You have a distinctive logo and promotional materials. Your social media marketing plan for the season is in place. Your products or services are top quality and will be available in sufficient supplies. You’re all ready for a great sales season. But do customers know your brand?
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