Good Fruit Grower

January 2012

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SLIMLINE MANUFACTURING LTD. GRAPE CALCULATORS revised T he online Northwest Grape Cost of Production Calculators, developed for wineries and vineyards, were recently updated to reflect today's values. The cost calculators, designed specifically for Pacific Northwest planting, growing, and winemaking conditions, were developed to make planting and winery decisions easier. The vineyard calcula- tors can be used for conventional and organically grown grapes, are specific to variety, and are designed for new and existing growers. By estimating the cost per acre of planting, growers can compare the costs of different spacing, varieties, and other cultural factors. Using the winery calculator, owners can compare different sce- narios (production levels and price points) to see where the most profitable products may be. Until the recent revision, the calculators were based on 2006 val- ues. The online program was funded through grants of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency and the Washington Wine Industry Foundation. To use the calculators, visit www.nwgrapecalculators.org. —M. Hansen percent last summer compared with the previous year. "That's good news for Washington's wine industry because our growers tend to produce grapes used in premium wines." But growers should keep the sales data in perspective, he said, explaining that the bulk of all wine sales are still in the $5 to $15 price range. Total wine grape acreage for the state is around 44,000 acres, including nonbearing vineyards. Ball expects future yields to surpass the state record of 160,000 tons reached in 2010 as vines recover. • Turbomist technology allows all growers the ability to reduce drift substantially and save 25% to 40% of their annual spray fuel bill at the same time. Check out these savings at www.turbomist.com SLIMLINE MANUFACTURING LTD. 1 800 495 6145 http://www.turbomist.com www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER JANUARY 1, 2012 31

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