Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/63050
Grapes Vineyard replanting ECONOMICS Reusing trellis and irrigation systems saves money, but no soil or spacing improvements can be made. by Melissa Hansen W Ron Harle shared cost analyses of three replant scenarios done at Hogue Ranches. hen replanting an existing vineyard, a grower has three scenarios to choose from—replace plants and preserve exist- ing trellis and irrigation systems, replace plants and modify existing trellis and irri- gation, or remove and replace everything. Each replant situation is different, but replant costs can be significant and are an important factor in the decision process. General manager of Hogue Ranches and Mercer Estates Winery Ron Harle shared a cost analysis of three replant scenarios, each of which has been done at Hogue. In the last decade, Hogue, based in Prosser, Washington, has spent considerable effort replanting Yakima Valley vineyards, including Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, that were located in sites not well suited for the variety. In some vineyards, they have removed everything and started from scratch, while in others, they replanted built to meet Storage Solutions . . . Delivered to your site Shelving 30 Fire Protection Contaiment Pan New and Used Refurbished Buildings Available Ventilation 8 x 509 88or4-0555 36 MAY 1, 2012 GOOD FRUIT GROWER 8 10 x 30 Contact us at 30 www.rentmestorage.com www.goodfruit.com following the modified scenario of replacing vines and modifying the trellis without making row or orientation changes. "Oftentimes, we would have liked to have moved the rows a little closer together from the existing site, but it wasn't worth investing another $1,000 per acre to do so," he said. Harle noted that when deciding which replant sce- nario to follow, labor availability should be taken into consideration. Trade-offs Each scenario has its trade-offs, he said. For example, when preserving the existing trellis and irrigation sys- tems, the only thing that can be changed is the grape vari- ety. "You're basically pulling out the old vine and putting a new plant in its place, while trying not to damage the irrigation and trellis systems." ORDER TODAY