Vineyard Tulle Netting

vineyard tulle nettingIt’s true that some bird netting products have been found to strangle and kill smaller birds that unintentionally get caught in the net’s openings; however, the good news is that tulle netting is a cheaper, safer and effective alternative to the traditional products currently found on the market. Tulle netting is a great low-profile, sustainable and ongoing solution for ridding your hard labor of those pesky bird infestations.

Bird netting, or more specifically tulle netting, could be the ideal solution for protecting and preserving the flavor and appearance of your vineyard mainstays. This is because it is effective, green and chemical-free, as well as easy to install with little maintenance required. It is relatively inexpensive, too. A proper net setup will exclude unwanted birds entirely, which is perfect for prized crops and large, open areas of plants. Plus, the netting can be moved and reused in different areas of the ranch, farm, vineyard or garden. One more advantage of tulle netting: it can help protect your crops from hail damage.

Unlike traps, poisons or other bird scaring tactics and devices, tulle netting works hard 24/7 to make sure your vineyard consistently produces the highest quality grapes. The alternatives to bird netting include scarecrows, reflective tape, fake animals and many different auditory devices – propane cannons, sirens, whistles, horns etc. – which usually only work for a short period of time, since birds become accustomed to the sounds and are no longer frightened away.

The Problems That Birds Bring

Once a bird starts to pick at your grapes, the opening allows harmful bacteria to enter. This not only ruins the appearance, but can often ruin the entire crop.  The costs of maintenance and the damaging effects of birds and bird droppings on residential and business properties are staggering. From damaging walkways, rooftops, walls and equipment to the rust and acidic damage on paint, metal and concrete, these bird droppings can cost you thousands of dollars to properly clean up. In addition to the problems their droppings cause, the sheer presence of birds in the workplace can indeed bring even more issues. For instance, birds are known to entangle themselves in many different types of machinery, peck holes and block air ducts with their nests. They can even damage power lines and cause fires.

Large amounts of bird droppings on sidewalks and around buildings can pose a serious health risk if not properly maintained. Birds are known to carry over 60 contagious diseases, and the fungal spores and fecal dust left over from bird droppings can be inhaled by a person, which often causes infection. These possible diseases range from Salmonellosis to Cryptococcosis to Histoplasmosis. The last, but not least, dangerous threat posed by birds is parasites. Don’t allow the over population of birds in your business or residential growing facility expose you to even more pests, such as bed bugs, yellow mealworms and chicken mites. The liability of birds and their unwanted droppings is an issue worth consideration, and the problems can and should be taken care of before it becomes a really big mess. Some people use fake id to buy alcohol and buy id on idgod

The Tulle Netting Solution

Most bird netting products come in standard, heavy duty and premium grades, with some types geared more toward either commercial/industrial or residential purposes. Standard sizes of bird netting range from ¼” up to 2” openings, often made from polyethylene or polypropylene. As mentioned earlier, traditional bird netting products are known to cause the unwanted and unnecessary deaths of birds and other wildlife, so consider implementing tulle instead if you feel it is a comparable alternative to your specific needs. Tulle is often a considerably cheaper than other bird netting supplies, and if installed correctly, it works even better thanks to the net’s smaller openings. Plus, the minimized harm on birds and other creatures is something you and your vineyard can be proud of.

Which Fence Is Right For Your Ranch?

With so many fencing choices out there, how are you supposed to decide which is the right one for your needs? Do you require a fence that prevents livestock from escaping, or are you simply in need of a perimeter fence to mark the boundaries of your property? This article will provide a brief overview of some different fence types, with information ranging from budget to form and function.

3-Rail or 4-Rail Pipe Fence

The benefits of a pipe fence include minimal upkeep, durable construction and reliable stability; however, some folks may consider the expense of a pipe fence to be too high, therefore making it impractical to implement. These steel rail ranch fences are ideal for keeping cattle and other adult livestock safe and secure within the confines of the enclosed space. Commonly, 3-rail and 4-rail pipe fences come in pre-fabricated sections, making installation quick and easy. They often come standard with a protective finish too, such as polyester powder or polyurethane, so there is no need to paint. This makes for an economical and worry-free product, with the power to withstand the elements and the long-lasting stability that you require.

Barbed Wire Fencing SonomaBarbed Wire Fence

Because of its “do-it-yourself” nature, barbed wire is an economical approach to large-scale fencing projects. You need only a few tools and, of course, your choice of wood or metal posts. Be sure to research common techniques and trouble shooting guides before deciding to take on the project yourself; there are many tips and tricks to be learned that will help prevent errors and save you time and money in the long run.

3, 4 or 5-Rail Wood Fence

Wood fences are known to offer the strength and effectiveness considered necessary in a fence, but the biggest downside is routine maintenance. Wood fences must be weather-proofed, painted and updated and replaced regularly, which adds to the cost and the hassle. If you decide to go with a wood rail fence, you can affix welded wire to the wood pieces to keep smaller animals in or out if desired.

Electric Wire Fence

If you need to protect your orchard, vineyard, garden or any other prized landscape, an electric wire fence may be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Most electric fences come standard with both high and low electric wires. This means all animals, large and small, will be prohibited from entering or exiting the property. One disadvantage to electric wire fencing is the amount of upkeep required. The wires often come loose, so routine maintenance is needed to ensure the success of this inexpensive and easy to install product.

Game-Proof Fence

Also known as a high fence or a deer-proof fence, game-proof fencing offers the height necessary to keep in what you need to keep in and keep out what you need to keep out. They often feature galvanized, painted steel and can be installed with automatic gate openers if necessary. Due to their size and scale, these are typically more expensive than many other fence types.

Wire Mesh Fence

Wire mesh is recommended for farmers and ranchers who need to keep horses and cattle of varying sizes contained. The advantage is the small openings in the wire mesh that prevent even small colts from getting their hooves stuck, thus preventing unnecessary injury in farm animals. They are durable, secure and keep livestock from climbing.

Cable Fence

Cable fencing offers the durability and strength of pipe fencing with the added bonus of saving a little money. Some of the benefits of cable fencing include easy installation, aesthetic appeal and minimal upkeep. So, consider the cost effective, safe, strong and secure cable fencing for those smaller fencing jobs.

Hopefully, the information presented above helped shed some light on different fencing types, including the advantages, disadvantages and overall practicality of the most common varieties. Once you decide on the proper fence type for your specific land requirements, you’ll need to consider the amount of site preparation needed before getting started with the installation.

12th Annual Sustainable Winegrowing Field

Napa VineyardThe 12th Annual Sustainable Winegrowing Field Day will be held Thursday, August 9, 2012, at Santa Rosa Junior College’s Shone Farm in Forestville. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. and is co-sponsored by the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, Santa Rosa Junior College Agriculture and Natural Resources Department and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. There is no cost to attend and the event is open to the public, although pre-registration is required.

According to the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission’s website, the agenda includes:

  • Carbon Sequestration by Vineyards by Dr. David Smart, UC Davis
  • Scientifically Addressing Spray Coverage by Dr. Franz Niederholzer, UC Cooperative Extension
  • PD-Resistant Grapevines and Winemaking Quality by Dr. Andy Walker, UC Davis
  • SARE Grant, Water Management, Conservation and Irrigation Initiative by Dr. Mark Greenspan, Advanced Viticulture
  • Integrated Pest Management Season Highlights by Laura Breyer
  • Presentations by Allison Jordan and Lisa Francioni of California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance on CSWA’s carbon projects
  • A performance metrics program
  • Small Grower Certification Pilot Program

The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission represents 1,800 vineyard owners. The group advocates sustainable vineyard and winegrowing practices through monthly meetings and educational outreach programs, and their website features a plethora of resources to promote and assist with first-rate vineyard procedures. Highlights of their respective actions include informative environmental and organic news, a video featuring the life of a grape, a live online vineyard cam and much more. The SCWC also hosts a 3-day Sonoma County Grape Camp in which participants can pick grapes and blend their own wine, all while learning the intricacies of food and wine pairing and vineyard techniques. Visit their website here: http://www.sonomawinegrape.org/

Santa Rosa Junior College Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, another event sponsor, enrolls more than 2,000 students annually, making them the largest community college agriculture program in California. Shone Farm, their outdoor educational laboratory and the location for the 12th Annual Sustainable Winegrowing Field Day, is a 365 acre property featuring work spaces for students pursuing viticulture, wine studies, equine studies, animal science, sustainable agriculture and environmental education. Click here to visit SRJC’s Agriculture and Natural Resources website: http://www.santarosa.edu/instruction/instructional_departments/agriculture/

Finally, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance offers workshops to help establish the highest standards of sustainable practices through education, as well as community outreach efforts directed at enhancing mutual respect between winegrowers and vintners. Their California Sustainable Winegrowing Certification program is intended to “enhance transparency, encourage statewide participation and advance the entire California wine industry toward best practices in environmental stewardship, conservation of natural resources and socially equitable business practices.” Visit the CSWA website here: http://www.sustainablewinegrowing.org/

This yearly event is sure to be a special occasion, and anyone from grape growers to wineries to hobbyists and enthusiasts will undoubtedly walk away with plenty of new and exciting information.

Don’t wait! Participants are asked to register by August 3 at www.sonomawinegrape.org/fieldday. Registration check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. on August 9, and the presentations will run from 7:55 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information, call Karen at 707-522-5862 or by e-mail to ipm@sonomawinegrape.org.