|
Facts from the Field: #8
Tools and Tips from Rainbow Ag
Establishing Your Reputation as a Good Neighbor
Across the nation, the state and the North Coast region, the agriculture/urban interface is demanding new farming strategies that support farming's need to apply agricultural chemicals while protecting residents' rights to an unpolluted environment. Old methods often have to be abandoned in favor of newer technologies, and the transition is not always easy.
If you hope to hold on to your old spraying methods, you may not be able to afford the cost of the controversy. Furthermore, agricultural chemicals are expensive, and it only makes good business sense to reduce application rates if you possibly can.
Off-target movement of agricultural chemicals, ground water contamination and an increased understanding of the hazards of chemical exposure demand the development of new spraying practices that minimize the potential for harm and that promote profitability of agriculture. If you think this is an impossible goal, we think you're wrong.
There are a variety of resources available to area wine grape growers that offer solutions to the conflicting uses that are changing current farming practices. Importantly, the Winegrape Pest Management Alliance holds seminars that can educate you about new regulations and spraying practices that can meet or exceed standards that accommodate conflicting uses while maintaining profitability. The Alliance has published the helpful "The Winegrape Guidebook for Establishing Good Neighbor and Community Relations." You can download it from their web site at www.cawg.org, or obtain a printed version by calling their toll-free number: (800) 241-1800.
Rainbow is doing its part to address these new concerns. We continually train our personnel in new chemical application practices and offer new technologies that help you achieve your goals of reducing spraying rates. Low-volume sprayers, electrostatic sprayers and the WeedSeeker featured in this issue are three technologies you should investigate. While the bottom line may be the driving factor in changing your chemical application strategies, the improved relations with your neighbors will be a bonus to your business.
|
|
|
Reduce Your Costs With
WEEDSEEKER
Put the latest technology to work in your vineyard. WeedSeeker's unique technology gives you the ability to spray weeds only--not bare ground. Reducing your spray volume is good for you bottom line and gives solid evidence of your environmental concerns.
Great Deal on our Field Demonstration Unit!
A ready-to-go Kawasaki 400 Prairie ATV (30 hrs)
with
WeedSeeker DB204
- 4 sensors
- 24" spray width
- Double-sided, break-away boom
Retails at $13,000
NOW ONLY $9,900
- 30 hours on the equipment
- New Warranty!
Learn more about WeedSeeker on their website: www.weedseeker.com
Interested? Call a Rainbow Sales Rep:
Jim Munson, Northern Lake/Mendocino
(707) 468-6549 (pager)
munsonjim@netscape.net
Bob Mitrovich, Napa/Sonoma
(707) 316-2108 (pager)
BobMitro@aol.com
Jerry Smith, Napa/Sonoma
(707) 324-1940 (pager)
jvsmithbow@aol.com
Ron Breedlove, Southern Mendocino/Northern Sonoma
(707) 316-1175 (pager)
breedloveron@hotmail.com
|
|
|
|
|
Did you know...
That infrared optical detectors, the same technology currently used in medicine, printing and mapping science, are the foundation of WeedSeeker's ability to spray weeds only? Unlike other spray units, WeedSeeker doesn't spray bare ground.
The WeedSeeker's optical detectors interpret light reflectance, giving feedback to the spray head about the target. After it determines vegetation density, it sprays the only the weed, and only in the amount required to get the job done.
FREE Money! Get Yours Now!
According to an article in a recent online issue of the North Bay Business Journal, "The California Energy Commission, CSU Fresno, and Cal Poly are offering $75 million in grants -- on a first-come, first-served basis -- to cut peak electricity usage by agricultural operations."
A range of projects are eligible, but all must show a significant reduction in electrical consumption during peak usage periods. Two of the grant-worthy projects include:
- Installation of energy-efficient electrical equipment
- Testing and upgrading current equipment to improve efficiency
Obviously, it will take a broad-based strategy to meet new energy efficiency goals and Rainbow is able to help you develop the game plan to meet them:
- Rainbow can design an energy-efficient pumping and irrigation system.
- If you're considering applying for an efficiency grant, we'll help with the paperwork.
- Pump efficiency is reduced dramatically by wear and tear, so it's worth it to test yours.
For a FREE PUMP EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS, call Rainbow today: (707) 462-2404.
- Also, Rainbow has energy-efficient pump motors that go a long way towards reducing consumption.
To read the full story on the energy-efficiency grant program in the North Bay Business Journal, click here.
|
|
Jerry Smith: Placing a Premium on Expertise
Over the course of his professional life, Jerry Smith has seen huge changes in vineyard management practices. Born and raised in St. Helena, he's seen small, family-run vineyards give way to larger operations intent on making their mark in the wine world. He's seen hand labor make way for specialized, state-of-the-art equipment. He's seen the old-style, bulk-wine practices fade as growers focus on producing premium wine that will command the attention of connoisseurs worldwide.
In a small way, he thinks he's played a part in the success story of the Napa and Sonoma wine industry. Having worked on and around farming equipment all of his adult life, Jerry came to work for Rainbow 1995 after having spent more than 20 years in the field, and he works with growers throughout his territory, using his extensive expertise to help solve their unique problems. Call him on his pager at (707) 324-1940 or at his home office at (707) 257-1189.
At Rainbow Agricultural Services, our primary interest is providing great
service to our customers. If you have questions or comments, or if there is any way we can serve you better, please e-mail us at:
facts@rainbowag.com
Your privacy is very important to us.
If you would like to "unsubscribe" from this newsletter, please let us know
by e-mailing:
offthelist@rainbowag.com
We will remove your address from our mailing list as soon as possible.
RAINBOW AGRICULTURAL SERVICES
UKIAH: 235 E Perkins St., 95482, Ph. 707-462-2404, Fax 707-462-3627
CALISTOGA: 810 Foothill Blvd., 94515, Ph. 707-942-4566, Fax 707-942-9668
NOVATO: 7546 Redwood Blvd., 94945, Ph. 415-892-1030, Fax 415-893-1481
LAKEPORT: 1975 Argonaut Rd., 95453, Ph. 707-279-0550, Fax 707-279-0594
Copyright © 2001 Rainbow Agricultural Services
|
|
|