There has been a lot of progress in developing new, hi-tech methods of data collection in vineyards, like remote sensing from satellites and drones, using complex GIS mapping software to visualize vineyard conditions, or sensors that can measure brix or volatile compounds out in the field. All of that can feel overwhelming and too far above our heads to use on the farm. But there are still plenty of lo-tech and “mid-tech” approaches to gathering and understanding important information from the vineyard that growers can easily implement in their vineyards right now.
Hans Walter-Peterson, Senior Extension Associate, FLGP
Hans Walter-Peterson is the Senior Viticulture Extension Specialist for Cornell University in the Finger Lakes region of New York. He conducts applied research and advises the region’s grape growers on a wide range of topics such as pest management, vine health and productivity, digital viticulture, soil health, grower and winery relations, and much more. Prior to joining the Finger Lakes Grape Program in 2007, he was the viticulture extension specialist for the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program in Fredonia NY for six years. In recognition of his research and extension work on behalf of the industry, he was awarded the ‘Research Award’ by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation in 2020.
Hans received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN in 1990, and his Master’s degree in Viticulture from the University of California – Davis in 2001. He is currently working on his Ph.D. in viticulture at Cornell University.
Terry Bates, Senior Research Associate, Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory
Terry Bates is a senior research associate with Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Sciences and the Director of the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory in Portland, NY. Terry’s research program focuses on production viticulture for the juice and wine grape industries of western New York. He currently heads the “EfficientVineyard” research theme in precision viticulture https://www.efficientvineyard.com/.
Brent Sams, Research Scientist, E&J Gallo
Dr. Brent Sams has been a member of the Viticulture Research Department at E&J Gallo Winery since 2012 where he focuses on understanding spatial variability of vineyard yield and fruit quality. Brent also works to adopt precision and variable rate management tools into commercial vineyard management. He received his PhD (w/ Dean's Commendation award) from the University of Adelaide in 2022.