Pruning for dollars

摘要

Sonoma county grape growers reward top employees and build esprit de crops through pruning contest. With the labor situation getting tighter, it's more important than ever for you to find and retain top employees. Besides the usual methods, up in the premium wine grape-growing region of Sonoma County, CA, growers also hold an annual contest to reward their top performers. The Sonoma County Pruning Championship, which is sponsored by the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association, was started a coupleof years ago. Organizers sought a way to recognize employees who were highly skilled at pruning, says Nick Frey, the association's executive director. Pruning is critical to maintain quality, not a small concern in an area that produces premium wines. "Leave too many (spurs), and the vines get out of balance," says Frey. "Too few, and there's less yield." The idea for the contest was borrowed from the Europeans, who have been conducting such events for many years. In fact, Frey says the competitions aresuch a big deal in Europe that they have reached the level of sporting events, with the competitors donning uniforms.