Planning for Vineyard Pruning Labor

When it comes to pruning, traditionaly labor is the biggest part of the equasion.  The cost of high-quality vineyard labor has been increasing in recent years and has been more challenging to find.

• Labor is the biggest part of the pruning cycle
• The cost of high-quality vineyard labor has been increasing
• In recent years and high-quality vineyard labor been more challenging to find

Study - Agriculture Economics Department in College Station, Texas

A study conducted by the Agriculture Economics Department in College Station, Texas, found that grape growers spend about $1000, per acre on labor for vineyard chores, while Oregon growers pay nearly $4000 per acre due to using more manual expensive labor.

• When it comes to pruning, the elephant in the room is always labor
• The cost of high-quality vineyard labor has been increasing in recent years and has been more challenging to find
• Texas grape growers spend about $1000, per acre on labor for vineyard chores
• Oregon grape growers pay nearly $4000 per acre due to using more expensive manual labor

Study - University of California

Meanwhile, a University of California study showed that piece rate pruners in vineyards work about 37 percent faster than per-hour vineyard pruners.  The study also found that the best vineyard workers tend be four to eight times faster than the slowest workers.  Determining how much to pay for vineyard pruning is a careful calculation that varies based on how experienced and skill the people you hire are.

• Piece rate pruners in vineyards work about 37 percent faster than per-hour vineyard pruners
• The best vineyard workers tend be four to eight times faster than the slowest workers.  
• Pay for vineyard pruning should vary based on how experienced and skill the people you hire are

Have a Vineyard Pruning Party or Hire Contract Crew

Another option is to invite friends and family to help with pruning.  However, this may fell too burdensome or not provide enough labor to get the job done. Vineyards do have the option to hire an outside company on a contract basis or bring in farm labor contractors for pruning season.  College interns may be able to help in vineyards have the right connections in the community.  Whichever labor route you choose, it’s typically a wise idea to retain the same labor force each year for consistency and quality.

• Invite friends and family to help with pruning
• May feell too burdensome or not provide enough labor to get the job done
• Vineyards do have the option to hire an outside company on a contract basis or bring in farm labor contractors for pruning season
• College interns may be able to help in vineyards have the right connections in the community
• Whichever labor route you choose, it’s typically a wise idea to retain the same labor force each year for consistency and quality.