5915 El Camino Real, Atascadero, California, United States of America, 93422
Feeds
Weed Whackers with Hooves: Goats, Sheep, and One Famous Pig
Sustainable Story | Happy, Helping Hooves
Weeds challenge farms of all sizes. When Melani Harding, Owner and Winemaker at Bon Niche Cellars, decided to stop using herbicides, weeds got out of hand and she looked for more sustainable control methods.
She adopted Nigerian dwarf goats, who promptly began cleaning up the property. But since they’ll gladly eat budding and maturing grapes, they can only free-roam the vineyard between harvest and bud break.
Babydoll sheep joined the crew next. They are the perfect height for removing excess vine leaves… which also means they can reach the fruit! They also must leave the vineyard at bud break and are welcome back with the goats after harvest.
Melani wanted to achieve year-round weed control. After some research, she found the perfect solution: Kunekune pigs with short stature and a natural inclination for grazing. In 2021, Gilbert the Pig joined the farm and quickly became a local celebrity.
Over the years, Melani has established a grazing schedule that keeps her animals happy and her vineyard healthy.
Between the animals, going no-till, and using vermicompost tea, she has nearly eradicated the need for mowing or spraying at Bon Niche Cellars: “I love sipping on a glass of wine, watching my cute animals do all the work for me!”
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About
Keeping up-to-date with the latest sustainable winegrowing practices can be hard...but it doesn't have to be.
What started as a small grower group’s desire to educate and guide themselves towards sustainable winegrowing practices has become Vineyard Team, an internationally recognized leader in the sustainability movement.
Since 1994, the 501(c)-3 non-profit has served its membership of farmers, winemakers, and industry partners by creating an educational network with the leadership of its staff and board of directors to help growers save resources and money, all while cultivating valuable relationships.
Who Are We: Read about our 5 programs
Mission
Vineyard Team will identify and promote the most environmentally safe, viticulturally and economically sustainable farming methods while maintaining or improving the quality and flavor of wine grapes.
The Team will be a model for wine grape growers and will promote the public trust of stewardship for natural resources.
Demonstration Projects
Demonstration projects help growers learn about new management techniques, successfully adopt new practices, and minimize risk.
Staff, technical advisors (University of California Cooperative Extension/university professors), and growers collaborate to implement specific practices and share the results with the winegrowing community.
Click here to read more about the Demonstration Projects Vineyard Team has been involved with.
Contact
Contact List
| Title | Name | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Director | Beth Vukmanic | beth@vineyardteam.org | 805-464-4851 | |
| Outreach & Education Coordinator | Hayli Macober | hayli@vineyardteam.org | 805-464-4849 | |
| SIP Certified Coordinator | Whitney Brownie | whitney@vineyardteam.org | 805-464-4850 |
Location List
| Locations | Address | State | Country | Zip Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vineyard Team | 5915 El Camino Real, Atascadero | California | United States of America | 93422 |
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