June 11 , 2016
Near Blair, Nebraska
The field day at Smutko Vineyard will focus on vineyard management issues, including some of the practices that Bill Smutko attributes to the success experienced in 2015. Smutko said that last year was his best crop ever and his vineyard is on track to match or exceed the 2016 vintage. We will look at trellis and training systems; discuss crop estimation and adjustment; review shoot positioning and shoot thinning; explore fertilizers, nutrition and tissue testing; in addition to other timely topics related to vineyard management. It is anticipated that there will also be a discussion on grower/ winery relations to encourage dialogue and cooperation for the mutual benefit of the grape and wine industry. As Bill says, “The growers need the wineries and the wineries need the growers, so collaboration is essential.” Fee and Pre-Registration
The fee for this informative and educational Field Day will be $20, which includes lunch and any hand-outs. To help with lunch plans it will be appreciated that potential participants pre-register by email or phone by June 9 to Paul Read at pread@unl.edu (Tel: 402-472-5136) or Steve Gamet at sgamet@unl.edu.Agenda
9:00 am – Registration9:30 am – Program begins in the vineyard
11:30 am to 1 pm – Networking lunch - eat, wander through the vines, discuss with colleagues
1:00 to 2:00 pm – Grower/Winery Relationships Discussion
2:00 to 3:30 pm – Continue program in the vineyards
Directions to Smutko Vineyards near Blair, Nebraska
- From Omaha, take Nebraska 133 north, from the Interstate 680 interchange it will be 11 miles north to Rd 32, turn east, go approximately 1 mile, North side of road.
- From Blair it is 5 miles south on Nebraska 133 to Rd 32, turn east, go approximately 1 mile, North side of road. Address: 10750 Road 31, Blair, NE.