NEW TIMES What are you working on?
TABER Right now, we are testing the fruit, sampling each block, and hoping to see what blocks are ready to harvest. We expect that in the next week or two, hopefully, we will be picking some fruit. It really depends on Mother Nature and the weather.
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NEW TIMES How long have you been with Pacific Vineyards?
TABER I worked part-time with Pacific Vineyards for six harvests. I just became the assistant viticulturalist full-time, and this will be my seventh harvest.
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NEW TIMES How has technology affected your industry?
TABER We have increased our use of handheld computers in the field, which helps cut down on having to re-enter things in the computer. We also use handheld GPS units to map blocks and pinpoint pest populations, as well as beneficial vertebrates.
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NEW TIMES What are your hopes for this year’s harvest?
TABER I’m hoping for continued positive development, no rain later in the season, and for Mother Nature to be gentle with the possible warm temperatures. Other than that, we hope to have a great harvest season.
This article appears in Sep 8-15, 2011.