It is June 16, 2022 and this video shows a full view of the tractor and machine planting rig. Monica is feeding the dormant vines into the planting wheel and Ely is holding them firm until the vines are buried in the ground. The wheel claw was not perfect, some vines were planted too deep and some not deep enough (the wheel grabbed the graft union irregularly). The desired planting is for the graft union to be 2″-3″ above the ground. Some “quality control” adjustments were made later when the grow tubes were installed. Notice that tractor operator Andrew Challen is looking at the onboard computer which is steering the tractor via GPS controls. The tractor speed was synced to the planting wheel speed so that vines were planted every 48 inches. The tractor GPS made sure that the rows were planted 9 feet apart. This amazing technology resulted in perfectly straight rows which will pay off for years to come. Tractors and equipment can be operated more easily in the rows because there are no wayward vines (or posts) that will get in the way. 3711 #13.
Bowen Arrow Winery and Vineyards