Every farm below put our equipment beside its own standard practice and measured the difference. Their names are on the results.
Union Grove planted Opti-Gro chambers beside untreated controls in the same block and reported 50% more vine growth by season's end, with the permanent structure to carry it. Project director Martin Crompton also noted improved disease and pest resistance across the treated rows.
+50% vine growth versus controls, one season
Foley Family Farms trialed Opti-Shield™ on young avocado plantings with Al Wagner, senior vice president of operations, and Craig Harvey of Nelson Farming. Against traditional plastic and stakes in Santa Rita Hills wind, they measured about 30% greater overall savings and trees that stayed green instead of battle-rattled.
See Opti-Shield™ →On operational savings and durability
We trialed the Opti-Shields over the last two seasons at our Rancho Santa Rosa avocado planting to see exactly what the benefits were. We found that with traditional plastic and stakes, we were having to replace them about three times during the same period. When you factor in the cost of stakes, plastic, and the labor required for those repairs, our overall savings are probably 30% greater using the shields. Beyond the economics, we felt we simply got better wind coverage and protection for the trees compared to the plastic alternatives.
Al Wagner, Senior Vice President of Operations, Foley Family Farms
On wind resilience and tree vitality
Farming here in the Santa Rita Hills means battling a constant 15 to 20 mile-an-hour wind every single day, which makes protecting young trees incredibly difficult. With the old-style black windshields, everything gets tattered, torn, and the stakes just start bending over—it’s a constant struggle to manage. The difference with the Opti-Harvest shield is literally night and day. The shield is sturdy and strong, and the tree behind it is vibrant, green, and not stressed. It is a stark contrast to the “battle-rattled” trees we see with traditional protection.
Craig Harvey, Lead Manager, Nelson Farming
On long-term performance
We’ve been looking at what we can accomplish by protecting our young growing trees from year one through year two in this Gem avocado block. Comparing the Opti-Harvest shields to our original windshields after nearly three years in the ground, the results are clear. While the old style is tattered and failing under the wind, the Opti-Harvest shields remain a nice, strong guard that keeps the trees thriving through their growing cycle.
Craig Harvey, Lead Manager, Nelson Farming
For the panels and replanting units, there is really no competition out there.
William Peacock, Viticulture Consultant and Researcher Emeritus, UCCE Tulare County
Fifty percent more vine growth than the controls, and the structure to carry it.
As reported by Union Grove Farm, North Carolina, after the 2022 season
Faster establishment of permanent vine structure, which is a direct cost saving.
As reported by Rhonda J. Smith, Viticulture Farm Advisor Emeritus, UCCE Sonoma County
Start with a trial section beside your standard practice and measure what we measure.