Story
Hello and welcome to our first crowdfunding campaign for the Southwest Wine Center. Over the past eight years the Friends of the Southwest Wine Center (FoSWC) and Yavapai College Foundation have held the annual Wine & Dine Gala in October. Due to COVID-19, this year we had to cancel our much-anticipated fundraiser. The shared disappointment continues to be felt by attendees, participating wineries and restaurants, volunteers and the gala organizing team. One of FoSWC's functions is to support the Viticulture and Enology program (V&E) needs which are identified by the Program Director and Dean of the College.
For our first crowdfunding campaign we asked what the needs are for the Southwest Wine Center vineyard from the Program Director. In turn, we received a short list of equipment that will assist the students and staff in the vineyard now and into the future.
Michael Pierce, Viticulture & Enology Director, Yavapai College - Verde Campus has a few words to share on the significance the equipment will have for the program and vineyard.
The Viticulture and Enology program focuses its efforts on educating students to be industry-ready. Our students will use these tools in the on-campus teaching labs. The experience of learning in a fully functioning vineyard provides the foundation of knowledge that guides our graduates into the future. Keeping up to date with new technology and best practices is essential in supporting our students and the academic program. The equipment listed in this campaign offers a fresh look at efficiently managing a vineyard.
The irrigation timers will help update our current system and allow for closer monitoring of water use and develop an irrigation schedule for optimal effectiveness.
The tractor attachment for under the vine weed management dramatically diminishes the need for pesticide use. Additionally, this attachment aids in the tilling of the soil to create an overall balance in vine health and vineyard homeostasis.
Our Kubota RTV is invaluable to the students, and an added roof and windshield will protect students from the elements for safety.
A utility trailer is a tool the wine center has needed to increase the efficiency of long pick days.
The community support of this campaign will positively impact students for years to come. On behalf of the students and the program, thank you for all you do.
The links below provide more information on the equipment, two of which have videos showing the equipment in use. For those of us who have volunteered in the vineyard, and V&E students and alumni, you have first-hand knowledge of what the equipment will do for the vineyard.
Please consider our V&E program and the benefits the equipment will be to our students, staff, and vineyard in our fundraising campaign.
Thank you for your time, your much-appreciated donation, and your continued support.
See video links below for equipment: