About this episode

This episode discusses how wine grape growers are using autonomous laser systems to reduce bird damage and costs in vineyards.

Wine grape growers are turning to precision technology to mitigate bird damage while reducint labor and material costs. In this episode, Joseph Traut (Cypress AgTech) joins growers Chad Foster (Maverick Farming) and Paul Ramirez (Loma Escondida Farming) to share real-world experience using an autonomous, silent laser system that protects 20–30 vineyard acres per unit. Learn how to optimize placement, program effective coverage patterns, and time use from mid-June through harvest. Hear which bird species are easiest to deter, where challenges remain , and how this approach supports sustainable, worker-safe vineyard management. Resources: 6/10/2026 REGISTER: Technology Field Day Tailgate 272: 30 Gophers a Night: Why Barn Owls Belong in Your Vineyard Autonomous Bird Laser Deterrent (video) Cypress AgriTech | Sustainable Farming Technology | United States Joseph Traut , Vice President, Cypress AgriTech Maverick Farming Riley Boylan , President, Cypress AgriTech Support the Podcast : Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs : Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led…

People in this episode

Guests: Joseph Traut, Chad Foster, Paul Ramirez

Topics covered

• bird damage mitigation
• precision technology
• sustainable vineyard management
• autonomous systems
• cost reduction
• grower experiences

Keywords

• vineyard lasers
• bird species deterrence
• labor costs
• sustainable practices
• precision agriculture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cypress AgTech, Maverick Farming, Loma Escondida Farming, Cypress AgriTech

Books & works: Autonomous Bird Laser Deterrent

Places: United States

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