Pay method affects vineyard pruner performance

Billikopf, G; Norton, M

Pay method affects vineyard pruner performance

Authors

Gregory E. Billikopf
Maxwell V. Norton

Authors Affiliations

G. E. Billikopf is Area Labor Management Farm Advisor, Stanislaus County; M. V. Norton is Viticulture Farm Advisor, Merced County.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 46(5):12-13. DOI:10.3733/ca.v046n05p12. September 1992.

PDF of full article, Cite this article

Abstract

A new study indicates that vineyard pruners paid on a piece-rate basis tend to work more quickly than those paid by the hour. Pay method had little effect on pruning quality as perceived by growers, although crews paid by the hour did seem to do a slightly better job. Total pruning costs were also influenced by vine vigor and vineyard location.

Also in this issue:

Food safety: a matter of fact

Effects of immigration reform not as expected: California farmers still rely on new immigrants for field labor

Whitefly invasion in Imperial Valley costs growers, workers millions in losses

Cracks in irrigated clay soil may allow some drainage

Income risk varies with what you grow, where you grow it

“Residue-free” tomatoes? Bush tomatoes show very low levels of pesticide residues

Before-and-after tests on emitters show organic fertilizers can be injected through low-volume irrigation systems

Cost comparison: engines vs. electric motors for irrigation pumping

Gophers love oak — to death

Environmental factors contribute to acorn quality: Elevation, on- or off-tree collection influence the viability of blue oak acorns

Use of saline irrigation waters and minimal leaching for crop production