Associate of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources - Vineyard Management (Viticulture) (103201)

Midwesterners who dream of a career in wine country don't need to migrate to California. As Wisconsin's grape growing industry expands, business owners are looking for employees and suppliers right here. As a graduate of the Vineyard Management associate degree program, students have the skills necessary to own and operate or be employed at a vineyard as a vineyard manager or vineyard worker. They are skilled in planting, pruning, training, harvesting, gathering, sustainability, integrated pest management, and storing grapes and other fruits.

Program Outcomes: • Manage all part-time and seasonal vineyard workers. • Maintain records of all vineyard operation activities. • Assist wine maker in crop load management, harvest coordination and execution. • Monitor the vineyard regarding nutrient status, grape diseases, insect, fungus, weeds, and other pests. • Maintain records of all viticultural monitoring activities. • Practice IPM (Integrated Pest Management). • Recommend and plan any large scale changes in vineyard plantings, specifically cultivars and selection of the site. • Plan and assist in irrigation scheduling and operation. • Plan and assist in general property maintenance. • Operate vineyard machinery safely.