The Marlborough Pruning Field Day was an example of the collaboration fostered at the Marlborough Research Centre (MRC). Initiated by Wine Marlborough out of concern for the impact of the expected labour shortage over winter, Len Ibbotson, BRI’s Viticultural Extension and Research Manager and his team were quick to offer support. The technical perspective offered by the BRI complemented Wine Marlborough’s mandate to educate and protect the industry and drew on strong networks from both organisations to plan, shape, and implement the Field Day.

The Pruning Field Day drew 130 people who participated in four pruning modules. These modules ranged from mechanisation, alternative pruning methods, and pruning fundamentals and each module was delivered by local industry experts. It was positive to hear participants discuss how they might trial or implement some of the techniques presented on the day.