At Hasher Family Wines, we believe that the best wines come from vineyards that work in harmony with nature. We’re excited to share one of our latest initiatives that’s transforming how we protect our vines: our team of runner ducks, nature’s most efficient snail control specialists.
A Natural Solution to an Age-Old Problem
Snails have long been a challenge in vineyard management, traditionally requiring chemical solutions to keep them in check. However, we’ve discovered a more sustainable and entertaining solution: runner ducks. These remarkable birds have a natural appetite for snails and have proven to be incredibly effective at keeping our vineyard snail-free.
From Pilot Project to Full-Scale Implementation
We started with a modest flock of 30 ducks, carefully monitoring their adaptation to our vineyard environment and their effectiveness at controlling our two primary snail species. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Our feathered friends have demonstrated such prowess in snail control that we’re now expanding our duck team to 150 members to cover our entire vineyard.
Beyond Ducks: A Holistic Approach
Our commitment to sustainable farming doesn’t stop with our duck brigade. We’ve also introduced specific endemic insects that naturally control pest populations. This dual approach has enabled us to completely eliminate chemical pesticides from our vineyard management practices, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward fully sustainable wine production.
Growing Our Flock
The success of our program is already visible in the newest additions to our vineyard family – our first generation of ducklings has recently hatched! These new arrivals represent not just the future of our pest control strategy, but also our commitment to sustainable, regenerative farming practices.
Looking to the Future
As we watch our duck team grow, we’re more convinced than ever that working with nature, rather than against it, is the key to producing exceptional wines while preserving our environment for future generations. Our runner ducks are more than just pest control – they’re a symbol of our dedication to sustainable winemaking and our respect for the natural world.
