In some parts of the country, yield competitions are the norm. Here in Ceres Imaging's home state of California, the top orchard managers are also thinking about improving uniformity.
Uniformity across orchards is important because it simplifies management decisions and improves outcomes at key milestones throughout the season. Plus, growers with high uniformity save on water and energy expenses.
It's no surprise that high uniformity often indicates the presence of a skilled manager who has perfected irrigation and nutrient strategies. That's why this year Ceres Imaging wants to recognize the growers who are doing uniformity best.
We analyzed the data from the 2020 season to find the California orchards with the highest transpiration uniformity.
Transpiration uniformity (TU) is a uniformity measurement similar to distribution uniformity (DU)—but instead of reflecting how evenly water is being applied across the orchard, it indicates how uniformly trees are releasing water vapor. Ceres Imaging analysts prefer TU because it's more closely related to crop health and yield outcomes.
The average TU in our study of the year's results was 92%. The winners' scores—all higher than 95%—show especially high farming efficiency.
Here's who came out on top when we ran the numbers:
- In the northern San Joaquin Valley, Robert Zou
- In the southern San Joaquin Valley, Randy Delario of Randy Delario Farms
- In the Sacramento Valley, Ramiro Velazquez of Velazquez Brothers Farming
Ceres Imaging will be honoring the three winners with a donation to their charities of choice—St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children.
Subscribe to updates from Ceres Imaging for more news on uniformity winners—including a guide to the uniformity measurements, tips for improving uniformity, and more. Curious about your orchard's uniformity score? Contact us.