Some of the most extensive mechanization has happened in packinghouses the past 40 years, Thompson said. Automated sorting and box-filling equipment has taken away some lifting chores, along with human sorting for size and color. But with a nectarine, if there's a ding, it's not marketable. Despite all the talk of the diligence and care that comes with hand harvesting, mechanical harvesting does not necessarily compromise quality. Mechanical harvesting of wine grapes, for example, may produce higher quality wine, said Barry Bedwell, president of Fresno-based Allied Grape Growers.
Machines can work into the night and deliver grapes to the winery in the morning when it's cooler.
Mechanized grape harvesting for wine or concentrate has been going on for nearly three decades. But its degree varies by region. It's likely mechanical pruning of grapes has taken a back seat to other mechanization because it can be done in a broader winter window when workers are available, whereas harvesting must come in a narrower window that can expose the finished crop to losses due to rain or nonavailability of pickers. Ag-Right, based in Madera, has been a leader in some mechanization efforts. Sometimes it works extremely well not to know anything about the industry.