US (TN): Frosted farmers get helicopter help
Like many fruit plants across the US the grape vines have been brought into early action by the unusually warm Spring and have been at risk this week from dropping temperatures as a result.
"[The helicopter] helps keep these leaves dry," explained Harrison Young, the assistant operations manager at Reedy Creek Vineyards. "The morning dew which will set on here turns to ice. That turns the leaves brown."
The technique works on the same principle as a ceiling fan with the propeller working as a giant fan, pushing warm air down to mix with the colder air near the ground.
The choppers circled 135 acres of grape vines. Flying in grid patterns, they crossed each spot once every eight to ten minutes.
"The vine stayed dry," Young said. "I think it's a job well done by the boys."
Source: www.kplctv.com