Sustainable Farming in Sonoma County

“A Natural Next Step”

 

However, the Sonoma County Winegrowers were taking steps to promote sustainable farming long before the Ford Pro pilot program. In 2014, the group of 1,800-plus winegrowers in Northern California launched a sustainable farming initiative, hoping to achieve sustainable designation for virtually all of its 60,000 acres planted to wine grapes. Since then, many ranchers have installed on-site solar arrays to generate solar power.¹¹⁰⁵

 

“This collaboration with the Ford Pro team is a natural next step to help us continue our progress in sustainable agriculture,” said Sonoma County Winegrowers President Karissa Kruse at the time of launch.¹¹⁰⁵ The use of Ford vehicles in the past helped lay the groundwork for a fruitful collaboration. “A lot of farming families have a rich history with Ford, and with history comes trust.”¹¹⁰⁵
 

“Being a sixth-generation farmer, I think it’s all about continuing it to the next generation,” said Jordan Dutton of Dutton Ranch. “Collaborating with Ford Pro to take future-focused steps can only help us get there for the next generation.”

 

Farm Fleet Electrification

 

As for the vehicles themselves, the farmers adapted nicely. “It was a really exciting day when we got to go to the local Ford Dealership and see three E-Transit vans all lined up for the pilot farmers to get in and drive away,” said Kruse. “[When] the three F-150 Lightning Pro pickup trucks arrived, the farmers were just so excited.”

Even still, certain differences make the EV driving experience distinct from gas-powered vehicles. For instance, EVs have relatively quiet motors.¹⁰⁷⁸ The lack of noise was one of the first things Jordan Dutton noticed. “I was surprised by how quiet it was because when you get in a truck, that’s not what you expect,” she said.

 

Additionally, EVs use a regenerative braking system, meaning they apply braking force through electromagnetism.¹¹⁰⁶ “The brakes are something that you have to get used to, but once you do, they’re really easy to control,” said Andres Ruiz, shop manager at Bevill Vineyard Management.

 

Furthermore, unlike a gas-powered truck, EVs’ motors can reach maximum torque almost instantly, which results in more efficient acceleration.¹¹⁰⁷ Ruiz noted that the F-150 Lightning truck has some serious get-up-and-go—making it great for towing heavy farm equipment.

 

The pilot farmers are more than happy with fleet electrification. “I’ve been driving the F-150 Lightning truck, and I’ve been super impressed,” said Fabian Garcia, assistant vineyard manager at Vino Farms. “It’s fast and roomy. I’ve got the opportunity to go around the ranches and explore all the features it offers.”
 

Fleet Telematics and Fuel Efficiency

 

Perhaps one of the most exciting components of our pilot program was the opportunity it afforded winegrowers to help optimize their gas and electric fleets using Ford Pro Intelligence.

 

The importance of business intelligence isn’t lost on these farmers. “Data and software are how we keep everything in line and in order—whether it’s the financial aspect, the logistics of boots on the ground, payroll or even our fleet management,” said Marissa Ledbetter-Foster, VP of operations for Vino Farms. “Operating and maintaining our fleet is a huge portion of our cost of doing business.”

 

Fleet electrification is one way to offset monthly recurring costs like fuel. For example, at Dutton Ranch, which has about 70 vehicles in its fleet, monthly fuel costs average around $5,000.¹¹⁰⁵ As soon as Dutton Ranch received its F-150 Lightning pickup, leaders analyzed which vehicle burned the most gas and had the most miles to determine who should get the truck.

 

“We gave it to our parts-runner guy, and in just a few weeks, he put almost 1,000 miles on it,” said Steve Dutton, co-owner and president of Dutton Ranch. “That’s been a huge savings¹¹⁰⁸ to us because rather than burning gas, he charges the truck up every couple of days.”