ASEV Extension Distinction Award

Mark Battany, a farm advisor with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, has been confirmed as the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) 2024 Extension Distinction Award recipient.

Mark presented, “Flipping dimensions: A vertical weather view helps illuminate vineyard challenges,” at the 75th ASEV National Conference in Portland.

“Extension educators need to continually be learning as well, and few experiences are as educational and enriching as seeing the challenges of farming elsewhere in the world,” says Battany.

“I strive to be as knowledgeable as possible on the many issues facing growers. I feel very lucky to have had a career where I can apply my knowledge and creativity to help growers find solutions to problems we didn’t know existed,” says Battany.

In 2001, Battany was hired as the viticulture farm advisor for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, and changed title to water management and biometeorology advisor for the same region in 2018. He continues to be an active extension educator for growers throughout California and has enjoyed extensive international engagement over his career.

Battany has addressed a wide range of topics throughout his extension career, such as the vine mealybug, soil salinity, vine nutrition, irrigation management and frost protection. He has leveraged his skills with weather stations and sensors to help illuminate topics where little information existed previously, including his extensive assessments of temperature inversion conditions in relation to frost protection and spray drift risk.

Battany received his Bachelor of Science in agronomy at Colorado State University, and also completed a minor in Spanish. He received his Master’s degree in hydrologic sciences from the University of California, Davis, that was supported by a National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship. He was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to study in Cordoba, Spain, at the Institute of Sustainable Agriculture. He received the UCCE Outstanding Research Distinguished Service Award for 2013/2014, in recognition of his work evaluating wind machine performance.

Wine Professor, DEI Leader Selected as the ASEV 2023 Extension Distinction Award Recipient

Davis, Calif., March 20, 2023… Dr. Anna Katharine Mansfield, associate director of Cornell AgriTech and associate professor of enology at Cornell University, has been confirmed as the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) 2023 Extension Distinction Award recipient. She will be presenting, “Would You Rather Be Right or Kind? The Ideal vs. the Real in Enology Extension,” at the 74th ASEV National Conference in Napa, California, on June 26-29, 2023.

“I don’t think there are many extension enologists whose efforts compare to those of Anna Katharine’s in supporting the U.S. wine and grape industry,” says Keith Striegler, ASEV board president.

In 2014, Mansfield was appointed to associate professor of food science and in 2021 took on an additional role as the associate director of Cornell AgriTech, where she acts as lead for its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

She focuses her efforts on helping regional wineries through enology extension and applied research on wine production processes. Her research interests include tannin extraction and retention in red wines, color stability of diglucoside anthocyanins, the effect of protein on sparkling wine foam, and defining regional identity in developing winegrowing areas.

“I love applied science, and love helping industry members access the science they want and need,” says Mansfield. “Extension lets me use my communication skills and creativity to deliver relevant information in fun, actionable forms.”

The ASEV Extension Distinction Award is given to a current ASEV member and extension educator based on their contributions to enology or viticulture through their extension program, or the translation of novel research findings into commercially applicable tools for enologists or viticulturists. She was the first enologist hired by the University of Minnesota, where she created the enology extension program to assist northern winemakers working with the new V. riparia-based cold-hardy winegrapes.

Mansfield received her Bachelor of Arts in Salem College, North Carolina, where she was introduced to the wine industry as a college student. She earned graduate degrees in food science at Virginia Tech and the University of Minnesota where she studied wine flavor chemistry and sensory science. Mansfield has received awards and honors from Cornell CALS as a member of the COVID-19 Food Safety Response Team for Outstanding Accomplishment in Extension/Outreach (2021), Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association’s Wine Grape Productivity Award in 2020, and Minnesota Grape Growers Association’s Gold Award for Contributions to Northern Viticulture. She recently received the 2022 National Experiment Station Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.

She is an author and coauthor of nearly 30 refereed journal articles. In addition, she authors extension newsletter and trade articles and is a regular speaker presenting throughout the midwestern and eastern United States.

Founded in 1950 by a group of researchers and winemakers, the Society is dedicated to the interests of enologists, viticulturists and others in the fields of wine and grape research and production throughout the world. The ASEV National Conference is a forum for sharing and disseminating the latest scientific information relevant to winemaking and grapegrowing. For more information about the 74th ASEV National Conference and the second part of the Climate Change Symposium on June 26-29, 2023, in Napa, California, visit asev.org.

Cornell Extension Specialist, Fermentation Expert Confirmed as ASEV Extension Distinction Award Recipient

DAVIS, Calif., March 28, 2022…Senior Extension Associate Chris Gerling of Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, New York, has been confirmed by the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) as the recipient of the 2022 ASEV Extension Distinction Award. Gerling will present “Of Course There’s Jalapeño in It: Enology Extension in the Craft Beverage Era” on June 21 at the 73rd ASEV National Conference in San Diego, California.

Gerling works with the craft beverage industry to create educational programs that support the growth and improved quality of premium wines, ciders and distilled spirits. He organizes and conducts workshops and seminars that focus on production and analytical techniques for farm-based beverages. He manages the Vinification & Brewing Technology Laboratory, where fermentations are conducted for research projects and industry trials. He also manages the Cornell Craft Beverage Analysis Laboratory, where products may be submitted for troubleshooting, routine analysis or sensory appraisal. “I am excited to discuss the evolution of craft beverages and how we can share knowledge and experience between products,” says Gerling. “ASEV provides an important forum for extension specialists to share best practices and I am looking forward to share what we’ve learned here on the East Coast with those practicing extension in the West.”

Gerling is past chair of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture – Eastern Section and serves on the national chapter of ASEV’s laboratory proficiency committee. He is also a member of the Cider Institute of North America’s executive committee.

The ASEV Extension Distinction Award is given to a current ASEV member and extension educator based on his or her contribution of: (1) information in enology or viticulture through his or her extension program, or (2) the translation of novel research findings into commercially applicable tools for enologists or viticulturists.

Founded in 1950 by a group of researchers and winemakers, the ASEV is dedicated to the interests of enologists, viticulturists and others in the fields of wine and grape research and production throughout the world. The ASEV National Conference is a forum for sharing and disseminating the latest scientific information relevant to winemaking and grapegrowing. For more information about the 73rd ASEV National Conference scheduled June 19-22, 2022, in San Diego, California, visit asev.org.

*Corresponding Author

UC Davis Cooperative Extension Specialist Confirmed as 2021 ASEV Extension Distinction Award Recipient

Davis, Calif., March 5, 2021…Dr. Anita Oberholster, Associate Specialist in Cooperative Extension in Enology for Agricultural Natural Resources (ANR), based at University of California, Davis, has been confirmed by the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) as the recipient of the 2021 ASEV Extension Distinction Award. Dr. Oberholster will present “The Challenges of Modern Extension Programs” at the 72nd ASEV National Conference, held virtually on June 21-24, 2021.

Dr. Oberholster completed her doctorate in wine sciences at the University of Adelaide, Australia, in 2008 and worked at the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University until 2011, when she became a Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. In her current position, she focuses on continued education for the grape and wine industry while her research program concentrates on current issues in the grape and wine industry. Her research includes the impact of climate on grape ripening and phenolic development, grapevine red blotch disease and smoke exposure in the vineyard. Another major focus for Oberholster is the impact of different winemaking techniques on wine composition and quality.

“I love science, agriculture and wine. My job is the perfect blend,” says Oberholster. “Working with the grape and wine industry has been extremely rewarding and I am especially grateful to the ASEV for this high honor and recognition.”

Dr. Oberholster has been a member of ASEV since 2011 and has served as board director from 2014-2020. She served on the ASEV Best Paper Committee and was an AJEV reviewer and a National Conference moderator and speaker. She continues to serve on the ASEV Technical Program Committee.

Additionally, she is a member of several other organizations, including the American Chemical Society, Groupe Polyphenols, West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force, UC Davis Chemical and Laboratory Safety Committee, Viticulture & Enology and Food Science and Technology Graduate Group Executive Committees, Robert Mondavi Institute Executive Committee and is chair of the UC Davis Viticulture & Enology Extension Coordination Committee. She reviews for 25 peer-reviewed journals and different funding proposals. She was previously a member of the Specialist Advisory Committee, which advises the Dean of the College of CA & ES on cooperative extension issues, South African Society of Enology and Viticulture, and the Australian Society of Viticulture and Enology.

The ASEV Extension Distinction Award is given to a current ASEV member and extension educator based on his or her contribution of: (1) information in enology or viticulture through his or her extension program, or (2) the translation of novel research findings into commercially applicable tools for enologists or viticulturists.

Founded in 1950 by a group of researchers and winemakers, the ASEV is dedicated to the interests of enologists, viticulturists and others in the fields of wine and grape research and production throughout the world. The ASEV National Conference is a forum for sharing and disseminating the latest scientific information relevant to winemaking and grape growing. For more information about the 72nd ASEV National Conference, taking place as a virtual conference on June 21-24, 2021, visit www.asev.org.

Washington State’s Extension Specialist Named 2020 ASEV Extension Distinction Award Recipient

Davis, Calif., February 26, 2020…A prominent player in the Washington viticulture scene, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Dr. Michelle Moyer, has been confirmed by the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) to receive the Extension Distinction Award. Dr. Moyer will present “Land Grants and Grapes: Traditional Approaches for Modern Extension Programs” at the Joint 71st ASEV National Conference and 45th ASEV Eastern Section Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, this June.

After receiving her doctorate in Plant Pathology at Cornell University, Dr. Moyer became a faculty member of the Washington State University’s Department of Horticulture, and a member of the Viticulture and Enology program, in 2011. As an extension specialist, she is responsible for providing viticulture education throughout Washington state, which includes classic extension efforts such as workshops and field days, to teaching in their online Viticulture and Enology Certificate program. Her applied research program focuses on integrated pest management, with an emphasis on the interface between plant physiology and pest management.

“It is an honor to have this opportunity to be an educator, which allows me to be that link between research and the people who can truly benefit from the knowledge gleaned from research solutions,” said Dr. Moyer. “And for your work to be recognized by your peers provides the validation that you’re on the right path and the motivation to push for something even better,” said Dr. Moyer.

She is currently working on a variety of research and extension projects, which include nematode management, rootstock evaluations, trunk disease management, sprayer optimization and education, and powdery mildew management. She is also investigating fungicide resistance with her work as a project director for a USDA-SCRI-CAP project, titled “FRAME: Fungicide Resistance Assessment, Mitigation and Extension Network for Wine, Table and Raisin Grapes.”

Dr. Moyer joined ASEV in 2009 and is currently a board director. Since 2016, she has been an associate editor for the Society’s journals, the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture (AJEV) and Catalyst: Discovery into Practice. She was also part of the ASEV Applied Science Publication Development Ad Hoc Committee in 2015 and a session moderator at the 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2017 National Conferences.

The ASEV Extension Distinction Award is given to a current ASEV member and extension educator based on his or her contribution of: (1) information in enology or viticulture through his or her extension program, or (2) the translation of novel research findings into commercially applicable tools for enologists or viticulturists.

Founded in 1950 by a group of researchers and winemakers, the ASEV is dedicated to the interests of enologists, viticulturists and others in the fields of wine and grape research and production throughout the world. The ASEV National Conference features presentations on the industry’s latest research and is an ideal networking opportunity for attendees. For more information about the Joint 71st ASEV National Conference and 45th ASEV Eastern Section Annual Meeting taking place on June 15-18, 2020, in Portland, Oregon, visit www.asev.org.

ASEV Selects Dr. Monica Cooper of UC Cooperative Extension to Receive 2019 Extension Distinction Award

Davis, Calif., March 22, 2019…Farm Advisor Dr. Monica Cooper of University of California Cooperative Extension, Napa Valley, is the recipient of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture’s (ASEV) Extension Distinction Award for 2019. Dr. Cooper will receive a plaque and monetary award at the 70th ASEV National Conference on June 19, 2019, in Napa, California, where she will be presenting, “Building Effective Extension Networks to Support Data-Driven Decision Making.”

Dr. Monica Cooper joined UC Cooperative Extension in Napa County in 2009 as a viticulture farm advisor. Her applied research and outreach programs provide data-driven information to the vineyard industry. She directs the Napa Valley Vineyard Technical Group, a local forum for technical information and collaborative learning. Fluent in Spanish, she also offers education programming to farmworkers.

Dr. Cooper’s early career was defined by programs addressing invasive pests such as vine mealybug and European grapevine moth. Her current research interests include disease epidemiology, pest management, rootstock evaluation, labor issues affecting farmworkers and improving extension delivery. Educated as a “plant doctor” at the University of Florida, Dr. Cooper has multidisciplinary training in plant pathology, entomology, soils and plant science that she draws on to help growers diagnose vineyard problems. She previously worked at University of California, Berkeley, on the development and evaluation of IPM programs for arthropod pests in vineyards, apples and olives. She has co-authored 32 peer-reviewed publications, 84 extension publications, delivered 65 educational presentations and organized an average of 20 outreach events per year. She serves as an associate editor for ASEV’s journals.

“I’m pleased to be recognized by the Society, and gratefully acknowledge the support of growers, colleagues, mentors and friends who comprise my extension network and make my work so rewarding,” said Dr. Cooper.

Started in 2014, ASEV presents its Extension Distinction Award to a current extension educator who has demonstrated his or her outstanding contribution of: (1) information in enology and viticulture through his or her extension program, or (2) the translation of novel research findings into commercially applicable tools for enologist or viticulturists.

In 1950, the ASEV National Conference was established as an annual meeting by a committee of industry and academic representatives comprised of founding leaders such as Maynard Amerine, James Guymon, Joseph Heitz, Louis P. Martini, Harold Olmo, Andre Tchelistcheff, A.W. Webb and A.J. Winkler. The event serves as the wine and grape industry’s platform for progress, offering a unique combination of continued professional education to scientific rigor and fundamental practice. The diverse and comprehensive program includes seminars addressing topics of daily experience in the winery and vineyard, as well as reports and updates on original research, and enology and viticulture work in progress.

Open to all industry and academic representatives, the ASEV National Conference provides an ideal opportunity for networking among members of all U.S. wine and grape regions, as well as international experts and professionals. For the latest information about the 70th ASEV National Conference taking place in Napa, California, on June17-20 at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel, visit www.asev.org.

ASEV Extension Distinction Award Presentation

Preparation and Delivery of Viticulture Extension on the Frontier

Location: Hyatt Regency Bellevue

ASEV is pleased to announce the 2017 Extension Distinction Award recipient, Mr. Larry Bettiga of the University of California Cooperative Extension, Monterey County. His presentation, “Preparation and Delivery of Viticulture Extension on the Frontier” will be given this June at the 68th National Conference in Bellevue, Washington.

This honor recognizes a current extension educator for outstanding contribution to an extension program or the advanced translation of novel research findings into commercially applicable tools for enologists or viticulturists.

Mr. Bettiga’s research focuses on the influences of cultural practices, rootstock and clonal selection, and canopy management on grapevine growth and productivity, and the use of integrated approaches to solve pest management problems in coastal wine grape production systems. Based in Monterey County, he conducts applied research and extension education programs for the wine grape industries of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.

Larry Bettiga has been a viticulture farm advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension for the past 32 years. While at the UC Kearney Agricultural Center in Parlier, California, he evaluated cultural practices for table, wine and raisin grapes to improve yield and quality for grape production in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. He also worked on pest management projects for grape and tree nuts based out of the UC Cooperative Extension office in Tulare County.

Throughout his career, Mr. Bettiga authored and co-authored over 400 technical articles, newsletters, research reports and abstracts. He has been an active member of ASEV since 1984, serving on the Board of Directors for five years, was board president from 1999 to 2000, and has given numerous research and symposium presentations at past ASEV National Conferences.

2015 ASEV Extension Distinction Award Presentation

ASEV is pleased to announce the 2015 Extension Distinction Award recipient, Matthew W. Fidelibus of the University of California, Davis. His presentation titled “Increasing Scope and Engagement in Extension” will be given this June at the 66th National Conference in Portland.

Matthew Fidelibus, extension specialist, joined the Department of Viticulture and Enology, UC Davis at UC Kearney Agricultural Center in Parlier, Calif., in 2002. He conducts research aimed at reducing production costs and improving yields and quality for raisin, table, and wine grapes. His research interests include environmental physiology, plant growth regulation, and cultivar and clone selection. In addition to publishing more than 30 papers, his list of accomplishments includes serving as past-president of the Plant Growth Regulation Society of America and director of ASEV. He is presently an associate editor of the Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture and PLOS ONE.

He actively shares his research findings through on-farm visits, field days, seminars, articles in academic and trade journals, and through social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

2014 ASEV Extension Distinction Award

Dr. Terry Bates, Senior Research Associate, Cornell University (Horticulture) New York State Agricultural Experiment Station

Join us in congratulating Dr. Terry Bates, Senior Research Associate, at Cornell University (Horticulture) New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. Terry has been granted the first ASEV Extension Distinction Award. The ASEV Extension Distinction Award recognizes a current extension educator based on his or her outstanding contribution of: (1) information in enology or viticulture through his or her extension program, or (2) the translation of novel research findings into commercially applicable tools for enologists or viticulturists.

Terry’s nomination attested to his leadership in the applied research and extension effort in vineyard mechanization on ‘Concord’ grapes in the Lake Erie region. It was also noted that based on Terry’s research trials, growers now have a new, tested tool – mechanical crop estimation and thinning – to adjust cropping levels to seasonal conditions. Terry also directs the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory (CLEREL), which since opening in 2009 provides a new model for integrating research and extension for the industry. He leads the extension effort, which includes a Farm Business management specialist, IPM coordinator, and viticulturist. Ongoing research efforts involve educating the industry on economic impacts, demonstration in commercial vineyards, and dissemination of results through field meetings, annual conventions, and newsletter articles. Terry is a past president of the ASEV Eastern Section chapter. He has authored or co-authored well over 20 technical articles in extension and trade publications. Terry’s collaborations have had a nationwide impact as well as a direct economic impact on the Lake Erie region grape producers. We look forward to Terry’s presentation at the 2014 National Conference in Austin and to presenting him with his well-deserved honorarium and plaque.