086: Viticulturists vs AI with Dr. Justin Scheiner

Growers are turning to AI for vineyard advice — but what happens when the algorithms get it wrong? In this episode, Fritz sits down with Texas A&M Extension Viticulture Specialist Dr. Justin Scheiner to put artificial intelligence to the test and reveal where it helps…and where it falls flat. Fritz and Justin walk through real vineyard questions — on pruning cuts, choosing between cane and spur pruning, designing an effective spray program, and diagnosing puzzling leaf symptoms — then grade the answers provided by AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. Justin explains why, despite its convenience, AI can't replace Extension or experienced viticulture support. He breaks down how human experts interpret nuance, adapt recommendations to site-specific realities, and help growers navigate complex issues like fungicide resistance and disease pressure — areas where AI often oversimplifies to a fault. Listeners will come away with a grounded perspective on how to responsibly use AI in vineyard decision-making: as a tool for learning, not a blueprint for management. Justin also shares updates on forward-facing research at Texas A&M, including irrigation strategies powered by sensors and machine learning, and new work aimed at improving winery efficiency. In this episode, you will hear: AI can provide helpful general information — but often misses context critical for vineyard decisions. Pruning advice from AI may be incomplete or incorrect; human expertise is still essential. Spray program recommendations from AI can be risky without resistance management and site-specific strategy. Leaf symptom diagnosis requires more than a photo — pattern, vine history, and testing matter. Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Register for Fritz's FREE live virtual pruning event, Cut with Confidence, Not Consequences, on January 15th at 5 PM Central, and make sure you and your crew are ready for a successful 2026 pruning season. If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.  Today's Guest: Dr. Justin Scheiner is an assistant professor and Extension viticulture specialist in the Department of Horticultural Sciences for Texas A&M University.  Connect with Justin: https://hortsciences.tamu.edu/people/scheiner-justin/ Watch Justin's presentation on The Role of Extension in the Age of AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eljEkapndI  Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Vintner's Vault and Bahco Tools. Thank you to Vintner's Vault for sponsoring today's episode! Vintner's Vault is the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers. Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order, or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages, and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you. Thank you to Bahco for sponsoring today's episode. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bahco products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bacho ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.