We recently upgraded our inventory technology in the field and implemented the InstaCaliper. We have used a Calipro for many years to gather count & size data from the field and bring it back into the office. The Calipro served us well these past 20 years, but now it’s time for an upgrade! New on the market in recent years is the InstaCaliper. It uses laser technology to measure the caliper of the trunk. Before starting a row, Jamie can select the block, species, and planting year. The trees can quickly be measured & counted and the data connects back to our office where we can import it into our inventory system, GrowPoint. Both of these tools help us manage our upcoming crops so we can make the best production decisions each growing season.

While our main objective is to actually count & measure our trees, another aspect of this process is grading and production planning. Jamie does all of the inventory collecting from the field. So while he is out in the field counting, he is also taking notes about what needs to be done next in each tree block. His “eyes to the acre” during the inventory process allow him to personally check in with each tree in our nursery. It’s important to know your grower and know that your grower knows their trees!

Here is a video clip of Jamie trying it out in our Oak block: