Using Dogs to Control Bird Depredation of Blueberries

Project Overview

FNE97-184
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 1997: $2,900.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/1998
Region: Northeast
State: Massachusetts
Project Leader:
Arthur and Rudolph Valonen

Commodities

  • Fruits: berries (blueberries)

Practices

  • Pest Management: general pest management

    Proposal summary:

    Arthur and Rudolph Valonen, will attempt to use trained dogs to keep birds out of blueberry plantings on their pick-your-own farm. The goal is to find a lower-cost effective alternative to netting, which can cost more than $3,000 an acre. The Valonen’s will determine which breed of dog is most suited to this work.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.