California Green Medal Environment Award Winner is Among the First Wineries to Receive Fully Electric Smart Tractors
(Napa, Calif.)— January 30, 2023—Trefethen Family Vineyards, one of Napa’s pioneering family-owned estate wineries and the 2022 California Green Medal Environment Award Winner today announced that the winery has acquired two Monarch MK-V Founder Series tractors. Trefethen is among the first companies to receive the Monarch tractors. The Monarch MK-V is a fully electric, driver-optional smart tractor that combines electrification, automation, and data analysis to help farmers reduce their carbon footprint, improve field safety, and streamline farming operations.
Hailey Trefethen said, “When we think of sustainability, we look at how we can continue to farm the best quality grapes while sustaining our business and our land for generations to come. Pairing these Monarch tractors with the solar production on our vineyard will directly and significantly lower our carbon footprint. We couldn’t be more excited about the technology and clean energy these tractors bring to the industry and our property.”
Sustainability has been a core value since Trefethen’s founding in 1968. From the beginning, the Trefethen family demonstrated remarkable foresight by installing a system to capture and recycle all winery process water and by providing every employee with healthcare and retirement benefits. Trefethen’s CEO Jon Ruel and Hailey Trefethen continue the family’s commitment to sustainability and consistently strive to stay at the forefront of new technology and innovation. For example, in 2021, Trefethen was the first winery to install Earthly Labs® CiCi® technology in their cellar, as a pilot study, to capture carbon dioxide from fermentations.
Hailey Trefethen is chair of the board of the leading sustainability organization Napa Green. The winery is a member of the international group Porto Protocol, a foundation that fosters climate solutions for the wine industry, and has long been a Certified California Sustainable Vineyard & Winery, Napa Green, and Fish Friendly Farming estate. In 2022, Trefethen was recognized for its sustainability efforts by earning California Green Medal Environment Award. Through years of dedicated work, Trefethen has developed a thriving ecosystem that limits its dependence on outside resources and is more resilient in the face of the changing energy, climate, and wine-growing challenges.
Background Information about Monarch MK-V Founder Series Tractors
Utilizing a Monarch MK-V in place of a comparable diesel tractor is the equivalent emission reduction of removing 14 passenger vehicles from the road. Considering nearly 25 percent of global emissions result from agriculture, the zero-emission Monarch Tractor will help make meaningful emissions reductions in an industry that has been historically difficult to decarbonize. Key features of the MK-V include:
- Renewable Technology: The MK-V is 100 percent electric and has zero tailpipe emissions. It also serves as a powerful electric generator in the field.
- Unprecedented Safety: The MK-V is packed with safety features including rollover and collision prevention, vision-based Power Take Off (PTO) safety, and 360° cameras to keep operations running smoothly and employees safe, day or night.
- Deep Learning & Sensing Suite: The MK-V collects and analyzes data daily and can process data from current and next-generation implements equipped with sensors and imaging.
- Smart Device Operation: Through a smartphone or personal device, MK-V users receive tractor status alerts, detailed operations reports, and data collection, analysis, and storage for more efficient farm planning.
- Powerful: The Monarch electric drivetrain is capable of providing 40HP (30KW) of continuous power and short duration peak power up to 75HP (55KW).
ABOUT MONARCH TRACTOR
Founded in 2018, Monarch Tractor utilizes 21st-century technology to empower farmers by enabling profitable implementation of regenerative, sustainable, and organic practices. Monarch Tractor’s Founder Series MK-V is the world’s first fully electric, driver optional, smart tractor set to enhance farmers’ existing operations, alleviate labor shortages, and maximize yields. Monarch Tractor is committed to elevating farming practices to enable clean, efficient, and economically viable solutions for today’s farmers and the generations of farmers to come. With cutting-edge technology, global reach, and an experienced team, Monarch is delivering meaningful change for the future of farming. For more information, visit www.monarchtractor.com.
ABOUT TREFETHEN FAMILY VINEYARDS
One of Napa Valley’s pioneering wineries, Trefethen Family Vineyards crafts distinguished estate grown wines that express the unique spirit of their land, vines, and people. The dedication of the Trefethen family is manifest in every aspect of the operation, from the soil to the table, including sustainable farming, thoughtful winemaking, and gracious hospitality. For more information, please contact the winery at 707.255.7700 or visit trefethen.com.
