The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has announced the launch of the 2025 Real California Grilled Cheese Sandwich Contest, a national foodservice recipe competition inviting professional chefs to reimagine the classic grilled cheese sandwich using California’s rich array of artisan cheeses and butter.
Following the success of the Great Mozzarella Showdown and other virtual competitions, this latest online contest celebrates the beloved grilled cheese in two creative categories:
California Classic: Featuring up to three California cheeses, no additional ingredients.
California Freestyle: Featuring one to three California cheeses plus unlimited additional ingredients (as long as cheese makes up at least 50% of the sandwich).
Influential foodservice judges will select eight winning recipes from the online submissions based on strict criteria, including use of California cheese, recipe innovation, and flavor expectations. CMAB’s team of professional chefs will conduct a cook-off of the winning recipes and grand prize champions will be named for each category.
Each chef finalist will receive $1,000, with the two winning dishes receiving an additional $1,000 for a total of $2,000 to each category winner. In total, the CMAB will award $10,000 in prize money.
“Grilled cheese continues to grow as a creative and profitable opportunity for chefs and restaurants looking to offer something familiar, yet elevated. California’s high-quality cheeses are the ideal foundation for innovation, helping chefs craft flavorful sandwiches that stand out on any menu,” said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB. “We’re excited to see the original recipes chefs submit in this contest and how they showcase the versatility of California dairy.”
The recipe submission period is August 1- September 19, 2025. The eight final recipes/chefs will be announced on October 13, 2025, with two grand champions named in mid-November. For more information, including entry details, visit https://realcaliforniamilkfoodservice.com/grilled-cheese-contest/.
California is a reliable, consistent source of sustainable dairy products used by chefs and culinary professionals throughout the world. As the nation’s largest dairy state, California boasts an impressive lineup of award-winning cheesemakers and dairy processors that are helping to drive dining innovation.
California is the leading producer of fluid milk, butter, and ice cream as well as Mozzarella and Monterey Jack. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with sustainably sourced milk from the state’s dairy farm families.
About Real California Milk / The California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S., and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs.
The Foodservice Division of the CMAB supports foodservice operators and distributors that use Real California dairy products. The CMAB offers marketing and promotional support for foodservice operators that purchase dairy products with the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with milk from California’s more than 1,000 family dairy farms, using some of the most sustainable dairy practices in the nation.
Photo L-R: Rick Tomlinson w/the CA Strawberry Commission, Melissa Koshlaychuk w/Western Growers Assoc., & Emily Rooney w/Ag Council.
Ag Council of California President Emily Rooney recently testified at a meeting of the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) State Board of Food and Agriculture regarding SB 54, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. Panel speakers included Melissa Koshlaychuk with Western Growers Association and Rick Tomlinson with the California Strawberry Commission. Representatives from the California Grocers Association and California Chamber of Commerce also spoke on a subsequent panel during the meeting, which was held earlier this summer.
SB 54 requires that 100 percent of single use plastics be compostable or recyclable by 2032, along with other provisions. Reliable packaging is vital to our industry, and this regulation creates potential challenges for the food and agriculture community when it comes to protecting products for food safety purposes and preventing the spread of pests and diseases in some of our agricultural commodities. Ag Council staff has remained heavily engaged in the legislative and regulatory process since the bill’s inception.
“Maintaining food safety and protecting the public and our environment from the potential spread of pests and disease are paramount when considering what type of package is utilized for various food and agricultural products,” Rooney stated. “It is imperative that the current language in the draft regulation highlighting certain exclusions is maintained and that we build more flexibility within the system so that the industry can continue to provide the safest quality products while conducting R&D in an effort to find alternatives.”
Rooney noted that replacing packaging comes at significant cost, as well. Changing machinery can cost from $30 million to $100 million. Additionally, it takes several years to research and create packaging that is functional and safe for consumers.
“Some businesses cook or pasteurize their products within the package to ensure the product does not get contaminated in the process. This method keeps the product and the inside of the package completely pristine.”
“If this type of package is changed, millions of dollars in commodities will be bought, pasteurized, tested, validated and then destroyed. Many products that are in the experimental process for testing validation cannot be sold for human or animal consumption; therefore, resulting in excessive food waste. Changing packaging for this process would result in millions of dollars of lost capital and substantial food waste,” Rooney said.
Melissa Koshlaychuk highlighted the benefits of plastic bags which bring shelf stability to leafy greens. Rick Tomlinson discussed the extensive efforts the Strawberry Commission has taken to ensure the plastic clamshell is recyclable. Several state board members asked questions of the panelists and explored potential workable solutions.
Ag Council appreciates the invitation to speak to the state board about this important issue and thanks the board and Secretary Karen Ross for the opportunity.
CalRecycle is in the process of drafting the final regulation, and CDFA has worked with the ag sector to highlight concerns with their sister agency. Ag Council will continue to be actively engaged on this issue on behalf of our members.
World Ag Expo offers a look into the latest in innovation and education through the return of the Top-10 New Products competition and seminar sessions. Exhibitors and industry experts can now apply to put their mark on the 2026 show.
The Top-10 New Products Competition at World Ag Expo provides a glimpse into cutting-edge technology and innovation. Open to exhibitors, the innovation contest showcases the latest in a competitive field of new products ranging from groundbreaking technology to simple solutions. Previous award winners have pointed to the Top-10 New Products Contest as a catalyst for success.
“Since winning the Top Ten New Product Award in 2025, we’ve leveraged that recognition to successfully promote our latest innovation—the Synergy Blower,” shared Seth Richmond, Director of Product at Flory Industries. “Our marketing team has capitalized on the momentum, driving strong industry interest and rapid adoption, both domestically and internationally. The Synergy Blower is now officially launched and in full production, with many new units already at work in this year’s almond harvest.”
The Top-10 New Products Competition information and application can be found at bit.ly/WAE26TOP-10. Applicants must be exhibitors at the 2026 World Ag Expo and products released anywhere in the world between February 9, 2025 and February 10, 2026 are eligible. The application deadline is October 31, 2025 and winners will be announced in December.
World Ag Expo also provides a platform for learning through educational seminars. Attendees can enjoy seminars, which are included with general show admission, featuring some of the most knowledgeable professionals in their respective sectors. Each year, tracks include Dairy & Livestock, Technology, Irrigation & Water, Demonstrations, and more.
Educational seminars are held in the Seminar Center on the southeast side of the grounds throughout all three days of the show. Experts, including exhibitors, universities, government agencies, and more, provide valuable insights, aiming to expand producer knowledge and practices.
More seminar information and the application is available at bit.ly/WAE26Seminar. The final seminar schedule and speaker information will be available online and in the official show app. The application deadline is October 31, 2025 and speakers will be notified in December.
World Ag Expo is the largest annual outdoor ag tradeshow in the world. In 2025, the show saw over 100,000 attendees from 49 states and 80 countries. More than 1,200 exhibitors on 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space make World Ag Expo a premium platform for networking, education, and business in one of the most productive ag counties in the United States.
International attendee ticket packages are on sale now. General admission and ag tour tickets go on sale October 1st. Attendees can purchase tickets and plan their visit at www.WorldAgExpo.com.
The International Agri-Center® is home to World Ag Expo®, February 10-12, 2026 in Tulare, California. An estimated annual average of 100,000 individuals from 60 countries attend World Ag Expo® each year. The largest annual agricultural show of its kind, World Ag Expo® hosts more than 1,200 exhibitors displaying cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment on 2.6 million square feet of show space. Learn more at www.worldagexpo.com.
As pistachio growers gear up for harvest, American Pistachio Growers has partnered with restaurants all over California to celebrate Pistachio Week with both novel and classic pistachio-inspired culinary delicacies. Hannah Young from American Pistachio Growers met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during their Pistachio Insights Day to share what growers and consumers alike have to look forward to during Pistachio Week. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
California almond growers are facing an unprecedented challenge this season as a severe roof rat infestation sweeps through orchards across the Southern and Western San Joaquin Valley. An early survey indicates the outbreak has impacted well over 100,000 acres, a number that has likely grown, causing widespread damage and significant economic losses.
What the Almond Board of California Has Learned
Almond growers across Merced, Fresno, Kings, and Kern counties have reported an alarming spike in rodent populations. Over the last several months, ABC has participated in tours and meetings about the severity of this rat infestation, and field observations indicate that these rodents are using irrigation canals and other waterways as corridors, enabling them to rapidly spread between orchards and diverse agricultural fields. This mobility is exacerbating the extent of damage and complicating containment efforts.
Roof rats are arboreal, meaning they spend a considerable amount of their life above ground, often building nests in trees. However, for several years, researchers have noted that in almonds and other tree nuts, they use burrows extensively.Although it’s undetermined as to why, some believe it’s the lack of cover in the winter months that drives this behavior.
According to preliminary findings from a CDFA-led surveyconducted in the fall of 2024, monitoring efforts revealed particularly high densities of rats in the reported areas, with up to 32 rats captured per night at some locations. Direct damage to the trees occurs through consumption of nuts, girdling of small and large limbs, and burrowing in the root zone. Additionally, damage to irrigation systems, equipment and other infrastructure within orchards is often greater than direct crop loss.
Economic analyses from the CDFA report estimated total on-farm losses ranging from $109 million to $311 million. Major expenses contributing to these figures included drip line replacements, which alone accounted for losses between $56 million and $168 million, and yield losses resulting from disrupted post-harvest irrigation, estimated at $43 million to $129 million. Additional significant costs stemmed from direct tree damage, farm equipment repairs, machinery cleaning due to rodent contamination and replacement of damaged trees.
The lower-end estimates assumed less extensive damage, such as 25% of affected acreage needing drip line replacement and 10% tree damage. Conversely, the higher-end scenario accounted for more severe conditions, including drip line replacements on 75% of impacted acreage, 15% tree damage, and substantial farm equipment repairs and maintenance.
Photo Caption: Irrigation line damage from rats
Drip line damage and yield reductions alone represented nearly 90% of the anticipated financial impact. Furthermore, CDFA cautions that these numbers may underestimate the true financial burden, as broader impacts, including newly planted orchards and extensive post-harvest cleanup beyond farm machinery, were not fully quantified in the preliminary analysis.
During ABC’s learnings, one grower noted the replacement of an entire drip irrigation system was estimated at $20,000, and the rodents also chewed through irrigation wiring causing fires. A second almond grower detailed extreme damage that was estimated at a 50% crop loss, even while he was exterminating between 50-100 rats a day.
Photo Caption: Aside from equipment and tree damage, rats are eating the nuts themselves on the tree.
UC ANR’s IPM Recommendations
Farm managers, PCAs, and growers are expressing growing frustration and concern over their ability to sustain operations. Management strategies currently in use include bait stations and aluminum phosphide treatments of burrows in the winter, and less conventional methods such as snap traps, owl boxes and applying carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide into burrows as another fumigation option. However, many growers report these tactics are labor-intensive, costly, and insufficient for the scale of this infestation. Additionally, growers noted that rotating bait flavors has become necessary as rodents quickly grow wary and “bait shy.”
Based on research led by UC ANR scientists Niamh Quinn and Roger Baldwin, growers are advised to implement a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy tailored specifically to roof rat behavior in tree nut orchard environments. The cornerstone of effective IPM is rigorous monitoring with the use of tracking tunnels and ink cards. Strategically placed game cameras can pinpoint rat activity hotspots, while also providing information on how rat numbers are changing over time.
Using that information, growers can then implement targeted baiting programs. Elevated bait stations containing diphacinone-treated oats, positioned every 165 feet, align with roof rats’ natural climbing behavior while minimizing risks to non-target species. For tree nuts, bait stations strategically placed on the ground could also help, although this application is limited to dormant seasons. To have a significant impact, growers must keep stations full of fresh bait over a period of about four weeks. In situations where rat densities are very high, a longer period may be needed.
Again, monitoring is important during the bait program period and growers should stop the program when bait consumption becomes minimal. As a reminder, rodenticide regulations are ever-changing, and applicators should always read the label carefully to ensure compliance.
Strategically placed snap traps in protective trapping tunnels, spaced approximately 245 feet apart, form a crucial component of long-term rat control post-baiting. Regular maintenance and monitoring of these traps are necessary to sustain effectiveness. Collaboration among neighboring orchards can further enhance the efficacy of these integrated pest management measures.
During the dormant season, broadcasting zinc phosphide bait or applying zinc phosphide within burrows is also an option, although the efficacy of this bait for rats in California orchards is unknown. Burrow fumigation with aluminum phosphide, gas cartridges or carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide injection devices are also options. UC ANR advises growers to be aware that if using aluminum phosphide, in addition to normal requirements that apply to all restricted-use fumigants, you also now need to have a Burrowing Vertebrate Pest Fumigation Certificate (PCA license) to use this product.Also note that any diphacinone-treated bait for use in bait stations must be bought from a County Ag Commissioner’s office.
Based on the level of infestation learned from using the tracking tools, multiple overlapping strategies may be necessary to reduce the populations.And if possible, rotating to a non-diphacinone option is a good decision to avoid diphacinone-resistance.
Additional Support and Resources on the Horizon
Industry groups are mobilizing to provide tangible support for growers facing ongoing rodent pressures. CAPCA, in collaboration with the Almond Board of California and other agricultural partners, is pooling funds to purchase and distribute abatement stations or owl boxes to affected regions, depending on CDFA recommendations.
Additionally, CDFA is actively working to facilitate updates to pesticide labels for rodent control materials. Specifically, updates and approvals for the use of zinc phosphide and diphacinone are in progress, which could expand application options for growers if finalized. These advancements would provide growers with additional chemical tools to integrate into their rodent management programs.
Furthermore, the latest information and assistance opportunities are being planned for informative sessions at the 51st Annual CAPCA Conference in October and The Almond Conference in December. UC Cooperative Extension’s Roger Baldwin will be presenting Monday, October 20, at the annual CAPCA conference in Reno, Nevada. ABC’s Gabriele Ludwig will be leading a discussion about rodent control in the face of changing regulations at The Almond Conference December 10-12 in Sacramento, CA. — By the Almond Board of California
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representingCalifornia dairy producers, today announced the addition of Selina Lopes as Producer Relations Coordinator.
Lopes brings a deep-rooted passion for the dairy industry and a diverse background in agriculture to the CMAB. She joins the organization from her most recent role as an Agriculture Instructional Support Specialist at Modesto Junior College (MJC). Her professional experience also includes serving as Development and Donor Relations Coordinator at the St. John Student Center, and working as a Business Communications Intern at Corteva Agriscience. In a previous role at World Wide Sires Ltd. , she supported advertising and public relations efforts for dairy clients across international markets.
Raised on a dairy farm in Gustine, Calif., Lopes has been actively engaged in the industry from an early age showing dairy cattle through 4-H and FFA and participating in the California Junior Holstein Association. While attending MJC, Lopes was President and Vice President of the Dairy Science Club, the contest chairperson for the MJC Field Day Dairy Judging Contest, and the chairperson of the MJC Biannual Heifer Sale. During this time, she also held the title of District Six Dairy Princess from 2021 to 2022, representing the industry with enthusiasm and pride.
Lopes pursued her education in agriculture, earning an associate degree in Agricultural Business from MJC, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University (OSU), graduating in 2024. While at OSU, she was actively involved in campus organizations including the Dairy Science Club and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, further solidifying her commitment to advancing the dairy community.
“As a farmer-funded organization dedicated to driving demand for products made with milk from California dairy farms, we greatly value Selina’s extensive relationships and comprehensive understanding of the dairy industry. Her insight is an exceptional asset to our team,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of the CMAB.
California is the number one dairy state. Its more than 1,000 family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.
About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department
of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.
With tears streaming down his face, 18-year-old Luis Gonzalez was speechless when his name was called as FFA Master Showmanship winner at the 2025 CA State Fair on July 13. He also won Reserve Champion Wether Dam Doe.
“I just couldn’t believe it! There was a lot of tough competition out there,” said Gonzalez. “But I’ve learned that hard work will take you anywhere.”
In this moving moment during the awards ceremony, Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair, witnessed Gonzalez’s raw emotion firsthand. “This young man was shocked when his name was called,” Martinez said. “You could see the pride flowing through his tears of excitement and disbelief. He earned this moment.”
Gonzalez’s story is one of perseverance, family sacrifice, and resilience. His journey began when he was just nine-years-old, showing animals in local 4-H programs. He started entering more competitive shows in high school. Without access to the necessary equipment to help develop winning animals like grooming supplies, feeding and watering supplies, show equipment, and general supplies, he adjusted his methods and trained harder. His turning point came when he bought a wether and was gifted a doe earlier this year. He started raising and working with her in January of 2025, dedicating countless hours before and after school.
Gonzalez’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. In August 2023, while returning from the California Youth Ag Expo in Tulare, his family’s vehicle was t-boned and flipped five times. Luis was in a coma for a week, suffered a foot injury, and missed the first two weeks of his junior year while recovering in a medical boot. But instead of giving up, he came back stronger.
“If you stay focused and put in the effort, you can achieve anything,” said Gonzalez.
His success didn’t come alone. His entire family played a role in his achievements. His mother works long hours harvesting lettuce in the Salinas Valley, and his father supports the household through tree service labor. His older brother Jesus has been by his side every step of the way, attending shows, and motivating him to keep pushing forward.
A recent graduate of Salinas High School, Gonzalez will attend Modesto Junior College this fall, continuing his agricultural journey with a focus on animal science. To other young agriculturalists, Gonzalez offers this advice, “Always be around people who make you better. Ask questions. Learn everything you can. That’s how you grow.”
“The California State Fair is proud to celebrate young leaders like Luis,” said Martinez. “These are individuals who represent the best of California’s agricultural heritage, dedication, and heart.”
About the California State Fair
The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future.
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced today a consumer promotion focused on balancing meal times with the return to busy schedules. Whether families with children headed back to school, or for those who are looking to simply reset and settle back into a routine after a busy summer, quick and easy recipes made with wholesome Real California Milk dairy products are a perfect solution.
This campaign communicates messages of re-establishing routines while offering delicious and nutritious meal solutions for those who are short on time. The recipes highlighted in the campaign include a Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Smoothie Bowl, make-ahead Steak Taco Jar Salads, Real California High Protein Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothies, Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Baked Potatoes and more.
The promotion, which runs July 28 through September 21, will be geotargeted around California retail locations including Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, Safeway, Walmart and Stater Bros. Markets. Support includes in-store media and shopper marketing activations, integrated digital media with targeted display ads, as well as a corresponding radio broadcast campaign.
“Dairy plays an essential role in creating wholesome, satisfying meals. This campaign—along with the thoughtfully curated recipes—was designed to showcase the incredible variety and premium quality of California dairy products,” said Lizzie Werber, Director of Business Development, U.S. Retail for the CMAB. “Our goal is to inspire busy individuals and families to enjoy quick, nourishing meals without compromise. With its sustainable production and commitment to the highest standards, California dairy adds something truly special to every dish.”
California is the leading U.S. state in dairy production. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.
About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com.
A new article appearing in the current issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry explores the concept of “superfoods” and makes a case that fresh grapes have earned what should be a prominent position in the superfood family. The author, leading resveratrol and cancer researcher John M. Pezzuto, Ph.D., D.Sc., Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University, brings forth an array of evidence to support his perspective on this issue.
As noted in the article, the term “superfood” is a common word without an official definition or established criteria. Mainstream superfoods are typically part of the Mediterranean Diet and generally rich in natural plant compounds that are beneficial to a person’s health. Pezzuto addresses the broader topic of superfoods in detail, then makes the scientific case for grapes, noting that fresh grapes are underplayed in this arena and often not included with mention of other similar foods, such as berries.
Grapes are a natural source of over 1,600 compounds, including antioxidants and other polyphenols such as flavonoids, anthocyanidins, catechins, phenolic acids, resveratrol, and more. Polyphenols are credited with the health benefits of grapes, via antioxidant activity and influencing cellular processes. It is the whole grape and the unique matrix of these compounds within it that creates the biological effects, not a single component.
Over sixty peer-reviewed studies have been published in the scientific literature on grapes and health. The role of grapes on cardiovascular health is well established, including promoting relaxation of blood vessels and healthy circulation, as well as modulating cholesterol levels. Clinical trials also show that grapes support brain health (help maintain healthy brain metabolism and beneficial impacts on cognition), skin health (enhanced resistance to UV radiation and DNA damage in skin cells), gut health (modulating the gut microbiome and increasing diversity in the gut), and eye health (retinal impact via increase in macular pigment optical density). Finally, in the realm of nutrigenomics – the study of foods on gene expression in the body – grape consumption has been shown to positively alter gene expression in relevant body systems. Pezzuto suggests that it is these activities at the genetic level that are likely the
driving force behind the health benefits of grapes.
“Dr. Pezzuto shows that based on the science, grapes are indeed a superfood, and should be recognized as such,” said Ian LeMay, president of the California Table Grape Commission, “and we are hopeful that using this nomenclature in association with grapes becomes common practice. Luckily, whether consumed for health or sheer enjoyment as a healthy snack, eating California grapes is a win for consumers.”
From ducks and cranes to giant garter snakes and salmon, flooded rice fields in California’s Central Valley offer important — often vital — habitat to many wildlife species. Yet uncertainties around crop markets, water and climate can prompt some growers to fallow rice fields or change their management practices.
Will today’s rice acreage under current practices be enough to meet key species’ needs? If not, how much rice is needed? Where should it be planted? And what management practices offer the greatest benefit for species of concern?
Scientists from the University of California, Davis, and Point Blue Conservation Science address these questions in a new report, “A Conservation Footprint for California Rice,” written for the California Rice Commission.
“This was a highly interdisciplinary effort that I don’t think has been attempted at this scale for California rice or perhaps any other California agricultural crop working with wildlife,” said report co-lead John Eadie, a UC Davis professor emeritus in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology who coordinated the 173-page effort among 13 authors. “I think this report provides the baseline for future work to come.”
Core needs
The authors reviewed the core needs of key species living among the region’s rice fields. These include giant garter snakes, wintering ducks, wintering and breeding shorebirds, black terns, sandhill cranes and native fish. They developed a mapping framework of the species’ habitat, as well as an estimate of the rice acreage, management practices and priority locations for rice that would most greatly benefit each wildlife group.
Over the past decade, rice acreage has ranged from 250,000 to 540,000 acres in California. The report found that approximately 470,000 to 500,000 acres defines the desired conservation footprint of rice for the most species of concern. The needs for different species include:
30,000 acres for native fish
43,000 acres for sandhill cranes
80,000 acres for giant garter snakes
373,500 acres of winter-flooded rice and flooded fallow rice fields for non-breeding shorebirds
473,000 acres of planted rice to restore populations of black terns and help support breeding shore birds
500,000 acres for wintering ducks
Winter flooding critical
The authors emphasize that rice acreage alone — even as much as 500,000 acres — will not sustain these species unless water is available during the winter and during critical periods in the fall and spring. Winter flooding of the rice fields is especially critical for many of these species.
Historically, seasonal wetlands shaped the Central Valley’s ecology and biodiversity. Beginning in the mid-1800s, these lands were largely drained for agriculture, flood control and development.
“In the absence of natural wetlands, rice has become essential surrogate habitat for an incredible diversity of California wildlife,” said report co-editor Daniel Karp, a UC Davis professor in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology. “In the face of climate-induced droughts and escalating water prices, providing rice farmers with the support needed to continue flooding their fields in winter is absolutely essential to safeguard this incredible conservation success story.”
Priority locations and management solutions
For nearly all wildlife groups, the Colusa and Sutter basins rank as the highest priority locations for rice habitat, given their proximity to wetlands and wildlife refuges. The Yolo Basin, Consumnes-Mokelumne Rivers region, and parts of the Delta are especially important for shorebirds and sandhill cranes. The Yolo and Sutter bypasses also represent critical areas for fish in flooded rice fields.
The conservation value of these areas, however, largely depends upon how they’re managed. In addition to winter flooding and water availability, spatial location, managing vegetation, irrigation canals and post-harvest rice straw are just some of the considerations when managing rice for wildlife. The report outlines several strategies for each group.
“This kind of interdisciplinary work is challenging but so important to effective conservation,” said report co-author Kristen Dybala, a principal ecologist at Point Blue Conservation Science. “When we work together, we can identify opportunities for the same acres to contribute to multiple goals at once.”
The value of rice
In addition to providing habitat for wildlife, rice production creates about $1 billion of added economic value and up to 7,500 jobs for California’s Sacramento Valley.
“For decades now, our growers have seen firsthand how much their rice fields are used by wildlife all throughout the year,” said Tim Johnson, president and CEO of the California Rice Commission. “This Rice Footprint report by the University of California, Davis, details how these same fields that grow America’s sushi rice serve as the economic driver for our small communities and are also vital to our ecosystem in helping waterfowl, shorebirds, reptiles and fish thrive.”
The report was funded primarily by the California Rice Commission through a grant to the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences and to Point Blue Conservation Science.
Additional authors include Francisco Bellido-Leiva, Lee Burrows, Sean Fogenburg, Andrew Rypel and Brian Todd of the UC Davis Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology; Robert Walsh of Point Blue Conservation Science; Bruce Linquist of UC Davis Plant Sciences; and Daniel Sumner and Jessica Xu from UC Davis Agricultural and Resource Economics. — By Kat Kerlin, UC Davis
