Stoney Point Joel Bailey, owned by Vierra Dairy Farms of Hilmar, Calif., rose to the top at World Dairy Expo 2024, claiming the prestigious title of Supreme Champion on Friday, October 4. In addition to Bailey’s success, Premium Apple Crisp Lilly-Red, the Grand Champion of the International Red & White Show, was named Reserve Supreme Champion. Lilly is owned by Butlerview Farm of Chebanse, Ill.
The Supreme Champion Cow of the Junior Show was awarded to Pacific Edge VIP Tessah-ET, the Grand Champion of the International Junior Jersey Show. Tessah is owned by Brent Rocha and Coltan Seals, of Tillamook, Ore. The Reserve Champion of the Junior Show was Oakfield Tatoo Tender-ET, owned by Chloe and Claire Lamb of Oakfield, N.Y., rounding out the top honors of this year’s World Dairy Expo.
Companies sponsoring the awards presented to World Dairy Expo’s Supreme Champions include Ameriprint Apparel, LLC, DeWall Family, Dynasty Genetics, E-Zee Milking Equipment, LLC, Frenchville Trailer Sales, LLC, FutureCow, Golden Calf Company, Select Sires, Inc., Trans Ova Genetics and Zoetis.
Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo brings together the latest in dairy innovation and the best cattle in North America. The global dairy industry returned to Madison, Wis. for the 57th event, October 1 – 4, 2024, when the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, dairy and forage seminars, a world-class dairy cattle show and more will be on display. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile event app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Spotify, Instagram or YouTube for more information.
Modesto Junior College came out on top as they secured the Overall Team, Overall Reasons Team, High Individual, and High Individual Reasons honors at the 34th International Post-Secondary Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo. Held October 1-4th in Madison, WI, Modesto Junior College’s team consisted of Logan Silveria, Lauryn Young, Jon Chapman, and Teresa Sousa, and coached by Nicole Morris. SUNY Cobleskill followed as the second-place team overall. To finish out the contest, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, Michigan State Ag Tech, and Morrisville placed third through fifth, respectively. In the Practical Contest, Ohio State ATI places first overall followed by Iowa State University and Kansas State University placing second and third, respectively.
Teams and individuals receiving recognition include:
Top Five Teams – Overall:
Modesto Junior College, 2,296, team members include: Logan Silveira, Lauryn Young, Jon Chapman, Teresa Sousa; coached by Nicole Morris
SUNY Cobleskill, 2,289, team members include: Elizabeth Schieferstine, Allison Gabel, Libby Sutton, Luke Enyart; coached by Carrie Edsall
The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 2,274, team members include: Lauren Homan, Christian Martig, Bradley Gotto, Emma Givens; coached by Royce Thornton
Michigan State Ag Tech, 2,234, team members include: Bette Eggnik, Lydia Deters, Lane McDonald; coached by Joe Domecq, Sarah Black, Lynn Olthof
Morrisville, 2,054, team members include: Emma Weisbrodt, Charissa Gelser, Matthew Wilson, and Chloe Pushlar; coached by Jessica Kennedy
Top Ten Individuals – Overall:
Lauryn Young, Modesto Junior College, 783
Lauren Homan, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 781
Elizabeth Schieferstine, SUNY Cobleskill, 779
Bette Eggink, Michigan State Ag Tech, 766
Allison Gabel, SUNY Cobleskill, 766
Lane McDonald, Michigan State Ag Tech, 759
Logan Silveria, Modesto Junior College, 758
Jon Chapman, Modesto Junior College, 755
Christian Martig, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 749
Bradley Gotto, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 744
Top Five Teams – Reasons:
Modesto Junior College, 645, coached by Nicole Morris
The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 626, coached by Royce Thornton
Michigan State Ag Tech, 616, Coached by Joe Domecq, Sarah Black, and Lynn Olthof
SUNY Cobleskill, 610, Coached by Carrie Edsall
Morrisville, 550, Coached by Jessica Kennedy
Top Ten Individuals – Reasons:
Lauryn Young, Modesto Junior College, 229
Elizabeth Schieferstine, SUNY Cobleskill, 227
Lauren Homan, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 223
Emma Givens, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 219
Bette Eggnik, Michigan State Ag Tech, 218
Jon Chapman, Modesto Junior College, 218
Allison Gabel, SUNY Cobleskill, 209
Bradley Gotto, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 207
Lane McDonald, Michigan State Ag Tech, 206
Libby Sutton, SUNY Cobleskill, 206
Top Five Teams – Practical Contest:
Ohio State ATI, 605
Iowa State University, 587
Kansas State University, 578
Southwest Technical College #2, 552
SUNY Cobleskill, 549
Top Five Teams – Linear Contest:
Southwest Technical College, 375
Modesto Junior College, 360
SUNY Cobleskill, 345
Ohio State ATI, 335
Iowa State University, 305
Top Five Teams – Corrective Mating:
Ohio State ATI, 197
Iowa State University, 188
Kansas State University, 186
SUNY Cobleskill, 158
Modesto Junior College, 154
Top Five Teams – Grade Class:
Ohio State ATI, 100
Iowa State University, 100
Kansas State University, 100
Southwest Technical College #2, 100
Modesto Junior College, 100
Top Five Teams – Registered Class:
Kansas State University, 200
Iowa State University, 197
Ohio State ATI, 196
SUNY Cobleskill, 191
Southwest Technical College, #2, 181
The International Post-Secondary Dairy Cattle Judging Contest is made possible in part through the generous support of Platinum Level Sponsor, Channel Seed; Silver General Sponsors, FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative and Bio-Vet Inc; and additional sponsors, American Guernsey Association Youth Fund, Ayars Family Farm, Dave Badula, Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association, Maureen DeBruin, David P. Dickson Trust, E-Zee Milking Equipment, LLC, Saloah Hageman, The Hartford Livestock Department, Holstein Association USA, Inc., Judy Majeskie, Maryland Brown Swiss Association, National Dairy Shrine, Select Sires, Inc., Semex/Boviteq, Trans Ova Genetics, Dr. Douglas Waterman, Hoard’s Dairyman, Vita Plus Corporation, STgenetics, St. Jacobs ABC, E-Zee Milking Equipment, LLC., Fight Bac, and Rany Geiger Memorial Fund.
Dairy Council of California, a leader in nutrition education and advocacy, proudly announces three new board members, all distinguished figures in the dairy industry:
John Vanderpoel Jr., Owner, VP Legacy Farms
Preston Fernandes, Owner/Partner, Fernridge Farms
Rene Reynoso, President & CEO, Peluso Cheese
Fernandes states, “Alongside my fellow new board members, I’m thrilled to join the Dairy Council of California as we work to elevate the role of dairy in nourishing our communities. Dairy is not just a staple in healthy, balanced diets—it’s a source of essential nutrients that fuel growth and wellness across all ages. I’m excited to be part of an organization that’s dedicated to advancing nutrition education and advocating for the critical benefits dairy provides in creating healthier, more sustainable futures.”
Dairy Council of California’s new board members are deeply connected with the dairy community, bringing forward fresh perspectives and strategic insights to both challenges and emerging opportunities.
“We are pleased to welcome John, Preston and Rene to Dairy Council of California’s board of directors,” says Amy DeLisio, CEO of Dairy Council of California. “Their diverse backgrounds bring invaluable expertise to our organization’s ability to continue to promote healthy eating patterns and sustainable food systems that include dairy foods.”
In addition to the three new board members, four board members were reappointed:
Arlene VanderEyk, Co-owner, Robert VanderEyk Dairy
Michael Oosten, Owner, Marvo Holsteins
John Dolan, VP of Sales, Driftwood Dairy
Hem Shah, General Manager, Alta Dena Dairy
Board members are elected for three-year terms, represent both dairy producers and processors and are appointed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
About Dairy Council of California
Dairy Council of California is a nutrition organization working together with champions to elevate the health of children and communities through lifelong healthy eating patterns. Focusing on education, advocacy, dairy agricultural literacy and collaboration, Dairy Council of California advances the health benefits of milk and dairy foods as part of the solution to achieving nutrition security and sustainable food systems. Learn more at DairyCouncilofCA.org.
Westlands Water District (Westlands) is excited to announce the promotion of Stephen Farmer as Chief Administrative Officer. In this role, Stephen will oversee the District’s Finance and Administration, Operation and Maintenance, Energy and Power and Resources departments.
“Steve brings a wealth of professional experience and a deep commitment to our District’s water users, making him an invaluable asset to our team. Throughout his tenure with the District, he has played a crucial role in saving over $40 million. In his new position, I am confident he will lead the administrative team with excellence, tackling our water supply challenges while keeping our water rates accessible for all users” said Allison Febbo, General Manager.
Mr. Farmer has over 24 years of experience in accounting, finance, and treasury-related fields. For the past 13 years he has served as Supervisor of Customer Accounting, Supervisor of General Accounting, and most recently as the interim Deputy General Manager – Finance and Administration for Westlands. Prior to joining Westlands he served as the Chief of the Treasury for the County of Fresno and Controller for a credit union.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chief Administrative Officer at Westlands Water District after 13 incredible years with this dedicated team” said Stephen Farmer. Together, we’ve tackled many challenges, and I am excited to continue our mission, providing reliable and affordable water services to our water users while fostering innovation and efficiency. I look forward to working with our talented team towards a secure and affordable water future for the District.”
Mr. Farmer holds a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. He grew up in Fresno and has deep ties to Westlands and agriculture, having spent time as a child on the family farm with his grandfather, uncles, and cousins. Along with his wife, Natalie, of 24 years, they have raised two children: Treysen and Allie.
Mr. Farmer began his new role on October 1, 2024.
About Westlands Water District
Westlands Water District is recognized as a world leader in agricultural water conservation and has served the farmers and rural communities on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties for more than five decades. As stewards of one of California’s most precious natural resources, Westlands continually invests in conservation, and champions farmers deploying innovative irrigation methods based on the best available technology.
Over 15 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public for the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who attend will experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours and learn about the origins of their food.
“We often don’t think about what it takes to grow, harvest and deliver produce to the market,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) executive director. SEEAG is the nonprofit that hosts Ventura County Farm Day each year. “Hundreds of dedicated farm workers are behind every piece of fruit or vegetable we buy at the store.”
On Farm Day, the public can select the locations they want to visit by going to the Farm Day Trail Map (https://venturacountyfarmday.com/map) and then travel at their own pace from site to site. Descriptions of what to expect at each site are included on the map. The day consists of behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, giveaways and kid-friendly activities. Some sites require pre-registration. “Pick three or four locations and plan your day,” says Paulus-Case.
Widespread farming in Ventura County dates back to the 1780s and agriculture is still one of the largest industries in the county with crop values in 2023 totaling over $2.1 billion. “Nothing else in Ventura County has more history than agriculture,” says Phil McGrath, owner of McGrath Family Farm in Camarillo and Farm Day participant. “Farm Day provides the opportunity to understand how agriculture in the county evolved, what growers are doing now and what the future will bring.”
Participating in Farm Day this year include the Agriculture Museum of Ventura County, Agromin (organic compost, mulch), Alpacas At Windy Hills (Alpaca fleece), Duda Farm Fresh Foods (celery and lettuce), Eden Forest Collective (agroforestry), Good Farms (berries), Growing Works (fresh flowers), McGrath Family Farm (organic farming), Ojai Olive Oil (olives), Oxnard Historic Farm Park, Petty Ranch (fruits and vegetables), Prancer’s Farm (strawberries, tomatoes, avocados), Ranchos Camulos National Historic Landmark Museum, UC Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center, VCAA Senior Nutrition Farm and Ventura County Agriculture/Weights and Measures. Petty Ranch will serve as the Farm Day Hub with booths, displays, kids’ activities and free fresh produce.
Two school farms are participating–Rio School District Farm and Sa’Aliyas Ranch. Both farms teach students about agriculture including career opportunities–all while growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables for market.
Ventura County Farm Day sponsors include The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, Gene Hass Foundation, Driscoll’s, Church Brothers Farms, Mission Produce, and County of Ventura Agriculture/Weights and Measures.
Visitors are encouraged to register in advance at My805Tix (https://www.my805tix.com/e/venturafarmday). Once registered, guests show their 805Tix QR code at each location to enter without signing in.
Several hotels are offering special room rates over the Farm Day weekend. For more information about Ventura County Farm Day including a list of local hotels, visit www.VenturaCountyFarmDay.comor call 805-892-8155. The Trail Mape is updated daily. No pets allowed.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor announced that USDA has awarded more than $25 million to support eight projects under the new Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative.
USDA launched ASCE in January 2024 as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to create more, new and better markets for U.S. producers and agribusinesses both at home and abroad. The innovative partnership between USDA and the specialty crops sector focuses on projects to address the non-tariff trade barriers that hinder U.S. exports of fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, horticultural crops and related products.
“Specialty crop exporters face myriad import requirements in every foreign market they enter, yet they often don’t have the economies of scale to develop the required certifications or negotiate favorable terms. ASCE will help smaller exporters by directly addressing barriers and supporting industry’s efforts to obtain needed certifications,” Taylor said. “We’re excited to bring on new partners who will provide solutions and allow U.S. specialty crop producers to expand international markets for their world-class products.”
U.S. exports of specialty crops totaled $25.8 billion last year, increasing the bottom line for producers nationwide and driving economic development in their local communities and beyond.
The selected partners and projects for the first round of ASCE funding are as follows:
Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce, which was founded by theInternational Fresh Produce Association, will each receive $5 million to establish ASCE Sustainable Packaging Innovation Labs. The research and projects implemented by these labs will help address one of the top concerns USDA hears from the U.S. specialty crop industry: that packaging and labeling requirements in export markets are changing and exporters don’t yet have the sustainable packaging options to meet those new rules.
The Minor Use Foundation will receive $2 million to develop supporting data and submit applications for establishment of additional maximum residue limits for specialty crops under the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and to build the global alliances and technical capacity needed for future Codex MRL submissions. Codex MRLs are crucial to facilitate trade, but often major commodity crops are prioritized over specialty crops, so this project will help fill the gap. The Minor Use Foundation will partner with the IR-4 Project, which was established by USDA and land-grant universities in 1963, to conduct research to ensure that specialty crops farmers have access to crop protection products to effectively and safely manage pests.
CABI will lead two initiatives to align pesticide regulatory systems and harmonize MRLs to make accessing new export markets more transparent and predictable for U.S. producers. A $4-million project will focus on Southeast Asia and a $3-million project will focus on regional collaboration in Africa.
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture was selected to lead a $3-million project in Latin America and the Caribbean for regional alignment of pesticide regulatory systems and science-based, trade-facilitative MRLs.
Ag Aligned Global, LLC will lead a $3-million project focused on import MRLs in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies, supporting trade with key export markets for U.S. specialty crops. The recipient will coordinate with the Minor Crop Farmer Alliance, which represents U.S. specialty crop producer organizations, and with Bryant Christie, Inc. to ensure that that U.S. producers’ input is central to the development of ASCE projects focused on MRLs.
Bryant Christie, Inc. was selected to develop MRL quick reference sheets for 60 specialty crops in key export markets, helping make the complex requirements more easily understandable for U.S. producers.
The Board of the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association has selected Larry Williams to honor with their 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be presented this year at Malcolm Media’s Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo on November 8th at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds.
Williams is well-recognized by the grape industry for his remarkable work in irrigation and fertilizer management as a Professor and Plant Physiologist in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. Stationed at the Kearney Ag Research & Extension Center in the Central Valley – the nation’s epicenter of raisin, wine and table grape production, Williams helped growers determine nitrogen and potassium needs for all grape types and application timing. His research guided wine grape growers refine deficit irrigation practices for improved wine quality and helped raisin and table grape growers understand water needs to maximize berry size and production.
“Professor Williams is best known for developing irrigation models for raisin, table and wine grapes. His pioneering work in the field has been verified and accepted around the world and underpinned ongoing technological developments that are making it easier than ever for growers to save water while optimizing yield and quality,” shared Dr. Matthew Fidelibus, UC Davis, San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association Viticultural Advisor. Over the course of his 36-year career, Williams has published over a hundred papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, co-authored several books, and delivered hundreds of talks on these subjects, proving a valuable asset to both viticultural research and extension.
Williams retired in June 2018, but his work continues to bear much fruit. “Growing grapes is difficult enough, but thanks to Professor Williams, we have been able to increase our quality and consistency with better technology,” commented Aarin Wilson, President of the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association.
“Larry Williams has played an oversized role in educating growers around the Valley (and world), and the Association is very proud to add his name to the august group of recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award,” shared Peter Vallis, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association.
Peter Vallis, Executive Director, San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association
Previous recipients of this award include: Kent Daane & Nat DiBuduo (2023), Deborah Golino & Andy Walker (2022), Jim Unti (2021), John Monnich (2020), Ron Brase (2019), Robert Markarian (2018), Walt Bentley, Doug Gubler & Ken Yonan (2016), Frank Saviez & Don Stanley (2015), Jim Duarte & George Leavitt (2014), Jack Farrior & Marko Zaninovich (2013), Pete Christensen, Ron Metzler & Gary Wilson (2012), Paul Dismukes & Luther Khachigian (2011), Frank Logoluso, Bob Loquaci & Frank Pantaleo (2010), Bob McInturf, Mike Nury & Vince Petrucci (2009), and Angelo Papagni (2007).
Vallis will be presenting this special award to Larry Williams at 12:30 p.m. in the Industrial Education Building at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds during the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo on November 8th. The Expo runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is FREE to attend. The presentation will be accompanied with a Tri-Tip BBQ lunch and morning grower seminars offer continuing education credits, so growers and friends are welcome to arrive early and enjoy the full event. Learn more and Pre-register to attend at https://agexpo.biz/.
About the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo
Fresno is the number one ag county in the state and the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo is held in the center of the Central Valley’s rich and diverse agricultural production. Since 1996, this event has become a tradition for nearly 1,000 grape, nut and tree fruit growers to attend. This year, the expo will be featuring PCA & CCA Credits, Free Breakfast & Tri-Tip Lunch, Industry Trade Show, State of the Raisin, Table Grape, Wine, Almond, Walnut, Pistachio & Tree Fruit Industry presentations and seminars on: New Carpophilus Beetle & Red Leaf Blotch Threat in Tree Nuts, Cutting Raisin Production Costs, Micronutrient Management, Crop Insurance Improvements for Grape Growers, On-Farm Wildlife Management, Laws & Regulations, and Tree & Vine IPM. Also, new this year will be a partnership with San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association in the presentation of their Annual Lifetime Achievement Award taking place after lunch. Register to attend FREE today at AgExpo.biz.
About the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association
Amidst the nadir of the grape prices in 2000-2001, a group of Valley grape industry leaders came together to build an organization, for the first time, to represent the interests of the San Joaquin Valley wine grape grower. Since this time, the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association has become the nexus and voice for the interior regions of the California Wine Industry. Through organizing grower education, strategic, wine and grape producer-specific advocacy, and increasingly a tilt towards regional marketing and promotion, the SJVWA offers a distinct program for growers in the Central Valley while supporting the efforts of other state-wide agricultural industry groups. Learn more at idrinkwine.net.
California is home to the largest and most diverse agricultural industry in the United States, with over 76,000 farms and ranches leading the production of the nation’s vegetables, fruits, nuts, and dairy products. However, this industry is heavily reliant on water availability and favorable weather conditions. Consequently, the state faces significant risks if climate variability and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are not effectively addressed.
The FRISBE project (Reinforcing Climate Risk Management from Farmers’ Behavior and User-Driven Indicators) aims to gather farmers’ knowledge on climate variability and its effects on crops and livestock. Farmers are uniquely positioned to provide first-hand observations of climate extremes and their impacts, thereby contributing to understand the local reality more accurately and efficiently. Coordinated by Professor Alvar Escriva-Bou (University of California, Los Angeles) and Professor Sandra Ricart (Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy), the project developed an onlinesurvey to capture farmers’ experiences and expertise on perceived impacts, implemented adaptation measures, and identified barriers. This survey addresses the increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of heat extremes, which lead to higher growing season temperatures, more volatile precipitation patterns, reduced winter chill hours, diminished snowpack, and accelerated soil erosion.
This information will be utilized to enhance our understanding of farmers’ perspectives and needs, including the potential heterogeneity among their experiences and practices. It will also help estimate the socio-economic consequences of the perceived impacts and proposed actions, thereby contributing to the transition toward more resilient, robust, and climate-proof decisions at the local scale to reduce the vulnerability of farming systems.
As farmer, you are invited to participate in the FRISBE project through this web-based online survey. The survey is structured in six blocks with a majority of questions to be answered with yes/no options, and the response time is no more than 10-12 minutes. Click HERE to take the survey.
PARTICIPATION
Your participation is voluntary. You may refuse to participate or cancel your participation at any time, and you may refuse to answer any question for any reason.
BENEFIT
You will not receive any financial compensation for participating in this study. However, responses are essential to gaining a deeper understanding of farmers’ needs and enhancing their preparedness to face climate risks. Trusting in farmers’ knowledge, this survey aims to redefine precise interventions that align with their interests and the local climate reality.
RISKS
There are no risks derived from participation in this study.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The platform hosting the online survey does not collect information that allows identifying sensitive personal data, so your responses will remain completely anonymous and confidential. The individualized responses will be stored in an electronic format protected with a double security factor and only accessible to restricted personnel directly linked to the investigation.
DATA USE
Your data, including de-identified data may be kept for use in future research.
CONTACT
If you have any questions about the study or its procedures, please contact the lead researchers, Prof. Alvar-Escriva-Bou (aescriva@ucdavis.edu) or Prof. Sandra Ricart (sandra.ricart@polimi.it). Additionally, you may contact the UCLA Office of the Human Research Protection Program (ohrpp@research.ucla.edu).
California leads the nation in the adoption of renewable energy. Significant investments have been made in solar electricity generation and biogas digesters in its agricultural industry, but what about hydrogen power? The State of California was recently awarded $1.2 billion from the Federal Dept. of Energy to invest in hydrogen power as a renewable energy source and offers much promise to the agricultural processing and trucking industries. Neil Navin from SoCalGas met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share some of the possibilities, and explain how hydrogen power compares with electricity in its sources for sustainable generation and its ability to serve the needs of trucking and large equipment. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Malcolm Media’s agricultural publications.
With the end of harvest comes the beginning of winter prep work. One practice that provides a bevy of positive impacts for orchards is planting a winter cover crop. Adding organic matter to the soil via cover crops can improve water infiltration and water holding capacity of the soil. Fixing nitrogen and breaking up compacted soil can also be achieved by selecting appropriate species for your cover crop mix.
While the benefits of winter cover cropping in orchards are well-known, the particulars of when and how to terminate the cover crop can be overwhelming. Using herbicides to terminate a crop can be expensive, and achieving good coverage can be difficult with large amounts of biomass. Mowing or tilling can disrupt the soil, losing some of the accumulated carbon. Annie Edwards and Margaret Smither-Kopperl with the USDA recently released a report on termination using a roller crimper in orchard systems. Their findings show that, while this can be a great tool to maximize the benefits of cover cropping, roller crimping works best with certain cover crop species and growth stages.
Roller crimping is a common practice in other parts of the country but had not yet been studied in California orchard systems. A roller crimper is a drum-shaped implement with blunt curved blades (Figure 1.) that rolls over and crushes down the vegetation without disturbing the roots. This creates a mat of biomass over the soil’s surface, similar to mulch. This has been shown to reduce soil temperatures, conserve soil moisture, decrease erosion, and reduce herbicide use. The timing of roller crimping is critical; too early and you won’t have enough biomass produced to adequately cover the soil and provide the desired benefits. Too late and the cover crop may have produced seed that can germinate in the current season, depending on irrigation practices and precipitation.
Research completed at the USDA’s Lockeford Plant Materials Center compared four different cover crop seed mixes to determine how well the roller crimper terminated each. Additionally, each of the four mixes was crimped at 6 different times to evaluate which growth stage was most successful for termination. Data on “bounce back” (when plants stood back up and continued to grow) as well as regrowth, biomass, vegetative stage, and cover crop canopy height were collected.
Results showed that the brassica mix “bounced back” and regrew when roller crimped too early. Termination with the roller crimper was most effective when these species were at least a week into flowering, with termination remaining effective through “seed maturing” stage.This termination timing allowed for good biomass accumulation, and the study notes that the brassica mix formed a vegetative mat when crimped, which is the ultimate goal of this termination technique.
The fava beans alone remained crimped after the plants had visible early pods reaching about 3/16”. The fava beans and the brassica mix were the only treatments that were completely successfully terminated with the crimper.
The “annual plow down” mix, consisting of oats, vetch, peas and fava beans, showed best results when crimped at early visible pods in the fava. This mix also had the largest biomass accumulation over the season. However, the oats in the mix had a high rate of “bounce back”. Crimping was notan ideal method of termination for this mix.
The triticale crop continued to regrow when crimped too early. Crimping was most successful for this species after the plants started to flower. However, even then, the triticale “bounced back” and was never fully successfully crimped.
Ultimately, roller crimping is most effective for termination of cover crop mixes without grass species. Crimping brassica mixes and fava beans produces a vegetative mat that can protect soil and maximize the benefits of cover cropping. It is key to use this technique at the appropriate vegetative growth stage for the species in your mix, as crimping too early can necessitate repeating the practice.
The entire USDA report, including seeding densities, seed sources, and photos can be found here. — By Becky Wheeler-Dykes, UCCE Farm Advisor, Glenn, Tehama and Colusa Counties
Over 15 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public for the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who attend will experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours and learn about the origins of their food.
