California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • Turn Employees from Potential Brand Assassins to Brand Ambassadors at Animal Ag Alliance Summit

    Food and agriculture companies spend a lot of time looking outward – focusing on external image, responding to pressure from adversarial groups, and finding new customers. In the process, these companies often overlook their most critical audience: employees. Hinda Mitchell, founder and president of Inspire PR Group, will share how to turn team members from potential brand assassins to brand ambassadors at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2024 Stakeholders Summit. Check out the full agenda and register by March 8 for the lowest rates here: https://bit.ly/AAA24.

    The annual Summit is a one-of-a-kind conference attended by a diverse group of decision makers, including representatives from farms, ranches, allied industries, food processors, restaurants, grocery stores, legislatures, universities, government agencies and media. The 2024 event is themed “Ready, Set, Solve! Advancing Animal Agriculture” and set for May 8-9 in Kansas City, Mo.

    “2024 Summit attendees will be scoring big with a dynamic lineup of speakers and sessions,” said Abby Kornegay, manager, issues and engagement, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “The two-day program will cover key topics and issues in agriculture including how to navigate pressure and attacks from animal rights extremist groups. This includes outreach campaigns to current food and agriculture employees in attempts to gain sensitive information. Hinda’s session will be a great place to learn more about building employee engagement and loyalty to prevent these issues.”

    In the session “Whose Team Are They On? How Employees Can Make or Break Your Brand,” Mitchell will explore employee engagement and its impact on recruitment and retention, and focus on transparency and purpose as essential workforce strategies. Attendees will learn how to turn team members from potential brand assassins to brand ambassadors, audit their own employer brand, create lasting internal communications and engagement programs that build culture, and secure that first line of defense as employees can often be pressured by animal rights extremist groups to turn their back on their own team.

    Mitchell leads Inspire PR Group, a national, multi-service public relations and marketing communications firm based in Columbus, Oh. A trusted counselor to major c-suite executives, she is a sought-after strategic leader and crisis and issues manager for corporate leaders, manufacturers, food companies, higher education, and school districts. She has led crisis management for numerous high-profile, challenging crises during her career, including recalls, labor negotiations, activism, and worker accidents. She has protected the reputations and preserved the brands of hundreds of businesses and organizations in her role. She has passion for employee engagement and positioning major food brands as an employer of choice.

    Get involved:

    Maximize your brand visibility and impact by becoming a sponsor of the 2024 Summit today! For more information on sponsorship opportunities still available, contact Logan Hall at lhall@animalagalliance.org.

    Help us spread the word about Summit! If you refer a friend to attend the 2024 Summit who has never attended a previous Summit and they list your name as the person who recommended them when they register for the event, you’ll both be entered in a drawing to win a $100 gift card! Each referral will count as one entry and there is no limit on the number of entries for referrers. We will give away two $100 gift cards during the Summit – one drawing for referrers and one drawing for those who were referred. All registrations for the in-person event with a referral listed made until online registration closes on May 3 will be entered. Both the referrer and the person referred must be registered to claim the gift card.

    Check the Summit website for the most up-to-date information. You can also follow the hashtag #AAA24 for updates about the event on social media. For general questions about the Summit please email summit@animalagalliance.org or call (703) 562-5160.

    About the Alliance:

    The Alliance safeguards the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation.

  • $4.1 Million In Grants Available To California Dairy Processors

    Through February 29, 2024, dairy processors along the Pacific Coast are encouraged to apply for grants from the Pacific Coast Coalition – Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (PCC-DBII). $4.1 million in grants are currently available to dairy processors in California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Washington and Oregon. This fourth round of funding will include pandemic recovery (such as price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19.)

    Dairy producers and dairy processing businesses in the aforementioned states are invited to submit proposals that meet one or more of the PCC DBII program goals:

      • Developing new dairy value-added products, culturally diverse and ethnic value-added dairy products to meet evolving consumer trends in the region.
      • Adapting current dairy products to meet evolving consumer “wants,” to meet both domestic and export demand trends.
      • Developing new product lines and expanding the dairy product portfolio to meet domestic and/or export demand for fresh milk and milk products.
      • Expanding milk usage beyond food and drink, for example packaging/films, edible products for companion animals, cosmetics, and other high-value segments.
      • Adding value to milk by increasing its intrinsic value through differentiation production system/feed additives for nutritional enhancement, and fractionation of components.
      • Adopting alternative processing technologies for value-added dairy products, optimization, and/or recovery of high-value co-streams to increase the profitability of the dairy sector.
      • Creating future opportunities for value-added ingredients and nutritional powders, milk fat products, and specialty blends, and decreasing the dependence on commodity markets.
      • Developing sustainability leadership through innovation in packaging, processing efficiencies, reduced losses/waste, and novel uses of co-products (net-zero dairy processing plants). Note: Dairy producer and/or processor applicant(s) may need to partner with non-dairy entity(ies) to address this goal)
      • Extending awareness and consumption of higher value dairy processing products through communications, strategic planning, marketing plans, and expanding hands-on agritourism

    The PCC-DBII, hosted by California State University, Fresno and funded through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, is dedicated to strengthening and supporting the dairy industry. By addressing these goals, they seek to help diversify the dairy product market, reduce risk and develop higher value uses for dairy products, promote business development that diversifies farmer/processor income through innovation, and encourage the use of regionally produced milk.

    The initiative is in collaboration with Cal Poly Humboldt, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Chapman University, Chico State, Oregon State University, Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council, UC Davis, New Mexico State University, Washington State University, and the California Dairy Innovation Center. This is the fourth round of grant funding through the PCC-DBII. Once this round closes, the PCC-DBII will have made nearly $9.1 million in grants from the USDA AMS available to regional dairy businesses for innovation-related investments, helping dairy processors evolve their operations and adopt more sustainable practices.
    href=”https://usw2.nyl.as/t1/215/cugi9vpqil9hha9bmv337zhmi/7/6487d7386d0c69671f1faeee82993294a2c160e63ce0a9e4c7872b6694f53f2e”>Applications will be accepted January 2, 2024 – February 29, 2024.

    The PCC-DBII is hosting an “Office Hours” via Zoom on Thursday, February 8th at 4pm to answer any questions businesses may have about their eligibility and the application process. Link to attend HERE

    Meeting ID: 853 0563 1054
    Passcode: 045233

    For more information: https://www.dairypcc.net/

  • Students Partner With California Dairy Families To Raise Milk Donations For Families in Need

    One in five Californians currently struggle with food insecurity, with milk being one of the most requested but least donated items at food banks. In Fall 2023, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) worked with student dairy advocates from California State University, Chico (Chico State), California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), and Modesto Junior College (MJC) to hold the inaugural Real California Milk Intercollegiate Give-A-Gallon Challenge in support of #GivingGallons milk drives in their local communities.

    Using 100-gallon donation commitments from the CMAB as an incentive, students in each area shared information about the need for milk and options for donating through their social media channels. Each team coordinated donations through local and campus milk drives, in person and virtually. As a part of the Real California Milk CADAIRY4GOOD program, this initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to increasing access to nutritious foods.

    “I’m so happy to be a partner in this initiative. Dairy farmers care about our communities. Donating gallons of milk to local food banks has been a great way to give back to those in need and support the California dairy industry. The amount of excitement centered around this project has been inspiring,” said Anthony Agueda, California dairy farmer and Fresno State Dairy Science student.

    MJC and Chico State also weighed in on the challenge. “We loved visiting food banks in our area to deliver milk, and to hear their stories. It was great to hear their why, and how food banks make such a difference in people’s lives who are less fortunate,” said Trinity Harter, MJC student and volunteer.

    Chico State student and volunteer Aspen Hoyer noted, “Chico State Organic Dairy and Chico State Dairy Science and Industry Club were very excited to be involved in the first Intercollegiate Giva-A-Gallon Challenge. It was a great experience that brought many of our students together to help make a difference in our community.”

    A total of 3,000 gallons were raised through this initiative. The donations will be distributed to the Salvation Army, the Boys and Girls Club, Second Harvest of the Greater Valley Foodbank, the Cal Poly Student Pantry and the Chico State Hungry Wildcat Pantry.

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy families using some of the most sustainable farming practices in the world.

    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.

  • Exploring Honey’s Sweet Benefits

    Foodborne pathogens, which can encompass viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can cause foodborne illnesses when consuming a meal that has been contaminated. There are an estimated 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses every year. A commonly known pathogen that fits into this category is Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), which infects the small intestine causing diarrhea and other consequences to the person infected.

    ARS scientists, in collaboration with the National Honey Board, are examining the way honey affects the gut microbial community and possibly assists it in resisting infection by the foodborne pathogen ETEC. To begin their studies, both pathogen and honey were put through a model of the stomach to better represent how the study components would interact with each other during human consumption. ETEC has a tolerance to acidic environments and honey is naturally acidic, as is the stomach. Therefore, all of honey’s bioactive compounds and anti-microbial components are used to working in that kind of environment.

    “We have to put ETEC through the stomach because it’s going to change how it behaves once it’s exposed to that acidity,” explained Ste Traxler, a graduate student researcher at the Western Human Nutrition Research Center in Davis, CA.

    The choice to use honey was not only due to its natural acidic nature, but also because of the accessibility of this food. The particular honey utilized in this research project was clover honey, which is available in supermarkets.

    “So, the plants that the bees are collecting their nectar from determine your honey type,” explained Traxler, “and that will also determine a lot of those bioactive components.”

    Honey is also being used in some hospitals as a way to prevent infections, particularly in hospital’s burn wards, because of the need for having protection for the broken skin barrier from outside bacteria that could pose as a threat. The more hydrogen peroxide in the honey, the more it is effective as a topical antimicrobial. The honey with the highest concentration of methylglyoxal, a natural potent anti-microbial, is Manuka honey.

    Manuka honey comes from the Manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand. Sometimes this tree is referred to as the New Zealand tea tree because both the Manuka and Tea Tree produce oils with similar properties and come from the same plant family. All types of honey have some level of concentration of methylglyoxal, while also having other micronutrients that contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

    Foods like lettuce, Brussel sprouts, and spinach may become contaminated with E. coli. It’s important to notice that these items are typically ingested without cooking them, which causes the risk of exposure to foodborne pathogens like E. coli to heighten. This is one of the reasons researchers are studying how honey can help prevent infection after ingesting contaminated food.

    Honey has a lower glycemic index than standard table sugar (sucrose). Therefore, ARS scientists are also investigating whether the benefit of reduced metabolic stress that comes from sugar consumption also occurs when consuming honey in the context of a snack with the added benefit of consuming a healthier option. Another benefit seen from honey is that, so far, there hasn’t been any bacterial resistance observed from it, the same way that happens with antibiotics. For these reasons, researchers are learning how honey can positively affect our digestive health and help us obtain protection against pathogens and bacteria. — By Olga Vicente, USDA-ARS’s Office of Communications

  • National Ag Day Coming March 19, 2024

    The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) announced March 19, 2024, will be National Agriculture Day with the theme of “Agriculture: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow.”

    Activities planned for March 19 feature a virtual Ag Day program, and in-person events in Washington DC. ACA will invite students to interact virtually with legislators and agency representatives, delivering the Ag Day message. A core leadership team of college students will participate in the DC events, along with representatives of national farm and commodity organizations, representatives of the food, fuel, and fiber communities.

    Jenny Pickett, ACA President says students from AFA, 4-H, FFA, and MANNRS participated in 2023 National Ag Day. “Students are interested in advocating on behalf of agriculture and their future roles in the industry. Their participation in National Ag Day activities provides a glimpse of the future of agriculture. It’s exciting to learn from the students what they think agriculture will be like in the years ahead, and how their involvement will shape the industry and America as a whole.”

    According to USDA Economic Research Service* more than 22 million full- and part-time jobs were related to the agricultural and food sector, or roughly 10 percent of all US employment. On-farm jobs represented about 2.6 million jobs, or a little over one percent of US employment. Take that a step further, agriculture- and food-related jobs totaled more than 19 million.

    “More and more, students and individuals are finding careers in agriculture. The industry needs scientists, biologists, food safety technicians, livestock nutrition specialists, arborists, conservationists – one doesn’t have to be a farmer or have a direct on-farm job to be involved in the agriculture industry,” Pickett says.

    2024 National Ag Day marks the 51st year of the nationwide effort to share real stories of American agriculture, and remind citizens that agriculture affects everyone. “From the food we eat and the fuel for our vehicles, to the fiber in the clothes we wear, and the oil used to make kids’ crayons, agriculture touches everyone in some way,” Pickett says.

    The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

    • Understand how food, fiber, and fuel products are produced.
    • Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products.
    • Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
    • Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

    In addition to the events on March 19, the ACA will offer the Ag Day Essay Contest. Interested students would create video essays on the topic of Agriculture in the Future: If I had two minutes to talk to a farmer.” The winning video essay will be presented on National Ag Day.

    Sponsorship opportunities for Ag Day 2024 are available.  Visit www.agday.org for more information, or contact Pickett to discuss sponsorship opportunities, or with any additional questions.

    About Agriculture Council of America

    Agriculture Council of America, a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, organizes the annual activities which are part of a national effort to increase the public’s awareness of agriculture’s role in modern society.

  • California Beef Council Names New 2024 Leadership

    At their Annual Meeting, held in December, the California Beef Council (CBC) named new leadership and approved 2024’s program budgets. This year’s work plan to promote beef, provide consumer information, engage with foodservice and retail stakeholders, educate health and nutrition professionals, and provide educational and informational resources to beef producers was approved by the producer-led CBC board of directors on the final day of the December 5-6 meeting.

    “Like many cattle-producing states, we’re facing financial challenges for the coming year,” said outgoing Chair Steven Maxey, who serves on the CBC in the packer sector of the supply chain. “Some tough decisions had to be made, but the council as a whole discussed the best way to move forward in the current economic climate and we reached consensus. CBC decisions are driven by the beef producers who serve on the council. These men and women consider all the strategies and information presented to them to determine the best way to invest our Checkoff dollars-always with the goal of driving beef demand.”

    All of the 2024 CBC staff-driven programs presented to the council support one or more of the CBC’s strategic priorities:

     ·       Positively engage healthcare professionals and the public in conversations about beef’s role in a healthy diet and lifestyle.

     ·       Communicate the positive net environmental benefits of beef and cattle production practices.

     ·       Communicate how beef’s taste, convenience, and versatility are of value to consumers and retail & foodservice professionals.

    These strategic priorities-adopted in 2023 and in place through 2025-guide the CBC staff as they develop and evaluate California Checkoff-funded programs.

    Maxey, who steps into the role of ex officio in 2024, is with Certified Meat Products and JD Food in Fresno, as well as Fresno’s butcher shop, The Meat Up, which he owns and operates with wife Cassi.

    Serving as chair and vice chair for 2024 are Jarred Mello of Escalon from the dairy sector, and Mike Williams of Los Angeles County representing the range sector. The CBC’s executive committee is comprised of producers representing every sector of California’s beef industry.

    For more information about the CBC and the Beef Checkoff, visit CalBeef.org.

    About the California Beef Council

    The California Beef Council (CBC) was established in 1954 to serve as the promotion, research, and education arm of the California beef industry, and is mandated by the California Food and Agricultural Code. The CBC’s mission is to amplify the voice of the California beef industry to strengthen beef demand through innovative promotions, research, and open communication. For more information, visit www.calbeef.org.

    About the Beef Checkoff

    The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.

  • California’s Jennifer Fernandez-Hanf Among New Dairy Girl Network Board of Directors

    Dairy Girl Network (DGN), an organization offering programs and events supporting all women in dairy reaching across the nation, has welcomed three new dairywomen to the board of directors: Jennifer Fernandes-Hanf of California, Julie Patterson of New York and Lorilee Schultz of Illinois. Jennifer, Julie, and Lorilee recently joined the board which together with industry partners, allow DGN members to gain valuable connections, resources and shared experiences while supporting and encouraging fellow dairywomen.

    Jennifer Fernandes-Hanf was raised on her family dairy farm in Tulare County, Calif. She was active in her local 4-H and Jr. Holstein clubs and enjoyed raising replacement heifers, registered Holsteins and showing cattle. Jennifer earned a B.S. degree in Agricultural Business Management from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Jennifer’s career has combined her passion for the dairy industry with her keen interest in software and technology. The bulk of her career was as IT Director for World Wide Sires, Ltd before she joined the Milc Group team in 2019. As Vice President of Product at Milc Group, she heads up the organization’s people management and employee training software products.

    Julie Patterson is an owner at Patterson Farms, Inc., alongside her husband, as sixth generation dairy and crop farmers in Cayuga County, NY. Julie’s responsibilities at Patterson Farms, Inc., include financial management, HR management, safety training, social media, outreach and workforce development. Julie attended Alfred State College and earned an associate degree in architectural engineering and worked in that field for a few years after graduating. After going back to school, Julie completed the Cornell Dairy Executive Program in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Julie serves on the NYS Dairy Promotion Order Board, on a cohort for the National Young Farmers Coalition and is involved in Workforce Development for agriculture in her community.

    Lorilee Schultz manages Mil-R-Mor Farm, in Orangeville, Ill. On the farm, some of her passions include developing deep pedigrees, producing high quality milk, and incorporating practices that improve soil health and increase biodiversity. She graduated from Iowa State University with a double major in Agricultural Business and Economics. While in college, she enjoyed some terrific internships with Hoards Dairyman and the USDA Foreign Ag Service, but her love of cows brought her back to her grandparents’ farm. Lorilee is active in her local Holstein club, a YDLI graduate, and former president of the Holstein Foundation. She recently served as the chairperson for the National Milk Producers Federation Young Cooperators advisory council.

    The DGN Board of Directors is comprised of twelve voting members along with two advisory members. These individuals are elected representatives serving as dairy farmers and industry professionals. They oversee the overall execution of the organization’s mission. In building the organization and supporting dairywomen through connections, encouragement and inspiration, DGN is proud to continue to add to our board of directors with new leadership.

    Jennifer, Julie, and Lorilee join the current DGN Board of Directors who include Laura Daniels, founder and president, of Wisconsin; Rebecca Shaw, vice president, of Pennsylvania; LuAnn Troxel, financial officer, of Indiana; Carrie Mess of Wisconsin; Kristy Pagel of Wisconsin; Tami Smith of Pennsylvania; Mary Knigge of Washington DC; Julie Veldhuis of Idaho; Rosario Ibarra of Wisconsin. Advisors to the board include Leah Ziemba of Wisconsin and Dr. Kelly Reed of Washington. These individuals are advocates for advancing women within agriculture and are dedicated to the mission and vision of DGN.

    Learn more about the organization and the opportunities DGN offers at dairygirlnetwork.com. Membership is free for all dairywomen. If you are interested in becoming a member of DGN, go to https://dairygirlnetwork.com/join/.

    The Dairy Girl Network connects all women of the dairy industry, encouraging ideas and camaraderie in an effort to achieve personal and professional development. Designed as a welcoming network of passionate women involved in dairy, relationships will grow through shared experience, support and inspiration.

  • Almond Board Announces Exceptional 2024 Almond Leadership Class

    The Almond Board of California is proud to announce the Almond Leadership Program class of 2024, a group of 18 exceptional professionals expected to help lead the industry into the future.

    Bayer Crop Science has sponsored the Almond Leadership Program (ALP) for a number of years and is again the sponsor of this 2024 class of next-generation leaders who were chosen from more than 50 highly qualified applicants. They come from diverse backgrounds across the full range of the industry and include growers and processors, sales representatives, sustainability specialists, company executives, pest control advisors and more.

    ALP began in 2009 and has graduated 226 industry members. Dozens now serve on ABC workgroups, committees and even the Board of Directors.

    “We have had so many great participants through the years, and this 2024 class is simply outstanding,” said Rebecca Bailey, the ABC senior specialist who oversees ALP. “This program helps great people become great leaders and our industry continues to see the enormous benefits from 15 years of ALP. We have no doubt these 18 people will continue to be great assets and advocates for the almond industry.”

    Members of this 15th class – while still working at their jobs – will be immersed in every aspect of the industry, including ABC activities in global marketing, production, nutrition research, food safety and more. They’ll sharpen their communication skills and build lasting relationships with industry leaders, ABC staff and each other.

    “It’s crucial to be connected to people in all areas of the almond supply chain,” said Erik Stanek, a class member and sustainability specialist with Blue Diamond Growers. “Industry challenges are not solved in a silo. For me, ALP offers an opportunity to build meaningful relationships that can lead to actionable solutions. The program helps lift the entire industry.”

    Class members are guided by volunteer mentors – many of them ALP graduates – who will help them develop the skills, knowledge and perspective to improve their industry and their communities.

    “As a mentor, I have an opportunity to share what I’ve learned in the last 25 years as a farmer and a conservation biologist,” said mentor Christine Gemperle, a grower and member of ABC’s Board of Directors. “It’s my hope that the next generation of industry leaders can take that knowledge and grow an even better future for California almonds.”

    The leadership program will also offer class members thorough looks at the impacts on the industry of social, economic, environmental and regulatory issues. In addition, participants will take on a yearlong, self-directed project focused on improving the California almond industry. Some past projects have led to important breakthroughs for the industry.

    Leadership class members kicked off their training with a two-day orientation at the ABC offices in Modesto, which included one-on-one talks with their mentors and hearing from Board of Directors Chair Alexi Rodriguez and ABC CEO Clarice Turner.

    “The leadership program has been incredibly enriching so far. I’ve been introduced to so many fascinating topics beyond my usual scope of work,” said Ziv Attia, part of the 2024 class and head of agronomy at Phytech. “Besides that, the staff and program members are amazing, and I look forward to getting to know them better, gaining further insights and building lasting connections that will contribute to the almond industry’s growth.”

    Once again, class members will raise money for California FFA, pledging to raise more than $25,000 in scholarships for high school students interested in pursuing agriculture in college. Through the years, ALP has raised more than $320,000 for FFA.

    The 2024 Almond Leadership class members are Ziv Attia of Bakersfield and Phytech; Andy Barahate of Kerman andCentral California Almond Growers Association; Gurajan Brar of Madera and Brar & Son Farms; Matthew Brocato of Fresno and Phytech; Mark Cavallero of Madera and Sierra Valley Almonds; Zachary Days of Patterson and Cal Coast Almond Processing Inc.; Mallory Dodds of Fresno and Gowan USA; Ryan Hackett of Modesto and Gold Leaf Farming; Brandon Heinrich of Modesto and B&M Orchards; Amanda Hernandez of Hollister and TriCal Inc.; Victoria Lee of Sacramento and Blue Diamond Growers; Sutter Long of Corning and Bayer Crop Science; Antonio Lopez of Woodland and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation; Ryan McCoon of Escalon and Cultiva; Edgar Perez of Modesto andAmerican AgCredit; Jeevan Sandhu of Yuba City and Wilbur Ellis; Erik Stanek of Sacramento and Blue Diamond Growers; and Delaney Woolwine of Fresno and Harris Woolf California Almonds.

    About California Almonds

    Almonds from California are a healthy, natural, wholesome and quality food. The Almond Board of California promotes almonds with a research-based approach to responsible farming, production and marketing on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond growers and processors in California, many of whom have third- and fourth-generation family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, ABC is a non-profit organization administering a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the USDA. For more information on ABC or California almonds, visit Almonds.com.

  • A Rewarding Showcase of Skill and Determination at the Napa County Pruning Contest

    The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation (FWF) celebrated its 22nd Annual Napa County Pruning Contest at Beringer’s Gamble Ranch Vineyard on Saturday, February 3.  It was a perfect day as 113 contestants displayed exceptional skill and determination in what is considered the most prestigious competition for Napa Valley’s vineyard professionals. Scoring for the competition is weighted for technique and quality, allowing contestants to demonstrate their dedication to high-quality, Napa Valley grape-growing.

    During the main event, each of the contestants pruned five vines in the day’s preliminary competition.  Those with the highest scores went on to the final round, which produced the winners: 4 in the women’s division and 4 in the men’s division.  The winners took home a generous collection of gifts, which included cash, pruning tools, Napa Valley wine, gift cards from Silicon Valley Bank and Sunbelt Rentals; and a handmade silver belt buckle from Max Lang Belt and Buckles and a FELCO champions jacket was given to the 1st place winners.  Employers typically match the cash prize winnings, so the day was highly rewarding for the top 8 finalists.

    An outstanding display of talent this year was Ana Mejia from Trefethen Family Vineyards. In 2023 she competed in the women’s division and took third place. However, she returned this year determined to advance. “I came [to the 2024 competition] with more confidence and purpose,” said Mejia, “I wanted to demonstrate that women are also able to compete.” Mejia proudly took first place in this year’s competition, taking to the podium with a smile from ear-to-ear.

    Adding to this year’s energy was local radio DJ Gabriela Fernandez of MegaMix, who broadcast live from the event grounds. She interviewed Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation leadership, finalists, and long-time sponsors, like Antonio Zamora from A&J Vineyard Supply, who said, “As a business that provides the Napa Valley with high-quality vineyard supplies, we see the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation as an asset to the grape-growing community, and one that aligns with our values. Adding, too, that sponsoring their Napa County Pruning Contest is a great opportunity to connect with those we support – from farmworkers to grape growers. If it wasn’t for the dedicated, expert talent tending to the local vineyards, the Napa Valley wouldn’t be what it is today.”

    Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation Vice President of the Board, Arnulfo Solorio (center), reviewing the competition’s rules and scoring. Photo by Chrome Visual Co.
    Guadalupe Soriano, first place finisher in the men’s division, razor-focused on making precise cuts. Photo by Chrome Visual Co.

    Competitors are Napa County farmworkers and full-time employees. All farmworkers who work in Napa County are eligible to compete.

    Winners received:

    1st Place: $1,550 in cash and gifts cards, a custom belt buckle, FELCO champions jacket, Vineyard Industry Products tools and supplies, Central Valley tools and supplies, and wine from Bazán Cellars
    2nd Place: $1,075 in cash and gifts cards, Central Valley tools and supplies, and wine from Bazán Cellars
    3rd Place: $800 in cash and gifts cards, Central Valley tools and supplies, and wine from Larkmead Vineyards
    4th Place: $550 in cash and gifts cards, Central Valley tools and supplies, and wine from Bazán Cellars
    All contestants received a black leather pruning shear holster from FELCO.
     
    Women’s Division Winners:
    1st Place: Ana Mejia, Trefethen Family Vineyards
    2nd Place: Rubi Reyes Hernandez, Gonzalez Vineyard Management
    3rd Place: Guadalupe Gutierrez, Renteria Vineyard Management
    4th Place: Cristina Arroyo, Renteria Vineyard Management
     
    Men’s Division Winners:
    1st Place: Guadalupe Soriano, Atlas Vineyard Management
    2nd Place: Benjamin Marron, Bettinelli Vineyards
    3rd Place: Julio Alonso, Hardin Vineyard Management
    4th Place: Jesús Sánchez, Renteria Vineyard Management

    Support for this event was provided by sponsors Nemerever Vineyards, Silicon Valley Bank, Central Valley Ag Supplies, FELCO, Duarte Trees & Vines, Sunbelt Rentals, Ag Health Benefits Alliance, Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, Jaguar Farm Labor Contracting, Brotemarkle Davis & Co, Malloy Imrie & Vasconi Insurance Services, Pearls Farm Labor, Renteria Vineyard Management, Sunridge Nurseries, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Jim’s Supply Co., Garton Tractor, Taddei Vineyards, Gonzalez Vineyard Management, Vineyard Industry Products, A&J Vineyard Supply, Green Valley Tractor, and our partner in health, OLE Health.

    Thank you to the Napa Valley community members who served on the Napa County Pruning Contest Committee: Gustavo Aviña, Brianna Beighle, Pam Bond, Garrett Buckland, Chad Clark, Roberto Juarez, Joe Nasharr, Hayden Schmidter, Kendall Smith, Anulfo Solorio, Macy Stubstad and to all the wine industry volunteers who came out to support the event.

    About the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation

    Founded by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers in 2011, the mission of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is to support and promote Napa Valley’s vineyard workers through education and professional development. The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is the only one of its kind in the United States, providing complimentary educational opportunities, advanced training programs, leadership and management classes, English literacy programs, and much more. To date, the Farmworker Foundation has offered education and professional development opportunities to more than 23,000 vineyard workers and their families. For more information, visit Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation

  • Applications Now Open for Children of Vineyard & Winery Workers Scholarship

    The Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship, a program designed to support the children of California’s vineyard and winery workers in their pursuit of higher education, is now accepting applications for the upcoming academic year.

    Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors or students currently enrolled in junior college, four-year universities, or trade schools. Applicant or applicant’s parent/guardian must be employed or contracted by the California vineyard and winery industry.

    Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and a commitment to their community. Multi-year scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $6,000 per student per year. The number of scholarships awarded is based on fund availability.

    This scholarship does more than alleviate the financial burden of higher education. The program makes a unique investment in a dedicated Scholarship Mentor who is resource to the students throughout their collegiate career.

    In the May 5, 2023 newsletter, the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) stated, “… we know scholarship dollars alone are not enough. Scholarship providers have a unique opportunity to positively impact student success by also investing in support services that help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally… Students who receive these services are more likely to remain engaged and enrolled, ultimately increasing their chances of graduating and achieving their goals.”

    Multi-year recipient Evelyn says, “There is no doubt that being a recipient of the Scholarship has helped me to get where I am today. It has not only made a significant difference in financially supporting my educational journey, but it has also opened up so many doors through which I was able to begin my career in viticulture.

    Applications are due by March 31, 2024, and recipients will be notified by mid-May 2024. To learn more about the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship and to apply, please visit www.vineyardteam.org/jnms/apply.

    About Vineyard Team

    Arising from growers’ interest to educate and guide themselves towards sustainable winegrowing practices, Vineyard Team has become an internationally recognized leader in the sustainability movement since 1994.

    Not only has the organization influenced sustainability initiatives within the winegrowing community, Vineyard Team programs have influenced efforts in other crops as well. Recognized by governmental, environmental, and community organizations, Vineyard Team’s sustainable winegrowing programs are always leading the way in innovation.  Visit www.VineyardTeam.org for more information.