California Ag Network

Category: Education

  • NAIDC Elects New Leadership for 2026-2027

    North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge® (NAIDC) recently elected new leadership, including one new board member and the 2026 – 2027 Executive Committee. As stated in the NAIDC mission statement, the organization strives to “Develop tomorrow’s dairy leaders and enhance the progress of the dairy industry, by providing education, communication and networking among students, producers and agribusiness and university personnel.”

    In its 24-year history, Dairy Challenge has evolved significantly to meet the ever-changing needs of the dairy industry. The Program originally beganin 2002 with 56 students from 13 colleges competing in one national event. Today there are more than 500 dairy students participating annually throughout the national competition, Dairy Challenge Academy and four regional events. The volunteer Board of Directors represents the many university professionals, dairy producers and industry sponsors who contribute to these opportunities.

    Newly elected to the 15-person volunteer NAIDC Board of Directors is:

    •  Brian Waymire, Nedap Livestock, CA. — Brian Waymire serves as a Large Herd Specialist for Nedap Livestock, working with dairy producers throughout the Western United States to implement technology-driven management solutions that improve dairy performance, labor efficiency and animal health. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, Waymire began his career in dairy management in 2010 and has managed dairies ranging from 400 to 7,000 milking cows. His previous management experience includes Giacomini Dairy in Petaluma, Tony De Groot Dairies in Hanford, Alhem Family Partnership in Hilmar and Jones Farms in Stevinson. He later served as a Premier Account Manager with Alta Genetics before joining Nedap. A proud alumnus of the Western Regional Dairy Challenge, Waymire has remained actively involved with the program by hosting Dairy Challenge practices, mentoring students at regional contests and Dairy Challenge Academy, judging both regional and national competitions and serving on the Western Regional Planning Committee. He credits Dairy Challenge with providing foundational skills that continue to shape hisprofessional career and values the program’s ability to bridge classroom learning with real-world dairy management.

    The NAIDC Executive Committee for 2026–2027 includes:

    •  Chair: Ted Halbach, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI.

    •  Vice Chair: Gail Carpenter, Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

    •  Associate Vice Chair: Erin Spangler, Riverview, LLP, Morris, MN.

    •  Promotions & Engagement Chair: Elizabeth Eckelkamp, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.

    •  Finance Chair: Heather Weeks, Farm Credit East, Bedford, NH.

    •  Program Committee Chair: Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.

    Continuing their terms on the board are:

    ·         Doug DeGroff, Progressive Dairy Solutions, Tulare, CA.

    ·         Jeff Elliott, Balchem, Amarillo, TX.

    ·         Jordan Fisher, Mapleview Dairy, Madrid, NY.

    ·         Matt Groen, Cargill, Guelph, ON, Canada.

    ·         Jen Lane, Cargill, Hanford, CA.

    ·         Lauren Mayo, North Carolina A&T University, Greensboro, NC.

    ·         Linda Parreira, Farm Credit West, Tulare, CA.

    ·         Craig Walter, Valley Ag Software, Poynette, WI.

    The Board also recognizes the service of retiring board member Megan Mouw, Elanco Animal Health, Riverdale, California. Throughout hertenure, Mouw contributed her leadership and expertise in support of Dairy Challenge’s mission to prepare the next generation of dairy industry professionals. The organization extends its appreciation for her years of volunteer service and dedication to Dairy Challenge.

    — Story contributed by Dairy Challenge

  • Students Face Nation’s Top Collegiate Dairy Program

    At Fresno State, senior Alexis Jackson found a calling in the animal science field, thanks to a series of campus farm positions that started when she was a freshman working at the campus dairy.

    As a sophomore and junior, the Antelope Valley native lived at the dairy unit, where she was responsible for milking cows, feeding calves and assisting with their health needs. Those experiences involved real-life problem-solving as well as managing late-night and weekend responsibilities as calves were born or cows needed medical treatment.

    That experience made her a strong candidate to help a team of Fresno State students compete at the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge national event held April 12 to 14 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

    Together with fellow seniors Drake Bair (of Merced), JonMichael Silva (Visalia) and Diego Olivares (Bakersfield), the team placed fourth in the nine-team D panel, which was won by Iowa State University.

    Senior Jose Vargas (Tulare) competed on an aggregate team of individual students from various universities in another panel.

    Junior George Gioletti (Turlock) also competed on an aggregate team that won their panel in the Academy Division. This section followed the same contest format and is ideal for students who are new to the event and may compete in the future, and emphasizes practice and learning.

    Overall, 36 of the 43 universities in attendance had students competing in the national team competition, which was divided into four groups, or panels. Additional students from many of those same universities participated in the Academy Division.

    “We had practiced for many months for this event, but there were still a lot of things for us to adjust to, since dairies in the Midwest oftentimes do things differently than what we see out here,” Jackson said. “It was fun to see the differences and meet other students and professionals from across the nation. We owe a lot of thanks to our faculty adviser, Dr. Jessica Townsend Graybeal, and industry professionals who gave us great training beforehand in how to analyze dairies.”

    At the event co-hosted by Dordt University, Iowa State University and South Dakota State University, students also participated in team-building activities, met professionals to learn about industry topics and networked at a career and innovation fair.

    Fresno State prepped for the national event by competing at the Western Regional Dairy Challenge March 5 to 7, organized by the University of Alberta in Camrose, Alberta. The regional event, one of four held nationally, included 77 students from 15 schools.

     After their presentations, judges selected Jackson’s and Bair’s team presentations as the best in their four-team panels, and Olivares and junior Jaleesa Sousa’s teams received runner-up honors.

    The host dairy posed a unique challenge for students, as the Canadian national production quota system limited some of their potential suggestions, such as increasing milk production or herd size. Fresno State instead offered feedback to increase profitability by improving health monitoring and reproduction practices for younger heifers, so more could be sold at higher prices to other dairies in the United States, which did not have production quotas or herd size limits.

    Like the national event, the regional contest was funded through the support of more than 100 agribusinesses and dairy producers, and was one of four held across the country.

    To prepare for both events, Fresno State students were advised by campus dairy supporters Rick Rocha (Valley Ag Software), Denise Athy (Valley Ag Software) and Ryan Cabrera (Ag West Financial Credit).

    Students also evaluated Central Valley dairies in the contest format that are operated by Fresno State alumni Caleb Zwart (Mineral King Dairy in Visalia), Matt Strickland (Double Creek Dairy in Merced), Alex DeJager (Vista Verde Dairy in Chowchilla) and Johnny Serpa (Black Diamond Dairy in Riverdale).

    A Jordan College endowment organized by another supporter, Tony Campos, helped fund the team’s travel to the regional event.

    “As they approach their careers, our students gained invaluable insight through the professional connections and networking at the event’s career fair and through our training,” said Townsend Graybeal, the assistant professor who served as the team’s coach. “This event is made possible by the generous support of our industry, which helps keep costs low, from registration to hotels, and allows more students to take advantage of this opportunity.”

    Graybeal, who joined the faculty this past fall and teaches dairy science classes, traveled with the students to both events. She also teaches the Advanced Commercial Dairy Management Evaluation Class (ASCI 164), a requirement for all dairy science students.

    “It was great watching the students come together as a team and come out of their shells,” Townsend Graybeal said. “They really bonded while they were learning about the industry, so it was a great return for the team, which hadn’t been active for several years. I’m incredibly proud of how hard they worked throughout the process. I know our graduating seniors will go on to do amazing things, and I’m excited to have several students returning to the team next year.”

    Graybeal said she was drawn to the Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education Department because of the teaching, research, campus dairy opportunities and strong ties to the industry. In recent years, she completed her doctoral degree, conducted animal genetic research and worked with undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Simi Valley native had previously received an undergraduate degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and conducted research at its campus dairy.

    Fresno State’s dairy program started in 1954, and its current facility is named after donor Manuel Mancebo, Jr., and Katye Mancebo. The unit has over 250 Jersey and Holstein cows, and gives classes and nearly 20 student assistants hands-on experience in dairy production, animal health and welfare and genetics. California is the nation’s leading state in milk production, and the Central Valley is the state’s leader.

    For Jackson, a dairy science major, her passion for the industry continues to grow, and she can see herself working in many areas. Following her role at the Fresno State dairy, she gained experience at Standard Cattle, a calf ranch and feedlot in San Joaquin, and now works at the Fresno State beef and sheep units. This summer, she will compete on a campus quiz bowl team at the Recriprocol Meat Conference in June before she finishes her dairy science degree this fall.

    “Dairy Challenge is something we have heard about from alumni who have shared their experiences, and we are thankful to have a team again at Fresno State,” Jackson said. ”This was an amazing experience that allowed us to learn more about the industry, connect with others through networking and build friendships with students from across the nation.” — Story contributed by Fresno State University

  • USJersey to Offer More than $47,00 in Scholarships

    The deadline is July 1 to apply for scholarship and educational awards administrated by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

    The AJCA has more than $47,000 in scholarship money to award to Jersey youth in 2026. This funding will go toward young Jersey enthusiasts pursuing a college or university degree or, in some cases, gaining hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey cattle. Junior or Lifetime members of the association with a 2.5 minimum grade point average, on a 4.0 scale, are eligible to apply for the awards.

    The Russell–Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies ($5,000) will be awarded to a graduate dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis), large animal veterinary practice, dairy production or manufacturing or dairy product marketing student.

    The Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship ($5,000) will be offered for the third time. Those who are incoming or current undergraduate students in any post education institute studying a dairy related major are eligible Applicants must also be working toward a two-or four-year degree and demonstrate satisfactory academic performance. Recipients can receive the scholarship a maximum of two times but must reapply for reconsideration.

    The Lineweaver Scholarship ($5,000) will be awarded to an undergraduate who has completed at least one year of study in a four-year program focused on dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis) or dairy products.

    The Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($3,250) will be awarded to a junior or senior undergraduate student seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing.

    The William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) is offered to those who will begin their studies at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2026. Students who have completed at least one year of their studies are eligible for the V.L. Peterson Scholarship($2,500). The Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,500) will be awarded to an eligible nominee in the Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.

    The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) was established from a generous donation of Bob and Pam Bignami, Orland, California, from the sale of BW Graduate-ET in 2020. Those who have graduated high school and attended Jersey Youth Academy are eligible to apply. These students must also be heading to or enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university majoring in an agricultural-based degree.

    The Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($2,000) will go to either an undergraduate or graduate student working toward a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing. Students must also demonstrate significant progress toward their intended degree and a clear intention of an agriculture career through coursework completion and a goal statement.

    The Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) is for continuing college students in any degree program area. The recipient of the AJCA Directors’ Scholarship ($1,500) is determined based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business. The Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award ($2,000) can be used for educational expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys.

    The recipient of the Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350) will be selected from among applicants for the national achievement contest and/or scholarship program to recognize abilities and leadership potential and, in turn, challenging the recipient to achieve his/her potential through continuing Jersey activities.

    Also, the Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award will be presented to an eligible resident of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia to be used for educational expenses or to travel to the All American Jersey Show and Sale, the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings or other Jersey educational activities. Applicants must be at least high school graduates, but not older than 36 years of age as of Jan. 1, 2026.

    Apply here: https://usjersey.com/wp-content/uploads/Youth/26_CowlesYouthAward.docx

    For application forms and instructions, visit the “Youth Corner” page on the USJersey website and select the scholarship option. Recipients will be recognized on Saturday, November 7 at the Youth Awards Ceremony held in Louisville, Ky.

    For more information, contact the AJCA by email at info@usjersey.com; or visit its web site at USJersey.com.     

    — Contributed by American Jersey Cattle Association

  • California FFA Foundation Supporters Recognized at 2025 National Convention

    California FFA is proud to celebrate a distinguished group of leaders, educators, and supporters recognized at the 2025 National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. This year, 22 California FFA Honorary American FFA Degree recipients were awarded, along with one recipient of the VIP citation.

    The Honorary American FFA Degree is awarded to individuals who have provided exceptional service at the national level to agriculture, agricultural education, or FFA. Recipients include educators, industry partners, community leaders, and advocates who go above and beyond to support FFA members and agricultural education programs. Individuals honored with the VIP citation have dedicated 20 years of service to FFA and agricultural education on a national level.

    Of the 22 individuals recognized nationally, four were nominated by the California FFA Foundation for their continued support of its mission to secure resources and partnerships that create opportunities for students across the state. This year’s California FFA Foundation honorees include Jenny Nicolau and Rebecca Bailey of the Almond Board of California; Emily Rooney, California FFA Foundation Board Member and Ag Council of California President; and Toni Lindeleaf, past California FFA Foundation Board Member. Additionally, Charles Parker, who recently retired from his role as State Supervisor for Agricultural Education and State FFA Advisor, received National FFA’s VIP Citation.

    “California FFA is strengthened by leaders who believe in students and serve as advocates for agricultural education across our state,” said Matt Patton, executive director of the California FFA Foundation. “These Honorary American FFA Degree and VIP Citation recipients have helped create opportunity, mentorship, and hands-on learning for FFA members across our state, and we are pleased to see their efforts recognized at the national level.”

    In addition to this year’s Foundation honorees, California FFA is proud to acknowledge the remaining Honorary American FFA Degree recipients: Mike Albiani, Joe Buffington, Sara Carney, Amber Charter, Peggy Flynn, Amanda Galan, JessaLee Goehring, Wesley Hunt, Amy Jacobsen, Johan Jacobsen, Julie Luxon, Celeste Morino, Jenny Lynn Oilar-Svejda, Gregory Osmundson, Mayra Osmundson, Jon Sellenrick, Lisa Wright and Mark Wright.

    About California Association, FFA, and the California FFA Foundation: The California Association, FFA, serves more than 108,000 students, developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The California FFA Foundation supports these efforts by securing resources and partnerships that make these opportunities possible for students statewide. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

    Facebook: @CaliforniaFFA | LinkedIn: @California-FFA-Association | Instagram: @californiaffa | TikTok: @officialcaliforniaffa

  • California Ag Leadership Foundation Announces Class 55 Fellows

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is proud to announce the selection of Class 55 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP), a distinguished group of emerging agricultural leaders who will engage in a 17-month intensive program designed to develop leadership skills and prepare them to lead in California’s dynamic agricultural industry.

    The Ag Leadership Program selects individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a deep commitment to advancing California agriculture. Over the course of the program, fellows participate in immersive experiences, including leadership seminars, national and international travel seminars, and hands-on projects that foster personal growth and drive industry impact.

    “Class 55 will be challenged to broaden their perspectives, expand their influence, and lead with purpose. They embody the very essence of CALF’s mission, to grow leaders who make a difference. This cohort will carry forward a legacy of service-driven leadership that will help ensure California agriculture thrives for generations to come,” said CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman (Class 49).

    Class 55 represents a wide range of agricultural sectors, including field crops, forestry, rice, tree crops, winegrapes, berries and water and brings diverse perspectives through their work in associations, government, agricultural services, and production.

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation has been cultivating leaders for over 55 years, with alumni contributing to policy development, industry advancement, and community engagement across the state and nation. The Class 55 cohort continues this tradition of leadership excellence.

    Class 55 fellows’ inaugural ceremony will take place on October 3rd in Fresno, California. For more information about the Ag Leadership program or to learn more about the Class 55 Fellows, visit agleaders.org Tickets and additional event information are available at agleaders.org/events

    Class 55 Fellows

    • Claire Aicken – County of San Diego AWM, Oceanside, CA
    • Jordan Albiani – Galt High School, Elk Grove, CA
    • Tommy Bottoms – Tremont Farms, Davis, CA
    • Morgan Campbell – Westside Water Authority, Bakersfield, CA
    • Sam Christopherson – Markon, Sacramento, CA
    • Natalie Collins – California Association of Winegrape Growers, Lodi, CA
    • Drew Crane – Crane Mills, Tehama, CA
    • Kelly Damewood – California Certified Organic Farmers, Santa Cruz, CA
    • Jared Davit – Jarran Ag Services, Yuba City, CA
    • Josh Enos – Carriere Family Farms, Glenn, CA
    • Lauren Fann – Almond Board of California, Modesto, CA
    • Omar Alexander Gonzalez-Benitez – Planasa LLC, Watsonville, CA
    • Lisa Howard – Tolenas Winery, Fairfield, CA
    • Casey Kirchhoff – Kirchhoff Family Wines, Clarksburg, CA
    • Kiaran Locy – California Prune Board, Sacramento, CA
    • Cesar Mendoza – BASF Corporation, Fresno, CA
    • Jordon Navarrot – Reclamation District 108, Grimes, CA
    • Jon Neugebauer – McArthur Farm Supply, McArthur, CA
    • Logan Robertson Huecker – Sequoia Riverlands Trust, Visalia, CA
    • Ryan Scott – Monterey Pacific, Templeton, CA
    • Emma Sertich – Center Safe Ag, Ventura, CA
    • Sadie Strain – Strain Farming Company, Arbuckle, CA
    • Kevin Voorhees – AgWest Farm Credit, San Luis Obispo, CA
    • Jeremy Wagner – County of San Mateo AWM, Redwood City, CA

    Class 55 Video: https://youtu.be/sHQCqXNq4hs

    About California Agricultural Leadership Foundation

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is dedicated to cultivating leaders who have the vision and capacity to advance, benefit, and promote California’s agricultural community. Since its founding in 1970, more than 1,400 fellows of the California Agricultural Leadership Program have become lifelong leaders, serving as catalysts for a vibrant agricultural industry and making lasting contributions to their businesses, communities, and families. CALF delivers a comprehensive and diverse leadership curriculum in collaboration with its five partner universities: UC Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, Fresno State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Chico State.

  • Proficiency Award Winners at 97th State FFA Leadership Conference

    California FFA is proud to recognize the winners of the Agricultural Proficiency Awards, announced during the 97th State FFA Leadership Conference held from April 3 to April 6 in Sacramento. These prestigious awards honor FFA members who have developed specialized skills through their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), which are integral to agricultural education and help prepare students for career success.

    The Supervised Agricultural Experience program, which has been a part of agricultural education since 1917, offers students an individualized application of the career and life skills taught in agricultural education courses beyond scheduled class time. Whether through student-led businesses, work-based learning, or research projects, SAEs give students hands-on experience that enhances their classroom learning and aligns with their individual interests in agriculture.

    Proficiency awards celebrate students who have applied their SAEs to real-world settings and even career pathways. The awards acknowledge excellence in diverse areas, including agricultural communications, wildlife management, and many other fields, all of which prepare students for success in agriculture and related industries.

    At this year’s annual State FFA Leadership Conference, 44 students were named winners of their respective award categories. This honor qualifies these students to compete in the national competition, where they will represent California and contend with other state association winners for national recognition.

    After an extensive interview and application process, four national finalists in each proficiency area will be honored on stage at the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis in October. The following is a full list of this year’s winners:

    Agricultural Communications: Saray Madriz Alcaraz, Madera FFA

    Agricultural Education: Kaycee Van Horn, Santa Maria FFA

    Agricultural Mechanics Design/Fabrication: Trevor Wright, Hollister-San Benito FFA

    Agricultural Mechanics Repair/Maintenance Entrepreneurship: Lucas Pulse, Atascadero FFA

    Agricultural Mechanics Repair/Maintenance Placement: Alden Hansard, Atwater FFA

    Agricultural Processing: Gavin Ames, Lakeside-El Capitan FFA

    Agricultural Sales Entrepreneurship: Anabel Quintana, Lodi-Tokay FFA

    Agricultural Sales Placement: Brandon Flores, Gonzalez FFA

    Agricultural Services: Addison Bond, Palo Cedro-Foothill FFA

    Agriscience Research – Animal Systems: Ari Rutman, Gilroy FFA

    Agriscience Research – Integrated System: Riley Piehl, Santa Rosa FFA

    Agriscience Research – Plant Systems: Juliana Carroll, St. Helena FFA

    Beef Production Entrepreneurship: Peyton Wood, Yreka FFA

    Beef Production Placement: Hayley Byrd, Corning FFA

    Dairy Production Entrepreneurship: Mykell Mull, Chowchilla FFA

    Dairy Production Placement: Lauren Silveira, Chowchilla FFA

    Diversified Agricultural Production: Nicholas Bonomi, Sanger FFA

    Diversified Crop Production Entrepreneurship: Owen Baffunno, Los Banos FFA

    Diversified Crop Production Placement: Weston LaGrande, Arbuckle-Pierce FFA

    Diversified Horticulture: Sophia Sisil, Madera-Liberty FFA

    Diversified Livestock: Joseph Schnohr, Gridley FFA

    Environmental Science/Nat Resources: Jacob Zuniga, St Helena FFA

    Equine Science Entrepreneurship: Jacey Tweedy, Sanger FFA

    Equine Science Placement: Genevieve Atwell, Cottonwood-West Valley FFA

    Forage Production: Jack Majors, Visalia-Central Valley Christian FFA

    Forest Management/Products: David Guerra, Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley FFA

    Fruit and Nut Production: Rafael Rodriguez Gaytan, Riverdale FFA

    Goat Production: Mathew Machado, Madera FFA

    Grain Production Placement: Lane Dunbar, Nicolaus-East Nicolaus FFA

    Landscape Installation: Christopher Tornero, Madera FFA

    Nursery Operations: Chase Weiland, Wildomar-Elsinore FFA

    Outdoor Recreation: Nicolas Bump, Marysville FFA

    Poultry Production: Taleah Lusk, Altaville-Bret Hart FFA

    Service Learning: Andrea Guzman-Soto, Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley FFA

    Sheep Production: Elizabeth Wagster, Atascadero FFA

    Small Animal Production and Care: Dylan Cardey, Atwater FFA

    Specialty Animal Production: Madison Stayer, Palo Cedro-Foothill FFA

    Specialty Crop Production: Rebekah Villalobos, Atwater FFA

    Swine Production Entrepreneurship: Kallie Loogman, Hanford FFA

    Swine Production Placement: Grace Curry, Hughson FFA

    Turf Grass and Landscape Management: Jose Avalos, Galt FFA

    Vegetable Production: Charles Ferguson, Lemoore FFA

    Veterinary Medicine: Peyton Heermance, Altaville-Bret Hart FFA

    Wildlife Management: Mori Stidman, Visalia-VTEC FFA

    About California FFA: California FFA serves more than 105,000 students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

  • California FFA Announces State Star Award Winners at 97th State FFA Leadership Conference

    California FFA is proud to announce the 2025 winners of the prestigious State Star Awards. Winners were announced at the closing session of the 97th State FFA Leadership Conference on April 6 in Sacramento.

    The State Star Awards are designed to recognize exceptional FFA members who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs). SAEs, which have been a part of agricultural education since 1917, offer students an individualized application of the career and life skills taught in agricultural education courses beyond scheduled class time.

    After an extensive application process, finalists demonstrating outstanding management abilities in production, agribusiness, agricultural placement, and agriscience were selected in each of the six regions. These FFA members represent the best of the best, exhibiting excellence in all aspects of their agricultural endeavors, demonstrating strong leadership skills, and participating in their local FFA chapter. California FFA is proud to announce this year’s winners:

    Star Farmer: The Star Farmer Award recognizes an FFA member who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in an entrepreneurial production agriculture SAE. This award celebrates those who have exhibited excellence in agricultural production, finance, and management while maintaining active involvement in FFA. This year’s Star Farmer is Peyton Wood from Yreka FFA. Wood owns and operates a registered cow/calf operation as well as numerous market projects in beef, sheep, and poultry in Siskiyou County. Wood has developed production techniques to maximize livestock quality and efficiency through breeding, nutrition, pasture management, maintenance of breed association records, and marketing her registered breeding animals and finished market projects.

    Star Agribusiness, Adrian Sanchez, Madera FFA

    Star in Agribusiness: The Star in Agribusiness Award honors a student for exceptional achievement in an entrepreneurial agribusiness SAE. This award is presented to individuals who focus on agricultural sales, services, or other entrepreneurial endeavors. Whether through sales, service, or innovation, the recipient must demonstrate outstanding business acumen and leadership. The 2025 Star in Agribusiness Award goes to Adrian Sanchez from Madera FFA, who has excelled in his fabrication business, where he designs and builds custom orders for customers all over the state. Through his SAE, Sanchez has successfully developed and managed all aspects of his business, including working with customers, financial record-keeping, ordering supplies, and designing and building projects.

    Star Placement, Alden Hansard, Atwater

    Star in Agricultural Placement: The Star in Agricultural Placement Award celebrates a student who has excelled in an employment-based SAE, including work-based learning opportunities. The awardee should gain real-world experience throughout his or her SAE, all while contributing to the greater agricultural workforce. The 2025 recipient of the Star in Agricultural Placement Award is Alden Hansard from Atwater FFA. Hansard started working at Cal Farm in 2020 as a part-time mechanic and salesman, where he was responsible for inspecting equipment and ordering parts. In 2022, he joined Diamond J Custom Farming as a repair mechanic, servicing and restoring farm equipment. Through his employment, Hansard has gained invaluable skills and work ethic through his daily duties of maintaining tractors and trucks, troubleshooting issues, and ordering parts.

    Star Agriscience, Salyn Meas, El Capitan FFA

    Star in Agriscience Award: The Star in Agriscience Award recognizes an FFA member whose SAE is focused on advancing agricultural science, research, and innovation. This award is designed for students who apply their curiosity to solve problems and answer questions within the agricultural industry. The 2025 Star in Agriscience Award goes to Salyn Meas from Lakeside-El Capitan FFA. Throughout her FFA career, Meas has successfully completed four agriscience projects, each contributing to groundbreaking research. Through each experiment, she has demonstrated a passion for scientific exploration in agriculture, furthering the impact of innovation and student research.

    About California FFA: California FFA serves more than 105,000 students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

  • CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE Reaches Every Head Start Student in Calaveras County

    In Calaveras County, a preschooler was helping his instructor pick up some class equipment when he announced proudly: “I’m really strong because I eat a lot of protein!”

    “That’s right!” replied Mary Manning, a CalFresh Healthy Living nutrition educator with the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Central Sierra office. “And protein makes you what…?”

    “GROW!” proclaimed the young boy, flexing his muscles.

    This vignette illustrates the memorable impact of programs administered by CalFresh Healthy Living, UC – one of the organizations in California that teaches nutrition and promotes physical activity for people eligible for SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. UCCE educators – affiliated with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources – deliver the lessons throughout the state.

    Manning partners with The Resource Connection, a nonprofit based in San Andreas, to offer nutrition programs at six Head Start and two Early Head Start sites across Calaveras County.

    “Our program reaches every single Head Start student in the county, which I think is fantastic because it sets the template and lays the groundwork for health in these kids’ lives,” said Noah Cooke, community education supervisor for CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE Central Sierra. “They’re learning – as three-, four-, and five-year-olds – skills that are going to be useful when they’re 74 or 75 and beyond.

    Noah Cooke

    In addition to delivering nutrition lessons for the 113 preschoolers currently at the eight sites, the CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE team incorporates physical education activities, as well as useful newsletters and virtual meetings for family members. After a pause due to COVID, The Resource Connection staff and participants were delighted when in-person programs restarted in fall 2023.

    “The goal is to reach students and families on a lot of different levels,” said Cooke, who also works with CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE educator Mariana Garcia to support programs across the region.

    Cooke noted that the preschoolers are only just beginning their health and well-being journey with CalFresh Healthy Living, UC programs. After the young students graduate from the Head Start program, they will continue to benefit from nutrition education programs at the elementary, middle and high school levels. By partnering with teachers, administrators and site staff across Calaveras County, CFHL UCCE served nearly 1,600 students in schools and before- and after-school settings from October 2023 through September 2024.

    Physical activities engage young students in lessons

    While the frequency and content of her visits vary across the various sites and facilities, Manning – who was trained in classical ballet and has extensive experience teaching dance to children – always incorporates a lot of movement and energy into her lesson plans.

    As part of the curriculum, educators incorporate energetic physical activities, such as “parading around” the yard, for the Head Start students.

    In addition to “parading around” cones while pretending they are sharks, crabs or other animals, the young students also especially enjoy making the gestures that symbolize the “Go, Glow, Grow” nutrition curriculum.

    For “Go” foods like grains and carbohydrates, they run in place. For “Glow” foods like fruits and vegetables that make their hair shine and eyes sparkle, they touch their hair and wiggle their fingers by their eyes. For “Grow” foods like protein and dairy, they flex their muscles and jump up and down.

    Manning has heard from the Head Start teachers that the students’ parents are seeing those lessons in action.

    “They’re at the grocery store and their child is pointing out the different foods and what type of food it is, whether it makes them ‘grow’ or makes them ‘go’ – that’s so exciting for the parents,” Manning said.

    Mary Manning

    Another direct impact is that many of the children become more willing to taste new foods.

    “I love how Mary allows children to actively engage in trying new foods and physical activity,” said the lead teacher at West Point Head Start. “Our friends have made connections through nutrition, physical activity and a healthy body.”

    At the end of each visit, Manning incorporates a sampling of foods related to the theme or lesson for the day. While the fruits are almost universally well-received, some of the young ones are more reluctant to taste the vegetables. Manning teaches them a positive alternative to rejecting a particular item.

    “I’ll urge them to say, ‘not today,’” she explained. “I don’t want to them say ‘I don’t like it’ because they might like it tomorrow or the next day – or in five years!”

    Newsletters highlight healthy recipes for families

    Just as the children are trying new things in class, their parents and family members are trying new recipes, thanks to monthly “Harvest of the Month” newsletters written in English and Spanish. Prepared by Garcia and the CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE team, each issue highlights different ingredients and how to prepare them in novel and delicious ways.

    “We’re really just trying to incorporate healthy living into the day-by-day,” Cooke said.

    As a result of CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE efforts, young children try healthy new foods and their families try new recipes.

    Manning puts together a different newsletter – translated into Spanish by Garcia – for families that receive items from The Food Bank, administered by The Resource Connection. She said she’s constantly trying to think of recipes that make creative use of common food bank items, such as beans, lentils and peanut butter – and different ways to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables.

    “It’s hard when money’s tight and it’s easier and less expensive to buy that processed food and serve those,” Manning said.

    Between teaching the children in the Head Start and Early Head Start program and reaching families through the newsletter and recently launched virtual meetings, CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE is making a real difference in the lives of community members.

    “In Calaveras County, our impact has been more than I could have ever imagined,” Manning said. “I love the work we do; I’m so thankful that I’m able to do this, because it fills me with so much joy.”

    UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, economic and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu.

  • SEEAG’s First Annual Spring Celebration Seeking Sponsors

    Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is seeking sponsors for its First Annual Spring Celebration. The event will honor the farms and people of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties who create the food we eat. The celebration is Saturday, May 10 at the Stow House in Goleta from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

    Those attending will enjoy a curated farm-to-table brunch prepared by Seasons Catering featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from SEEAG’s Ventura and Santa Barbara farm partners.

    Each year, SEEAG’s team educates and inspires over 15,000 students and community members throughout both counties about the value of local agriculture and how food is grown. “We are able to provide all our programs completely free,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, SEEAG executive director. “That’s only possible because of the generous donations we receive.”

    The actual cost of SEEAG’s Farm-to-Food Lab, a 3-part program for second graders, is $65 per student. For its STEM Career Pathways in Ag, a 3-part program for high schoolers, the true cost is $86 per student. Its Farm Day/Every Day year-round farm tours program for all ages costs $38 per participant. “Every dollar raised makes it possible to keep these programs accessible to all,” says Paulus-Case. “They give everyone the opportunity to learn about our local food systems and the benefits of eating healthy.”

    Spring Celebration attendees will be able to visit booths to learn about each of SEEAG’s programs, take home fresh-cut bouquets and seedlings, and bid on locally crafted auction items.
    Sponsors already signed up include the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, Gene Haas Foundation Gills Onions, AgWest Farm Credit, Montecito Bank & Trust, The Land Trust For Santa Barbara County, LightGabler LLP and Duda Farm Fresh Foods.

    Five levels of sponsorship are available. SEEAG is also accepting auction items and locally grown food products to be part of the food presentation by Seasons Catering.
    To learn more about sponsorship and donation opportunities, go to https://www.seeag.org/spring-celebration or contact Liz Shura, SEEAG’s Director of Business Operations, at liz@seeag.org, 805-892-8155.

    About SEEAG
    Founded in 2008, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that aims to help young students understand the origins of their food by bridging the gap between agriculture and consumption through its agricultural education programming. SEEAG’s “The Farm Lab” program teaches schoolchildren about the origins of their food and the importance of local farmland by providing schools with classroom agricultural education and free field trips to farms. Through this and other SEEAG programs, over 100,000 elementary school students in Central and Southern California have increased their understanding of the food journey. For more information, visitwww.seeag.org or email Caitlin Paulus-Case, caitlin@seeag.org.

  • Westlands Water District Appoints Brad Cavallo as Science Advisor

    Westlands Water District is pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Cavallo as its new Science Advisor. In this key role, Mr. Cavallo will provide scientific expertise and strategic guidance on water management, environmental compliance, regulatory matters, and scientific investigations. He will also collaborate closely with state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and key stakeholders to ensure water management decisions are grounded in sound science.
    A highly respected expert in fisheries science and water management, Mr. Cavallo has spent more than 25 years tackling complex fish and water supply and delivery challenges throughout California’s Central Valley, leading cutting-edge research on water operations, fish populations, and habitat restoration in the Bay-Delta ecosystem.

    “Brad Cavallo’s deep expertise in fisheries science and water management will be a tremendous asset to Westlands,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager of Westlands Water District. “His extensive background as a biologist and leader in environmental research—combined with his track record of developing innovative, evidence-based solutions—will strengthen our ability to address California’s evolving water challenges while balancing the needs of agriculture, fisheries, and communities.”

    Most recently, Mr. Cavallo served as Vice President and Principal Scientist at Cramer Fish Sciences, where he played a key role in shaping fisheries research and policy. Previously, he worked as a Senior Environmental Scientist for the California Department of Water Resources and a Fisheries Biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

    “There are real opportunities to improve water supply reliability for Californians while also supporting the health of important fish species like Chinook salmon,” said Brad Cavallo. “I’m excited to collaborate with the highly talented Westlands team and its partners to advance science-based solutions that benefit both water users and the environment.”

    Mr. Cavallo holds a Master of Science in Aquatic Ecology from the University of Montana and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from the University of California, Davis. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications on fisheries management, water operations, and ecosystem dynamics.

    He officially began his new role on March 17, 2025.

    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 seven 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.