California Ag Network

Category: Education

  • Best Practices Video for Field Crew During Citrus Harvest for Pest/Disease Prevention

    To provide industry members, including field crews, with best practices to prevent the spread of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) in California’s citrus groves, the Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program has developed a mobile-friendly, Spanish-language field crew training video that can be used by field crew supervisors and farm labor contractors prior to harvest.
     
    This video, which stems directly from our in-person train-the-trainer workshops, provides an overview of best practices for field crews to prevent Huanglongbing (HLB) from threatening the California citrus industry’s livelihood and infecting commercial groves.
     

    A direct, downloadable version of this video is available here.

    We all must do our part if we’re going to protect California citrus from this disease – and field crews are at the forefront. For additional resources and videos, please visit CitrusInsider.org/Resources.

  • Students Keep Campus Farm Active While Classes Operate Virtually

    Like other essential agricultural operations across the Central Valley, the Fresno State University Agricultural Laboratory has kept up a near-normal pace over the past month, thanks to its workforce that relies partially on students who are dedicated to gaining hands-on, career experience.

    The 1,000-acre campus farm surrounds the Fresno State campus to the north, west and east edges and mirrors the diversity of the surrounding counties that lead nation in agricultural production.

    The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology’s 2,300 students rely on the farm as a valuable learning resource for classes, as do campus researchers, industry partners and other area schools that learn where their food comes from through student, staff and faculty presentations.

    Public tours have stopped, but livestock student workers and managers still provide daily care for the beef and dairy cattle, quarter horse, sheep and swine units.

    Campus fruit and nut orchards, row vegetable crops and vineyards also need continual management and occasional irrigation to keep production schedules on track to provide produce for customers at the Gibson Farm Market on campus.

    Campus winery, creamery and meat processing facilities are also still providing fresh products and are among the 22 enterprises coordinated by Mark Salwasser.

    The campus farm manager is a 1988 Fresno State plant science graduate and has also managed row crop, orchard and vineyard units in his 29 years working on the farm.

    He recently gave an update on farm operations, campus sweet corn and other potential changes.

    FresnoStateNews.com: How has the COVID-19 situation and campus access restrictions affected the campus farm?

    Mark Salwasser: We’re still in business, moving forward and keeping up with social distancing. We feel that agriculture is an essential element of our society, and grocery stores need to stay open to some extent. We are going to keep growing food and raising animals, and that’s why we’re still here working as much as possible.

    FSN: How important is it to keep the farm operating from a production standpoint?

    Salwasser: Shutting it down would be a drastic measure, especially for some units like the dairy. Moving cows out, and then later trying to start back up would be a challenge. Also, the orchards are a year-round, long-term investment that need to be managed regularly to keep them healthy and productive. We’re trying to keep business as usual as much as possible.

    FSN: How have the social distancing measures come into play among the farm staff?

    Salwasser: We’re keeping our workers separated as much as possible. In the ag operations office, we normally have five people, but only two are there right now including myself. The others who work with our budget and administrative needs are working from home.

    FSN: Have any of your units created online resources for class labs?

    Salwasser: Our horticulture nursery is a big resource for plant science labs this time of year, and I think seven classes were using it this semester. We’ve retooled it a little so student workers are doing the transplants that classes would have done and are sold at the farm market. We’re also creating some online teaching resources for the students to use for their classes via photos and Zoom, and collecting data for them for their assignments and projects.

    FSN: How does the summer sweet corn season look so far?

    Salwasser: We have had sweet corn planned out well in advance since seeds need to get planted early to meet our goal to have corn at the farm market by the end of May or early June. We’ve already had eight plantings, and that continued in between rainy weather and wet soil, and will continue on in stages to keep an ample supply throughout the summer. We expect to have the same supply of sweet corn as in the past, about 70 acres, and we’re excited to kick off the 2020 corn season. We’re happy with the planting so far.

    FSN: How has the winter weather affected operations in recent months?

    Salwasser: The winter has been atypical. It’s unusual to have such dry soil in February and early March, so we’ve had to irrigate crops like corn, wheat, alfalfa, almonds and other early blooming trees and the vineyard. After the moisture in late March and April, hopefully we have enough snow to get some surface water when we need it in the later spring and summer. A few weeks ago we were struggling with dry soil and planting sweet corn and pre-irrigating, and then we had the fields that were too wet to get into for several days.

    FSN: Any new things to look for at the Gibson Farm Market?

    Salwasser: We’re growing strawberries for the first time in several years. We were trying to give customers another product in the early spring time to go with the asparagus. They’re selling really well, and we’re just getting into the production levels since the rain has slowed their growth in recent weeks.

    FSN: Any other things to look for on the campus farm this month?

    Salwasser: The winery is doing a special $5 shipping sale in April for orders of three packs or more shipped around the state. They’re also planning on canning our Tailgate wines for the first time in 375-milliliter single cans — a little over 12 ounces — and four-packs that will be fan-friendly for the football games. They’ll also tentatively continue their bottling dates if they can.

    FSN: What about any changes in the summer and fall?

    Salwasser: We’re transitioning our full olive orchard into organic status, and we’re in the final stage of the three-year phase, which will be completed in August. We grow three varieties — Koroniki, Arbosana and Arbequina — and those olives lend themselves to being organic because they don’t have a lot of insect issues, and the returns are significant for organic olive oil. We also wanted some more organic ground on the farm.

    FSN: For those who drive by the farm near Sierra Avenue, what’s the new orchard out there and how does that play into the farm’s long-range plans and needs?

    Salwasser: To help our long-term economic sustainability, we just planted 36 acres of new almonds to replace a section of alfalfa. We may add another 35 acres of almonds and 36 acres of pistachios in the winter of 2020-21, but we’ll need some industry support. We pulled out 35 acres of almonds that needed to be retired about one and a half years ago, and that’s where the new almond block would go in next year. The new pistachio block, which could be used for research that is in high demand, would go just east of the current block in a section of alfalfa. Beyond that, a third phase would be to retire another 27-acre block of older almonds in two to five years.

    FSN: Is the Gibson Farm Market still open normal hours?

    Salwasser: Yes, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Certain areas are selling well like our meats section, so our meats lab has picked up production. The creamery is also continuing to focus on making ice cream and cheese. We’re trying to keep it open for our community, for our neighbors and friends to help provide key food products for students and area families.

  • UnitedAg Announces 2020 Scholarship Recipients for 60 Students

    UnitedAg announced the 2020 recipients of the Agribusiness Education Foundation’s educational scholarship. The member-owned agricultural trade association awarded sixty students from agricultural communities across California and Arizona a combined $75,000.

    Each year, the association’s Board of Directors and the Foundation’s Education Committee spotlight two outstanding applicants with top awards. Karli Lundberg (affiliated with Babe Farms, Inc.) earned the Maurice McMillan Award. Allyson Tomasello (affiliated with Produce West, Inc.) received the William C. Goodrich Scholarship, created in honor of the late UnitedAg founder.

    The scholarship funds are for use during the 2020-2021 academic year and can be applied towards tuition costs, fees, books and room and board. Previous UnitedAg scholarship winners have earned degrees and taken their place in management, government, market development and foreign trade, with many working in agribusiness.

    Since its first award in 1989, the Agribusiness Education Foundation has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarship monies to over 900 students.

    2020 Scholarship Recipients 

    Maurice McMillan Memorial Scholarship Award

    Karli Lundberg, Babe Farms, Inc., (Santa Maria, CA)

    William C. Goodrich Scholarship Award

    Allyson Tomasello, Produce West, Inc., (Salinas, CA)

    California Recipients

    Bakersfield

    Miranda Devan, Braga Fresh Foods

    Calexico

    Andrea Soto, Foothill Packing

    Castroville

    Diviana Navarro, Watsonville Coast Produce

    Chico

    Ryan Calbert, Wizard Manufacturing, Inc.

    Dinuba

    Kandra Salinas, Citrus Research Board

    Firebaugh

    Sandy Rubio, Toma-Tek

    Fresno

    Venissia Garcia, Nichols Farms, Inc.

    Denver Noell, Nichols Pistachio

    Gilroy

    Brenda Barragan, Christopher Ranch, LLC

    Glenn

    Ashlynn Geiger, McCorkle Farms, Inc.

    Greenfield

    Elizabeth Acevedo, Fresh Foods, Inc.

    Hanford

    Oscar Garcia-Medina, Dover Dairy Farms

    King City

    Belinda Silva Chavez, South County Packing

    Kingsburg

    Madelynn Reed, Mountain View Cold Storage, LLC

    La Grange

    Brandon Harden, Green Rubber-Kennedy Ag, LP

    Merced

    Emely Cruz, Church Brothers, LLC

    Monterey

    Jennifer Burton, Ippolito International

    Oxnard

    Edgar Lopez, Saticoy Lemon Association

    Cesar Rivera, Ventura Pacific Co.

    Arianna Sanchez, Saticoy Lemon Association

    Salinas

    Ricky Alvarez, The Nunes Company, Inc./ Blanco

    Kenya Burton, Markon Cooperative, Inc.

    Lizbeth De La Torre, Ramco Employment Services

    Benjamin Eastman, Brent Eastman Insurance Services., Inc.

    Mercedez Espino, Green Rubber-Kennedy Ag, LP

    Miriam Garcia Cendejas, Elkhorn Packing Co., LLC

    Maria Medina, Ramco Employment Services

    Selena Medina Medrano, Ramco Employment Services

    Melody Neely Cabrera, Sea Mist Farms

    Allyson Tomasello, Produce West, Inc.

    San Ardo

    Aaron Hernandez, McIntyre Labor Service, Inc.

    San Diego

    Bryan Amaro, Pacific Ag Consulting

    Santa Maria

    Eddie Lundberg, Babe Farms, Inc.

    Santa Paula

    Osvaldo Ambriz Magana, Saticoy Lemon Association

    Katherine Miller, Saticoy Lemon Association

    Elizabeth Miller, Saticoy Lemon Association

    Soledad

    Rachel Costa, Foothill Packing

    Michelle Flores-Leon, Braga Ranch

    Rebeca Gallaga, Ramco Employment Services

    Cristian Vargas, Al Pak Labor

    Adriana Vargas Mendoza, Braga Ranch

    Tulare

    David Fagundes, Bosman Dairy

    Jazmin Rios Martinez, Nichols Farms, Inc.

    Turlock

    Hannah Ryan, Associated Feed & Supply

    Valley Center

    Jenna Stehly, Nick Stehly Farms, Inc.

    Ventura

    Josef Martinez, Ventura Pacific Co.

    Visalia

    Isabella Argueta, Nichols Farms, Inc.

    Brendon Atsma, Angiola Dairy

    America Huipio-Piedra, Nichols Pistachio

    Michele Noell, Nichols Farms, Inc.

    Alondra Sanchez, Nichols Farms, Inc.

    Brian Valencia, Nichols Farms, Inc.

    Watsonville

    Jason Gonzalez, Henry Hibino Farms, LLC

    Kevin Gonzalez, Henry Hibino Farms, LLC

    Arturo Infante II, Ocean Mist Farms, Inc.

    Arizona Recipients

    Avondale

    Maria De Jesus Rizo, Duncan Family Farms

    San Luis

    Jaydi Ramirez, Valley Pride, Inc.

    Tolleson

    Melanie Rodriguez, Duncan Family Farms

    Yuma

    Alberto Rivera Torres, Foothill Packing

    About the Scholarship Program

    Established in 1989, the scholarship program provides financial assistance to UnitedAg-affiliated students in any major of study. Previous scholarship winners have taken their place in management, government, market development, international sales and foreign trade. Some students have gone on to pursue advanced graduate studies.

    About the Agribusiness Education Foundation

    Founded in 2000, the Agribusiness Education Foundation (AEF) assists members, employees of members and their families pave their way to educational and future success. The Foundation empowers the ag community through financial assistance, business skills education and leadership development.

    About UnitedAg

    Founded in 1980, UnitedAg is a multi-commodity member-owned agricultural trade association dedicated to providing innovative healthcare solutions for a strong and healthy agricultural industry. Our over 1,000 agriculture affiliated member organizations network and share creative ways to transform our ever-changing industry. UnitedAg strives to bring innovative health benefits and solutions to agribusiness by meeting our member’s employee health benefits needs, advocating for ag with lawmakers and helping members comply with regulations.  Based in Irvine, Calif., UnitedAg has offices in Oxnard, Corona, Salinas, Fresno and Santa Maria. For more information, visit www.unitedag.org or contact Maribel Ochoa at 949.471.3206 or mochoa@unitedag.org.

  • USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in California

    (Washington, D.C., April 24, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced California and Connecticut have been approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), a new program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), signed by President Trump, which provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures.

    Background:

    California and Connecticut will be able to operate Pandemic EBT, a supplemental food purchasing benefit to current SNAP participants and as a new EBT benefit to other eligible households to offset the cost of meals that would have otherwise been consumed at school. For the 2019-2020 school year, California had approximately 3.9 million children eligible for free-and reduced-priced lunch, or about 63% of children in participating schools. For the 2019-2020 school year, Connecticut had approximately 269,000 children eligible for free-and reduced-priced lunch, or about 54% of children in participating schools. Previous announcements of approvals for Pandemic EBT include: Michigan, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Arizona, Illinois, Alabama, and Wisconsin.

    Under FFCRA, states have the option to submit a plan to the Secretary of Agriculture for providing these benefits to SNAP and non-SNAP households with children who have temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to pandemic-related school closures. State agencies may operate Pandemic EBT when a school is closed for at least five consecutive days during a public health emergency designation during which the school would otherwise be in session.

    The implementation of Pandemic EBT is in line with USDA’s commitment to keep Americans safe, secure, and healthy during this national emergency and to keep kids fed when schools are closed. USDA is working with states and local authorities to ensure schools and other program operators can continue to feed children. This latest action complements previously-announced flexibilities for the child nutrition programs that:

    • Allow parents and guardians to pick up meals to bring home to their kids;
    • Temporarily waive meal times requirements to make it easier to pick up multiple-days’ worth of meals at once;
    • Allow meals be served in non-congregate settings to support social distancing;
    • Waive the requirement that afterschool meals and snacks served through certain programs be accompanied by educational activities to minimize exposure to the novel coronavirus; and
    • Allow states, on an individual state-by-state basis, to serve free meals to children in all areas, rather than only those in areas where at least half of students receive free or reduced-price meals.

    Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of actions that USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has taken to uphold the USDA’s commitment to “Do Right and Feed Everyone” during this national emergency. Other actions include:

    • Launching a new coronavirus webpage to proactively inform the public about USDA’s efforts to keep children and families fed;
    • Providing more than one million meals a week through public-private partnership Meals to You;
    • Increasing access to online purchasing by expanding the online purchasing pilot to more than half of all SNAP households;
    • Debuting “Meals for Kids” interactive site finder – to help families find meals for children while schools are closed across more than 38,000 locations;
    • Allowing states to issue emergency supplemental SNAP benefits totaling more than $2 billion per month to increase recipients’ purchasing power;
    • Collecting solutions to feeding children impacted through feedingkids@usda.gov; and
    • Providing more than 1,500 administrative flexibilities in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow for social distancing.

    These actions and more are part of USDA’s focus on service during the COVID-19 outbreak. To learn more about FNS’s response to COVID-19, visit www.fns.usda.gov/coronavirus.

    USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers 15 nutrition assistance programs that leverage American’s agricultural abundance to ensure children and low-income individuals and families have nutritious food to eat. FNS also co-develops the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide science-based nutrition recommendations and serve as the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy.

    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

  • 15th Western Regional Dairy Challenge® Recap; National Contest Cancelled

    66 students from eight Western U.S. universities and one Canadian college traveled to Modesto, California, for the 15th annual Western Dairy Challenge on February 20 – 22, 2020. The contest was hosted by Modesto Junior College.

    The Western Regional Dairy Challenge is a three-day educational competition designed to prepare students for dairy careers. Working in mixed-university teams of four or five students, participants assessed all aspects of a working dairy farm, including facilities, nutrition, financials, reproduction and animal health. Students collaborated on a 20-minute team presentation that detailed their observations and suggestions to a panel of judges. Teams were ranked based on how well their evaluations matched the judges’ evaluations of the dairy operation. 

    On Thursday students learned about the structure of function of Hilmar Cheese at the Hilmar Cheese Visitor Center.  Next, students participated in a team building event, where they met their teammates from other universities and competed in these teams to make cheese.  As part of the team building exercise, they competed to determine which team had the highest yielding cheese production. They also kicked off the competition portion of the and spent the evening diving into the host dairy’s records to assess the strengths and weaknesses that show up in the numbers. 

    On Friday morning, the teams headed out to the local host dairy that graciously opened their doors to the students.  They spent 3 1/2 hours walking the facility, observing the cows and the management aspects of the operation. Following the on-farm assessment, the students participated in a question and answer session with the owner of the dairy. Sponsors and volunteers attending the event networked with and mentored the students throughout the weekend.

    On Saturday morning, students presented their findings to a panel of judges made up of a nutritionist, a veterinarian, a financial analyst and a dairy producer who ranked them on their presentation and conclusions. Students also had the opportunity to hear the judging panel’s full critique of the dairy’s opportunities to round out this learning experience.

    1st Place Teams: 

     

    Team 6 – Strawberry 

    Rebecca Hedges (University of Alberta), Lars Schilderink (Cal Poly State University – SLO), Katelin Baker (Washington State University), Anthony Buzzetti (University of Idaho), Madison Zamaroni (University of California, Davis

     

    Team 7 – Olive 

    Alex Kelly (University of Idaho), Logan Real (California State University – Fresno), Kristofer Yelderman (Utah State University), Kolin Stock (Cal Poly State University – SLO), Karen Visscher (University of Alberta)

     Team 8 – Orange

    Summer Call (Cal Poly State University – SLO), Mariah Richards (Utah State University), Shai Searcy (Texas A&M University), Nathan Tollenaar (Cal Poly State University – SLO), Magnus Yoshimura (Washington State University) 

    2nd Place Teams: 

     Team 2 – Almond 

    Michael Campbell (Utah State University), Gerrit de Jong (Cal Poly State University), Courtnee Hainstock (University of Alberta), Regan Highsmith (Washington State University, Calissa Lubben (South Dakota State University), Mykaela Owens (University of Idaho)  

    Team 4 – Carrot

    Jordan Bairos (California State University – Fresno), Kailey Foster (Utah State University), Trevor Maciel (Cal Poly State University – SLO), Logan Papinchak (Texas A&M University), Joseph Terry (University of California, Davis)

     Team 12 – Lemon

    Natalie Koke (Texas A&M University), Kylee Elmore (University of Idaho), Nicolaus Machado (California State University – Fresno), Danica Valencia (Cal Poly State University – SLO), Jenna Van Wyk (South Dakota State University)

    A committee of dairy industry representatives organized the Dairy Challenge, led by local host volunteers. In addition, a long list of volunteers was important to the competition’s success, as is the case for every Dairy Challenge event. To volunteer or become a sponsor for the 2021 contest, contact Molly Kelley at mollyk@dairychallenge.org or go to dairychallenge.org for more information. All contributions are tax deductible and contributing sponsor listings are available on the website. 

     The Western Regional Dairy Challenge is under the guidance and support of the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC), which was established in April 2002 as a collegiate management contest to incorporate evaluation of all aspects of a specific dairy business. For more information, visit www.dairychallenge.org.

     COVID-19 Update

    It is with great disappointment that we also share that North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge slated for March 26th to 28, 2020, in Green Bay, WI, has been cancelled. The safety of the students and volunteers planning to participate is of utmost importance to our organization, and this difficult decision was made in recognition of the declared global pandemic surrounding the COVID-19 viral disease and out of respect for the advisory surrounding large group gatherings by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. We want to thank the Green Bay dairy community for their hard work to prepare for this event and we hope to return in the future. During this difficult time, we appreciate the support of the sponsors, coaches, volunteers and friends of Dairy Challenge. Further updates on sponsorship, entry fees and other details will be provided on our website as they become available.

  • Meals for Children from Low-Income Families Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a request from California to allow meal service during school closures to minimize potential exposure to the coronavirus. These meals are available at no cost to low-income children – and are not required to be served in a group setting – to ensure kids receive nutritious meals while schools are temporarily closed.

    “USDA stands with the people of California as a part of a federal-wide coordinated response,” said Brandon Lipps, Deputy Under Secretary for USDA’s Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. “The flexibility provided by the waiver approved today will help ensure that our children get wholesome meals, safeguarding their health during times of need.”

    The waiver is effective immediately and will continue through June 30, 2020. USDA stands ready to provide additional assistance to the people of California and other areas impacted by the coronavirus as allowed by law and in coordination with the much larger government-wide response.

    All Food and Nutrition Service programs – including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs – have flexibilities and contingencies built-in to allow them to respond to on-the-ground realities in the event of a disaster or emergency situation. For more information about the coronavirus response across USDA, please visit: https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

    USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service administers 15  nutrition assistance programs that leverage American’s agricultural abundance to ensure children and low-income individuals and families have nutritious food to eat. FNS also co-develops the  Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide science-based nutrition recommendations and serve as the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy.

  • Malcolm Media’s Matthew Malcolm Recognized in Nation’s Top AgGrad 30 Under 30

    On National Ag Day (March 24th), AgGrad announced winners of this year’s AgGrad 30 Under 30 Awards, a program that shows the future of agriculture is bright and aims at rewarding those making the extra effort to move this industry forward.  Our very own managing editor, Matthew Malcolm was honored among the top young agricultural professionals and influencers in the nation.  Matthew Malcolm has worked full-time for the Malcolm Media team since 2013, and has been doing a great job covering the news of California’s rich and diverse industry through Malcolm Media’s five agricultural publications, six digital news channels, and four grape, nut and tree fruit industry expositions.

    Eighteen judges were asked to select winners from peer and self-nominations based on contributions to agriculture, community, strength of innovation and significance of accomplishments. “These 30 individuals are at the forefront of agriculture and will one day be the leaders in agribusiness, innovation and technology, education and advocacy, entrepreneurship, sustainability and production,” says AgGrad Founder Tim Hammerich.

    Renée Vassilos, Director of Agriculture Innovation at The Nature Conservancy, and AgGrad 30 Under 30 Judge added, “From driving change within their local U.S.-based communities to supporting farmers and educators across the globe, the future is now with these incredible nominees!”

    Matthew Malcolm teaches local elementary school students about the importance of farming in California and how they can grow fruits and vegetables too in their yards. This is something he does voluntarily on the side in addition to managing editorial content in five agricultural publications.

    AgGrad 30 Under 30 2020 Winners by Category Include:

    1.  Production
    •       Brooke Beam, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Community Development Extension Educator in Ohio
    •      Casey Call, Head Grower at Plenty in California
    •      Jesse Wiggins, Sales at Wiggins Farms LLP in Texas
    •      Tony Lopes, Operations Team Leader at Tony L. Lopes Dairy, L.P. in California
    1.  Innovation & Technology
    •      Alacyn Cox, Product Support Rep at John Deere in Iowa
    •      Alexander Chuck, Chief Financial Officer at Pharm Robotics in California
    •      Ellie Symes, Founder and CEO at the Bee Corp in Indiana
    •      Tyler McGee, Founder and CEO at Tycom, Inc. in North Carolina
    1.  Entrepreneurship
    •      David Chan, COO and Founding Team Member at FarmTogether in New York
    •      Delaney Howell, Host of Market to Market and Founder of Ag News Daily and the Global Ag Network
    •      Matt Foley, Program Director at Invest Nebraska in Nebraska
    •      Mitchell Hora, Founder of Continuum Ag in Iowa
    •      Tyler Nuss, Purchasing Manager at Rivian in California and Co-Founder of The Modern Acre
    •      Zane Peterson, Owner and Manager of Peterson Timber, Inc in California
    1.  Education & Advocacy
    •      Benjamin Brown Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Agriculture in Ohio
    •      Hannah Thompson-Weeman Vice President of Communications at Animal Agriculture Alliance in Maryland
    •      Matthew Malcolm, Managing Editor at Malcolm Media Ag Publishing in California
    •      Peter Bachmann, Vice President of International Trade Policy at USA Rice Federation in Washington D.C.
    •      Sarah Mock Freelance Writer Focused on Rural and Agricultural Issues in Washington D.C.
    1.  Agribusiness
    •      Cain Thurmond Senior Account Manager at CSX Transportation in Illinois
    •      Garrett Lister Risk Management of Cattle at Innovative Livestock Services in Kansas
    •      Jordan Bonham Rasmussen Farm Marketer at Cargill in Nebraska
    •      Lorryn Bolte Global Marketing Communications Specialist at Novus International, Inc. in Missouri
    •      Pedee Ewing Research Associate at Bayer in Idaho
    •      Rosie Thoni U.S. Public Relations Lead at AdFarm in Kansas
    •      Tristan Hudak Vice President of Ag Biotech, Inc. in California
    1.  Sustainability/Food Security
    •      Andrea Zinn Smallholder Farmer Finance & Agri Data Consultant in Costa Rica
    •      Anna Glenn Agriculture Instructor with Hope in Harvest Missions International in Liberia
    •      Keith Heidecorn VP Sustainability at Locus Agricultural Solutions in Ohio
    •      Sarah Hulick Grower Innovation at Full Harvest in California

    AgGrad was established in 2015 with the mission of “helping young professionals find their place in modern agriculture.” The company accomplishes this mission by providing blog posts, career profiles, job postings, “AgGrad Live” (a video program), and a weekly podcast called the “Future of Agriculture.” All is provided at zero cost to students and young professionals and supported by participating agribusinesses.  For more information or to receive the AgGrad 30 Under 30 publication, visit 30under30.ag.

  • California Dairy Districts Seek Ambassadors to Serve as 2020 Dairy Princesses

    Each year, a special group of young women are selected to represent the state’s dairy farm families who contribute to making California number one for milk production in the U.S. These Dairy Princess ambassadors and alternates are selected during events at Districts throughout the state, where they showcase speaking skills, knowledge of dairy and plans to represent the industry during the one-year term. The 2020 contests kick off in April and will run through June.

    California Dairy Princesses serve as industry advocates in their home district and throughout California, supporting the reputation of milk and dairy products through appearances at industry and agricultural functions, with school groups and in media interviews. Dairy Princesses and alternates participate in a mandatory orientation/training where they receive professional development coaching.

    The California Dairy Princess Program has been in effect since 1958. Currently eight districts hold local contests, which cover 48 counties in the state of California. The California Dairy Princess contest is supported by California dairy producers through the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB).  More information and application forms can be accessed HERE.  Additional questions can be directed to Tiffany Nielsen, California Dairy Princess Director at dairyprincess@cmab.net or (559) 280.9859.

    Dairy Princess Program – 2020 Application Deadlines and Contest Dates

    District                        Application Deadline               Contest Date                   Location

    District 1                      Friday, March 20                        Friday, May 8                  Fortuna

    District 3                      Monday, February 24                 Saturday, April 11            Petaluma

    District 4                      Friday, May 1                             TBD                                  TBD

    District 5                      Thursday, April 16                     Wednesday, June 3           Manteca

    District 6                      Friday, May 8                             Thursday, June 18            Turlock

    District 7                      Monday, April 20                       Saturday, June 6               Hanford

    District 8                      Thursday, March 5                     Thursday, April 16           Fresno

    District 9                      Thursday, April 23                     Friday, June 19                 Tulare

     

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer. It also produces more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. Dairy products made with Real California Milk can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies that the products are made with milk produced on California’smore than 1200 family dairy farms.

    About Real California Milk/the California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairyfarm families and is one of the largest agricultural marketing boards in the United States. With a mission to increase demand for products made with Real California Milk, the CMAB is celebrating 50 years of promoting California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagramand Pinterest.

     

  • US Jersey Youth Scholarship Winners Announced

    The American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) has awarded 13 Jersey youth over $30,000 worth of scholarships, the most money ever awarded, for the 2019-20 school year. Selection was based on scholastic achievement as well as participation in Jersey and other agricultural activities.

     

    Two Russell Memorial Scholarships were awarded in memory of the late William A. Russell. The first scholarship, the William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship, was established in his name in 1977 and is designated for students who have completed high school and are beginning their university studies. The second, the Russell-Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies, was established to honor the late J. J. “Doc” Malnati of Bush River Jerseys, Newberry, S.C. The recipients were Lydia Rose Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y., and James Edward Holton, Dawsonville, Ga.

     

    Chittenden is a freshman at State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill (SUNY-Cobleskill) majoring in dairy science. She received an award of $2,750. Holton received $5,000 to continue his education at the University of Georgia where he is enrolled in the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

     

    The Jack C. Nisbet Scholarship is awarded to a participant in the National Jersey Youth Achievement contest.  It was created in 1965 to honor the AJCA’s seventh Executive Secretary, who served the organization from 1943-1947. This year’s recipient was Samantha Josephine Schuessler of Antigo, Wis.

     

    Schuessler is a junior at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, with a dairy science major and agricultural communications minor. Her scholarship award was $2,750.

    The V.L. Peterson Scholarship is awarded to youth who have completed at least one year of college. It commemorates Vic” Peterson, the dean of Jersey area representatives, was established in 1972. The scholarship is available to students who have completed at least one year of college. Kathryn Marie Bosley, Malone, N.Y., was this year’s recipient.

     

    Bosley is a junior at SUNY-Cobleskill majoring in animal science. She received an award of $2,750.

     

    The Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship is also awarded to youth who have completed at least one year of college. This award was created in 1965 to honor Paul Jackson’s service to the Jersey breed, which spanned more than half a century. The 2019 winner was Hayley Rose Fernandes, Tulare, Calif.

     

    Fernandes is a sophomore at California Polytechnic studying dairy science with a law and society minor. This year’s scholarship award was for $2,000.

     

    The Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship was established in 1999 and has been funded by the sale of a bull at two of the Cedarcrest sales. It is awarded to a student in large animal veterinary medicine, dairy production, dairy manufacturing or dairy product marketing. Undergraduate and graduate students are both eligible for the award. This year’s recipient was Marie Elizabeth Haase of Somerset, Wis.

    A sophomore at the UW-River Falls, Haase is majoring in dairy science with a minor focused on ag business. The scholarship award for this year is $2,250.

     

    In 2003, the Bob Toole Youth Award was established to honor the lifelong enthusiasm Bob Toole felt for the Jersey cow. The award is given to a young person who seeks formal education or practical experience related to the breeding, developing and showing of Jerseys. Seth Richard Carson, Newbury, Vt., was named this year’s award recipient.

     

    Carson, a freshman, is studying dairy science at Virginia Polytechnic and State University. He received $2,000 for his educational endeavors.

     

    In 2005, with special encouragement from the late Donnie Sherman in his role as president, the AJCA leadership established a long-range goal of increasing scholarship funds. A young bull bred by Sherman, D&E Rebel Scholar {6}-ET, was syndicated in The All American Jersey Sale, with all proceeds from his sale and future royalties earmarked for the AJCA Educational, Youth Activities and Special Awards Fund. This scholarship—called the AJCA Directors’ Scholarship—was awarded for the first time in 2016. Erin Faith Leach, Linwood, Kan., received this year’s scholarship.

     

    Majoring in animal science with a business option, Leach is a senior at Oklahoma State University. This year she received $2,500 from the fund.

     

    The Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship is awarded annually to a junior or senior undergraduate student seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing. It honors the dedicated efforts of the long-time sire analyst to improving the productivity and profitability of Jersey cows and Jersey genetics. The award includes a copy of Ewing’s autobiography, A Time with Jerseys. The 2019 recipient was Allison Taylor Foster, Portage, Wis.

     

    Foster is majoring in dairy science at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where she is currently a senior. Her award was $3,250.

     

    A generous contribution from Dr. Joe Lineweaver and his wife Beverly established The Lineweaver Scholarship for students who have completed at least one year at an accredited four-year college/university in a dairy science, animal sciences or dairy products department. Selection is based on financial need, leadership skills and academic performance. It may be automatically renewed twice or until completion of the recipient’s undergraduate degree (whichever comes first) provided eligibility requirements are met, continuing financial need exists, and academic performance is maintained. Catherine Tess Savage, Dickerson, Md., received this year’s scholarship award.

     

    Savage attends Virginia Tech where she is a junior studying dairy science with minors in ag businesses and animal and poultry science. Her award is $3,500.

     

    The Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award recognizes the accomplishments, abilities and leadership potential shown to date by the recipient and challenges them to achieve their potential through continued participation in Jersey activities. It was made possible by a bequest from the late Anne Perchard of St. Martin, Jersey, Channel Islands, an independent entrepreneur who built La Ferme, the largest dairy herd in Jersey, with her sons. This year’s recipient was Grace Elizabeth Howe, Waukon, Iowa.

     

    Howe is a freshman at Iowa State University with a major in agriculture and society. She received a cash award of $350.

     

    Scholarship winners were recognized at the Junior Banquet to be held in Louisville, Ky., November 9, 2019. The Junior Banquet is held in conjunction with All American Jersey activities in Louisville including the All American Open and Junior Jersey shows, the All American Sale, Pot O’ Gold Sale.

     

    The American Jersey Cattle Association, organized in 1868, compiles and maintains animal identification and performance data on Jersey cattle and provides services that support genetic improvement and greater profitability through increasing the value of and demand for Registered Jersey™ cattle and genetics, and Jersey milk and milk products. For more information on the association’s complete line of services for dairy business owners, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or connect at Facebook.com/USJersey.

     

  • Nominate California Ag Teachers for Golden Owl Award Educator of the Year

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – From Oct. 1, 2019 through Jan. 31, 2020, any student, parent, fellow teacher, or other supporters can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher for a chance to be recognized as one of the best in California.

    Nationwide recently recognized the contributions of 17 Iowa and Ohio agriculture teachers with the 2018-2019 inaugural Golden Owl Award. Nationwide established the award to honor teachers and support them with additional resources to assist their continued educational efforts in preparing the next generation for successful agricultural careers.

    As a result of the positive response from the communities that Golden Owl Award nominees make a difference in, Nationwide expanded the campaign to include California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Iowa and Ohio.

    The 2018-2019 Iowa Ag Educator of the Year has already seen a 30-student increase in his agricultural shop class for the fall—at a high school with just over 300 students. Recipient Brad Taylor, a teacher at Roland-Story High School in Story City, Iowa, credits this growth to the recognition he received through the Golden Owl Award.

    “I think it’s important to be a role model for the students that we have in our classes so they understand what the opportunities are for their futures,” said Taylor. “This award symbolizes the hard work that individuals have put into agriculture education to help students realize what their full potential is.”

    Six finalists in California will receive an individualized plaque and $500 to support their agriculture programs. One finalist will be crowned as California’s Ag Educator of the Year and will receive the Golden Owl Award trophy and $3,000 to help fund future educational efforts.

    “We’re proud to recognize outstanding teachers for their dedication to agricultural education in their farming communities,” said Brad Liggett, president of agribusiness for Nationwide. “This award symbolizes the hard work that individual teachers have put into agricultural education to help students pursue their passion for farming.”

    The Golden Owl Award raises awareness of the importance of agricultural education and the tremendous contributions of teachers. As the number one farm insurer in the United States¹, Nationwide aims to bring attention to the growing need for agricultural educators. This effort is the result of a partnership between Nationwide, the California FFA, California Farm Bureau, Illinois FFA, Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, Farm Credit Illinois, the Iowa FFA Foundation, Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau, Pennsylvania FFA, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Compeer Financial. For more information, visit www.goldenowlaward.com.

     About Nationwide

    Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.