California Ag Network

Category: Education

  • Nine Wines Earn Gold from Legislators in Wine Competition

    Foundation Gala Raised Funds for Scholarships:

    Senator Jeff Stone and CAWG Board Member Jeff Wiens

    California legislators awarded gold to nine wines at the fourth annual California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation Gala on April 10. The friendly wine competition featured 31 red and white wines from 23 California wineries. Legislative leaders from the California Assembly and Senate attended the gala and participated in the wine judging.

    The CAWG Foundation hosts the annual gala to raise funds for scholarships available to children of California agricultural workers. The foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. More than $433,000 in scholarships have been awarded since the CAWG Foundation was formed in 1998.

    “The gala is a special event where winegrape growers, wine industry friends and political leaders join together for a very worthy educational program,” CAWG President John Aguirre said. “The foundation is proud to offer student scholarships made possible by the generous donations of those in the California wine industry and we are pleased to share the program’s achievements with legislators.”

    WINNING WINES

    Albariño: 2016 Albariño, King Andrews Vineyard, Suisun Valley (nominated by: Assemblymember Jim Frazier)

    Chardonnay: 2017 Chardonnay, Fenestra Winery, Livermore (nominated by: Sen. Steven Glazer)

    Other White Wines: 2017 Alder Grove Sauvignon Blanc, Quivira Vineyards, Healdsburg (nominated by: Assemblymember Jim Wood)

    Cabernet Sauvignon: 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Berryhill Family Vineyards, Ceres (nominated by: Assemblymember Adam Gray)

    Pinot Noir: 2017 Pinot Noir, Alara Cellars, Gilroy (nominated by: Assemblymember Robert Rivas)

    Port: Old Vine Tinta Port, Ficklin Vineyards, Madera (nominated by: Sen. Andreas Borgeas) 

    Red Blends: 2015 Proprietor’s Blend, Elevation Ten, Clarksburg (nominated by: Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry)

    Zinfandel: 2015 Old Ghost Old Vine Zinfandel, Klinker Brick Winery, Lodi (nominated by: Assemblymember Jim Cooper)

    Other Reds: 2016 Petite Sirah, Scheid Vineyards, Monterey (nominated by: Assemblymember Robert Rivas)

    Assemblymember Steven Choi, Davindar Mahil, Assemblymember Jim Pattersom, Yvonne Sams & Lauren Dutra

  • Grants Awarded to Educators in California

    Fresno, CA – Thousands of students have the opportunity to participate in innovative
    educational projects, thanks to a long-standing program funded by the California Table
    Grape Commission (commission) on behalf of California table grape growers.

    The “Innovation in Teaching” grant program was created in 1993 to support innovative
    teaching projects in the California table grape growing regions of the San Joaquin and
    Coachella valleys. Projects include the areas of agriculture, math, science, art, health, and
    technology.

    In total, 51 education grants worth up to $750 each were awarded. The funded projects will
    be implemented in the current academic year and will reach over 9,000 students, grades K
    through 12.

    “It is great to see so many exciting and innovative projects being implemented by teachers
    in the state’s table grape growing regions,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the
    commission.

    Examples of projects being funded this year include using robotic kits, mannequins that will
    help teach students how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the creation
    of mobile applications.

    California grape growers are proud to support the following education grants awarded to
    schools in the San Joaquin and Coachella valleys:

    Bakersfield City School District

    How Green is Your Garden

    Kathryn Douglas-Tierney, Owens Intermediate School

    Fifth grade students will grow vegetables to blend into smoothies and dehydrate into healthy
    snacks as they learn about physical wellness and good food choices. Grant funds will be used to
    purchase an Aerogarden, seeds for herbs and vegetables, a dehydrator, and a blender.

    Make Math Fun Again!

    Amanda Madkins-Choyce, Mount Vernon Elementary

    First grade students will integrate math learning with all the other subjects, like science, art,
    and reading. Grant funds will be used to purchase Lakeshore curriculum kits to learn about
    season and weather, bugs and insects, force and motion, shapes and counting, patterns,
    measuring, and more.

    Our Kinder Garden is Blooming!

    Valerie Padilla, Evergreen Elementary School

    Grant funds will be used to purchase raised garden beds, soil, compost, and gardening tools for
    these kindergarten students to learn about how food grows.

    Tasting the Rainbow

    Jessica Ercoli, New Teacher Support

    Grant funds will purchase healthy eating books, fruits, and vegetables for kindergarten and first
    grade students to taste and try in lessons about health, science, math, reading, and writing.

    The Munsey News Network

    Sarah Reiss, Munsey Elementary School

    Fourth and fifth grade students will write scripts and produce a twice per week news show for
    the entire school. Grant funds will be used to purchase a camcorder, microphone, editing
    software, and news team t-shirts.

    The One-Mile Club

    Laurie Kessler, William Penn Elementary School

    Fifth grade students will run one mile in 12 minutes or less to pass the California State Physical
    Education test in April. Grant funds will be used to purchase a standing digital timer,
    stopwatches, tally counters, ankle weights, a wagon for transporting the equipment, and an
    extension cord.

    Water Necessary for Optimum Plant Growth

    Shun Yee Florence Flesche, Munsey Elementary School

    Grant funds will be used to purchase tools and plants for the garden planters as these fourth
    grade students explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to conduct science
    experiments and find out how much water to use to yield optimum plant growth.

    Water to Help our Garden Grow

    Rachel Lenix, Downtown Elementary School

    Sixth grade students will contribute grant purchased water barrels to the school garden as they
    learn about the water cycle, water conservation, science, water safety, and nutrition.

    Central Unified School District

    United Physical Education

    Theresa Bollier, Central High School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase outdoor recreation and fitness equipment and games for
    high school students to engage in dynamic learning to improve fitness, flexibility, strength, and
    endurance in an inclusive class where peer coaches learn leadership skills and apply their
    knowledge.

    Clovis Unified School District

    Innovating with Adafruit Circuit Playground

    Delaine Johnson, Reyburn Intermediate School
    Seventh and eighth grade students will program and code a design of their own invention all
    the way to the prototype stage with this grant-funded coding educator’s pack of hardware and
    software.

    Coachella Valley Unified School District

    Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car

    Edwin Detoya, Bobby Duke Middle School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase hydrogen fuel cell car science kits for these seventh and
    eighth grade students to learn more about chemistry, renewable resources, science, and
    engineering with real life applications.

    Coalinga-Huron Unified School District

    Applying Measurement and Geometry Through Quilting

    Jessica Fairbanks, Coalinga High School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase sewing machines, irons, ironing boards, cutters, and
    cutting mats for this after school program for ninth through twelfth grade students to learn
    about quilting, geometry, and measurement as they create their own geometric patterns. Each
    student will create a block for a “Quilt of Valor” that will be donated to a local veteran.

    Your Body is a Walking Wonder

    Lauren Andrade, Sunset Elementary School

    Fourth and fifth grade students will use grant fund purchased pedometers to learn about
    physical education, nutrition, health, mathematics, physiology, and kinesiology.

     

    Delano Union Elementary School District

    Lights, Camera, Action!

    Rene Mendivil, La Vina Middle School
    Eighth grade theater and performance art students will explore their creativity as they write,
    direct, illustrate, perform, record, edit, and publish original plays. Grant funds will be used to
    purchase a camera, software, and memory cards.

    Virtual Reality Classroom

    Patricia Guzman, Nueva Vista Language Academy
    Grant funds will be used to purchase virtual reality headsets for second grade students to see
    and be a part of the Discovery Channel, academic games, and far-away places, as every lesson
    becomes a real experience.

    Mindfulness Through Fitness

    Griselda Boydstun Gomez, Nueva Vista Language Academy
    Grant-funded exercise equipment and healthy snacks will allow third through fifth grade
    students to value themselves and each other as they learn about health, fitness, and nutrition.

    Desert Sands Unified School District

    Career Girls Day

    Kayla Adler, Palm Desert High School
    Fifth through twelfth grade students will learn about science, technology, engineering, arts, and
    math (S.T.E.A.M.) career pathways at Career Girls Day. Grant funds will be used for activity kits
    and follow-up classes to learn coding, 3D printing, and a Women in Ag Saturday workshop.

    Edison School District

    Edison Middle School Garden Expansion Project

    Brian Holle, Edison Middle School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase fencing and related supplies to secure, beautify, and
    define the expanding garden. Seventh and eighth grade students will help with the expansion
    project in addition to being able to grow fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants in agriculture
    classes.

    Firebaugh Las Deltas Unified School District

    Let’s Model

    Ana Herrera, Firebaugh Middle School
    Students in the sixth through eighth grades will explore their creativity as they learn to apply
    the artistic process and principles of design to sculpt original works of art. Grant funds will be
    used to purchase wire, clay, and sculpting tools.

    Fresno Unified School District

    Eat Your Pudding and Your Spoon!

    Janice Kruse, Yokomi Science and Technology Elementary School
    Grant funds will purchase edible spoon makers and groceries for fifth grade students to learn
    next generation science standards as they figure out how to eat soup, pudding, and frozen
    yogurt using basic kitchen ingredients to construct an edible spoon.

    Magical Minecraft

    Suzanne Webster-Jones, Figarden Elementary School
    Fourth grade students will learn about California missions and California farmland as they learn
    math and history playing Minecraft. Grant funds will be used to purchase 20 Xbox controllers
    to allow students to build quicker.

    We Need Flexible Seating!

    Kristy Page, Wilson Elementary School
    Kindergarten through sixth grade students will be able to move, release stress, improve
    circulation, and stay calm with grant fund purchased balance ball chairs.

    Hanford Elementary School District

    Healthiest 5K on the Planet

    Jennifer Bays, READY Expanded Learning at Roosevelt Elementary
    Third through sixth grade students will learn about the importance of exercise, a healthy diet,
    and their impact on the body with grant fund purchased t-shirts and dye for team participation
    in the culminating activity, a 5K run and obstacle course.

    Kern High School District

    CSI: Forensic Investigations

    Kevin Crosby, AIM Center/Kern High School District

    Grant-funded forensic kits like “Who Stole the Gold” and “Case of the Missing Mascot” will
    allow ninth through twelfth grade students to collaborate and analyze the data as they collect
    clues and solve mysteries via realistic crime scenes.

    Matter and Energy Cycling in Aquaponics Ecosystems

    Kristin Hudlow, Centennial High School
    Ninth and tenth grade students will study food chains, food webs, biogeochemical cycles, and
    macromolecules with a grant fund purchased aquaponics system for classroom use.

    Multicultural Classic Books for Diverse Students!

    Andrew Chilton, Stockdale High School
    Twelfth grade students will choose books to read from a diverse assortment that are
    multicultural in content and written by well-respected international authors. Grant funds will
    be used to purchase books.

    Kings River – Hardwick Union Elementary School District

    Fact Fluency Through Games

    Tim Price, Kings River – Hardwick Elementary School
    Second grade students will learn math fluency through games and fun activities with grant
    funds purchasing dice, cards, dominoes, locks, and more.

    Stepping it Up

    Tim Price, Kings River – Hardwick Elementary School

    Grant funds will be used to purchase activity trackers for second grade students to learn about
    health and wellness as they track their progress, learning math and geography in the process.

    Kingsburg Elementary School District

    Lepidoptera Life Cycle and Metamorphosis

    Gini Muradian, Central Valley Home School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase caterpillars to enhance the science curriculum of the
    kindergarten through eighth grade students as they learn about life-cycles and metamorphosis.

    Kingsburg Joint Union High School District

    Mobile App Development

    Joshua Woods, Kingsburg High School
    Ninth through twelfth grade students will use grant fund purchased tablets to test their apps as
    they collaborate with peers and professionals to research, develop, and present their very own
    mobile apps.

    Madera Unified School District

    Early Literacy Skills Builder

    Chelsea Cappelluti, Sierra Vista Elementary School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase Early Literacy Skills Builder curriculum to focus daily on
    reading and target comprehension skills for kindergarten through sixth grade students.

    Everyone can be a Hero!

    Patty Hanson, Madera South High School
    Ninth through twelfth grade students will be able to recognize when someone is choking and
    respond appropriately with these grant funds being used to purchase five choking “Manikin”
    vests that students will wear to safely and successfully practice the Heimlich Maneuver.

    Norris School District

    Differentiated Learning Through Flexible Seating

    Christy Nelson, William B. Bimat Elementary School
    Sixth grade students will be able to choose where they want to sit throughout the day to
    maximize engagement; collaborate, communicate, and think critically with better posture; and
    increase core strength and metabolism. Grant funds will be used to purchase balance ball
    chairs, wobble seats, a table and chairs, futon, and more.

    Palm Springs Unified School District

    Sensory Garden for Functional Life Skill Special Education Students

    Nicole Stayskal, Rancho Mirage High School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase horticultural therapy supplies including seeds, gloves,
    grow lights, and a starter kit for ninth through twelfth grade students to enjoy hands-on
    learning about science, math, art, and literature.

    Panama Buena Vista Union School District

    Hands on STEM Kits for Kindergarten

    Joni Wattenbarger, Panama Elementary School
    Kindergarten students will use science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) kits to be
    active learners and problem solvers. Grant funds will be used to purchase Design & Build
    Engineering centers, Create a Path Magnetic Center, and Fairy Tale Problem Solving STEM kits.

    Porterville Unified School District

    Landscape Management

    Robert Aguilar, Porterville High School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase roses, perennials, and landscaping tools for ninth through
    twelfth grade students to design, beautify, and maintain their school campus.

    Riverdale Joint Unified School District

    Design and Build 3D Printed Cars for Safety During Collisions

    Loretta Anders, Riverdale High School
    Twelfth grade students will design and print their own 3D race cars to minimize impact forces
    during a collision. Computer simulations will assess and test the physics of the car crashes.
    Grant funds will be used to purchase the sensors required to collect momentum and impulse
    data.

    Yoga for Kids with Special Needs – Sensory Management

    Shawna Vital, Fipps Primary School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase yoga mats, yoga carpet, bead packs, balance stones, and
    more for these transitional kindergarten through third grade students to learn spatial
    awareness, motor skills, self-regulation, and manage symptoms of anxiety for overall learning
    success.

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno School District

    BrainPOP Junior

    Catherine Cash, Our Lady of Victory Elementary School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase a subscription to BrainPOP Junior videos that captivate the
    attention and imagination of second grade students as they learn about reading, writing,
    grammar, science, math, health, arts, and more.

    Flexible Seating

    Jordan Faiman, Our Lady of Victory Elementary School

    Third and fourth grade students will have a choice of flexible seating to regain focus and keep
    their brain moving at all times. Grant funds will be used to purchase stability ball chairs,
    wobble stools, and classic adjustable round tables.

    STEM Activities

    Jordan Faiman, Our Lady of Victory Elementary School
    Third and fourth grade students will learn about science, technology, engineering, and math
    (STEM) at engaging, hands-on centers. Grant funds will be used to purchase Design & Play,
    Survive the Quake, Power Tiles Circuit, Shpero BOLT, and Hot Dots Multiplication problem
    solving STEM kits.

    Rosedale Union School District

    Making Musicians in Music Club

    Steve Winn, Freedom Middle School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase bongos, drums, maracas, and a cowbell beater for seventh
    and eighth grade music club students to learn about and enjoy drums and hand percussion.
    These instruments are needed to accommodate the members of this club.

    Sanger Unified School District

    Fairmont Fresh Farm Store

    Christine Klistoff, Fairmont Elementary School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase tilt display shelves, basket displays, and a cash register for
    these kindergarten through eighth grade students to upgrade their fresh farm store from selling
    under a tent to a dedicated building near their farming operation.

    Selma Unified School District

    Building Language Through Science

    Monica Tovar, Laura Zuniga, Rosa Flores, and Eleanor Salazar; George Washington
    Elementary School
    Kindergarten students will learn about science and animals, writing about what they learn, as
    grant funds make possible a field trip to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, and a follow-up ZooMobile
    presentation to get up-close and personal with different animals.

    Tehachapi Unified School District

    Foil Landscape

    Debbie Haeberle, Jacobsen Middle School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase printing, photography, and art supplies for sixth grade
    students to create original pieces of art, laminated foil prints of landscapes.

    …The Academies Charter Management Organization…
    Project Kindness

    Jennifer Denham, Sycamore Valley Academy
    Grant funds will be used to purchase kindness curriculum for each grade, kindergarten through

    sixth, to stop bullying, build self-esteem, and cultivate compassion while building children’s self-
    value and academic achievement.

    Running on Raspberry Pi

    Gloria Ramos, Blue Oak Academy Charter
    First through third grade students will use grant funded machine building, coding, and
    programming kits to collaborate about problem solving, electrical circuits, and electrical
    engineering as they build robots and machines.

    Tulare City School District

    Graphic Design on iPads

    Ryan Turner, Cherry Avenue Middle School
    Seventh and eighth grade students will create original fliers, posters, business cards, t-shirt
    designs, and much more as they study graphic design using the iPad and Apple Pencil purchased
    with grant funds.

    Visalia Unified School District

    Fictional Writing with Legos

    Salvador Campos, Golden Oak Elementary School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase Legos for fourth grade students to create characters and
    scenarios for fictional writing projects.

    Full Steam Ahead… Preparing the Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers!

    Diane Medeiros, Linwood Elementary School
    Fourth through sixth grade students will design, build, and code various kinds of robots as part
    of their studies in science, engineering, and math. Grant funds will be used to purchase robotic
    kits.

    “WeDo” Love Hands-on Science in the First Grade!

    Teresa Conard, Linwood Elementary School
    Grant funds will be used to purchase LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 Core Set software to allow first
    grade students to construct science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) projects
    designed for the Next Generation Science Standards.

    For more information on the “Innovation in Teaching” grant program, go to
    www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/community-outreach/.

  • Sacramento Farm Day puts kids in touch with Agriculture

    CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined in the “Sacramento Farm Day” festivities today, hosted by the California Farm Bureau Federation. The event,  presented by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, brings in about 1,000 students and teachers who rotate through several stations to learn about agricultural subjects ranging from pollinators and nutrition to raising livestock and maintaining the health of our soils.

    Raley’s partners with the event, providing lunch for the students through the company’s Food for Families program. The Dave Joerger Foundation (coach of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings) also supports Farm Day, and Coach Dave came out to make the rounds with Secretary Ross and Farm Bureau Administrator Jim Houston.

      news

    Several local TV stations came out to report on Farm Day

     

     

    Secretary Ross with members of the Delta FFA

    Secretary Ross with members of the Delta FFA, who showed students their project pigs, goats, lambs and a horse

     

    Secretary Ross with CFBF Adminstrator Jim Houston and Sacramento Kings Coach Dave JoergerSecretary Ross with CFBF Adminstrator Jim Houston and Sacramento Kings Coach Dave Joerger

     

     

    Learning about pollinators

    Learning about pollinators 

     

     

    snacks 1

    snacks 2

    Snacks and facts courtesy of Blue Diamond

     

     

    Secretary Ross at the #CAonMyPlate booth 

    Secretary Ross at the #CAonMyPlate booth

     

     

    Raley's Food for Families program provided lunch for 1,000+ students

    Raley’s Food for Families program provided lunch for 1,000+ students

     

     

    Secretary Ross with students from American Lakes School

    Secretary Ross with students from American Lakes School

  • CDFA Internship Program

    Agriculture is a major industry for the Golden State. With 80,500 farms and ranches, California agriculture is a $44.7 billion dollar industry that generates at least $100 billion in related economic activity. The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) mission is, “to serve the citizens of California by promoting and protecting a safe, healthy food supply, and enhancing local and global agricultural trade, through efficient management, innovation, and sound science, with a commitment to environmental stewardship.”

    In 1919, the California Legislature created a single department responsible for protecting and promoting agriculture. CDFA is now organized into six divisions and operates at more than 100 locations throughout the state. These divisions provide valuable services to producers, merchants, and the public. Many of them are conducted in partnership with local county offices of the agricultural commissioners and sealers.

    CDFA strives to support innovation and agricultural diversity. One way to support these efforts is through working with future generations of agriculturalists. The CDFA Internship Program is designed for college students of all majors and backgrounds who have an interest in agriculture, California government, and public service. Internships are for students looking to gain a better understanding of California agriculture, as well as the role CDFA has among the state’s agricultural systems. Internships are available in a variety of divisions within CDFA.

    Internships are available to students year round and generally last 10-16 weeks. Students should be available for at least 8 — 10 hours per week, up to 30 hours per week, depending on the internship offered.

    Prerequisites may include:

    What Interns Are Saying

    I just wanted to send a quick email to once again say thank you for the internship opportunity over the summer of 2015. I had no idea how much information I had learned from my internship would be invaluable in the classroom. The first-hand experiences and skills I gained during my internship have played such an important role in the classroom! I wanted to express my gratitude to you as I would not be where I am without this amazing opportunity. Please tell everyone I said hello and I hope everyone is doing well!

    Nicole Nelsen
    Master of Public Health-Veterinary Public Health Candidate
    The Ohio State University

    AREAS OF INTEREST

    Administrative Services
    Administrative Services is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling activities related to fiscal management, personnel, labor relations, budgets, general business services, contract management, and health and safety.

    Animal Health and Food Safety Services
    Animal Health and Food Safety Services protects the safety and security of meat, poultry, dairy products, and other foods of animal origin; public and animal health through the prevention, detection, and eradication of livestock and poultry diseases and dairy contamination incidents; and cattle owners against loss of animals by theft, straying, or misappropriation through ongoing inspections and investigative services.

    For information about Animal Health and Food Safety Services contact:
    Samuel Mercado
    (916) 900-5021
    Samuel.Mercado@cdfa.ca.gov

    Executive Office
    The Executive Office provides oversight of the Department. Its mission is to serve the citizens of California by promoting and protecting a safe, healthy food supply, and enhancing local and global agricultural trade, through efficient management, innovation, and sound science, with a commitment to environmental stewardship.

    For information about the Executive Office contact:
    Josh Eddy
    (916) 654-0462
    jeddy@cdfa.ca.gov

    Fairs and Expositions
    Fairs and Expositions provides fiscal and policy oversight of the network of California fairs and ensures the best use of available funding and provides other consultative services.

    For information about Fairs and Expositions contact:
    John Quiroz
    (916) 900-5025
    John.Quiroz@cdfa.ca.gov

    Inspection Services
    Inspection Services provides professional services that support and contribute to a safe, abundant, quality food supply; environmentally sound agriculture practices; and an equitable marketplace for California agriculture.

    For information about Inspection Services contact:
    Cecilia Baumann
    (916) 900-5197
    Cecilia.baumann@cdfa.ca.gov

    Marketing Services
    Marketing Services assists in the promotion and administrative oversight of agriculture marketing programs in order to promote California agriculture products.

    For information about Marketing contact:
    Jeff Cesca
    (916) 900-5011
    jeff.cesca@cdfa.ca.gov

    Measurement Standards
    Measurement Standards is responsible for the enforcement of California weights and measures laws and regulations. The Division’s activities are designed to ensure the accuracy of commercial weighing and measuring devices; verify the quantity of both bulk and packaged commodities; and enforce the quality, advertising, and labeling standards for products.

    For information about Measurement Standards contact:
    Rebecca Bland
    (916) 229-3042
    rebecca.bland@cdfa.ca.gov

    Pierce’s Disease Control Program
    Pierce’s Disease Control Program is responsible for minimizing the impact of the Pierce’s Disease/Glassy-wing sharpshooter pest-disease complex and its vectors in California.

    For information about the Pierce’s Disease Control Program contact:
    Roger Spencer
    (916) 900-5252
    Roger.Spencer@cdfa.ca.gov

    Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services
    Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services protects California’s food supply from the devastating impact of exotic pests; environment and natural resources from direct pest impacts and increased pesticide use; public from pests that pose human health threats; and position in the global economy.

    For information about Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services contact:
    David Pegos
    (916) 654-0317
    david.pegos@cdfa.ca.gov

  • Syngenta Scholarship Program Awards Ag students

    sierra williamson$20,000 in total awards are available to selected applicants. Applications are being accepted until May 27, 2019.uzoamaka abana

    Syngenta is now accepting applications for its 2019 Agricultural Scholarship program. Totalling $20,000, scholarships will be awarded to select promising college students. As future leaders of the industry, applicants are asked to share how they aspire to inspire future generations of agricultural students.

    “At Syngenta, we are committed to supporting the next generation of agricultural innovators who will feed the world’s growing population,” said Wendell Calhoun, communications manager, marketing services, Syngenta. “Through programs like the Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship and #RootedinAg, we are honored to recognize and aid industry ambassadors who fuel the past, present and future success of our industry.”

    To apply for the scholarship, students must be enrolled in a crop-related discipline at an eligible university with an accredited agricultural program as of spring 2019. Only U.S. residents pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree are eligible for the scholarship.

    Eight regional winners will be selected from the Northeast, Midwest, Mid-South, and Western regions to receive $1,000 scholarships. Syngenta will award two additional $6,000 scholarships to one bachelor’s and one master’s level national winner selected from the pool of regional winners. Scholarship recipients will be announced in August 2019.

    The 2018 national winners were two young women with unique experiences that sparked their passion for agriculture. Bachelor’s level winner Sierra Williamson wrote in her essay about her experience growing up in an ag family and how those experiences inspired her to pursue a career in the industry. Uzoamaka Abana, 2018 master’s level winner, learned to appreciate the complexity of food production by visiting her grandmother’s farm, which ignited her curiosity about food sources.

    For additional information about the scholarship, including official rules, prize amounts, essay topic, eligible universities and application guidelines, please visit syngentaus.com/scholarships.

    For more information about Syngenta, visit www.syngenta.com. Join the conversation online – connect with us at Syngenta-us.com/social.

  • USDA Celebrates National Ag Day with New Youth Website

    Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture joins the nation in celebrating National Ag Day, which highlights agriculture’s crucial role in everyday life, and honors the farmers, foresters, scientists, producers and many others who contribute to America’s bountiful harvest. As part of this effort, USDA is launching a new Youth and Agriculture website to connect young people and youth-serving organizations with Department-wide resources that engage, empower, and educate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

    “The future of agriculture in America depends on the investment and involvement of America’s young people,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky. “Connecting with America’s youth on National Ag Day is a tremendous opportunity to show that careers in farming, the agricultural sciences, and veterinary medicine are rewarding, essential, and profitable.”

    The USDA Youth and Agriculture website features three key components of agriculture-focused youth engagement – classroom studies, experiential learning, and leadership training. Educators can find ways to include agriculture in the classroom and beyond. Young people can learn about USDA summer outreach programs, youth loans for business projects, and outdoor volunteering. Community leaders can get tips on starting leadership development clubs and education programs. The site also highlights USDA partners, such as 4-H, the National FFA Organization, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), Agriculture Future of America (AFA), and many others working with the Department to connect young people with opportunities in agriculture.

    For the career curious, the website provides information on internships and scholarships, USDA employment, and information on agriculture career fields, such as forestry, robotics engineering, biochemistry, and food sciences. Storytelling will help young people learn from peers about youth-led innovations and success stories in agriculture.

  • Tulare County Crop Report for the week ending March 2, 2019

    SMALL GRAINS AND OTHER FIELD CROPS:
    Field crops that have already been planted are benefitting from the recent rainfall. Field activities
    have picked up due to warmer weather conditions, but stall a bit due to this week’s rain. Forage
    crops are still flourishing from the additional water. Some fields are beginning to be planted for
    spring silage.

    DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES:
    Bee hives are still being placed in almond orchards which are in bloom. Almond orchards are
    being pushed out and replanted with almonds or pistachios. Stored almonds are going to Hong
    Kong, Colombia, Israel, the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan, and Belgium. Pistachios are being
    exported to Australia, Norway, Jordan, Ukraine, Hong Kong, Egypt, Israel France, the United
    Arab Emirates, Belgium, and Mexico. Some stone fruit orchards are still being pruned, and are in
    bloom. The cooler temperatures will benefit the stone fruit orchards. Kiwifruit from out-of-state
    are continuing to be exported to the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

    CITRUS, AVOCADOS, AND OLIVES:
    Navel oranges are continuing to experience quality issues as the season and rain continues. Navel
    oranges are being exported to New Zealand, Australia, Korea, Japan, China, Chile, Peru, Fiji,
    Malaysia, Indonesia, and Mexico. Mandarins are being exported to Australia, New Zealand,
    Indonesia, Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong. Golden Nugget Mandarins have started to ship
    domestically. Lemons are still being exported to China, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Taiwan.
    Melogold grapefruit are being sent to New Zealand, Colombia, and Japan. Minneola tangelos are
    being exported to New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, and China.

    VEGETABLES, MELONS, AND BERRIES:
    Small amounts of winter vegetables continue to be grown and harvested. Strawberry transplants
    continue to be planted. Blueberries are blooming in greenhouses and Bumble bees have been
    imported for pollination.

    LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY:
    Grazing conditions show significant improvement due to recent rainfall. Rangeland forage is in
    good condition. The fed cattle market is consistent at $124 per hundredweight.

    ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
    Wholesale nurseries are starting to pick up on shipments to out-of-state locations for the spring
    shipping season. Ornamental nursery stock continues to be imported. Bare root rose nursery
    stock shipments continue to be received, as well as go out to eastern and western states.

    Prepared by:
    Marilyn Wright

    Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

  • Public Invited to Visit SJV Soil Health Demo Site in Five Points

    UC Cooperative Extension cropping systems specialist Jeff Mitchell is issuing a standing invitation to the public to visit the site of an ongoing conservation agriculture research project and see for themselves the results of long-term soil-building practices.

    “Every Friday morning from 9 o’clock till noon, beginning in February and going through June, I invite folks to come to the project site to see up close and personal just what soil health means,” Mitchell said.

    The project, funded by the National Research Initiative, compares plots that have been managed for more than 20 years in an annual rotation of cotton, processing tomatoes and more recently sorghum, garbanzos, and melons, under four different treatments: no-tilled plus cover crops, no-tilled with no cover crops, conventionally tilled with cover crops and conventionally tilled without cover crops.

    “What we’ve got at this site is a very long-term example of exactly what implementation of a small set of soil care, or soil health, principles really means for soil function and management,” he said.

    Mitchell says that the study site in Five Points is a valuable resource for the people of California because of its dedicated adherence to principles that are widely touted to improve production efficiencies, reduce emissions, cycle nutrients more tightly, and reduce inputs over time.

    “I recently heard about the value of publicly showcasing long-term sites such as the one we’ve got in Five Points. It’s being done in several other places, including the Dakotas and in Europe,” Mitchell said. “It just seems to make sense to open up our field more widely to folks who might be interested in seeing the remarkable changes we’ve seen and monitored for a long time.”

    According to Mitchell, the NRI Project field is already “the most visited research field in the state,” but with this new invitation, he is hoping to have an even broader and wider impact.  “We’ve got a simply amazing resource here and I want folks to see it,” he says. The study has also been selected as one of the monitoring sites of the North American Project to Evaluate Soil Health Measurements that has been initiated by the Soil Health Institute of Morrisville, NC.

    More than 30 peer-reviewed scientific articles have been published based on work done in this study field.

    The NRI Project is located at the University of California’s West Side Research and Extension Center, 17353 W. Oakland Ave., in Five Points.

    “I promise to be out there every Friday morning from Feb. 15 through June 26,” he said.

  • Animal Agriculture Alliance debuts Sustainability Impact Report

    Report Highlights Animal Agriculture’s Commitment to Continuous Improvement

    Yesterday, the Animal Agriculture Alliance released its “Sustainability Impact Report” focusing on animal agriculture in the United States. The report highlights how the animal agriculture industry shares the same values as today’s consumer with its never-ending commitment to animal care, environmental stewardship, responsible antibiotic use, food safety and nutrition. To access the report, go to https://www.animalagalliance.org/engage/#sustainability.

    The 33-page report covers nine industries: dairy, beef, veal, pork, chicken, turkey, egg, sheep and aquaculture. “Animal agriculture has made great strides in environmental stewardship, animal welfare and overall sustainability over the years,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “As new technology and research become available, the industry will continue to innovate and improve.”

    Environmental stewardship highlights:

    • According to the Environmental Protection Agency, agriculture accounts for a total of 9 percent of U.S. GHG emissions while livestock production is only 3.9 percent.
    • Dairy farmers decreased their carbon footprint by 63 percent from 1944 to 2007.
    • Since 1977, cattle ranchers have reduced their carbon footprint by 16 percent.
    • Pig farmers decreased their carbon footprint by 7.7 percent and their water use by 25.1 percent from 1960 to 2015.
    • The egg industry reduced its carbon footprint by 71 percent and its water use by 32 percent since 1960.

    Animal welfare highlights:

    • Hens under the United Egg Producers Certified program account for 95 percent of all the nation’s laying hens.
    • The National Chicken Council (NCC) developed the NCC Animal Welfare Guidelines and Audit Checklist, which have been widely adopted within the chicken industry. These guidelines were updated in 2018.
    • As of January 2019, more than 72,000 pig farmers and farm employees were Pork Quality Assurance Plus certified.
    • By 2016, 98 percent of the U.S. milk supply came from dairy farms and cooperatives enrolled in the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management program.

    Nutrition highlights:

    • Milk provides nine essential nutrients and is also the number one food source of calcium, vitamin D and potassium for all Americans ages 2 years and older.
    • Today’s pork is 16 percent leaner and 27 percent lower in saturated fat compared to 20 years ago.
    • Lamb is an excellent source of vitamin B12, selenium, zinc and niacin.
    • One 3-ounce serving of lean beef provides about 50 percent of the recommended daily value of protein.
    • One large egg has varying amounts of 13 essential vitamins and minerals, six grams of protein and only 70 calories.

    About the Alliance:
    The Animal Agriculture Alliance is an industry-united, nonprofit organization that helps bridge the communication gap between farm and fork. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation. Find the Alliance on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  • International Agri-Center® Prepares for 2019 World Ag Expo®

    The International Agri-Center® is set to hold the 52nd World Ag Expo® February 12-14, 2019. The largest annual agricultural exposition of its kind, World Ag Expo® boasts more than 1,450 exhibitors displaying cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment on 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. In 2018, 106,700 people came from 49 states and 63 countries to attend the 51st World Ag Expo®.

    On Tuesday morning, Opening Ceremonies will kick off the show with special guest speaker, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. A variety of seminars will be offered, including dairy, water, international trade, government regulation and women in agriculture. These seminars are presented by professionals in the industry and provide attendees with valuable information to improve their operations.

    New this year will be a free, one-day conference aimed at young women interested in a career in agriculture. Grow by FarmHer, is being held on the West Coast for the first time and requires pre-registration at http://bit.ly/GrowAtWAE19. Other special events include the Capitol Ministries dinner on Tuesday night, the Wednesday morning Prayer Breakfast and the California Ag Leadership breakfast on Thursday morning.

    The Top-10 New Products Competition, sponsored by Bank of America, is back with products offering improved technology for the field and increased efficiencies. From a one-of-a-kind heavy-duty electric fork lift, to an affordable dairy genomic test, to a wireless irrigation valve control system, the Top-10 New Products has something to offer every type of farming operation.

    “World Ag Expo® continues to provide the best platform for buyers and sellers to meet, greet, and grow the Ag industry,” says Jerry Sinift, International Agri-Center®’s CEO. “Our theme this year is ‘Harvesting Technology,’ and there is plenty of time, money and resource saving technology to find at this show. We’re impressed every year with the new innovations our exhibitors bring to World Ag Expo®.”

    Attendees can look forward to new features this year, including daily livestock dog demonstrations in the new Demonstration Pavilion, Ride & Drive areas on the East and West ends of the grounds, and a wide variety of new seminars that cover everything from Cannabis to automation in the ag industry. Attendees will also be able to enjoy an additional 20 acres of parking to the East of the International Agri-Center® grounds. With the move of on-site RV camping to the South parking lot, space to the East of the grounds has been converted to day parking.

    Starting February 1, World Ag Expo® attendees can get the latest news, information and updates about the show by downloading the new 2019 mobile app. The free app provides mobile access to the schedule of events, an exhibitor directory, map of the show grounds and other visitor resources. The app is available for download from the iOS and Android app stores by searching “World Ag Expo® 2019.”

    For a full schedule of events, visit http://bit.ly/WAE19Schedule. For more information about the show or to purchase tickets for 2019 World Ag Expo® visit www.WorldAgExpo.org.

    World Ag Expo® – bringing you the best in Ag since 1968.