California Ag Network

Category: Education

  • Students Recognized for Excellence in Support of Ag Industry

    Four Fresno State students in the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology were recognized with ag scholar awards at the Jordan Agricultural Research Center.

    Plant science graduate students Margaret Fernando (of Ames, Iowa) and Bianey Medina Garcia (Salinas), plant science senior Kiera Searcy (Hanford) and agricultural business senior Ashleigh Sorensen (Sanger) were selected for the honors based on their passion, growth and innovation in various industries. The awards were presented at a ceremony on April 21, when each student received a $500 scholarship from 23rd District Assemblyman Jim Patterson.

    Fernando has published her master’s research on cover crops as a weed management tool and her oral presentations won first place among graduate student entrants at the 2022 Central California Research Symposium and third place at the 2022 California Weed Science Society conference.

    Her emphasis on sustainable agriculture led her to a biological science technician position at the USDA Agricultural Research Service station. At the Parlier research station, she has studied ways to improve soil health, weed pressure, grapevine development and crop water dynamics in a vineyard cover crop project. She has shared her agronomy experience with others through the FFA pruning contest, UC Master Gardner’s workshop and Avenal State Prison Insight Garden Program. She has also been active in community outreach efforts that share produce with community and campus food shelters. She will pursue a doctoral degree in soil and water science with a focus on agroecology at the University of Florida.

    Medina Garcia has shared her experience raising strawberries and other vegetables in the Salinas Valley to help her fellow campus Plant Science Club students to grow produce to donate to campus and local food cupboards. She worked with local companies to donate many of the seeds, irrigation equipment and other materials. Examples of the club’s professional development and community and industry outreach efforts helped it win the President’s Trophy at the Students of Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Sciences national convention.

    She also shared her agronomy experience with Fowler Lone Star 4-H students learning to raise vegetables, then shared a related recipe and emphasized the importance of good nutrition. Born in Michoacán, Mexico, she remembers seeing her immigrant parents work long hours in the fields in the Salinas Valley starting at a young age, and she said she is equally committed to helping feed the world. After an internship with FMC Ag Science studying field applications, she now works for Nutrien as an assistant research technician and studies technologies, tools and products that improve plant and soil health, which include various adjuvants that are part of her master’s research.

    Searcy has conducted research comparing chemical and no-chemical weed control methods for lavender plants in a nursery lathe house, and her poster presentation won first place in the 2023 California Weed Science Society undergraduate competition. She has also assisted in research with plant science faculty examining chickweed herbicide resistance in the Central Valley. As a campus horticulture nursery student assistant, she has helped propagate 3,000 to 4,000 seedlings for a Sierra Club Merced Chapter milkweed project to increase monarch butterfly forage areas.

    She has also been a part of community outreach programs tied to the Insight Garden Program at Avenal State Prison, Amendola Family Student Cupboard, 4-H groups and student tours at the campus nursery. A national tri-society student recognition recipient, she has shared her agronomy experience as a campus irrigation club treasurer, FFA Field Day volunteer, and member of the campus soils club, Plant Science Club and arboretum task force. This summer she will travel to the University of Kentucky to start a graduate program in weed science.

    Sorensen, who is a third-generation stone fruit, almond and citrus farmer, has analyzed the latest trends in nearby land choices for the nation’s leading farming area for her Jordan College Honors Cohort research project. She has identified correlations between acreage, production and total value for a recent, 20-year range to help policymakers better understand how technology, environmental conditions and technology advancements are affecting the production of various commodities.

    The 4.0 student has also served as a campus ASI senator and Agricultural Business Club outreach coordinator, and as a member of the Smittcamp Family Honors College student board, Jordan College Student Leadership Council and Ag Ambassadors. The former intern for Farm Credit West, Family Tree Farms and Wagon Wheel Farms looks forward to working as the director of business for California Berry Genetics after graduation.

    For more information on the awards, contact Alisha Gallon at Alisha.Gallon@asm.ca.gov or 559.446.2029.

    Fresno State Jordan College Dean Rolston St. Hilaire at Ag Scholar Awards presentation on April 21, 2023, Jordan Agricultural Research Center (photo by Geoff Thurner).

  • Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation Inspires Women Leaders

    On March 24, the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation (FWF) launched a brand-new professional development program – a Women’s Leadership Workshop – focused on supporting new and aspiring female supervisors. The one-day workshop at Napa Valley College supported a full classroom of 40 supervisors from winery and vineyard management businesses across the Napa Valley.

    “It’s important for women to know their avenues of growth, and the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation was the perfect space to share this information,” said Mary Maher, director of company culture for Silverado Farming Company and president for the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, “Women are hungry for these opportunities, and to be at the workshop, watching shy women feel comfortable raising their hands…it was inspiring.”

    The morning began with a panel featuring highly regarded senior supervisors, Dolores Torres of Harlan Estate, Carina de la Cruz of Renteria Vineyard Management, and Celia Perez of V.Sattui Winery, and Daniela Bazán of Bazán Vineyard Management moderated. The panelists shared their career experiences, their love for the industry, and advice for newly appointed supervisors, which included meaningful mentorship, job challenges, and the qualities that led to their success. Dolores Torres counseled, “We grow stronger when we can teach those who come to us. By teaching them, we open doors. We strive together and we achieve together.”

    Erika Velazquez with Pan American Insurance followed the panel with a presentation on why Women Make Great Supervisors. She set the tone by acknowledging that agriculture has historically been a male dominated world, but today, women, and especially women of color, have new opportunities; they are trailblazers in agriculture. Their communication skills, preference for teamwork, resilience, and ability to multi-task make them successful when given the opportunity to lead. As a trailblazer herself, Erika is a single mom of three, who works full-time and just completed a master’s program in Occupational Health & Safety. Her story inspired the women to have faith in themselves and what they can accomplish.

    Erika Velazquez with Pan American Insurance speaks during the Women’s Leadership Workshop.

    In the session called, Speaking Up, attendees were asked to make a short presentation in front of their peers on a microphone. Approximately three quarters of the women in the room raised their hand indicating it was the first time they had ever had the opportunity.

    Following lunch, Devorah and Claudia from Devorah Allen Solorio Consulting, led the discussion on creating opportunity for leadership by taking a 360 perspective on the company and understanding how the different parts contribute to the overall success of the whole. Continuing to learn and building a network of support were also important themes that emerged. The day concluded with a presentation from Napa County Health on women’s wellness and the opportunity to practice relaxation techniques for healthy stress management.

    Leadership skill building alongside women from 15 companies across the Napa Valley
    New and aspiring supervisors are eager for opportunity.

    Starting in 2023, the FWF launched a new supervisor development series, including the Women’s Leadership Workshop, based on the results from last year’s University of California Cooperative Extension Job Satisfaction Survey. The results were used by the FWF Education Committee to meet the needs of farmworkers and their employers.

    About the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation

    Founded by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers in 2011, the mission of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is to support and promote Napa Valley’s vineyard workers through education and professional development. The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is the only one of its kind in the United States, providing educational opportunities, advanced training programs, leadership and management classes, English literacy programs, and much more. To date, the Farmworker Foundation has offered education and professional development opportunities to more than 21,000 vineyard workers and their families. For more information, visit our website at  Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation

  • California FFA’s Increased Diversity Bodes Well for Future of Ag

    Roberto Lopez, a senior at Oakdale High School in Stanislaus County, is a strong believer in the value of FFA. Lopez is the president of both the school’s FFA Chapter and the organization’s central region, encompassing the area between Yolo and Merced counties.

    His drive is so strong that he hopes to take a gap year between high school and college and be elected next month to serve as one of six FFA statewide student officers, who will interact with business and industry leaders, thousands of FFA members and teachers, corporate sponsors, government and education officials, local FFA leaders, and the public.

    The team will lead personal growth and leadership training conferences for FFA members throughout the state and help set policies that will guide the future of FFA in California and the next generation of leaders.

    “I was always an individual who was quiet and kept to himself,” Lopez recalls. “But my ag teachers all introduced the idea of how FFA can turn a student into a leader. That really sparked me. What better way to take my passion for ag than to be an advocate for industry?”

    Lopez’s ascent into leadership roles is representative of the growth of Latino membership in the California FFA. For decades after its inception in 1928, FFA – then the Future Farmers of America – was an all-male, all-white organization. During the 1960s, that began to change. Black members joined in 1965 when FFA merged with the segregated New Farmers of America, and women were first allowed to join in 1969.

    But today, while 45% of members nationwide are female, nearly two-thirds of the membership is white.

    California, however, is different. Twenty years ago, FFA membership in the Golden State was still roughly 60% white and 60% male. But according to FFA’s 2021-22 Fact Sheet, 45% of members were Hispanic, 40% were white, 10% were of two or more races, and 2.5% each were Black and Asian. In addition, 73% of its 98,912 members were women. Although these changes are significant, FFA officials recognize that there is still work that needs to be done.

    “FFA may not have radical changes, but change happens,” said Katie Otto, executive director of development for the California FFA Foundation. “And that’s not lost on our students and our leadership. We ask, are we providing opportunities for all students? Are we accessible? And how can we better meet kids where they’re at?”

    Mark Littlefield, President and CEO of AgWest Farm Credit, said FFA’s growing diversity is crucial for the future of California agriculture.

    “Farm Credit is a strong supporter of FFA and has donated over $600,000 in the past 30 years to help FFA fulfill its mission,” Littlefield said. “Farm Credit is committed to encouraging diversity and inclusion, and FFA’s evolution is especially important to reflect the current make-up of California farms.  This will ensure that our farms and ranches and the rest of the ag industry continue to grow and prosper in the years to come.”

    Farm Credit Alliance members AgWest Farm Credit, American AgCredit, CoBank, Colusa-Glenn Farm Credit, Fresno Madera Farm Credit, Golden State Farm Credit and Yosemite Farm Credit are proud supporters of FFA. The organizations are part of the nationwide Farm Credit System – the largest provider of credit to U.S. agriculture.

    Charles Parker, statewide FFA Advisor for the California Department of Education, said it took time during the 1980s and ‘90s to help Hispanic families understand that having their children participate in FFA was not just a pathway to working in the fields.

    “The parents were farm laborers for the most part and the families didn’t understand what we did. We said we want your children to grow and to go to college and we can help you get there,” Parker said. “The students always wanted to be in it. Like all kids, they love to learn with their hands. But now we can show them that FFA students are going to college, and having those success stories is what drives parental support.”

    Otto said the growing Latino and female membership reflects the expansion of FFA from its farming and ranching origins. Members must be enrolled in an ag course at their middle school or high school to be involved. Classes include biology, chemistry, floriculture, welding and mechanics and are as diverse as ag is in California.

    Parker agreed. “We let them know that FFA is about more than working in the fields. It’s building the next robot; it’s doing engineering, developing new ways to sort fruit. Those are the alternatives we’re looking at.”

    Lopez, who plans on being the first member of his family to attend college, is a perfect example of how FFA grows and develops members, said Isaac Robles, the ag department chair at Oakdale High and an FFA advisor.

    “When he was a freshman, he was just another student. But through hard work and sticking to the program, I’ve seen him really develop into a young leader. We always have superstars from day one, but for Roberto it wasn’t easy – he worked his tail off, and you see the potential that develops out of hard work,” Robles said.

    Developing tomorrow’s ag leaders is another reason why Farm Credit backs FFA so strongly, said Jeana Hultquist, Vice President of Legislative Affairs with American AgCredit and a member of the California FFA Foundation Board of Directors.

    “Roberto is a great example of how FFA develops great leaders. His long-term goal is to graduate from Cal Poly with a degree in ag business,” Hultquist said. “There are thousands of other California FFA members who will become leaders in farming, in finance, in the sciences and in advocacy in the years to come. Many of them would not have had these opportunities without FFA.”

    About Farm Credit: 

    AgWest Farm Credit, American AgCredit, CoBank, Colusa-Glenn Farm Credit, Fresno Madera Farm Credit, Golden State Farm Credit and Yosemite Farm Credit are cooperatively owned lending institutions providing agriculture and rural communities with a dependable source of credit. For more than 100 years, the Farm Credit System has specialized in financing farmers, ranchers, farmer-owned cooperatives, rural utilities and agribusinesses. Farm Credit offers a broad range of loan products and financial services, including long-term real estate loans, operating lines of credit, equipment and facility loans, cash management and appraisal and leasing services…everything a “growing” business needs. For more information, visit www.farmcreditalliance.com

    About the California FFA Foundation:

    California FFA Foundation serves more than 100,000 California students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through educational education.

  • New USDA Investments in School Meals to Support Healthy Kids

    U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced several actions to expand support for and access to the school meal programs, including awarding $50 million in grants that will increase collaboration between schools, food producers and suppliers, and other partners to develop nutritious, appetizing school meals for kids. The department also announced $10 million in grants for schools to expand nutrition education, as well as a proposed regulatory change to give more schools the option to provide healthy school meals to all students at no cost.

    These forward-thinking, innovative actions were all highlighted by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at an event at Maplewood Elementary in Greeley, Colo. where he spoke with school and district leaders about how these USDA actions will benefit their communities.

    “The Biden Administration believes that a healthier future for our country starts with our children,” said Vilsack. “Continuing to make school meals healthier and available to more students are some of the best ways we can help our children thrive early in life.”

    As part of the USDA’s Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative, Vilsack announced that the department is awarding $50 million to the following organizations to manage the School Food System Transformation Challenge Sub-Grants:

    These grants will foster innovation in the school food marketplace to get a wider variety of healthy, appealing foods into the marketplace and onto kids’ lunch trays. Schools and other eligible organizations can apply for the challenge sub-grants later this year and are encouraged to check the USDA’s Healthy Meals Incentives website for updates.

    “USDA is taking a holistic approach to supporting school meal programs, which includes strengthening the food supply chain that supports them,” said Stacy Dean, deputy under secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. “We’re hopeful that these grants will accelerate and expand innovation in the school food marketplace, so that schools – and ultimately our children – have better access to healthier food products.”

    Also today, USDA opened applications for up to $10 billion in Fiscal Year 2023 Team Nutrition Grants, which support nutrition education for school-aged children. The grants will extend nutrition education efforts beyond the cafeteria, incorporating it into all parts of the school day and even enrichment activities outside of school. The resources also support another component of the Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative by helping school districts introduce additional nutritious menu options, and eventually qualify for a Recognition Award.

    Secretary Vilsack also announced that the department is proposing a change that would give more schools the option to provide healthy school meals to all students at no cost. The rule would expand the number of schools eligible to opt into the Community Eligibility Provision, also known as CEP, which could result in more children receiving tasty, nutritious school meals.

    “Many schools and even some entire states have successfully provided free meals to all their students,” said Vilsack. “We applaud their leadership in nourishing children and hope this proposed change will make it possible for more schools and states to follow suit.”

    While the proposed rule does not increase federal funds for school meals, President Biden’s 2024 budget requests an additional $15 billion over 10 years to support schools participating in CEP and reach 9 million more children. Vilsack added, “Together, these actions are one of many efforts the Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are taking to ensure the federal government, states, and local schools are working together to support child health.”

    FNS encourages all interested parties to comment on the CEP proposed rule during the 45-day comment period that begins tomorrow.

    These announcements are part of USDA’s ongoing efforts to support schools and strengthen school meals to improve children’s health. They also build on commitments made in the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health:

    • The expansion of CEP advances a pathway for healthy school meals to more students at no cost.
    • The School Food System Transformation Challenge Grants unite the public and private sector in expanding healthier food options in the K-12 school food marketplace.
    • The Team Nutrition Grants help schools expand nutrition education to students and introduce healthier food options into their meals.

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

  • BASF Ag Solutions Doubles Donation Goal to FFA, Reaching $10,000

    BASF Agricultural Solutions has exceeded its initial goal of $5,000 and raised a total of $10,000 during Give FFA Day on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Give FFA Day funds support agricultural education for Future Farmers of America (FFA). Since 2022, BASF had donated more than $550,000.

    “Together, not only did we meet our goal, but we exceeded it,” said Neil Bentley, BASF Vice President, Market Management Agricultural Solutions NA and FFA Supporters Board Member. “We raised $7,155 and with our company match, expect to surpass $10,000 for FFA. This is a huge milestone and shows how passionate BASF employees are for the industry when so many are willing to support organizations committed to leading the next generation to careers in agriculture.”

    Give FFA Day is part of an annual week-long celebration, National FFA Week, which took place from February 18 – 25. The National FFA Board of Directors designated the weeklong tradition beginning in 1948, spanning the week of George Washington’s birthday, to recognize Washington’s legacy as an agriculturist and farmer.

    A group of young farmers founded FFA in 1928, and the organization has been influencing generations that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting — it involves science, business and more. For more than 90 years, the National FFA Organization has strived to make a difference in students’ lives. Donations help FFA grow the next generation of leaders.

    The 2023 national goal for Give FFA Day was $500,000. In total, the 24 hours of support far exceeded that goal, raising $721,506 on February 23 alone – that’s nearly $1 for each member of FFA.

    About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions Division       

    Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population while reducing environmental impacts. Working with partners and agricultural experts and by integrating sustainability criteria into all business decisions, we help farmers to create a positive impact on sustainable agriculture. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, connecting innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our portfolio comprises seeds and specifically selected plant traits, chemical and biological crop protection, solutions for soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we strive to find the right balance for success – for farmers, agriculture and future generations. In 2022, our division generated sales of €10.3 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

    About National FFA Organization
    The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

  • Hanford High School’s Jason Ferreira Named California “Ag Educator of the Year”

    After recognizing six exceptional California teachers as finalists through the Golden Owl Award, the California FFA Foundation, in partnership with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau, selected Jason Ferreira, agricultural teacher at Hanford High School, as California’s 2022-2023 “Ag Educator of the Year.”

    Ferreira was formally recognized as the Golden Owl Award grand prize winner during the California FFA State Leadership Conference in Ontario on March 18. In addition to the title of California’s Ag Educator of the Year, Ferreira received the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and a $3,000 Nationwide-funded donation to further Hanford High School’s agricultural education efforts.

    Upon hearing of his win, Ferreira expressed his gratitude to students, colleagues, and community. “I’m grateful for everyone who has ever played a part in helping me serve my students, program, and community selflessly,” he said. “Receiving the Golden Owl Award reminds me of the powerful impact that FFA Advisors have on our community. I am humbled and proud to be a positive representative for California agricultural education and look forward to seeing the next generation of Golden Owls aspire to achieve success with their careers.”

    Each Golden Owl Award finalist was also presented with an individualized plaque in front of attendees at the California FFA State Leadership Conference and received a $500 donation to support future educational efforts. The finalists included:

    • Brian Kim – Sunny Hills High School
    • Emily Brown – Corning Union High School
    • Celeste Morino – Ripon High School
    • Beth Swehla – Anderson Valley High School
    • Lauren Peterson – King City High School 

    Ferreira’s passion for agriculture and his commitment to his students have made him an outstanding educator, and his recognition is well-deserved. Nominations described Ferreira as hardworking, dedicated, and inspiring. One student nomination read, “When I first met Mr. Ferreira I was not an active member and was only in FFA to get class credits, but in less than a few months Mr. Ferreira showed me the beauty of the FFA organization. He helped me work to become a sectional officer and helped me find my place in this organization. Sometimes I wonder how Mr. Ferreira is able to do all the remarkable things he does for this organization—it is a testimony to his love for and dedication to the FFA.”

    As the number one insurer of farms and ranches in the United States, Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award with its state partners to shed light on the contributions of California’s leading agricultural teachers and provide additional resources to support their programs.

    “As a company deeply rooted in agriculture, we are proud to collaborate with our state partners to recognize outstanding agriculture teachers, who are not only critical to the communities they serve, but also to the farming industry as a whole,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We are extremely grateful for the contributions and dedication of these selfless public servants.”

    In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is also donating $5,000 to the California FFA Foundation to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors alike.

    The Golden Owl Award is the result of partnerships between Nationwide, the California FFA Foundation, and the California Farm Bureau.

  • State FFA Leadership Conference Emphasis to Redefine

    Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and supporters from across the state of California “redefined their leadership” during the opening session of the 95th State FFA Leadership Conference at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.

    The 2022-2023 State Officer team kicked off the conference with a video showcasing what “redefine” means to them. The team spoke about this year’s mission to redefine agriculture, agricultural education, and leadership. Following this, the team was introduced and conducted the traditional FFA opening ceremonies.

    Juan Bendaña, keynote speaker and leadership strategist, was one of the conference’s keynote speakers featured in this session. During his message, he urged FFA members to turn their self-doubt into self-confidence and take on a new challenge.

    “Perfection is the lowest standard you could ever have because it isn’t real. Do not strive for perfect; strive for better,” Bendaña said.

    The top 23 candidates up for selection for the 2023-2024 California FFA State Officer Team were introduced to the conference. Throughout the weekend, the candidates will take part in interviews before being selected for office during the final session on Sunday. View the 23 finalists here.

    Charles Parker, State FFA Advisor, gave remarks to the California members and educators on how to make the most out of their time at the conference.

    “Circle in on the dreams that you have. Share them with your friends, advisors, and the people who support you,” Parker said.

    He also encouraged members to interact with state officials, including State Superintendent of Public Schools, Tony Thurmond, and Mary Nicely, Chief Deputy Superintendent, who will be attending the conference this year.

    Special guest Dale Brisby also joined the California FFA delegation for the second consecutive year. As a well-known YouTube and social media comedian and past Texas FFA State Officer, Brisby discussed the value of agricultural education in his own life and how it set him up for success.

    The second session of the 95th State FFA Leadership Conference will be held at the Toyota Arena tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m.

     

    About California FFA: The California Association, FFA is part of a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members in 8,995 local FFA chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

  • Hackathon Aims to Solve Agricultural Challenges

    Almost 200 students from around the U.S. had the chance to work on two challenges for the agricultural industry as part of the NSF/USDA-NIFA-funded AgAID Institute’s Digital Agathon. The event was held on the Washington State University Pullman campus as well as in Corvallis, Oregon and Merced, California.

    A total of 32 teams from WSU, Oregon State University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech and University of California, Merced participated in the event, which was sponsored by the AgAID Institute, and held in partnership with Microsoft and innov8.ag.

    “Our hackathon is experiential learning, providing a deep dive into areas of agriculture where artificial intelligence (AI) can help,” said Ananth Kalyanaraman, Boeing Centennial Chair in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and director of the AgAID Institute. “The hackathon gives our students a chance to creatively and collaboratively solve problems in interdisciplinary settings, and in the process learn and apply new.”

    The students were given one of two agricultural challenges and had 48 hours to come up with solutions. In one challenge, students were asked to develop computer vision, using AI methods to measure and count apples grown in an apple orchard. The information is important for farmers because they would like to know how their decisions about orchard organization, pruning strategies, watering, fertilization, and harvest scheduling impact their crop yield.

    “Estimating the number of apples grown in farms can be a time-consuming and error-prone process during the fast-paced harvest season,” said Kalyanaraman.

    Another challenge had the students develop and apply computer models to forecast winter precipitation in the Sacramento Basin of California. Researchers would like to improve seasonal forecasting to reduce risks to water systems and help water managers manage supplies.

    A WSU team including students Gabriel Compton, John Hadish, Josh Oliver, Michael Oliver, and Shlok Tomar took first prize for the labor challenge competition, while WSU students Nicholas Kraabel, Bhupinderjeet Singh, Krishu Thapa, and Sejal Welanakar took second prize for the water challenge competition.  Muluh Muluh, Meijing Liang, Srikanth Gorthi, and Grant Erickson took fourth prize in the labor challenge.

    The AgAID Institute began in 2021 with a $20 million federal grant. The multi-institutional research institute aims to develop artificial intelligence solutions and workforce to tackle critical agricultural challenges related to labor, water, weather, and climate change. The institute aims to build and foster partnerships between the AI and agriculture communities and create a transdisciplinary ecosystem for technology innovation and knowledge transfer. — By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture, Washington State University

  • California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation Scholarship Applications Due March 4th

    Applications are now being accepted for scholarships awarded through the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation.

    Each year, the Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors who plan to continue their education at a four-year or two-year school. These scholarships are available to students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. In addition, one Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year.

    The CAWG Foundation board selects scholarship recipients who have demonstrated excellence across the board, from academic achievement and extracurricular activities to public service and community involvement. Selection criteria include scholastic ability, financial need, community service, leadership experience, and a personal essay.

    “The CAWG Foundation scholarships are a tribute to the families of employees who help make the winegrape and wine community a special part of California culture. The continuity of this scholarship program is made possible by the generous donations from the winegrape industry, and we express our gratitude to them,” remarked Davindar Mahil, the CAWG Foundation board of directors’ chair.

    Each year, three, 4-year scholarships are available at $8,000 each ($24,000 total) for students who plan to attend any campus in the University of California or California State University system. There are also three 2-year scholarships available at $2,000 each ($6,000 total) for students who plan to attend any California community college.

    The Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship provides either $500 for Alan Hancock College or $1,000 for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (see the link below for this scholarship’s eligibility and study subject requirements).

    Since the program’s inception in 1998, the CAWG Foundation has awarded $554,500 in scholarships to help students pursue higher education. Generous donations from CAWG members and the California wine community fund the scholarship program.

    Applications can be found at https://cawgfoundation.org/ and are due March 4, 2023.

  • Fresno State Seeks to Expand Diversity in California Ag, Farm Credit Helps with $700,000

    The Central Valley of California is the largest producer of agricultural commodities in the nation, and agriculture is by far the largest segment of the region’s economy. But as Dr. Sharon Freeman, an assistant professor at California State University Fresno puts it, the state’s changing demographics mean agriculture has to change as well.

    “To remain competitive, we need to encourage Latinos and other underrepresented students to continue their education through our hands-on learning programs and to become future leaders for the agricultural industry in California,” she said.

    Freeman is the program coordinator for the Jordan College of Agricultural Science and Technology’s Ag Ambassadors Program, which began some 40 years ago to promote Fresno State, the Jordan College and higher education in general. But she pays special attention to the Farm Credit Multicultural Ambassadors – five undergraduate students majoring in one of the college’s six departments who are recruited to reach out to Latino and other underrepresented populations.

    The team visits urban and rural high schools and community colleges in the Central Valley and along the Central Coast to advise prospective students about the opportunities at Fresno State and to serve as role models to motivate and encourage these students to acquire the needed skills and courses to enroll. Taking advantage of technology, the program even had a virtual session with students in Carpinteria in southern Santa Barbara County.

    “The Multicultural Ambassador Program provides recruitment activities, career fairs, farm tours, and educational days to help ensure that underrepresented students become aware of careers in agriculture and the opportunities at Fresno State,” Freeman said. In the 2021-22 school year, the program organized some 50 outreach events throughout the region, which reached 620 high school and community college students.

    The program was established by four members of the Farm Credit System – AgWest Farm Credit, American AgCredit, CoBank, and Fresno Madera Farm Credit. Since the program’s inception in 2013, they, along with Golden State Farm Credit, have donated $701,000 to support the program. The organizations are part of the nationwide Farm Credit System – the largest provider of credit to U.S. agriculture.

    Keith Hesterberg, President and CEO of Fresno Madera Farm Credit, said supporting diversity and equity in agriculture is a must.

    “Fresno State’s Jordan College provides agricultural programs that are preparing the next generation of agriculturalists,” Hesterberg said. “Ensuring that these programs are accessible to all students who want to attend college and better prepare themselves for employment in the agriculture industry is crucial to the future of California agriculture, and Farm Credit is proud to have taken a leadership role in this effort.”

    Current Fresno State students say participating in the program’s activities while still in high school made a profound impact on them.

    “It was eye-opening,” recalled Abelino Garza II, a freshman from Bakersfield majoring in biochemistry who is serving on the FFA Field Day Committee. “We’d take the tours of the farm laboratories and animal units and then have time to walk around the campus, which gave me a chance to see what this campus had to offer.  I could see that this was an agricultural college and that there was an opportunity to pursue a career in many ways.”

    But besides helping increase awareness of the university and about career opportunities in agriculture, the ambassadors also gain skills that will help them toward a more successful future because the ambassadors organize and lead the presentations.

    “When I was a freshman, it was intimidating to give the farm tours and provide information about the campus,” said Jocelyne Juarez, a graduate student from Wasco, 25 miles northwest of Bakersfield who is an advisor to the underclassmen. “Being part of the program has created comfort in speaking in front of people. And it’s gone from me doing the presentations to me helping the student give their presentations. Being in the program really helps develop soft skills.”

    Ivan Trujillo, center, with his sister Desiree and Greenfield High School FFA Advisor Daniel Villasenor

    Ivan Trujillo, a senior from Greenfield, 30 miles south of Salinas, agreed.

    “Just by getting involved I was able to develop so many skills I didn’t know I had,” said Trujillo who – like Juarez – plans to become an ag teacher. “I didn’t know that I had great organizational skills and could plan conferences and organize events – things you’d never imagine doing in college. I have one more year here and I want to make the most of it.”

    Freeman said the program has been expanding. Last year, she said they hosted the first Multicultural Ambassador Presentation Day, which brings classes of students in for a half-day of events and learning opportunities. One of the programs promoted there is the Agricultural Career Readiness Skills Certificate Pathway for the 21st Century, which allows high school students to earn a transferable certificate to demonstrate they have participated in soft skills development through their FFA program.

    Fresno State last year also hosted the statewide Agricultural Ambassador Conference, which brought in 120 community college and university students from around the state to further develop personal skills and provide networking opportunities. Students from five agricultural colleges work together to put the conference together, which includes industry representatives from Farm Credit, the Tulare County Farm Bureau, Taylor Farms, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the California Department of Agriculture. This year’s conference will be held January 28-30 at Fresno State.

    Then in May, the program will hold a new Aspire to Grow Conference, which will target local students from underrepresented communities to hear speakers talk about diversity and inclusion and the need for the students to pursue future education.

    She noted that Farm Credit also supports the annual FFA Field Day at Fresno State, which is scheduled for April 22. The event regularly attracts between 2,000 and 2,500 high school students from around the San Joaquin Valley.

    Mark Littlefield, President and CEO of AgWest Farm Credit, said Farm Credit was extremely pleased to see how the program is continuing to grow and reach increasing numbers of underrepresented students.

    “Farming feeds the world, but unfortunately there are many people who aren’t aware of all the careers available in agriculture – in animal and plant science, engineering and technology, along with developing better ways to grow the food the nation and the world depend on,” Littlefield said. “The Ambassadors Program has provided thousands of students with that information over the years, and Farm Credit looks forward to working with Fresno State to grow this great program even further.”

    About Farm Credit: 

    AgWest Farm Credit, American AgCredit, CoBank, and Fresno Madera Farm Credit are cooperatively owned lending institutions providing agriculture and rural communities with a dependable source of credit. For more than 100 years, the Farm Credit System has specialized in financing farmers, ranchers, farmer-owned cooperatives, rural utilities and agribusinesses. Farm Credit offers a broad range of loan products and financial services, including long-term real estate loans, operating lines of credit, equipment and facility loans, cash management and appraisal and leasing services…everything a “growing” business needs. For more information, visit www.farmcreditalliance.com

    About the Multicultural Ambassadors Program:

    The Multicultural Ambassadors program is made up of agricultural students attending California State University, Fresno. Their mission is to conduct recruitment activities to encourage underrepresented students to further their education, consider agricultural careers, and to learn about the opportunities available at the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. Recruitment activities include career fairs, high school presentations, farm tours, and leadership conferences. Through participation in these recruitment activities, the Multicultural Ambassadors develop soft skills, leadership, and career-readiness practices that prepare them for leadership positions in the agricultural industry.