California Ag Network

Category: Education

  • California Table Grape Growers Offer Scholarships

    California table grape growers are offering three types of scholarships to graduating high school seniors from the table grape growing regions of California.

    There are two types scholarships offered for field workers and their families. The first is a $14,500 scholarship for graduating seniors who will attend two years of a community college and transfer to a California university or college. The second is a $25,000 scholarship for graduating seniors who will attend a four-year California university or college.

    The third type is a $25,000 scholarship offered to graduating seniors who will attend a four-year California university or college and are interested in studying agriculture and building a career in the table grape industry.

    Three of each scholarship type are available. The deadline to apply for all scholarships is Friday, February 10, 2023 at 5 p.m.

    Since 1985, California table grape growers have offered scholarships to graduating high school seniors from California’s table grape growing regions. To hear recent scholarship recipients in their own words, visit: https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/community- outreach/scholarship-recipients/.

    For more information on the scholarship program, please email Scholarships@grapesfromcalifornia.com or visit: https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/community-outreach/. 

  • Central Valley Ag Students Recognized for Research, Industry & Community Involvement

    Four Fresno State students in the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology were recognized May 5 with area ag scholar awards by 23rd District Assemblyman Jim Patterson at a ceremony at the Vincent E. Petrucci Viticulture Building.

    Plant science senior Omar Albughanam (of Clovis), agricultural business senior Riley Barney (Chowchilla), agricultural education senior Jocelyne Juarez (Wasco) and plant science junior Aalexis Woolf (Bakersfield) were selected for the awards based on their passion, growth and innovation related to their academic success, research and service to industry and the community.

    Each student also received a $500 scholarship from My Job Depends on Ag, a national grassroots organization that started in Fresno and shares personal perspectives on how agriculture impacts all lives.

    Albughanam placed fourth in the national speech contest this past fall at the Students for Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Science Conference, and also competed in related soil judging and quiz bowl team events. He has worked with students, faculty, industry and community members as the Irrigation Club president and as a Plant Science Club member. He also studies topics related to gas, moisture and nitrate topics as a USDA technical research intern.

    Barney has worked with students, faculty and staff as Agricultural Business Club president and Jordan College Student Leadership Council member. She has worked on a legislative bill that impacts the labeling and usage of California olive oil as a California Apple Commission intern.  She has studied the potential impacts of genetically modified walnuts and domestic and international market response as a member of the Jordan College Honors Research Cohort. She will start a master’s degree in international affairs this fall at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M.

    Juarez has been committed to Central Valley agricultural education and outreach as part of the state FFA Field Day planning committee and multicultural ambassadors campus program. She has dedicated her honors research to studying learning activities that develop soft skills that are tied to the Ag Career Readiness Certificate Pathway project. She has served as a co-coordinator for the state agricultural ambassador conference and hosted campus visits and farm tours for Central Valley schools.

    Woolf has served as president and former secretary of the FFA Field Day committee, which welcomes 3,000 students, advisers and volunteers to campus each year. She has served as a campus agricultural ambassador and judged various speaking competitions for local high school students. She spent this past summer interning with Syngenta Crop Protection and created presentations to educate future customers.

    More information on the awards is available from Alisha Gallon, district director for the Office of Assemblyman Jim Patterson, at Alisha.Gallon@asm.ca.gov or 559.446.2029.

  • Kings County Farm Day Brings AG To Life For Local Third Graders

    Kings County Farm Bureau is busy preparing for the annual event that best exemplifies what Farm Bureau is all about: Farm Day. Now in its 16th year, Kings County Farm Day will bring together third graders from across Kings County for a unique field trip. With the help of local ag businesses, equipment operators and animal presenters, students will have the opportunity to learn about the many facets of agriculture through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences.

    Farm Day, which will take place on Thursday, March 17 at the Kings Fairgrounds, is a collaborative effort on the part of Kings County Farm Bureau (KCFB), the Kings County Office of Education and the Kings Fair. Farm Day strives to teach the next generation of consumers about the positive contributions farming makes to the community and the local economy.

    Volunteers will guide students through a number of exhibits that allow them to climb on tractors, pet a variety of farm animals and learn the process of how food gets from the farm to the fork.

    The goal of Farm Day, which requires hundreds of man hours to plan and execute each year, is to spark an interest in agriculture—the Valley’s dominant industry—at a young age for the next generation of consumers. As educational as it is fun, Farm Day teaches children valuable lessons about where food comes from, and demonstrates that it is not grown in the grocery store.

    “Farm Day provides us with a special opportunity to teach local students about the importance of living in a farming community,” said KCFB Executive Director Dusty Ference. “Our goal is for every child who attends Farm Day to gain an increased awareness of the positive contributions that agriculture makes not only to our local community and our economy, but to the world.”

    Farm Day is a cooperative effort between the Kings County Farm Bureau, the Kings County Office of Education and the Kings Fair, and is made possible by proceeds from Farm Bureau’s Wine vs. Beer Showdown fundraiser and Friends of Farm Bureau sponsorships. Kings County Farm Bureau is a non-profit advocacy organization which represents approximately 800 members of the agricultural community. The mission of KCFB is to provide education, promotion and representation of agriculture. More information is available at www.kcfb.org.

  • Students Gain Recognition for Research at California Weed Science Society Conference

    It’s 2022 and the California Weed Science Society was back in person at the Hyatt in Sacramento!

    It was touch and go leading up to the conference, but after it started everything seemed to go off without a hitch. There were lots of good exhibitors and a great lineup of speakers to listen to.

    My favorite part of the conference is the student presenters. This year we had a great turnout, with 5 graduate students participating in the oral contest, and 12 students in the poster contest (10 graduate, and 2 undergraduate).

    All of the students did an excellent job, making the final decisions by the judges quite difficult! Two independent judging panels compiled scores and delivered prizes. Below is a list of the Winners!!

    Undergraduate Poster Contest Winner

    First Place: Jennifer Valdez Herrera presented- Potential of Roller-Crimper Technology for Weed Suppression in Annual Crops. (Fresno State)

    Graduate Poster Contest Winners

    First Place: Wenzhuo Wu-The Comparative Flower development of Palmer Amaranth: Male vs. Female (Davis)

    Second Place: Sarah Marsh- Weed Control and Rice Response to Pyraclonil, A New Broad-Spectrum Herbicide in California Rice (Davis)

    Third Place: Aaron Becerra- Alvarez-Screening for Herbicide Resistant Weeds in California Rice Fields (Davis)

    Graduate Paper/Oral Winners

    First Place: Wenzhuo Wu-Sterile Pollen Technique as a Novel Weed Management Tool (Davis)

    Second Place: Liberty Galvin-Pre-emergent Oxyfluorfen Application to Control Weedy Rice in California (Davis)

    Third Place: Margaret Fernado-Impacts of Native and Introduced Cover Crops on Soil Health and Weed Populations in a Table Grape Vineyard of the San Joaquin Valley (Fresno State)

    I would like to thank all of the students who participated and attended the conference this year!

    If you know any students in weed science keep your eye out for the upcoming CWSS Scholarship program, and encourage them to participate in the contest at next year’s conference in Monterey! — By Thomas Getts, Weed Ecology & Cropping Systems Advisor, UCCE

  • Accelerating a Generation Syngenta Ag Scholarship Now Open for Applications

    Students studying agriculture have a chance to win a $2,500 scholarship and a donation to the charity of their choice through the 2022 Accelerating a Generation Syngenta Scholarship Program.

    Through the scholarship program, which is run by the National FFA organization (FFA), Syngenta will give a total of six scholarships to college students from across the country who are pursuing an education in agricultural or farm studies. The objective of the scholarships is to help advance those winners’ knowledge of the industry.

    “Making sure students feel supported is the first and most important step in ensuring a strong future in our agricultural community, and this program does just that,” says Linda Arnold Whaley, head of marketing communications for Syngenta Seeds. “Our scholarship is the perfect tool for empowering students.”

    The application period runs until Jan. 11, 2022. Applicants must be U.S. residents and those in higher-education institutes must be enrolled as of fall 2021 in an accredited agriculture program at a land-grant university. FFA membership is not required.

    Along with the scholarship money, each winner designates an agriculture-related non-profit organization to receive a $500 donation from Syngenta.

    “Every year we are honored to receive applications from some of the best and brightest students across the country, and I anticipate this year will be the same,” says Syngenta marketing communications lead Pam Caraway.

    To apply for the scholarship, visit https://www.ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/. For information on official rules and application guidelines, visit www.Syngenta-US.com/Scholarships. For more information about Syngenta, visit www.Syngenta-US.com. Join the conversation online ― connect with us at www.Syngenta-US.com/Social.


    About Syngenta

    Syngenta Crop Protection and Syngenta Seeds are part of Syngenta Group, one of the world’s leading agriculture companies. Our ambition is to help safely feed the world while taking care of the planet. We aim to improve the sustainability, quality and safety of agriculture with world class science and innovative crop solutions. Our technologies enable millions of farmers around the world to make better use of limited agricultural resources.

    The content of this release is for information purposes only. This release is not, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell or issue or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or other property interests.

    To learn more, visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Syngenta, www.twitter.com/SyngentaUS and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/syngenta

  • Runze Cliff Yu Joins the Fresno State Department of Viticulture & Enology

    The Department of Viticulture and Enology at Fresno State has a new assistant professor joining the faculty. This new assistant professor is Dr. Runze Cliff Yu. A Fresno State V&E alumnus, Yu finished his master’s degree at Fresno State in 2016 before moving on to UC Davis. He earned his PhD degree in June 2020 there and stayed for another year as a post-doctoral researcher.

    Yu is excited to share his knowledge and experiences with the students in the department. Yu also has an extensive research background. Working with his advisor Dr. Kaan Kurtural for many years, his research focuses on the current issues Central Valley wine grape growers have been experiencing, such as drought, heat and labor. He is planning to conduct research around these topics.

    “Teaching and research should be mutually inclusive in viticulture,” said Yu. “We need to provide our students with the latest research and innovations. They are the future of this industry and will need to be equipped to solve problems and move the industry forward.”

    Yu is very happy to back in the department. “It feels like coming back home,” he said. “I look forward to working with both students and grape growers to do my part to further the success of the grape industry.”

  • Don’t Miss Malcolm Media’s Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno, Nov. 11

    Save the date, Friday, November 11th for the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds.  Held by Malcolm Media Ag Publishing in cooperation with California Ag Network, Pacific Nut Producer, American Vineyard, and California Fresh Fruit Magazines, it is the ultimate postharvest industry gathering place for regional grape, nut & tree fruit growers and crop advisors.   Fresno is the number one Ag County in the state and the center of the Central Valley’s rich and diverse agricultural production. Nearly a thousand growers, PCAs and industry stakeholders attend this expo to enjoy State of the Almond, Pistachio, Walnut, Pecan, Tree Fruit, Raisin, Table & Wine Grape Industry presentations, Continuing Education Credited IPM seminars, great food & company, and an industry trade show featuring over a hundred Ag businesses.

    This event is FREE to attend and wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local industry associations, universities and our sponsors this year: Ag Access, Advancing Eco Agriculture, Almond Alliance of California, American Pistachio Growers, Blue White Robotics, Burchell Nursery, California Fresh Fruit Association, Dave Wilson Nursery, Duarte Nursery, Enterprise, Firman Pollen, Fresno State Viticulture & Enology, Jack Rabbit, JSC Agricultural Supply, Live Earth Products, Orchard Machinery Corporation, Phoenix Renewable Services, Phytech US, Preferred Employers Insurance, Saturas, Sun-Maid Growers, Sunridge Nurseries, Synagro, Wonderful Laboratories, and Wonderful Nurseries.

    Online pre-registration for the event is now available HERE and includes the ability to preregister for any CE credits attendees would like to receive.  3 hours of PCA/PA/QAL/QAC credits have been approved for this event, with 5 hours of CCA credits pending.

    Also new to this year’s program will be three special panel discussions: one featuring options & incentives for groundwater recharge with Chase Hurley from Triangle T Water District, Dave Krietemeyer from USDA-NRCS and growers Lucas Avila & Karun Samran. In a special presentation for raisin growers this year, Matthew Fidelibus from the UC Cooperative Extension will be discussing prospects of the newest DOV varieties with growers Austin Hubbell and Steven Cardoza.  Aubrey Bettencourt from the Almond Alliance of California will also be leading a panel discussion on almond supply chain solutions and the upcoming Farm Bill impact on specialty crop agriculture. The USDA Farm Service Agency will also be conducting a brief workshop to assist growers in signing up for a new round of disaster aid, the tree & vine replant programs and other eligible programs.  See the full program below for more details.

    This event along with other Malcolm Media Ag Expos has generated nearly $150,000 in scholarship endowments for the agricultural programs at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Davis.  Interested in exhibiting/sponsoring? Visit agexpo.biz/exhibit and give us a call at 559-298-6020 to see what options are still available.

  • Don’t Miss Malcolm Media’s Tree & Vine Expo Coming to Turlock, Nov. 8

    Save the date, Tuesday, November 8th for the annual Tree & Vine Expo at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, in Turlock, California, the heart of North Valley wine grape, tree nut and fruit country.  Held by Malcolm Media Ag Publishing in cooperation with California Ag Network, Pacific Nut Producer, American Vineyard, and California Fresh Fruit Magazines, it is the ultimate postharvest industry gathering place for regional grape, nut & tree fruit growers and crop advisors.  Nearly a thousand growers, PCAs and industry stakeholders attend this expo to enjoy State of the Almond, Walnut, Pistachio & Wine Grape Industry presentations, Continuing Education Credited IPM seminars, great food & company, and an industry trade show featuring over a hundred Ag businesses.

    This event is FREE to attend and wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local industry associations, universities and our sponsors this year: Ag Access, Air Burners, Almond Alliance of California, Blue White Robotics, Dave Wilson Nursery, Duarte Nursery, Firman Pollen, JSC Agricultural Supply, Live Earth Products, Preferred Employers Insurance, Saturas, Turlock Irrigation District, Turrentine Brokerage, Wonderful Nurseries, and Yosemite Farm Credit.

    Online pre-registration for the event is now available HERE and includes the ability to pre-register for any CE credits attendees would like to receive.  4 hours of PCA, PA, QAL and QAC credits have been approved for this event, with 4.5 hours of CCA credits pending.

    Also new to this year’s program will be a special panel discussion led by Aubrey Bettencourt from the Almond Alliance of California covering almond supply chain solutions and the upcoming Farm Bill impact on specialty crop agriculture. The USDA Farm Service Agency will also be conducting a brief workshop to assist growers in signing up for a new round of disaster aid, the tree & vine replant programs and other eligible programs. See the full program below for more details.

    This event along with other Malcolm Media Ag Expos has generated nearly $150,000 in scholarship endowments for the agricultural programs at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Davis.  Interested in exhibiting/sponsoring? Visit agexpo.biz/exhibit and give us a call at 559-298-6020 to see what options are still available.

  • Don’t Miss the Sonoma Grape Expo, Nov. 5

    Save the date, Friday, November 5th for the Sonoma Grape Expo at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds in Sonoma County, Malcolm Media’s premier event for North Coast  Wine Grape Growers and PCAs.  Held biennially in collaboration with American Vineyard Magazine, California Ag Network (and the Sonoma County Vineyard Technical Group this year), it is the ultimate postharvest regional gathering place for wine grape growers and crop advisors.  Hundreds of growers, PCAs and industry stakeholders attend this expo to enjoy State of the Wine Grape Industry presentations with Allied Grape Growers and Turrentine Brokerage, Continuing Education Credited IPM seminars, great food & company, and an industry trade show featuring the North Coast’s most innovative vineyard technologies, products and services.

    This event is FREE to attend and wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local industry associations, universities and this year’s sponsors: Wonderful Nurseries, Live Earth Products, FieldIn, Belkorp Ag, Casa Cristal Nursery, Vineyard Industry Products, and the Sonoma County Vineyard Technical Group.

    Online pre-registration for the event is now available HERE and includes the ability to pre-register for any CE credits attendees would like to receive. Three hours of PCA, PA, QAL, QAC and 4.5 hours of CCA credits have been approved for this event.

    Also new to this year’s program will be a special panel discussion led by Jason Saling, President of the Sonoma County Vineyard Technical Group.  In addition to wildfires and a challenging marketplace, the North Coast wine grape industry is under an increasing threat of invasive vineyard pests and diseases that need to be kept at bay. Saling and his associates will address the need for collaborative IPM strategies through a county wine grape pest control district.  See the full program below for more details.

    This event along with other Malcolm Media Ag Expos has generated nearly $150,000 in scholarship endowments for the agricultural programs at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Davis.  Interested in exhibiting/sponsoring? Visit agexpo.biz/exhibit and give us a call at 559-298-6020 to see what options are still available.

  • GROWMARK Expands Annual Essay Contest to All 50 States

    With the GROWMARK System’s geographic footprint growing rapidly over the last few years, the organization is excited to announce expanded eligibility for the 2022 GROWMARK FFA Essay Contest to the entire United States. Previously, it had been limited to FFA members in several Midwestern states.

    The theme for the 2022 GROWMARK Essay Contest is: “What, in your opinion, has changed for the better in the agricultural industry as a result of the pandemic?”

    This is the 29th year for the program, sponsored by the GROWMARK System and FS member cooperatives, in conjunction with state FFA leaders, to help young people develop their writing skills, learn about current issues affecting agriculture, and understand the unique role of cooperatives.

    Essays should be submitted online at www.bit.ly/GMKEssay2022. The deadline for all submissions is midnight Central time on October 29, 2021. Additional program details have been sent to agriculture teachers and are online at www.growmark.com.

    One national winner will receive a $1000 award, and their FFA chapter will receive $750. Four national runners-up will each receive $500, and their chapters will receive $300. States with at least 25 essays submitted will also have a state winner selected. Each school may submit one essay. The contest is open to all high school FFA members across the country.

    About GROWMARK:

    GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.