California Ag Network

Category: Education

  • Over $7M to Support Ag Research Innovations and Workforce Development

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced today an investment of over $7 million in research grants to U.S. Non-Land-grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA).

    These grants aim to increase research, education, and outreach capacity at Non-Land-grant Institutions to support development of the innovations and workforce needed to sustain the agriculture industry in the future.

    “The National Institute of Food and Agriculture awards research, education and extension grants to solve the grand challenges before us,” said NIFA director Dr. Carrie Castille. “These efforts will help improve rural economies, increase food production and agricultural profitability and sustainability, address climate change and related issues, ensure food and nutrition security and train the next generation of the agricultural workforce.”

    Examples of the 24 funded projects to U.S. Non-Land-grant Colleges of Agriculture include:

    Humboldt State University, Arcata, California, will prepare a diverse pool of natural resource scientists to enter a workforce focused on climate-ready and sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in rangelands ($299,999).

    Texas A&M University, Commerce, Texas, collaborating with Tarleton State University, will learn how pollinator-friendly perennials in ornamental landscapes can provide a solution to decades of major declines in pollinators, through their Plant Drought Response and Insect Pollinator Studies project ($299,867).

    American Indian Higher Education Consortium, working in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, will create a network of scientists and educators to facilitate research, education and outreach activities relating to soil and water quality ($29,827).

    Background:

    Non-Land-grant College of Agriculture (NLGCA) and NLGCA Institutions are public colleges or universities offering a baccalaureate or higher degree in food and agricultural sciences. Land-grant Universities (also called Land-grant Colleges or Land-grant Institutions) are U.S. higher education institutions designated by a state to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890.

    Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA) Program provides funding to NLGCA institutions supporting educational, research, and outreach activities that address priority concerns of national, regional, state, and local interest.  To determine if an institution is eligible to be designated as an NLGCA institution as defined in the 2018 Farm Bill, please visit NIFA-19-005 NLGCA Eligibility Flow Chart resource page. This NIFA-certified designation is an eligibility requirement for the Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-grant Colleges of Agriculture program.

    NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and Extension across the nation to make transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges. NIFA supports initiatives that ensure the long-term viability of agriculture and applies an integrated approach to ensure that groundbreaking discoveries in agriculture-related sciences and technologies reach the people who can put them into practice. In FY2020, NIFA’s total investment was $1.95 billion.

    Visit our website: www.nifa.usda.gov; Twitter: @USDA_NIFA; LinkedIn: USDA-NIFA. To learn more about NIFA’s impact on agricultural science (searchable by state or keyword), visit www.nifa.usda.gov/impacts.

  • Regenerative Farming School Focuses on ‘Keeping Dollars at Home, in Local Communities’

    Dan DeSutter is a farmer and a numbers guy. With an advanced degree in finance and decades of agricultural production experience, he understands the value of soil health-focused regenerative agriculture and what impact it has on his Attica, Indiana farm’s bottom line.

    He knows a lot because he’s seen a lot, including what he describes as “The good, the bad and the ugly of regenerative organic farming.”

    “Dan’s leadership, experience and success in the soil health movement, coupled with his organic regen-erative and grass-fed production operation, combine to make his farm the perfect outdoor classroom for the Soil Health Academy’s (SHA) upcoming school,” said SHA instructor David Kleinschmidt.

    In addition to Kleinschmidt, the three-day SHA school, Aug. 3-5, will feature instruction by Ray Archuleta, Doug Peterson and other technical consultants, all of whom are widely considered to be among the most preeminent pioneers, innovators and advocates in today’s soil health and regenerative agricultural movement.

    For his part, DeSutter will share how he has been able to practically apply soil health-improving regenerative principles in his farming operation—techniques that have generated numerous benefits.

    “If we invest in regenerating our soil, we can keep a lot of input dollars at home and in our local community,” DeSutter said. “The ultimate objective of regenerative farming is to have soils that can work for us instead of relying on us to provide for plant needs. Reducing those inputs translates into improved net profitability and positions regenerative growers to better connect with consumers seeking healthy, nutrient-dense food.”

    According to Kleinschmidt, the Attica SHA school will offer a mix of demonstrations, expert presentations and hands-on experience—all of which are geared to help producers quickly and practically improve soil function and increase net per-acre profits.

    “Students will learn regenerative farming techniques for weed and pest control, nutrient management, organic, no-till and how to design cover crop mixes to address resource concerns,” Kleinschmidt said. “From small-scale to large-scale producers, everyone who attends this school will see how to put regenerative agriculture principles to work for healthier soil, food and profits.”

    For more information about the school, visit www.soilhealthacademy.org.

  • Wilbur-Ellis Marks 100th Anniversary with “Innovation Award” for Student Teams

    Today, Wilbur-Ellis marks its 100th anniversary. As the culmination of a year-long celebration, the company is launching the “Wilbur-Ellis Innovation Award,” a program that engages young people in finding innovative ways to feed a growing world population and offers a $25,000 award for the best idea.

    The Innovation Award invites student teams from U.S. colleges and universities to propose new and better approaches for providing food for more people – a critical imperative, since the world population is expected to increase by 2 billon people by 2050.

    “It’s very clear. A world where people have enough to eat is a safer, more secure world,” said John Buckley, Wilbur-Ellis President and Chief Executive Officer. “Since Wilbur-Ellis was founded 100 years ago, we’ve worked with our customers and suppliers to put food on tables around the world. So, it’s appropriate that as a legacy of our 100th anniversary, we’re engaging the next generation in this important work.”

    In discussing the purpose of the Innovation Award, Buckley said: “We hope the award encourages young people to think creatively and bring forward promising new ideas. With this focus on feeding a growing population, the teams could explore more efficient and sustainable ways to produce, distribute, prepare, or package food. Teams might look at alternative food ingredients, reducing food waste, or finding new ways to alleviate food insecurity. Whatever it is, we want to encourage out-of-the-box thinking.”

    At the end of the competition in 2022, a $25,000 USD award will be presented to the team that submits the best proposal, and $5,000 USD honorable mention awards may also be given. In the first year, the award competition is open to U.S.-based student teams (undergraduate or graduate), with a goal of expanding to other countries in the future. To learn more, please visit the Wilbur-Ellis Innovation Award web page and view CEO John Buckley’s video.

    “As a family-owned company, I’m proud that our celebration will make a lasting contribution with the Innovation Award,” said John Thacher, Executive Chairman of the Wilbur-Ellis Board of Directors, a former CEO, and grandson of company founder Brayton Wilbur Sr. “When my grandfather founded Wilbur-Ellis 100 years ago, he wanted to build something that would last … that would improve people’s lives. In our business, this is what we strive to do every day. The Innovation Award is one more way to make a positive difference.”

    100th Anniversary Benefits the Red Cross and Hunger Relief

    With the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilbur-Ellis had to pivot from its original plans to a virtual celebration. One part of the celebration was a 100th Anniversary Giving Program. Each month a new question was posed for employees and friends of Wilbur-Ellis, as well as for the children in employees’ families. For each response the company added to a donation for the Red Cross.

    Today, Wilbur-Ellis is announcing that $52,000 USD has been raised for the Red Cross through the Giving Program, building on the company’s $100,000 donation in 2020.

    Jennifer Adrio, CEO of the Northern California Coastal Region of the Red Cross, said: “On behalf of those we serve, we are deeply grateful that your Giving Program supports our mission. It is because of partners like Wilbur-Ellis that the Red Cross can deliver on our humanitarian mission 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Thank you for standing with us, and happy anniversary!”

    During the celebration, the company’s employees also contributed to the Wilbur-Ellis Fund Drive to Stop Hunger. A total of $30,000 was raised through employee contributions and company matching funds, benefitting Feeding America in the U.S., Second Harvest of Canada, and Action Against Hunger internationally.

    “Wilbur-Ellis and its employees have a long tradition of giving back,” said Executive Chairman John Thacher. “When the pandemic happened and the needs of our communities were so great, we increased the focus on helping people in need. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our heritage and our future.”

    Founded in 1921, the Wilbur-Ellis companies are leading international marketers, distributors and manufacturers of agricultural products, animal nutrients and specialty chemicals and ingredients. By developing strong relationships, making strategic market investments and capitalizing on new opportunities, the Wilbur-Ellis companies have continued to grow the business with sales of over $3 billion. For more information, please visit www.wilburellis.com.

  • CAWG Foundation Awards $34,000 in Student Scholarships

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation has awarded $34,000 in college scholarships to seven students. The scholarships are awarded annually to students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower.  “The CAWG Foundation is honored to award these scholarships and show our support for vineyard employees who are valued members of our winegrape industry family,” said Davindar Mahil, chair of the CAWG Foundation board of directors. “The recipients exemplify excellence – in scholastic achievements, extracurricular activities and community service. We are so impressed with how hard these students have worked to pursue higher education, and we are pleased to help them with their academic goals.”

    Each year the CAWG Foundation board selects several recipients from high schools throughout the state. Scholarship selection is based on scholastic ability, financial need, community involvement, leadership and an essay. Since the program’s inception in 1998, the foundation has awarded $528,500 in scholarships. Funds are raised through the generous donations of members of CAWG and the California wine community.

    The four-year scholarships are $8,000 each for students attending a University of California or California State University campus. An additional $5,000 scholarship was awarded this year to a high-caliber applicant. The two-year college scholarships are $2,000 each for students attending a California community college. The Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship was created by the family of Bob Miller, a California wine industry leader who helped establish the Central Coast as a leading winegrape growing region. The scholarship invests in the future of Central Coast students who plan to study viticulture or enology at either Allan Hancock College or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and pursue a career in the region’s wine grape industry.

    Four-Year University Scholarship Recipients / $8,000 each

    Jocelyn Cervantes Cabrera, Bakersfield, Foothill High School

    Dafne Cruz Rodriguez, Santa Rosa, Windsor High School

    Lyzet Montañez Hurtado, Clearlake, Lower Lake High School

    Four-Year University Scholarship Recipient / $5,000

    Rebecca Hernandez, Windsor, Windsor High School

    Two-Year Community College Scholarship Recipients / $2,000 each

    Daniela Romero, Plymouth, Amador High School

    Samantha Zavala Ferro, Ione, Amador High School

    Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship Recipient / $1,000

    Lauryn Allen, Templeton, Templeton High School

    ABOUT THE RECIPIENTS

    FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP / $8,000 EACH

    Jocelyn Cervantes Cabrera, Bakersfield, Foothill High School

    Jocelyn is a first-generation Mexican-American who believes that education will pave the way to a better future. She is an exceptional student, who managed community college courses in addition to her rigorous high school courses and achieved a 4.5 GPA. Jocelyn was active in numerous school clubs and held leadership positions for three years with student government. She greatly contributed to community service projects, including a homeless shelter, local library, highway cleanup and toy drive. She also volunteered at the Kern Medical Hospital, helping care for NICU babies. Jocelyn plans to attend UC Berkeley, major in biochemistry and someday become a neurologist. Her counselor wrote, “Jocelyn has left a very positive impact on our campus. I know she will continue to accomplish greatness wherever her path leads her in the future“ and “she will be successful in anything she sets her mind to.”

    Dafne Cruz Rodriguez, Santa Rosa, Windsor High School

    Dafne likes to dream big and has high aspirations to make a positive impact in her community and the world. A first-generation Mexican-American, she has worked hard for her academic success, achieving the No. 1 rank in her class with a 4.6 GPA. Dafne has an extensive list of leadership and volunteer experiences, including Project T.R.U.E. (Teen R U Educated), Committee for Change, Sonoma County Library and Windsor Unified School District (WUSD) student representative. She was also member of the varsity cross country/track and field team. Dafne plans to attend UC Berkeley or UC Irvine and major in political science or sociology, and then pursue a career in law or education. The WUSD student services coordinator wrote, “Dafne has a strong, positive impact in each of her endeavors” and her “work ethic, passion and motivation will serve her well as she takes on post-secondary education and future goals.”

    Lyzet Montañez Hurtado, Clearlake, Lower Lake High School

    Lyzet’s parents and siblings instilled in her a love for learning and encouraged her to do well in school. Despite some setbacks, she persevered and pushed herself to achieve her full potential. Lyzet excelled in challenging courses, earning a top-ranking 4.3 GPA. She also took 30 units at community colleges, earning a 4.0 GPA. Lyzet balanced academics with extracurricular activities, volunteer endeavors and part-time work. She was on track and field, soccer and volleyball teams. She served on numerous clubs, including the Class of 2021 Council for five years, Upward Bound Council, Tobacco Coalition and Interact Rotary Club. Lyzet plans to attend UC Berkeley, major in political science and pursue a career as a lawyer. The Upward Bound assistant director wrote, “Lyzet combines a total self-determination and a superior work ethic. She will undoubtedly excel in academia through determination, motivation and intelligence. Her potential is limitless.”

    FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP / $5,000

    Rebecca Hernandez, Windsor, Windsor High School

    The daughter of immigrants, Rebecca will be the first in her family to attend college, which will bring great pride to her Latino community and family. Her hard work in school, which included nine AP classes, resulted in a 4.3 GPA. She also graduated from Cali Calmecac Language Academy, a bilingual school. Rebecca’s extracurricular activities were varsity lacrosse for four years, Key Club and the environmental-focused GSE Club. She has been a vocalist for her church worship team for 10 years and has held a part-time job since 2019. Rebecca plans to attend UC Irvine and major in global cultures, with the goal of becoming a teacher and making a difference in her community. A school program coordinator wrote, “Rebecca is an impressively accomplished student. When it’s time to get work done, whether it be academic, philanthropic, environmental or financial, she buckles down and works.”

     

    TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP / $2,000 EACH

    Daniela Romero, Plymouth, Amador High School

    With wisdom from her immigrant parents, Daniela takes her education very seriously and strives to take advantage of every opportunity by staying focused, being consistent and excelling in classes. A diligent student with a 4.1 GPA, Daniela prioritized academics while being actively involved throughout high school with the FFA program. Through FFA, she attended leadership conferences, participated in speaking contests, performed community service, earned three FFA degrees, and spent several hundred hours raising market lambs. Daniela plans to attend Modesto Junior College and major in ag education/ag science, then transfer to Chico State. Her goal is to become an ag teacher and inspire students to be part of the industry. Her teacher wrote, “Any teacher on campus will tell you how organized and what an incredible student Daniela is. Her future colleges and her future students will be lucky to have her.”

    Samantha Zavala Ferro, Ione, Amador High School

    During high school, Samantha successfully managed difficult academic material because she had a confident maturity, a natural curiosity and an excitement for learning. Her dedication and efforts resulted in a 4.2 GPA. As a Mexican-American daughter of immigrants whose family has faced some challenges, Samantha knows the value of hard work and education. She held a part-time job and performed community service while attending school. From her work experience, her self-confidence, communication and social skills grew. Samantha plans to attend Columbia College, major in psychology and pursue a career as a therapist or teacher. Her teacher wrote, Samantha “finds a way to go above and beyond what is required to truly comprehend and retain what can be challenging concepts” and “will exceed expectations in any field she chooses.”

     

    ROBERT MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP / $1,000

    Lauryn Allen, Templeton, Templeton High School

    Immersed in the wine industry her entire life, Lauryn is excited it will be part of her future. She is a hardworking and ambitious student who took numerous AP and community college courses during high school and earned a 4.3 GPA. Lauryn was active in the U.S. Pony Club for 10 years, Sarah Dubost Equestrian Team for 10 years, the high school newspaper and the STEM-Chemical Engineering Program. Through the STEM program, she interned as a lab technician for several months. She plans to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, major in viticulture and enology, and pursue a career as an enologist, lab technician and sommelier. Her teacher wrote, “Lauryn has proven herself to be an exceptionally driven student, willing to seek out opportunities to advance her understanding in advanced fields” and “would be an asset to any educational institution.”

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation

    The CAWG Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that awards scholarships to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. For more information, visit www.cawgfoundation.org.

  • California Table Grape Growers Award Scholarships

    California’s table grape growers recently awarded scholarships to seven students in grape growing regions of the state. All recipients will be attending California universities or community colleges.

    Four field worker scholarships were awarded: three for $25,000 for four years of university study and one for $14,500 for study at a combination of community college and university. Recipients may study any field. To qualify, the applicant or parent or guardian must work in the California table grape harvest.

    Three agricultural scholarships were awarded as well: each for $25,000 for four years of university study in an agriculturally related field.

    Since 1985, California table grape growers have awarded nearly 170 scholarships to help students attend college.

    The 2021 scholarship recipients are listed below:

    $14,500 Bridge Field Worker Scholarship

    Ms. Johanna Arreola is a graduate of Cesar E. Chavez High School in Delano. Johanna graduated with a 4.17 weighted grape point average. Johanna was a member of the school marching band and the Delano Police Department Explorer program. Johanna will attend Porterville College, then transition to Sacramento State. Johanna will major in criminal justice with a goal of becoming an FBI agent.

    $25,000 Four-Year Field Worker Scholarship

    Ms. Daniela Carrillo is a graduate of Reedley High School in Reedley. Daniela graduated with a 4.5 weighted grade point average (GPA), the highest in school history. Daniela was a member of the Youth Health Corps and participated in the Reedley toy drive and community food bank projects. Daniela will attend UC San Diego where she will major in public health with a goal of becoming a public health educator or doctor.

    Ms. Fernanda Sevilla is a graduate of La Quinta High School in La Quinta. Fernanda graduated with 4.5 weighted GPA. Fernanda was a four-year honor roll student, and a member of the school film and fashion clubs. Fernanda will attend UC San Diego where she will major in psychology with a goal of becoming a psychologist.

    Mr. Gustavo Valenzuela is a graduate of McFarland High School in McFarland. Gustavo graduated with a 4.52 weighted GPA. Gustavo was associated student body vice president, was a member of the varsity baseball team and provided educational resources to students in Mexico. Gustavo will attend UCLA where he will major in biology with a career goal of becoming a physician.

    $25,000 Agricultural Scholarships

    Mr. Enrique Carrillo is a graduate of Wasco Union High School in Wasco. Enrique graduated with a 4.20 weighted GPA. Enrique was a member of the school track, wrestling, and cross country teams. Enrique also volunteered at Wind Wolves Preserve where he helped with the removal of invasive plant species and the replanting of endangered species. Enrique will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall where he will major in agriculture engineering with a career goal of becoming an ag engineer.

    Ms. Michaela Mederos is a graduate of Tulare Western High in Tulare. Michaela graduated with a 4.07 weighted GPA. Michaela was involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA), where she earned many awards, including the state championship in Grapevine Pruning Team competition. Michaela will attend Fresno State in the fall where she will major in agriculture business management with a goal of owning a floral shop.

    Ms. Clarisse Tracy is a graduate of Garces Memorial High School in Bakersfield. Clarisse graduated with a 3.98 weighted GPA. Clarisse was a member of the school track, tennis, and cheer teams. Clarisse was also an active member of FFA. Clarisse will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall where she will major in agricultural business with the career goal of owning her own farm.

  • Cal Poly Team Awarded First Place at National Dairy Challenge®

    This past year has deeply changed us — all at once, things were no longer as they once were. Dairy Challenge took a widely different path. No longer were students traveling to different areas and exploring the farms with their boots on the ground. The National Dairy Challenge transformed and forged ahead.

    College dairy students – 190 in total – from 30 colleges gathered virtually for the 19th annual Dairy Challenge. Dairy students worked to improve their dairy management and communication skills, networked with other students, and explored industry careers.

    Dairy Challenge is a unique, real-world experience where dairy students work as a team and apply their college coursework to evaluate and provide solutions for an operating dairy farm.

    This year’s contest included 24 universities, whose four-person teams competed for awards based on their quality of teams’ farm analysis and appropriate solutions. Their farm presentations were evaluated by a panel of judges, including dairy producers, veterinarians, finance specialists and seasoned agribusiness personnel.

    The Academy provided interactive training for 102 students from four-year universities or two-year dairy programs. Academy participants were divided into smaller groups including dairy industry volunteers who worked as advisors to coach these less-experienced academy participants as they assessed the dairy and developed recommendations.

    Dairy Challenge Applies Learning to a Real-world Dairy

    Over its 20-year history, Dairy Challenge has helped more than 7,000 students prepare for careers in the dairy industry, dairy production and veterinary medicine.

    “Dairy Challenge is an opportunity for college students from across North America to engage with industry professionals to learn about contemporary dairy issues.  Analysis of the dairy operation utilizing data such as financial statements, dairy health and reproduction records, feed information, farm maps, and farm manager interviews are all used to pull together recommendations for the produce,” said Wanda Emerich NAIDC board chair. “Our hope is that students build their network with other students in addition to finding jobs with our many sponsors. We want the students to walk away with new knowledge gained they will take out into the world after college.”

    The virtual event began with learning webinars where industry representatives helped students better understand dairy conditions and shared details about reproduction, cow comfort, data management, nutrition, transition diseases, and calf raising.

    The contest and academy participants received in-depth management data from a Wisconsin dairy. The next day, all students virtually visited the dairy to witness dairy operations. After a question-answer session with the farm owners, the student teams developed recommendations for nutrition, reproduction, milking procedures, animal health, cow comfort, and labor and financial management. The last day students presented their recommendations to the judging panel, visited with sponsors at the career fair, and attended an educational seminar presented by Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin.

    Ten College Teams Earn Top Awards

    At Friday evening’s awards ceremony, the following contest teams and students were announced as First Place winners:

    • University of Idaho: Sadie Hurley, Taythen Larson, Nicole Poxleitner, Taylor Stephenson and Amin Ahmadzadeh (coach)
    • Michigan State University: Kristen Burkhardt, Miriah Dershem, Beka McDonald, Lynn Olthof and Roger Thomson (coach)
    • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo: Jacob Nicholas de Jong, Brandon Lemstra, Brian Martin, Derrick Nunes, David Vagnoni (coach), Julie Huzzey (coach) and Rich Silacci (coach)
    • The Ohio State University: Paul Bensman, Caleb Rykaczewski, Brietta Latham, Sarah Lehner, Maurice Eastridge (coach) and Benjamin Wenner (coach)
    • University of Guelph: Rebecca Barr, Brooke Boonstoppel, Clayton McWilliams, Tyrone Wagler and Trevor DeVries (coach)

    Teams and students earning Second Place include:

    • University of Wisconsin‐Madison: Emma Gwidt, Caleb LaCount, Jessica Mehre, Dawson Nickels and Ted Halbach (coach)
    • The Pennsylvania State University: Shara Allman, George DeMers, Kelly Forbes, Sydney Jewell, Lisa Holden (coach) and Virginia Ishler (coach)
    • Virginia Tech: Todd Allen, Isabelle Leonard, John McGehee, Christine Putman and Alex White (coach)
    • Aggregate Team #18: Katarina Emerich, Purdue University; Raina O’Leary, University of Idaho; Morgan Smith, University of Idaho; Louise Terwilliger Parmelee, University of Vermont; coached by Jacquelyn Boerman, Elizabeth Karcher, Wanda Emerich and Amin Ahmadzadeh
    • Texas A&M University: Christopher Childress, Lyndsey Heywood, Paige Howard, Natalie Koke, Sushil Paudyal (coach) and Jennifer Spencer (coach)

    About Dairy Challenge

    The North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge is an innovative event for students in dairy programs at North American post-secondary institutions. Its mission is to develop tomorrow’s dairy leaders and enhance progress of the dairy industry, by providing education, communication and networking among students, producers, and agribusiness and university personnel. Over its 20-year national history, Dairy Challenge has helped prepare more than 7,000 students for careers as farm owners and managers, consultants, researchers, veterinarians or other dairy professionals. The next national event will be hosted in Green Bay, Wisconsin, March 31- April 2, 2022. Four regional events are held in late fall and winter; details are at www.dairychallenge.org.

  • Annie’s Project Accepting Applications for National Board of Directors and Advisory Committee

    If you have an interest in serving in an organization that empowers women in agriculture Annie’s Project is looking for you.

    Annie’s Project announces that they are currently seeking a diverse range of applicants for positions on their Board of Directors and newly formed Advisory Committee to fulfill two year terms.

    Annie’s Project desires energetic and engaged board and advisory committee members who are interested in actively working on the growth and development of Annie’s Project.

    The Annie’s Project Board of Directors has the responsibility to define the overall policies and direction of Annie’s Project.  The policies set by the Board will insure that the vision, mission and goals of Annie’s Project are achieved. The advisory committee will make recommendations, provide advice, and/or provide key information and materials to the Board.

    To  learn more about these opportunities and how to apply please visit: www.anniesproject.org

    Questions about the open positions may be addressed to Co-CEO’s – Karisha Devlin,  karisha@anniesproject.org or Doris Mold, doris@anniesproject.org

    Annie’s Project Vision

    Women in Agriculture are change agents who strengthen their businesses, families, and communities.

    Annie’s Project Mission

    To empower women in agriculture to be successful through education, networks, and resources.

    About Annie’s Project – Education for Farm Women (APEFW)

    Annie’s Project is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational programs – Annie’s Project Level 1, Managing for Today and Tomorrow, Know Your Numbers Know Your Options, and inspired by Annie’s Project programming designed to strengthen women’s roles  in modern farm, ranch and growing enterprises.

    Annie’s is recognized across the United States as a key organization in enhancing the well-being of women in agriculture. Annie’s Project features program coordinators and facilitators to carry out of working with women across the United States. For more information go to www.anniesproject.org.

  • UnitedAg Awards $81,800 in California Student Scholarships

    UnitedAg announces the winners of the 2021 AEF Foundation Educational Scholarship Program. Seventy-four students from agricultural communities across California won awards ranging from $250 to $6,000. In total, the Educational Scholarship Program awarded $81,800. The applicants were awarded based on their application, essay, academics, leadership, and extracurricular activities. UnitedAg also announced the top three scholarship winners. Katherine Miller, a veterinary medicine major at the University of Edinburgh, has been awarded the Maurice McMillan Scholarship, Karli Lundberg, an agricultural systems management major at California Polytechnic State University, SLO, the William C. Goodrich Scholarship, and Hanna Scully, an agriculture business major at the California State University, Chico, the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Memorial Award.

    “Supporting our future agribusiness professionals is the purpose of the Agribusiness Education Foundation. During these unforeseen times, it is important that we continue to support our youth in their educational endeavors. Each of these scholarship winners demonstrated a clear commitment to their educational goals and could be our future agribusiness leaders,” said Glenn Miller, Education Committee Chairman.

    Scholarship winners can use their AEF Educational Scholarship to help offset the cost of tuition, books/supplies, labs, and living expenses.

    This year’s AEF Educational Scholarship winners are: 

    Aaron Miller, Santa Paula, CA

    Adrian Ortiz, Salinas, CA

    Adriana Vargas Mendoza, Soledad, CA

    Allyson Dias, Salinas, CA

    Allyson Tomasello, Salinas, CA

    Alondra Sanchez, Hanford, CA

    America Huipio-Piedra, Hanford, CA

    Ana Rosa Pacheco, Santa Maria, CA

    Andrew Zendejas, Salinas, CA

    Arturo Infante II, Castroville, CA

    Axel Amaro, Soledad, CA

    Belinda Silva Chavez, King City, CA

    Brad Cordova, Turlock, CA

    Brandon Harden, Salinas, CA

    Bryan Amaro, Visalia, CA

    Caleb Peltzer, Visalia, CA

    Camryn Mazzoni, Forestville, CA

    Carson Wallace, Lindsay, CA

    Catherine Regan, Santa Ana,

    Cesar Avila, Salinas, CA

    Cesar Rivera, Ventura, CA

    Cristian Vargas, Soledad, CA

    David Gonzalez, Salinas, CA

    Denver Noell, Hanford, CA

    Doris Nogales, Santa Maria, CA

    Eddie Lundberg, Santa Maria, CA

    Edgar Lopez, Santa Paula, CA

    Elizabeth Miller, Santa Paula, CA

    Elizabeth Ramirez, Maxwell, CA

    Erin Doughtie, Salinas, CA

    Flavio Carrillo Gonzales, CA

    Grant Bunker, Turlock, CA

    Hadassah Legaspi, Salinas, CA

    Hanna Scully, Finley, CA

    Hannah Ryan, Turlock, CA

    Isabella Argueta, Hanford, CA

    Jason Gonzalez, Salinas, CA

    Jaydi Ramirez, Fresno, CA

    Jazlin Mendoza, Visalia, CA

    Jazmin Ramirez, Santa Maria, CA

    Jenna Santos, Santa Maria, CA

    Jenna Stehly, Valley Center, CA

    Jessica Cordova, King City, CA

    Jesus Pizano, Salinas, CA

    Jonathan Morales, Salinas, CA

    Julia Hicks, Salinas, CA

    Julissa Zendejas, Salinas, CA

    Junelle Aubrey, Salinas, CA

    Karli Lundberg, Santa Maria, CA

    Katherine Miller, Santa Paula, CA

    Katya Padilla, San Juan Bautista, CA

    Kevin Gonzalez, Salinas, CA

    Kimberly Castro Calderon, Santa Maria, CA

    Lacy Litten, Santa Maria, CA

    Layla Ruiz, Salinas, CA

    Logan Erickson, Salinas, CA

    Luke Brigantino, San Juan Bautista, CA

    Luke Tyson, Turlock, CA

    Madelynn Reed, Reedley, CA

    Madison Thacher, Paso Robles, CA

    Maria Miranda, Santa Maria, CA

    Marlaina Lascano, Turlock, CA

    Miranda Devan, Salinas, CA

    Miriam Garcia Cendejas, Salinas, CA

    Olga Bahena, Hanford, CA

    Rachel Roberts, Salinas, CA

    Rogelio Garcia, Hanford, CA

    Sandy Rubio, Firebaugh, CA

    Savannah Noell, Hanford, CA

    Sierra Dorf-Cardenas, Salinas, CA

    Sydney Noell, Hanford, CA

    Sylvia Hernandez, Rutherford, CA

    Venissia Garcia, Hanford, CA

    Yesenia Solis, Soledad, CA

    About AEF

    For over 21 years, the Agribusiness Education Foundation (AEF) has provided more than 1.6 million in financial assistance to UnitedAg members and their employees’ dependents pursuing a two-and-four-year college to advanced graduate studies. The member-sponsored scholarship program empowers the agricultural community through financial assistance and leadership programs. For more information, visit unitedag.org.

  • National Dairy Board Scholarship Applications Being Accepted

    Applications are being accepted for college scholarships that are awarded by America’s dairy farmers and importers through the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB). Eleven scholarships worth $2,500 each will be awarded, as well as a $3,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship to one outstanding recipient. NDB funds, in part, Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), which manages the national dairy checkoff program.

    Undergraduate students in their sophomore through senior year for the 2021-2022 academic school year and majoring in one of the following fields are eligible: communications/public relations, journalism, marketing, business, economics, nutrition, food science and agriculture education.

    Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, an interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline, and demonstrated leadership, initiative and integrity. Candidates must complete an application form, submit an official transcript of all college courses, and write a short statement describing their career aspirations, dairy-related activities and work experiences.

    Applications can be found at www.usdairy.com/about-us/dmi/scholarship

    Completed applications must be received no later than May 7 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Questions about the program can be submitted to ndbscholarships@dairy.org

  • $100,000 Gift Completes Fundraising for New Fresno State Viticulture Greenhouse

    Fresno State graduate students Leah Groves and Moriah Mehlman are the perfect example why Oro Agri, an international leader in biorational crop products, continues to invest in the future of California agriculture through a partnership with Fresno State.

    Mehlman, a research chemist at the company’s local U.S. headquarters, is working on a joint master’s project in the 120-acre campus vineyard with Groves, the campus vineyard manager.

    They are studying the effects of a calcium-based supplement, NANOCAL, in table grapes to examine how this product is used by the plant to improve grape quality and storability after harvest.

    That collaboration is another chapter in a series of partnerships that now includes a $100,000 gift to complete a campus viticulture greenhouse fundraising project. The new facility is tentatively slated to break ground this winter with an estimated $250,000 total cost.

    “When we started Oro Agri 20 years ago, we knew California and the Central Valley’s unlimited agriculture opportunities would be our stepping stone to a successful future,” said Errol Pullen, Oro Agri founder and CEO.“This donation to Fresno State is our way of showing appreciation to all the growers and others involved in California agriculture for allowing us to follow our dreams and build our business here. But perhaps more importantly, the greenhouse will provide new generations a chance to follow their own dreams and make California and the Central Valley a land of opportunity for them and their families.”

    The 30-foot by 30-foot greenhouse will be located at the center of the campus viticulture and enology complex and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2021. Working in it, faculty, students and staff can grow and graft an array of vines for the University Agricultural Laboratory and work on industry-supported research projects.

    Half of the facility will be dedicated to projects that involve plant pathogens such as nematodes and powdery mildew, a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants. Treatments could be tested in this area and kept separate from healthy plants in the other part of the greenhouse and the campus farm.

    “The new greenhouse is a vital link between our research laboratories and the campus farm,” said Dr. Stephan Sommer, campus Viticulture and Enology Research Center director. “Faculty, staff and students can now propagate plants and prepare their field trials in a controlled environment to help us continue to expand our internationally-recognized research.”

    The initial fundraising drive began more than seven years ago by the Fresno State Viticulture Club, and has been boosted each year by its Fall Harvest BBQ fundraiser. Two of the earliest gifts from that event came from John Duarte, who owns Duarte Nursery near Modesto, and John Arellano, a 1996 alumnus, whose company serves as a wine grape consultant and broker for Duarte Nursery.

    Other funding sources include the Viticulture and Enology Research Center, a crowdfunding campaign, the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and other alumni and friends.

    Fresno State Viticulture Club adviser, faculty member and researcher Dr. Sonet Van Zyl has been a vital link for project supporters and students.

    The associate professor joined the campus faculty in September 2011, and specializes in the areas of table and raisin grape production, organic product development and grape pest and disease management strategies. She has been an active research partner since 2016 with Oro Agri technical managers, all who also coincidentally hail from South Africa. That partnership has included campus projects that studied issues related to yield and quality enhancement of tomato, corn and soybean crops, as well as a multi-season grape color enhancement project.

    The company has also conducted campus research projects related to weed control with viticulture and enology department chairperson Dr. Anil Shrestha and new bio-pesticide formulation screenings with plant science pathology faculty Dr. Margaret Ellis.

    “We sincerely appreciate industry partners like Oro Agri that are creating new research opportunities,” said Van Zyl. The new greenhouse will offer an important area to address key issues that are affecting growers and companies alike.”

    More details about a virtual groundbreaking event during the spring semester will be released when finalized.