California Ag Network

Category: Events

  • Farm Tours Offers Rare Insight into Cotton Industry

    One of the nation’s few events offering the public an on-the-ground look at cotton production returns in October in the San Joaquin Valley.

    Growing in popularity over the past decade, the annual Cotton Tour attracts across section of consumers, apparel company representatives and textile industry officialsfrom across the country, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at how San Joaquin Valley growers are reshaping the future of California’s $225 million-a-year cotton industry. The event is scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 25. Cost is $40 a person, which includes transportation to field locations, snacks and lunch at the Cardella Winery in Mendota.

    Growers and a leading University of California cotton farm advisor will provide insights about conventional cotton cultivation and the Sustainable Cotton Project’s Cleaner Cotton™production in the heart of the Central Valley.  Participants will inspect the crop before harvest, explore a perennial hedgerow, meet with farmers and visit a cotton gin during the tour.

    Buses will leave the Best Western Apricot Inn – Interstate 5 and West Panoche Road about 23 miles southwest of Firebaugh. Register through the Sustainable Cotton Project’s Eventbrite site.

    The annual tour also highlights the successful efforts of SCP growers, who follow sustainable agriculture and biointensive integrated pest management practices to reduce the application of the most toxic pesticides used in cotton production.

    “People in the fashion industry rarely have the opportunity to experience cotton cultivation first-hand. These tours bring together farmers, brokers, supply chain partners and brands to understand the challenges and possibilities of making changes in the cotton industry,” said Lynda Grose, SCP marketing consultant. “This experience stays with people for years.”

    Founded in 1996, the Sustainable Cotton Project is a California nonprofit that has worked with valley growers to produce Cleaner Cotton™ and bring the fiber through the textile supply chain to a wide variety of markets.

  • Kings County Farm Bureau Celebrates 100 Years Advocating for Agriculture, Honors Pete Hanse with President’s Award

    Hanford, Calif. — Kings County Farm Bureau is celebrating 100 years of advocating for the agriculture industry, a milestone which will be commemorated at their Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration on Friday, Oct. 19. The evening will provide the opportunity to mark a century’s worth of accomplishments while honoring those in the community that support their efforts.

    Part of the Annual Meeting tradition is for Kings County Farm Bureau’s board president to honor an individual or group that has gone above and beyond in their service to the local ag industry. President Monty Hoggard selected Pete Hanse for this year’s President’s Award, citing his tireless devotion to the organization. Hanse has served on Kings County Farm Bureau’s board of directors for 50 years–half of the organization’s existence–and has held every position on the board, including a term as president from 1986-88. Known as a trusted source for the board of directors and Kings County agriculture community, Hanse offers the perspective of a lifelong local farmer and community advocate. 

    “Pete offers a forward-thinking approach to decisions affecting Farm Bureau while offering a unique historical perspective. That experience, coupled with his unmatched dedication, made Pete the clear choice for this year’s award,” Hoggard said. “We are privileged to celebrate Pete’s 50 years of dedication and Kings County Farm Bureau’s century of service to the ag industry at this year’s Annual Meeting.” 

    During a time in which the agriculture industry faces numerous challenges, the Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration will be devoted to celebrating Kings County Farm Bureau’s extraordinary achievement of maintaining relevance and fighting for its members’ right to farm for the past 100 years.

    “As the only agriculture advocacy organization in Kings County, we are aware of the huge responsibility we undertake in order to protect, preserve and enhance the industry–not just for farmers and ranchers, but for an entire local economy that depends on agriculture,” said Kings County Farm Bureau’s Executive Director Dusty Ference. “This unwavering commitment is what has driven our community service activities for the past century, and is what motivates us to continue our mission as we begin our next 100 years of service to Kings County’s agriculturalists.”  

    The Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration will be held at the Tachi Palace in Lemoore on Friday, Oct. 19. It will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6:30 and dinner at 7. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased at the Kings County Farm Bureau office, 870 Greenfield Ave. in Hanford, or online at kcfb.org.

  • Kings Fair Celebrates Successful Year, Announces New CEO

     

    Hanford, Calif. – The Kings Fair has announced that Jerome Coelho, their interim CEO, has been named the fair’s new CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2019.

    Jerome Coelho - California Ag Network
    Jerome Coelho, has been named the Kings Fair’s new CEO

    The decision by the fair’s board of directors comes on the heels of a hugely successful 2018 Kings Fair, which was held in June.

    This year’s fair boasted numbers that increased substantially over the 2017 fair, with crowds so large that overflow parking had to be opened up nightly. The crowds were attracted to big name entertainers like po

    pular country band Lone Star, and to the 3,300 exhibits, 1,600 of which were indoor exhibits, along with the 1,700 livestock and market exhibits.

    “I think this year’s fair was so successful because we were able to maintain the traditions that fair-goers have come to know and love, while implementing some new ideas that attracted people that maybe hadn’t been to the fair before,” Coelho said.

    Now that he has officially been handed the reins, Coelho is continuing to look for ways to infuse new life into the local fair. One significant change will be moving the 2019 fair up a week from its usual second week in June, to May 30 through June 2. The hope is that the weather will be a bit cooler and that previous years’ conflicts with graduation dates will be eliminated. 

    Coelho is also hard at work to book another well-known headliner for the 2019 fair’s Saturday night concert. 

    Coelho has worked at the Kings Fair in some capacity since 2014, but has spent time there since childhood, as he is succeeding his grandmother, Angie Avila, as the fair’s CEO. 

    “I’ve spent years dreaming up ways to make the Kings Fair an event the community will enjoy and support, and it’s such an honor to be entrusted with this responsibility,” Coelho said. “We have some exciting plans in the works that will help successfully move this unique community event forward.”

     

  • International Symposium on Milk Genomics & Human Health

    November 13-15, 2018

    Sacramento, California

    Program

    The three-day event is presented by the International Milk Genomics Consortium (IMGC) under the organization of the California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF), and the local organizing committee. It brings together international experts in nutrition, genomics, bioinformatics and milk research to discuss and share the outcomes and implications of the latest discoveries in scientific research on lactation and milk. The annual symposium features scientific research related to milk and human health done throughout the world. The symposium draws from the diversity of its memberships to cover the breadth of genomics themes that reflect the interest of the Consortium.

    The program will include both industry and academic sessions, with session topics including:

    • Microbiome – from Farm to Consumer
    • The genetics of milk production – from Tools/Resources to Discoveries
    • Fantastical structures in milk—Milk fat globules, Micelles, and More
    • Comparative and evolutionary biology of milk
    • Human milk composition and effects on offspring

    2018 IMGC Program (TENTATIVE)

    Call for Papers

    Abstracts can be submitted for the following categories:

    Oral Presentation (Deadline has passed)
    Student Travel Award Entry (Deadline has passed)
    Technical Research Poster- Deadline: October 1, 2018

    Requirements
    • All submissions require a brief description of no more than 600 words.
    • All presentations must be in English.
    • Save your abstract with the submitting author’s last name before uploading file.
    • Have title, authors, and affiliations listed on abstract.
    • Clearly indicate what results are of research described/presented, or if a new resource or technology is being discussed indicate that in abstract.

    Click Here to Submit

    Symposium Location

    Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
    500 J Street
    Sacramento, CA 95814

    Reservations: (877) 678-6255
    Hotel: (916) 545-7100

    We have a block of rooms reserved at a rate of $219 USD/night. To make your reservation please call the hotel directly.  Let them know you are with the International Milk Genomics Consortium. Reservations must be made by October 16, 2018 to receive this special group rate.

    Registration

    Early Bird Registration– $595.00 USD (if registered by October 16, 2018)

    Regular Registration– $695 USD (if registered after October 16, 2018)

    Student Rate– $350 (includes poster reception and group dinner)

    Special Student Rate– $200 (does NOT include poster reception and group dinner)

    Cancellation Policy- A full refund will be given to those who cancel by October 16, 2018 minus a $50 cancellation fee.  Those who cancel after that date will not receive a refund.

    Click Here to Register

    Travel to Sacramento:

    Do I need a visa to travel to the USA?

    The closest airport is Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

    If you’re flying into Sacramento International Airport, a cab ride takes around 15 minutes and costs around $36, plus tip. Shuttles, Uber and Lyft are alternate options.

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    Taxis

    Shuttles and more

    We believe you will enjoy the Downtown location of the hotel. It is close to many historical sights, restaurants, breweries, museums and outdoor activities. Bike riding on the 32-mile river trail starts adjacent to the hotel (the hotel offers bikes for guest-use), Old Sacramento and the river are just blocks away – you can take a river cruise, dine on the river, etc. The Amtrak train station is a block away and goes straight to Davis as well as beyond to San Francisco if you’d like to take a day trip before or after the symposium – it’s an inexpensive and easy way to get around.

  • Drones in Ag Meeting: Technology, Laws & Regs

    Griswold LaSalle Law Firm is hosting an informational event about drones in the agriculture industry on August 1, at 6:00 p.m. The law firm is located at 111 E 7th Street, Hanford, CA, 93230.

    The event will cover drone technology; regulations and municipal ordinances; visual line of sight aircraft operation; and the permit process.

    For any questions or to RSVP, contact Lane Alves at (559) 584-6656 or alves@griswoldlasalle.com.

    See the Flyer Here.

  • California Pistachio Crop Update: Summer 2018

    What started off as a potentially disastrous year for the pistachio industry is now shaping up to potentially be one of the largest crops ever for California growers.  Watch this brief interview with Richard Matoian from American Pistachio Growers as he provides an update on the crop and invites growers to APG’s Summer Luncheon this week.  Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • UC Experts Provide Update on Valley Cotton at Mendota Field Day

    A trio of University of California extension and farm advisors will offer tips and provide the latest developments in cotton across in the San Joaquin Valley during a Tuesday, July 24 field day in Mendota.  Open to all growers and pest control advisors, the free event starts at 9:30a.m. at Pik-A-Lok Farms on Bass Avenue in Mendota. Featured speakers are:

    • Dan Munk, UCCE Fresno County farm advisor and cotton specialist, who will discuss monitoring cotton for improved yield performance.
    • Bob Hutmacher, UCCE extension specialist of the Westside Research and Extension Center, who will provide an update cotton diseases and plant development issues.
    • Jeff Mitchell, associate vegetable crop specialist at the Kearney Ag Center, will talk about going beyond the hype of soil health and doing something about it.

    The field day is sponsored by the San Joaquin Sustainable Farm Project, which provides farmers with valuable strategies to improve yields while becoming better environmental stewards in today’s challenging economic and regulatory climate.

    SJSFP is a state and federally funded program under the direction of the Sustainable Cotton Project, a California nonprofit that has worked with Valley growers to produce environmentally friendly Cleaner Cotton™ for the consumer market. Funding for this project has been provided through an agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Clean Water Act Section 319.For more information about the field day, contact Project Director Marcia Gibbs at (530) 370-5325.

  • Steve Patricio Honored for Significant Contributions to Ag

    Western Growers to Present Patricio with 2018 Award of Honor on October 30

    Western Growers will honor Stephen (Steve) Patricio, who’s visionary leadership has advanced the agricultural industry by leaps and bounds, with the 2018 Award of Honor. The Award of Honor is Western Growers’ highest recognition of industry achievement and is given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community.

    “Steve has been a tireless advocate for agriculture, and his ability to turn some of the most tumultuous challenges that our industry has faced over the past few decades into opportunities is unmatched,” said Tom Nassif, president and CEO of Western Growers. “He has already left a tremendous legacy as someone who shoulders the responsibility of igniting change that advances the industry as a whole.”

    Patricio is being recognized for his immeasurable leadership and contribution to the agricultural industry, making significant advancements in food safety and the protection of public health. Steve led the creation of the first-ever mandatory food safety compliance program for the California cantaloupe industry, as well as helped raise millions of dollars to fund research geared toward preventing foodborne illness. He also played an integral role in the establishment of the California and Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreements, which today have become the model for produce safety and accountability.

    “When you look at the success of California agriculture, Steve is a true representative of why the ag community is as successful as it is today,” said Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, executive director of the Center for Produce Safety. “He truly embodies passion and proactivity, and his commitment to food safety to benefit both the consumer and industry is unlike any other.”

    Patricio’s tenacity does not just stop at food safety. Patricio has spent countless hours throughout his 45-year tenure in the industry advocating for a sustainable supply of water for farmers to grow the food that feeds the state, nation and world. He has taken every opportunity, as he did when he was asked to join former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the San Luis Reservoir, to call attention to the need for more surface water storage and stress the need for a comprehensive water solution. Furthermore, Patricio launched the industry’s first orientation program for agribusinesses that focused exclusively on water rights.

    “Steve has one of the brightest minds and quickest wit in the industry,” said Bob Gray, past chairman of Western Growers and former president/CEO of California Ag Leadership Foundation. “He is a contributor of substance, and the expertise and competence he has brought regarding food safety and water has made major impacts for the industry.”

    A Los Banos-native, Patricio is deeply involved in the community and industry. He has served as chairman for Western Growers, Center for Produce Safety, California Cantaloupe Advisory Board and Monrovia Nursery Company. He has also held leadership positions at Western Growers Assurance Trust, Monsanto Vegetable Seeds Advisory Council and the Produce Marketing Association.

    “I was speechless when I found out I was selected for this award,” said Patricio. “I never thought that, in the end of it all, I would be a farmer or involved in this honorable and wonderful world that I am so engaged in today. I often tell youth that your career chooses you, and because I followed the path life decided to take me on, I am proud to say that I am a farmer. I couldn’t imagine being in any other industry.”

    Patricio’s accomplishments and passion for shaping the ag industry will be recognized at the Award of Honor Dinner Gala at the Western Growers Annual Meeting on October 30, 2018, in Palm Desert, California.  There, Patricio will be honored by his peers, friends and family. To attend the ceremony, visit http://www.wgannualmeeting.com/.

  • Alfalfa Field Day in Firebaugh, July 31

    Field Day Covers Pesticide Rules, Alfalfa Pest & Field Management

    University of California extension advisors and a county official will update farmers about the latest trends in alfalfa field and pest management and pesticide regulations during a Tuesday, July 31 field day in Firebaugh.

    Open to all growers and pest control advisors, the free field day will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Firebaugh-Mendota United Methodist Church, 1660 O Street, Firebaugh. Featured speakers are:

    • Lynn M. Sosnoskie, agronomy and weed science advisor, for the University of California Cooperative Extension in Merced and Madera counties, who will discuss weed control in alfalfa and the chemical, cultural and biological factors that can affect success and failure.
    • Tom Casey, pest control operations official for the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, who will cover current pesticide use and regulations.
    • Nicolas Clark, agronomy and nutrient management advisor at UCCE Kings, Tulare and Fresno counties, who will offer tips about insect pest management in San Joaquin Valley alfalfa hay.

    Continuing education credits have been approved and include one hour of regulations.The field day is sponsored by the San Joaquin Sustainable Farming Project, which provides farmers with valuable strategies to improve yields while becoming better environmental stewards in today’s challenging economic and regulatory climate.

    SJSFP is a state- and federally funded program under the direction of the Sustainable Cotton Project, a California nonprofit that has worked with Valley growers to produce environmentally friendly Cleaner Cotton™ for the consumer market.Funding for this project has been provided through an agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Clean Water Act Section 319.For more information about the field day, contact Project Director Marcia Gibbs at (530) 370-5325.

  • Seed Biology & Quality Course, UC Davis, June 19 – 21, 2018

    Delivering improved varieties and crop protection through high quality seed is a vital component of modern agricultural production systems. It is critical that seed producers and marketers have an understanding of the biological factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of seed health, vigor and viability, and how those qualities are measured. This course presents the scientific background and technical protocols for assessing, enhancing and maintaining high seed quality and updates participants on new information in these topics, including seed pathology and enhancement. The program targets quality assurance professionals in the seed industry, new employees, consultants, breeders and seed producers to extend and update their knowledge.

    2 RST credits available to class participants!

    This course is taught by widely respected academic and public sector researchers and industry executives.

    Core Instructors and guest lecturers include:

    Kent J. Bradford — Professor, Department of Plant Sciences and Director, Seed Biotechnology Center, UC Davis

    Phyllis Himmel — Director, Collaboration for Plant Pathogen Strain Identification (CPPSI)
    Samantha Thomas — Global Stewardship and Industry Affairs Lead, Monsanto
    Deborah Meyer — Program Supervisor of the Seed Science, Nematology, and Plant Pathology Laboratories at the California Department of Food and Agriculture Plant Pest Diagnostics Center

    Diane Krause — Plant Pathology Researcher, Monsanto
    Matt May — Seed Pathology Scientist, Monsanto
    Mike O’Leary — PhD Researcher, Department of Plant Pathology, UC Davis
    Pedro Bello — Research Associate, Department of Plant Sciences, Seed Biotechnology Center, UC Davis

    Riad Baalbaki — Senior Seed Botanist, Plant Pest Diagnostics Center, California Department of Food and Agriculture

    Course Topics

    • Seed development and maturation
    • Seed vigor and viability
    • Seed health and phytosanitation
    • Seed testing
    • Seed enhancement
    • Seed longevity and storage
    • Seed biotechnology
    • Seed pathology

    Lab Topics

    • Standardized seed health testing methods
    • Certification of labs for seed health testing
    • Testing treated vs. non-treated seed (fungicide, bactericide, biological, organic & disinfectant treatments)
    • Molecular vs. ‘biological’ seed health assays (indirect vs. direct assays)
    • Location of infection of seeds by plant pathogens
    • Sample size for seed health testing, seed sampling protocols

    For more information and registration about Seed Biology and Quality, please contact Julie Tillman (jtillman@ucdavis.edu)

    or online @ http://sbc.ucdavis.edu/Courses/Seed_Biology_and_Quality/