California Ag Network

Category: Events

  • Register Today: 37th Rice Technical Working Group Conference, Feb. 19-22

    Long Beach, Calif., (February 6, 2018) – UC Agriculture and Natural Resources is hosting a four-day Rice Technical Working Group Conference February 19-22 in Long Beach. The conference will provide participants with the latest information and research from experts on plant breeding and genetics, rice culture, weed control, economics and marketing, and many other topics

    “California is very excited to host the 2018 RTWG (Rice Technical Working Group) conference, which brings together over 300 researchers from all over the U.S. and the world to discuss the latest developments in rice research,” said Bruce Linquist, UC Cooperative Extension specialist and conference chair.

    Keynote presenters are Ken Cassman, emeritus professor of agronomy at the University of Nebraska; John Eadie, professor in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology at UC Davis; and Susan McCouch, professor of plant breeding and genetics, plant biology, biological statistics and computational biology at Cornell University.

    The conference will be at the Westin Long Beach, 333 East Ocean Blvd. Registration is $475; $300 for students. Registration includes conference attendance, the welcome reception, the industry luncheon, the awards luncheons, and technical sessions. Current registration prices valid until the day of the conference. Register at http://ucanr.edu/sites/2018RTWG/Registration/.

    California Department of Pesticide Regulation credits are pending.

    Visit our website to see the latest information and to view the full conference agenda http://ucanr.edu/sites/2018RTWG/.

    For more information, contact Lauren McNees at (530) 750-1257 or anrprogramsupport@ucanr.edu.

  • Get Ready for American Pistachio Growers 2018 Annual Conference

    Special Thanks to this Video’s Sponsor!

    Save the date for the American Pistachio Industry 2018 Annual Conference to be held at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, in Palm Desert, CA on March 5-7. Watch this brief interview with Executive Director of APG Richard Matoian to learn more. Pacific Nut Producer Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event, so be sure to come and see us there!

  • Produce Safety Trainings

    Fresno, Calif., (January 25, 2018) – Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS) has partnered with Safe Food Alliance (SFA) through a California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) contract to provide Food Safety Modernization (FSMA)-required Produce Safety Trainings for Central and Southern California growers for a low price of $35 per attendee.

    Most farms are required to have at least one designated supervisor who has been trained in accordance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety rule. Upon completion of the course, attendees will receive an official certificate from the Association of Food & Drug Officials.

    Scheduled upcoming trainings:

    • February 19, Spanish only, DoubleTree Hotel, Fresno
    • February 20, Spanish only, International Agri-Center, Tulare
    • March 1, Spanish only, International Agri-Center, Tulare
    • March 15, Spanish only, Four Points by Sheraton, Bakersfield
    • March 22, Spanish only, Fresno County Farm Bureau, Fresno

    All trainings will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an 8 a.m. registration time. Click here to register for a training near you. For additional information, contact the Food Safety Training Partnership at 916-561-5672 or info@foodsafetytrainingpartnership.com.

  • California State Board of Food and Agriculture to Visit Delta and Sonoma County

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 25, 2018) – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will be holding a two-day meeting to discuss a variety of local agricultural issues impacting the Delta and Sonoma County.  As an advisory board to the governor and the CDFA secretary, the Board addresses issues of importance to California’s farmers, ranchers and community stakeholders.

    On Wednesday, January 31st the Board will hear from Delta stakeholders on the importance of Delta agriculture, agri-tourism and environmental restoration efforts. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Old Sugar Mill, 35265 Willow Avenue (Barrel Room), Clarksburg, CA 95612.

    Invited speakers include: Supervisor Skip Thomson, chair of the Delta Protection Commission; Mark Pruner, public member of the Delta Protection Advisory Committee; Stephen F. Herigner III, Heringer Estates Family Vineyard & Winery; Tim Neuharth, Steamboat Acres; Michael George, Delta Watermaster; and Kristopher Tjernell, California Natural Resources Agency. Following the meeting, board members will have a tour of Delta region in cooperation with staff from the Delta Protection Commission.

    On Thursday, February 1st the Board will have a meeting in Sonoma County to discuss the impacts of the October wildfires on local agricultural production. The meeting will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Iron Horse Vineyards, 9786 Ross Station Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472. Invited speakers include: Agricultural Commissioner Tony Linegar, County of Sonoma; Karissa Kruse, Sonoma County Winegrowers; Honore Comfort, Wine Business Institute; Gladys Horiuchi, Wine Institute; and a representative from Sonoma County Tourism.

    Prior to the meeting, board members will have a tour of impacted areas in Sonoma County in cooperation with staff from the County of Sonoma.

    The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and the CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The state board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representatives and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.

    All meetings are open to the public and attendance is welcome.

    Follow the board on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard

  • Spray Safe – Wednesday January 17th, 2018

    Yuba City, Calif., (January 11, 2018) – Make sure to not miss the free event happening on Wednesday January 17th at the Yuba-Sutter County Fairgrounds. 3.05 CE hours pending: 1.3 Laws & Regs; 1.75 other & 4 CE hours for CCA. To register for this free event call Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau at 530-673-6550.

    Here is the agenda:

    8:30 AM – Registration – Coffee & Donuts
    ENGLISH

    9:00 AM – Matt Bozzo, Spray Safe Committee Chair “Welcome”

    9:10 AM – Brian Leahy, Department of Pesticide Regulation Director – “Pesticide Safety and Safety Around Schools”

    9:40 AM – Hillary Miller, Butte-Yuba-Sutter Water Quality Coalition – “Update from Butte-Yuba-Sutter Water Quality Coalition”

    9:50 AM – Franz Niederholzer and Sarah Light, UCCE Farm Advisors – “Water Quality Protection through orchard floor management and Orchard Spray Drift Management”

    10:20 AM – Imelda Muzio, Manager, MVP Safety Professionals LLC – “OSHA Requirements for a Hazard Communication Program – Written Program, Safety Data Sheets, Labeling and Training”

    DEMONSTRATION ROTATIONS – (TRANSLATION INCLUDED FOR SPANISH GROUP)

    30 minutes – Station #1: John Shalowitz, Sutter County Fire Chief, Sutter County Emergency Medical Services – “Pesticide Incident Triage”

    20 minutes – Station #2: Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Orchard Systems Farm Advisor – “Saving Money & Time While Reducing Spray Drift”

    20 minutes – Station #3: Sean Nelson, Sutter Co. Ag Biologist & Molly Mathews, Yuba Co. Ag Weights & Measurers – “Employee Safety from the Ag Department Perspective”

    20 minutes – Station #4: Imelda Muzio, MVP Consolidated, LLC – “New Fieldworker Requirements & Personal Protective Equipment”

    20 minutes – Station #5: Lyunn Wunderlich, UCCE – “Calibration Basics”
    1:00 PM – LUNCH – Sponsored by Beach Hut Deli, Yuba City

    SPANISH – Fidel Perez, CDPR Environmental Scientist and Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Orchard Systems Farm Advisor – “Worker Safety and Heat Illness Protection & Orchard Spray Drift Management and Water Quality Protection

    Hope to see you there.

    Contacts: Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau ¨ 475 N. Palora Avenue, Suite A, Yuba City, CA 95991 ¨ (530) 673-6550 ¨ Fax (530) 671-5836 Email: ysfb@ysfarmbureau.com ¨ Website: www.ysfarmbureau.com

  • Introducing the New CEO of Sun-Maid, Harry Overly

    At the 105th annual meeting of Sun-Maid Growers in Fresno, Harry Overly was introduced as the new President & CEO of Sun-Maid.  He gave a great presentation to the growers, talking about his background and big plans for Sun-Maid moving forward.  Watch his brief interview and read more about him in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Calagnet & YARA
    Special thanks to this video’s sponsor!

  • Almond Board Conference Wrap up with Richard Waycott

    The 45th annual Almond Board Conference brought thousands of almond growers and industry members together at the Sacramento Convention Center for another great event featuring the latest production and market research funded by the industry through the Almond Board of California. Watch this brief video for Richard Waycott’s final remarks at the conclusion of the three day event as growers move into a new year.

    Calagnet & YARA
    Special thanks to this video’s sponsor!

     

  • Produce Safety Trainings set for Jan/Feb

    Tulare, Calif., (January 4, 2018) – Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS) has partnered with Safe Food Alliance (SFA) through a California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) contract to provide Food Safety Modernization (FSMA)-required Produce Safety Trainings for Central and Southern California growers for an low price of $35 per attendee.

    • Most farms are required to have at least one designated supervisor who has been trained in accordance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety rule.
    • Upon completion of the course, attendees will receive an official certificate from the Association of Food & Drug Officials.

    Scheduled upcoming trainings:

    • January 16, DoubleTree Hotel, 2333 Ventura St., Fresno
    • January 17, International Agri-Center, 4500 S. Laspina St., Tulare
    • January 24, Madera Golf & Country Club, 23200 Avenue 17, Madera
    • February 12, Swan Court Conference Center, 2950 Pea Soup Anderson Blvd., Selma
    • February 19, SPANISH, DoubleTree Hotel, 2233 Ventura St., Fresno
    • February 20, SPANISH, International Agri-Center, 4500 S. Laspina St., Tulare

    All trainings will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an 8 a.m. registration time. Click here to register for a training near you. For additional information, contact SFA at 916-561-5672 or info@foodsafetytrainingpartnership.com.

  • 27th Annual Dollars & $ense Seminar and Trade Show “Sonoma County Strong and Sustainable” January 11, 2018

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (December 21, 2017) – As the calendar turns to 2018, Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) are one year closer to achieving its goal of becoming the nation’s first 100% sustainable winegrowing region in 2019.  On Thursday, January 11, the winegrowing community will gather for the 27th annual Dollars and $ense Seminar and Trade Show with this year’s theme “Sonoma County Strong and Sustainable” for a series of marketing presentations and an update on Sonoma County Winegrowers’ Sustainability Initiative.  In addition, the trade show will feature more than 50 local and national exhibiting sponsors.

    The agenda for this popular annual event includes:

    • A keynote address titled, “The New Wine Consumer” presented byRob McMillan, Executive Vice President and Founder of Silicon Valley Bank Wine Division;
    • The State of the Grape and Bulk Wine Market Update byTurrentine Grape Brokerage;
    • An Update on the Sonoma County Sustainability wine label;
    • SCW’s new branding reveal presented byBranditecture; and
    • Updates on the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation and Housing Support Fund.

    The Dollars & $ense Seminar and Trade Show will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2018, from 7:00am – 1:30pm at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts located at 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa 95403. The trade show will feature more than 50 local and national exhibiting sponsors. The cost for growers to attend the seminar and trade show is $20 or $50 with lunch and $35 or $60 with lunch for the wine industry and public.

    Register online by January 8th, at: https://sonomawinegrape.org/2018-das. If you have questions or if you have a business that is interested in participating in the trade show, contact Andriana Duckworth at 707-522-5867 or andriana@sonomawinegrape.org. Vendor registration cut-off is December 31st, 2017.

    Media Note: Please contact Amy Landolt to obtain a media pass if you would like to attend.

    CONTACT:    Amy Landolt, 707-522-5865 – amy@sonomawinegrape.org

  • CDFA Announces Funding For Dairy Digester Development Program

    Sacramento, Calif., (December 20, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP). The program, which is funded through California Climate Investment dollars, provides financial assistance for the installation of dairy digesters in California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    “Reducing methane emissions is a critical component in the state’s efforts to combat climate change,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Digester technology is an excellent example of how state and private partnerships can protect the environment, reduce emissions all while also providing an economic benefit for our dairy producers.”

    CDFA will allocate between $61-$75 million for potential projects. The final sum will depend on the needs of successful grant applicants. Additional funds have been allocated to support non-digester practices that reduce methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations through the Alternative Manure Management Program(AMMP). Milk producers and dairy digester developers can apply for up to $3 million for projects that provide quantifiable greenhouse gas reductions.

    Prospective applicants can access the “Request for Grant Applications” at www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/DD  for information on eligibility and program requirements.

    To streamline the application process, CDFA is partnering with the State Water Resources Control Board, which hosts the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST). All prospective applicants must register for a FAAST account at https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov. Applications and all supporting information must be submitted electronically using FAAST by Friday, January 26, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

    CDFA will hold two free workshops and one webinar to provide information on program requirements and the FAAST application process. CDFA staff will be present at the workshop to provide guidance on the application process, provide application examples and answer any questions. Individuals planning to attend should emailgrants@cdfa.ca.gov with their contact information, number of seats required and the workshop location.

    Workshop locations include:

    • Modesto – Wednesday, January 3, 2018,
      1:00 – 3:00 pm
      Stanislaus County Agricultural Commissioner Office, Room HI,
      3800 Cornucopia Way
      Modesto, CA 95358
    • Tulare – Thursday, January 4, 2018
      1:00 – 3:00 pm
      Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner Office Conference Room
      Agricultural Building
      4437 S Laspina Street
      Tulare, CA 93274
    • Webinar – Monday, January 8, 2018
      10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
      To register for the webinar, please visit the program webpage at cdfa.ca.gov/go/DD.

    Prospective applicants should refer to the DDRDP webpage (www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/DD ) for information on community outreach assistance coordinated by CDFA. For general program questions, contact CDFA’s Grants Office at grants@cdfa.ca.gov.