California Ag Network

Category: Events

  • Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) Dairy Producers Meetings

    Modesto, Calif., (October 10, 2017) – In addition to informational sessions conducted by California Dairies Inc. (CDI), Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Land O’Lakes (LOL), a series of joint dairy producer meetings will be held throughout the state in the next few weeks. The presentations will be brief to allow ample time for questions you may have. This is a producer-only process and 51% of ballots must be returned for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to even consider referendum results. Therefore, producer organizations in the state want you to be aware of the importance of your vote.

    • October 16, Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, 1201 L Street, Modesto, 10am
    • November 6, Chino, Chino Fairgrounds, 5410 Edison Avenue, Chino, 10:30am
    • November 7, Tulare, Heritage Complex, 4450 S. Laspina Ave, Tulare, Conference Dining Room, 10am

    Agenda:

    • Statewide QIP Referendum: Description of the QIP and main features
    • Questions & Answers

    Note: The Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) was delivered to the post office for mailing on October 6. The ballot (which is on blue paper) is in a 9X13 white envelope with BALLOT ENCLOSED noted on the envelope. Included in the envelope is a cover letter with instructions, the QIP language, and a postage paid envelope to return the ballot. The close of the referendum is December 4, 2017.

    We believe that supporting the QIP is the only path forward to allow fair consideration for a FMMO in CA and are urging you to make an informed decision by attending one of the meetings referenced above prior to casting your vote.

    Contact information:
    California Dairy Campaign, Lynne McBride: lmcb44@comcast.net, 925-385-0217
    Milk Producers Council, Kevin Abernathy: kevin@milkproducers.org, 209-678-0666
    Western United Dairymen, Anja Raudabaugh: araudabaugh@westernuniteddairymen.com, 916-532-9974 California Dairies, Inc., Rob Vandenheuvel: RVandenheuvel@californiadairies.com, 559-679-5651
    Dairy Farmers of America, Francis Pacheco: fpacheco@dfamilk.com, 951-493-4942
    Land O’Lakes, Pete Garbani: PRGarbani@landolakes.com, 559-285-6357

  • Pete Christensen Wine Grape Short Course

    Fresno, Calif., (October 10, 2017) – The Department of Viticulture and Enology at University of California, Davis will host a two-day Pete Christensen Wine Grape Short Course on December 12-13, at the UC Davis Conference Center, 550 Alumni Lane, Davis.

    The course is designed to address the production issues growers may be facing in our diverse growing regions. Topics discussed during the course will focus on three main areas including vineyard soils/site preparation and irrigation system design, achieving high efficiency production, as well as mechanical and precision viticulture.

    Cost to attend is $350 for both days, which will include a continental breakfast, lunch and handouts. Click here to register online and download the official agenda. For questions or to register by check, contact Kay Bogart at 530-754-9876 or klbogart@ucdavis.edu

  • State Agencies to Host Groundwater Recharge Forum on November 8th in Sacramento

    Sacamento, Calif., (October 9, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), in collaboration with California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and other state entities, are hosting a Public Forum on Managed Groundwater Recharge to Support Sustainable Water Management. This all-day event will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center on November 8th 2017 and bring together a variety of speakers to address recharge opportunities and issues.

    Groundwater recharge is an important topic for California as the state continues to recover from an historic drought that caused increased reliance on groundwater basins – resulting in overdraft, failed private domestic wells and impacts to environmental quality.

    In June 2017, the California State Board of Food and Agriculture sent a letter to CDFA Secretary Karen Ross encouraging the convening of a forum to, “inform long term state policies related to ground water recharge.” California’s farm and ranching communities are important partners in helping to implement recharge efforts, but many barriers in federal/state policy as well as infrastructure challenges limit wide scale recharge opportunities.

    This forum will bring together water authorities, agricultural organizations, regulators and other stakeholders to address groundwater recharge opportunities and associated policies.

    Registration Information

     

  • Karen Ross To Headline California Citrus Conference

    Visalia, Calif., (October 10, 2017) – The California Citrus Conference, scheduled for October 11, will feature California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross as its keynote speaker.

    All those associated with the California citrus industry are invited to attend the free one-day event of presentations and demonstrations sponsored by the Citrus Research Board (CRB) at the Wyndham Hotel in Visalia, California. The conference will share the “best of the best” in research developments, according to CRB President Gary Schulz, and will emphasize work being done to combat huanglongbing (HLB).

    “HLB, which has decimated the citrus industry in other growing regions throughout the world, has now been found in over 150 residential trees in California,” said Schulz. “Secretary Ross will convey to growers that the CDFA understands the urgency of finding a cure for this devastating disease and stands foursquare behind the CRB’s wide-reaching research efforts.”

    “This disease is fatal to citrus trees,” Ross said. “It has no cure, so the solution must come from research – research that is already well underway, thanks to foresight and funding from growers and our state and federal leaders.”

    Ross has served as CDFA Secretary for nearly seven years. She previously was chief of staff for U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and also had been president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers and vice-president of the Agricultural Council of California. Under her stewardship, the CDFA has worked diligently to track, contain and slow the spread of Asian citrus psyllids (ACP) and HLB by setting traps, treating trees in infested areas and removing HLB-positive trees.

    Other featured topics and speakers at the conference will include:

    • “The Very Latest in ACP and HLB Treatment Strategies and Detection Challenges” presented by Beth Grafton-Cardwell, Ph.D., director of the Lindcove Research and Extension Center and research entomologist, University of California, Riverside, and Carla Thomas, plant pathologist and epidemiologist, University of California, Davis.
    • “Exploration and Exploitation of the Microbial Communities That Associate with Citrus Trees” presented by Johan Leveau, Ph.D., professor of plant pathology, University of California, Davis.
    • “Improving Nitrogen Management of Citrus” presented by Steve Petrie, Ph.D., of Yara North America Inc.
    • “Being Active Is Not Being Bold” presented by Joel Nelsen, president of California Citrus Mutual.
    • “An Update from the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee (CPDPC)” presented by Nick Hill, CPDPC chairman.
    • “Priority Post-Harvest Research to Control Insect Pests of California Citrus” presented by Spencer Walse, Ph.D., research chemist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Agricultural Research Service, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center.
    • “Panel Discussion: Biological Control Program for Asian Citrus Psyllid in California and Arizona” presented by Greg Simmons, Ph.D., entomologist with USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, David Morgan, Ph.D., biocontrol specialist with CDFA and Richard Stouthamer, Ph.D., entomologist with the University of California, Riverside.
    • “Citrus Breeding for California: New Tools to Meet the Challenge of HLB” presented by Mikeal Roose, Ph.D., professor of genetics at the University of California, Riverside.
    • “Streamlining the Introduction of Citrus Varieties from HLB-infested Areas into California. A Case Study – Florida” presented by Georgios Vidalakis, Ph.D., professor and UC extension specialist in plant pathology, University of California, Riverside and director of the Citrus Clonal Protection Program.

    The event also will feature scientific poster presentations, networking opportunities and continuing education units, which have been approved by the Department of Pesticide Regulation.

    A complimentary breakfast buffet will be served from 6:30-9:00 a.m. Morning conference sessions are scheduled from 9:00 a.m.-noon, and will be highlighted by the keynote address from Secretary Ross. Following a free luncheon, afternoon sessions will run from 1:15-5:00 p.m.

    To register or request additional details, contact the CRB on line at www.citrusresearch.org  or by phone at 559.738.0246.

    Additionally, a special session, “Train the Trainer: Best Practices for Citrus Field Crews to Prevent the Spread of ACP/HLB” will be conducted in Spanish only from 7:00-9:00 a.m. Pre-registration for this seminar is required through www.citrusinsider.org or by phone at 559-592-3790.

  • 34th Annual Professional Women and Leading Business Awards

    Fresno, Calif., (October 2, 2017) – Marjaree Mason Center will host its 34th Annual Professional Women and Leading Business Awards on Friday, October 13, at 11 a.m., at the Fresno Convention Center, 2233 Venture St., Fresno.

    This event pays tribute to 10 women who have served as role models and given back to their communities, all while making strides in their professions. MJR Creative Group will be honored as the Leading Business of the Year for its support of women and women’s issues. This year’s top 10 professional women honorees include:

    • Mendy Laval Alkotob, partner at Laval Family Consulting and business instructor at Fresno State
    • Angie Barfield, student intervention and prevention coordinator at the Fresno County Office of Education
    • DeDe Darnell, interior designer and principal at Darden Architects
    • Katherine Flores, director at UCSF Fresno Latino Center for Medical Education and Research
    • Linda Gleason, executive director at Fresno Cradle to Career Partnership and founding director at the Children’s Movement Fresno
    • Debbie Jacobsen, co-owner at J&L Vineyards
    • Catherine Lumsden-Dvorak, MediCare account manager at DiBuduo and DeFendis Insurance Brokers, LLC.
    • Karen Musson, managing partner at Gar Tootelian Inc. and CEO at Gar and Esther Tootelian Charitable Foundation
    • Diane Phakonekham, executive director at Big Brothers Big Sisters
    • Kathryn Phillips, children’s grief support group facilitator at Hinds Hospice

    During the awards ceremony, the keynote speaker is two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and former WNBA Sacramento Monarch player, “Mighty” Ruthie Bolton. Ruthie’s personal experience with domestic violence was told in an ESPN documentary last year and has propelled her into the spotlight as an advocate against domestic violence. Ruthie hopes that by sharing her story, it will make others feel empowered to turn their pain into power.

    To register for individual tickets or sponsorship, click here. For additional information, contact the Marjaree Mason Center at 559-237-4706 or mmc@mmcenter.org.

     

  • California’s FREP/WPHA Conference Comes To Modesto On November 1-2, 2017

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 29, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and the Western Plant Health Association (WPHA) are hosting their 25th annual fertilizer research conference at the DoubleTree Hotel in Modesto, California, on November 1 and 2, 2017.

    This event brings together industry professionals and academic researchers to learn about the latest research and sound management of fertilizing materials.

    This year’s conference agenda includes information on nitrogen and irrigation management, as well as micronutrients, soil salinity, the role of nutrients in pest management, nitrogen reporting, nutrient education projects, and more. In the afternoon of the first day of the conference, a poster session will showcase a dozen ongoing research projects across California.

    Continuing education units (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs), Pest Control Advisers (PCAs), and Central Valley growers are available for the conference. Registration is $110 per day or $180 for both days; currently enrolled students pay only $75 per day or $110 for both days.

    To view the agenda, register online, and see the approved CEUs, please visit the conference website: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/IS/ffldrs/frep/FREPConference.html.

    For more information about the 2017 conference or FREP, please contact program staff at frep@cdfa.ca.gov or (916) 900-5022.

    Since 1990, the Fertilizer Research and Education Program has funded more than 200 research projects focusing on California’s vital and environmentally sensitive cropping systems. A database of completed and ongoing research is publically available at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/frep.

  • State Board of Food and Agriculture to Discuss DACA’s Impact On Farmworker Community at October 3 Meeting

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 28, 2017) – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear perspectives from stakeholders within the agricultural community concerning recent federal changes to immigration policy which will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), 1220 N Street, Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

    “California’s farmworkers are an invaluable part of our agricultural community,” said President Craig McNamara, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Recent federal actions on immigration underscore the need for comprehensive reform, not just for farmworkers, but for all undocumented immigrants that contribute to California’s economic and cultural diversity.”

    Invited speakers include: Daniel Torres, Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.; Daniel Costa, Economic Policy Institute; Diana Tellefson, United Farm Worker Foundation; Abigail Solis, Earlimart School Board; Javier Zamora, JSM Organics; President Joseph I. Castro, California State University, Fresno; Maria Echaveste, Farmworker Justice; and Senator Bill Monning.

    In addition to issues related to DACA, the Board will hold a discussion with Senator Bill Monning about efforts to address safe and affordable drinking water in communities throughout the state.

    The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the Governor and 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 issues of concern to California agriculture.

    All meetings are open to the public.

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

  • CA Red Scale ID & Parasite Life Stages Workshop in Lindcove, Sept. 28

    Exeter, Calif., (September 26, 2017) – PCAs who want to learn how to better recognize the various life stages of scale and their parasites are invited to attend a Red Scale Identification & Parasite Life Stages Workshop at the Lindcove Research & Extension Center (22963 Carson Ave., Exeter, CA 93221) on September 28th. With this knowledge PCAs can determine the level of parasitism of California red scale in their citrus orchards and make better decisions about scale control tactics.

    Led by Dr. Beth Grafton-Cardwell, the workshop will run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Cost of the Workshop is $40 (including lunch and classroom materials).  Class size is limited to 25 participants so early sign-up is recommended.  A check will reserve your place in the class and checks are made payable to the UC Regents.  Participants should bring a hand lens and 10-20 pieces of scale-infested fruit from one of their own orchards to the class (make sure to remove all leaves and stems and bring it in a closed bag to protect LREC from Asian citrus psyllid).  Continuing education credits (6 other) have been approved for this course. For more information and to sign up for this course, contact Jasmin Del Toro at (559) 592-2408 ext 151.

     

  • Avocado Pest Meeting in Fallbrook, Sept. 28

    Fallbrook, Calif., (September 25, 2017) – The California Avocado Commission is putting on one final grower field day this year, featuring presentations on crop estimating, reading avocado trees and energy efficiency programs for irrigation pumps. Topics include: Crop estimating to help growers better predict their grove’s yield for next year; how to read avocado trees going into winter— tree nutrition, grove maintenance tasks, pest and disease management and other issues; and improving yield while reducing energy and water inputs using compliance software to track water supplies and field Evapotranspiration (ET) demand without having to deploy new hardware devices. The field day will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Pine Tree Ranch Demonstration Grove (19455 E. Telegraph Rd, Santa Paula, CA).

     

  • Advances in Prune Production Meeting, Sept. 26

    Want to learn about the recent advances in prune research and how they impact your prune management practices? Attend the UC Cooperative Extension’s upcoming meeting on Tuesday, September 26th at the Ord Bend Community Hall (3241 CA-45, Glenn, CA) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meeting will feature UC Davis Plant Pathologist Themis Michailides, who will talk about cytospora canker; UC Davis Plant Pathologist Bob Johnson, who will talk about wood rot fungi; and UCCE Farm Advisor Emeritus Rich Buchner, who will talk about his prune rootstock trial research. The meeting will follow with a Question and Answer session to help growers and PCAs plan to apply research results ahead of the pruning season. Registration is $25 online here or for $35 at the door, and includes lunch.