California Ag Network

Category: Events

  • California Association of Pest Control Advisers Celebrates 50th Conference

    The California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) recently gathered for their 50th annual conference. Bringing together a bright group pest control advisors tasked with protecting the most diverse agricultural landscape in the nation, watch this special video presentation highlighting what CAPCA is all about and what it means to be a member of this organization as they celebrate this milestone year.

  • California Citrus Grower’s Conference, Oct. 23

    Growers are invited to register now for the Citrus Research Board (CRB)’s Annual California Citrus Grower’s Conference on October 23, 2024, in Visalia, California, at the Visalia Convention Center. Registration will close on Monday, October 14.

    This event is designed specifically for growers and will showcase the outstanding research efforts ongoing for the benefit of California citrus growers and industry. This conference is an invaluable opportunity to learn, connect with fellow growers, and stay involved with innovative research. Additional information can be found at the registration link HERE.

    Scheduled Speakers

      • Casey Creamer, California Citrus Mutual
      • Ashraf El-kereamy, Ph.D., University of California, Riverside
      • Ivan Milosavljević, Ph.D., Citrus Research Board
      • Sandipa Gautam, Ph.D., University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
      • Daniele Zaccaria, Ph.D., University of California, Davis
      • Raymond Yokomi, Ph.D., USDA Agricultural Research Service
      • Isaac Mazor, Nanovel LTD
      • Amanda Zito, Fresno County Department of Agriculture
      • Luxin Wang, Ph.D., University of California, Davis
      • James (Jim) Adaskaveg, Ph.D., University of California, Riverside
      • Melinda Klein, Ph.D, Citrus Research Board
      • Bodil Cass, Ph.D., University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
      • Robert Clark, Ph.D., EcoData Technology

    Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

    The following continuing education units have been approved:
    • Department of Pesticide Regulations – 1.5 hours of Other and .5 hours of Laws & Regulations
    • Certified Crop Advisers – 2.5 hours of Integrated Pest Management, .5 hours of Soil & Water Management, and .5 hours of Crop Management

  • 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, November 2

    Over 15 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public for the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Those who attend will experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours and learn about the origins of their food.

    “We often don’t think about what it takes to grow, harvest and deliver produce to the market,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) executive director. SEEAG is the nonprofit that hosts Ventura County Farm Day each year. “Hundreds of dedicated farm workers are behind every piece of fruit or vegetable we buy at the store.”

    On Farm Day, the public can select the locations they want to visit by going to the Farm Day Trail Map (https://venturacountyfarmday.com/map) and then travel at their own pace from site to site. Descriptions of what to expect at each site are included on the map. The day consists of behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, giveaways and kid-friendly activities. Some sites require pre-registration. “Pick three or four locations and plan your day,” says Paulus-Case.

    Widespread farming in Ventura County dates back to the 1780s and agriculture is still one of the largest industries in the county with crop values in 2023 totaling over $2.1 billion. “Nothing else in Ventura County has more history than agriculture,” says Phil McGrath, owner of McGrath Family Farm in Camarillo and Farm Day participant. “Farm Day provides the opportunity to understand how agriculture in the county evolved, what growers are doing now and what the future will bring.”

    Participating in Farm Day this year include the Agriculture Museum of Ventura County, Agromin (organic compost, mulch), Alpacas At Windy Hills (Alpaca fleece), Duda Farm Fresh Foods (celery and lettuce), Eden Forest Collective (agroforestry), Good Farms (berries), Growing Works (fresh flowers), McGrath Family Farm (organic farming), Ojai Olive Oil (olives), Oxnard Historic Farm Park, Petty Ranch (fruits and vegetables), Prancer’s Farm (strawberries, tomatoes, avocados), Ranchos Camulos National Historic Landmark Museum, UC Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center, VCAA Senior Nutrition Farm and Ventura County Agriculture/Weights and Measures. Petty Ranch will serve as the Farm Day Hub with booths, displays, kids’ activities and free fresh produce.

    Two school farms are participating–Rio School District Farm and Sa’Aliyas Ranch. Both farms teach students about agriculture including career opportunities–all while growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables for market.

    Ventura County Farm Day sponsors include The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, Gene Hass Foundation, Driscoll’s, Church Brothers Farms, Mission Produce, and County of Ventura Agriculture/Weights and Measures.

    Visitors are encouraged to register in advance at My805Tix (https://www.my805tix.com/e/venturafarmday). Once registered, guests show their 805Tix QR code at each location to enter without signing in.

    Several hotels are offering special room rates over the Farm Day weekend. For more information about Ventura County Farm Day including a list of local hotels, visit www.VenturaCountyFarmDay.com or call 805-892-8155. The Trail Mape is updated daily. No pets allowed.

  • San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association to Honor Larry Williams at Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo

    The Board of the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association has selected Larry Williams to honor with their 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be presented this year at Malcolm Media’s Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo on November 8th at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds.

    Williams is well-recognized by the grape industry for his remarkable work in irrigation and fertilizer management as a Professor and Plant Physiologist in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. Stationed at the Kearney Ag Research & Extension Center in the Central Valley – the nation’s epicenter of raisin, wine and table grape production, Williams helped growers determine nitrogen and potassium needs for all grape types and application timing. His research guided wine grape growers refine deficit irrigation practices for improved wine quality and helped raisin and table grape growers understand water needs to maximize berry size and production.

    “Professor Williams is best known for developing irrigation models for raisin, table and wine grapes. His pioneering work in the field has been verified and accepted around the world and underpinned ongoing technological developments that are making it easier than ever for growers to save water while optimizing yield and quality,” shared Dr. Matthew Fidelibus, UC Davis, San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association Viticultural Advisor. Over the course of his 36-year career, Williams has published over a hundred papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, co-authored several books, and delivered hundreds of talks on these subjects, proving a valuable asset to both viticultural research and extension.

    Williams retired in June 2018, but his work continues to bear much fruit. “Growing grapes is difficult enough, but thanks to Professor Williams, we have been able to increase our quality and consistency with better technology,” commented Aarin Wilson, President of the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association.

    “Larry Williams has played an oversized role in educating growers around the Valley (and world), and the Association is very proud to add his name to the august group of recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award,” shared Peter Vallis, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association.

    Peter Vallis, Executive Director, San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association

    Previous recipients of this award include: Kent Daane & Nat DiBuduo (2023), Deborah Golino & Andy Walker (2022), Jim Unti (2021), John Monnich (2020), Ron Brase (2019), Robert Markarian (2018), Walt Bentley, Doug Gubler & Ken Yonan (2016), Frank Saviez & Don Stanley (2015), Jim Duarte & George Leavitt (2014), Jack Farrior & Marko Zaninovich (2013), Pete Christensen, Ron Metzler & Gary Wilson (2012), Paul Dismukes & Luther Khachigian (2011), Frank Logoluso, Bob Loquaci & Frank Pantaleo (2010), Bob McInturf, Mike Nury & Vince Petrucci (2009), and Angelo Papagni (2007).

    Vallis will be presenting this special award to Larry Williams at 12:30 p.m. in the Industrial Education Building at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds during the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo on November 8th. The Expo runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is FREE to attend. The presentation will be accompanied with a Tri-Tip BBQ lunch and morning grower seminars offer continuing education credits, so growers and friends are welcome to arrive early and enjoy the full event.  Learn more and Pre-register to attend at https://agexpo.biz/.

    About the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo

    Fresno is the number one ag county in the state and the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo is held in the center of the Central Valley’s rich and diverse agricultural production. Since 1996, this event has become a tradition for nearly 1,000 grape, nut and tree fruit growers to attend. This year, the expo will be featuring PCA & CCA Credits, Free Breakfast & Tri-Tip Lunch, Industry Trade Show, State of the Raisin, Table Grape, Wine, Almond, Walnut, Pistachio & Tree Fruit Industry presentations and seminars on: New Carpophilus Beetle & Red Leaf Blotch Threat in Tree Nuts, Cutting Raisin Production Costs, Micronutrient Management, Crop Insurance Improvements for Grape Growers, On-Farm Wildlife Management, Laws & Regulations, and Tree & Vine IPM. Also, new this year will be a partnership with San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association in the presentation of their Annual Lifetime Achievement Award taking place after lunch. Register to attend FREE today at AgExpo.biz.

    About the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association

    Amidst the nadir of the grape prices in 2000-2001, a group of Valley grape industry leaders came together to build an organization, for the first time, to represent the interests of the San Joaquin Valley wine grape grower. Since this time, the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association has become the nexus and voice for the interior regions of the California Wine Industry. Through organizing grower education, strategic, wine and grape producer-specific advocacy, and increasingly a tilt towards regional marketing and promotion, the SJVWA offers a distinct program for growers in the Central Valley while supporting the efforts of other state-wide agricultural industry groups. Learn more at idrinkwine.net.

  • California Dairy Sustainability Summit Heading to Visalia March 2025

    The California Dairy Sustainability Summit organizing committee have announced a new, farmer-focused event that will take place on March 25, 2025, at the Visalia Convention Center in Visalia, Calif. This added event will focus on equipping California dairy families and employees with information to further enhance and future-proof farming operations. The one-day conference and tradeshow will promote innovative, practical, and workable approaches to advance environmental and economic sustainability, enabling California’s family dairies to continue producing nutritious milk and dairy foods for local and global communities.

    The Farm Focus summit will host timely discussions as the California dairy sector is on track to achieve climate neutrality by as early as 2027. In addition to world-leading progress in methane reduction, the state’s dairy farmers are advancing in clean, renewable energy, water conservation and protection, animal health and comfort, soil health, community nutrition programming, and more. Speakers will highlight the importance of California dairy’s leadership and the technologies, strategies, and incentive programs helping farmers navigate challenges and tap into opportunities.

    “California dairy farmers are world leaders in planet-smart dairy farming. The 2025 summit is designed to help them along this ongoing journey,” said Charles “Chuck” Ahlem, Hilmar dairy farmer and board member for several of the hosting organizations.

    Held biennially since 2018, the California Dairy Sustainability Summit is co-hosted by Dairy Cares, California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, and the Dairy Council of California. The 2025 Farm Focus will kick off with dynamic discussions among leaders from the dairy industry and its major customers. Interactive breakout sessions will allow attendees to dive deep into understanding the latest on-farm sustainability strategies. It will also be the first version of the summit to include an in-person Expo Hall since 2018. Attendees will explore solution provider booths and academic research posters, and will enjoy valuable networking opportunities.

    “We are proud to be on the leading edge of sustainable dairy farming,” said Tony Louters, Merced dairy farmer and chair of the California Milk Advisory Board. “There are a lot of options for producers to consider as we work to make our operations even more sustainable. The 2025 Summit will be an important opportunity to explore those options, from what may already be tried and true practices for some, to the most cutting-edge pilot projects. Given the unique nature of each of our farms and the multiple environmental goals we are working toward, there is a lot to think about. We look forward to learning from experts and one another as we plan for the future of our family farms.”

    The 2025 summit will engage dairy farmers, employees, and allied industry members—helping all navigate the rapid pace of California’s progressive policies, the new requirements on the horizon, and the innovative practices being deployed to further shrink dairy’s environmental footprint. Speakers will include dairy farmers highlighting the technologies, products, and strategies they use to boost sustainability through management efficiency, animal health and nutrition, breeding strategies, manure management, enteric methane mitigation, and more. Emphasis will be placed on successful local, state, and federal incentive programs and their key role as the industry continues to ramp up its own investments in innovation.

    The summit’s mission is to promote education and collaboration for further advancing planet-smart dairy farm practices and to recognize and enhance dairy’s valuable role in sustainable, healthy, and equitable food systems. The 2025 summit is organized in partnership with JCS Marketing, Inc., a full-service agriculture marketing firm operating in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. More information about the event program and sponsor opportunities will be announced soon. To learn more or to subscribe for updates, visit www.cadairysummit.com.

    • Dairy Cares is a statewide coalition with a mission to ensure the long-term sustainability of California’s dairy farm families through strong environmental stewardship and responsible animal care.
    • The California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) is an independent non-profit organization that leads and delivers research and science-based programs to support an innovative and sustainable California dairy industry.
    • For more 25 years, the award-winning California Dairy Quality Assurance Program(CDQAP) has worked as a partnership between the dairy industry, academia, and others to provide science-based education and third-party certifications, promoting the health of consumers, the environment, and the health and welfare of dairy animals.
    • The California Milk Advisory Board, an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world.
    •  Dairy Council of California is a nutrition organization working together with champions to elevate the health of children and communities through lifelong healthy eating patterns. Focusing on education and advocacy, dairy ag literacy, and collaboration, we advance the health benefits of milk and dairy foods as part of the solution to achieving nutrition security and sustainable food systems.

  • National Farmer’s Day Celebrated with Fourth Annual SuperTractors Competition

    As an important part of its ongoing commitment to honoring the hard work of North American farmers, Shell Rotella is pleased to announce the fourth annual SuperTractors competition, coinciding with National Farmer’s Day. Launched in 2021, this virtual event encourages farmers to showcase their impressive tractors, drawing inspiration from Shell Rotella SuperRigs®, which recently celebrated 42 years of recognizing the best-looking working trucks in North America.

    From September 16-26, farmers across North America can enter their unique farm equipment in the SuperTractors competition for a chance to win $250, 10,000 MyMilesMatter points, and a custom Shell Rotella-branded Carhartt jacket. To participate, farmers can submit a photo along with a brief explanation of why their tractor deserves to win at super-tractors.mymilesmatter.com/peopleschoice.

    MyMilesMatter members can cast their votes for their favorite tractor once a day from September 27 through October 9 atwww.mymilesmatter.com/supertractors/peopleschoice (US) or    www.mymilesmatter.ca/supertractors/peopleschoice (Canada). The contestant with the most fan votes will be contacted by an authorized representative. The winner will be announced by Farmer Grayce via Shell Rotella social media channels on October 12 in celebration of National Farmer’s Day.

    “These farmers embody dedication, putting in countless hours to help provide for their communities across North America,” said Julie Wright, North American Brand Manager at Shell Rotella. “As we approach National Farmer’s Day, our goal is to celebrate these agricultural champions by showcasing the deep pride they have in their work and equipment through our annual SuperTractors contest.”

    Key Dates:

    • Participants can enter the competition during the following time frame:
      • Start date: September 16 – 12:00 PM CT
      • End date: September 26 – 5:00 PM CT
    • Consumer voting will last for ten days:
      • Start date: September 27 – 10:00 AM CT
      • End Date: October 9 – 8:00 AM CT

    Shell Rotella is committed to supporting the agricultural community and recognizing the hardworking individuals who help keep North American farms moving forward.

    Contest is valid in the 50 US, DC, and Canada. Void in Quebec and where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Terms apply. For full Official Rules and more details, visit www.mymilesmatter.com/supertractors/rules (US) or www.mymilesmatter.ca/supertractors/rules (Canada).

    For more information about Shell Rotella products, visit www.rotella.com. Be sure to follow Shell Rotella on Facebook, X and Instagram for additional updates and photos from the competition. Join the conversation using the hashtag #SuperTractors.

  • Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day Attracts Over 6,500 Attendees

    The 6th Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day drew over 6,500 visitors according to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), the nonprofit organization that puts on Farm Day each year. This marks the highest attendance since Santa Barbara County Farm Day began. Farm Day took place on August 24 at 16 locations in Santa Maria and central Santa Barbara County.

    “From everyone at Team SEEAG, I want to express our gratitude for all the agricultural participants who put in countless hours to make Farm Day a success, and for your dedication, and belief in our mission,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, SEEAG executive director. “Thank you to our nearly 100 FAA student volunteers from Pioneer Valley High School and Lompoc High School who helped attendees at our Farm Day locations.”

    Farm Day enables community members to learn about food production. “It is an opportunity to gain a new appreciation for all of the work that goes into growing, harvesting and transporting produce to stores so we have food to eat,” says Paulus-Case.

    SEEAG conducts educational programs at schools and farms, teaching young students about the farm origins of their food. Older students learn about career opportunities in agriculture. Programs reach students in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Plans are underway to expand the Farm Day experience with year-round programs for all ages. For more information about SEEAG, go to www.SEEAG.org.

    SEEAG’s 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day is scheduled for November 2. Details are available at https://venturacountyfarmday.com.

  • Big DPR Licensing Changes for Pest Control Advisers and Invitation to Gather for 50th Anniversary CAPCA Conference

    To help California Pest Control Advisers and qualified/aerial pesticide applicators prepare for several changes to their license renewals with DPR, Ruthann Anderson, President/CEO of the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network on August 5th to explain the changes. Among them is a significant renewal fee increase. While increasing costs are never welcome news, Anderson calls upon DPR for transparency and accountability in the use of the increased funds to better serve licensees. She also points out that 2024 is a milestone year for CAPCA, as they will be holding their 50th annual Conference this fall. Watch this brief interview to learn more specifics on California DPR license renewal changes, and some exciting things to expect in attending CAPCA’s 50th Conference this October.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Southern California Gas Company for their industry support.

  • Fresno Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Award Nominations Now Open

    The Fresno Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that nominations for the 2024 Agriculture Awards are officially open. This year’s awards ceremony, scheduled for November 2024 (exact date to be announced), will celebrate outstanding contributions to the region’s agricultural sector.

    The awards categories include Agriculturalist of the Year, Agricultural Employee of the Year, and AGvocate of the Year. We’re also thrilled to welcome back Moss Adams as the presenter of the Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year Award. You can find the nomination criteria and forms on the Fresno Chamber website. Nominations will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

    “These awards have a rich tradition of highlighting the incredible people and businesses that drive our region’s agriculture forward,” said Scott Miller, President & CEO of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. “From multi-generational family farms to innovative start-ups developing the next big thing in agricultural technology, these awards shine a light on the breadth and depth of our local food industry.”

    Last year’s honorees included Elizabeth Hudson of Hudson Farms as Agriculturalist of the Year, John DeGroot and Son for the Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year, Maribel Cortes of Woolf Farming

    as Agricultural Employee of the Year, John Alkire of Big Fresno Fair as AGvocate of the Year. Last year, Kathleen Nave of the California Table Grape Commission received the Lifetime of Service Award.

    Details on sponsorship and ticket sales will be available in mid-September. For more information about the awards or the upcoming celebration, please reach out to Tatevik Hovhannisyan, Events Manager for the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, at thovhannisyan@fresnochamber.com or call (559) 905-6090.

    “The Fresno Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest business organizations in the Central Valley, with approximately 1,000 member businesses representing over 77,000 employees. The Chamber’s mission is to “promote and support the success of the regional business community through effective advocacy, education, and relationship building.”

  • Sneak Preview of First Ever Pistachio Industry Insights Day Coming This Month

    It’s that time of the year as pistachio harvest nears that American Pistachio Growers (APG) gathers its members together at the Visalia Convention Center. But this year, growers are invited to more than just your typical Summer Luncheon. This longtime tradition has been reinvented into an all-day event to support the booming western pistachio industry. APG’s Wes Wilson met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share a sneak preview of what growers can expect in attending the Pistachio Industry Insights Day. Watch this brief interview and be sure to come see Pacific Nut Producer Magazine there as a proud sponsor of this event.