California Ag Network

Category: Events

  • California FFA Elects 2023-2024 State FFA Officer Team

    Students from Gustine, Salinas-Rancho San Juan, Temecula-Saint Jeanne, Chino-Don Lugo, McArthur-Fall River, and Visalia El Diamantewere elected by delegates at the 95th Annual State FFA Leadership Conference to serve as 2023-24 State FFA Officers.

    • President: Austin Bell
    • Vice President: Sierra Short
    • Secretary: Makena Stanisai
    • Treasurer: Sydney Marich
    • Reporter: Piper Lakey
    • Sentinel: Thomas Rosa

    Candidates take part in an extensive online and in-person interview process with the State FFA Nominating Committee leading up to the election. The new team was announced during the closing session of the 95th State FFA Leadership Conference on Tuesday, March 19.

    After reviewing applications and conducting virtual interviews with 49 applicants, the Nominating Committee selected 31 individuals to advance to in-person interviews, which were conducted during the State FFA Conference. Candidates underwent nine rounds of interviews with the State Nominating Committee before being slated and elected by the California Association FFA delegation.

    State officers commit to a year of service to the California Association FFA. Throughout their year of service, the officers will interact with business and industry leaders, thousands of FFA members and teachers, corporate sponsors, government and education officials, local FFA leaders, and the general public.

    The team will lead personal growth and leadership training conferences for FFA members throughout the state and help set policies that will guide the future of FFA in California and lead the next generation of leaders.

    To obtain additional information about the new state officer team, contact Charles Parker, State FFA Advisor and program manager for agricultural education for the California Department of Education, at cparker@cde.ca.gov.

    About California FFA: The California Association FFA is part of a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 FFA members in 8,995 local FFA chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

  • National Sorghum Producers Opens 2023 Sorghum Yield Contest

    National Sorghum Producers will now begin accepting entries for the 2023 National Sorghum Yield Contest. State and national winners are selected from contestants split into east and west regions for each division, which includes irrigated, dryland no-till, dryland tillage and one overall winner for food grade.

    The entry deadline for the 2023 National Sorghum Yield Contest is November 15. A complete field of 10 or more continuous acres, planted in the sorghum seed variety named on the entry form, will be designated as the contest field. The contestants must harvest and report at least 1.5 contiguous acres. Harvest reports will now be made available to contest entrants beginning May 1, and all completed forms must be received at the NSP office or postmarked no later than November 25.

    “This competition motivates farmers and seed companies to explore innovative genetics and techniques for enhancing sorghum yields,” NSP CEO Tim Lust said. “Despite the 2022 drought, we saw excellent top-end yields in the contest from growers nationwide. We look forward to expanding on that success in 2023, and we anticipate a high level of participation in the upcoming contest, resulting in new yield records being set.”

    The goal of the National Sorghum Yield Contest is to increase grower yields, transfer knowledge between growers to enhance management and identify sorghum producers who excel in each state and throughout the country. In order to enroll, contestants must be a paid NSP member at the time of entry. More than one member of a family may enroll, but each member must have a separate membership. All entries will be reviewed and divisions will be placed off of yield only. National and state winners will be recognized at the 2024 Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas.

    To find the entry form, 2023 yield contest rules and more information, interested contestants can visit www.sorghumgrowers.com/yield-contest/ or contact NSP Director of Operations Julie Barclay at 806-749-3478.

    NSP represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry coast to coast through legislative representation, regulatory representation and education. To learn more about NSP, visit www.sorghumgrowers.com.

  • Taking Care of Business at the World Ag Expo

    World Ag Expo® returns live for its 56th show on Tuesday, February 14, in Tulare, California. Gates will open at 9:00 a.m.

    The red carpet rolls out on Tuesday for Opening Ceremonies at 8:00 a.m. in the Heritage Complex Banquet Hall. The ceremonial opening will begin with an awards ceremony for Top-10 New Products Winners and “We Believe in Growing” scholarship winners, sponsored by E.M. Tharp. Past World Ag Expo® Show Chairmen, VIPs, and national, state, and local elected officials will be in attendance.

    Opening Ceremonies will be followed by the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture 2023 Farm Bill Listening Session at 10:00 a.m. in the Banquet Hall. The event will bring together farmers, ranchers, producers, agribusiness owners, and more to solicit public feedback—an integral part of the Farm Bill reauthorization process. Session details and panel updates are available at https://bit.ly/WAE23FarmBillSession.

    World Ag Expo® seminars kick off at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday and run throughout the three-day show at the Seminar Center on the southeast end of the grounds. Sessions on Dairy, Water, International Trade, and more can be found in classroom-style buildings at the corner of U & South Street. The full seminar schedule can be viewed at https://bit.ly/WAE23Seminars.

    The WET Center Innovation Pitch Event, hosted by Fresno State’s WET Center, will take place on Thursday afternoon and will introduce potential customers and World Ag Expo® attendees to new and emerging technologies and innovations from the Valley Ventures accelerator. Entertainment including live cooking demonstrations and workshops will take place in the World Ag Women pavilion all three days.

    Ride & Drives and live demonstrations will be available throughout the grounds. The WW Livestock Demonstration Pavilion on the east side of Farm Credit Dairy Center will feature reining, livestock handling, fitting demos for 4-H and FFA students, and cattle pregnancy ultrasounds all using WW Livestock Systems products A list of exhibitors with interactive options is available at https://bit.ly/WAE23-TestDrivesDemos.

    New products are launched at World Ag Expo® every year, and 2023 is no different. Look for major announcements and the future of ag from Kubota, AGCO, Case IH, Agtonomy, Top-10 New Product Winners, and many more.

    World Ag Expo® and Toyota have partnered again to offer the 2023 World Ag Expo® Toyota Tundra Giveaway. The 2023 giveaway will benefit the Guilds of Valley Children’s Healthcare. Tickets are $5 and will be available for purchase at World Ag Expo® at Gate 12 and the Toyota exhibit space. The drawing will be held on Thursday, February 16, at 3:00 p.m. in the Toyota exhibit space at Gate 2.

    Live webcams of World Ag Expo’s® show grounds, powered by HD Relay, can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/WAELiveFeed. Cameras offer views of activity on the grounds, including exhibitors, attendees, and volunteers.

    World Ag Expo® attendees can get the latest news, information, and updates about the show by downloading the 2023 mobile app. The free app provides mobile access to the schedule of events, an exhibitor directory, map of the showgrounds, food menus, and other visitor resources. The app is available for download by visiting your app store and searching for “World Ag Expo.” For a full schedule of events, more information about the show, or to purchase tickets for the 2023 World Ag Expo®, visit www.WorldAgExpo.org.

    To sign up for email updates and discount codes, go to https://bit.ly/WAEEmailList.
    The International Agri-Center® is home to World Ag Expo®,
    February 14-16, 2023, in Tulare, California. An estimated annual average of
    100,000 individuals from 60 countries attend World Ag Expo® each year. The
    largest annual agricultural show of its kind, World Ag Expo® hosts 1,200
    exhibitors displaying cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment on 2.6
    million square feet of showgrounds.
    Event Details At-A-Glance
    2023 World Ag Expo®, February 14-16
    Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    International Agri-Center®
    4500 S. Laspina St.
    Tulare, CA 93274
    $20 gate admission
    $17 online ticket price with a discount code WAE23

  • Another Clean Sweep for California’s Vierra Dairy Farms in International Jersey Show

    Vierra Dairy Farms of Hilmar, California had a historic day at the International Jersey Show, exhibiting the Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion, and Honorable Mention Grand Champion. This is the third consecutive year Vierra Dairy Farms has won Grand Champion Female and Reserve Grand Champion Female at World Dairy Expo.

    The winning Junior Three-Year-Old Cow and Intermediate Champion Female, Rivendale VIP Eloise, finished on top as the Grand Champion Female and earned the $1,000 Udder Comfort Grand Champion Cash Award and the Allen Hetts Grand Champion Trophy. Stoney Point Impression Blenda, the first-place Lifetime Cheese Production Cow, followed Eloise as Reserve Grand Champion Female and was Senior Champion Female. To round out the Triple-Crown win for Vierra Dairy Farms, River Valley Colton Juliette-ET topped the Five-Year-Old Cow Class and went on the be named Honorable Mention Grand Champion Female and Reserve Senior Champion Female.

    Carly & Rebecca Shaw and Kash-In Jerseys of Tulare, California, found success in the International Jersey Show as they exhibited Budjon-Vail Jordan C Shaneese-ET. Shaneese was named the Reserve Intermediate Champion Female and won the Senior Three-Year-Old Cow Class.

    The first and second place Fall Heifer Calf pair found success in the Junior Champion drive. Junior Champion Female honors went to Rivendale Venue Colby Jack-ET, shown by Trace Johnson and Sarah Fitzgerald of Poplar Grove, Illinois. Stookeyholm Gentry Treasurer, who stood behind Colby Jack as the second place Fall Heifer Calf, was named Reserve Junior Champion Female, exhibited by Mallarie Stookey of Milford, Indiana.

    Pacific Edge of Tillamook, Oregon, was named Premier Breeder, while Premier Exhibitor honors went to Vierra Dairy Farms of Hilmar, California. Premier Sire of the International Jersey Show was Chilli Action Colton. In the heifer show, Premier Breeder honors went to Vierra Dairy Farms, Hilmar, California while Glamourview – Iager & Walton of Walkersville, Maryland was named Premier Exhibitor. Rapid Bay Indiana Gentry-ET was the Premier Sire of the Heifer Show.

    Placing a total of 439 animals in the International Jersey Show were official judge Keith Topp of Botkins, Ohio and associate judge Ryan Krohlow of Poynette, Wisconsin.

    Complete class results can be found at worlddairyexpo.com.

    Intermediate Champion of the International Jersey Show, Rivendale VIP Eloise, Vierra Dairy Farms, Hilmar, California; Reserve Intermediate Champion of the International Jersey Show, Budjon-Vail Jordan C Shaneese-ET, Carly & Rebecca Shaw and Kash-In Jerseys, Tulare, California

  • Registration Now Open for NCAT’s Latino Farmer Conference

    The National Center for Appropriate Technology and Natural Resources Conservation Service will partner to host the eighth annual Latino Farmer Conference, a Spanish-language sustainable agriculture conference for Latino farmers.

    The Latino Farmer Conference is a yearly event that seeks to build networks and provide learning opportunities for farmers on a range of technical and social issues relating to sustainable agriculture. The conference aims to provide trusted, practical, and culturally relevant information. Each session is created based on farmer feedback, and all content is presented in Spanish.

    “There are over 14,000 registered Hispanic farmers and ranchers in California, and according to the USDA, many of these farmers are historically underserved,” said NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Omar Rodriguez. “At NCAT we strive to support a farming future that is equitable and just for all of California’s farmers, and this conference is a great way to do that.”

    After two years of hosting this conference online, NCAT and NRCS are happy to bring people together in person again. This year’s conference will be hosted in Escondido, California, on November 17 and 18. Activities on November 17 will consist of farm tours in the San Diego area, and will include visits to local farms, farmer cooperatives, and CSA operations. On November 18 attendees will gather at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido for a day of networking opportunities, exhibits, and presentations on topics relating to conservation, regenerative agricultural production, and business management.

    The Latino Farmer Conference is hosted by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) in collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and would not be possible without the generous donations made by partners and friends working in regenerative agriculture.

    Register for the conference at: NCAT.ORG/LATINOFARMERCONFERENCE.ORG.

    THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY has been helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources since 1976. Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has field offices in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Learn more and become a friend of NCAT at NCAT.ORG.

    Ya está abierta la inscripción para la Conferencia de Agricultores Latinos de NCAT

    NCAT y NRCS están orgullosos de presentar la octava conferencia de agricultura sostenible en Español

    El Centro Nacional de Tecnología Apropiada (NCAT) y el Servicio de Conservación de Recursos Naturales (NRCS) se asocian para organizar la octava Conferencia Anual de Agricultores Latinos, una conferencia de agricultura sostenible en Español para agricultores Latinos.

    La Conferencia de Agricultores Latinos es un evento anual que intenta construir redes y brindar oportunidades de aprendizaje para los agricultores, sobre una variedad de temas técnicos y sociales relacionados con la agricultura sostenible. La conferencia tiene como objetivo proporcionar información confiable, práctica, y culturalmente relevante. Cada sesión de la conferencia se crea en base a los comentarios de agricultores y todo el contenido se presenta en Español.

    Hay más de 14,000 agricultores y ganaderos hispanos registrados en California y, según el USDA, muchos de estos agricultores están históricamente desatendidos,” dijo Omar Rodriguez, Especialista en Agricultura Sostenible de NCAT. “En NCAT nos esforzamos por apoyar un futuro agrícola que sea equitativo y justo para todos los agricultores de California. Esta conferencia es una manera excelente de hacer eso.” 

    Después de dos años de organizar esta conferencia virtualmente, este año reunirá a los asistentes de la conferencia en persona nuevamente. La conferencia de este año se llevará a cabo en Escondido, California, el 17 y 18 de noviembre. Las actividades del 17 de noviembre consistirán en recorridos por granjas en el área de San Diego, e incluirán visitas a fincas locales, cooperativas de agricultores, y operaciones de CSAs. El 18 de noviembre, los asistentes se reunirán en el California Center for Arts en Escondido para un día de networking, exhibiciones, y presentaciones sobre temas relacionados con la conservación, la producción agrícola regenerativa, y la gestión empresarial.

    La Conferencia de Agricultores Latinos es organizada por el Centro Nacional para Tecnología Apropiada (NCAT) en colaboración con el Servicio de Conservación de Recursos Naturales (NRCS) y no sería posible sin las generosas donaciones hechas por socios y amigos que trabajan en agricultura regenerativa.

    EL CENTRO NACIONAL DE TECNOLOGÍA APROPIADA ha estado ayudando a las personas a construir comunidades resistentes a través de soluciones locales y sostenibles que reducen la pobreza, fortalecen la autosuficiencia y protegen los recursos naturales desde 1976. Con sede en Butte, Montana, NCAT tiene oficinas de campo en Arkansas, California, Colorado , Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, Pensilvania y Texas. Obtenga más información y conviértase en un amigo de NCAT en NCAT.ORG.

  • GROWMARK Announces 2023 FFA Essay Contest

    The theme for the 2023 GROWMARK Essay Contest is: “How can ag cooperatives stay relevant to future generations?” The contest is open to all high school FFA members in the United States.

    This is the 30th year for the program, sponsored by the GROWMARK System and FS member cooperatives, in conjunction with state FFA leaders, to help young people develop their writing skills, learn about current issues affecting agriculture, and understand the unique role of cooperatives.

    Essays should be submitted online HERE.

    The deadline for all submissions is midnight Central time on October 28, 2022. Additional program details have been sent to agriculture teachers and are online at www.growmark.com.

    One national winner will receive a $1000 award, and their FFA chapter will receive $750. Four national runners-up will each receive $500, and their chapters will receive $300. States with at least 25 essays submitted will also have a state winner selected. Each school may submit one essay.

    About GROWMARK:

    GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

  • 2022 California Agriculture in the Classroom Conference

    For the first time in three years, educators will gather in person for the annual Agriculture in the Classroom Conference. Join us in Ventura, at the Ventura Beach Marriott on September 22-24, 2022, to make agriculture come alive in classrooms throughout California.

    The goal: learn exciting ways to teach K-12 students where their food and fiber come from. The conference includes hands-on activities, farm, and ranch field trips (sneak peek – this involves citrus and school gardens), the ever-popular farmer panel, exhibits, and collaboration with other educators. Dynamic presenters and speakers enhance the experience and make the Ag in the Classroom Conference a must-attend event!

    “This has been the BEST conference I have been to. Best learning, most engaging, and welcoming!”

    – 2019 Conference Attendee

    ” Why I enjoy Ag in the Classroom: for the expansion of awareness that is generated and that in turn enables the students to learn more about their environment (earth), and their place in it. Students always gain insights and appreciation for agriculture’s role in our daily lives.”

    – 2018 Conference Attendee

    Attendees will explore California’s prolific food and fiber industry and enrich their current curriculum at the same time! Participants will receive teaching resources aligned to California Academic Standards. The annual event will energize classroom teachers, administrators, afterschool coordinators, and community volunteers to bring agriculture into their classrooms and programs.

    The California Agriculture in the Classroom Conference aims to help educators teach K-12 students about the importance of agriculture to California’s economy and environment and to their health and lifestyles. The conference is hosted by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom.

    Conference registration is available online here and Registration is $275. The California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to increase awareness and understanding of agriculture among California’s K-12 educators and students.

  • Western Growers to Honor John Harris at 2022 Annual Meeting

    Western Growers will honor California agricultural icon John Harris with the 2022 Award of Honor. The Award of Honor is Western Growers’ highest recognition of achievement and is given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community.

    With more than 50 years’ experience in ranching, farming, hospitality and thoroughbred horse racing, Harris embodies the diversity of California agribusiness. The Harris Farms Group includes Harris Fresh and the Harris Farms Thoroughbred Division, in addition to the landmark property known to all Californians on the I-5.

    “Like his iconic Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, which stands as an oasis alongside a remote stretch of road, John is a pillar in California agriculture and the broader Western fresh produce industry,” said Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia. “It is safe to say that no one in this industry is more recognized and admired, and not just among his peers but also by community and political leaders throughout California. John’s vision can be seen in all his enterprises, from his ranching and farming businesses to his championship horse racing operations. Beyond his business endeavors, John is a powerful voice for farmers in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., and has dedicated his life’s work to the advancement of California agriculture and the rural communities our industry supports. John is most deserving of the Western Growers Award of Honor and we are excited to present him with our highest recognition at our Annual Meeting in November.”

    “I was very flattered to be recognized by my peers,” Harris said of being named the recipient of the Award of Honor for 2022. “I was pleased and proud that they felt like I deserved it.”

    Harris was born to a farm family whose operations in California extend back more than a century. He graduated with a degree in agricultural production from the University of California, Davis and then served two years in the U.S. Army. Besides his tenure as CEO and sole shareholder of Harris Farms and his 11 years on the Western Growers Board of Directors, Harris served five terms as president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. The Harris Farms Thoroughbred Division produced California Chrome, the winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

    “I’ve been involved with John not only in horses, but in many agricultural enterprises,” said Don Valpredo, President of Donald Valpredo Farming and horse racing legend. “He’s a tireless worker – he uncovers every stone…he’s about as involved and as fair in everything that he does of anyone I’ve ever been involved with.”

    The Award of Honor will join numerous other significant awards Harris has received; in 1988 he was named Livestock Man of the Year by his peers in the ranching industry, and in 2014 he received the Agriculturalist of the Year award from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. He received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from the California State University at Fresno in 2019.

    Harris’ achievements will be celebrated at the Award of Honor Dinner Gala at the Western Growers 2022 Annual Meeting at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Las Vegas. The 2022 Annual Meeting will be held from Nov. 2-5, 2022. For more information about registration or to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities, please contact Assistant Vice President, Membership Kim Sherman at ksherman@wga.com.

    About Western Growers:

    Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. Connect and learn more about Western Growers on Twitter and Facebook.

  • California Antique Equipment Show™ Comes Back Bigger Than Ever

    After a two-year hiatus, The California Antique Equipment Show™ is back and bigger than ever! For more than 30 years the event has focused solely on antique farm equipment and family entertainment. But after the success of the newly created Swap-O-Rama, a swap meet for vintage cars, motorcycles, parts, and automobilia, it made sense for both events to combine their efforts.

    “We have two events that celebrate vintage equipment, engines, and engineering – it just makes sense to bring them together in one big event,” said Wally Roeben, International Agri-Center® Show Operations Manager. “We’ll have plenty to see and do, especially for families.”

    A vintage tractor pull starts the weekend on Friday, April 22 at 3:00 p.m. The pull is free to the public and $20 per pull for competitors. The full show kicks off Saturday, April 23 at the International Agri-Center® show grounds in Tulare, CA. The event features antique tractors, trucks, engines, cars, the Rusty Roots flea market, daily parades, food, two swap meet sections, and more family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. Show hours on Saturday are 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday hours are 7:00 a.m. to Noon. Tickets are available at the gate each day and are $10 per person, kids six and under are free.

    Rusty Roots, a popular local flea market, returns to the show with more than 100 vendors inside the Corteva Agriscience Center. The show also features two outdoor swap meets – a general swap meet to the East of the Corteva building and Swap-O-Rama west of East Greenbelt.

    Saturday will feature a steak dinner and music by Johnny Popper and the Implements. Social hour is at 5:00 p.m. and dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Farm Credit Dairy Center. Tickets are $30 per person, call (559) 688-1030 to purchase.

    The tractor parade starts rolling at 10:00 a.m. Saturday on Median Street; a second parade is set for Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

    In addition to antique tractors, trucks, and engines, attendees can look forward to good old-fashioned family fun, including a Saturday antique auction, a Hay Bucking contest, pedal pulls, and tractor driving. Tickets are $10 per day and children under 6 get in free. For a full schedule of events and attractions, please visit www.antiquefarmshow.org.

  • Register Now for NCAT’s Virtual Soil Health Innovations Conference

    The National Center for Appropriate Technology has opened registration for its Soil Health Innovations Conference: Soil for Water, March 15 and 16.

    The two-day conference will convene online, and the highly interactive format will connect agricultural producers and educators in a critical conversation about soil health. As was the first conference, it will be an in-depth exploration of agriculture’s sustainable future: on-farm practices, soil biology, carbon markets, and public policy. This year’s conference will focus on farm and ranch strategies to catch and hold more water in the soil.

    “The inaugural Soil Health Innovations Conference last spring really exceeded our expectations,” said NCAT Executive Director Steve Thompson. “We were especially struck by the engagement of the participants, both during the conference and afterward through NCAT’s ATTRA sustainable agriculture program. It goes to show that we live in a time when producers and food companies, as well as policy makers, realize how important healthy soils are as we design practical approaches for supporting resilient regenerative agriculture.”

    The conference will bring together leading experts and innovative farmers from around the U.S. to share the latest in soil science, best practices in soil management, opportunities for policy change, and the emerging technologies that will drive the future of sustainable and regenerative agriculture. Two sessions will focus on the potential to reduce downstream flooding through watershed-scale soil health practices. Keynote speakers will include University of Washington and Dig2Grow’s David Montgomery and regenerative rancher Alejandro Carrillo.

    This year’s theme, Soil for Water, expands on NCAT’s nationwide effort of the same name to connect a growing network of regenerative farmers, ranchers, and land managers who are taking steps to catch and hold more water in the soil.

    In addition, since one of the best parts of any conference is the chance to greet old friends and make new acquaintances, the conference will have virtual networking tables that allow participants to get together with each other, speakers, and NCAT staff.

    There also will be virtual halls where participants can connect with exhibitors and conference sponsors.

    Don’t miss this chance to examine current practices as well as the concepts, techniques, and practical applications that may be available in the future. Register to attend the conference, exhibit or sponsor the event at SOILINNOVATIONS.NCAT.ORG.

    Keynote Speaker: March 15

    David R. Montgomery, University of Washington and Dig2Grow.com
    Growing a Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life

    “Soil may be the least sexy resource upon which civilization depends, yet soil erosion and degradation have plagued societies in the past and pose challenges for feeding the future. Growing a Revolution relates visits to farmers around the world at the heart of a brewing soil health revolution that cuts through standard debates about conventional and organic farming.”

    See David Montgomery’s biography

    Keynote Speaker: March 16

    Alejandro Raul Carrillo, Las Damas Cattle Ranch
    Regenerative Grazing to Reverse Desertification

    Using regenerative grazing techniques over the past several years, Alejandro dramatically increased the water filtration of his ranch in the Chihuahuan Desert 250 miles south of El Paso, Texas.

    See Alejandro Carrillo’s biography