California Ag Network

Category: Events

  • World Ag Expo® Returns to Tulare Next Week

    The World Ag Expo® returns live for its 55th show on Tuesday, February 8, 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 elected officials will be in attendance.

    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, Government Regulations, and more can be found in classroom-style buildings at the corner of U & South Street.

    Live cooking demonstrations will take place in the World Ag Women pavilion all three days. On Wednesday the WET Center Innovation Pitch Event, hosted by Fresno State’s WET Center, will introduce potential customers and World Ag Expo® attendees to new and emerging technologies and innovations. A full list of seminars and special events is available online at https://bit.ly/WAE22Events.

    Ride & Drives and live demonstrations will be available throughout the grounds. The new WW Livestock Demonstration Pavilion east of Farm Credit Dairy Center will feature reining, livestock handling, and fitting demos, all using WW Livestock Systems products. Fendt will debut a new Ride & Drive area and Can-Am will offer attendees the chance to ride along in their UTVs. AGCO and New Holland will also feature skill contests in their spaces with their smaller tractors. GUSS, Solectrac, InsightTRAC, and more exhibitors will all demonstrate their equipment live throughout the grounds.

    World Ag Expo® and Toyota have partnered again to offer the 2022 World Ag Expo® Toyota Tundra Giveaway. The 2022 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 10, at 3:00 p.m. in the Toyota exhibit space at Gate 2.

    Live webcams of World Ag Expo’s® show grounds, sponsored by KMPH Fox 26 and powered by HD Relay, can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/WAE22LiveFeed. 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 new 2022 mobile app. The free app provides mobile access to the schedule of events, an exhibitor directory, a map of the show grounds, 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 2022 World Ag Expo®, visit www.WorldAgExpo.org.

    World Ag Expo® is focused on keeping all guests safe and will be following state COVID requirements. The International Agri-Center® has established the following standards:

    • Attendees, exhibitors, vendors, concessionaires, staff, volunteers, media, and any other persons attending the event must be in good health while on the grounds. If you are exhibiting symptoms including but not limited to fever, chills, or shortness of breath, please do not attend the show.
    • Vaccination status and test results will not be checked.
    • Masks are not required outdoors. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requires masks to be worn indoors, irrespective of vaccine status, until February 15, 2022. [California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines through January 15, 2022]
    • Masks will be required in vehicles for Park & Ride and Ag Tours.
    • Masks will be available throughout the grounds.
    • Hand sanitizing and hand washing stations will be available throughout the grounds.
    These standards are subject to change. Questions can be directed to info@farmshow.org.
     
    Event Details At-A-Glance:
     
    2022 World Ag Expo®, February 8-10
    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
     
    $15 gate admission
    $12 online ticket price with a discount code WAE22

  • 2022 Annual Meat Conference Cancelled

    The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and FMI – The Food Industry Association (FMI) today made the difficult decision to cancel the 2022 Annual Meat Conference (AMC) out of respect for the health of our communities and due to the attention and consideration our respective members are putting into their operations.

    “The purpose of AMC is to bring together retailers and the meat and poultry industry,” said NAMI President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Like the meat and poultry industry, many of our partners in retail are experiencing significant operational and supply chain challenges. At this time, attending an in-person conference is difficult which diminishes the value of the event for all participants.”

    FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin commented, “Our community is prioritizing the health of its people and operations so that we will be able to continue to serve the shopper, but we are committed to sharing additional category insights with our audiences throughout the year.”

    A full refund will be issued to all attendees, exhibitors and sponsors, and event coordinators will cancel hotel reservations on behalf of registered attendees. 

    While the in-person event is canceled, NAMI and FMI, in partnership with Sealed Air, will host a virtual discussion series regarding The Power of Meat analysis. The kickoff to this three-part series will be hosted beginning February 7. Registration information will be available via the conference website and in a follow-up communication to previously registered attendees. The analysis will also be available for free to members of our respective organizations and previously registered attendees.

    About the North American Meat Institute:

    The North American Meat Institute is a leading voice for the meat and poultry industry. The Meat Institute’s members process the vast majority of U.S. beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, as well as manufacturing the equipment and ingredients needed to produce safe, high quality meat and poultry products. www.meatinstitute.org

    About FMI:

    As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers that sell to consumers, to producers that supply food and other products, as well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services — to amplify the collective work of the industry. www.fmi.org

  • 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 seventh annual Latino Farmer Conference, a Spanish-language sustainable agriculture event created for Latino farmers.

    “Farmers who attend the Latino Farmer Conference are more likely to be starting out, and more than half of them grow specialty crops,” said NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Omar Rodriguez. “These are just two reasons why an annual learning event created by and for Latino farmers is such a valuable resource.”

    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 free 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.

    This year’s conference will be virtual and is scheduled for December 8, January 12, and February 9. Conference session topics will include:

      • Dec. 8: Farming with Drought and Strategies for Adaptation
      • Jan. 12: Business Management, Marketing, and Farm Labor Management
      • Feb. 9: Integrated Pest Management and Organic Farming

    This year’s online format will allow new farmers and partner organizations to become aware of and access the quality information that is typically shared to an exclusive group of in-person attendees. Additionally, recordings of past presentations and other resources can be accessed at any time through NCAT’s Latino Farmer Conference website or the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture website.

    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.

    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

    Regístrese Gratis para la Conferencia del Agricultor Latino de NCAT

    NCAT y NRCS se asocian para organizar la séptima conferencia de agricultura sostenible en español

    El Centro Nacional para Tecnología Apropiada y el Servicio de Conservación de Recursos Naturales presentan la séptima Conferencia del Agricultor Latino, un evento de agricultura sostenible en español creado para todos los agricultores de habla hispana.

    “Generalmente, los agricultores que asisten a la Conferencia del Agricultor Latino son principiantes y más de la mitad de ellos producen cultivos de especialidad,” dijo el especialista en agricultura sostenible de NCAT, Omar Rodríguez. “Estas son solo dos razones por las que un evento de aprendizaje anual creado por y para agricultores latinos es un recurso tan valioso.”

    Este evento anual busca construir redes y brindar oportunidades de aprendizaje para los agricultores interesados en una variedad de temas técnicos y sociales relacionados con la agricultura sostenible. La conferencia es gratuita y tiene como objetivo proporcionar información confiable, práctica, y culturalmente relevante. Cada sesión se crea en base a los comentarios de los agricultores y todo el contenido se presenta en español.

    La conferencia de este año será virtual y está programada para el 8 de diciembre, el 12 de enero y el 9 de febrero. Los temas del año incluirán:

    • 8 de diciembre: Manejo Inteligente del Agua: La sequia y estrategias para adaptación
    • 12 de enero: Gestión Comercial, Marketing, y Acceso a la Mano de Obra
    • 9 de febrero: Manejo Integrado de Plagas y Agricultura Orgánica

    El formato en línea de este año permitirá a los nuevos agricultores y organizaciones asociadas a conocer y acceder información de calidad que generalmente se comparte con un grupo exclusivo de agricultores quien atienden en persona. Además, las presentaciones grabadas y otros recursos se pueden acceder en cualquier momento a través del sitio web de la Conferencia del Agricultor Latino o el sitio web de agricultura sostenible de ATTRA.

    La Conferencia del Agricultor Latino es organizada por el Centro Nacional de 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 PARA TECNOLOGÍA APROPIADA ha estado ayudando a las personas a construir comunidades resilientes 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, Pennsylvania y Texas. Obtenga más información y conviértase en amigo de NCAT en NCAT.ORG.

  • Don’t Miss Malcolm Media’s Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno, Nov. 11

    Save the date, Friday, November 11th for the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds.  Held by Malcolm Media Ag Publishing in cooperation with California Ag Network, Pacific Nut Producer, American Vineyard, and California Fresh Fruit Magazines, it is the ultimate postharvest industry gathering place for regional grape, nut & tree fruit growers and crop advisors.   Fresno is the number one Ag County in the state and the center of the Central Valley’s rich and diverse agricultural production. Nearly a thousand growers, PCAs and industry stakeholders attend this expo to enjoy State of the Almond, Pistachio, Walnut, Pecan, Tree Fruit, Raisin, Table & Wine Grape Industry presentations, Continuing Education Credited IPM seminars, great food & company, and an industry trade show featuring over a hundred Ag businesses.

    This event is FREE to attend and wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local industry associations, universities and our sponsors this year: Ag Access, Advancing Eco Agriculture, Almond Alliance of California, American Pistachio Growers, Blue White Robotics, Burchell Nursery, California Fresh Fruit Association, Dave Wilson Nursery, Duarte Nursery, Enterprise, Firman Pollen, Fresno State Viticulture & Enology, Jack Rabbit, JSC Agricultural Supply, Live Earth Products, Orchard Machinery Corporation, Phoenix Renewable Services, Phytech US, Preferred Employers Insurance, Saturas, Sun-Maid Growers, Sunridge Nurseries, Synagro, Wonderful Laboratories, and Wonderful Nurseries.

    Online pre-registration for the event is now available HERE and includes the ability to preregister for any CE credits attendees would like to receive.  3 hours of PCA/PA/QAL/QAC credits have been approved for this event, with 5 hours of CCA credits pending.

    Also new to this year’s program will be three special panel discussions: one featuring options & incentives for groundwater recharge with Chase Hurley from Triangle T Water District, Dave Krietemeyer from USDA-NRCS and growers Lucas Avila & Karun Samran. In a special presentation for raisin growers this year, Matthew Fidelibus from the UC Cooperative Extension will be discussing prospects of the newest DOV varieties with growers Austin Hubbell and Steven Cardoza.  Aubrey Bettencourt from the Almond Alliance of California will also be leading a panel discussion on almond supply chain solutions and the upcoming Farm Bill impact on specialty crop agriculture. The USDA Farm Service Agency will also be conducting a brief workshop to assist growers in signing up for a new round of disaster aid, the tree & vine replant programs and other eligible programs.  See the full program below for more details.

    This event along with other Malcolm Media Ag Expos has generated nearly $150,000 in scholarship endowments for the agricultural programs at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Davis.  Interested in exhibiting/sponsoring? Visit agexpo.biz/exhibit and give us a call at 559-298-6020 to see what options are still available.

  • Don’t Miss Malcolm Media’s Tree & Vine Expo Coming to Turlock, Nov. 8

    Save the date, Tuesday, November 8th for the annual Tree & Vine Expo at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, in Turlock, California, the heart of North Valley wine grape, tree nut and fruit country.  Held by Malcolm Media Ag Publishing in cooperation with California Ag Network, Pacific Nut Producer, American Vineyard, and California Fresh Fruit Magazines, it is the ultimate postharvest industry gathering place for regional grape, nut & tree fruit growers and crop advisors.  Nearly a thousand growers, PCAs and industry stakeholders attend this expo to enjoy State of the Almond, Walnut, Pistachio & Wine Grape Industry presentations, Continuing Education Credited IPM seminars, great food & company, and an industry trade show featuring over a hundred Ag businesses.

    This event is FREE to attend and wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local industry associations, universities and our sponsors this year: Ag Access, Air Burners, Almond Alliance of California, Blue White Robotics, Dave Wilson Nursery, Duarte Nursery, Firman Pollen, JSC Agricultural Supply, Live Earth Products, Preferred Employers Insurance, Saturas, Turlock Irrigation District, Turrentine Brokerage, Wonderful Nurseries, and Yosemite Farm Credit.

    Online pre-registration for the event is now available HERE and includes the ability to pre-register for any CE credits attendees would like to receive.  4 hours of PCA, PA, QAL and QAC credits have been approved for this event, with 4.5 hours of CCA credits pending.

    Also new to this year’s program will be a special panel discussion led by Aubrey Bettencourt from the Almond Alliance of California covering almond supply chain solutions and the upcoming Farm Bill impact on specialty crop agriculture. The USDA Farm Service Agency will also be conducting a brief workshop to assist growers in signing up for a new round of disaster aid, the tree & vine replant programs and other eligible programs. See the full program below for more details.

    This event along with other Malcolm Media Ag Expos has generated nearly $150,000 in scholarship endowments for the agricultural programs at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Davis.  Interested in exhibiting/sponsoring? Visit agexpo.biz/exhibit and give us a call at 559-298-6020 to see what options are still available.

  • CDFA To Celebrate Farmer And Farmworker Month In Virtual Meeting, October 5, 2021

    The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will celebrate “Farmer and Farmworker Month” with perspectives and presentations from the agricultural community. The Board will also hear updates on federal and state disaster assistance programs related to drought and wildfires. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. –  2:00 p.m. via GoToWebinar.

    Meeting Link:              https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4232674882293680908

    Webinar ID:                 959-249-291

    “With all the challenges California agriculture has had over the last year – it’s a truly a pleasure to celebrate California Grown’s Farmer and Farmworker Month,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “This month gives us an opportunity to recognize and give thanks to the individuals who work on a daily basis to provide healthy and nutritious food to our tables and who are stewards to the more than 24 million acres of farmland in our state.”

    Invited speakers include: Cherie Watte, Buy California Marketing Agreement (CAGROWN); Cole and Veronica Mazariegos-Anastassiou, Brisa Ranch; Cristóbal Cruz Hernández, Brisa Ranch; Chris Maher, Briar Patch Food Co-op; Blake and Stephanie Alexandre, Alexandre Family Farm; David Villarino Gonzalez, Farmworker Institute of Education and Leadership Development (FIELD); Hernan Hernandez, California Farmworker Foundation; Ryan Buras, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES); Jacque Johnson, USDA Farm Service Agency; Carlos Suarez, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Jeff Yasui, USDA Risk Management Agency and other invited speakers.  
     
    “As a farmer, it’s the agricultural workforce that makes California agriculture what it is today,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Without the hard, dedicated, and skilled work of farmworkers we couldn’t enjoy the locally produced foods, farm-to-fork menus or the abundance of produce on our supermarket shelves. Farming requires a workforce, farmers and farmworkers, that California is blessed to have.”  

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

    This meeting will have simultaneous audio translation in Spanish and can be accessed at (844) 460-0074 at the start of the meeting. 

  • Don’t Miss the Sonoma Grape Expo, Nov. 5

    Save the date, Friday, November 5th for the Sonoma Grape Expo at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds in Sonoma County, Malcolm Media’s premier event for North Coast  Wine Grape Growers and PCAs.  Held biennially in collaboration with American Vineyard Magazine, California Ag Network (and the Sonoma County Vineyard Technical Group this year), it is the ultimate postharvest regional gathering place for wine grape growers and crop advisors.  Hundreds of growers, PCAs and industry stakeholders attend this expo to enjoy State of the Wine Grape Industry presentations with Allied Grape Growers and Turrentine Brokerage, Continuing Education Credited IPM seminars, great food & company, and an industry trade show featuring the North Coast’s most innovative vineyard technologies, products and services.

    This event is FREE to attend and wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local industry associations, universities and this year’s sponsors: Wonderful Nurseries, Live Earth Products, FieldIn, Belkorp Ag, Casa Cristal Nursery, Vineyard Industry Products, and the Sonoma County Vineyard Technical Group.

    Online pre-registration for the event is now available HERE and includes the ability to pre-register for any CE credits attendees would like to receive. Three hours of PCA, PA, QAL, QAC and 4.5 hours of CCA credits have been approved for this event.

    Also new to this year’s program will be a special panel discussion led by Jason Saling, President of the Sonoma County Vineyard Technical Group.  In addition to wildfires and a challenging marketplace, the North Coast wine grape industry is under an increasing threat of invasive vineyard pests and diseases that need to be kept at bay. Saling and his associates will address the need for collaborative IPM strategies through a county wine grape pest control district.  See the full program below for more details.

    This event along with other Malcolm Media Ag Expos has generated nearly $150,000 in scholarship endowments for the agricultural programs at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Davis.  Interested in exhibiting/sponsoring? Visit agexpo.biz/exhibit and give us a call at 559-298-6020 to see what options are still available.

  • Soil Health Institute Announces Speakers for its Annual Meeting

    The Soil Health Institute (SHI), the non-profit charged with safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and productivity of soils, announced today its lineup of agricultural leaders, scientists, and practitioners who will speak at its annual meeting, “Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life.”

    The two-day virtual event on August 11 and 12, 2021 will kick off with a keynote presentation from Moira Mcdonald, Director of the Environment Program with the Walton Family Foundation.

    Other highlights of the event will include:

    • Panel Discussion: Three farmers will describe their experiences adopting a soil health system.
    • Taryn Barclay, Cargill’s Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement, will lead a session on the “Business Case for Regenerative Soil Health Systems.”
    • Dr. Julie Howe and Dr. Terry Gentry, both with Texas A&M University, will present their assessments on the “State of the Science: Impacts of Fertilizers, Manures, Pesticides, and Biological Additives on Soil Health.”
    • Dr. Arnab Bhowmik of North Carolina A&T State University will describe how soil microbial processes impact nutrient cycling and greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Dr. Ashley Shade of Michigan State University will share insights from her research into how soil microbial interactions influence their resilience, and Dr. Elizabeth Rieke, Soil Microbiome Scientist with the Soil Health Institute will provide results of a continental assessment on how tillage impacts soil microbial communities that serve various roles in healthy soils.
    • Marc Bernard will describe “4 per 1000,” the international initiative among approximately 40 countries using soil health as a framework to increase soil carbon sequestration by 0.4% per year.
    • Dr. Rodrigo Nicoloso of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) will address how the depth of carbon storage is affected by management – a key issue for carbon markets.
    • Dr. Cristine Morgan, Chief Scientific Officer with the Soil Health Institute, will introduce the concept of “Soil Health Targets,” the Institute’s approach for establishing and scaling soil health interpretations for farmers, conservation planners, and others.

    These and more topics will be covered. There is no cost to attend the event, but you must register at https://soilhealthinstitute.org/2021-annual-meeting. The website also includes a detailed schedule, a full list of speakers, and their bios.

    Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) will be available for Tri-Society members who attend the virtual conference.

    “We are excited to bring together this esteemed group of professionals to share their soil health knowledge that can significantly benefit farmers and the environment,” said Dr. Wayne Honeycutt, CEO of the Soil Health Institute. “Whether you’re a grower, agribusiness, consultant, scientist, field conservationist, government or NGO employee, this conference has valuable information for you to advance the science, adoption, and environmental benefits of soil health.”

    For more information about “Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life,” speaker bios, the schedule, and to register, visit https://soilhealthinstitute.org/2021-annual-meeting.

    ABOUT SOIL HEALTH INSTITUTE

    The Soil Health Institute is a global non-profit with a mission to safeguard and enhance the vitality and productivity of soil through scientific research and advancement. We bring together leaders in soil health science and the industry to help farmers, ranchers, and landowners adopt soil health systems that build drought resilience, stabilize yield, and benefit their bottom line. The Institute’s team of scientists, holding doctorates in various soil science and related disciplines, has developed highly effective soil health targets and standardized measurements to quantify progress at achieving regenerative and sustainable agricultural systems, and leads the cutting-edge fields of carbon sequestration and decoding the soil microbiome. Healthy soils are the foundation for rejuvenating our land. Together, we can create a secure future for all, mitigate the effects of climate change, and help agriculture and organizations meet production and environmental goals at scale. Visit soilhealthinstitute.org to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

  • California Farmland Trust to Host Inaugural Race to Slow the Pace at Bokisch Vineyards

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) will be hosting the inaugural Race to Slow the Pace run at Bokisch Vineyards on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. This live (virtual optional) 5K fundraiser aims to connect people with nature, the environment and the family farms that feed them. The run will foster a connection to the land and the importance of slowing the pace of development to protect valuable farmland.

    “We believe in connecting people with the land that feeds our families and the Race to Slow the Pace is a fun, healthy opportunity to take in the climate resilient environment that farmland provides,” shared Charlotte Mitchell, executive director at California Farmland Trust. “When we were brainstorming locations, Bokisch Vineyards was an obvious fit. Markus and Liz have a true appreciation for the land and have championed our mission. Not to mention, the course offers breath-taking views and opportunities to learn what makes Bokisch Vineyards unique.”

    Race to Slow the Pace runners will weave through the scenic Bokisch Vineyards, kicking-off where the winery meets the vineyard, continuing through the property on a maintained terrain, taking in the vines and the habitat, and eventually crossing the finish line at Bokisch’s infamous oak tree picnic area. Runners and registered guests will be served a paella lunch and celebrate with awards and Bokisch wine.

    “We’re honored to host the inaugural Race to Slow the Pace benefitting California Farmland Trust,” shared Markus and Liz Bokisch. “It’s been our mission to leave the land better than we found it, for our children and our children’s children, while also teaching and inspiring others towards that cause. We look forward to having trained runners, casual joggers, wine enthusiasts and those that simply love the land, visit our vineyard.”

    For event information visit www.cafarmtrust.org/racetoslowthepace. To learn more about Bokisch Vineyards visit www.bokischvineyards.com/.

  • Next Generation Black and Hispanic Farmers Scholarship Program Application Deadline June 15

    It is a privilege for the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) to administer a scholarship program to ensure that the next generation of African-American/Black and Hispanic farmers receive the training and skills that will enable them to thrive in the agricultural industry. “Higher education provides essential tools, knowledge, and resources that will allow these scholars to continue their family farm legacy for future generations” says John Boyd, NBFA President.

    The Nex Generation of Black and Hispanic Farmers Scholarship (NGBHF) Program application deadline for the 2021-2022 academic year is June 15, 2021. In its first year, the NGBHF Scholarship Program will award up to 25 scholarships to Black and Hispanic graduating high school seniors who plan to enroll or are enrolled in an agriculture program of study at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln with a commitment to engage in the family farm operation post college graduation.

    Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

    • Be Black, African American or Hispanic high school student farmers with a verifiable family farm operation by the USDA Farm Service Agency, Future Farmers of America (FFA) or Cooperative Extension Service (4-H);
    • Have a minimum high school grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent);
    •  Meet academic and admissions criteria for post-secondary education (refer to application for specific criteria);
    • Commit to farming on the family farm upon college graduation.
    Scholarship Award Includes:
    • Tuition provided for up to 30 credit hours per academic year to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln;
    • Campus-based housing (traditional hall, double occupancy);
    • All-access meal plan;
    • Mandatory fees per academic year;
    • Up to $1,000 in textbook funds per academic year.
    Scholarship Requirements:
    • Be a full-time student by the 6th day of classes each semester at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln;
    • Enrolled in an approved degree program in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (Degree programs include: Agronomy, Animal Science, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Applied Science, Grassland Systems, Horticulture, Mechanized Systems Management);
    • Remain in good standing academically (a cumulative GPA no lower than 2.5) during the four-year course of study;
    • Remain in good standing administratively, with no student code of conduct and/or legal sanctions during the program;
    • Participate annually in the Emerging Leaders in Ag and Diversity program.
    Questions? Contact Us: Email: NBFA.Office@gmail.com or Call: (804) 691-8528