Fresno Madera Farm Credit and CoBank have jointly announced a $30,000 donation to Central California Food Bank’s Feeding Families Fund Drive. The donation will provide over 180,000 meals to rural residents of Central California, many of whom have limited access to full-service grocery stores and have been severely impacted by the rising cost of food.
“With the challenge of rising food costs, we greatly appreciate the support from businesses like Fresno Madera Farm Credit as we work to feed more than 300,000 people per month,” said Kym Dildine, co-CEO for Central California Food Bank. “Thanks to this generous contribution, we can continue addressing the growing demand for food access in Central California.”
The $30,000 donation was made possible by a matched donation from CoBank, Fresno Madera Farm Credit’s funding bank, which matched its $15,000 local contribution.
“Fresno Madera Farm Credit’s partnership with the Central California Food Bank reflects our shared commitment to making a positive impact in Central Valley communities,” said Claire Trudo, senior relationship manager in CoBank’s Farm Credit Banking Group. “We are proud to support Fresno Madera’s unwavering commitment to Central California Food Banks’ mission.
Fresno Madera Farm Credit timed its donation to coincide with the Feeding Families Fund Drive, which offered a 50% match from GAR Bennett for all contributions. The staff at Fresno Madera Farm Credit also volunteered Friday to help the food bank collect donations outside The Market grocery store on Herndon and West, resulting in a one-day total of over $614,000 with the GAR Bennett match.
“There are many ways we can all support the communities in our area – we’ve always understood that addressing food insecurity is one of the best ways to fulfill this responsibility – so, we take great pride in our nine-year partnership with the Central California Food Bank,” said Fresno Madera Farm Credit CEO Keith Hesterberg. “Inflation and high interest rates have created challenges for everyone in our community and we appreciate the leadership role the food bank has played in creating visibility around food insecurity and how we can all have an impact.”
AboutFresno Madera Farm Credit:
Founded in 1917, Fresno Madera Farm Credit is a farmer-owned cooperative and a proud member of the national Farm Credit System. Located in one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world, FMFC provides credit and financial services to farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses that grow, process, and market over 350 commodities that are shipped all over the United States, and the world. For more information about FMFC please visit fmfarmcredit.com, and for more information about the Farm Credit System, visit www.farmcredit.com.
About CoBank:
CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 76,000 farmers, ranchers, and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure, and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S., and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.
With the McKinney Fire creeping closer to Yreka in the summer of 2022, Emily Jackson and her mother potentially faced the enormous task of getting all their goats, chickens, dogs and cats to safety – while Emily’s father and twin sister Lindsay were away fighting the fires.
Twin sisters Emily (left) and Lindsay Jackson were part of a 4-H project that produced a pet emergency preparedness brochure for Siskiyou County. Emily, currently a grad student at Cal Poly Humboldt, has been a U.S. Forest Service crew lead for the past two summers. Lindsay is a seasonal firefighter with CAL FIRE. Photo courtesy of Emily Jackson
Fortunately, Emily and Lindsay had gained crucial knowledge about evacuating animals through a 4-H service-learning project they helped lead in 2018. A group of eight 4-H youths, ages 14 to 18, had created a “Pet Emergency Evacuation Plan” (PEEP) brochure, aimed at educating their neighbors in Siskiyou County about the necessary preparations for livestock and pets.
The brochure, available through the Siskiyou County website, remains in use today in this densely forested region that saw another spate of wildfires this summer. The PEEP project team was composed of Kylie Daws, Emily Jackson, Lindsay Jackson, Will Morris, MadisonRestine, Maryssa Rodriguez, Emily Smith and Callahan Zediker.
Within those stressful hours in 2022 when the McKinney Fire prompted an evacuation warning during which residents could be required to leave at any moment, Emily Jackson said she and her mother had a game plan in place – thanks to her work on the PEEP project.
“At the time, it wasn’t even on my mind,” Jackson said, “but looking back now, I know that having the experience from making that brochure was driving my thought process at the time.”
And while the Jackson family and their neighbors ultimately were not asked to evacuate in 2022, many community members have benefited from the hundreds of copies of the PEEP brochure in circulation, which prompts residents to at least think about what their animals would need in an emergency, Jackson said.
Pet and livestock evacuation tips were needed
Such a resource previously had not been available among the county’s emergency preparation materials, according to Jacki Zediker, the 4-H regional program coordinator in Siskiyou County who advised the PEEP project group.
“One piece that was missing was how to help our communities understand that when they evacuate, and they take their pets with them…it’s not as simple as just taking their pets with them,” said Zediker, citing the example that some shelters do not take in animals – or do not take animals without proof of vaccination.
Other items to add to the pet’s emergency kit include food for several days, water, medications, comfort items or toys, and recent photos ofthe owner with their animal (proof of ownership).
Zediker had connected the young people with Jodi Aceves, senior deputy agriculture commissioner/sealer for Siskiyou County, who had been overseeing the county’s Animal Control programs and emergency response.
“There’s a lot of information out there for people evacuating, but not necessarily for livestock and pets,” Aceves said. “Unfortunately, we have had some fires where there were lots of pets and livestock lost.”
She met several times with the 4-H group, discussing the county’s evacuation systems and processes and the role of the Office of Emergency Services and law enforcement agencies, and sharing key considerations in preparing for emergencies – such as having a pre-agreement in place with someone who could house an evacuee’s animals.
Lindsay Jackson, a seasonal firefighter at the McCloud CAL FIRE station since 2020, hopes to land a full-time position with the department. Photo courtesy of Lindsay Jackson
Aceves praised the teens for distilling the vital information into a short and simple brochure that community members could easily read and remember. She also was impressed by the energy and genuine care that the young people put into the project.
“Most of their lives, every summer, they’ve been in fire,” Aceves said. “It’s close to their hearts, and they’ve seen a lot of their neighbors and other people in the county either affected by fire or evacuated at some point.”
For Lindsay Jackson, in particular, fire and serving the community have been lifelong passions, inspired by her father’s work in the area.
“My dad was a volunteer fire chief for the South Yreka Fire Department; he was doing that since I was about two or three, so I grew up watching him go to the trainings, go to a call,” she explained. “When I was 15, I joined the fire department as a cadet to help out with the medical side, but the more I volunteered, I really liked the fire side, too.”
Jackson added that Zediker has a special knack for nurturing and encouraging the interests of the 4-H participants and applying them in a productive way.
“Jacki was really good at figuring out where our passions were and then how we could put our passions into a service-learning project,” she said. “She knew I was really big into fire and helping the community in that way since I was young.”
Zediker also helped the Jackson twins on their senior project, a fire-safety field day at the South Yreka fire station. More than 100 schoolchildren learned fire safety basics, met firefighters and emergency personnel, and heard about 4-H from Lindsay and Emily.
4-H experiences, mentorship inspire career paths
The PEEP project group also was asked by several organizations to share their knowledge about emergency preparations for animals. In addition to presenting a poster about their work at the 4-H California Focus conference in 2018, the group handed out the brochure and shared information at a table during a Juniper Flat Fire Safe Council workshop and resource fair.
Beyond distributing the PEEP brochure at 4-H club meetings, school events and community meetings, the youths have lent their voices to advocating for emergency resources for animals. Zediker noted that they contributed testimonials that helped the county acquire grants for purchasing more portable kennels.
Emily Jackson, seen here at a booth about invasive plants during the Siskiyou County Fair, is currently working toward a master’s degree in biology, studying how fire suppression and other factors have changed plant communities in the Russian Wilderness. Photo courtesy of Emily Jackson
But the most enduring impact of 4-H participation and community service, however, is that those experiences were a springboard for the young adults’ careers. Emily Jackson – who participated in 4-H from age 5 to 19 – is now working toward a master’s degree in biology at Cal Poly Humboldt, studying how fire suppression and other factors have changed plant communities in the Russian Wilderness.
Whether training colleagues as a U.S. Forest Service crew lead for the past couple of summers, or leading lab sections in general botany as a graduate student, Jackson said she draws on her 4-H experiences – and Zediker’s inspirational example – as she pursues a career in teaching.
“In my development as a young adult into an adult now, I cannot overstate how big of a role Jacki played in that,” Jackson said.
Her sister Lindsay, meanwhile, has pursued her passion for fire all the way through the fire academy at College of the Siskiyous, where she also earned her emergency medical technician (EMT) license. Most recently working on fires near Pondosa in Siskiyou County, Jackson has been a seasonal firefighter based at the McCloud CAL FIRE station since 2020.
“It’s hard because, in the last three years, I haven’t left Siskiyou County, there’s just been so many fires here,” she said. “But it’s nice being able to help your community and know you’re making a difference.”
Lindsay Jackson intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in leadership studies at Cal Poly Humboldt in hopes of getting a full-time position with CAL FIRE. — By Mike Hsu, UCANR
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings the power of UC to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, economic and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu.
California Farmland Trust (CFT), a non-profit dedicated to preserving the best farmland in the country, is proud to announce the title and presenting sponsors of the third annual Race to Slow the Pace 5k/10k on Sunday, Sept. 17 at Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi, CA.
Title sponsors of Race to Slow the Pace, The John and Jeani Ferrari Family Foundation are local long-term supporters of farmland protection. As growers and landowners themselves, the Ferrari’s passion for agriculture is deeply rooted throughout Stanislaus and Merced counties.
“John and I are committed to fighting irresponsible land development,” Jeani Ferrari said. “Our nation depends on the highly productive farmland of the Central Valley of California, not only for food security, but also for quality, variety and affordable food. It has to be organizations like CFT to keep this region from becoming another L.A. County. We feel good about our support of Race to Slow the Pace because it’s a good concept that people can get involved in.”
Presenting sponsors of Race to Slow the Pace, Farm Credit Alliance institutions AgWest Farm Credit, American Farm Credit and CoBank are avid supporters of the agriculture community. The cooperatively owned lending institutions’ specialization in financing farmers, ranchers, farmer-owned cooperatives, rural utilities and agribusinesses make them a trustworthy source for farmers and landowners.
Located in Contra Costa County, our presenting sponsor Dwelley Family Farms has maintained the sustainable production of a large variety of premium fruits and vegetables since 1921. Their conventional and organic produce can be found at their local fruit stand or at retail outlets across the Bay Area. Generations of diligence have led Dwelley Family Farms to provide communities with tasty, healthy, sustainably grown products.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of agriculture advocates in this event geared towards connecting consumers with farmland protection,” said California Farmland Trust Executive Director Charlotte Mitchell. “All sponsors have demonstrated commitment to our farmlands and we’re grateful that they’ve chosen to support CFT and our efforts to protect California farms.”
The California Farmland Trust is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 17,606 acres of farmland on 81 family farms. To learn more visit us: www.cafarmtrust.org.
Six dynamic women will make up the inaugural Cohort of the American Agri-Women (AAW) Road to influence. The Road to Influence (RTI) is a new program developed by AAW designed to be a bold and innovative personal development experience for members. The program is intended to identify and move beyond limiting beliefs and behaviors, ultimately resulting in stronger leaders for AAW and beyond. The initial cohort will kick off their journey on August 24 in conjunction with the AAW event, Leading, Empowering & Aspiring toward Progress (L.E.A.P.) in Reno, Nev. L.E.A.P. is open to all AAW members, registration is available at www.agr.fyi/leap.
Through a combination of virtual and in-person sessions, participants will develop critical skills in areas such as communication, collaboration, driving vision and purpose, trust, managing conflict, and persuasion. In person sessions will be held in conjunction with AAW events through the 2024 AAW Convention in Wisconsin and the program will culminate in a capstone project designed to bring value to AAW, its state and industry affiliates, and members.
“AAW has a vision to create a one-of-a-kind development program for members,” said AAW Leadership Development Team Lead Sara Reid Herman. “Road to Influence is the culmination of an 18-month effort of a team of established leaders within the organization to identify the core competencies we want to develop in our membership. We are confident this program will strengthen and refine those skills within the culture of our organization.”
AAW is grateful for sponsorship from key industry alliances such as John Deere, Syngenta, Valent, and AAW Past President Mitzi Perdue to make this vision a reality. These partners will provide financial support, curriculum consultation, and additional resources to bring the program to fruition. In addition, AAW will partner with learning and development professional Sarah Hummell to provide key course content and program facilitation.
Initial Cohort members:
Debbie Bacigalupi – Co Owner, BaciBeef and Ranch Hand, Cold Springs Ranch, Montague, Calif.
Vikkie Becker – Co Owner, Becker Farms, Alexander, Ill.
Jenny Hitner – Owner, Timber Town Real Estate & Century Forest Management, Monroe, Ore.
Ally Moreau – Business Analyst, American National Insurance Co., Feura Bush, N.Y.
Donnell Scott – Food Labeling Professional, AIB International, Manhattan, Kan.
Chrissy Wozniak – Founder, North American Ag, Cape Coral, Fla.About American Agri-Women
American Agri-Women (AAW) is the national coalition of farm, ranch, and agribusiness women’s organizations and state and commodity affiliate organizations. AAW’s Vision for the 2023 Farm Bill can be found at www.americanagriwomen.org. AAW promotes the welfare of our national security through safe and reliable food, fiber and energy supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers, advocate for agriculture, and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW website for more information and to join www.americanagriwomen.org.
BASF is excited to support a safe growing season in 2023 with the launch of the BASF Safety Scouts program for U.S. farm families.
The BASF Safety Scouts program supports children in learning about the value and importance of farm safety by providing safety kits to families free of charge. The kits contain a high-visibility safety vest, educational activities, and more, and encourages participants to take on the role of their farm’s safety ambassador – an interactive and fun way to engage in learning about farm safety.
The BASF Safety Scouts program offers two kits. The Safety “Scout” kit is designed for children six years of age and younger while the Safety “Captain” kit activities are geared for children seven and older and promote additional safety tasks, including working with an adult to choose a designated “Safety Spot” muster point on the farm.
This season, the BASF Safety Scouts program are providing 2,000 kits to farm families throughout the U.S. with an additional 2,000 kits available in Canada, free of charge, while supplies last.
“BASF is committed to advocating for and prioritizing farm safety year-round,” says Scott Kay, BASF Vice President, US Agricultural Solutions. “For our grower customers, retail and industry partners, there is nothing more important than the safety of the people who work on their farms and agricultural operations.”
“Farmers go to work every day doing the biggest job on earth. We take great pride in supporting the next generation of farmers through the BASF Safety Scouts program designed to support farms to be safer and healthier places for all to live, work and play,” Kay adds.
Within their kits, participants in the Safety Scouts and Safety Captain programs will receive content catered toward farm safety and tailored for their respective age groups. The kits include:
An adjustable child-sized safety vest, compliant with safety standards
A customizable name badge
Safety-themed activity/coloring sheets
A safety pledge
A BASF Safety Scouts reward badge
An official BASF Safety Scouts participant certificate
With an ever-present need for awareness around farm safety, the BASF Safety Scouts program plays a critical role in helping farm families and caregivers keep safety top of mind and instil these values at a young age.
Safety Scouts and Safety Captains can share pictures, videos, drawings and safety tips by tagging @BASFAgProducts on Twitter using the hashtag #BASFSafetyScouts. To learn more about the BASF Safety Scouts program and inquire about receiving a free kit, please visit https://repfinder.basf.com/.
About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions Division
Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population while reducing environmental impacts. Working with partners and agricultural experts and by integrating sustainability criteria into all business decisions, we help farmers to create a positive impact on sustainable agriculture. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, connecting innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our portfolio comprises seeds and specifically selected plant traits, chemical and biological crop protection, solutions for soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we strive to find the right balance for success – for farmers, agriculture and future generations. In 2022, our division generated sales of €10.3 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €87.3 billion in 2022. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
American Agri-Women (AAW) updated its legislative policy positions in the areas of natural resources, commodities and education, and ag business and economics at its annual mid-year meeting held recently in Jordan, Utah. AAW, a national coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women, is in its 48th year of advocating for agriculture.
American Agri-Women members updated the organization’s legislative policy positions at its Mid-Year meeting held recently in Nashville, Tenn.
The 2023 AAW Mid-Year meeting was held in beautiful Nashville, Tenn., April 12-15 at the Embassy Suites Hilton – Nashville Airport. Women nationwide gathered to discuss current agricultural issues and policies and voted to create the 2023 AAW Position Statements.
The meeting began with an afternoon session on April 12, with both the Executive and Foundation committees holding their meetings, followed by a joint planning session between the two committees.
April 13, began with the Board of Directors meeting followed by mid-year orientation. Following orientation, the group traveled downtown Nashville to the RFD-TV studio. After the RFD-TV tour, we heard about Media Strategies from Genevieve O’Sullivan, VP of Marketing CropLife America. For the remainder of the afternoon, members worked on updating the AAW Position Statements.
Members finished the position statement on the final day and voted to accept them along with fly-in orientation.
The AAW Foundation held the mid-year silent auction, where members donated items to be used for the fundraiser. The Foundation promotes and develops educational and leadership programs and opportunities relevant to agriculture.
About American Agri-Women
American Agri-Women (AAW) promotes the welfare of our national security through safe and reliable food, fiber and energy supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers, advocate for agriculture, and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW website for more information and to join www.americanagriwomen.org.
Lenya Quinn-Davidson has been named director of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Fire Network, effective April 1. UC ANR’s statewide Fire Network will build connections and capacity among UC ANR scientists, practitioners, land management and regulatory agencies, policymakers and communities to work toward fire resilience in California.
Wildfire has become more frequent and intense in California with climate change. To meet the challenge of wildfire, UC ANR has hired several new UC Cooperative Extension fire advisors and staff to study issues related to wildfire and to assist Californians with their preparations. Quinn-Davidson and the Fire Network will provide critical coordination and connection across geographies and disciplines ranging from forestry to food safety to livestock to water.
“Lenya has more than a decade of work in fire science and has carried out her work through partnerships and community engagement,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president of agriculture and natural resources. “Her experience and successful track record will enhance how we coordinate our many layers of research and education related to fire prevention, recovery, public policy and workforce development.”
Quinn-Davidson has served as a UC Cooperative Extension fire advisor for the North Coast since 2016. During her three-year term as the Fire Network director, she will continue her research program and continue to build capacity among landowners, tribes and other communities to use prescribed fire throughout the state. Quinn-Davidson also leads the national/international WTREX program, focused on empowering women and other underrepresented people who work in fire.
“I’m honored to take on this new role, and I can’t wait to further grow, connect and support our fire efforts within UC ANR,” Quinn-Davidson said.
“There are currently dozens of UC ANR people working on fire issues throughout California, including four new UC Cooperative Extension fire advisors and a new academic coordinator who were hired in the last year,” Quinn-Davidson said. “We also have plans to hire more fire advisors and fire-focused staff in the coming year. This network of UC ANR fire leaders will be able to provide more resources, training and research to help Californians better live with fire.”
UC ANR’s Fire Network will also enhance communication.
“The network will increase the flow of information to improve how we conduct academic research, strengthen local efforts by sharing relevant data and ideas, create and build capacity for different management techniques and tools, and facilitate new research and programming related to diverse facets of fire in California,” said Deanne Meyer, UC ANR interim associate vice president.
Before becoming a UCCE fire advisor, Quinn-Davidson worked on fire projects for five years as a UCCE staff research associate. Since 2009, she has served as director of the Northern California Prescribed Fire Council. Prior to joining UC Cooperative Extension, she was a research assistant in the Wildland Fire Laboratory at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt and worked on stream restoration for Bioengineering Associates, Inc.
She earned a master’s degree in social science, environment & community from Cal Poly Humboldt and a bachelor’s degree in conservation and resource studies from UC Berkeley.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings the power of UC to all 58 California counties.Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition,economic and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.eduand support our work at donate.ucanr.edu.
BASF Agricultural Solutions has exceeded its initial goal of $5,000 and raised a total of $10,000 during Give FFA Day on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Give FFA Day funds support agricultural education for Future Farmers of America (FFA). Since 2022, BASF had donated more than $550,000.
“Together, not only did we meet our goal, but we exceeded it,” said Neil Bentley, BASF Vice President, Market Management Agricultural Solutions NA and FFA Supporters Board Member. “We raised $7,155 and with our company match, expect to surpass $10,000 for FFA.This is a huge milestone and shows how passionate BASF employees are for the industry when so many are willing to support organizations committed to leading the next generation to careers in agriculture.”
Give FFA Day is part of an annual week-long celebration, National FFA Week, which took place from February 18 – 25. The National FFA Board of Directors designated the weeklong tradition beginning in 1948, spanning the week of George Washington’s birthday, to recognize Washington’s legacy as an agriculturist and farmer.
A group of young farmers founded FFA in 1928, and the organization has been influencing generations that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting — it involves science, business and more. For more than 90 years, the National FFA Organization has strived to make a difference in students’ lives. Donations help FFA grow the next generation of leaders.
The 2023 national goal for Give FFA Day was $500,000. In total, the 24 hours of support far exceeded that goal, raising $721,506 on February 23 alone – that’s nearly $1 for each member of FFA.
About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions Division
Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population while reducing environmental impacts. Working with partners and agricultural experts and by integrating sustainability criteria into all business decisions, we help farmers to create a positive impact on sustainable agriculture. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, connecting innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our portfolio comprises seeds and specifically selected plant traits, chemical and biological crop protection, solutions for soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we strive to find the right balance for success – for farmers, agriculture and future generations. In 2022, our division generated sales of €10.3 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.
About National FFA Organization The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.
The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation (FWF) celebrated its 21st Annual Napa County Pruning Contest at Beringer’s Gamble Ranch Vineyard on Saturday, February 4. It was a perfect day as 106 contestants displayed speed and technique in what is considered the most prestigious competition for Napa Valley’s vineyard professionals.
First place finishers, Alejandra Mendoza of Trefethen Family Vineyards (left) and Rene Alejo of FARM Napa Valley (right).
“The Napa County Pruning Contest continues to get better every year. Participants are passionate about improving their skills and competing against their peers,” said Rolando Sanchez, General Manager for Walsh Vineyards Management, and member of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation Education Committee, “The Pruning Contest is an opportunity to demonstrate their dedication to high-quality, Napa Valley grape growing.”
The FWF’s Napa County Pruning Contest is a community event with activities and giveaways for competitors and their families. At this year’s event, FWF handed out warm beanies and long-sleeved shirts, Bombas contributed socks of all sizes, and Copperfield’s Books donated children’s books.
Alejandra Mendoza of Trefethen Family Vineyards in the preliminary round of the 21st annual Napa County Pruning Contest.
During the main event, each of the contestants pruned five vines in the day’s preliminary competition. Those with the highest scores went on to the final round, which produced the winners: 4 in the women’s division and 4 in the men’s division. The winners took home a generous bucket of gifts, which included cash, pruning tools, clothing, Napa Valley wine, gift cards and other prizes; a handmade silver belt buckle from Max Lang Belt and Buckles and first-ever champions jacket from FELCO was given to the 1st place winners. Employers typically match the cash prize winnings, so the day was highly rewarding for the top 8 finalists. All contestants enjoyed lunch catered by Tacos El Muchacho Alegre between competition rounds.
A peek through the vines as Rene Alejo of FARM Napa Valley competed in the finalist round.
Past Napa County Pruning Contest champions judged the competition this year, which was an opportunity to inspire competitors. “As a past winner, now judging, I’m proud and happy to be helping and hope to encourage competitors to win,” said Celia Perez of V. Sattui Winery and the first women’s division champion in 2014, “People think that the Pruning Contest is only for men, but I am here to prove it’s for everyone, and that anyone can win.”
Competitors are Napa County farmworkers and full-time employees. All farmworkers who work in Napa County are eligible to compete.
Winners received:
1st Place: $1,675 in cash and gifts cards plus a custom trophy belt buckle; FELCO champions jacket and vineyard loppers; Central Valley tools and supplies; Napa Valley wine
2nd Place: $1,075 in cash and gifts cards; FELCO vineyard loppers; Central Valley tools and supplies; Napa Valley wine
3rd Place: $800 in cash and gifts cards; FELCO vineyard loppers; Central Valley tools and supplies; Napa Valley wine
4th Place: $550 in cash and gifts cards; FELCO Swiss Knife; Central Valley tools and supplies; Napa Valley wine
Women’s Division Winners:
1stPlace: Alejandra Mendoza, Trefethen Family Vineyards
2ndPlace: Reyna Hernandez, Walsh Vineyard Management
3rdPlace: Ana Mejia, Trefethen Family Vineyards
4thPlace: Irene Escoto, Trefethen Family Vineyards
3rdPlace: Lorenzo Hernandez, Walsh Vineyard Management
4thPlace: Sergio Melgoza, Rocca Family Wines
Support for this event was provided by sponsors Nemerever Vineyards, Pulido~Walker, Silicon Valley Bank, Martinez Orchards, Central Valley Ag Supplies, FELCO, Duarte Trees & Vines, Sunbelt Rentals, Ag Health Benefits Alliance, Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, Jaguar Farm Labor Contracting, Crocker & Starr, Brotemarkle Davis & Co, H&E Equipment Services, Malloy Imrie & Vasconi Insurance Services, Novavine, Pearls Farm Labor, Renteria Vineyard Management, Silver Oak, John Derr Farming, Grow West, Sunridge Nurseries, Taddei Vineyards, Gonzalez Vineyard Management, V. Sattui Winery, A&J Vineyard Supply, Larkmead Vineyards, Green Valley Tractor, and our partner in health, OLE Health.
Thank you to the Napa Valley community members who served on the Napa County Pruning Contest Committee: Macy Stubstad, Co-Chair, Lawrence Wine Estates; Kendall Smith, Co-Chair, Grace Family Vineyards; Garrett Buckland, Premiere Viticultural Services; Brianna Beighle, Bryant Wines; Pam Bond, Allied Grape Growers; Chad Clark, Allied Grape Growers; Gustavo Avina, Pine Ridge; Blake Wood, Beckstoffer Vineyards; and Hayden Schmidter, Moulds Family Vineyard.
About the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation
Founded by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers in 2011, the mission of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is to support and promote Napa Valley’s vineyard workers through education and professional development. The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is the only one of its kind in the United States, providing educational opportunities, advanced training programs, leadership and management classes, English literacy programs, and much more. To date, the Farmworker Foundation has offered education and professional development opportunities to more than 21,000 vineyard workers and their families. For more information, visit our website at Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation
California Farmland Trust (CFT) is pleased to welcome Amy Wolfe to the CFT team. Amy will serve as the strategic marketing and development manager.
Amy has spent nearly 20 years in executive capacities within the charitable sector, most recently as the Interim Executive Director of the American Leadership Forum – Great Valley Chapter. Prior to that, Amy dedicated 11 years as the President and CEO of AgSafe. Her career also includes tenure with the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, as a professional staff member with the California State Assembly, and with the creative team for E&J Gallo Winery.
She currently serves on the Ag Innovations, Modesto Rotary Club, and League of Women Voters of Stanislaus County Boards of Directors. Her previous Board service and leadership includes the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Modesto Chamber of Commerce, Protected Harvest, and United Way of Stanislaus County.
Amy is a partner with Mujeres Poderosas, a collaboration of women who share their wisdom to improve organizations. The CFT team will certainly benefit from her knowledge and skills.
“I am thrilled that Amy has joined the CFT team, as her knowledge of CFT and previous experience with the organization are invaluable,” said Charlotte Mitchell, executive director at CFT. “In the early years of CFT, Amy assisted the young organization with strategic and philanthropic planning with the board and staff. I am extremely excited to have Amy join our team and lead our marketing and development efforts.”
Amy possesses a Master of Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In addition, she is accredited as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).
She, her husband (a high school agriculture teacher), and their daughter enjoy traveling, outdoor sports, and playing with their Great Dane.
California Farmland Trust is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 17,606 acres of farmland on 81 farms. To learn more, visit us at www.cafarmtrust.org.
About American Agri-Women
