California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Winners of the 5th Real California Milk Excelerator Innovation Competition Announced

    Startups Amazing Ice Cream, Arbo’s Cheese Dip, Petit Pot and WonderCow claimed victory at the 5th Annual Real California Milk Excelerator Final Pitch Event. Created by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and innovation advisory VentureFuel, the competition is designed to find, fund and accelerate innovation in dairy-based products, from consumer food and beverages to textiles and beyond. The four cohort winners will each receive $30,000 in resources and funding to scale their products in California and will compete for an additional $100,000 in support based on continued performance over a period of one year.

    In its fifth year, the 2023 Real California Milk Excelerator advances innovation in its truest state: open innovation. As one of the largest dairy competitions in the world, the program sought early-stage applicants with high-growth potential that create a 50% cow’s milk-based product or working prototype.

    Eight finalists participated in the November 16th live pitch event where they presented to judges from companies representing retail, consumer packaged goods, food distribution and media before a live audience of key stakeholders. During the event, 2022 cohort members dosa by DOSA and Wheyward Spirit each unlocked $100,000 and $25,000 in additional funding after demonstrating their ability to grow their businesses in California over the past 12 months. The event also featured a first ever “Future of Dairy Expo” where attendees tasted and tested products from 15 of the industry’s most innovative startups, and a panel highlighting insights on the impact of dairy innovations on retail sales and consumer behavior.

    “It is a great privilege and honor to be a part of the CMAB and VentureFuel Family,” said Donald Anit, Founder of Amazing Ice Cream. “Being able to see how California milk products are processed, from beginning to end, inspires us with an endless vision of avenues in the dairy industry. Meeting new processors, buyers and partners adds bountiful assets of growth to our business and the future of our company.”

    “As the only non-CA-based brand selected for the Excelerator, I was humbled by the opportunity, and immediately felt like Arbo’s Cheese Dip struck gold for being noticed and included. When I toured the Fiscalini Farmstead operation, it was the first time that I felt intimately what it takes for a dairy-based brand to be in business from beginning to end, and their work is no walk in the park,” said Andrew Arbos, Founder & CEO of Arbo’s Cheese Dip. “California dairy farmers are focused on a cleaner, more sustainable future, but they need brands like us to support them. This is why I became so passionate about adding the Real California Milk seal, because it carries the real weight of what it takes to be innovative and sustainable. Being chosen as one of the winners, it is now my duty to support California farmers, so that we can collectively deliver the highest quality products nationwide.”

    “We’re truly humbled to be selected as a cohort winner among such a remarkable assembly of innovative companies. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team over the years,” said Maxime Pouvreau, Founder of Petit Pot. “The timing of this prize couldn’t have been more perfect, as we will be utilizing the funding to support Petit Pot’s new paper cup desserts at Publix and Target. We’re looking forward to partnering with CMAB to drive awareness and affinity of our products and Real California Milk across the country.”

    “Being a part of the CMAB cohort has been a great experience for our WonderCow team,” said Rob Diepersloot, Founder of WonderCow. “We’ve met a lot of like-minded entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry leaders that we will continue to collaborate with as we grow our new company. It is these relationships and connections that will guide us as we take WonderCow to the next level. The California dairy industry has such an amazing story when it comes to innovation and sustainability, and we are extremely blessed to be a part of it.”

    “It was a close competition this year, with each cohort member bringing something interesting to the table. In the end, however, the four winners each had a solid product and a complete selling story that will connect with consumers,” said John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB. “California dairy families understand the value of innovation and invest in research and opportunities like the Excelerator competition to ensure a continued role for real milk and dairy in consumer’s evolving lives.”

    “This year’s winners – featuring pastry chefs to veterans – showcase the bright future and dynamic impact of combining dairy with innovation,” said Fred Schonenberg, CEO of VentureFuel. “Each of the founders is dedicated to driving excitement and demand for Real California Dairy through their innovative products and we look forward to supporting their ongoing growth as they seize the opportunities created from the program.”

    The Excelerator’s eight finalists were selected from a field of dozens of qualified entries and over the course of 12 weeks had access to a group stipend and a robust network of resources to refine and scale their product and business. They also participated in the CMAB/VentureFuel Mentorship Program, consisting of elite counsel from successful founders, investors, leading corporate executives, and experts across design, marketing, sales, manufacturing, distribution, farming, and processing industries. Past mentors have included venture capitalists, successful entrepreneurs, and executives from organizations like Unilever, UNFI and Mondelez. The total value of competition awards is half a million dollars.

    The 2023 Real California Milk Excelerator celebrates the state’s role as the number one producer of dairy in the United States. California, known for innovation, has a reputation for quality dairy products and leads the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. More than 1,100 family dairy farms produce the milk found in fluid milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products identified by the Real California Milk seal.

    Over the past four years, the Real California Milk Excelerator has worked with more than 45 startups across numerous categories including food, beverage, direct-to-consumer platforms, textiles, and personal care. Representing nearly 40 percent of states across the U.S., program alumni have gone from idea to distribution with organizations such as UNFI and KeHE; and many can now be found on the shelves of retailers like Walmart, Safeway, Kroger, Amazon, and Whole Foods.

    Details about the 2023 cohort, mentors and the final pitch event are available on the RCM Excelerator site.


    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

    About VentureFuel, Inc.

    Founded in 2014, VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory that helps the world’s best organizations ignite change through startup collaborations. Its innovation programs include Diagnostics, Corporate Accelerators and Commercial Pilots; and focus on solving clients’ biggest challenges by driving greater efficiencies; closing strategic capability gaps; and identifying emerging business models. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey’s, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast on Apple, Spotify Simplecastor wherever you get your podcasts.

  • CAWG Elects New Board Officers and Directors, Gregg Hibbits Named Chair

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced the election of new board officers and directors. CAWG is governed by a 29-person board of directors, consisting of 27 growers representing diverse regions and operations throughout the state, and two directors-at-large.

    Gregg Hibbits of Grapevine Capital Partners in San Luis Obispo was elected as chairman of the board, succeeding Tom Slater of Slater Farms, Inc., who served in the role since 2021. The newly elected officer team includes Jeff Bitter, a winegrape grower in Madera, and John Chandler of Chandler Farms in Selma as vice-chairs; Duff Bevill of Bevill Vineyard Management, LLC in Healdsburg as secretary; and Jason Smith of Valley Farm Management in Salinas as treasurer.

    “Gregg’s wealth of experience in the winegrape sector is poised to be an invaluable asset as he guides the association into its 50th year,” stated Natalie Collins, President of CAWG. “With Gregg at the helm, CAWG remains steadfast in its advocacy efforts, navigating the intricate landscape of state and federal legislation and regulations for the benefit of winegrape growers.”

    CAWG is pleased to introduce six new directors, whose term will commence on December 1. The new additions include Karin Warnelius-Miller of Garden Creek Ranch Vineyards Winery in Geyserville, George Donati of Pacific Coast Farming in San Luis Obispo, Tom Merwin of Merwin Vineyards in Clarksburg, Ben Kolber of KG Vineyard Management in Lodi, Ryan Winters of Winters Farming, Inc. in Manteca, and Eric Marthedal of Marthedal Farms in Fresno.

    We extend sincere gratitude to the outgoing directors who have completed their dedicated service on the board: Bill Berryhill of BB Vineyards in Clements, Stephen Kautz of Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys, Davindar Mahil of Creekside Farming Co. in Madera, Tom Slater of Slater Farms, Inc. in Clarksburg, Mike Testa of Coastal Vineyard Care Associates, and Taylor Serres of Serres Ranch in Sonoma.

  • Almond Board Directors and New CEO Listen and Talk with Industry

    The Almond Board of California Board of Directors and President and CEO Clarice Turner engaged almond industry members up and down the Central Valley in an eight-stop listening tour to answer questions and hear concerns and ideas.

    Board members and Turner hosted gatherings starting in Shafter in the south valley and ending in Orland in the north to hear what growers and handlers have on their minds and to give people a chance to ask questions in informal settings. Turner also participated with  outgoing Almond Board President Richard Waycott in delivering the State of the Almond Industry address at Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock and Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno.

    Incoming Almond Board of California President and CEO Clarice Turner addressing growers at Malcolm Media’s Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock (Photo by Matthew Malcolm)

    “While the long-term outlook for the industry seems promising, the short-term economics have left many growers contemplating their next steps,” said Alexi Rodriguez, chair of ABC’s Board of Directors. “The listening sessions were a great opportunity to engage with industry members to share information, experiences and ideas. It was also great for Clarice to hear from stakeholders in each region, as their challenges and priorities vary. Unfortunately, the Almond Board can’t solve every problem and many will be left to make some tough decisions going forward. That said, the Board and the organization are working hard to tackle the areas where we can make a positive difference for the future of the industry.”

    The listening sessions were casual and designed to be small so the questions and conversations could go deep. They are one of the ways Turner, who started as ABC president and CEO in September, is introducing herself to the industry and learning more about the people in the industry she serves.

    “I enjoyed meeting so many interesting, caring and knowledgeable people across the valley,” Turner said. “I heard many stories and learned so much about the history of this great industry, people’s hopes and concerns, and about their commitment to their land, roots, communities and to almonds. Despite the current difficult macro environment, we had very constructive conversations about the future of the industry. It was an inspiring week.”

    Subjects ranged from broad policy to technical questions, and the conversations will help guide sessions at The Almond Conference 2023 in Sacramento Dec. 5-7 where topics and issues will be addressed by experts during in-depth panel discussions. Rodriguez, Turner and Board of Directors members will also be available at The Almond Conference for industry members who have questions of their own.

    About the Almond Board of California

    California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. For more on California almonds visit Almonds.com.

  • Scott Fryer Joins American Pistachio Growers as VP of Global Marketing

    Scott Fryer, with more than a decade of experience in the food marketing sector, has joined American Pistachio Growers as Vice President of Global Marketing. Fryer will lead APG’s initiatives to expand consumption of American-grown pistachios in the U.S. and abroad.

    Before joining APG, Fryer served five years as Marketing Innovation Director for Sun-Maid  Growers in Fresno where he directed the innovation and base business marketing efforts. He brings to APG a strong track record of successfully marketing an array of products. For seven years in his prior career at WhiteWave Foods in Broomfield, CO, he expanded several businesses including International Delight Coffee Creamer, Stok Cold Brew Coffee, and So Delicious Dairy Free.

    “I am excited to join American Pistachio Growers and help drive demand for pistachios across the world,” Fryer said. “American pistachios are an incredibly heathy and nutritious snack, and if we can make consumers aware of the benefits, I have no doubt that they will love them as much as my family and I do.”

    Richard Matoian, APG President, said the addition of Fryer to the APG team is timely as the pistachio industry is coming off a successful 2023 harvest season and growers and processors are eyeing increased pistachio crops looming in the future.

    “We welcome Scott to the APG family and look forward to his contributions to the pistachio industry,” said Matoian. “Our industry has incredible opportunities to expand consumption of pistachios in the years ahead, especially in overseas markets. Scott will play a pivotal role in helping to fuel demand in our key markets.”

    Fryer earned a B.A. at Brigham Young University and an MBA from Purdue University’s Daniels School of Business. Scott and his wife, Elly, have four children. Among his off-duty pursuits are travel, sports and enjoying the outdoors with his family.

    American Pistachio Growers is the non-profit trade association representing more than 865 growers and member processors in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

  • From Sharqia to Rome to Fresno: Renowned Irrigation Expert Comes to UC ANR

    In the fields around the Egyptian city of Minya Al-Qamh, “port of wheat” in Arabic, a boy rubbed his eyes wearily as he helped his father irrigate their crops at 2 a.m. – when they could access the scarce water that reached their farm, located at the tail end of the canal. The family, which had been farming the land around the village of Sharqia for many generations, barely had enough water to sustain their wheat and vegetables.

    Swatting in the darkness at the incessantly biting mosquitoes, a young Atef Swelam made a vow.

    “I said: ‘I will do my best to not let anyone suffer like I have suffered, like my father suffered – I will help to improve the lives of others,’” recalled Swelam, who went on to become an irrigation engineer improving water-use efficiency.

    During the World Food Forum (Oct. 16-20), Swelam was recognized by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization as a “Water and Food Hero” for developing irrigation techniques that save water and boost yields across the Nile Delta and beyond.

    Swelam started on Aug. 10 as director of both the KearneyAgricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier and the West Side REC in Five Points. Both facilities are part of a network of centersoperated by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

    Swelam was recently recognized by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization as a “Water and Food Hero.”

    “Our organization, and more importantly the communities we serve in the Central Valley and across California, are so fortunate that Atef has joined our team,” said Brent Hales, UC ANR associate vice president for research and Cooperative Extension. “He brings not only a record of truly impactful research and innovation but a genuine passion for learning the needs of people, working with them and developing collaborative, science-based solutions.”

    Making a difference in the lives of people

    After earning his master’s degree in land and water management from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari in Italy, Swelam returned to Egypt for his Ph.D. in agricultural engineering at Zagazig University. There, he advanced to become a professor of irrigation and drainage engineering in 2019; he was also a senior scientist and research team leader with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (CGIAR-ICARDA). Most recently, Swelam was the agricultural research officer of the U.N.-FAO’s Office of Innovation in Rome.

    Swelam explained that the mandate, function, mission and vision of UC ANR’s research and extension network – and its strong reputation for making an impact through co-creation with clientele – attracted him to this position in California.

    “I’m always looking to make a difference on the ground and in the lives of people,” he said. “If you look at the locations where all RECs are located, they are inside the communities themselves, and in the heart of the farming system.”

    Swelam conducted his research in the fields around his hometown of Sharqia in Egypt.

    Swinging between Kearney and West Side RECs, Swelam said he feels he works in an empowering environment, created and supported by the leadership as well as by the staff at both centers – “a dynamic is which hard to find elsewhere.”

    Darren Haver, recently named director of the statewide system of RECs, said he will work with Swelam to explore ways to secure the resources that the Kearney and West Side teams need.

    “Atef brings a wealth of experience in conducting research as well as working to elevate and amplify the research and outreach of others,” said Haver, formerly the director of South Coast REC in Irvine. “He clearly is committed to making a difference locally, nationally and globally and we are excited to support him as his vision for these two RECs evolves.”

    Being a farmer and a scientist, Swelam feels he is on the same wavelength with both of the RECs’ clientele groups – researchers and growers. In his first months on the job, Swelam said he will get to know the needs of the grower community and the researchers at the RECs.

    “What I like most about this job is that the REC system, with its research for development approach, supports the scientists, who are in turn supporting the farmers and communities that are on the front line in achieving food and nutrition security,” he explained.

    When tailoring solutions to meet local conditions, Swelam added that it’s essential that community members are involved so they feel a sense of ownership and are committed to sustaining its impact beyond the time limits of a research or extension project.

    This cost-effective machine enables farmers to grow crops on raised beds that improve water use efficiency.

    Innovative irrigation technique used worldwide

    A prominent example of Swelam’s community-based work is his long-term mechanized raised-bed (MRB) irrigation program, the technology for which he has garnered numerous international honors.

    While he was a researcher at the CGIAR-ICARDA, Swelam led several projects between 2010 and 2020 to study new soil and water practices at farm level. Through a project at his home village, he developed a cost-effective, small-scale machine to enable growing wheat on raised beds. This was in contrast to flat flooded land – the traditional, labor- and resource-intensive method that produced irrigation inefficiencies and caused shortages for downstream farmers like his father, Haj Ibrahim.

    With MRB, precisely placed trenches between the raised beds would hold exactly the amount of water the adjacent crops need and thus leave more water for all. And while the technique seemed promising, Swelam had to convince skeptical farmers to adopt the practices – including his neighbors and his own father.

    “He was very resistant to me in the beginning, because this was the first time ever in Egypt using raised beds for wheat cultivation…he even tried to convince people not to follow me,” Swelam said, with a chuckle.

    Haj Ibrahim (left), Swelam’s father, was initially resistant to the new raised-bed technique.

    So father and son divided their fields, with one half planted and irrigated using traditional methods, and the other using the raised-bed approach. Gradually, as MRB began to prove its worth, Haj Ibrahim warmed to the technology and became an active collaborator on the research – even helping the scientist when he was puzzled by experiment results.

    “My father was my mobile library,” Swelam said. “He was illiterate – he had never been in a school – but his thinking and knowledge about the real agriculture and farming system were much better than those of a professor like me!”

    After the initial research trials produced successes in his village and the larger governorate (a political division within Egypt), the technique was replicated in other governorates across the country – which then attracted the attention of other nations and international organizations.

    Overall, Swelam said, the technology helped the growers reduce applied water by 25% and cut farming costs by 25%, while boosting fertilizer use efficiency by 30% and increasing yield by 25%.

    Today, MRB is applied by more than 2 million farmers in the Middle East and North Africa to a variety of crops and is recognized as a good agricultural practice by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.

    “The biggest recognition and reward for me out of this impactful innovation is seeing the smiles on the faces of farmers,” Swelam said.

    Spreading best practices across San Joaquin Valley and beyond

    Swelam said he hopes to see similarly positive results for farmers here in California with a wide range of innovations. He and other researchers at Kearney and West Side RECs will continue to make sure that the science and knowledge generated at the centers reach farmers. He added that partnering with local growers to optimize their on-farm practices is crucial on a host of issues, from pest management to water conservation.

    After participating in the research and seeing the success of the trials, Haj Ibrahim became an avid supporter of the technology. Here, Ibrahim (in gray robe and white cap) meets with scientists and project leaders from across Africa to share how farmers have benefited from mechanized raised-bed irrigation.

    “Whatever we do to improve supply management at system level, if the water is not used efficiently at farm level, then we lose everything we had achieved at that macro level,” he explained.

    Swelam added that investing intensive time and effort in developing practical, cost-effective solutions will pay off in the long run as they become naturally adopted across the grower community.

    “Farmers are very clever and skilled with their farming systems,” he said. “When they see or get benefits from something, they promote it among themselves.”

    Swelam’s father was one example. After leading the resistance against mechanized raised beds initially, he eventually became its most vocal proponent.

    “He became the biggest promoter for this technology; he even promoted it on local and international TV and radio programs,” Swelam said. “I was proud of my father.”

    Haj Ibrahim died in 2017 and Swelam continues to pay tribute to his father through his life’s work on research and extension – inspired by their long struggles to bring water to their crops, and the shared triumph of their new techniques. — By Mike Hsu, UCANR

  • Six New Farmers Join the San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame

    On Thursday, October 19, 2023 at a dinner at the Robert Cabral Ag Center, 6 new members were inducted into the San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame.  The 2023 San Joaquin Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees were:

    Dr. Marit Arana, A.L. Gilbert Company

    Eugene “Gene” Wallom, Lodi Farming Inc.
    Marden Wilbur, Lane Ranches
    Edward “Eddie” Alfred Zuckerman, Zuckerman Family Farms
    Marc R. Marchini (Posthumous)
    Chester “Bud” Rolland Murphy (Posthumous)

    The San Joaquin County Ag Hall of Fame honors those who have contributed so much to a great part of our heritage.  Our Agricultural Hall of Fame marks the efforts and history of those who have gone before, those who have graced our homes and enriched our hearts and those who in the days past laid the foundation upon which we build for today and tomorrow.  The agricultural community is a wonderful example of people working together and continuing a tradition that has been handed down throughout the years from people who had to sacrifice a great deal, both personally and physically, to nurture our land and our community.

    Honoree Bios:

    Dr. Marit Arana

    Dr. Marit Arana’s journey into agriculture exemplifies dedication and passion. Despite a non-agricultural background, her love for horses ignited at an early age. Determined to own a horse, she saved $200 by age 8, a promise her parents honored, marking the beginning of her lifelong agricultural involvement.

    Her academic path led her to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she ultimately, earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences. She had a short detour while at Cal Poly and earned an AA degree in Animal Health Technology from Hartnell College in Salinas.  Her educational journey continued at California State University, Fresno, where she achieved a Master of Science in Animal Sciences, specializing in equine nutrition and exercise physiology.

    Marit’s educational pursuit culminated in a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from the University of Arizona. Post-graduation, she returned to California, working for the University of California Cooperative Extension as the Dairy Farm Advisor for San Joaquin, Sacramento, Yolo, Solano and Contra Costa Counties.

    Marit joined the A.L. Gilbert Company as a nutritionist, and swiftly rose to Head of the Nutrition Department. Her expertise in animal nutrition extended to serving as the National President for the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) in 2008-2009. She also has played a pivotal role as Chairman of the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Feed Inspection Advisory Board since September 2013.

    Marit’s contributions aren’t limited to agriculture. She’s been an active member of the Agricultural Awareness and Literacy Foundation (AAL), supporting consumer education through initiatives like Farmology, which educates children about the origins of their food, particularly those with little agricultural knowledge.

    Her involvement in activities such as the San Joaquin Chapter of California Women for Agriculture, participation in scholarship committees, mentoring students, and engagement with legislators, showcases her extensive impact on agricultural and non-agricultural communities. Her leadership and commitment to mentoring have inspired countless individuals, encouraging the next generation.

    Eugene “Gene” Wallom

    Eugene “Gene” Wallom, born in 1936 in New Glarus, Wisconsin, where he grew up helping his father on his farms from a very young age. Through his hard work and dedication, Gene landed a job and formed a partnership with Dino Cortopassi to from Donco Farm Equipment. This was the beginning of a fifty-five year partnership.

    In 1988, Gene and Cortopassi founded Lodi Farming Inc., a vineyard and orchard operation. They made significant innovations in agriculture, such as double cropping of wheat and kidney beans, no-till farming practices, center pivots, and the invention of a tomato vine trainer. They also built over-the-row equipment for vineyards, allowing two rows to be sprayed, dusted, or trimmed with one pass. Gene was one of the first to plant apples in San Joaquin County, planting the first orchard of Fuji in 1987.

    Soon Lodi Farming Inc. transformed into the largest apple grower in California. Gene was also one of the first to plant cover crops in orchards and vineyards, improving water penetration, soil tilth, and increasing organic matter in the soil. Gene has been a member of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau for over 60 years, serving as a volunteer project leader for the Alpine Victor 4-H Club. He has been a strong supporter of the San Joaquin County Junior Livestock Auction and has been a charter member of the Early Days Gas Engines and Tractors Association. Gene is also a member of the Mid-Valley Apple Association, the Lodi District Grape Growers Association, and the San Joaquin Valley Swiss Club. Gene served in the US Army from 1956-1960 and volunteered as a Lost Wax jewelry making instructor. Gene and his late wife Karen enjoyed traveling, especially on river cruises and he enjoys spending time with family and friends. His innovation, perseverance and devotion to his work has make him an important part of the San Joaquin community.

    Marden Wilber

    Marden Wilber, a graduate of University of California, Davis, has found success by embracing new ideas, working with others, and giving back to his community. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Marden owned and operated the El Mar Angus herd of purebred Angus cattle. In 1969, he was awarded the American Angus Association’s “Picture Bull of the Breed” and was named California’s Outstanding Young Farmer.

    In 1978, he established a partnership with his father-in-law Kenneth Lane. They started Lane Ranches, a successful cow-calf and stocker operation. In 2003, Marden was honored as the California Livestock Man of the Year at the 59th Grand National Rodeo, Horse, and Stock Show. Marden is a leader in environmental stewardship. He originated and directed flood control projects, and implemented an Agricultural Water Conservation Program.

    In 1999 he established the Fitzgerald Ranch Conservation Bank, to protect and help vulnerable animal species in the area. Throughout his lifetime, Marden served as a leader in the cattle and agriculture industry, serving multiple committees such as the Cal Expo Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee, California Cattlemen’s Association, the San Joaquin County Valley Hay Growers Association and other organizations. He was an original founding member of the California Beef Cattle Improvement Association and the Northern California Angus Association. Marden was involved with the San Joaquin County Multi Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, the State Department of Fish and Game, and the Army Corps of Engineers on various projects to maintain a rural environment in the Clements area.

    Marden has volunteered and worked tirelessly, whether lobbying in Washington D.C., locally, or at the state level, on issues that he feels are critical to the agriculture industry. Marden was a Rotary member for over 25 years and is a Past President. He has served on countless committees involving the Clements community and is a University of California, Davis Alumni Association Member. Today, at the age of 87, Marden is still serving his community for the betterment of agriculture and the environment.

    Edward “Eddie” Alfred Zuckerman

    Edward Alfred Zuckerman, known as “Eddie”, is a third-generation farmer from the San Joaquin County Delta. His journey in agriculture began after earning a bachelor’s in business, when he joined his father in cultivating potatoes on McDonald Island. In 1978, Eddie’s vision diversified the family business as he introduced turf grass, founding the Delta Bluegrass Company.

    Since then, Eddie’s farming enterprise has thrived, expanding to around 8,000 acres with diverse crops such as sod, potatoes, corn, rice, almonds, wine grapes, wheat, barley, alfalfa, and sunflowers. Zuckerman Farms is now one of California’s largest potato growers and packers, serving local, national, and international markets. Delta Bluegrass Company, which he nurtured, is the largest sod grower in Northern California, acclaimed for its premium products. Eddie employs nearly 700 people annually, primarily in San Joaquin County.

    Eddie’s agricultural innovations shine, with Delta Bluegrass Company pioneering drought tolerant Kurapia and introducing native, eco-friendly grasses. His embrace of technology is evident in modern farming practices, utilizing advanced equipment, mobile app-driven irrigation, and robotics.

    Beyond farming, Eddie’s leadership extends to co-founding Delta Growers and serving as President of Turf Producers International. Eddie has served on the board for Central Delta Water Agency for more than 20 years and is very much involved in the ag and urban water matters for the San Joaquin Delta and California. Throughout the years Eddie has also served as a board member of various agricultural organizations, making a significant impact in the ag industry.

    In non-agricultural domains, Eddie’s service is admirable. He’s a National Ski Champion and a generous supporter of charitable organizations like St. Mary’s Dining Hall, Stockton’s Gospel Center Rescue Mission, Bread of Life, Red Rhino, and Uplift Foundation, to name a few.

    Marc R. Marchini

    Marc R. Marchini was born on December 15, 1941 in San Francisco, California and passed away August 7, 2018. Marc had a lasting impact on his brother, daughter, grandchildren, countless students and the community. Throughout high school Marc was involved with FFA and later attended Modesto Junior College. After some time at Fresno State Marc returned to Union Island to work in the family farming operation headed by his father and uncle.

    In 1983, Marc, his brother Paul, and father Angelo formed A. Marchini & Sons (later becoming A.M. Farms) where they predominantly grew asparagus and wine grapes. Throughout his career he participated in numerous research initiatives with the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) helping to improve asparagus cultivation practices, varietal development, pest and disease eradication, and mechanization.

    Marc was a recognized leader in the Delta as well as at the state and national level. Locally, he was active in the San Joaquin Farm Bureau and the Robert Union Farm Center. He also found time to be a trustee on the school boards of Delta Island and Tracy Unified School District. He even played an instrumental part in the planning and building of Merrill F. West High School. Marc sat on the board for the Stockton Asparagus Festival where he took pride in the festival’s famous Asparagus Alley. On the state level, he was involved in the California Asparagus Growers Association and creation of the California Asparagus Commission where he served as Chairman. Nationally, he represented the California asparagus industry by serving as a member of the National Asparagus Council.

    Agriculture was more than a vocation for Marc, it was an advocation. The impact he has made not only on his family but the community will live on.

    Chester “Bud” Rolland Murphy

    Chester “Bud” Rolland Murphy, grew up in Telegraph City on his family cattle ranch and passed away on February 22, 1991. Growing up Bud worked on the family Cow Calf operation while attending Bret Harte High School in Angels Camp, California.

    Soon after graduation, he attended Stockton College, where he studied and obtained a degree in math and engineering. Bud was drafted into the United States Army after college, where he completed four years of service. When Bud returned home, he helped run his family’s beef cattle ranches.

    In the early 1940’s, the family expanded their cattle operation to San Joaquin County. This move gave Bud the opportunity to use his engineering degree to develop the grasslands around Farmington into irrigated farmland that is still used today. Bud also used his engineering education to build over twenty reservoirs and stock ponds with the cooperation of the California Department of Water Resources. These stock ponds were not only used on his own ranches, but also for neighboring ranchers in his community. Bud understood the importance of water storage in this state and served as a longtime, founding member of the Central San Joaquin Water Conservation District.

    At heart, Bud was a cattle rancher, and in the 1970’s-1980’s, he developed a purebred polled Hereford herd. He was one of the first breeders to improve his herd using embryo transplants which won him many champions at major shows throughout California and all over the United States.

    Through all of this he saw the benefits to raising children within the agricultural community. With his wife Erna and their four children, he was a generous supporter of both the Farmington 4-H Club and the Escalon FFA Chapter. He encouraged his own children to be active members in both organizations and he continued to support them well after his family was aged out of the programs and into his late years.
     
    About the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce     
    Founded on February 21, 1901, the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce speaks for thousands of local businesspeople. For these 122 years, the Chamber has been the authoritative voice in all business matters throughout the Central Valley.  The mission of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce is to aggressively develop and promote an economically vibrant business community.    

  • Get Ready To Go ‘Nuts’ At Madera’s Pomegranate Fruit and Nut Festival

    The vibrant agricultural spirit of Madera is once again in the spotlight as we gear up for the 12th Annual Madera Pomegranate, Fruit & Nut Festival. Mark your calendars for this family-friendly extravaganza, scheduled for Saturday, November 4, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Madera District Fairgrounds. The best part? Admission and parking are entirely free!

    Excited about this year’s event, Debi Bray, President and CEO of the Madera Chamber of Commerce, stated, “We are thrilled to honor Madera’s finest – from agriculture to live music, local products and delectable cuisine. Let’s remember that November is National Pomegranate Month, making this the perfect time to celebrate the pomegranate’s legacy in our beloved region.”

    Attendees can look forward to a delightful day brimming with pomegranate food and drink along with other fruit and nut goodies. The festival offers good music and entertainment with over 100 vendors and exhibitors as well as chef-led cooking demonstrations that are always a hit.

    The excitement does not stop there! Alongside the delectable pomegranate and nut-inspired treats, the festival boasts an array of thrilling extras:

    Ohana Comic Con: Comic book and pop culture enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Ohana Comic Con returns with an epic costume contest, keeping attendees entertained all day. Come in costume to compete! (No admission fee!)

    Live Music by Jaded: Get ready to groove with live music from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

    Classic Car Show: Feast your eyes on a dazzling array of classic cars, a spectacle that is free for all. (No admission fee!)

    The Kids’ Zone: Keeping the little ones entertained is a priority, with inflatable fun, games, pony rides, and camel rides for the children to enjoy throughout the day. (No admission fee!)

    MadTown Robotics: Championship-winning students will demonstrate their creative abilities and competitive expertise in robotics. The MadTown Robotics team are two-time world champions; they won first in 2019 and again in 2023 at the FIRST Charged Up Robotics Competition. (No admission fee!)

    Muay Thai Boxing Competition: Witness the intense action of Muay Thai, a martial art/combat sport originating in Thailand. Participants of all ages from across the region will be competing. (Admission fee applies.)

    ValleyStealz Streetwear & Thrift Expo: Streetwear enthusiasts are in for a treat as ValleyStealz hosts an event featuring a range of streetwear from shoes to jerseys and vintage finds.

    In addition to these attractions, over 100 vendors will be at the event, offering a treasure trove of artisanal arts, crafts and so much more!

    Join us at the 12th Annual Pomegranate, Fruit & Nut Festival on November 4th for a day filled with flavor, fun and festivities. Admission is free, so make sure to bring your family and friends for an unforgettable day celebrating the heart of Madera’s agricultural heritage.

    For more information, please visit www.pomegranatefestival.com or contact the Madera Chamber of Commerce at (559) 673-3563.

    About the Madera Pomegranate, Fruit & Nut Festival

    The Madera Pomegranate, Fruit & Nut Festival is an annual celebration of Madera’s rich agricultural heritage, highlighting the pomegranate and local nut production. The festival brings the community together for a day of entertainment, education and culinary delights, all in the heart of California’s Central Valley.

    About Visit Yosemite | Madera County

    Formed in 1985, Visit Yosemite | Madera County’s mission is to draw the millions of Yosemite National Park visitors to its gateway’s many businesses and attractions. We invite visitors to take a journey from the Fossil Discovery Center to the Madera Wine Trail and onward to the High Sierra. Discover incredible dining, talented tradespersons, four seasons of water sports at Bass Lake, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad and mighty adventures right up to the massive Giant Sequoia trees. Madera County is the gateway to so much more.

  • Bacterial blast/canker: What do we know?

    Diseases caused by Pseudomonas syringae can affect tissue throughout the entire tree, including bacterial blast of flowers, leaves, and shoots as well as bacterial cankers that develop under the bark in cambial and wood tissues of trunks, scaffolds, and branches. The pathogen commonly exists on plant surfaces in an orchard without causing disease, but cold, wet weather can trigger damaging infections. Bacterial canker/blast infections are most damaging, and potentially lethal, in stressed trees. Stress from ring nematodes or root-restricting hardpan predisposes almonds to blast and canker damage.

    The wet, cold spring of 2023 promoted widespread Pseudomonas bacterial infections in almond. This pathogen is becoming a consistent problem in cold, wet springs as almond plantings increase across the state.

    Currently, there are limited control options for bacterial canker/blast in almonds. The following list outlines factors influencing management practices and decisions.

    • Pseudomonas syringae is a damaging pathogen in cold, wet weather.
    • The pathogen is ubiquitous and occurs naturally on plant surfaces.
    • Infection risk varies with orchard site, rootstock, and variety selection.
    • Low spots (sites) are colder and thus, more prone to freeze damage.
    • Peach x almond hybrid rootstocks (Hansen, Nickels, Bright’s) are more vulnerable to ring nematode and subsequently to bacterial canker damage than Viking, Lovell, or Guardian rootstocks.
    • All almond varieties are susceptible to bacterial canker/blast infection, but some are more so than others. New self-fertile varieties are very susceptible to bacterial blast/canker.
    • Antibiotics can significantly reduce bacterial blast at bloom in almond, but none are currently labeled for almond. An effective, research-proven antibiotic (kasugamycin; Kasumin®) was available under Section 18 exception but is not currently labeled for almond.
    • Copper resistance is widespread in Pseudomonas syringae bacteria, making copper sprays ineffective.
    • Frost protection can help reduce damage.
    What can growers do to manage bacterial canker/blast?
    • If approved for use, treat with labeled antibiotic (for example kasugamycin; Kasumin®) 1-6
    • days ahead of forecast freeze. Expect only a week of protection. Note that very cold weather will damage buds even if an antibiotic is applied. Greatest economic benefit should come from bloom treatment.
    • If antibiotics are not labeled before bloom 2024, growers have limited options. Spraying copper to control bacterial canker/blast is generally ineffective. Adding mancozeb to copper may overcome resistance. Unfortunately, copper is phytotoxic and may cause leaf damage. Biologicals (Actinovate, Botector, etc) are not registered for blast control in almonds, but if applied for other bloom pathogens may reduce blast damage if applied multiple times (4, 3, 2, and 1 week before bloom).
    • Run frost protection irrigation if water is available. This will help reduce both frost damage and blast risk.
    • High rates (100 lbs urea/acre) of foliar lo-biuret urea in October reduced bacterial canker growth by more than 90% in UC studies in peach orchards. Lower rates of urea were not tested.

    In the long run, recognize bacterial blast and canker risk when selecting rootstocks and varieties for a colder site (valley floor, etc.). Almond variety and rootstock selections in the Sacramento Valley have changed, trending from more tolerant to more sensitive combinations. The traditional almond planting in the Sacramento Valley was Nonpareil and pollinators on Lovell peach rootstock – combinations generally tolerant to bacterial canker/blast. Trees on Marianna 2624 plum rootstock were much more susceptible to bacterial blast than those on Lovell peach. Newer rootstocks with a plum genetic background and newer varieties may also be more vulnerable to damage. Solid plantings of self-fertile varieties on certain newer rootstocks increase the risk of economic loss under cold, wet conditions.

    University of California researchers, funded by The Almond Board of California, continue to study Pseudomonas syringae bacterial infections of almond. Updates will be available at The Almond Conference (almonds.com/about-us/programs-and-events/almond-conference) this December. — By Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Farm advisor, Colusa, Sutter, and Yuba Counties

  • Post-Harvest Almond Orchard Considerations

    Postharvest nutrition: Use information from your leaf and hull tissue analyses along with 2023 yield and anticipated 2024 yields to plan your fall Boron, Potassium and Zinc applications. 1,000 lbs of almond kernels harvested removes 80 lbs of potassium from the field, so it’s important to wait until after harvest to develop your fall nutrition plan. These fall applications have an outsized impact on the following year’s yield. Nitrogen applied in the fall, however, does not benefit yield if an orchard is otherwise healthy. Read the Postharvest Nutrition Review for details on fall fertilizer applications.
    Cover crops: Cover crops or resident vegetation have numerous benefits including improving water infiltration and holding capacity, providing additional forage for bees in the spring, and providing easier access to the field when the soil is wet. It’s important to monitor soil moisture and irrigate after planting a cover crop if we have a dry fall. This ensures good germination of your cover crop. Check out the
    UC-Almond Board Cover Crop Best Management Practices Guide for information on timing, cover crop species selection, equipment and more.
    Weed survey: After the first rain, scout for weeds and develop your weed management strategy for the next year. Correct weed identification is critical for effective management plans, so utilize the Weed Research and Information Center Weed ID Tool if necessary.
    Winter sanitation: With reports of higher-than-average navel orangeworm damage in the 2023 harvest, winter sanitation will be necessary in most orchards. Count the mummies in 20 trees throughout each orchard. If more than 1 mummy nut per 5 trees is found, sanitize by shaking or poling nuts to the ground by Feb. 1 to reduce navel orangeworm pressure next year. Also note if mummy nuts are caused by hull rot, which may indicate a need to reevaluate your irrigation and nitrogen management practices next season. See the article on sanitation standards in this newsletter.
    Pruning: Prune out dead or damaged branches, taking care to avoid pruning if rain is in the forecast within 14 days to minimize the risk of infection of fresh cuts by rain-spread pathogens. Applying Topsin-M after pruning also provides protection against canker pathogens like Cytospora and Botryosphaeriaceae.
    Apply foliar zinc if deficient: Recent research in stone fruit showed that lower rates of zinc sulfate (5 lbs./acre) applied earlier in October were as effective in getting Zn into the trees as later sprays at higher rates without damaging leaves. Zn applied at a high rate (for example, 20+ lbs. zinc sulfate/acre) has the added benefit of defoliating trees, which may provide the advantage of reducing inoculum for the 2024 season in orchards where shot hole or rust were a problem. However, in a dry fall, heavy Zn applications will not defoliate trees.
    Dormant spur sampling: Sample dormant spurs for scale and mite eggs and examine green shoots for scab lesions. Use this data to decide whether to apply a dormant spray to manage scale and mites and then watch for scab lesion sporulation in spring.
    Honeybee planning: Get your order in for 2-3 honeybee hives per acre for self-sterile varieties for the spring pollination season. Self-fertile varieties should have 0.5-1 hive per acre. See our article on Honeybees, Colony Strength, and Beekeeper Challenges for best practices for using honeybees in the orchard.
    Process harvest samples: November is a great time to pull those harvest samples out of the freezer and evaluate them to identify specific pest damage.  — By Becky Wheeler-Dykes, Orchard Systems and Weed Ecology Farm Advisor, Glenn, Tehama, and Colusa Counties

  • Be Careful with Almond Variety-Rootstock Selection

    Almond variety and rootstock selection is a quarter century investment. After choosing which crop type to plant, this is likely the most important decision you will make when planting a new orchard. The difference in results is massive. A poor selection could lead to the orchard failing to establish and needing to be removed or providing sub-standard yield for the life of the orchard. A successful selection could mean your trees are regularly yielding twice as much as a different variety-rootstock combination.

    Variety and rootstock selections are typically thought of separately. Each rootstock is bred or selected to have different strengths and adaptations for different soil types, irrigation volumes, levels of anchorage, and ability to withstand adverse field conditions like nematodes, soil-borne pathogens, and toxic elements. Varieties are selected with self-fertility, pollen-compatibility and timing, marketing classification and price, quality and consistency, disease susceptibility, yield, and other factors in mind. However, evaluating the compatibility of different varieties and rootstocks together is critical to deciding whether a combination will be successful. A well-known nurseryman once said, “It takes 20 years to prove a rootstock”. We would add that it takes even longer to prove a variety, and a variety-rootstock combination. Why is the process as much as 30-40 years to provide growers with a winning variety-rootstock? Regional variety trials take the first 15-20 years but are only testing in three locations across the Central Valley and on only one rootstock per location. Once early adopters then plant the new variety-rootstock combination they become the researcher for another 20 plus years. If the grower decides to plant the same variety-rootstock combination for a second-generation orchard, we know we truly have a winner!

    In the Sacramento Valley, Krymsk®86, a hybrid of peach and Myrobalan plum parentage, is enormously popular due to rock-solid anchorage and a relatively higher tolerance of “wet feet” (flooding or soil saturation) compared to peach seedling rootstocks such as Lovell and Nemaguard. Krymsk® 86 rootstock has only been widely planted for about 15 years: while it consistently lives up to its promise of strong anchorage and strong production potential with many varieties, especially Nonpareil, we are still learning about how it performs with other varieties in different field conditions. In wet springs, Monterey and Butte on Krymsk® 86 rootstocks have demonstrated a higher tendency to have slow, yellow growth, a disorder termed ‘Yellow Curling Leaf’ (YCL). YCL symptoms have also been observed in Monterey on Rootpac®-R (almond x plum) rootstock. Trees with YCL express foliar symptoms similar to the Union Mild Etch (UME) disorder affecting those same varieties and others on the Marianna 2624 plum rootstock with typical symptoms including poor tree growth and yellowing leaves that roll and produce necrotic margins. YCL like UME, occurs mostly in second leaf orchards, although both disorders have been observed on older trees. UME was clearly linked to excess soil moisture in the root zone in wet springs or with over-irrigation resulting in excess soil moisture in late spring/early summer. Under those conditions weak pathogens attacked the small feeder roots, affecting growth, but rarely killing the trees. Affected Krymsk® 86 rooted trees, like those on Marianna 2624 usually recover over time when excessive soil moisture is corrected.

    More recently, some new self-fertile varieties have performed very poorly in the Sacramento Valley when grafted to Krymsk® 86. YCL symptoms for example have shown up in multiple seasons in some orchards – leading to a stunted orchard and the decision by the grower to remove the orchard entirely. Other orchards were removed early in the 2023 season after suffering massive tree losses due to suspected bacterial canker. Our current thinking is that like the UME issues on Marianna rootstock – the problems we are now seeing with certain varieties on Krymsk® 86 may have to do with the plum parentage of Krymsk® 86. Without testing each new variety that breeders produce on Krymsk® 86 over many years, we won’t know which varieties are more likely to have severe problems.

    Low vigor and yellow curled leaf (YCL) symptoms on 2nd leaf Independence® on Krymsk® 86 rootstock. Photos taken July 2, 2021. Photo Credit: Franz Niederholzer.

    Do you have a new variety struggling on Krymsk® 86?

    • Use the pressure chamber and soil moisture monitoring to avoid over-irrigation, which can exacerbate YCL symptoms.
    • Some growers have had success bypassing the rootstock and providing nutrition with foliar applications. However, this is very expensive, unsustainable, and doesn’t correct the fundamental problem for providing long-term nutrition.
    • Have ongoing discussions with your nurseryman, PCA, and farm advisor.
    For future orchards using a new variety:
    • If you have historic almond orchard performance, start your variety selection process with what has performed best previously. Your local farm advisor is a great resource for these variety and rootstock selection conversations.
    • Talk with your processor about what varieties the market wants now and what future trends could look like.
    • Consider rootstocks other than Krymsk® 86 (article and comparison tool / podcast). Self-fertile trees planted on other standard rootstocks without significant plum parentage (e.g. Viking and Atlas) or the more vigorous peach-almond hybrid rootstocks (e.g. Hansen 536, Brights, Nickels, and Titan) have not exhibited the same symptoms as those seen on Krymsk® 86 in the Sacramento Valley.
    • Stay tuned for developments at the UC Butte County almond variety trials (all varieties on Krymsk® 86 rootstock, planted at the CSU Chico University Farm) to help inform your decisions about new almond varieties. — By Luke Milliron, UCCE Orchard Advisor Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties; Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Farm Advisor Colusa, Sutter, and Yuba Counties; Katherine Jarvis-Shean, UCCE Orchard Advisor; Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo Counties; Clarissa Reyes, UCCE Orchard Advisor Sutter-Yuba, Butte, and Placer Counties; & Evie Smith, Former UCCE Staff Research Associate, Southern Sacramento Valley