WUD applauds USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue’s actions announced today to try to mitigate the impact international trade disputes are having on California’s dairy farm families. The Department announced a three-prong plan to mitigate the impact of retaliatory tariffs on various agricultural commodities including payments to producers, product purchase and donation and assistance with developing new export markets.
The combination of payments to help dairy producers manage cash flow, product purchase and donation to help keep inventories in check in light of reduced export demand and resources to help develop other export markets will be welcome news in our industry.
WUD looks forward to working with USDA staff to quantify the economic damage inflicted on California’s dairy farm families as a result of the reset of international trading relationships on products other than dairy. Our producers should be able to expect compensation to equal the harm they’ve suffered. WUD staff will help quantify that economic impact in the approximately six weeks between now and the expected rollout of the program on September 4th.
California’s dairy producers have invested heavily in developing export markets for their products for more
than two decades. Their success in building dairy exports leaves our state’s industry more vulnerable than
most to volatility in foreign markets. That is another factor WUD will emphasize with USDA as details are finalized for these new trade assistance initiatives for farmers announced today.
Properly implemented the assistance announced today could help farmers through in the short term, assist with the development of additional export markets over the next several months and help the White House maintain the support in rural America it needs to achieve its trade policy objectives.
A trio of University of California extension and farm advisors will offer tips and provide the latest developments in cotton across in the San Joaquin Valley during a Tuesday, July 24 field day in Mendota. Open to all growers and pest control advisors, the free event starts at 9:30a.m. at Pik-A-Lok Farms on Bass Avenue in Mendota. Featured speakers are:
Dan Munk, UCCE Fresno County farm advisor and cotton specialist, who will discuss monitoring cotton for improved yield performance.
Bob Hutmacher, UCCE extension specialist of the Westside Research and Extension Center, who will provide an update cotton diseases and plant development issues.
Jeff Mitchell, associate vegetable crop specialist at the Kearney Ag Center, will talk about going beyond the hype of soil health and doing something about it.
The field day is sponsored by the San Joaquin Sustainable Farm Project, which provides farmers with valuable strategies to improve yields while becoming better environmental stewards in today’s challenging economic and regulatory climate.
SJSFP is a state and federally funded program under the direction of the Sustainable Cotton Project, a California nonprofit that has worked with Valley growers to produce environmentally friendly Cleaner Cotton™ for the consumer market. Funding for this project has been provided through an agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Clean Water Act Section 319.For more information about the field day, contact Project Director Marcia Gibbs at (530) 370-5325.
Western Growers to Present Patricio with 2018 Award of Honor on October 30
Western Growers will honor Stephen (Steve) Patricio, who’s visionary leadership has advanced the agricultural industry by leaps and bounds, with the 2018 Award of Honor. The Award of Honor is Western Growers’ highest recognition of industry achievement and is given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community.
“Steve has been a tireless advocate for agriculture, and his ability to turn some of the most tumultuous challenges that our industry has faced over the past few decades into opportunities is unmatched,” said Tom Nassif, president and CEO of Western Growers. “He has already left a tremendous legacy as someone who shoulders the responsibility of igniting change that advances the industry as a whole.”
Patricio is being recognized for his immeasurable leadership and contribution to the agricultural industry, making significant advancements in food safety and the protection of public health. Steve led the creation of the first-ever mandatory food safety compliance program for the California cantaloupe industry, as well as helped raise millions of dollars to fund research geared toward preventing foodborne illness. He also played an integral role in the establishment of the California and Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreements, which today have become the model for produce safety and accountability.
“When you look at the success of California agriculture, Steve is a true representative of why the ag community is as successful as it is today,” said Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, executive director of the Center for Produce Safety. “He truly embodies passion and proactivity, and his commitment to food safety to benefit both the consumer and industry is unlike any other.”
Patricio’s tenacity does not just stop at food safety. Patricio has spent countless hours throughout his 45-year tenure in the industry advocating for a sustainable supply of water for farmers to grow the food that feeds the state, nation and world. He has taken every opportunity, as he did when he was asked to join former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the San Luis Reservoir, to call attention to the need for more surface water storage and stress the need for a comprehensive water solution. Furthermore, Patricio launched the industry’s first orientation program for agribusinesses that focused exclusively on water rights.
“Steve has one of the brightest minds and quickest wit in the industry,” said Bob Gray, past chairman of Western Growers and former president/CEO of California Ag Leadership Foundation. “He is a contributor of substance, and the expertise and competence he has brought regarding food safety and water has made major impacts for the industry.”
A Los Banos-native, Patricio is deeply involved in the community and industry. He has served as chairman for Western Growers, Center for Produce Safety, California Cantaloupe Advisory Board and Monrovia Nursery Company. He has also held leadership positions at Western Growers Assurance Trust, Monsanto Vegetable Seeds Advisory Council and the Produce Marketing Association.
“I was speechless when I found out I was selected for this award,” said Patricio. “I never thought that, in the end of it all, I would be a farmer or involved in this honorable and wonderful world that I am so engaged in today. I often tell youth that your career chooses you, and because I followed the path life decided to take me on, I am proud to say that I am a farmer. I couldn’t imagine being in any other industry.”
Patricio’s accomplishments and passion for shaping the ag industry will be recognized at the Award of Honor Dinner Gala at the Western Growers Annual Meeting on October 30, 2018, in Palm Desert, California. There, Patricio will be honored by his peers, friends and family. To attend the ceremony, visit http://www.wgannualmeeting.com/.
There are numerous challenges when it comes to weighing animals. They may move about a lot or get nervous, agitated or anxious making it very difficult to weigh them accurately using the standard or conventional scales. This is where livestock scales come in handy. They weigh the animals with high accuracy and precision while overcoming the usual challenges.
They are designed with weight average and have options that allow you to make sure that accurate measurement is obtained regardless of whether the animal was restless while on the machine or it was patient.
5 Tips to Keep in Mind
Choosing the right livestock scale
The first step would be to identify your needs and determine what exactly you need from the livestock scales. Do you want to track the growth of the livestock by accessing the amount of feed provided to them and their weight gain or do you want to maximize your profits? There is no right or wrong way to choose the livestock scales. Your purchase decision must be based on your management goals, usage, kind of livestock you have, weighing goals, location and type of setup. Once you cross out all the questions, you can determine which scale would be the best choice for you.
Determining Weighing Setup
You can either choose between a permanent livestock scale or portable ones for weighing the livestock. A permanent scale weighing system is quite sturdy and reliable, and the load bars would be encased in concrete for safety. You will have to move the livestock near the setup in order to weigh them.
On the other hand, portable scales would be ideal for weighing livestock at multiple locations. You can move the scale to different environments, thus increasing efficiency and productivity.
If you use electronic scales that require AC power, then ensure that you place them strategically with an access to a dry and safe power outlet. The wire lengths should be minimum for safety reasons.
Use a Stable Weighing Surface
Balance is extremely essential while weighing. You must have a stable surface while weighing the livestock. If the surface is unstable, it will cause weighing inaccuracies and it will be dangerous for the livestock moving in and out of the scales. There is no need to level and flat the surface totally but ensure that it is firm enough to hold and balance the livestock when they are being weighed.
Check for Interferences
Weighing scales are sensitive to interferences and cattle scales are no exception. You must keep the weighing platform free of obstructions like rocks, sticks and livestock manure as they will cause false readings on the scale.
The load cells are situated below the weighing platform, so ensure that the cables running out of them are free of snags, twists or possible tangling with operating personnel or livestock. If there are any coiled cables, keep them out of reach to prevent accidental tangling and resulting discrepancies in the livestock scale readings.
Minimize Stress and Livestock Shrinking
Moving your livestock through different locations causes them to stress and leads to a phenomenon known as ‘shrinking’. This term refers to a weight loss in animals. You can minimize this problem by using portable scales. Moreover, it will minimize losses as well.
You can keep a side table with all the necessary apparatus and accessories near the weighing chute to further lower the stress for animals as the amount of time they would need to spend on the scale platform would be drastically reduced.
Evaluating these tips before weighing and measuring livestock will help minimize chute time. Additionally, you can collect accurate date which you can implement to improve efficiencies.
Kevin Hill
Author Bio:
Kevin Hill heads the marketing efforts at Quality Scales Unlimited in Byron, CA. Besides his day job, he loves to write about the different types of scales and their importance in various industries. He also writes about how to care for and get optimized performance from different scales in different situations. He enjoys spending time with family and going on camping trips.
Field Day Covers Pesticide Rules, Alfalfa Pest & Field Management
University of California extension advisors and a county official will update farmers about the latest trends in alfalfa field and pest management and pesticide regulations during a Tuesday, July 31 field day in Firebaugh.
Open to all growers and pest control advisors, the free field day will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Firebaugh-Mendota United Methodist Church, 1660 O Street, Firebaugh. Featured speakers are:
Lynn M. Sosnoskie, agronomy and weed science advisor, for the University of California Cooperative Extension in Merced and Madera counties, who will discuss weed control in alfalfa and the chemical, cultural and biological factors that can affect success and failure.
Tom Casey, pest control operations official for the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, who will cover current pesticide use and regulations.
Nicolas Clark, agronomy and nutrient management advisor at UCCE Kings, Tulare and Fresno counties, who will offer tips about insect pest management in San Joaquin Valley alfalfa hay.
Continuing education credits have been approved and include one hour of regulations.The field day is sponsored by the San Joaquin Sustainable Farming Project, which provides farmers with valuable strategies to improve yields while becoming better environmental stewards in today’s challenging economic and regulatory climate.
SJSFP is a state- and federally funded program under the direction of the Sustainable Cotton Project, a California nonprofit that has worked with Valley growers to produce environmentally friendly Cleaner Cotton™ for the consumer market.Funding for this project has been provided through an agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Clean Water Act Section 319.For more information about the field day, contact Project Director Marcia Gibbs at (530) 370-5325.
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) recently launched its new website. The redesigned site includes easy access to the foundation’s latest news, upcoming events, alumni testimonials, information about current classes and ways to support Ag Leadership.
The website is also home to resources for alumni, current fellows and their families, potential candidates and Ag Leadership supporters. Resources include a way to connect with fellow alumni, a CALF merchandise shop, online giving options and information about applying to the program.
“Our goal for the redeveloped website is to make it easier for alumni, fellows and supporters to efficiently access all the information they need about Ag Leadership in one place,” said CALF President Barry Bedwell (Class 13).
Additional features include alumni spotlights and national and international seminar travel journals. The foundation’s quarterly magazine, Horizons and monthly eblast, InTouch, are also available for viewing on the website. The family portal makes important resources regarding Ag Leadership’s programs, staff and FAQs easily accessible.
“We’re excited to launch our new site and hope it will help us share all the good news and accomplishments of Ag Leadership’s alumni and fellows,” said Bedwell.
–By Matthew Malcolm, Assistant Editor (Copyright June 2018 issue of American Vineyard Magazine)
After 18 years of dedicated service to the California wine industry through Allied Grape Growers (AGG), Nat DiBuduo recently announced his retirement as President and CEO of AGG, effective June 29th. Vice-President of AGG, Jeff Bitter will officially take the reins as President and CEO on July 1, 2018, just prior to their annual meetings in the Central Valley and the North Coast.
Nat has been working in the California grape industry since childhood – Photo by Matthew Malcolm, American Vineyard Magazine
Raised in the Grape Industry
Nat DiBuduo’s experience in the California grape industry started off as a boy on a vineyard that has since been redeveloped as the Copper River Country Club in Fresno. But the DiBuduo legacy in the grape industry began even further back to when both sets of his grandparents came from Bari, Italy as migrant farmworkers and settled in the Central Valley.
“My grandpa Mauro DiBuduo started farming with his two sons, Nat DiBuduo (my dad) and Angelo DiBuduo, and he developed their own label “Valley Pride” out in the Sanger area, farming wine, raisin and table grapes and stone fruit early on,” DiBuduo shared. “My other grandfather Dominic Papagni was a salt of the earth farmworker.”
“I grew up working summers on the family farm in Sanger,” DiBuduo continued. “When I was 12, dad eventually broke away from the main family farm, as it was not sufficient to provide for three growing families, and went to work for his Uncle Demetrio Papagni and his cousin Angelo Papagni on their vineyard operations. Dad ran their farming operations as general manager. We moved to what is now known as the Copper River Country Club, which used to be the Papagni’s home base ranch where they grew varieties like Alicante Bouschet, Grenache, Thompson Seedless, Zinfandel, etc.…”
Young DiBuduo would work there with his dad after school, on weekends, and throughout the summers. He worked in the packinghouse and with the field crews, thinning grapes/vines among other typical duties.
Eventually, DiBuduo attended college at Fresno State and graduated with a degree in Plant Science with an emphasis on viticulture, all the while continuing his work with his dad and the Papagnis. DiBuduo enjoyed learning from some of his greatest mentors in his early years – his college professor Vince Petrucci, Nat DiBuduo Sr. and Angelo Papagni.
About a year before graduating, DiBuduo married his wife, Marilyn in 1972, who also had a year left of school at the time. She was a criminology law enforcement major and came from an almond farming family in Easton. DiBuduo also took some business administration classes while at Fresno State, not knowing at the time what an important role that would play in his career.
After graduating, DiBuduo continued working for Papagni Fruit Company until 1984. He was in charge of the Madera County vineyards and served as the Papagni’s PCA. The Papagnis established a winery in the mid-70s, and wanted to enhance their wines with some new varietals. So DiBuduo was charged with developing some of their new vineyards and planting their first Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Petit Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, etc.… all very new varieties to the Central Valley.
“It was a great time and experience for me,” DiBuduo reflected. “My father was a great mentor, who taught me the in’s and outs of growing grapes. And for Angelo Papagni at that time to want to plant those new wine grape varieties in the valley – he had some great foresight in doing so, because no one else was doing that at the time; and the Papagnis are still producing great wines today.”
After college, DiBuduo’s brother Jerry also went to work for Papagnis. But in 1978, Angelo and DiBuduo’s father gave them an opportunity to learn something new and earn some extra money, by starting a farm management company – DiBuduo Land Management (DLM). “We expanded our farm management operations, and my brother continues to do a great job with that today,” he said.
Moving On
But there comes a time for a change, and in 1984, DiBuduo was ready to try something new. DiBuduo was offered an opportunity to work for a company called Professional Ag Management as Vice President of Operations, which was a chemical company converting to an information management company. This company was one of the early pioneers of Ag IT, and DiBuduo was excited to work with them, as they were ‘light-years ahead’ of everyone else he had encountered at the time. “They were hiring scouts to go out and check fields for water stress, pest information, and other data to provide growers with an all around picture of how their fields were doing and how effective their spray programs were,” he explained. “We marketed these services to the large farming operations; but again, this new technology was very pricy and far ahead of its time, so it eventually closed up in 1989.”
DiBuduo learned a lot from his time there, and continued on in the business by doing his own individual consulting for a while, under DiBuduo Agri-Resource Services. In 1994, he went to work for Capital Ag Property Services, where he managed as much as 22,000 acres of assets. These properties ranged from the North Coast wine industry to vegetable crops in Salinas and Yuma, and Bermuda grass in Brawley – it was very diverse. “I stayed there until the job at AGG became available,” he said. “When the opportunity came up to get back into grapes fulltime, which was where my heart was, I jumped right into Barry Bedwell’s former position as President of AGG in 2000.”
AGG Membership represents about 10% of California’s non-related party wine grape crush – Photo by Matthew Malcolm
Leading the Grape Industry
“It has been an interesting run these 18 years, seeing the fluctuation in prices and popularity of different varieties, as well as the adaptation of the industry to changing political and environmental conditions,” DiBuduo expressed. Within AGG, DiBuduo has witnessed many changes as well since the year 2000, including growth in membership and in their tonnage. AGG makes up about 250,000 tons of the California grape industry.
“Also, the word quality means a whole lot more to our industry today than it did 18 years ago,” he said. “The quality of our growers and staff has increased over the years. We’ve worked with our growers to improve their quality, looking at cultural practices and fertility. Our field reps go around all year long to ensure the quality that justifies the higher prices we are asking for, and I think the coordination between the winery and the grower has improved overtime.”
Quality really has been based upon the expectation between the grower and the winery, and that varies in different areas. “Our membership is very diversified, as we have growers that produce two tons per acre at sold for $8,000/acre and then we have growers that produce 30 tons per acre for $300/ton,” he explained. “I’ve had to take good care of the interests of both ends of the spectrum and in between. Over the years, we have lost some Thompson Seedless growers, and we have gained growers of other varietals in different regions.”
The Tide is Turning
“One of my greatest challenges in recent years was back in 2015, when we had to tell growers that if their vineyards were not economically sustainable, then they probably should reevaluate what they were doing and consider pulling them out and planting something else,” he said. “I didn’t tell them this in order to maintain pricing in the industry; I told them this because I didn’t want them to lose their farming estates. I didn’t want to give them any false hopes if they were going to continue losing money.”
Far too many good veteran growers have been lost these last few years, particularly in the Central Valley due to tough economic and legislative pressures. But the tide is turning, at least economically; and DiBuduo is very optimistic of the future for Central Valley wine growers and the California wine industry as a whole. “I really feel like the Central Valley wine industry is on its way back and has a good future ahead,” DiBuduo stated. “I think we’ve pulled out enough grapes that the bleeding has stopped. I think the wineries understand that the Central Valley is the heart and soul of the wine industry. If you look at the bulk of the wine consumed by the American public, it is still coming from the Central Valley.”
The Team at Allied Grape Growers
“So my departure shouldn’t be anything but positive,” he added. “I’m not retiring to get out of a bad situation. In fact, the industry is in great hands. One of the things I am most proud of is the team we’ve established at Allied Grape Growers. My successor Jeff Bitter is a great leader and is ready to take the reins. He’s been at AGG even longer than I have – 21 years; and we’ve built a great support team for him, field staff that knows how to market the crop, and provide great representation for our growers. We’ve added additional representation in the North Coast and in Lodi. Many of them are young and have many energetic years to serve the industry well into the future.”
At the age of 68, DiBuduo retires with deep gratitude, not only from AGG, but also the entire California grape industry and local communities. DiBuduo has a lifetime of great achievements and involvement in many agricultural groups and organizations. DiBuduo has held a California Pest Control Advisor’s License; a Qualified Applicator’s License and currently holds a salesman’s license from the California Department of Real Estate. Nat is a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program Class VI. Nat is an Accredited Farm Manager AFM with the nationally recognized American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers. DiBuduo has developed, grown, harvested and/or marketed over 40 different varieties of grapes from A to Z – that’s Alicante Bouschet to Zinfandel.
The California Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers awarded DiBuduo the 2018 California Distinguished Agriculturalist of the Year. In October 2014, He was given the “2014 Profiles in Leadership Award” by the Agriculture Leadership Foundation. In January 2012, the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) recognized DiBuduo as CAWG Leader of the Year. Recognized for his many accomplishments and contributions in the State, Fresno County and City of Fresno, DiBuduo was appointed to the CSU Fresno’s Foundation Board of Governors.
He currently sits on many Boards including Past Chairman of the CDFA PD/GWSS Board, Friends of Fresno Fair, City of Fresno Mayor’s Advisor Committee to name a few. Through his leadership, the AGG team was awarded the San Joaquin Valley Agribusiness of the Year by Baker Petersen & Franklin in 2011. In 2007, DiBuduo was name Agriculturalist of the Year by the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce and was named CSU Fresno’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year at the 2008 Top Dog Awards. DiBuduo and his wife, Marilyn will have been married 46 years and have three children and their spouses’ and five grandchildren.
Nat & Marilyn DiBuduo with their Grandchildren
“True, I’ve been very active and vocal in the industry,” DiBuduo shared. “I guess it all started when I was student body Vice-President at Fresno State and went through the Ag leadership program. Serving at AGG has been the pinnacle of my career. My previous roles in farm management, independent consulting and vineyard development positioned me to understand the challenges facing California grape growers, and equipped me with the desire and ability to make a difference. Some may think I’m over-involved; but this is something that I am committed to. So although I’m retiring from AGG, I still plan on being involved in the industry and in my community.”
Editor’s Note: Click Here for a video tribute to Nat DiBuduo, as shared at the 2018 Allied Grape Growers Annual Meeting.
Forecast estimated at 2.45 billion pounds for the 2018 California almond crop
MODESTO, Calif. – Despite concerns earlier in the year about freezing weather during almond bloom, careful management by California farmers and newer orchards coming into production have resulted in a record-breaking crop according to the 2018 Almond Objective Measurement Report. This confirms earlier predictions from the 2018 Almond Subjective Forecast released in May.
Published today by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service – Pacific Regional Office (NASS/PRO), the Objective Report is the official industry crop estimate. The report finds that the 2018 crop estimate is up 7.9% from the 2017 crop production of 2.27 billion pounds.
“2018 looks to be a milestone year for California almonds with over one million almond-bearing acres now in California,” said Holly King, chair, Almond Board of California (ABC) and Kern County almond grower. “However, it is not just about the number of acres, it’s also about growing more almonds per acre. As we have grown in size, we have continued to find ways to grow almonds more efficiently, using fewer resources and leaving a smaller footprint per nut.”
The California almond community, through ABC, has invested nearly $70 million over more than 40 years to build a foundation of research on improving how almonds are grown, processed and consumed. This culture of continuous improvement brings benefits to local communities and the environment while helping farmers be responsible stewards of the land.
Today’s Objective Report follows the Subjective Forecast, which provides an early estimate of the coming crop after it has set on the trees. The Objective Report collects data later in the growing season, closer to harvest, and is based on an actual count of nuts on the trees. This year’s Objective Report projects an almond crop up 6.5% from the May forecast of 2.30 billion pounds.
“California is home to the world’s most efficient almond farmers, who produce more than 80 percent of the world’s supply,” said Richard Waycott, president and CEO, ABC. “The California almond community continues to meet the steadily growing demand for almonds, supporting healthy and diverse diets around the globe.”
Per the Objective Report, the average nut set per tree is 5,677, down 0.6% from the 2017 almond crop. The Nonpareil average nut set is 4,924, down 13.9% from last year’s set. The average kernel weight for all varieties sampled was 1.54 grams, down 1.9% compared to the 2017 average weight of 1.57 grams.
Fresno, CA – California’s table grape growers recently awarded scholarships to eight students in grape-growing regions of the state. All recipients will be attending California universities or colleges.
Five field worker scholarships were awarded in 2018: two $3,500 two-year scholarships to community colleges, and three $20,000 four-year field worker scholarships. Three $20,000 four-year agricultural scholarships were also awarded in 2018.
Since 1985, the California Table Grape Commission (commission) has awarded scholarships to children of table grape field workers. More than 130 students have received scholarships to attend vocational schools, community colleges, and California universities.
Eight years ago, the commission created a new scholarship program, one designed to encourage those who want to study and work in the agriculture industry with an emphasis in the table grape industry. To date the program has helped 24 students attend four-year California universities.
Here are the 2018 scholarship recipients:
$3,500 Two-year Field Worker Scholarships
Ms. Yaritzi Mariscal is a graduate of Shafter High School. Yaritzi plans to attend Bakersfield College and pursue a career in nursing. Yaritzi is the first in her family to attend college and is an honor roll student and winner of the principal’s award.
Ms. Luisa Perez Rodriguez is a graduate of Robert F. Kennedy High School in Delano. Luisa plans to attend Bakersfield College and pursue a career in radiological technology. Luisa is a four-year honor roll student, a four-year member of the soccer team, two-year member of the softball team, and is active in both school and church clubs.
$20,000 Four-year Field Worker Scholarships
Ms. Rosalinda Valenzuela is a graduate of McFarland High School. Rosalinda will graduate with a 4.38 weighted GPA and will attend UC San Diego and pursue a career as a mechanical engineer. Rosalinda is the vice president of the leadership class, president of the engineering club, a member of the softball team, and captain of the school golf team.
Ms. Marisleysis Valdez is graduating from Robert F. Kennedy High School in Delano. Marisleysis plans to attend California State University Bakersfield where she will major in finance with a career goal of becoming a financial manager in the table grape industry. Marisleysis graduates with a weighted 4.30 GPA and is a four-year honor roll student who also tutors other students.
Ms. Aime Alarcon is the class valedictorian, the student body president, and a member of the water polo and swim teams at Harmony Magnet Academy in Strathmore. Aime will graduate with a weighted GPA of 4.34 and plans to attend the University of Southern California with a career goal of becoming a superintendent of schools.
$20,000 Four-year Agricultural Scholarships
Ms. Lindsey Swall is a graduate of Mission Oak High School in Tulare. Lindsay is the class valedictorian and will graduate with a 4.2 weighted GPA. Lindsay has been involved with Future Farmers of America (FFA) in leadership roles and in competitions. Lindsay will attend Fresno State and has a career goal of becoming a horticulturalist.
Mr. Brenden Wilson is a graduate of Kingsburg High school with a weighted GPA of 3.97. Brenden is a four-year member of FFA, and a member of the school basketball and track teams. Brenden will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a career goal of applying mechanical technology to reduce physical labor in the fields.
Ms. Leslie Herrera is a graduate of Wonderful College Prep Academy in Delano. Leslie will graduate with a 4.33 weighted GPA. Leslie is a member of FFA, the senior class president, captain of the soccer team, and member of the softball team. Leslie will attend UC Davis with a career goal of becoming a human resource manager for an agricultural firm.
When it comes to groundwater in the Central Valley, there have been many articles lately telling part of the story but very few telling the whole story. Those articles criticize communities and farmers for pumping groundwater to supply water to their residents and to irrigate their farms. Most of the articles place the blame for groundwater pumping squarely on the shoulders of farmers and urban water users. This is only part of the story. Urban and rural communities have increased their pumping of groundwater due to 25+ years of federal and state policies that have curtailed surface water deliveries. The management of the water system has caused water users to turn more often to groundwater to compensate for the surface water shortages. And, the government is failing to operate the system as it was originally intended. Predictably, Westlands has a challenge to get the media to tell the whole story, but we will continue our efforts. We will tell the whole story about groundwater and the failure of government to develop policies that meet the water supply and environmental objectives. When we explain the current problem, we will talk about the history of the Central Valley Project (CVP), the failure of government policies, and the ramifications of those failed policies. Here’s the rest of the story. Back in the 1930’s, both Congress and California State government recognized the need to develop the CVP to increase surface water supply to serve a “multitude” of purposes, including to remediate groundwater overdraft.
“Initial features of the project were built primarily to protect the Central Valley from crippling water shortages and menacing floods, but the CVP also improves Sacramento River navigation, supplies domestic and industrial water, generates electric power, conserves fish and wildlife, creates opportunities for recreation, and enhances water quality.” https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvp/about-cvp.html Despite the original purposes, regulatory decisions along the way have systematically curtailed surface water deliveries and harmed those who built their farms and businesses around the assurances provided by the government through the construction of the CVP. The graph below clearly illustrates the correlation between the curtailment of surface water supplies and the inevitable increased reliance on groundwater.
More Groundwater Has Been Used in Recent Years to Offset Lost Surface Water Supplies
The story doesn’t end with government failing to deliver adequate quantities of surface water. Another part of the story that is often left out of news articles is the government’s rationale for withholding water supply. For decades, government policies focused on CVP pumping as the primary cause of the decline of fish populations. Now the rest of the story is being told. Federal and state officials, as well as academic experts, now recognize the many factors that are causing the decline in the fish population. With that major admission, Westlands and others are requesting that government fulfill its CVP obligations by restoring the delivery of surface water to the farms and communities that depend on CVP water. There is a tremendous amount of fresh water that could be delivered to communities, without causing the decline of fish populations, but instead is left to flow to the ocean. Our Water Supply Update shows that California sent almost 260 billion gallons of water out to the ocean in May – some of which could have been pumped for people, cities, and farms and other areas to replenish the state’s aquifers. As the debate over groundwater continues, Westlands will continue to tell the rest of the story and confront misinformation and incomplete explanations of water supply issues that currently serve as the basis for failed federal and state policies.
A trio of University of California extension and farm advisors will offer tips and provide the latest developments in cotton across in the San Joaquin Valley during a Tuesday, July 24 field day in Mendota. Open to all growers and pest control advisors, the free event starts at 9:30a.m. at Pik-A-Lok Farms on Bass Avenue in Mendota. Featured speakers are:
SJSFP is a state and federally funded program under the direction of the 
Western Growers will honor Stephen (Steve) Patricio, who’s visionary leadership has advanced the agricultural industry by leaps and bounds, with the 2018 Award of Honor. The Award of Honor is Western Growers’ highest recognition of industry achievement and is given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community.
Ms. Yaritzi Mariscal is a graduate of Shafter High School. Yaritzi plans to attend Bakersfield College and pursue a career in nursing. Yaritzi is the first in her family to attend college and is an honor roll student and winner of the principal’s award.
Ms. Luisa Perez Rodriguez is a graduate of Robert F. Kennedy High School in Delano. Luisa plans to attend Bakersfield College and pursue a career in radiological technology. Luisa is a four-year honor roll student, a four-year member of the soccer team, two-year member of the softball team, and is active in both school and church clubs.
Ms. Rosalinda Valenzuela is a graduate of McFarland High School. Rosalinda will graduate with a 4.38 weighted GPA and will attend UC San Diego and pursue a career as a mechanical engineer. Rosalinda is the vice president of the leadership class, president of the engineering club, a member of the softball team, and captain of the school golf team.
Ms. Marisleysis Valdez is graduating from Robert F. Kennedy High School in Delano. Marisleysis plans to attend California State University Bakersfield where she will major in finance with a career goal of becoming a financial manager in the table grape industry. Marisleysis graduates with a weighted 4.30 GPA and is a four-year honor roll student who also tutors other students.
Ms. Aime Alarcon is the class valedictorian, the student body president, and a member of the water polo and swim teams at Harmony Magnet Academy in Strathmore. Aime will graduate with a weighted GPA of 4.34 and plans to attend the University of Southern California with a career goal of becoming a superintendent of schools.
Ms. Lindsey Swall is a graduate of Mission Oak High School in Tulare. Lindsay is the class valedictorian and will graduate with a 4.2 weighted GPA. Lindsay has been involved with Future Farmers of America (FFA) in leadership roles and in competitions. Lindsay will attend Fresno State and has a career goal of becoming a horticulturalist.
Mr. Brenden Wilson is a graduate of Kingsburg High school with a weighted GPA of 3.97. Brenden is a four-year member of FFA, and a member of the school basketball and track teams. Brenden will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a career goal of applying mechanical technology to reduce physical labor in the fields.
Ms. Leslie Herrera is a graduate of Wonderful College Prep Academy in Delano. Leslie will graduate with a 4.33 weighted GPA. Leslie is a member of FFA, the senior class president, captain of the soccer team, and member of the softball team. Leslie will attend UC Davis with a career goal of becoming a human resource manager for an agricultural firm.