California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Fresno State Appoints Esqueda To Lead Water And Sustainability

    Fresno, Calif., (April 2, 2018) – In its quest to solidify its reputation as a national leader in applied research on water, Fresno State has appointed Thomas C. Esqueda as its first associate vice president in Water and Sustainability. Esqueda is a native of the Central Valley.

    “Thomas Esqueda brings a wealth of water experience in private industries, local and state government and higher education,” said Fresno State Provost Lynnette Zelezny. “A high-energy leader, he is eager to champion our quest to be ‘the Water University.’”

    Partnering with industry and government agencies, Fresno State incorporates new technologies—satellite, infrared and computer—into its applied water research. Faculty, students and staff study water quality, conservation, delivery systems, supply development, recycling and drought-tolerant crops. The campus houses the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT), the International Center for Water Technology (ICWT) and the Water and Energy Technology (WET) Center. The University also is a partner in Blue Tech Valley – an ambitious initiative to create a Silicon Valley-like hub of water research and development.

    “Fresno State is at the heart of the most important agricultural region in the nation, and is committed to positively addressing water and agricultural issues,” said President Joseph I. Castro. “The challenges that we’re facing in those areas are increasingly formidable, and it is more important than ever that we align our academic resources with the needs of California’s Central Valley.”

    Under the general supervision of the provost, Esqueda will lead the University’s efforts in developing, institutionalizing and strengthening water and sustainability programs across the campus and in the community. In addition, he will assist in coordinating established academic, research and outreach activities that address critical agricultural, urban and environmental water and sustainability issues in the Central Valley.

    The AVP will also provide leadership for building and enhancing strategic partnerships with stakeholders including federal, state and local agencies; various groups within the water industry; and business leaders, community groups and regional organizations dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability.

    Esqueda currently serves as the director of Public Utilities for the City of Fresno, where he leads a team of 580 employees to provide water, wastewater, solid-waste and utility-billing services for 525,000 residents inside and outside the city’s municipal-corporate limits.

    “Throughout my 29-year career, I have worked with communities around the country to solve water challenges, and this opportunity to combine my experience with the commitment and passion of the Fresno State community is an ideal match,” said Esqueda.

    During his 29-year professional career, Esqueda managed water-related programs and projects for four of the largest consulting firms in the United States including Black & Veatch, CH2MHILL, Camp, Dresser & McKee, and Brown and Caldwell. His public-sector experience also includes four years as the director of Environmental Services for Wake County Government in Raleigh, North Carolina, and two terms as a commissioner for the State of North Carolina Sediment Control Commission.

    Esqueda was born in Sanger, CA; raised in South San Francisco; and graduated from San José State University with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering and a minor in humanities.

     

  • CDFA Announces Grant Funding Available For The 2018 Alternative Manure Management Program

    Sacramento, Calif., (March 30, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for the 2018 Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP).

    The AMMP is one of two programs designed by CDFA to reduce dairy and livestock greenhouse gas emissions. The program will provide $19-33 million in grants to California dairy and livestock operators to implement non-digester manure management practices that reduce methane emissions.

    Applicants must access the 2018 Request for Grant Applications at www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/ammp/  for detailed program requirements and application instructions.

    CDFA has partnered with the State Water Resources Control Board to utilize its online application site, the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST).  All prospective applicants must register for a FAAST account at https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov to apply. Applications and all supporting information must be submitted electronically using FAAST by Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. PDT.

    CDFA will present three workshops and two webinars on the 2018 AMMP competitive solicitation process. Workshops and webinars will feature an overview of the program and requirements, a review of the application questions, a live demonstration of the online application system and more.  There is no cost to attend the workshops; however, space is limited and CDFA request that attendees register in advance. To register, email grants@cdfa.ca.gov with your name and contact information, the workshop you would like to attend, and the number of seats required.

    Workshops and webinars will be held at these locations on the following dates:

    • Eureka – Monday, April 9, 2018 – 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Humboldt County Agricultural Building, 5630 South Broadway Street, Eureka, CA 95501
    • Santa Rosa – Tuesday, April 10, 2018 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner – 133 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 110, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
    • Modesto – Monday, April 16, 2018 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Stanislaus County Agricultural Building – 3800 Cornucopia Way, Suite B, Modesto, CA 95358
    • This meeting will also be available as a webinar for remote attendees.
      Webinar – Tuesday, April 17, 2018 – 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

    To register for the two webinars, please visit the program webpage at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/ammp/.

    All prospective applicants should access the AMMP webpage (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/ammp/ ) for information regarding additional, free-of-charge technical assistance conducted by non-profit organizations, Resource Conservation Districts and California academic institutions to assist in the submission of AMMP applications.

    Prospective applicants may contact CDFA’s Grants Office at grants@cdfa.ca.gov with general program questions.

    The Alternative Manure Management Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap and Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.  The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution.  California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more.  At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California.  For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at:  www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (March 30, 2018) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that Corn is still being planted as weather and soil conditions allow. Winter wheat and oats are enjoying the latest rains, growth is excellent. Ground preparation is continuing for spring row crops. Overall last week’s rainfall was beneficial to field crops.

    Vineyards continue to be pruned and tied. Stone fruit orchards are continuing to bloom and leaf out. Almond and stone fruit trees are blooming and leafing-out. Soil leveling continues in some fields in preparation for new plantings. Bee apiaries remain in almond and stone fruit orchards. Pomegranate and walnut orchards continue to be pruned. Pomegranates are starting to leaf-out. Pistachios are being exported to Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Lithuania, Spain, and Turkey. Almonds are being shipped to Barbados, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, and the United Kingdom.

    Navel oranges, Mandarins, and lemons continue to be harvested, but at a slower rate. The harvest of late variety navel oranges continues, and fruit are showing some grading issues. The extent of freeze damage to citrus fruit is still being determined. Some hedge-rowing and skirting of orange groves continues to be preformed. Navel oranges are being exported to Australia, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, and Taiwan. Mandarins are being picked and shipped to Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand. Seedless tangerine groves continue to be netted in preparation for the coming bloom. Lemons are being exported to Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea. Minneola tangelos continue to be shipped to Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands. Some citrus trees are being planted. Some olive groves continue to be pruned.

    Squash and cucumber seedlings continue to grow under hot-caps and hot-tunnels. Greenhouse vegetables continue to be harvested. Strawberry and plantings are progressing well and maturing. This week’s warm, dry weather will be a benefit. Greenhouse blueberries were exported to Taiwan.

    Last week’s rain was boost for rangeland quality. The fed cattle market held steady at $127.00 per hundred weight this week.

    Retail nurseries are stocked up on both perennial and annual plants for the spring season. Bare-root roses are being received and processed for reshipment to various U.S. states, Canada, France, Japan, and Korea. Some mature olive trees are being dug for landscape purposes.

    Citrus Bloom has been declared to start in District 1 beginning at 1:00 a.m. Saturday morning, March 31,2018.

  • Nuts for Calories!

    Beltsville, Maryland, (March 30, 2018) – Not all of nuts’ calories are taken up by the human body; on some of them, the body gets a free pass, according to studies by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists.

    ARS scientists have shown that some tree nuts, such as pistachios, actually have fewer calories than previously thought by improving the method used for estimating calories.

    Physiologists David Baer and Janet Novotny, with ARS’s Food Components and Health Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, recently looked at how many of an almond’s, walnut’s, and pistachio’s calories can actually be used by the human body rather than how many calories are in each nut.

    For example, while an ounce of almonds has approximately 160 calories, not all of those calories may be available to be used by the human body. When food is eaten, it is broken down into its nutritional components, and its calories are burned for energy. However, just because nutrients are present doesn’t mean the body will readily use them. This is the concept of “bioavailability.”

    Many factors beyond a food’s basic composition can influence the bioavailability of its calories. With nuts, that includes whether they are raw, roasted, or ground, and even how well they are chewed.

    Nutrition is an integral component of one’s lifestyle—either in a positive or negative way. Over the years, nutrition science has become more sophisticated, and research by ARS scientists is showing that counting calories isn’t always as simple as it may seem.

    In their studies, Baer and Novotny found the calorie uptake from pistachios was 22.6 calories per gram, which is 5 percent less than the currently accepted 23.7 calories per gram. An ounce of pistachios has 161.9 calories, but only 153.8 calories are bioavailable. That may not sound like a lot, but a calorie reduction of 5 percent can be quite significant on a daily basis.

    Providing accurate information about metabolizable energy (ME) content-calories-of foods is important for reliable food labeling and has health ramifications, according to Novotny.

    In a study of walnuts, the team found an even greater discrepancy between what is reported on the label and the ME value. They found that a 1-ounce serving of walnuts contained 146 calories, which is 39 calories—21 percent—less than the label, according to Baer.

    Baer and his colleagues also looked at almonds, and here, too, found the trend continued. Almonds were found to have 32 percent fewer calories of ME than what is on the label: 129 calories instead of 168-170 calories.

  • Federal Funding Supports California Water Projects

    Statement by Cannon Michael, Chairman, San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority

    Los Banos, Calif., (March 29, 2018) – In November 2014, California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 1, the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014.  Voters approved this initiative, in large part, because they understood that the future of California depends on building new or enlarged water supply infrastructure, including surface storage projects.  Last week, Congress passed, on a bipartisan basis, H.R. 1625, which included funding for the Shasta Reservoir Enlargement Project, Sites Reservoir, and Temperance Flat Dam.  Members of Congress who advocated for these projects based their support on the same fact; the future of California depends on investing in new or enlarged water supply infrastructure.

    “We are delighted that Congress included in this spending bill money for surface water storage projects,” said Cannon Michael, chairman of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. “This action presents the opportunity for a brighter future for California’s residents, its farms, and the environment,” he said.

    Language in the bill included funding to complete feasibility studies for Sites and Temperance Flat reservoirs as well as $20 million for design and pre-construction work on raising Shasta Dam. “Each one of these projects is needed for the future of California, and each project will provide water for both the environment and people,” Michael said.  “Enlarging Shasta Dam will provide much needed flexibility to protect cold water for salmon that spawn below the Dam and water supplies for cities, refuges and farms throughout large areas of the State.”

    “The flexibility created by increasing Shasta storage is essential for the Bureau of Reclamation to meet its obligations under federal law to operate the Central Valley Project for the benefit of the environment and people,” said Michael.  “This is a goal supported over the years by both Democrats and Republicans, and we appreciate the leadership of members on both sides of the aisle on the critical issue.”

  • Building Named for ‘Father’ Of Fresno State Viticulture And Enology

    Fresno, Calif., (March 29, 2018) – The California State University Trustees approved Tuesday the naming of the Vincent E. Petrucci Viticulture Building at Fresno State, in honor of the late and esteemed professor emeritus of viticulture. The action item was approved by the Committee on Institutional Advancement.

    Among his many accomplishments during his 46-year career, Dr. Petrucci led successful fundraising efforts to support students, faculty and capital projects. Most notably, he raised more than $1.5 million for the viticulture building, which houses state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories, a discipline-specific library to serve students and industry and the Viticulture and Enology Research Center.

    “Dr. Petrucci was Fresno State’s first viticulture professor and played pivotal roles in developing academic programs and robust and collaborative research programs in viticulture and enology,” said Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro. “His extraordinary work transformed the lives of thousands of students at Fresno State and influenced an entire grape-growing and winemaking industry.”

    Dr. Petrucci taught at Fresno State from 1948 to 1993 and helped establish the University’s renowned viticulture and enology program. He was conferred an honorary doctorate of science by the California State University in 1994 before passing away in 2016.

    In 1985, Dr. Petrucci founded the Fresno State Viticulture and Enology Research Center, which includes the Vincent E. Petrucci Library, and he served as its director until his retirement in 1993.

    The Petrucci’s Crush wine, a limited Fresno State Winery edition of a student-produced vintage named in his honor, was introduced in December 2016 at a special release event that included Petrucci, family, friends and alumni, along with the department’s faculty, staff and many students. The wine also commemorated his wife of 69 years, Josephine, who supported him and his career.

    The Petrucci’s Crush is a red wine blend designed by Petrucci and former Fresno State winemaker Matt Brain. The vintage is comprised of area Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot grapes.

    Fresno State served viticulture and enology students since 1948 through several programs before the Department of Viticulture and Enology was established in 2000. Fresno was the first California State University campus to combine research and academic offerings in both disciplines.

    In 1997, Fresno State became the first university in the nation with a winery bonded to market student-produced wines commercially. Program graduates fill leading grape and wine industry positions worldwide.

    “Today, Dr. Petrucci’s name is synonymous with viticulture and enology at Fresno State, and our alumni and industry partners can be found in every corner of the world,” said Dr. Sandra Witte, dean of Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State. “It is a distinct honor to name the viticulture building in his memory, given his many enduring contributions to Fresno State and the San Joaquin Valley.”

    Since his retirement, Dr. Petrucci published numerous papers and books detailing wine and grape growing best practices.

    The V.E. Petrucci Library, which is part of the Henry Madden Library collection, supports and continues his legacy in academics and research in the heart of California’s Central Valley.

    Library resources reflect the diversity of its patron community with materials generated by the Department of Viticulture and Enology in the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology by public and private research institutions and associations, and by other resources released regionally, nationally and globally.

    Among Dr. Petrucci’s many accolades during his career was lifetime service to the wine grape industry in the Valley by the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association in 2009.

    Originally from Escalon in the San Joaquin Valley, Dr. Petrucci earned a bachelor’s degree in pomology in 1947 and a master’s in horticulture in 1948, both from University of California, Davis. He served in the U.S. Naval Air Corps at the end of World War II.

    A naming ceremony of the Vincent E. Petrucci Viticulture Building will be held in the near future.

  • California State Senator to Honor University of California 4-H Program in Mexicali

    Sacramento, Calif., (March 29, 2018) – California State Senator Ben Hueso will honor California and Baja California 4-H with a resolution in the State Senate at 2 p.m. April 2 to recognize the cross-border team that established a 4-H Club in Mexicali, Baja Mexico, in January 2017.

    Last year, UC ANR Vice President Glenda Humiston signed a memorandum of understanding with the Baja California Secretary of Agriculture Development, Manuel Vallodolid Seamanduras, to offer UC’s 4-H expertise to youth south of the border. The agreement increases the academic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation that are part of UC President Janet Napolitano’s Mexico Initiative.

    UC ANR Vice President Glenda Humiston, left, and Baja California Secretary of Agriculture Development Manuel Vallodolid Seamanduras shake hands in January 2017 after signing an agreement to establish a 4-H Club in Mexicali.

    Senator Hueso’s resolution attests to the value of building relationships as a means of cooperative engagement between Mexico and California on shared concerns, such as drought and global climate change. The resolution notes that the creation of a 4-H Club in Mexicali is an inspiring reminder that the need for education doesn’t stop at the border.

    Senator Hueso represents the 40th District, which includes parts of San Diego County and all of Imperial County, running along the entire border between California and Mexico.

    What: Resolution honoring the establishment of a 4-H Club in Mexicali, Baja Mexico.

    Where: California State Senate, Senate Chambers, Sacramento, CA 95814

    When: 2 p.m., Monday, April 2, 2018

    Who:

    • Manuel Vallodolid Seamaduras, Secretary of Agriculture Development in the State of Baja California, Mexico (Secretaría de Desarrollo Agropecuario del Estado de México – SEDAGRO)
    • Hortencia Medellin Acosta, Director of Rural Entrepreneurship, Mexicali, Baja California
    • Carlos Orozco Riesgo – Member of the UC ANR 4-H Multicultural and Community Engagement Advisory Committee, Former Undersecretary of SEDAGRO
    • Belem Avendaño Ruiz – Director of Inspection, health and safety SEDAGRO
    • Guillermo Gonzalez Rubio – Director, Livestock health department SEDAGRO
    • Agustin Manuel Velazquez Bustamante – Legal Advisor SEDAGRO
    • Mark Bell, Ph.D., Vice provost, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
    • Shannon Horrillo, Ph.D., 4-H Youth Development statewide director
    • Lupita Fabregas, Ph.D., 4-H Youth Development assistant director for diversity and expansion
    • Claudia Diaz Carrasco, 4-H Youth Development advisor, Riverside & San Bernardino, Calif.

    Contact: (English) Jeannette Warnert, UC ANR Strategic Communications, (559) 240-9850, jewarnert@ucanr.edu

    (Spanish) Ricardo Vela, UC News and Information Outreach in Spanish, (951) 660-9887, Ricardo.vela@ucr.edu

  • CA State Fair Announces Olive Oil Competition Awards

    Sacramento, Calif., (March 28, 2018) – As California’s extra virgin olive oil becomes one of state’s fastest growing agricultural industries, the California State Fair awards the best olive oils in the Golden State in the CA State Fair Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition.

    This year, our expert judges were led by Orietta Gianjorio who is an internationally certified sensory evaluator of olive oil and former member of the UC Davis and California Olive Oil Council tasting panels. Together, the judges analyzed and evaluated 189 of the best olive oils grown, processed and bottled right here in California.

    Orietta Gianjorio, Head Judge

    “The purpose of this competition is to promote quality, and find olive oil made with passion and integrity,” said Gianjorio. “I am pleased with the level of professionalism and expertise, as well as the number of outstanding oils we tasted. This really is the Best of California!”

    Double Gold, Gold, Silver & Bronze awards are given based on individual merit. Best of Show, Best of Class and Best of California Awards are given by comparison tasting among eligible entries of 94 points or higher.

    The 2018 Top California State Fair Olive Oil Competition winners are:

    • Best of Show for Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Wild Groves Robust Blend of Newcastle
    Best of Show for Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Wild Groves Robust Blend
    • Best of Show for Flavored Olive Oil:  Sciabica’s California Olive Oil for Basil flavored
    • Double Gold  (99 points):  Frate Sole Olive Oil’s Tuscan Blend
    • Best of California Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Microproducer: Ciarlo Fruit & Nut’s The “Hood”
    • Best of California Artisan Producer: Frate Sole Olive Oil Tuscan Blend
    • Best of California Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Large Producer:  Wild Groves Robust Blend

    You can find the complete list of winners at castatefair.org/california-commercial-extra-virgin-olive-oil/. 

    The top extra virgin olive oil competition winners will be acknowledged on Thursday, June 21, on the west steps of the Capitol. Later that evening, the winning producers will sample their oils at the Best of California Tasting event at Cal Expo, held prior to the California State Fair Gala benefiting The Friends of the State Fair. You can find more information about the Best of California Tasting Event at CA.org/gala.

    The olive oil competition winners will also be presenting during the CA State Fair Taste of California Experience Classes July 13- 29th. Fair guests can learn how to taste, pair, and use the best California olive oils during these classes taught by olive oil experts. Registration for these classes begin in May at CA.org.

    For interviews with the winners of the CA State Fair Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, contact the Media Center at 916-263-3108.

    About the California State Fair: The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology and the diversity of its people, traditions and trends that shape the Golden State’s future. We invite you to join us for the 165th California State Fair, July 13-29, 2018.

  • CDFA to Receive $14.8 million in Farm Bill Funding for Pest Projects

    Sacramento, Calif., (March 27, 2018) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating $14.8 million to California from Section 10007 of the 2014 Farm Bill as part of its effort to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure for pest detection and surveillance, identification, and threat mitigation, and to safeguard the nursery production system. Overall, USDA is providing nearly $70 million in funding this year that will support 494 projects across the country.

    “We are pleased to partner with California to provide critical Farm Bill funds that will put innovative ideas into action and help us overcome our shared invasive pest and disease challenges,” said USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach. “California is a critical partner in protecting U.S. agriculture. These projects will enable California to protect its own resources, and, in doing so, contribute to USDA’s mission of keeping our nation’s agriculture economy healthy and strong.”

    These funds will support projects covering a range of plant health and pest mitigation activities, including the following:

    • $4.3 million to survey for harmful exotic fruit fly populations in the State;
    • $3.5 million to support the activities of California’s agricultural detector dog teamssearching for harmful, exotic plant pests in packages at mail and express parcel delivery facilities;
    • $1.8 million to support National Clean Plant Network foundation plant stocks for citrus, grapes, fruit trees, sweet potato, and roses;
    • $1.7 million to support California’s Emergency Plant Health Response Teams for responding to, delimiting the infestation area, and managing outbreaks of exotic plant pests;
    • $1.3 million for survey activities for plant pests such as Asian defoliator moths, Khapra beetle, and pests harmful to citrus, stone fruit, and palm commodities;
    • $1.1 million to develop or enhance plant pest and disease diagnostic and identification technologies for exotic fruit flies, cyst forming nematodes, downy mildew, and others;
    • $740,000 to develop best management practices for pest and disease mitigation at ornamental nurseries;
    • $260,000 to identify and use predatory insects as biological control tools for the insect pests Bagrada bug and shot hole borer;
    • $80,000 to support improvement of Varroa mite resistant commercial honey bee stocks; and
    • $9,000 for the development of molecular tools for the detection of gall forming nematodes in the family Anguinidae.

    USDA has provided approximately $263 million in Section 10007 funds to support more than 2,200 projects since the 2014 Farm Bill was enacted. Collectively, these projects continue to bolster our country’s safeguarding system while allowing USDA and its partners to quickly detect and rapidly respond to invasive pests and diseases. You can view the FY 2018 spending plans on the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/farmbill.

    APHIS created the Hungry Pests public outreach program to empower Americans with the knowledge they need to leave these “hungry pests” behind. Visit www.aphis.usda.gov/pestsdiseases/hungrypests to learn more about invasive plant pests and diseases impacting your area and how you can help.

  • Western United Dairyman Thanks the Board Members who Served their Full Terms, Retiring at Convention Next Week

    Turlock, Calif., (March 27, 2018) – Mike Zylstra: Mike spent more time at the office than most board members because of his role as treasurer. His dedication to accurate numbers and getting to the bottom of things was exceptional and has greatly served WUD’s members for many years. What he learned throughout his time on the board that surprised him the most is that regardless of geography, size or production practices, dairy families share a common set of values: dedication to family and integrity are paramount. Mike’s dairy, a Holstein herd in the Modesto area, has been in operation for over 35 years. If you ask him how many cows he milks, he will probably answer “too many”. He and his wife of 11 years, Amy, have three sons (9,7, and 5 years old) that he hopes one day may get involved in the family business. Spending time with family and playing outdoor sports (particularly snow skiing) are things he enjoys when he is not busy with cows. His hopes for the California dairy industry? That future generations would be hindered less by government policy.

    Larry Pietrowski: Larry’s family business may have started in Chino in the 50’s but he and his wife of 37 years, Mary, are now located in Madera where they milk 6,000 Holstein. They have four children and are soon to be grandparents for the first time this fall. In his spare time, Larry likes to play hockey. Larry certainly brought an unparalled passion to the board and was never afraid of sharing an opinion. During his time on the board, two things were particularly surprising to him: 1) despite all the talks between groups, the industry is splintered into many factions: producers, processors, and co-ops. But also various groups within those. Regarding the producers, he added that last time he checked “we are all CALIFORNIA producers. It would be nice if those producers remaining would speak with one united voice to achieve what’s best for the producers”. The second thing that surprised him the most was the lack of knowledge our elected representatives (he did note there are a few exceptions) have about our industry: “They do not know the who, what, when and most importantly why we do what we do.” For the sake of family owned dairies and their employee’s families, he hopes the industry can survive the onslaught of regulations, low milk price and return to a profitability. He further hopes the State realizes the value dairy farms bring to the State, community and all our hard working employees. He concluded his term with this statement: “It has been a honor for me to serve as a board member of Western. All the board members, past and present, have displayed great commitment to our organization. They have always put the interest of the California producer first. I believe our staff is the best in the industry”.

    John Goyenetche: John was born on the family dairy in Chino and is still involved on the dairy after it moved to Bakersfield 18 years ago. He has served on the board dutifully for almost all his 30’s. John’s capacity to listen to other people’s opinion with respect and his unwavering positive attitude will certainly be missed. What he learned throughout his time on the board that surprised him the most is the constant challenges facing the industry. He doesn’t think most dairyman realize the issues the board handles on a monthly basis at board meetings. To him, this was motivation as it felt good to be at the forefront of these issues, being aware of what is happening and feeling like you are trying to make a positive impact for your fellow dairymen. Looking back at history and how the industry has evolved the last hundred years, he wonders what the next hundred will look like with ever-increasing regulations and scrutiny. Though it may be hard to stay positive at times, his hopes for the California dairy industry is that legislators and the public alike realize the importance of a sustainable California dairy industry and a safe, local food supply. With that support, he is confident the industry can flourish for years to come. When John is not around cows, he likes to travel and spend time with friends and family over a good meal and drinks. At the end of the day, he says, that’s what life is all about!

    John Oostdam: John’s dedication to the board and fellow dairymen was evident; never complaining about the long trips from his dairy in Southern California to Modesto each month, he was always eager to explore ideas that could benefit the industry. Not a stranger to being involved, he is also a LOL delegate a long term board member of DHIA. Through his involvement he met a lot of good people over the years and realized there are a lot of dairymen out there that want to get involved and do what is best for the industry. Still, one thing he learned throughout his time on the board that surprised him is that there is a lot to this industry. Things have changed from his fathers’ generation and as he reminisced of simpler times where new rules and regulations didn’t bring new impacts to the dairy, he wished all dairymen could get involved so they could understand all the issues that affect them. When he is not thinking about cows, John loves to water ski and go on family trips. Options abound as he has four girls and four grandkids, with one on the way. One daughter is involved on the dairy with her husband. His hopes for the California dairy industry? That the regular average family dairy can survive. He hopes the FMMO can help decreasing the loss of dairies so that consolidation can slow down and smaller producers can also survive.

    Thank you John, John, Larry and Mike for your me and efforts toward the betterment of the California dairy industry!