California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Agricultural Legacy: Past and Future

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (February 14, 2018) – Every February the ag and local community come together to celebrate the legacy of Sonoma County agriculture, mix and mingle with old and new friends, raise money to support the next generation of farmers and, of course, eat delicious crab and drink the best wine in the world made right here in our own backyard. The 29th annual Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest did not disappoint and the Sonoma County Farm Bureau staff has once again outdone themselves. I want to personally thank them for their hard work and congratulate them on this success. What an accomplishment and celebration – we are Sonoma County Ag Strong.

    On Thursday, February 1st, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) held a board meeting and lunch hosted by CDFA Board member, Joy Sterling, at Iron Horse Vineyards. The day started with a tour of the fire impacted areas of Sonoma County and then convened at Iron Horse for lunch and formal presentations about the fires effect on Sonoma County agriculture and local response. Presenters included: Tony Linegar, Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner; Karissa Kruse, President, Sonoma County Winegrowers; Honore Comfort, Wine Business Executive in Residence, Sonoma State University; and Gladys Horiuchi, Director of Media Relations, Wine Institute.

    Presentations focused on fire impacts on agricultural, wine and tourism, messaging and branding post fires and best practices in communication and assessment. The key takeaway was how farmers, first responders, elected officials and our Ag Commissioner’s office worked together through 280 special permits to provide access into evacuation areas for grape harvesting, protection of animals and to water nursery stock. The CDFA Board was appreciative and impressed with the collaboration and efforts of the entire community in Sonoma County and has asked us to share learnings and these best practices for emergency response that can be used throughout the state in the case of future disasters.

    The CDFA Board of Directors made a trip to Sonoma County because of the importance of agriculture to our local economy and community. Our ag industry continues to be relevant today because of the leadership of many farming pioneers who protected and promoted our ag lands for generations.

    In January, we lost one of these pioneers and Ag Leaders, Richard Kunde, who passed away after fighting kidney failure for many years. In 1982, Rich started what would become the largest grapevine nursery in California, Sonoma Grapevines. But he is even better known for his amazing partnership with his late wife, Saralee McClelland Kunde, and their dedication to 4-H, inspiring the next generation of young farmers and donating the use of Richard’s Grove and Saralee’s Vineyard to a multitude of local non-profits.

    They were champions for the community and their home was a backdrop for local giving. They were the original promoters of Sonoma County Agriculture and would be proud today of Sonoma County Ag Strong. For me, Saralee and Richard were friends and mentors, and I truly believe no two individuals have done more for our ag community.

    With the loss of Rich Kunde and many of our other pioneers, it has never been more important for my generation and young farmers to get involved in leadership roles to protect and promote Sonoma County

    Steve Dutton

  • Nearly 1,900 People Show Support for Sonoma County Agriculture by Attending the Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (February 13, 2018) – Selling out in record time, this year’s Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest also hosted more people than ever before. With more than 1,500 guests and nearly 400 volunteers and reception participants, nearly 1,900 people gathered to support local agriculture.

    Julie Atwood and six of her guests enjoy crab, wine and dinner at the 29th Annual Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest of February 3rd. Crab Feed Photography by Will Bucquoy, WB Photography.

    One of the most important parts of the Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest is donations generated for the Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County. These funds support local agriculture education efforts with the majority of the donations going directly back to Sonoma and Marin county students in the form of scholarships.

    Last year 44 students received more than $130,000 to support their education in agricultural related fields at community colleges and four year universities. Sonoma County Farm Bureau strongly believes in investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders to ensure the future of agriculture in the county.

    More than 170 4-H and FFA students volunteered to serve guests at the event, and many of the students who have served in the past went on to receive scholarships from the Farm Bureau Foundation.

    This year, in addition to showcasing students who received scholarships in 2017, Sonoma County Farm Bureau also showcased 18 past recipients who have since graduated from college and gone on to pursue full time careers in agriculture.

    This year’s goal was to raise $75,000 for the Farm Bureau Foundation and the generosity of donors exceeded more than $80,000.

    In addition to raising money for the Farm Bureau Foundation, Sonoma County Farm Bureau sold an additional 19 live auction items to benefit Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s mission to promote and protect agriculture in Sonoma County.

    The top selling item in this year’s auction was a Kawasaki 4×4 Mule donated by Garton Tractor and Kawaski. Thank you to Ralph Grossi for purchasing this item.

    The evening started off with a reception that showcased local food, wine and beer from Sonoma County. Valley Ford Cheese served raclette, a dish made by heating a piece of cheese and scraping off the melted portion.

    Nineteen wineries poured Sonoma County wine to guests, and new this year, three breweries – Bear Republic Brewing Company, St. Florian’s Brewing and Seismic Brewing Company – also poured local beer.

    As always, guests were excited to see if they’d won the diamond or trip raffles which were announced during the live auction. Linda Brugioni, who was the first person to purchase a ticket this year in October, won a set of diamond earrings from E.R. Sawyer Jewelers. William Turner, a Farm Bureau member of more than 30 years, won the trip raffle. Turner has been buying five tickets a year every year and isn’t sure which of the three destinations he wants to go to.

    The magnitude of this year’s event and its tremendous success year after year shows the support and dedication of the community in Sonoma County. Agriculture is critical to our county and Sonoma County Farm Bureau works hard to support the industry through advocacy and education. For more information on the work Sonoma County Farm Bureau does, visit our website: sonomafb.org.

    Sonoma County Farm Bureau would like to thank all the guests as well as the sponsors and volunteers who make the event possible. Sonoma County Farm Bureau is looking forward to the 30th Annual Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest in 2019.

    Written By: Rachel LaFranchi

  • CA FMMO Decision – Don’t Hold Your Breath

    Modesto, Calif., (February 13, 2018) – The final decision for a California Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) was expected sometime before the end of 2017. At least that appeared to be a reasonable timeline for the agency in charge of working on the extensive document since releasing its draft in February 2017. Then the holidays have come and gone with complete radio silence from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Rumors of “any day now” peppered the first few weeks of 2018 in coffee shops throughout the state. Government may not have a reputation for speed, but this seemed to be pushing the limits. Then this week, the Federal Register published an announcement from USDA regarding the timing of the release of the final decision, clarifying why we have not seen a final decision yet. It turns out, it has nothing to do with USDA staff’s typing speed but instead a completely separate court case (Lucia v. Securities and Exchange Commission).

    You may wonder what that has to do with milk, and the answer is nothing. It has to do, however, with administrative law judges (ALJ). If you participated in the 2015 California hearing proceeding in Clovis, you may remember Judge Clifton who presided over the process. Judge Clifton was an ALJ. In short, there is ambiguity around ALJs and if they should be nominated or simply appointed. According to USDA’s release “at the time of the hearing, USDA believed ALJ Clifton to be an employee of the Department and her appointment was completed in accordance with agency procedures, however, if the Court determines that ALJs are inferior officers of the United States rather than employees, then ALJ Clifton’s original appointment as an ALJ would be brought into question”.

    Early in January, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case. USDA will be delaying the final decision for a California FMMO until after the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the challenge to the use of ALJs throughout the federal government agencies. The timeline for a Supreme Court decision is determined by the scheduled adjournment date of the court’s term which is at the end of June each year. The court generally releases decisions in a number of cases just as the term is ending. WUD will be contacting Secretary Perdue to urge USDA to release the final decision before the Supreme Court issues its ruling.

    By Annie AcMoody, Director of economic analysis

  • Fresno County Department of Agriculture Crop Report

    Fresno, Calif., (February 13, 2018) – Irrigated fields of barley, oats, triticale, wheat, and winter forage appeared to be rowing well; herbicides were applied to control broadleaf weeds. Lack of rain hurt the dry-land grain fields around the County, leaving fields with little or no growth. No dry-land grain was planted in the Kerman District this year. Bird damage was higher than normal in both newer and older crops.

    Herbicides were applied to alfalfa fields to control winter weeds. Garlic crop was growing rapidly and being treated for weeds. Processing onions continued to be planted. Growers started preparing ground for the upcoming season by tilling, making furrows, and replacing drip tape.

    Growers continued to prune almonds and stone fruit orchards during January. Dormant sprays, fertilizer, and herbicides were also applied to many orchards. Older almond orchards were removed in preparation for replanting. Beehives moved into many orchards as almond buds started to swell towards end of the end of the month. Pistachio, pomegranate and walnut orchards were also pruned and sprayed. Raisin, table, and wine grape vineyards where pruned, tied and treated for weeds. Vineyards around the County continued to be pulled, some growers planned to plant almonds, pistachios, and walnuts in their place. Almonds, Asian pears, pomegranates, raisins, and walnuts were exported to Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Germany, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Latvia Lebanon, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Viet Nam.

    Head, leaf, and Romaine lettuce fields were planted for the Spring      2018 crop. Garlic and onions continued to be planted and have started to emerge. Kale and mizuna for seed production was also planted. Carrots continued to mature and where nearing harvest; empty carrot fields where being treated for rhizoctonia root fungus prior to planting. Parsley continued to be harvested in January. Broccoli, celery and spinach were growing nicely. Blueberry plants arrived from Oregon and new fields were planted. Blueberry buds started to swell towards the end of the month. Fields around the County continued to be prepared for the upcoming spring planting of crops. Onion and lettuce seed were exported to Japan and Republic of Korea and South Africa.

    Harvesting continued in grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, orange, and pomelo orchards. Fungicides were applied to orchards, as well as plant growth regulators to prevent fruit drop. January saw some freezing temperatures in the Sanger District however, no significant freeze damage was reported. Olive groves were disced and had herbicide applications made to control weeds. Grapefruit, lemons, mandarins, oranges, pomelos, and tangelos were exported to Australia, Guatemala, Japan, Republic of Korea, and New Zealand.

    Bees arrived from out of state and along with local hives, were placed in almond, cherry and plum orchards for the upcoming bloom. Supplemental feedings continued to be given to bees. Rangeland saw a tiny amount of rain but much more is needed. Calving and lambing season finished up. Sheep continued to graze in alfalfa and retired farmland.

  • CDFA Among Participants At World Ag Expo

    Tulare, Calif. (February 12, 2018) – The 2018 World Ag Expo is scheduled for next week in Tulare (Feb 13-15), and several divisions at CDFA will be participating.

    On Wednesday, February 14, deputy secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt will join a panel to discuss the 2018 federal Farm Bill alongside participants from the USDA, the University of California Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

    The next day, Feb 15, a CDFA veternarian, Dr. Rosie Busch, will lead a presentation on microbial use in livestock in the wake of a new law that went into effect on January 1.  The law requires that all antibiotics for use in livestock must be under veterinary direction. The law also requires a veterinarian’s prescription for the sale of all antibiotics, prohibits the use of antibiotics for growth promotion, and limits the circumstances in which antibiotics can be used for disease prevention.

    The California Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee will staff a booth at the Ag Expo to provide information about the Asian citrus psyllid, huanglongbing and other issues important to the citrus industry. CDFA collaborates with citrus growers on the committee.

    CDFA’s Inspection Services division will staff another booth to provide information about certified farmers’ markets, the State Organic Program, and the Food Safety and Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule.

    Visit this page for more information about CDFA’s booths.

    This will be the 51st annual World Ag Expo. Last year’s Expo hosted 105,780 attendees representing 43 states and 71 countries. This year there will be more than 1,500 exhibitors displaying cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment across 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space.

     

  • Keeping Bees Safe During Bloom

    Modesto, Calif., (February 12, 2018) – As bloom season arrives, growers, pesticide applicators and beekeepers are reminded to utilize spray application best practices for the protection of bees. Below are important reminders.

    Tips for beekeepers, growers and applicators:

    • Constant communication between the beekeeper, grower and applicator is crucial in ensuring the safety of bees during pesticide applications. Regardless of routine applications, hives may be repositioned without notice to nearby growers.
    • Prior to positioning hives for pollination, brokers/beekeepers are required to register their hive location(s) with the Fresno County Department of Agriculture. Optionally, a beekeeper may elect to receive notification that allows local growers and applicators to check for beehives within a one-mile radius of the orchard. Forms can be downloadedhere.
    • Before spraying pesticides that may be harmful to bees, growers/applicators must file a “Bee Clearance” request with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner’s office. The “Bee Clearance” request will be considered binding after the requested party receives a complete bee clearance response. Growers/applicators will be made aware of nearby hive locations and be provided with corresponding beekeeper contact information. Growers/applicators must notify beekeepers prior to pesticide applications. The “Bee Clearance” request form can be downloadedhere. Growers/applicators may also contact the Ag Commissioner’s office at 559-600-7510 for immediate assistance.
    • To be safe, growers/applicators should spay pesticides at night and as the label states to ensure chemical drying time prior to daylight/temperature when bees begin to forage. If this is not plausible, consider tarping the hives (with beekeeper’s permission) to keep bees inside until the chemical has dried.
    • If there is not enough bloom in your orchard or clean water to feed the number of bees present, make sure that the beekeeper feeds them so that they remain close to their hives. Bees will travel up to two miles if forced to find food. Nearby orchards, regardless of specie, will attract foraging bees.
    • Additionally, blooming weeds near or on the orchard floor will attract bees to forage. Growers/applicators should consider this prior to pesticide applications.
    • Lastly, growers/applicators should verify the contracted number of frames provided by beekeepers for a baseline strength of the hives upon arrival. This information is crucial to growers/applicators if contamination occurs.

    For additional resources, visit the Almond Board of California’s “Honey Bee Best Management Practices for California Almonds” guidelines at www.almonds.com/pollination.

  • Pesticide Laws Changing Near Schools, Come Learn More

    Tulare, Calif., (February 9, 2018) – The Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner will host an important training coming up for growers to learn about new laws and regulations related to pesticide applications.  For more information call the TC Ag Commissioner’s office at 559-684-3352.

    Thursday, February 22 – A morning meeting will be hosted for growers near schools to learn about new laws and regulations that limit application of restricted materials.  Invitations will be sent to all growers in close proximity to schools. The seminar will be held February 22, 9:00 am-11:30 am, and will take place at the Int’l Agri-Center in Tulare.  Call 684-3352 to register and to learn more.   First priority for registration will be offered to those growers in the 1/4 mile proximity range of sensitive sites.

    The new DPR regulation took effect January 1, 2018 and will:

    • Ban growers from making certain pesticide applications Monday thru Friday, 6am to 6pm within a 1/4 mile of a school site or licensed child day care facility.
    • Growers must provide annual notification by April 30 each year, for all pesticides expected to be used during the upcoming July through June period. This must be provided to the principal or day care facility administrator by April 30 annually.
      • Report must include name of pesticide products, and when expected to be used
      • A map showing the location of the field to be treated
      • Contact information for the grower/operator and county AG commissioner
      • Web address for the National Pesticide Information Center, which provides sources of information and additional facts on pesticides.
    • An alternative written agreement between the grower, the individual school or day care site and the County Ag Commissioner can be developed as long as all three parties consent, and the agreement provides equal or more protection as the regulation.

    To learn more, visit:

    http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/enforce/pesticide_applications_near_schoolsites.htm

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (February 9, 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 Winter forage crops, such as wheat, barley, other cereal grains, and forage mixes continue to be planted. Overall, grains and field crops are showing good signs of germination and growth. Alfalfa fields are progressing well, and some growers are continuing to plant new alfalfa fields. Pre-emergent herbicides are being applied to fields, and weed control is expected to pick up in the next few weeks. As always more rain is needed to maintain good growth and avoid irrigation.

    Stone fruit, pecan, walnut, and pistachio orchards, along with grape vineyards, continue to be pruned and debris shredded. Some old orchards and vineyards are being pushed out to make way for new plantings. Tree fruit growers are applying fertilizers to prepare for the upcoming bloom. Dormant sprays are being applied as the weather permits. Some early varieties of tree fruit are beginning to show bud swell and a few of the earliest are starting to bloom. Bee colonies are now being moved into almond orchards in anticipation of the coming bloom.

    Navel orange, Mandarin, and lemon harvest continues, while grapefruit and pomelo harvest is nearly finished. Some pruning and skirting of orange groves is occurring. Navel oranges continue to be packed and shipped domestically and exported to Australia, Chile, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. The warm weather is starting to impact navel orange quality. There is a steady demand for Minneola tangelos going to Japan and Korea. Lemon exports continue to Japan, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. Avocado trees are showing some early bloom. Olive groves continue to be pruned.

    Some late winter vegetable crops continue to grow well and are being harvested. Harvesting of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and onions are steady. Greenhouse vegetables continue to be harvested. Field preparations for spring planting have begun. Strawberry and blueberry plantings are progressing well and some are starting to bloom.

    The recent rainfall has been beneficial for rangeland forage, but conditions are fair until more growth is seen. More rain is needed to help with germination and growth of rangeland forage. The fed cattle market traded at $126.00 per hundred weight this week.

    Retail nurseries are receiving more shipments of stock for spring planting. Bare-root roses are being received and processed for reshipment out-of-state, with most shipments going to Florida and Canada. Wholesale nurseries are shipping out bare-root trees and shrubs to domestic and export markets. Camellias are being sent to local and out-of-state nurseries.

    Preparations are underway for next week’s World Ag Expo, happening from February13-15 in Tulare, CA.

  • Ag Day Presenters Invited!

    Tulare, Calif., (February 9, 2018) – International Agri-Center along with the Tulare County Farm Bureau, and University of California Cooperative Extension, partner on AgVentures Day, a unique farm day experience set each spring to host approximately 1,500 fourth grade students from Visalia and Tulare City Schools. This year’s event date is Friday, May 11 from 9am to 2pm, approximately.

    Call for presenters, demonstrators, and volunteers are going out soon.  If you can help with any of these efforts, please let Brittney know at 732-8301, or bblankenship@tulcofb.org and she will mail you a packet of information.

    Opportunities include:

    • 10 minute brief educational lesson, ag topic of choice, repeated up to 9 times with a class size group of students (20-30 kids at a time)
    • 30 minute longer demonstration with 200-400 students per session, outside
    • Display equipment for the event for children to see as they enter and exit the grounds

    Some of the presenters and topics of the past have included:

    • Bee keeping with a demonstration hive
    • 4-H and FFA Members giving short lessons on raising livestock for show
    • Equestrian sports
    • Rural Crime and Drone Technology
    • Safety with Electricity
    • Forestry Demonstrations
    • Livestock / Veterinarian Talks
    • Sheep dog herding demonstration with sheep and dogs
    • Pest Detection Dogs with CDFA and County Ag Commissioners
    • NRCS and USDA Presentations on Soil Health
    • Seed Planting
    • Mobile Dairy Classroom

    Help us find new and exciting topics to add to this year’s AgVentures Day lineup.

  • UC Launches Drought Video Series Feb. 2

    Oakland, Calif., (February 8, 2018) – Because periodic droughts will always be a part of life in California, the UC California Institute for Water Resources (CIWR) produced a series of videos to maintain drought awareness and planning, even in years when water is more abundant.

    The first of the three videos premieres Feb. 2 on the UCTV Sustainable California channel. Subsequent videos will be launched March 2 and April 6. View the trailer here.

    The videos are inspired by a collection of 19 drought tips produced by CIWR in collaboration with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources researchers during the drought of 2010-16. The tips cover a broad spectrum of California crops, from alfalfa to walnuts. Topics also include salt management, use of graywater in urban landscapes, and the use of shallow groundwater for crop production. Three topics – alfalfa, almonds and citrus – are featured in the three-episode CIWR video series.

    The drought tips collection and the drought tip videos were sponsored by the California Department of Water Resources. Following is the schedule for the video releases:

    Friday, Feb. 2: Drought strategies for alfalfa

    UC Cooperative Extension alfalfa specialist Dan Putnam wrote the drought tip ‘Drought Strategies for Alfalfa,’ on which the first video in the series is based. The video is on the UCTV Sustainable California channel, http://www.uctv.tv/sustainable-cal/.

    The CIWR drought tip series opens with Cannon Michael of Bowles Farming in Los Banos. The alfalfa grower works with UCCE specialist Dan Putnam. “There’s a lot of misunderstanding about alfalfa as a crop,” Michael said. “It does take water to grow it, as with anything, but you get multiple harvests of it every year.”

    Friday, March 2: Drought management for California almonds

    The second episode features almond producer Raj of Meena farms. He works with David Doll, UCCE advisor in Merced County. “One positive of this drought,” Meena said, “is that it has forced us all to be more efficient in how we use our water.”

    Friday, April 6: Irrigating citrus with limited water

    The series finale features Lisa Brenneis of Churchill-Brenneis Orchard in the Ojai Valley of Ventura County. She worked with UCCE advisor Ben Faber to install a new water-efficient irrigation system. “Irrigation is the only job we really have to do,” Brenneis said, “and we have to get it as right as we can.”

    For a complete list of drought tips, see http://ucanr.edu/drought-tips.