California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • USDA Offers $58 Million to Help Organic Dairy Producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $58 million available for marketing assistance to eligible organic dairy producers through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) 2024 to help expand the market for organic dairy and increase the consumption of organic dairy.

    “The Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program continues USDA’s commitment to keep the market for organic dairies sustainable as they weather challenges outside of their control,” said USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “In preparation for the launch of ODMAP 2024, we met often with organic milk industry leaders and their constituents to ensure that the assistance we provide addresses their expressed needs. Through this proactive engagement, we identified the need for and are pleased to offer increased payment rates and an increased production level eligible for marketing cost-share assistance.”

    ODMAP 2024 helps mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. Specifically, through ODMAP 2024, FSA is assisting organic dairy operations with projected marketing costs in 2024 calculated using their marketing costs in 2023. FSA began accepting ODMAP 2024 applications on Sept. 30. Eligible producers include certified organic dairy operations that produce milk from cows, goats, and sheep.

    ODMAP 2024 Program Improvements 

    Dairy producers who participate in ODMAP 2024 will benefit from improvements to provisions outlined in the program. Specifically, ODMAP 2024 provides for an increase in the payment rate to $1.68 per hundredweight compared to the previous $1.10 per cwt. Additionally, the production level eligible for marketing cost-share assistance has increased to nine million pounds compared to the previous five million pounds.

    How ODMAP 2024 Works  

    ODMAP 2024 provides a one-time cost-share payment based on marketing costs on pounds of organic milk marketed in the 2023 calendar year or estimated 2024 marketing costs for organic dairy operations that have increased milk production or entered the organic dairy market. The assistance provided by ODMAP 2024 and the original ODMAP 2023 is provided through previously unused Commodity Credit Corporation funds remaining from earlier pandemic assistance programs.

    ODMAP 2024 provides financial assistance that immediately supports certified organic dairy marketing during 2024 keeping the organic dairy market sustainable until markets return to more normal conditions.

    How to Apply  

    FSA is accepting applications from Sept. 30 to Nov. 29. To apply, producers should contact FSA at their local USDA Service Center. To complete the ODMAP 2024 application, producers must certify to pounds of 2023 milk production, show documentation of their organic certification, and submit a completed application form.

    Organic dairy operations are required to provide their USDA certification of organic status confirming operation as an organic dairy in 2024 and 2023 along with the certification of 2023 milk production or estimated 2024 milk production in hundredweight.

    ODMAP 2024 complements other assistance available to dairy producers, including Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), with more than $36 million in benefits paid for the 2024 program year to date.  Learn more on the FSA Dairy Programs webpage.

    More Information

    To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

    FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.

  • California Table Grape Growers Offer Scholarship Opportunities

    2025 will mark forty years of California table grape growers providing scholarship opportunities to graduating high school seniors from the table grape growing regions of California. Three categories of scholarships are available again in 2025.

    Two scholarships are available to fieldworkers and their families. The first, the Field Worker Bridge Scholarship, is a $14,500 scholarship for students who will attend two years at a community college and transfer to a four-year university. The second Field Worker Scholarship is a $25,000 scholarship for students who will attend a four-year university. Eligible high school graduates or graduating seniors, or their parent/legal guardian, must have been employed as a field worker in a California table vineyard during the 2024 harvest or plan to be so employed during the 2025 season to be eligible for the Field Worker Scholarships.

    The third scholarship is a $25,000 Agriculture Scholarship available for students interested in building a career in the California table grape industry and investing their undergraduate years of study in academic areas related to the industry. Eligible high school graduates or graduating seniors must plan on pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree in a field of study pertinent to table grapes and be residents of the Coachella or San Joaquin valleys.

    Three scholarships from each category are available. Applicants for all scholarships must plan to attend a California college or university. The deadline to apply for all scholarships is Friday, February 7, 2025.

    For forty years, since 1985, California table grape growers aided over 200 students in attending college. To hear from recent scholarship recipients, please visit: https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/community-outreach/scholarship-recipients/.

    For more information on the scholarship program, please visit: https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/community-outreach/ or contact: Scholarships@grapesfromcalifornia.com.

  • Vierra Dairy Farms’ Bailey Named Supreme Champion of World Dairy Expo

    Stoney Point Joel Bailey, owned by Vierra Dairy Farms of Hilmar, Calif., rose to the top at World Dairy Expo 2024, claiming the prestigious title of Supreme Champion on Friday, October 4. In addition to Bailey’s success, Premium Apple Crisp Lilly-Red, the Grand Champion of the International Red & White Show, was named Reserve Supreme Champion. Lilly is owned by Butlerview Farm of Chebanse, Ill.

    The Supreme Champion Cow of the Junior Show was awarded to Pacific Edge VIP Tessah-ET, the Grand Champion of the International Junior Jersey Show. Tessah is owned by Brent Rocha and Coltan Seals, of Tillamook, Ore. The Reserve Champion of the Junior Show was Oakfield Tatoo Tender-ET, owned by Chloe and Claire Lamb of Oakfield, N.Y., rounding out the top honors of this year’s World Dairy Expo.

    Companies sponsoring the awards presented to World Dairy Expo’s Supreme Champions include Ameriprint Apparel, LLC, DeWall Family, Dynasty Genetics, E-Zee Milking Equipment, LLC, Frenchville Trailer Sales, LLC, FutureCow, Golden Calf Company, Select Sires, Inc., Trans Ova Genetics and Zoetis.

    Complete class results can be found at www.worlddairyexpo.com.

    Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo brings together the latest in dairy innovation and the best cattle in North America. The global dairy industry returned to Madison, Wis. for the 57th event, October 1 – 4, 2024, when the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, dairy and forage seminars, a world-class dairy cattle show and more will be on display. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile event app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Spotify, Instagram or YouTube for more information.

  • Modesto Junior College Sweeps International Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo

    Modesto Junior College came out on top as they secured the Overall Team, Overall Reasons Team, High Individual, and High Individual Reasons honors at the 34th International Post-Secondary Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo. Held October 1-4th in Madison, WI, Modesto Junior College’s team consisted of Logan Silveria, Lauryn Young, Jon Chapman, and Teresa Sousa, and coached by Nicole Morris. SUNY Cobleskill followed as the second-place team overall. To finish out the contest, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, Michigan State Ag Tech, and Morrisville placed third through fifth, respectively. In the Practical Contest, Ohio State ATI places first overall followed by Iowa State University and Kansas State University placing second and third, respectively.

    Teams and individuals receiving recognition include:

    Top Five Teams – Overall:

    1. Modesto Junior College, 2,296, team members include: Logan Silveira, Lauryn Young, Jon Chapman, Teresa Sousa; coached by Nicole Morris
    2. SUNY Cobleskill, 2,289, team members include: Elizabeth Schieferstine, Allison Gabel, Libby Sutton, Luke Enyart; coached by Carrie Edsall
    3. The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 2,274, team members include: Lauren Homan, Christian Martig, Bradley Gotto, Emma Givens; coached by Royce Thornton
    4. Michigan State Ag Tech, 2,234, team members include: Bette Eggnik, Lydia Deters, Lane McDonald; coached by Joe Domecq, Sarah Black, Lynn Olthof
    5. Morrisville, 2,054, team members include: Emma Weisbrodt, Charissa Gelser, Matthew Wilson, and Chloe Pushlar; coached by Jessica Kennedy

    Top Ten Individuals – Overall:

    1. Lauryn Young, Modesto Junior College, 783
    2. Lauren Homan, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 781
    3. Elizabeth Schieferstine, SUNY Cobleskill, 779
    4. Bette Eggink, Michigan State Ag Tech, 766
    5. Allison Gabel, SUNY Cobleskill, 766
    6. Lane McDonald, Michigan State Ag Tech, 759
    7. Logan Silveria, Modesto Junior College, 758
    8. Jon Chapman, Modesto Junior College, 755
    9. Christian Martig, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 749
    10. Bradley Gotto, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 744

    Top Five Teams – Reasons:

    1. Modesto Junior College, 645, coached by Nicole Morris
    2. The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 626, coached by Royce Thornton
    3. Michigan State Ag Tech, 616, Coached by Joe Domecq, Sarah Black, and Lynn Olthof
    4. SUNY Cobleskill, 610, Coached by Carrie Edsall
    5. Morrisville, 550, Coached by Jessica Kennedy

    Top Ten Individuals – Reasons:

    1. Lauryn Young, Modesto Junior College, 229
    2. Elizabeth Schieferstine, SUNY Cobleskill, 227
    3. Lauren Homan, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 223
    4. Emma Givens, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 219
    5. Bette Eggnik, Michigan State Ag Tech, 218
    6. Jon Chapman, Modesto Junior College, 218
    7. Allison Gabel, SUNY Cobleskill, 209
    8. Bradley Gotto, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 207
    9. Lane McDonald, Michigan State Ag Tech, 206
    10. Libby Sutton, SUNY Cobleskill, 206

    Top Five Teams – Practical Contest:

    1. Ohio State ATI, 605
    2. Iowa State University, 587
    3. Kansas State University, 578
    4. Southwest Technical College #2, 552
    5. SUNY Cobleskill, 549

    Top Five Teams – Linear Contest:

    1. Southwest Technical College, 375
    2. Modesto Junior College, 360
    3. SUNY Cobleskill, 345
    4. Ohio State ATI, 335
    5. Iowa State University, 305

    Top Five Teams – Corrective Mating:

    1. Ohio State ATI, 197
    2. Iowa State University, 188
    3. Kansas State University, 186
    4. SUNY Cobleskill, 158
    5. Modesto Junior College, 154

    Top Five Teams – Grade Class:

    1. Ohio State ATI, 100
    2. Iowa State University, 100
    3. Kansas State University, 100
    4. Southwest Technical College #2, 100
    5. Modesto Junior College, 100

    Top Five Teams – Registered Class:

    1. Kansas State University, 200
    2. Iowa State University, 197
    3. Ohio State ATI, 196
    4. SUNY Cobleskill, 191
    5. Southwest Technical College, #2, 181

    The International Post-Secondary Dairy Cattle Judging Contest is made possible in part through the generous support of Platinum Level Sponsor, Channel Seed; Silver General Sponsors, FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative and Bio-Vet Inc; and additional sponsors, American Guernsey Association Youth Fund, Ayars Family Farm, Dave Badula, Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association, Maureen DeBruin, David P. Dickson Trust, E-Zee Milking Equipment, LLC, Saloah Hageman, The Hartford Livestock Department, Holstein Association USA, Inc., Judy Majeskie, Maryland Brown Swiss Association, National Dairy Shrine, Select Sires, Inc., Semex/Boviteq, Trans Ova Genetics, Dr. Douglas Waterman, Hoard’s Dairyman, Vita Plus Corporation, STgenetics, St. Jacobs ABC, E-Zee Milking Equipment, LLC., Fight Bac, and Rany Geiger Memorial Fund.

  • Dairy Council of California Board Welcomes Vanderpoel, Fernandes & Reynoso

    Dairy Council of California, a leader in nutrition education and advocacy, proudly announces three new board members, all distinguished figures in the dairy industry:

    John Vanderpoel Jr., Owner, VP Legacy Farms

    Preston Fernandes, Owner/Partner, Fernridge Farms

    Rene Reynoso, President & CEO, Peluso Cheese

    Fernandes states, “Alongside my fellow new board members, I’m thrilled to join the Dairy Council of California as we work to elevate the role of dairy in nourishing our communities. Dairy is not just a staple in healthy, balanced diets—it’s a source of essential nutrients that fuel growth and wellness across all ages. I’m excited to be part of an organization that’s dedicated to advancing nutrition education and advocating for the critical benefits dairy provides in creating healthier, more sustainable futures.”

    Dairy Council of California’s new board members are deeply connected with the dairy community, bringing forward fresh perspectives and strategic insights to both challenges and emerging opportunities.

    “We are pleased to welcome John, Preston and Rene to Dairy Council of California’s board of directors,” says Amy DeLisio, CEO of Dairy Council of California. “Their diverse backgrounds bring invaluable expertise to our organization’s ability to continue to promote healthy eating patterns and sustainable food systems that include dairy foods.”

    In addition to the three new board members, four board members were reappointed:

    Arlene VanderEyk, Co-owner, Robert VanderEyk Dairy

    Michael Oosten, Owner, Marvo Holsteins

    John Dolan, VP of Sales, Driftwood Dairy

    Hem Shah, General Manager, Alta Dena Dairy

    Board members are elected for three-year terms, represent both dairy producers and processors and are appointed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

    About Dairy Council of California
    Dairy Council of California is a nutrition organization working together with champions to elevate the health of children and communities through lifelong healthy eating patterns. Focusing on education, advocacy, dairy agricultural literacy and collaboration, Dairy Council of California advances the health benefits of milk and dairy foods as part of the solution to achieving nutrition security and sustainable food systems. Learn more at DairyCouncilofCA.org.

  • Stephen Farmer Promoted to Chief Administrative Officer at Westlands Water District

    Westlands Water District (Westlands) is excited to announce the promotion of Stephen Farmer as Chief Administrative Officer. In this role, Stephen will oversee the District’s Finance and Administration, Operation and Maintenance, Energy and Power and Resources departments.

    “Steve brings a wealth of professional experience and a deep commitment to our District’s water users, making him an invaluable asset to our team. Throughout his tenure with the District, he has played a crucial role in saving over $40 million. In his new position, I am confident he will lead the administrative team with excellence, tackling our water supply challenges while keeping our water rates accessible for all users” said Allison Febbo, General Manager.

    Mr. Farmer has over 24 years of experience in accounting, finance, and treasury-related fields. For the past 13 years he has served as Supervisor of Customer Accounting, Supervisor of General Accounting, and most recently as the interim Deputy General Manager – Finance and Administration for Westlands. Prior to joining Westlands he served as the Chief of the Treasury for the County of Fresno and Controller for a credit union.

    “I am thrilled to take on the role of Chief Administrative Officer at Westlands Water District after 13 incredible years with this dedicated team” said Stephen Farmer. Together, we’ve tackled many challenges, and I am excited to continue our mission, providing reliable and affordable water services to our water users while fostering innovation and efficiency. I look forward to working with our talented team towards a secure and affordable water future for the District.”

    Mr. Farmer holds a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. He grew up in Fresno and has deep ties to Westlands and agriculture, having spent time as a child on the family farm with his grandfather, uncles, and cousins. Along with his wife, Natalie, of 24 years, they have raised two children: Treysen and Allie.

    Mr. Farmer began his new role on October 1, 2024.

    About Westlands Water District

    Westlands Water District is recognized as a world leader in agricultural water conservation and has served the farmers and rural communities on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties for more than five decades. As stewards of one of California’s most precious natural resources, Westlands continually invests in conservation, and champions farmers deploying innovative irrigation methods based on the best available technology.

  • 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, November 2

    Over 15 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public for the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Those who attend will experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours and learn about the origins of their food.

    “We often don’t think about what it takes to grow, harvest and deliver produce to the market,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) executive director. SEEAG is the nonprofit that hosts Ventura County Farm Day each year. “Hundreds of dedicated farm workers are behind every piece of fruit or vegetable we buy at the store.”

    On Farm Day, the public can select the locations they want to visit by going to the Farm Day Trail Map (https://venturacountyfarmday.com/map) and then travel at their own pace from site to site. Descriptions of what to expect at each site are included on the map. The day consists of behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, giveaways and kid-friendly activities. Some sites require pre-registration. “Pick three or four locations and plan your day,” says Paulus-Case.

    Widespread farming in Ventura County dates back to the 1780s and agriculture is still one of the largest industries in the county with crop values in 2023 totaling over $2.1 billion. “Nothing else in Ventura County has more history than agriculture,” says Phil McGrath, owner of McGrath Family Farm in Camarillo and Farm Day participant. “Farm Day provides the opportunity to understand how agriculture in the county evolved, what growers are doing now and what the future will bring.”

    Participating in Farm Day this year include the Agriculture Museum of Ventura County, Agromin (organic compost, mulch), Alpacas At Windy Hills (Alpaca fleece), Duda Farm Fresh Foods (celery and lettuce), Eden Forest Collective (agroforestry), Good Farms (berries), Growing Works (fresh flowers), McGrath Family Farm (organic farming), Ojai Olive Oil (olives), Oxnard Historic Farm Park, Petty Ranch (fruits and vegetables), Prancer’s Farm (strawberries, tomatoes, avocados), Ranchos Camulos National Historic Landmark Museum, UC Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center, VCAA Senior Nutrition Farm and Ventura County Agriculture/Weights and Measures. Petty Ranch will serve as the Farm Day Hub with booths, displays, kids’ activities and free fresh produce.

    Two school farms are participating–Rio School District Farm and Sa’Aliyas Ranch. Both farms teach students about agriculture including career opportunities–all while growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables for market.

    Ventura County Farm Day sponsors include The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, Gene Hass Foundation, Driscoll’s, Church Brothers Farms, Mission Produce, and County of Ventura Agriculture/Weights and Measures.

    Visitors are encouraged to register in advance at My805Tix (https://www.my805tix.com/e/venturafarmday). Once registered, guests show their 805Tix QR code at each location to enter without signing in.

    Several hotels are offering special room rates over the Farm Day weekend. For more information about Ventura County Farm Day including a list of local hotels, visit www.VenturaCountyFarmDay.com or call 805-892-8155. The Trail Mape is updated daily. No pets allowed.

  • $25 Million to Help Specialty Crop Exports Meet MRL Requirements

    U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor announced that USDA has awarded more than $25 million to support eight projects under the new Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative.

    USDA launched ASCE in January 2024 as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to create more, new and better markets for U.S. producers and agribusinesses both at home and abroad. The innovative partnership between USDA and the specialty crops sector focuses on projects to address the non-tariff trade barriers that hinder U.S. exports of fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, horticultural crops and related products.

    “Specialty crop exporters face myriad import requirements in every foreign market they enter, yet they often don’t have the economies of scale to develop the required certifications or negotiate favorable terms. ASCE will help smaller exporters by directly addressing barriers and supporting industry’s efforts to obtain needed certifications,” Taylor said. “We’re excited to bring on new partners who will provide solutions and allow U.S. specialty crop producers to expand international markets for their world-class products.”

    U.S. exports of specialty crops totaled $25.8 billion last year, increasing the bottom line for producers nationwide and driving economic development in their local communities and beyond.

    The selected partners and projects for the first round of ASCE funding are as follows:

    • Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce, which was founded by the International Fresh Produce Association, will each receive $5 million to establish ASCE Sustainable Packaging Innovation Labs. The research and projects implemented by these labs will help address one of the top concerns USDA hears from the U.S. specialty crop industry: that packaging and labeling requirements in export markets are changing and exporters don’t yet have the sustainable packaging options to meet those new rules.
    • The Minor Use Foundation will receive $2 million to develop supporting data and submit applications for establishment of additional maximum residue limits for specialty crops under the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and to build the global alliances and technical capacity needed for future Codex MRL submissions. Codex MRLs are crucial to facilitate trade, but often major commodity crops are prioritized over specialty crops, so this project will help fill the gap. The Minor Use Foundation will partner with the IR-4 Project, which was established by USDA and land-grant universities in 1963, to conduct research to ensure that specialty crops farmers have access to crop protection products to effectively and safely manage pests.
    • CABI will lead two initiatives to align pesticide regulatory systems and harmonize MRLs to make accessing new export markets more transparent and predictable for U.S. producers. A $4-million project will focus on Southeast Asia and a $3-million project will focus on regional collaboration in Africa.
    • The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture was selected to lead a $3-million project in Latin America and the Caribbean for regional alignment of pesticide regulatory systems and science-based, trade-facilitative MRLs.
    • Ag Aligned Global, LLC will lead a $3-million project focused on import MRLs in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies, supporting trade with key export markets for U.S. specialty crops. The recipient will coordinate with the Minor Crop Farmer Alliance, which represents U.S. specialty crop producer organizations, and with Bryant Christie, Inc. to ensure that that U.S. producers’ input is central to the development of ASCE projects focused on MRLs.
    • Bryant Christie, Inc. was selected to develop MRL quick reference sheets for 60 specialty crops in key export markets, helping make the complex requirements more easily understandable for U.S. producers.

    For more information about the ASCE initiative, including current and future funding opportunities, visit: https://fas.usda.gov/programs/assisting-specialty-crop-exports-asce-initiative

  • San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association to Honor Larry Williams at Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo

    The Board of the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association has selected Larry Williams to honor with their 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be presented this year at Malcolm Media’s Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo on November 8th at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds.

    Williams is well-recognized by the grape industry for his remarkable work in irrigation and fertilizer management as a Professor and Plant Physiologist in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. Stationed at the Kearney Ag Research & Extension Center in the Central Valley – the nation’s epicenter of raisin, wine and table grape production, Williams helped growers determine nitrogen and potassium needs for all grape types and application timing. His research guided wine grape growers refine deficit irrigation practices for improved wine quality and helped raisin and table grape growers understand water needs to maximize berry size and production.

    “Professor Williams is best known for developing irrigation models for raisin, table and wine grapes. His pioneering work in the field has been verified and accepted around the world and underpinned ongoing technological developments that are making it easier than ever for growers to save water while optimizing yield and quality,” shared Dr. Matthew Fidelibus, UC Davis, San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association Viticultural Advisor. Over the course of his 36-year career, Williams has published over a hundred papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, co-authored several books, and delivered hundreds of talks on these subjects, proving a valuable asset to both viticultural research and extension.

    Williams retired in June 2018, but his work continues to bear much fruit. “Growing grapes is difficult enough, but thanks to Professor Williams, we have been able to increase our quality and consistency with better technology,” commented Aarin Wilson, President of the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association.

    “Larry Williams has played an oversized role in educating growers around the Valley (and world), and the Association is very proud to add his name to the august group of recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award,” shared Peter Vallis, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association.

    Peter Vallis, Executive Director, San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association

    Previous recipients of this award include: Kent Daane & Nat DiBuduo (2023), Deborah Golino & Andy Walker (2022), Jim Unti (2021), John Monnich (2020), Ron Brase (2019), Robert Markarian (2018), Walt Bentley, Doug Gubler & Ken Yonan (2016), Frank Saviez & Don Stanley (2015), Jim Duarte & George Leavitt (2014), Jack Farrior & Marko Zaninovich (2013), Pete Christensen, Ron Metzler & Gary Wilson (2012), Paul Dismukes & Luther Khachigian (2011), Frank Logoluso, Bob Loquaci & Frank Pantaleo (2010), Bob McInturf, Mike Nury & Vince Petrucci (2009), and Angelo Papagni (2007).

    Vallis will be presenting this special award to Larry Williams at 12:30 p.m. in the Industrial Education Building at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds during the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo on November 8th. The Expo runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is FREE to attend. The presentation will be accompanied with a Tri-Tip BBQ lunch and morning grower seminars offer continuing education credits, so growers and friends are welcome to arrive early and enjoy the full event.  Learn more and Pre-register to attend at https://agexpo.biz/.

    About the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo

    Fresno is the number one ag county in the state and the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo is held in the center of the Central Valley’s rich and diverse agricultural production. Since 1996, this event has become a tradition for nearly 1,000 grape, nut and tree fruit growers to attend. This year, the expo will be featuring PCA & CCA Credits, Free Breakfast & Tri-Tip Lunch, Industry Trade Show, State of the Raisin, Table Grape, Wine, Almond, Walnut, Pistachio & Tree Fruit Industry presentations and seminars on: New Carpophilus Beetle & Red Leaf Blotch Threat in Tree Nuts, Cutting Raisin Production Costs, Micronutrient Management, Crop Insurance Improvements for Grape Growers, On-Farm Wildlife Management, Laws & Regulations, and Tree & Vine IPM. Also, new this year will be a partnership with San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association in the presentation of their Annual Lifetime Achievement Award taking place after lunch. Register to attend FREE today at AgExpo.biz.

    About the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association

    Amidst the nadir of the grape prices in 2000-2001, a group of Valley grape industry leaders came together to build an organization, for the first time, to represent the interests of the San Joaquin Valley wine grape grower. Since this time, the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association has become the nexus and voice for the interior regions of the California Wine Industry. Through organizing grower education, strategic, wine and grape producer-specific advocacy, and increasingly a tilt towards regional marketing and promotion, the SJVWA offers a distinct program for growers in the Central Valley while supporting the efforts of other state-wide agricultural industry groups. Learn more at idrinkwine.net.

  • California Farmers’ Perception of and Adaptation to Climate Impacts Survey

    California is home to the largest and most diverse agricultural industry in the United States, with over 76,000 farms and ranches leading the production of the nation’s vegetables, fruits, nuts, and dairy products. However, this industry is heavily reliant on water availability and favorable weather conditions. Consequently, the state faces significant risks if climate variability and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are not effectively addressed.

    The FRISBE project (Reinforcing Climate Risk Management from Farmers’ Behavior and User-Driven Indicators) aims to gather farmers’ knowledge on climate variability and its effects on crops and livestock. Farmers are uniquely positioned to provide first-hand observations of climate extremes and their impacts, thereby contributing to understand the local reality more accurately and efficiently. Coordinated by Professor Alvar Escriva-Bou (University of California, Los Angeles) and Professor Sandra Ricart (Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy), the project developed an online survey to capture farmers’ experiences and expertise on perceived impacts, implemented adaptation measures, and identified barriers. This survey addresses the increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of heat extremes, which lead to higher growing season temperatures, more volatile precipitation patterns, reduced winter chill hours, diminished snowpack, and accelerated soil erosion.

    This information will be utilized to enhance our understanding of farmers’ perspectives and needs, including the potential heterogeneity among their experiences and practices. It will also help estimate the socio-economic consequences of the perceived impacts and proposed actions, thereby contributing to the transition toward more resilient, robust, and climate-proof decisions at the local scale to reduce the vulnerability of farming systems.

    As farmer, you are invited to participate in the FRISBE project through this web-based online survey. The survey is structured in six blocks with a majority of questions to be answered with yes/no options, and the response time is no more than 10-12 minutes. Click HERE to take the survey.

    PARTICIPATION
    Your participation is voluntary. You may refuse to participate or cancel your participation at any time, and you may refuse to answer any question for any reason.

    BENEFIT
    You will not receive any financial compensation for participating in this study. However, responses are essential to gaining a deeper understanding of farmers’ needs and enhancing their preparedness to face climate risks. Trusting in farmers’ knowledge, this survey aims to redefine precise interventions that align with their interests and the local climate reality.

    RISKS
    There are no risks derived from participation in this study.

    CONFIDENTIALITY
    The platform hosting the online survey does not collect information that allows identifying sensitive personal data, so your responses will remain completely anonymous and confidential. The individualized responses will be stored in an electronic format protected with a double security factor and only accessible to restricted personnel directly linked to the investigation.

    DATA USE
    Your data, including de-identified data may be kept for use in future research.

    CONTACT
    If you have any questions about the study or its procedures, please contact the lead researchers, Prof. Alvar-Escriva-Bou (aescriva@ucdavis.edu) or Prof. Sandra Ricart (sandra.ricart@polimi.it). Additionally, you may contact the UCLA Office of the Human Research Protection Program (ohrpp@research.ucla.edu).