California Ag Network

Category: News

  • Taking the World’s Best Veterinary Care to the Next Level

    Davis, Calif., (October 20, 2017) – The University of California, Davis, today announced plans to raise $115 million in philanthropic support to update and improve three critical areas of the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center: the Livestock and Field Service Center, the Equine Performance Center and the All-Species Imaging Center. This campaign, called “Leading the Way,” marks the first phase in a long-term plan to transform the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center.

    UC Davis’ veterinary medicine program is already ranked No. 1 in the world. But the university’s veterinary teaching hospital is overdue for an update. Opened in 1970 to serve 3,000 patients per year, the hospital now sees more than 50,000 annually, causing the hospital to face significant constraints in space, layout and capacity, and impacting the speed at which clients receive care.

    “It’s clear why patients are brought here. They receive the highest standard of compassionate care and benefit from the latest discoveries in veterinary medicine,” Chancellor Gary S. May said. “So let’s take some much-needed next steps, ones that ensure that UC Davis will continue to offer world-class care and an unbeatable education for students with a comprehensive veterinary medical center that builds on UC Davis’ strengths and reinforces our role as a world leader.”

    The university has witnessed strong philanthropic interest in this campaign, having raised $67 million — more than half of the campaign goal — prior to this afternoon’s announcement. Donors include grateful clients, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the School of Veterinary Medicine and UC Davis.

    The class of 1992 had the foresight to support this project in 2012 as part of their 20-year reunion class gift. Alumnus and referring veterinarian Jon Klingborg ’87, D.V.M. ’92, spoke at the announcement about the importance of the project.

    “I’m so happy that my class of 1992 is on the front edge of this fundraising initiative,” said Klingborg. “It is our vision that others will join us to help build the new Veterinary Medical Center.”

    Other donors include the Frank and Eva Buck Foundation, Glen and Peggy Jeckel, the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation, the Baileys Foundation and Alison Baileys, D.V.M. ’16.

    The first phase will include:

    • The Livestock and Field Service Center will become the first patient service area to come online and is an integral example of how progress at UC Davis and its commitment to animal agriculture will benefit California and the world. Upgrades and modifications will improve student and clinician safety and will also provide patients an optimal handling and care environment.
    • The equine industry is an important part of California’s economy and culture. To serve this industry, the Equine Performance Center will transform equine services with a new arena and gait analysis capability for lameness evaluations. With the opportunity to observe horses performing under saddle, the hospital’s equine specialists will be able to better detect and treat the underlying injury or medical condition. This exciting facility design includes state-of-the-art force-plate and video analysis rarely available in veterinary settings, opening a new avenue to improved performance through the application of clinical research.
    • The All Species Imaging Center, pivotal to all hospital clinical specialties, will be centrally located to serve all patients, large and small. The strategic placement of the latest in imaging technology and expertise will expedite diagnosis and patient care, reduce stress and wait time for patients, and optimize operational efficiencies.

    “Our vision will ensure access to the best options for veterinary care,” Dean Michael Lairmore said. “The Veterinary Medical Center will be unlike any in the world, one that combines compassionate health care for animals with innovations from across our university, a spirit of discovery and a passion for education that will transform veterinary medicine into the future.”

  • UCCE President Chair for Agricultural Education Formed in Orange County

    Irvine, Calif., (October 20, 2017) – UC President Janet Napolitano has approved the formation of a $1 million endowment to create the UC Cooperative Extension Presidential Chair for Agricultural Education in Orange County. Half the endowment was donated by the Orange County Farm Bureau; Napolitano matched the contribution through the presidential endowment fund.

    The Orange County Farm Bureau is housed at the UC South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine. The two organizations have worked together closely since their formation more than 100 years ago.

    “What Orange County Farm Bureau and the UC president’s office have created will fund agricultural education activities in Orange County and the surrounding region for decades to come,” said UC ANR vice president Glenda Humiston. “This is a way for us to make sure the resources we need are there and that they’re targeted for the needs identified by individuals at their local areas.”

    President of the Orange County Farm Bureau, Mark Lopez, said the formation of the endowment will help the organization meet its goals.

    “In our rapidly urbanizing county, the Farm Bureau is seeking to cement a legacy of ag in Orange County, and invest in the development of future leaders for agriculture,” Lopez said. “This donation, and the formation of the Presidential Chair for Ag Education, is directly in line with the mission of Orange County Farm Bureau.”

    Director of the South Coast REC, Darren Haver, who is also a UC Cooperative Extension water resources advisor, holds the chair. He and his farm bureau colleagues will initially use the funds to expand an agricultural leadership and educational program for Orange County youth.

    FARMS ( Farming, Agriculture, and Resource Management for Sustainability) Leadership, a program of the Center for Land-Based Learning implemented in Orange County by the Orange County Farm Bureau, in addition to the Orange County Farm Bureau’s GROW program, offers field trips and hands-on learning over the course of a school year at locations such as the South Coast REC, acquainting students with wildlife areas, agriculture related businesses and research, colleges and universities where they gain valuable insight into the food and agriculture industry, associated careers and college opportunities. The programs have been open to ag students in Orange County for over five years promoting the importance of agriculture in their daily lives.

    “The current programs serve approximately 90 students from four high schools located in Orange County that have agriculture programs,” Haver said. “With this new funding, we will be able to reach beyond the ag students and involve youth interested in math and sciences, but don’t know much about agriculture.”

    Humiston said she hopes that partnerships like this one can be formed across the state.

    “This is a way for us to make sure the resources we need are there and that they’re targeted for the needs identified by individuals at their local area,” Humiston said.

    In announcing the establishment of the presidential endowment funding in 2014, Napolitano said it is imperative for UC to develop new models of philanthropy that recognize and honor the interests of donors while helping UC address its long-term funding needs.

    “By supporting these endowed chairs, donors will be creating a lasting legacy at the university – one that will benefit many generations to come,” Napolitano said.

  • New Pesticide Labels Available to Help Control Pruning Wound Infections

    Sacramento, Calif., (October 19, 2017) – Topsin® M WSP and Rally® 40WSP now have 2EE labels to protect pruning wounds on almonds (and other stone fruit trees and/or grapes) from canker disease infection. These products should be especially helpful in protecting young trees where disease infection of relatively large pruning cuts may cause extensive damage.

    — Canker diseases listed on the Topsin®M and Rally® Labels —

     

    Topsin®M WSP Rally® 40WSP
    Eutypa Eutypa
    Cytospora Cytospora
    Calosphaeria pulchella Calosphaeria pulchella
    Lasiodiplodia theobromae Lasiodiplodia theobromae
    Botryosphaeria Botryosphaeria*
    Phomopsis Phomopsis*

    *suppression, only

     

    The labels are very similar in many regards. The following are recommended on both labels:

    • Application within 24 hours of pruning is highly recommended.
    • Assure complete coverage of all cut surfaces.
    • Add a registered spray dye to better assess coverage.
    • Additional application after about 2 weeks, especially if rain, irrigation, or high humidity occurs.
    • Product combination (tank mixing) for best results and resistance management (Topsin M is a FRAC 1 fungicide, Rally a FRAC 3, and both have single site – high resistance risk – activity).
    • Use of an organosilicone surfactant to improve pesticide penetration into pruning wound surfaces. (It is up to the grower to select and use a crop-safe organo-silicone with these products on pruning wounds).

    There are some differences in the labels that limit how they can be used separately or combined. While the labels recommend tank mixing for best results and resistance management, consider the following:

    • The Rally label does not allow painting the product on pruning wounds, while the Topsin M label does allow painting
    • In addition, at the labeled rate (1.5 lb/acre), Topsin M is limited to 2 applications/year (max of 3 lbs/acre/year), while Rally is permitted a max of 3 applications/season (max of 1.5 lb/season).
    • Therefore, if the two products are combined, painting is out and only 2 applications are allowed.

    The similarities and differences on these two labels, intended for roughly the same purpose and target organisms, are a reminder of the importance of reading the label carefully and following it when applying the material. [It took an observant colleague to point out to me that painting was NOT on the Rally label…].

    The 2EE labels (current as of September 2017) can be read online. Topsin-M: http://www.cdms.net/ldat/ld4EK010.pdf

    Rally: http://www.cdms.net/ldat/ld9M8019.pdf

  • Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) Dairy Producers Meetings

    Modesto, Calif., (October 19, 2017) – In addition to informational sessions conducted by California Dairies Inc. (CDI), Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Land O’Lakes (LOL), a series of joint dairy producer meetings will be held throughout the state in the next few weeks. The presentations will be brief to allow ample time for questions you may have. This is a producer-only process and 51% of ballots must be returned for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to even consider referendum results. Therefore, producer organizations in the state want you to be aware of the importance of your vote.

    • October 16, Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, 1201 L Street, Modesto, 10am
    • November 6, Chino, Chino Fairgrounds, 5410 Edison Avenue, Chino, 10:30am
    • November 7, Tulare, Heritage Complex, 4450 S. Laspina Ave, Tulare, Conference Dining Room, 10am

    Agenda:

    • Statewide QIP Referendum: Description of the QIP and main features
    • Questions & Answers

    Note: The Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) was delivered to the post office for mailing on October 6. The ballot (which is on blue paper) is in a 9X13 white envelope with BALLOT ENCLOSED noted on the envelope. Included in the envelope is a cover letter with instructions, the QIP language, and a postage paid envelope to return the ballot. The close of the referendum is December 4, 2017.

    We believe that supporting the QIP is the only path forward to allow fair consideration for a FMMO in CA and are urging you to make an informed decision by attending one of the meetings referenced above prior to casting your vote.

    LIVESTREAM NOW AVAILABLE!

    Contact information: California Dairy Campaign, Lynne McBride: lmcb44@comcast.net, 925-385-0217 – Milk Producers Council, Kevin

    Abernathy: kevin@milkproducers.org, 209-678-0666 – Western United Dairymen, Anja Raudabaugh: araudabaugh@westernuniteddairymen.com, 916-532-9974 – California Dairies, Inc., Rob Vandenheuvel: RVandenheuvel@californiadairies.com, 559-679-5651 – Dairy Farmers of America, Francis Pacheco: fpacheco@dfamilk.com, 951-493-4942 – Land O’Lakes, Pete Garbani: PRGarbani@landolakes.com, 559-285-6357

  • Gibson Farm Market Fall Festival To Showcase Student-Made Products

    Fresno, Calif. (October 19, 2017) – The Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market (5368 N. Chestnut Ave, Fresno) will host its Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, and will showcase a variety of food and wine products made by Fresno State students and staff.

    The free, public event will feature a campus-grown pumpkin patch and free samples from its dairy, meat, fruit, vegetables, nut, horticulture and food processing units managed by the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State.

    “This Fall Festival is great because it allows our campus farm students to share their passion for agriculture directly with our loyal customers,” said Jeremy Lewis, farm market manager. “This event also showcases how Fresno State students create a wide assortment of fresh products on campus while gaining valuable experience for all sorts of agricultural careers. Besides the free samples, families can get great deals on Halloween pumpkins and fall season food items, while kids will enjoy many special promotions.”

    The Fresno State Winery will offer a free wine-tasting for its 2016 Touriga red wine between noon to 4 p.m. and will also sample its 2016 Barbera, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2014 Merlot wines. The Gibson Farm Market is the only store in the Central Valley that sells all 12 wines available from the nation’s first bonded collegiate winery.

    A kid’s zone will be open for a free scavenger hunt, face painting, crafts, prizes, campus farm animals and a chance to take a picture on a tractor.

    Free Fresno State food samples will include the market’s popular raisins, pumpkin pie and Tahitian vanilla ice cream, sausage and beef snack sticks, raspberry tea, olive oil, chicken tortilla soup, cranberry sauce and other items.

    Patrons can also purchase BBQ tri-tip sandwiches prepared by the Fresno State meats lab and fall season items such as cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie-flavored almonds, pumpkin butter and pumpkin cookies.

    The horticulture nursery will also be offering a host of fall and winter vegetables plants at reduced prices.

    Patrons can also vote for their favorite pumpkins carved by each of the campus farm units.

    The Gibson Farm Market is the only place to buy all the products from the 1,000-acre University Agricultural Laboratory’s 22 enterprises that are managed by Fresno State staff and students. Proceeds from sales help fund programs for the Jordan College and its enterprises that mirror the diversity of the nation’s leading agricultural area.

    For more information, contact the Gibson Farm Market at 559.278.4511.

     

  • Biosecurity: International Travel & Visitor Considerations

    Davis, Calif., (October 16, 2017) – Keeping diligent in your dairy’s biosecurity is important. Although the most feared threat is a fast-moving, viral foreign disease like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), the introduction of even common diseases to a dairy can be costly. For example, a study which reviewed BVD outbreaks, reported that losses ranged from $2,600 to more than $100,000 per outbreak. The most important cause of disease introduction remains new cow additions which are carrying hidden, sub-clinical pathogens. In one study of dairies in four California counties for instance, 33% of new arrivals carried the bovine leukemia virus and 16% of bulls had reproductive abnormalities. While not as significant a risk as these “trojan cows”, visitors to your dairy and even your own travel have the potential to introduce unwanted diseases. With respect to visitors, in general, the best way to limit chances of bringing in a new disease to your dairy is to limit visitor’s direct physical contact with animals, feeds and water. This eans no petting cows or calves and no handling feeds.

    In addition, providing designated parking areas for off-farm vehicles, keeping visitor logs and escorting visitors while on-site are also good practices. For visitors coming from countries with known FMD outbreaks or history, additional precautions should be taken including requiring a “no animal contact” period of a minimum of five days prior to their visit, requiring hygiene steps (wearing laundered clothes & washed/new shoes and showering) be taken prior to their arrival and providing rubber boots or disposable plastic booties to be worn during their visit. Visitors should also not be allowed to carry personal items that cannot be disinfected, such as cameras, handbags or sunglasses, into areas where they may have direct contact with animals or feeds.

    When you, your family members or employees travel to countries that harbor FMD, many of the same principals apply. Be sure your employees understand your biosecurity requirements and protocols for any off-farm animal contact and travel.

    To learn more about protecting your farm from disease introduced through international travel and visitors, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has produced a fact sheet on foreign animal disease biosecurity and a brochure specifically addressing foreign visitors. For a more complete review of dairy biosecurity including an introductory video, case histories from California dairies and guidance on tailoring a biosecurity program to fit your needs and budget, visit the CDQAP Dairy Biosecurity & Your Bottom Line webpage.

  • Update on Yellow Monterey Almond Trees

    Sacramento, Calif., (October 18, 2017) – Farm Advisors and PCAs have fielded calls this season concerning Monterey on Krymsk 86 or Rootpac-R showing unique foliar symptoms – yellowing, rolling leaves with marginal necrosis and poor growth. Occasionally Nonpareil or Butte trees may be affected, but based on planting preferences and symptoms, Monterey generates the most concern. Most of the trees show these symptoms in the second leaf, but in some situations, first and third leaf trees are also affected.

    Both Krymsk 86 (K86) and Rootpac-R are Myrobalan plum (Prunus cerasifera) hybrids – peach x Myrobalan plum (Krymsk 86) and almond x Myrobalan plum (Rootpac-R). The foliar symptoms are very similar to the condition called Union Mild Etch on some almond varieties (Butte, Monterey, etc.) grafted on Marianna 2624 plum (Myrobalan plum x wild goose plum) rootstock. Research on Union Mild Etch found symptoms occurred more often when soils were too wet either due to excessive rainfall or over-irrigation. Trees may look water stressed, but that does not mean more irrigation will help the problem. While there is no etching reported at the bud union on Monterey on K86 or Rootpac-R, the symptoms and recommended treatment have been the same: don’t over irrigate, limit fertilizer, and let the trees recover naturally. While the most seriously affected trees may not recover – a few die – the majority appear to recover.

    For years, Butte and Monterey were listed in tables as partially incompatible on Marianna 2624 plum rootstock. Research by Jerry Uyemoto (USDA, retired) and Joe Connell (UCCE Butte Co, emeritus) conducted over 15 years, found the problem was more related to excess soil moisture than genetic incompatibility. When soils were too wet during the warmer part of the growing season, weak pathogens (Fusarium, Cylindrocarpon) in the soil would attack the fine feeder roots usually without harming the larger more permanent root structure. The problem occurred when wet winter/late spring rain kept the soil too wet or when growers over-irrigated young trees. These researchers produced the problem (yellowing, curled leaves with reduced growth) by over-irrigating previously healthy Butte/M2624. The problem is not a nitrogen deficiency; and, since the larger more permanent roots were healthy, when excessive soil moisture was corrected the trees would normally recover. By the time the orchard is 4-5 years old the problem seldom occurs since growers are less likely to over-irrigate at that age.

    Bottom-line, the yellowing of Monterey on K86 or Rootpac R looks to be related to excess soil moisture, not incompatibility. The good news is that water can be managed, incompatibility can’t be. True graft incompatibility usually manifests as gumming at the graft union, weak growth of the scion, and suckering from the rootstock.

  • USDA California Crop Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (October 18, 2017) – A drier pattern persisted during the prior week. Most stations reported little to no precipitation across the State. Some precipitation was reported along the northern coast. Some snow-melt occurred in the afternoon hours along the northeast mountain region.

    Temperature highs were in the 60s to 70s in the mountains, 70s to 90s along the coast, and 80s to 90s in the valley and the desert. Temperature lows were in the 10s to 40s in the mountains, 30s to 40s along the coast, in the valley, and the desert.

    Alfalfa fields continued to be irrigated, cut, and baled. Sorghum fields were being harvested. Corn silage continued to be harvested. Cotton was being harvested for lint and seed. Black-eyed beans continued to be harvested.

    Late season peaches, nectarines, and plums continued to be harvested. Some old stone fruit orchards were being pushed out. Soil amendments were being applied to some stone fruit orchards. Wine and table grape harvest continued in the San Joaquin Valley. Napa and Sonoma County wild fires were impacting some field activities and the smoke could taint unharvested grapes. Thompson seedless grapes were being rolled and picked up. Pear and pomegranate harvesting continued. Persimmons were coloring. Most citrus packing houses continued to get ready for the new navel orange season. Citrus orchards were being skirted and trimmed for the coming season. Some orange groves were being pushed out to make way for new plantings. Finger limes were harvested. The olive crop continued to be harvested.

    The almond harvest continued to slow down across the state. Walnut and Pistachio harvests continued.

    In Fresno County, jalapenos continued to be harvested. Carrots were recovering from heat damage. Soil was prepared for planting organic garlic and onions. In Tulare County, certified producers were picking tomatoes, sweet corn, okra, cucumbers, squash, and peppers. Commercial plantings of yellow squash, eggplant, bell peppers, green chili peppers, and cucumbers were harvested and shipped domestically. Fall vegetables were planted and developing well. Pumpkins were prepared for harvest. In Tulare County, certified producers were picking tomatoes, sweet corn, okra, cucumbers, squash, and peppers. Commercial plantings of yellow fall vegetables were developing well and some early varieties were almost ready for harvest. Strawberries continued to grow. Pumpkin patches look very mature and should be ready for picking soon.

    Non-irrigated and foothill rangeland was reported to be in poor to very poor condition. Supplemental feeding of cattle continued. Cattle were moved down from high-elevation range. Sheep were being moved to Imperial Valley. Northern California wildfires burned rangeland and forced evacuations of large animals.

  • Number of California fairs serving as emergency shelters and fire camps grows to 17

    Sacramento, Calif., (October 18, 2017) – As wildfires continue to spread in California, a number of the state’s local fairs as well as the State Fair have come forward to provide emergency shelter for evacuees and their animals, and to offer space for fire camps. This is one of many ways fairs serve their communities in times of need.

    As of yesterday, 17 fairgrounds, from Costa Mesa to Boonville, were hosting approximately 2,000 evacuees; nearly 1,700 animals, including horses, pets, llamas and a tortoise; and 7,261 emergency response personnel and their equipment.

    The fairs serving during this time are as follows:

    1. Napa Valley Fairgrounds and Exposition, 575 Third St., Napa, 94559
    2. Napa County Fairgrounds, 1435 North Oak St., Calistoga, 94515
    3. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa, 95404
    4. Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma, 94952
    5. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, 1005 N. State St., Ukiah, 95482
    6. Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, 442 Franklin Ave., Yuba City, 95991
    7. Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Rd., Grass Valley, 95945
    8. Marin County Fairgrounds, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, 94903
    9. Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Dr., Cloverdale, 95425
    10. Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Dr., Vallejo, 94589
    11. Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St., Bakersfield, 93307
    12. Mendocino County Fairgrounds, 14400 Highway 128, Boonville, 95415
    13. Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, 92626
    14. Los Angeles County Fairgrounds, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, 91769
    15. Dixon May Fairgrounds, 655 S. First St., Dixon, 95620
    16. Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St., Lakeport, 95453
    17. Cal Expo State Fair, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, 95815

     

     

     

  • Allied Grape Growers Address North Coast Wildfire Situation

    It is devastating to see our friends in the wine industry, neighbors and families losing their homes and in some cases, their lives to these destructive wildfires. Learn about the current status of the situation from both the community and wine industry perspective by watching this video interview with Nat DiBuduo, President of Allied Grape Growers, and what you can do to help in the relief effort. Read more in American Vineyard Magazine.