California Ag Network

Category: Vegetable Industry

  • Andrew & Williamson/Good Farms, Rancho Guadalupe & Dynasty Farms Support Food Banks

    In one of the first agreements of its kind between California producers and a county food bank, two farms will begin providing, at a reasonable rate, produce to the Alameda County Community Food Bank, allowing it to provide additional much-needed fresh fruit and vegetables to a growing number of residents in need of assistance. This innovative pilot program assists the food banks while keeping the agricultural supply chain together which is critical to the future of food supply.

    “We are excited that our members have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded organizations such as the Alameda County Food Bank who support initiatives like Food as Medicine. The COVID-19 pandemic has focused our efforts on building and supporting the health and wellbeing of our broader communities; ensuring the future of fresh produce plays a paramount role in our efforts. This partnership enables our food supply chain to stay intact and therefore our producers can continue to grow fresh produce at the same level,” says Kirti Mutakar, Chief Executive Officer of UnitedAg.

    “When the COVID-19 crisis hit, and the foodservice operations all came to a standstill overnight, millions of jobs were lost and with it the demand for our produce. To bring more diverse options to the foodbank, and at the same time recover our cost to grow and harvest it, creative solutions were necessary to take care of those who need it most and help keep agriculture whole,” says A.J. Cisney, General Manager of Rancho Guadalupe.

    Deliveries will begin May 5, with nearly 4,000 pounds of strawberries from Andrew & Williamson / Good Farms, Rancho Guadalupe, and over 7,000 crowns of broccoli from Dynasty Farms. These are foods that have not been regularly available at the food banks. The pilot program hopes to expand into the larger state network of food banks (California Association of Food Banks) and increase its product offerings. UnitedAg Member Farms are hopeful this concept will grow into something bigger.

    About UnitedAg

    Founded in 1980, UnitedAg is a multi-commodity member-owned agricultural trade association dedicated to providing innovative healthcare solutions for a strong and healthy agricultural industry. Our over 1,000 agriculture affiliated member organizations network and share creative ways to transform our ever-changing industry. UnitedAg strives to bring innovative health benefits and solutions to agribusiness by meeting our member’s employee health benefits needs, advocating for ag with lawmakers and helping members comply with regulations.  Based in Irvine, Calif., UnitedAg has offices in Oxnard, Corona, Salinas, Fresno and Santa Maria.

  • CA Tomato Processors Expect 12 Million Tons in 2020

    The USDA-NASS Pacific Regional Office surveyed California’s tomato processors for their intended contract acreage and tonnage for the upcoming 2020 season.  The data reported by processors was either tonnage with derived acreage, or acreage with derived tonnage.
    As of January, California’s tomato processors reported they have, or will have, contracts for 12.0 million tons in 2020, which is an increase of 4.3 percent compared to what was reported under contract in the August 2019 California processing Tomato Report.  Processors estimate that the contracted production for 2020 will come from 235,000 acres, generating an average yield of 51.1 tons per acre.  The contracted planted acreage forecast is unchanged from the 2019 acreage reported under contract in August.
    This early processing tomato estimate is funded by the California League of Food Processors, in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

  • Rominger Brothers Farms Receives CA Leopold Conservation Award

    Rick Rominger (left) and Bruce Rominger (right) – Photo by Paolo Vescia

    Rominger Brothers Farms of Winters has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 California Leopold Conservation Award®. Sand County Foundation created the Leopold Conservation Award to inspire American landowners by recognizing exceptional farmers, ranchers and foresters. The prestigious award, named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, is given in 20 states.

    The award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation. Rominger Brothers Farms, Inc. of Yolo County received $10,000 and a crystal award at the California Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Monterey today.

    The farm and rangeland owned and managed by Bruce and Rick Rominger represents a community they love, respect, share with others and protect in perpetuity. They grow diversified crops – including wine grapes, processing tomatoes, rice and hay – in ways that protect the environment, using a full toolbox of stewardship practices and partnerships. This includes planting miles of hedgerows to benefit important pollinators like bees, restoring over 5,000 feet of stream corridors to connect riparian areas and wetlands to aid a variety of species, and managing irrigation water on their rice fields to boost declining shorebird populations.

    Photo Credit: Paolo Vescia

    The Romingers have long been recognized leaders for their adaptability and innovation while overcoming regulatory challenges that, together with their conservation goals, enhance their business. Community service and outreach round out the leadership character of Rominger Brothers Farms.

    “It’s an honor to even be considered for the Leopold Conservation Award, and an even greater honor to win it, especially considering all the accomplished past winners,” said Bruce Rominger. “We are humbled to be part of that list of distinguished recipients. We love what we’re doing and believe what we’re doing improves our part of California in meaningful ways for the future. To have the Leopold Conservation Award associated with our farm is a tremendous privilege.”

    “California’s environment and communities are facing some big challenges – with the effects of climate change in particular on full display with yet another round of megafires across the state this year,” said Ashley Boren, Executive Director of Sustainable Conservation, which has co-sponsored the award since its launch in California in 2006. “The Rominger brothers have spent three decades evolving their farm into a model of sustainability and climate resiliency. Their extraordinary list of accomplishments includes pioneering the use of water-wise drip irrigation, planting miles of hedgerows to benefit important pollinators, and restoring and reconnecting streams and wetland habitats – all of which helps their farm and the multitude of species that call it home endure in a changing climate.”

    “We are honored to join Sand County Foundation and Sustainable Conservation to recognize the extraordinary efforts of California farmers and ranchers who go above and beyond in managing and enhancing our natural resources,” said Jamie Johansson, California Farm Bureau Federation President. “The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes innovative and replicable strategies that our farmers or ranchers utilize to manage their land and natural resources.”

    Verwey Farms (Philip & Shelly Verwey, Frank & Kathy Cardoza, and Brent & Camberia Verwey) – Photo by Paolo Vescia

    Among the many outstanding landowners nominated for this year’s award were two finalists.  Philip Verwey Dairy, Hanford (Kings County) is a first-generation dairy whose philosophy for every management decision is: take care of the people, take care of the animals and take care of the environment on and around the farm. Their commitment to innovation and continuous improvement is evident with their 10-acre covered lagoon manure digester that generates renewable electricity that powers the farm, on-farm wells and their local community. This enables generating clean, renewable energy for two electric-powered feed mixing stations that significantly reduces the use of diesel fuel and harmful air emissions. A five-acre solar array currently being built will help the farm attain its future goal of becoming carbon-neutral.

    Rosie and Ward Burroughs and family at farm in Denair CA – Photo by Paolo Vescia

    Burroughs Family Farms in Denair (Stanislaus County) is this year’s other finalist. Rose Marie and Ward Burroughs along with their family are co-owners of five diversified, sustainable farms that produce organic almonds, beef, chicken and eggs, dairy, olives, hay and more. Exceeding organic standards, the family continually refines and enhances their systems to reduce water use and improve soil fertility. This system prioritizes biodiversity, and seeks to replenish groundwater aquifers, as well as enhance watershed and ecosystem health, while supporting their growing and diverse family enterprises.

    The 2018 recipient was Lundberg Family Farms, an organic rice and quinoa farm in Butte and Humboldt counties. The Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to generous contributions from Farm Credit, The Harvey L. & Maud S. Sorenson Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, McDonald’s and California Leopold Conservation Award alumni. For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

    Photo credit: California Farm Bureau Federation

  • Tulare County Crop Report (For the week ending July 27, 2019)

    Small Grains, Other Field Crops:

    Corn for silage continues to mature. Black-eyed beans are sizing up, and the pods are beginning to dry. Cotton continues to be irrigated and cultivated. Alfalfa continues to be cut and baled.

    Deciduous Tree Fruits, Nuts, And Grapes:

    The stone fruit season continues on. Peaches are being exported to Brazil, Taiwan, Canada,Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, Ecuador, El Salvador, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, and Australia. Nectarines are being exported to Australia, Canada, Taiwan, Brazil, Honduras, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Plums are being exported to China, Canada, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. Hand-pruning and mechanical toppingcontinues to take place in some stone fruit orchards, after harvest. Immature stone fruit continuesto develop. Some older stone fruit groves are being removed after harvest. Grapes continue to mature and harvest has begun slowly, but will pick up next week. Grapes are being exported to Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand. Some vineyards continue to have leaves thinned to allow for better airflow and light. This year’s almond, pecan, walnut, and pistachio nuts continue to develop. Pistachios are being exported to Vietnam, India, Spain, and Hong Kong. Almonds are being exported Vietnam, Germany, Finland, Jordan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Costa Rica, Mexico, Indonesia, Colombia, and Argentina. Persimmons continue to develop. Irrigation continues for orchards and vineyards.

     

    Citrus, Avocados, And Olives:

    Valencia and navel oranges continue to be harvested. Late navel harvest is nearing the end, with oranges mainly being sent to juice from the field. Gassing of Valencia oranges to improve color continues. Valencia oranges are mainly being sent to domestic markets but they continue to be exported in small amounts to Mexico and Hong Kong. Ruby grapefruit and Finger limes are being exported to Mexico. Some citrus groves are being pruned and hedge rowed. Immature olives continue to develop.

     

    Vegetables, Melons, Herbs, Berries:

    Certified producers are picking tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumber, watermelon, and squash. Summer vegetables continue to be sold at roadside stands and Farmer’s Markets. Blueberries are being picked and sold by local growers.

     

    Livestock And Poultry:

    Rangeland forage is of fair-good quality. The fed cattle price is at $112 per cwt.

    Additional Comments:

    Local wholesale nurseries are still shipping small orders of nursery stock to local and out-of-state retail nursery outlets. Nurseries continue to receive various flowers and plants daily. Bare-rootrose shipments continue to be sent to Florida.

     

  • Weed Control in Lettuce

    Weed control in lettuce and other crops is a key issue this time of year. Purslane is particularly problematic and is adapted to warm conditions and can grow very rapidly especially during July and August. At times growers and PCA’s are disappointed with the efficacy of Kerb on this weed. Kerb is effective in controlling purslane but it is readily leached and, if applied at planting, it can be moved below the zone of germinating weed seeds with the germination water. For instance, 6-8 hours of sprinkler water (1.5 to 2.0 inches) are commonly applied in the first germination water which can move the Kerb below the upper 0.5 inch of soil which is the zone where the weed seeds germinate; the movement of Kerb with the germination water is particularly problematic on sandy soils. Prefar does not leach and thus provides most of the purslane control when the two materials are tank mixed (Figure 1). However, Prefar does not control shepherd’s purse or nightshades which can also be problematic in lettuce fields. Therefore, it would be advantageous to optimize the efficacy of Kerb to maximize the control of purslane as well as other weeds.

    In the desert, the use of delayed applications of Kerb has been used for many years. Due to the large amounts of water that are applied in their hot conditions, Kerb is applied in the 2nd or 3rd germination water, approximately 3-5 days following the first germination water, just prior to the emergence of the lettuce seedlings. This technique can also be utilized in the Salinas Valley. We have looked at this technique over the years and have found it to improve the efficacy of Kerb (Figure 2).  These data illustrate the loss of control of purslane by Kerb when applied before the 1st germination water, as well as the improvement in efficacy that results when applied following the 1st germination water. It also illustrates the role that Prefar plays in the control of purslane when the efficacy of Kerb is lost by leaching. It should be mentioned that the label states that the maximum amount of Kerb that can be applied through the sprinklers is 2.5 pints/A and the amount used in this trial was for experimental purposes only. Clearly there is benefit from applying the Kerb later in the 2nd or 3rd germination water, however, we observed that applying the Kerb at the end of the 1st germination water also provided improved efficacy of Kerb. Clearly, anything that helps to keep the Kerb in the top 0.5 inch of soil improves its efficacy.

    Here are some details that need to be considered regarding the application of Kerb later in the germination phase of the crop: There is a need to use an injection pump and tank. We have typically used a tank with a circulating mechanism to keep the Kerb in suspension while the injection was occurring. The material needs to be injected into the mainline in a location where proper mixing can occur before it begins to flow down the laterals. The most difficult issue that growers face is the compatibility of the injection with surrounding crops. This is probably the greatest challenge and must be carefully thought through before attempting an application.

    Another idea that we explored last year was the use of an additive to help retain the Kerb in the upper portion of the soil where it can be most active. However, we did not see improved efficacy in two 2018 trials (data not shown).

    Many growers now are now using drip irrigation to germinate lettuce. Grower may apply the same amount of water with drip germination as with sprinklers, but the movement of the water is different which affects a surface applied material differently. With this method of germination, there are a couple of interesting dynamics that occur: 1) Kerb is not pushed too deep by this germination method and effectively reduces weed populations whether injected into the germ water (currently not a registered method of application) or sprayed on the soil surface and activated by the drip germination water (Table 1); and 2) fewer weeds emerge with drip germination than with sprinklers, regardless of the herbicide program.

    By: Richard Smith 

    Figure 1. On left: Kerb at 3.5 pints/A applied at planting; On right Kerb at 3.5 pints/A + Prefar at 1.0 gallon/A applied at planting. The main weed is common purslane which was not controlled by Kerb because it was pushed below the zone of germinating weed seeds by the germination water

     

     

  • Do Ladybugs Help Your Garden Grow? Depends On Surroundings

    When cabbage looper moth larvae infest a field, sustainable growers will often try to control the pests by releasing large numbers of predators, such as ladybugs. That way they can avoid spraying expensive and environmentally harmful insecticides.

    Still, farmers have mixed results when they supplement their fields with beetles or other predators.

    Cornell impacting New York State

    A new study of cabbage crops in New York – a state industry worth close to $60 million in 2017, according to the USDA – reports for the first time that the effectiveness of releasing natural enemies to combat pests depends on the landscape surrounding the field.

    “The landscape context can inform how to better use this strategy in field conditions,” said Ricardo Perez-Alvarez, the paper’s first author and a graduate student in the lab of co-author Katja Poveda, associate professor of entomology. Brian Nault, an entomology professor at Cornell AgriTech, is also a co-author.

    The paper, “Effectiveness of Augmentative Biological Control Depends on Landscape Context,” was published June 17 in the journal Nature Scientific Reports. It showed that releasing pest predators led to fewer pests, less plant damage and increased crop biomass on farms surrounded by more forest and natural areas and less agricultural land. But on farms predominantly surrounded by other farms, the reverse was true, with more pests and plant damage and reduced crop biomass in spite of added predators.

    The reasons behind this phenomenon are complex, and depend on interactions between local predators and those that are added, which can vary on a case-by-case basis. The predators in primarily agricultural landscapes may be less diverse and may then attack the same pests, increasing the potential for competition and negative interactions. Predators also have fewer microhabitats (small-scale physical requirements of an organism or a community of organisms), which can intensify the competition for space and diet.

    Simple agricultural landscapes can also increase the likelihood that one predator species will prey on another predator species. For example, smaller predators become vulnerable to larger predators, which then affects the collective effect of multiple predators on pest control.

    “Landscape composition influences how predator species interact with one another and thereby mediates the potential consequences for biological pest control,” Perez-Alvarez said.

    A spined soldier bug nymph and a cabbage looper larvae on a cabbage plant.

    The study focused on cabbage crops and three cabbage pests (the larvae of the cabbage white butterfly, the diamondback moth and the cabbage looper moth), and their natural enemies. In central New York, there are 156 native predator species and seven parasitoid wasps that prey on these pests. Among these, two generalist predators are commonly used to augment fields with additional pest enemies: the spined soldier bug and the convergent ladybird beetle. These two generally complement each other well because soldier bugs feed on larvae and ladybugs feed on eggs.

    In the study, the researchers set up experimental plots on 11 cabbage farms in central New York, which together represented a range of surrounding landscapes from agricultural lands to natural areas.

    Each farm had two cabbage plots: one that was left alone so it was exposed to the naturally occurring predators, and another where soldier bugs and ladybugs were added. The researchers then collected a wide range of data that included surveys of pest and predator abundances, plant damage and final crop yields. They also conducted lab experiments to better understand the relationships between predators and how those interactions impact pest control.

    Given how complex these predator-predator and predator-pest interactions and their relationships to pest control can be, more study is needed to make specific recommendation to growers. Still, the paper is a first step toward understanding how landscapes influence the effects of augmenting farms with predators for pest control.

    The study was funded by National Institute of Food and Agriculture at the United States Department of Agriculture.

    By Krishna Ramanujan

  • Tulare County Crop Report ( For Week Ending: July 13, 2019)

    SMALL GRAINS, OTHER FIELD CROPS:

    Recently planted corn for silage continues to mature. Black-eyed beans continue to mature. Cotton continues to be irrigated and cultivated. Alfalfa continues to be cut and baled.

    DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES:

    The stone fruit season is in full swing. Peaches are being exported to Canada, Brazil, Mexico,Guatemala, Honduras, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Australia. Nectarines are being exported toCanada, Brazil, the Philippines, Guatemala, Honduras, Australia, and Mexico. Plums are beingexported to Canada, Taiwan, Australia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.Apricots are being exported to Australia and Canada. Hand-pruning and mechanical topping continues to take place in some stone fruit orchards, after harvest. Immature stone fruit continues to develop. Some older stone fruit groves are being removed after harvest. Grapes continue tomature and harvest should begin soon. Some vineyards continue to have leaves thinned to allowfor better airflow and light. Irrigation continues for grape vineyards. Almond, pecan, walnut, and pistachio nuts continue to develop. Persimmons continue to develop. Irrigation continues for nutand stone fruit orchards.

    CITRUS, AVOCADOS, AND OLIVES:

    Valencia and navel oranges continue to be harvested. Navel oranges are being sent to domesticmarkets only. Navel oranges are being juiced from the field. Gassing of Valencia oranges toimprove color continues. Valencia oranges are mainly being sent to domestic markets, but they continue to be exported in small amounts to Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, and Korea. Rubygrapefruit are being exported to Mexico. Finger-limes are now being exported to France and the Netherlands. Some citrus groves are being pruned and hedge rowed. Immature olives continue to develop.

    VEGETABLES, MELONS, HERBS, BERRIES:

    Certified producers are picking tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, jalapeno peppers, cucumbers,watermelons, and squash. Summer vegetables continue to be sold at roadside stands andFarmer’s Markets. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are being picked and sold by localgrowers.

    LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY:

    Rangeland forage is of good quality. The fed cattle price is at $109 cwt per 100 weight.

    ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

    Local wholesale nurseries are still shipping small orders of nursery stock to local and out-of-stateretail nursery outlets. Nurseries continue to receive various flowers and plants daily. Bare-rootrose shipments continue to be sent to Florida.

     

  • America’s Onion Industry Helps Sustain a Healthy Planet!

    Onion logo

    The National Onion Association’s membership works hard to keep their operations sustainable. From use of onion as a raw “onion power” to power up facilities to protecting workers and the land, America’s onion farmers work hard every day to create the most sustainable programs possible.  It’s not only right for the country, but their families as they continue to feed America.  This Earth Day, remember the onion farmer, and his/her contributions, to keeping the Earth healthy, while they help feed America.

    Here are some great examples of sustainable practices in the onion world:

    “Onion Power”

    Ten years ago, Gills Onions in California created a system whereby it uses onion remains (tops, skins, stems and tops) to create energy, a system that now has generated more than 25 gigawatt hours of electricity — enough power to supply a year’s worth of power to 460 residential homes. The Advanced Energy Recovery System provides 100 percent of the base electrical load of Gills’ processing plant in Oxnard, Calif. Gills to this day is working to achieve greater efficiency and energy independence.

    “It’s hard to do business in California, but also it challenges us to think outside of the box. So, onion juice power was (owner Steve Gill) thinking outside of the box. He created a program that did not exist in the world.”

    Source: Gills Onions. Contact: Megan Jacobsen, 805-240-1983.)

    Using all of the onion

    Our farmers continue to close in on the idea of zero waste. There are continually new ways of using all of the onions.  From the tops and stems in production facilities, to the “culls” left over in the field being used for sheep feed, and shredded for cattle crazing.

    • Sakata Farms in Colorado routinely trucks its culls to area sheep farms.

    • Fashion designers in New York are using onion skins as natural dyes for their fabrics. A group of students working with the Fragmentario studio in New York City will unveil its onion fabrics during NY Textile Month in September. (Contact: Maria Elena Pombo, Fragementario Studio, https://fragmentario.co/)

    • Gumz Farms in Endeavor, Wis., has installed a high-tech, humidity and temperature controlled circulation system, which allows it to store onions longer, reducing waste. Gumz also is a member of the Healthy Grown program in Wisconsin, which ensures their commitment to sustainability.

    Coveting the land

    America’s onion farmers work diligently to keep soils healthy to grow the best products to put on the table. They follow researchers from around the world to implement the best practices.

    Says Dylan Dembeck of Minkus Family Farms in New York:

    “Many people think commercial agriculture hurts the land, but they don’t realize it is in our best interest to keep the land as fertile as possible to continue to produce high quality produce  for generations to come.  Not only are sustainable farming techniques good the for environment it is also very good for farmers.  We are able to achieve higher yields, better quality product, and decrease our overall chemical applications.  These things are all better for the environment and they help farmers increase their bottom line to ensure they can continue to farm for many years to come.”

    • At Potandon Produce in Idaho, soil ph and nutrient levels are constantly monitored to reduce fertilizer use.

    Reducing footprints

    • Minkus Family Farms in New York has installed solar panels to reduce its footprint; it has built 62 skylights in their warehouse, almost completely eliminating the need for lighting in tis warehouse. Use exclusively LED lights. It also uses 10 large 20-foot fans to reduce building temperature, to avoid as much air conditioning as possible.

    (Contact: https://freshonions.com/wholesale-onion-farm/)

    • Potandon Produce in Idaho also recycles fresh water in an overall water management plan, uses poly bags printed with water-based inks and uses only recycled materials in its master containers. Corrugated and cardboard containers are sourced from suppliers that are part of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Program.

    • Grimmway Farms in California has a 4.75 megawatt solar from to help power its facilities, along with a multifaceted sustainability program to reduce its footprint.Water management and soil protection

    • Fagerberg Farms in Eaton, Colo., uses subsurface drip irrigation, an innovative watering practice that requires less water, fewer chemicals and more efficient applications. Fagerberg has been recognized in the farming industry for its sustainable farming practices.

    (Source: Fagerberg Farms, https://fagerbergproduce.com/)

    • In Glennville, Ga., G&R Farms constantly monitors its varieties to get the best yields with the greatest efficiencies. Part of that is water management.“On the field side, we try to be very protective of the water, and make sure we don’t have any washing in the field or erosion. We put in cover corps in the off season to protect the till for the soil. Our goal is to use less and less fertilizer,” said Cliff Riner of G&R Farms. “We have to stay on top of the curve to provide the best product we can.”

    The National Onion Association was incorporated in 1913 and represents more than 500 onion growers, shippers, packers and suppliers throughout the United States.

  • Consumer Trends to Increase Demand for CA Processing Tomatoes

    JMS Sponsor Banner
    Processing tomato growers in California had a great crop last year, and are more efficient than ever before at producing a quality crop as efficiently as possible. But now more than ever, we need to follow consumer trends closely to determine how to better appeal to the consumer audience to increase demand for this great commodity. Watch this interview with with Alec Wasson from the Tomato Products Wellness Council on how they are reaching consumers today. Read more about it in the coming issue of Vegetables West Magazine. Don’t currently receive Vegetables West? Subscribe for free at https://malcolmmedia.com/vegetables-west-magazine-subscriptions/

  • Western Growers Hires Human Resources Veteran Anna Bilderbach

    Western Growers is proud to announce the recent hire of Anna Bilderbach, who will serve as the Learning and Development Manager on the Human Resources team. Bilderbach brings more than two decades of experience in HR-related training. In her role as Learning and Development Manager, Bilderbach is responsible for conducting all training for Western Growers member farmers and the agricultural community, in both English and Spanish. Additionally, she will be supporting the learning and development initiatives within the Western Growers.

    “Anna is such an incredible addition to our human resources team,” said Karen Timmins, Senior Vice President of Human Resources. “Her extensive background in both customer relations and human resources has awarded her with the perfect skillset to continue pushing forward Western Growers’ mission of advancing the agriculture industry by providing the training services and resources our farmers need to thrive.”

    Having extensive experience in Financial Services, Non-Profit and Manufacturing as a career coach, project manager and trainer, Bilderbach has perfected her abilities to coach and develop talent in both small businesses and large corporations. Additionally, she has a proven track record of increasing organizational effectiveness, improving healthy company cultures and helping employees better improve customer experiences.

    “My training and background in Training/HR/Organizational Development has allowed me the opportunity to work with the entire employee life-cycle, from hire to retire.” said Bilderbach. “I’m truly excited and eager to be of service to our members and the team here at Western Growers. At the end of the day, my job is going to help employees engaged in agriculture develop personally and professionally, which is a win-win in my book.”

    Bilderbach received academic training at the University of California, Irvine, in Human Resources Management. She also studied business at Riverside Community College.