California Ag Network

Tag: California Association of Pest Control Advisers

  • CAPCA on the Rise & Role of Biologicals in Crop Protection

    Crop protection tools are becoming more and more regulated and limited in California. Biostimulants, biopesticides and biofertilizers offer more options for growers. How they fit into conventional and organic farming systems is still being investigated and how the California Department of Pesticide Regulation should treat and classify them is still in debate. The California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) has been actively involved in the conversation though, advocating for tools for sustainable pest management. At their annual Conference, Malcolm Media Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm sat down with CAPCA State Board Vice President Adam Tavares from AMVAC Chemical as he shared his perspective on where their at and priorities for the future.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • Western Brassica Growers Troubled by Diamondback Moth Insecticide Resistance

    When a prevalent pest like Diamondback Moth develops insecticide resistance, pest management costs can rise astronomically for farmers and can even lead to food shortages. California Fruit & Vegetable Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm met with CAPCA Board Member Kyle Kuechel from Syngenta to discuss the gravity of the situation, what growers can do to manage resistance issues, and what hope can be offered looking to the future.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • How to Effectively Control Rats on California Farms in a State of Emergency

    Rats have taken an unusual interest in the specialty crop capital of the nation. Many attribute the cause to the pest multiplying unchecked in orchards and vineyards in the Central Valley that have been abandoned due to water restrictions and economic challenges. This becomes a real problem when the rats move into neighboring farms in active production, tearing up driplines, feeding on crops and damaging trees. Growers are in a state of emergency and have limited tools for managing this pest.  Malcolm Media Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm met with UCCE Wildlife Specialist Roger Baldwin at the California Association of Pest Control Adviser’s annual conference to gain answers on how to knock down populations effectively and keep the pest at bay.  Watch this brief interview and learn more by attending Baldwin’s presentation on rat control at the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo at the Fresno Fairgrounds on Nov. 14 (register to attend at agexpo.biz).

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • Widespread Rat Infestation in Orchards & Vineyards, CAPCA on Tools & Resources Moving Ahead

    As if California growers and PCAs didn’t have enough on their plates with rising input costs compounded by the most restrictive laws & regulations in the nation, they’ve been further challenged with an unusual pest problem this year — rats! An  increasing number of abandoned orchards and vineyards due to poor economic circumstances has caused a feeding frenzy for some uninvited rodent guests, whose numbers have been multiplying at unprecedented levels. Ruthann Anderson, President/CEO of the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to explain this issue and what they are doing to help provide the tools and resources growers and PCAs to combat this emergency situation, beginning with an anonymous survey they can fill out HERE. Watch this brief video to learn more.

  • Watermelon Growers Face Challenges When Expanding Their Season

    Watermelon is a favorite summertime treat for consumers. Naturally anticipating those summer picnics and BBQs, consumers may want to enjoy this sweet treat earlier or even later in the year, outside of California’s traditional harvest window. Determined to meet consumer demand with an innovative spirit, California growers are planting watermelons earlier than ever before and expanding their seasons late into the fall as well. This does not come without consequence though, and growers faced some particular challenges during their extended 2024 season that they won’t soon forget. Watch this brief interview as Zheng Wang, UCCE Vegetable Crop Advisor — specializing in Central Valley melon crops, discusses these challenges with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network. Read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • California Association of Pest Control Advisers Celebrates 50th Conference

    The California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) recently gathered for their 50th annual conference. Bringing together a bright group pest control advisors tasked with protecting the most diverse agricultural landscape in the nation, watch this special video presentation highlighting what CAPCA is all about and what it means to be a member of this organization as they celebrate this milestone year.

  • Big DPR Licensing Changes for Pest Control Advisers and Invitation to Gather for 50th Anniversary CAPCA Conference

    To help California Pest Control Advisers and qualified/aerial pesticide applicators prepare for several changes to their license renewals with DPR, Ruthann Anderson, President/CEO of the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network on August 5th to explain the changes. Among them is a significant renewal fee increase. While increasing costs are never welcome news, Anderson calls upon DPR for transparency and accountability in the use of the increased funds to better serve licensees. She also points out that 2024 is a milestone year for CAPCA, as they will be holding their 50th annual Conference this fall. Watch this brief interview to learn more specifics on California DPR license renewal changes, and some exciting things to expect in attending CAPCA’s 50th Conference this October.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Southern California Gas Company for their industry support.

  • New Invasive Pest Threatens Western Tree Nut Industry

    Western tree nut commodities just got through a very tough season, and markets are still less than ideal.  The last thing growers want to hear about is a new pest threatening their orchard production.  But the Carpophilus Beetle has already been under the radar far too long, damaging Central Valley orchards under the guise of “Navel Orangeworm.”  Watch this brief video with Bob Klein from the California Pistachio Research Board as he explains, and read more about this new pest in the December and January issues of Pacific Nut Producer magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.

  • State of the California Pest Control Adviser

    Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) in California are some of the brightest and versatile in the nation. They each generally cover a wide spectrum of crops grown under a many different conditions and pest challenges.  Watch this brief interview with Ruthann Anderson, President and CEO of the California Association of Pest Control Advisers, as she discusses the current State of the California Pest Control Adviser, as well as an opportunity for PCAs and their growers to get grant funding to tell their IPM stories. Learn more and apply at: https://capca.com/memberships/#study

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.