California Ag Network

Tag: Grape Nut & Tree Fruit Expo

  • Fresno Chamber Presents Ag Awards at Malcolm Media Expo

    Malcolm Media’s annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo returned to the Big Fresno Fairgrounds on November 14th, where 1,600+ ag professionals gathered for some amazing networking and educational opportunities. With a vast indoor and outdoor agricultural tradeshow, CE credited seminars, BBQ tri-tip lunch, and an expanded series of State of the Industry sessions for key grape, nut and fresh fruit commodities, attendees enjoyed a one-of-a-kind experience and took home insights that will benefit the future of their farming operations.

    New to the Expo this year – the Fresno Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Ag Awards in partnership with Malcolm Media and the Fresno County Farm Bureau.  To celebrate the occasion, the fairground tables and stage were lavishly decorated by The Chamber with flowering plants from Belmont Nursery and an edible arrangement of fresh grapes, persimmons and pomegranates.

    AGvocate of the Year: Shelly Abajian

    The first award, for AGvocate of the Year, was conferred on Shelly Abajian.  Abajian said that after college, “I farmed a little bit with my father and then ended up with the job of my life with US Senator Dianne Feinstein. . . . Because of that job, I was able to meet and connect with agriculture and people throughout the state.”  During the 21 years that Abajian worked for Feinstein, she earned the appreciation of farmers as a trusted broker of their interests.  She travelled the state and dug deeply into the issues, especially water.

    Abajian resides as the third generation on her family’s raisin farm in Selma, accompanied by the fourth and fifth generations.

    Shelly Abajian, awarded AGvocate of the year, served as a liaison between farmers and the late senator Dianne Feinstein.

    Agricultural Employee of the Year: Edgar Blanco

    The second award, Agricultural Employee of the Year, was bestowed on Edgar Blanco. Originally from Mexico, Blanco serves as the Vice President of Operations for the Home Management Group, Inc., where he plays a central role in strategic workforce planning, vineyard development and safety compliance across all ranch operations.  In 2021 he expanded his leadership role even more by partnering with Earl Hall to co-own BH Grinding, LLC, a vineyard and orchard removal company.

    “Blanco’s career reflects the very spirit of the award: unwavering dedication, leadership, and a profound understanding of what it takes to keep agricultural enterprises thriving,” remarked Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen as he presented the award to Blanco.   

    Edgar Blanco (pictured with Ryan Jacobsen) was awarded Agricultural Employee of the Year for his “unwavering dedication, leadership, and profound understanding of what it takes to keep agricultural enterprises thriving.”

    Baker Tilly Agribusiness of the Year: Belmont Nursery

    The “Baker Tilly Agribusiness of the Year,” was awarded to Belmont Nursery.  Belmont owner Jon Reelhorn was a self-described “city boy” who studied landscaping at Fresno State.  After selling plants for another large wholesale nursery for 15 years, Reelhorn acquired Belmont Nursery in 2001.  The previous owner, Jerry Palmer, graciously mentored him.

    Expanding under Reelhorn’s leadership from 13 to 50 employees, Belmont stands out for its innovation and industry leadership.  They have modernized operations and developed unique plant varieties.  As Reelhorn says, “We’re a grower first, and then we happen to have a store.”  They encourage employee-driven creativity in their own business and beyond.  They further invest in the broader horticultural community, hosting educational events, supporting staff certifications and actively participating in state and national nursery associations.

    Equally impressive is Belmont’s commitment to philanthropy.  Their Giving Committee donates plants, supplies and funding to schools, community gardens and educational programs.  Belmont also champions sustainable, drought-tolerant landscaping, enabling customers and peers to surround their built environment with plantings that are both ecologically responsible and visually appealing.

    Jon Reelhorn accepted the “Baker Tilly Agribusiness of the Year” award on behalf of his business, Belmont Nursery. The Nursery encourages employee-driven creativity and promotes sustainable, drought-tolerant landscaping.

    Agriculturist of the Year: Stuart Woolf of Woolf Farming

    The prestigious Agriculturist of the Year award was presented to Stuart Woolf of Woolf Farming.

    Woolf’s specialty crops farm lies in a water-challenged area along the west side of the southern Central Valley.  To accommodate the insufficient water, Woolf is experimenting with growing agave on 450 acres of his farm.  Agave needs only 2 inches of water per year, compared to 45 inches for other crops.  Agave is used to make mezcal, a Mexican distilled liquor, of which tequila is the most familiar type.   

    Besides being an innovative farmer, Woolf is known for treating everyone around him with respect.  He claims that he loves going to work on his farm even more than going to the beach or the mountains.

    The Chamber was pleased to honor these four recipients for their contributions to Fresno County agriculture, celebrated with an amazing turnout of Expo attendees.   

    California Fresh Fruit Association President Daniel Hartwig (left) congratulating Stuart Woolf (right) awarded as Fresno Chamber of Commerce’s “Agriculturist of the Year” at Malcolm Media’s Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno on November 14.

  • How to Prepare your Vineyard for the Heat of the Summer

    Grape growers last summer experienced some pretty significant periods of hot weather that, for some, negatively impacted the health of their vines and crop yield. In the center of much of this heat, Fresno County UCCE Viticulture Advisor George Zhuang has been researching ways to reduce the impact of such temperatures which are sure to return to both the Central Valley and other parts of the state. Watch this brief interview with George, reporting from the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo as he explains. Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Don’t Miss the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo at the Fresno Fairgrounds

    Don’t miss the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo coming to the Big Fresno Fairgrounds on November 14th, put on by American Vineyard, California Fresh Fruit, and Pacific Nut Producer Magazines.  The Expo will feature educational grower seminars, and state of the grape, nut, and tree fruit industry addresses by Gary Schulz of the Citrus Research Board, Ian LeMay of the California Fresh Fruit Association, Cindy Plummer of the California Table Grape Commission, Nat DiBuduo of Allied Grape Growers, Barry Kriebel of Sun-Maid Growers, Richard Matoian of American Pistachio Growers, Jon Field of the Walnut Bargaining Association, Mark Hendrixson of the California Pecan Growers association and Kelly Covello of the Almond Alliance of California.  A complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided.  These shows provide a great environment for the industry to get together, celebrate the harvest, enjoy some good food, get five hours of educational credits and have a great time.  Registration is FREE and will begin at 7:00 a.m., and the meeting will conclude at 2 p.m.  Learn more about the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo and pre-register at AgExpo.biz.

  • State of the Raisin Grape Industry 2016 Year-End

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    Glen Goto CEO of the Raisin Bargaining Association had his monthly interview with California Ag Network following his annual presentation at the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno. Watch this brief video as he shares the current status of negotiations and global impacts for establishing a 2016 raisin price.

  • Dealing with the Resurgence of Pierce’s Disease in Vineyards

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    At the Annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno, Allison Ferry-Abee gave an update on Glassy Wing Sharpshooter and Pierce’s Disease as it has become more prevalent, particularly in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. Watch her interview as she shares more about identifying the pest and disease, and read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Winter Weed Control Tips in the Vineyard

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    At the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo, Growers & PCAs were addressed by UCCE Weed Management Advisor Kurt Hembree on what growers should be focusing on with some winter weed control tips in the vineyard. Watch Kurt’s brief interview and read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Time for Postharvest Irrigation & Fertilization in the Vineyard

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    At the Annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno, UC Viticulture Farm Advisor George Zhuang provided some timely advise to growers on how to go about their postharvest vineyard irrigation and fertilization. Watch this brief video & read American Vineyard Magazine for more details.

  • Almond Alliance of California Reports Win on Biomass

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    At Pacific Nut Producer’s Annual Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock and Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno, Kelly Covello from the Almond Alliance of California provided an update on their ongoing efforts to advocate on behalf of the industry in Sacramento & Washington. She reported success in getting the state to utilize outgoing almond orchards in biomass power plants. Watch Covello’s brief interview for more details and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • What’s to Become of San Joaquin Valley Wine?

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    At the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno, grape growers enjoyed state of the industry addresses, including one delivered by Jeff Bitter of Allied Grape Growers who offered some advice to wine grape growers in the San Joaquin Valley to remain viable amidst foreign competition. Watch this brief interview & read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • APG Monthly: Record 2016 Pistachio Crop

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    Pacific Nut Producer held its monthly interview with American Pistachio Growers’ Executive Director Richard Matoian at the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno, where he addressed growers on the current State of the Pistachio Industry. Watch his brief interview as he reports on the 2016 harvest results and how the industry will market this record crop.