California Ag Network

Tag: Malcolm Media 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.

  • Sun-Maid Growers Report Success in New Product Development & Global Demand for Calfornia Raisins

    The State of the Raisin Industry address was once again a big hit at Malcolm Media’s recent Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo.  In addition to hearing from Raisin Bargaining Association representatives, Steve Loftus from Sun-Maid Growers shared his perspective of 2024 raisin harvest, how the global raisin market is performing, and what Sun-Maid is doing to build demand for California raisins with new product development and consumer outreach. Watch his brief interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and read the full report in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

  • California Growers Celebrate Legislative Win Supporting Groundwater Recharge

    Last Fall, Governor Newsom signed SB 659, The California Water Supply Solutions Act of 2023, sponsored by the California Association of Winegrape Growers and the Regional Water Authority in Sacramento.  But what does this mean for California farmers implementing groundwater recharge practices in the coming months?  Watch this video with Michael Miiller from the California Association of Winegrape Growers to find out.

  • Two New Labor-Saving Raisin Varieties Show Promise for CA Growers

    Watch this brief interview with UC Viticulture Extension Specialist Matthew Fidelibus with an update on the performance of a couple of new labor-saving DOV raisin grape varieties that are showing a lot of promise for the industry.  Visit AmericanVineyardMagazine.com/calendar/ to get more information on a couple upcoming raisin industry meetings to provide growers the opportunity to check out these varieties for themselves.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

  • CA Raisin Grower Shares Experience with Two New Complete DOV Varieties

    As the cost of labor increases and availability around harvest tightens, California raisin growers are hopeful that two new complete dried on the vine (DOV) varieties will make a big difference for the future of the industry.  Austin Hubbell of Marthedal Enterprises is one such grower who has had the unique experience in harvesting both varieties, which appear to have promise.  Watch this video with Austin and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

  • What is the Gumming on My Almond Trees, What to Know about Almond Canker Diseases

    It’s not uncommon to find gumming on the trunks and scaffolds of some almond trees when walking through an orchard.  While it can be very concerning for the health of the tree, determining whether or not a canker disease is causing it is not so simple.  Watch this brief interview with UC Davis Plant Pathologist Florent Trouillas as he explains what growers should know about canker diseases and some novel treatment methods.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

     

  • Growers Limited to Insecticides for Control of Walnut Husk Fly

    As growers prepare to begin monitoring their orchards for walnut husk fly emergence in June, watch this brief interview with Jhalendra Rijal from the Tree & Vine Expo, as he shares more about the nature of this pest and the limited tools growers have to control it.  Read more in-depth information about walnut husk fly control in the May issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

  • Don’t Miss Malcolm Media’s Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno, Nov. 11

    Save the date, Friday, November 11th for the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds.  Held by Malcolm Media Ag Publishing in cooperation with California Ag Network, Pacific Nut Producer, American Vineyard, and California Fresh Fruit Magazines, it is the ultimate postharvest industry gathering place for regional grape, nut & tree fruit growers and crop advisors.   Fresno is the number one Ag County in the state and the center of the Central Valley’s rich and diverse agricultural production. Nearly a thousand growers, PCAs and industry stakeholders attend this expo to enjoy State of the Almond, Pistachio, Walnut, Pecan, Tree Fruit, Raisin, Table & Wine Grape Industry presentations, Continuing Education Credited IPM seminars, great food & company, and an industry trade show featuring over a hundred Ag businesses.

    This event is FREE to attend and wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local industry associations, universities and our sponsors this year: Ag Access, Advancing Eco Agriculture, Almond Alliance of California, American Pistachio Growers, Blue White Robotics, Burchell Nursery, California Fresh Fruit Association, Dave Wilson Nursery, Duarte Nursery, Enterprise, Firman Pollen, Fresno State Viticulture & Enology, Jack Rabbit, JSC Agricultural Supply, Live Earth Products, Orchard Machinery Corporation, Phoenix Renewable Services, Phytech US, Preferred Employers Insurance, Saturas, Sun-Maid Growers, Sunridge Nurseries, Synagro, Wonderful Laboratories, and Wonderful Nurseries.

    Online pre-registration for the event is now available HERE and includes the ability to preregister for any CE credits attendees would like to receive.  3 hours of PCA/PA/QAL/QAC credits have been approved for this event, with 5 hours of CCA credits pending.

    Also new to this year’s program will be three special panel discussions: one featuring options & incentives for groundwater recharge with Chase Hurley from Triangle T Water District, Dave Krietemeyer from USDA-NRCS and growers Lucas Avila & Karun Samran. In a special presentation for raisin growers this year, Matthew Fidelibus from the UC Cooperative Extension will be discussing prospects of the newest DOV varieties with growers Austin Hubbell and Steven Cardoza.  Aubrey Bettencourt from the Almond Alliance of California will also be leading a panel discussion on almond supply chain solutions and the upcoming Farm Bill impact on specialty crop agriculture. The USDA Farm Service Agency will also be conducting a brief workshop to assist growers in signing up for a new round of disaster aid, the tree & vine replant programs and other eligible programs.  See the full program below for more details.

    This event along with other Malcolm Media Ag Expos has generated nearly $150,000 in scholarship endowments for the agricultural programs at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Davis.  Interested in exhibiting/sponsoring? Visit agexpo.biz/exhibit and give us a call at 559-298-6020 to see what options are still available.

  • Don’t Miss Malcolm Media’s Virtual Tree & Vine Expo, Nov. 10-11

    Save the dates, Tuesday & Wednesday, November 10-11th for the annual Tree & Vine Expo held in an exciting new virtual format this year.  Historically held at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, in Turlock, CA, heart of North Valley wine grape, tree nut and fruit country, it is the ultimate postharvest industry gathering place for regional grape, nut & tree fruit growers and crop advisors.  Nearly a thousand growers, PCAs and industry stakeholders attend this expo to enjoy State of the Almond, Walnut & Wine Grape Industry presentations, Continuing Education Credited IPM seminars, great food & company, and an industry trade show featuring over a hundred Ag businesses. For the past two decades, Malcolm Media Ag Publishing has held this event in cooperation with California Ag Network, Pacific Nut Producer, American Vineyard, and California Fresh Fruit Magazines.

    “2020 has been a year fraught with many challenges, and it has never been more critical for growers, PCAs and industry stakeholders to get together virtually to address the evolving needs of our essential agricultural industry,” shares Matthew Malcolm, Managing Editor at Malcolm Media Ag Publishing. “Our team, in collaboration with key industry partners, has put together an outstanding virtual program you won’t want to miss. Our special online format of the expo this year will include greater opportunities for our attendees to participate in more seminars, and obtain a greater number of FREE continuing education credits in a year where credited seminars have been more difficult to come by. The online format of our expos this year has been carefully designed to be user friendly and not require attendees to download any apps in order to participate. We are also pleased to announce a special 30-minute presentation featuring the USDA Farm Service Agency to assist growers that have faced financial difficulties this year due to COVID-19, wildfires, and other disaster-related issues.  Although we will miss meeting with all our industry friends in person this year, walking the bustling exhibition halls and enjoying the delicious breakfast burritos and tri-tip sandwiches, attendees will be pleased this year with special online features we’ve developed to help connect them with our generous sponsors and virtual exhibitors. We look forward to gathering virtually with you all in your homes, offices and farms this year.”

    This event is FREE to attend and wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local industry associations, universities and our sponsors this year: The Almond Board of California, Firman Pollen, Yosemite Farm Credit, Semios, Wonderful Nurseries, Almond Alliance of California, Fresno State Viticulture & Enology, and Ceres Imaging.

    New to this year is an upgraded registration system (pre-register online HERE) that includes the ability to preregister for any CE credits attendees would like to receive.  5.5 hours of PCA/PA/QAL/QAC credits and 9 hours of CCA credits have been approved for this event (must attend both days of the event for maximum credit; however, partial credit may be obtain for each seminar attended).

    As the deadline approaches for growers to apply for CFAP2, farm loans and disaster assistance, the USDA Farm Service Agency will also be conducting a brief workshop to assist growers in signing up for eligible programs.  See the full program by clicking the link below for more details.

    This event along with other Malcolm Media Ag Expos has generated nearly $150,000 in scholarship endowments for the agricultural programs at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Davis.  Interested in exhibiting/sponsoring? Visit agexpo.biz/exhibit and give us a call at 559-298-6020 to see what options are still available.

    PREREGISTER

    AGENDA

  • Pre-Register Today for the Central Coast Grape Expo, Nov. 6

    Save the date, Friday, November 6th for the biennial Central Coast Grape Expo held in an exciting new virtual format this year.  Malcolm Media’s premier event for Central Coast Wine Grape Growers and PCAs held in cooperation with American Vineyard Magazine and California Ag Network, it is the ultimate postharvest regional gathering place for wine grape growers and crop advisors.  Hundreds of growers, PCAs and industry stakeholders attend this expo (historically held at the Paso Robles Event Center) to enjoy State of the Wine Grape Industry presentations with Allied Grape Growers and the Ciatti Company, Continuing Education Credited IPM seminars, great food & company, and an industry trade show featuring the North Coast’s most innovative vineyard technologies, products and services.

    “2020 has been a year fraught with many challenges, and it has never been more critical for growers, PCAs and industry stakeholders to get together virtually to address the evolving needs of our essential agricultural industry,” shares Matthew Malcolm, Managing Editor at Malcolm Media Ag Publishing. “Our team, in collaboration with key industry partners, has put together an outstanding virtual program you won’t want to miss. Our special online format of the expo this year will include greater opportunities for our attendees to participate in more seminars, and obtain a greater number of FREE continuing education credits in a year where credited seminars have been more difficult to come by. The online format of our expos this year has been carefully designed to be user friendly and not require attendees to download any apps in order to participate. We are also pleased to announce a special 30-minute presentation featuring the USDA Farm Service Agency to assist growers that have faced financial difficulties this year due to COVID-19, wildfires, and other disaster-related issues.  Although we will miss meeting with all our industry friends in person this year, walking the bustling exhibition halls and enjoying the delicious breakfast burritos and tri-tip sandwiches, attendees will be pleased this year with special online features we’ve developed to help connect them with our generous sponsors and virtual exhibitors. We look forward to gathering virtually with you all in your homes, offices and farms this year.”

    This event is FREE to attend and wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local industry associations, universities and this year’s sponsors: Wonderful Nurseries, Semios, Ceres Imaging and Fresno State Viticulture & Enology.

    New to this year is an upgraded registration system (pre-register online HERE) that includes the ability to preregister for any CE credits attendees would like to receive. 2.5 hours of PCA/PA/QAL/QAC credits and 4.5 hours of CCA credits have been approved for this event.

    Also new to this year’s program will be a special grower panel discussion led by the Independent Grape Growers of Paso Robles Area to review the 2020 crop season and how the industry has adapted to meet all the challenges they’ve experienced in this unprecedented year.  As the deadlines approach for growers to apply for CFAP2, farm loans, disaster assistance and the Tree (& Vine) Assistance Program, the USDA Farm Service Agency will conduct a brief workshop to assist growers in signing up for eligible programs.  See the full program by clicking the link below for more details.

    This event along with other Malcolm Media Ag Expos has generated nearly $150,000 in scholarship endowments for the agricultural programs at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Davis.  Interested in exhibiting/sponsoring? Visit agexpo.biz/exhibit and give us a call at 559-298-6020 to see what options are still available.

    PREREGISTER

    AGENDA