California Ag Network

Tag: Ventura County

  • Ventura County Farmers, Researchers Convene to Explore Regenerative Ag

    Ventura County will host a two-field series about regenerative ag this May, bringing together growers, ag researchers and sustainability leaders to explore the future of the region’s specialty crops.

    The series will be presented in partnership with the Ecological Farming Association, and will allow attendees to examine practical approaches to regenerative farming across avocados, citrus and strawberries — three cornerstone crops in Ventura County.

    The series will begin May 4 at Rancho Dos Hermanas in Fillmore, where participants will explore regenerative strategies in orchard systems, putting a focus on soil health, biodiversity and water management. The second event will take place May 11 at McGrath Family fam in Camarillo. This event, in partnership with the Rodale Institute, will highlight regenerative approaches to strawberry production that support long-term productivity and ecological resilience.

    “Ventura County has long been an agricultural leader, and growers here are increasingly interested in systems that work with nature rather than against it,” Nina Morris Thomson, Co-Fournder of Ranco Dog Hermanas. “This series is designed to bring farmers and scientists together to share knowledge, exchange ideas and strengthen the future of agriculture in our region.”

    People speaking and contributing to the event include:

    • Dr. Jonathan Lundgren, Founder of the Ecdysis Foundation and the 1000 Farm Initiative

    • Tony Serrano, regenerative organic certified farmer, Salinas Valley
    Phil McGrath, McGrath Family Farms

    • Researchers from Cal Poly Pomona studying diversified orchard systems

    • Experts in pest management, irrigation efficiency, biodiversity and organic certification

  • California Avocado Society to Host 110th Annual Meeting

    The California Avocado Society will host its 110th Annual Meeting on Friday, October 3 at the Lloyd-Butler Ranch located in Ventura County.

    The event will include:

    • Educational field presentations by grove managers, researcher and growers
    • Lunch
    • Award presentations
    • Opportunities to learn about innovative products and services

    The day-long event will take place from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The historic Lloyd-Butler ranch is located at 2317 Los Angeles Avenue, Oxnard, CA.

    Registration is now available online.

  • CropManage Hands-on Workshop, June 6

    Bringing Irrigation & Nutrient Management Decision Support to the Field

    Date: Wednesday, June 6, 2018
    1pm – 4:30pm

    Location: UCCE Ventura, 669 County Square Drive, Ventura, CA 93003
    California Room

    669 County Square Drive Suite 100 Ventura CA 93003 805-645-1451 • ceventura.ucanr.edu

    • Learn how to use CropManage to support irrigation and nutrient management decisions and record-keeping
    • Learn the new version of CropManage (3.0) – also available in SpanishCropManage is a free online decision support tool for water and nutrient management of coastal crops. Based on in-depth research and field studies conducted by the University of California, CropManage provides real-time recommendations for efficient irrigation and fertilization applications— while maintaining or improving overall yield.

      At this free workshop, we will provide hands-on training so that you can learn to use the newest version of CropManage (3.0) which has been updated to be more compatible for in-field use by farm staff. CropManage is now available in Spanish.

      Crops currently supported by CropManage in Ventura County include strawberry and celery. In the Watsonville area, raspberry, head, romaine, and leaf lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bell pepper, spinach, baby lettuce, cilantro and mizuna, in addition to strawberry and celery.

      Who should participate? Vegetable and berry growers, ranch managers, other farm staff, and technical service providers are welcome. The workshop is for both new and current CropManage users.

      What to bring? This is a participatory workshop. Please bring a tablet or laptop computer so that you can follow along and participate in the exercises. Each participant will need a user account for CropManage. Please set up a free user account at v3.cropmanage.ucanr.edu before the workshop.

      Registration is free: Please register by May 30 using the following link:http://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=24795

      Questions: Andre Biscaro at asbiscaro@ucanr.edu or 805-645-1465.

      AGENDA

      1:00 – 1:30 Registration and computer set-up
      1:30 – 3:00 Getting started with CropManage 3.0
      3:00 BREAK
      3:15 – 4:00 Strategies for using CropManage for decision support and record-keeping 4:00 – 4:20 Advanced features and interfacing sensors with CropManage
      4:20 – 4:30 Discussion of new features or changes needed

      2.5 Continuing Education Units (CEU) applied for Certified Crop Advisers (CCA)

      It is the policy of the University of California (UC) and the UC Division of Agriculture & Natural Resources not to engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person in any of its programs or activities (Complete nondiscrimination policy statement can be found at http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/215244.pdf ).

      Inquiries regarding ANR’s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to John I. Sims, Affirmative Action Compliance Officer/Title IX Officer, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2801 Second Street, Davis, CA 95618, (530) 750-1397.

  • CDFA Announces Grant Funding Available For Healthy Soils Program

    Sacramento, Calif., (March 9, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for the Healthy Soils Program (HSP). The program provides funding for incentivizing and demonstrating soil health practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve soil health.

    The HSP has two components: the HSP Incentives Program and the HSP Demonstration Projects.

    The HSP Incentives Program provides financial assistance for implementation of soil health practices that sequester soil carbon and reduce GHG emissions. California farmers and ranchers, as well as Federal and California recognized Native American Indian Tribes, are eligible to apply.

    The HSP Demonstration Projects showcase California farmers’ and ranchers’ implementation of HSP soil health practices. By using demonstration projects, awardees can help support widespread adoption of soil health management practices throughout the state.  Not-for-profit entities, University Cooperative Extension, federal and university experiment stations, Resource Conservation Districts, Federal and California-recognized Native American Indian Tribes, and farmers and ranchers in collaboration with any of the aforementioned entities are eligible to apply.

    A total of up to $1.6 million will be awarded for the projects, with no more than $500,000 allocated specifically for HSP Demonstration projects.

    This grant process may prioritize funding to agricultural lands in counties where a state of emergency was declared in 2017 due to wildfires under executive orders signed by Governor Edmond G. Brown, Jr. These counties include: Butte, Lake, Los Angeles, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, Ventura and Yuba.

    Applications and all supporting information must be submitted electronically by April 13, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Awards will be made based on a first-come-first-served basis and will be subject to administrative and technical reviews prior to being funded.

    For detailed information on eligibility and program requirements, prospective applicants should visit the CDFA Healthy Soils Program website at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/.

    CDFA will hold two workshops and two webinars to provide information on program requirements and the application process (see below). CDFA staff will provide guidance on the application process, provide examples, and answer any questions. There is no cost to attend the workshops. Individuals planning to attend should email grants@cdfa.ca.gov with his or her contact information, the number of seats required, and the workshop location.

    Orange County – Tuesday, March 13, 2018
    1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – HSP Incentives Program
    2.30 pm – 4:00 pm – HSP Demonstration Projects
    OC Fair and Event Center – Board Room
    88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

    Yuba City – Friday, March 16, 2018
    9:00 am – 10:30 am – HSP Incentives Program
    10:30 am – 12:00 pm – HSP Demonstration Projects
    University of California Cooperative Extension Sutter/Yuba
    142 Garden Highway
    Yuba City, CA 95991

    Webinar – Monday, March 19, 2018
    9:00 am – 10:30 am – HSP Incentives Program
    10:30 am – 12:00 pm – HSP Demonstration Projects

    Webinar – Wednesday, March 21, 2018
    9:00 am – 10:30 am – HSP Incentives Program
    10:30 am – 12:00 pm – HSP Demonstration Projects

    To register for the webinars, please visit the program webpage at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/.

    Prospective applicants may contact CDFA’s Grants Office at grants@cdfa.ca.gov with general program questions. For information regarding free-of-charge technical assistance provided by non-profit organizations, Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs), and California academic institutions, applicants should refer to www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils.

    NOTE – The HSP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.  The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution.  California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more.  At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California.  For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at:  www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

  • RCD Secures Fire Recovery Funding

    Ventura, Calif., (January 22, 2018) – The Ventura County Resource Conservation District, working with the California Avocado Commission, has secured a grant from the State Water Resources Control Board to pay for post-fire restoration projects. The $105,000 grant must be expended by March 31, so property owners are encouraged to contact the RCD quickly to apply.

    The money can be used for such projects as:

    • Replacement of fire- or slide-damaged culverts
    • Removal of invasive plants and revegetation with native plants along burned riparian corridors.
    • Purchase and installation of erosion-control materials such as fencing, straw wattles, seed and native plants.

    The RCD will purchase materials and supplies. Landowners are responsible for installation costs, including labor and delivery charges.

    The RCD also administers funding through the federal Nonpoint Source Grant Program, and can provide support for long-term fire recovery, mitigation and management. Post-fire projects that reduce threats to endangered or threatened species, and/or municipal drinking water supplies, will receive preference. Limited funding is also available for restoration planning and damage assessments in areas affected by the fire. Applications are due Feb. 8.

    For more information about either program, contact Lexi Everhart at the RCD:

    (805) 764-5135, lexieverhart.vcrcd@gmail.com.