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California Milk Advisory Board Selects Student Ambassadors to Share California Dairy Messages with International Audience

Courtesy of the California Milk Advisory Board 

The California Milk Advisory Board is pleased to introduce the selected interns for Summer 2025. These outstanding students, chosen from agriculture-related programs across the state, will serve as international ambassadors for Real California Milk, gaining hands-on experience in global dairy marketing and promotion.

Pictured left to right: Anissa Borges and Dayana Limon Santiago.

2025-02-12T14:53:32-08:00February 12th, 2025|

Walter Leal: From a “Rough Childhood’ to Internationally Recognized Scientist

UC Davis distinguished professor Walter Soares Leal soared from a self-described “rough childhood” in his native Brazil to become an internationally recognized scientist celebrated for his research on chemical communication and olfaction in insects.

But in his early childhood, he disliked insects, especially the cockroaches that crawled into his mouth while he was sleeping, and mosquitoes that bit him when he was and wasn’t.

So related Marlin Rice when he chronicled the life of “living legend” Walter Leal in the winter issue of American Entomologist, published by the Entomological Society of America (ESA). Rice, an ESA past president who writes the interview-style Legends column, earlier spotlighted UC Davis entomologists Bruce HammockFrank Zalom and Robert E. Page Jr.

The Leal piece, titled “Walter Soares Leal: For the Love of Teaching,” zeroes in on his career accomplishments in Brazil, Japan and the United States, all of which led to his election to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in April of 2024.

Rice interviewed Leal last August in Kyoto at the International Congress of Entomology (ICE 2024), where Leal was chairing the International Congresses of Entomology Council and serving as a volunteer “citizen of the world” ambassador. Leal speaks Portuguese, Japanese and English.

Leal, who joined the UC Davis entomology faculty in 2000, advancing to professor and chair of the department, has served as professor of biochemistry with the Department      of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Sciences, since 2013.

Highly honored by his peers, Leal is the only UC Davis faculty member to receive all three of the Academic Senate’s major honors: the 2020 Distinguished Teaching Award for Undergraduate Teaching, the 2022 Distinguished Scholarly Public Service Award, and the 2024 Faculty Distinguished Research Award. His teaching honors also include the 2020 Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Pacific Branch of ESA.

“Walter is the elevator bunny on high, a full-time teacher, a full-time scientist, and he is engaged in multiple projects that make the university community a better place, all at the same time,” commented UC Davis distinguished professor and longtime NAS member Bruce Hammock, in a 2024 UC Davis news story announcing Leal’s election to NAS.

Leal holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil; a master’s degree in agricultural chemistry from Mie University, Japan; and a doctorate in applied biochemistry from the University of Tsukuba, Japan. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in entomology and chemical ecology at the National Institute of Sericultural and Entomological Science, Japan.

Walter, the youngest of five siblings, related that his father was a baker and pastor, and his mother, a seamstress. “My dad passed when I was twelve,” Leal said. “It was a hard      time in my life. He got sick when I was six and could not do too much…Basically, my mother ran the whole family without any income. But it’s part of my life.”

Neither parent received a high school education, but it was his widowed mother who encouraged him to attend college. “She knew that technical school was not for me…She never went to high school, but she had a vision. Some people have little education, but that doesn’t mean they have no vision.”

In high school, Walter began earning money–and prestige–as a radio-broadcast journalist, covering soccer and other sports. He went on to cover the USA Open Cup in the          United States.

Rice began his Legends piece with: “When Walter Leal was offered a scholarship to leave his native Brazil and begin graduate education in Japan, he was required to become proficient in both Japanese and English–two languages he had never spoken–within six months. He accomplished this challenge, eventually earning both his master’s and Ph.D. degrees. He was then offered a research scientist position with the National Institute of Sericultural and Entomological Science in Tsukuba, Japan, eventually becoming head of the Laboratory of Chemical Prospecting for six years. Leal was the first foreigner to be granted tenure at that institution.”

Leal’s research accomplishments, Rice wrote, include “the identification of the first receptor in mosquitoes for the insect repellent DEET; the first isolation, cloning, and expression of pheromone-degrading enzymes in moths; and the identification and synthesis of complex pheromones from many insect species, including scarab beetles, true bugs, longhorned beetles, citrus leaf miner, navel orangeworm, citrus fruit borer, and many others. Synthetic sex pheromones for some of these pests are now being deployed via mating disruption in projects that have saved producers in Brazil and California hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Among Leal’s scores of accomplishments: he co-chaired the 2016 International Congress of Entomology in Orlando, Fla., a conference that drew 6,682 registrants from 102        countries. He is a Fellow of ESA (2009), Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2005), Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (2019),        and a trustee of the Royal Entomological Society (2024).

As a teacher, Leal seeks to inspire his students. “There was a particular student that came to me at the end of the course, and he says, ‘I was always not motivated in college, but when I saw you so inspired, then I catch up, and I study so hard now.’ That is why I say teaching is the big payoff, better than the paycheck, you know? That you motivate people.”

The Legends’ article includes an image of Leal sharing a laugh with noted chemical ecologist Murray Blum (1929-2015) of the University of Georgia, recipient of an ESA outstanding award in 1978, and the International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE) medal in 1989. Blum’s daughter, Deborah Blum, is a Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist (formerly with the Sacramento Bee ), an author, and the director of the Knight Science Journalism Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“The image is from the ISCE meeting in Prague,” Leal recalled. “Murray said that he wished to speak as fast as I do, but he had to pronounce all the words, including verbs and prepositions, so he couldn’t. I rebutted that I don’t speak ‘fast.’ He heard that as ‘slowly.’ We all had a good laugh. Murray always had praise for my work and encouraging words when I was at the beginning of my research career.”

And about his dislike of insects in his early childhood? “I didn’t like insects—the cockroaches and mosquitoes,” Leal told Rice. “Once, a cockroach walked on my lips when I was sleeping. What’s with that? A kid who wakes up in the middle of the night with a cockroach in his mouth? Anyway, this was a bad entomology interaction in the beginning.”

That “bad entomology interaction” is now a distant memory.

 

2025-02-10T07:46:30-08:00February 10th, 2025|

Workshop Highlights Advances in Desert Irrigation, Tech on Feb. 27

Courtesy of UC ANR News 

CONTACT: Pam Kan-Rice, (510) 206-3476, pam.kanrice@ucanr.edu

The latest in irrigation research and technology will be showcased at the Advances in Irrigation Tools and Technologies Workshop in Holtville on Feb. 27.

“This workshop brings together University of California scientists, irrigation and water industries, government agencies and the farming community to discuss advances in irrigation tools and technologies and provide a guide to smart farming choices in the low desert region,” said Ali Montazar, UC Cooperative Extension irrigation and water management advisor for Imperial County. 

The workshop will feature 19 presentations on cutting-edge irrigation technologies and innovations and precision farming irrigation. The irrigation industry will exhibit the latest products and technologies. 

Presentations will include a reservoir and hydrology update for the Lower Colorado River and cover alfalfa water use, water conservation, emerging irrigation tools and technologies, the Imperial Irrigation District Water Conservation Program, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program, and Natural Resources Conservation Service Assistance Programs.

The workshop, a “guide to smart farming choices in the Low Desert Region,” begins at 8 a.m. at the Barbara Worth Country Club, 2050 Country Club Dr., Holtville, CA 92250.

The organizers have requested 5 hours of CCA CEU credits. To register, visit http://ucanr.edu/desertirrigation2025.

2025-02-07T08:46:37-08:00February 7th, 2025|

Almond Board of California Calls for 2025 Board of Directors Candidates

Election cycle begins Friday, Feb. 7 asking candidates to declare by April 1

The 2025 election cycle for the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors launches on Friday, Feb. 7 with the call to all potential candidates to file their intent to run by April 1, 2025.

A one-year and a three-year seat are open to represent independent growers in the 2025-26 crop year, and a one-year and a three-year seat are also open to represent independent handlers. Alternate seats for those positions are open, as well. Voting starts April 21 and ends May 22.

To qualify for an independent grower or alternate seat, candidates must be a current grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers, which ABC will verify. Independent handler and alternate candidates must declare their intention in writing to ABC.

All details, documents, open positions, the election timeline and deadlines, and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections.

All petitions and declarations must state the position for which the candidate is running and be sent to abcbodelections@almondboard.com or printed and mailed to ABC, 1150 Ninth St., Suite 1500, Modesto, CA 95354. The deadline for all filings is April 1. Potential candidates who’d like more information can contact ABC at abcbodelections@almondboard.com.

“The ABC Board of Directors plays a crucial role in the success of our industry,” said ABC President and CEO Clarice Turner. “More than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers count on Board leadership to guide the work of the Almond Board. It’s crucial to have dedicated people from across the industry to help navigate these complicated times and work toward a positive, prosperous future.”

The ABC board sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

Serving on the Board provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the almond industry and to help guide ABC in its mission to promote California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts, funding and promoting studies about almonds’ health benefits, and ensuring best-of-class agricultural practices and food safety.

ABC encourages eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities to consider running for a position on the Board of Directors to reflect the diversity of the industry it serves.

2025-02-06T11:32:07-08:00February 6th, 2025|

California Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 California Leopold Conservation Award®.

 

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In California the $10,000 award is presented with Sustainable Conservation and California Farm Bureau Federation.

 

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

 

Award nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may apply themselves. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

 

The application deadline date is July 18, 2025. Nominations must be emailed to CaliforniaLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org.

 

Nominations are reviewed by an independent panel of California agricultural and conservation leaders. Last year’s recipient was Bowles Farming Company of Los Banos. To view profiles of all past recipients, click here.

 

The 2025 California Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the California Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in December.

 

“Healthy working land benefits the water that flows through it, the food that grows out of it, and the people that depend on it,” said Ashley Boren, CEO of Sustainable Conservation, award co-sponsor since its California launch more than a decade ago. “California’s farmers, ranchers, and foresters are at the heart of our efforts to build climate resilience while nourishing communities across the nation. The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes the stewardship of these land managers who are helping pursue a future where thriving ecosystems and sustainable agriculture go hand in hand.”

 

“The Leopold Conservation Award provides outstanding recognition of farmers and ranchers who take steps every day to realize significant gains in managing their farms in a sustainable and profitable manner,” said Shannon Douglass, California Farm Bureau Federation President. “The awarded families are great examples of the generational appreciation farmers and ranchers have for their land. The stewardship they employ at their farms and ranches is reflective of California farmers’ and ranchers’ commitment to the environment.”

 

“Leopold Conservation Award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”

 

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the award recipients,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

 

The Leopold Conservation Award in California is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Sustainable Conservation, California Farm Bureau Federation, Sand County Foundation, The Harvey L. & Maud C. Sorensen Foundation, Farm Credit, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and California Leopold Conservation Award recipient alumni.

 

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

 

2025-02-05T16:01:35-08:00February 5th, 2025|

Almond Board Announces Exceptional 2025 Almond Leadership Class

The outstanding 16th class of professionals begins a year-long immersion to become the next great leaders of the California almond industry

The Almond Board of California is proud to announce the Almond Leadership Program class of 2025, a group of 18 exceptional professionals expected to help lead the industry into the future.

Bayer Crop Science has sponsored the Almond Leadership Program (ALP) for a number of years and is again the sponsor of this 2025 class of next-generation leaders who were chosen from more than 40 highly qualified applicants. They come from diverse backgrounds across the full range of the industry and include growers and processors, sales representatives, agronomists, pest control advisors, supply chain analysts, ag realtors and more.

ALP began in 2009 and has graduated 244 industry members. Dozens now serve on ABC workgroups, committees and even the Board of Directors.

“This 2025 class is outstanding. They are bright, accomplished and they care about our industry,” said Rebecca Bailey, the ABC senior specialist who oversees ALP. “This program helps great people become great leaders and our industry continues to see the huge benefits from 16 years of this program. We are certain these 18 people will continue to be great assets and advocates for the almond industry.”

Members of this 16th class – while still working at their jobs – will be immersed in every aspect of the industry, including ABC activities in global marketing, production, nutrition research, food safety and more. They’ll sharpen their communication skills and build lasting relationships with industry leaders, ABC staff and each other.

“The Almond Leadership Program brings together passionate people from all parts of the industry to learn, collaborate and grow,” said Katie Driver, a class member and technical service manager with UPL. “Through this experience, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the almond industry so that I can better support the growers, who make it all happen.”

Class members are guided by volunteer mentors – many of them ALP graduates – who will help them develop the skills, knowledge and perspective to improve their industry and their communities.

“Being a mentor gives me the chance to pass along not just what I’ve learned in the last 25 years as a farmer and a conservation biologist but the new challenges we face every year,” said mentor Christine Gemperle, a grower and member of ABC’s Board of Directors. “I believe this next generation of industry leaders has the ability to take that knowledge and grow an even better future for California almonds.”

The leadership program will also offer class members thorough looks at the impacts on the industry of social, economic, environmental and regulatory issues. In addition, participants will take on a yearlong, self-directed project focused on improving the California almond industry. Some past projects have led to important breakthroughs for the industry.

Leadership class members kicked off their training with a two-day orientation at the ABC offices in Modesto, which included one-on-one talks with their mentors and hearing from ABC CEO Clarice Turner.

Once again, class members will raise money for California FFA, pledging to raise more than $25,000 in scholarships for high school students interested in pursuing agriculture in college. Through the years, ALP has raised more than $320,000 for FFA.

The 2025 Almond Leadership class members are:

  • Arik Bains of Turlock, a pest control advisor with Wilbur Ellis.
  • Cristal Da Silveria of Modesto, a plant and food safety supervisor with Grizzly Nut.
  • Katie Driver of Woodland, a technical service manager with UPL.
  • Raquel Gomez of Atwater, a technical agronomist with Brandt.
  • Zach Harcksen of Ballico, a pest control advisor with Mid Valley Agricultural Services.
  • Evan Koftinow of Los Banos, an operations manager with RPAC.
  • Laine LaGrande of Colusa, a product and system specialist of high value crops with John Deere.
  • Brenden Lusk of Modesto, an ag realtor with Real Broker.
  • Joseph McManus of Shafter, a farm manager with Wilson Ag.
  • Luis Mendoza of Denair, a sales representative with Syngenta.
  • Rajan Nagra of Yuba City, a sales representative with Flory Industries/COE Orchard Equipment.
  • Crystal Nay of Manteca, the managing editor of Modern Ag Media.
  • Ricky Robledo of Colusa, a sales manager with TRECE Inc.
  • Kiki Sandrini of Bakersfield, a regional sales manager with Chandler Automation.
  • Ranvir Tung of Selma, the general manager of Tung Corporation.
  • Elizabeth Vander Weide of Sacramento, a supply chain analyst for Blue Diamond Growers.
  • Jake Wiley of Chico, a sales manager with ProFarm Group.
  • Bobbie Williams of Tracy, a clinical dietitian and almond grower with Sutter Memorial Medical Center in Modesto and WMD Farms.

2025-02-03T10:21:17-08:00February 3rd, 2025|

California Dairies, Inc. Announces Future Leadership Transition

President & CEO Brad Anderson Announces Retirement at Year End; COO Rob Vandenheuvel Named as Successor

California Dairies, Inc. (CDI), today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Brad Anderson will retire at the end of 2025, following a distinguished career marked by significant contributions to both CDI and the broader dairy industry.

 

Anderson joined CDI as Chief Operating Officer in 2018 and was appointed President and CEO in 2020. During his tenure, Anderson spearheaded transformative initiatives that strengthened CDI’s position as an industry leader.

 

Under Anderson’s leadership, CDI achieved significant transformation and innovation. He oversaw the construction of a new state-of-the-art processing facility in Bakersfield, expanding CDI’s manufacturing footprint into Extended Shelf Life (ESL) and Aseptic/Shelf Stable Ultra High Temperature (UHT) products. He optimized operations by restructuring the organization into Global Business Groups to better serve domestic and international markets. Anderson also diversified CDI’s existing product portfolio, including the introduction of lactoferrin production, as the organization sought to expand its market reach and meet evolving consumer demands. Furthermore, he established CDI as an environmental leader through the “Golden State Advantage” initiative.

 

Beyond his contributions to CDI, Anderson is a recognized industry leader, actively shaping the future of dairy through his involvement in various organizations. He has held key leadership roles within the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, National Milk Producers Federation, and the U.S. Dairy Export Council. This includes his instrumental work as Chair of the Innovation Center’s Stewardship Commitment Taskforce and CEO Taskforce on Greenhouse Gas Reporting.

 

“Brad’s legacy is one of transformation,” said Cory Vanderham, Chairman of CDI’s Board of Directors. “He inspired a culture of innovation that led to the expansion of product lines, including Lactoferrin and our Valley Natural Beverages UHT and ESL production facility. We are grateful for his leadership.”

 

To ensure a smooth transition, CDI’s Board of Directors has named Rob Vandenheuvel, current Chief Operating Officer, as Anderson’s successor. Vandenheuvel will assume the role of President and CEO on January 1, 2026. 

 

Since joining CDI in 2017, Vandenheuvel has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership across various areas, including member and industry relations, supply chain, operations, and sales. His prior experience as General Manager at Milk Producers Council, as well as growing up on a California dairy farm, has given him valuable perspective as he served on CDI’s leadership team the past eight years in escalating roles.

 

“Rob brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to this role,” said Vanderham. “His strategic thinking and industry knowledge will be invaluable as we navigate the evolving landscape of the dairy industry. We are confident that he is the right person to lead this cooperative into a bright future.”

 

Anderson and Vandenheuvel will work closely together over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition.

 

“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the leadership of this incredible cooperative,” said Vandenheuvel. “I’m excited to build upon the strong foundation laid by Brad and work alongside our dedicated team to serve our members and customers.”

2025-01-29T14:10:26-08:00January 29th, 2025|

Study Shows 64% Increase in Regulatory Costs for Lettuce Farmers

Rising costs of regulatory compliance for lettuce growers indicate a 63.7% increase in the past seven years in a study commissioned by Monterey County Farm Bureau prepared by CalPoly San Luis Obispo professors Lynn Hamilton, Ph.D., and Michael McCullough, Ph.D. 

This new study updated their regulatory costs study from 2017 with additional regulatory program requirements implemented in the intervening years. 

Increased regulatory compliance requirements through 2024 bring lettuce grower total costs of regulation to $1,600 per acre, an increase of 63.7% from the 2017 study and a 1366% increase since 2006 (date of the original study).

This indicates that regulatory costs are now 12.6% of total production costs, while farmgate values for lettuce increased only 0.37% from 2017 to 2024.

Increased regulatory compliance mandates since 2017 come from the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, Irrigated Lands Program, equipment emissions regulations, and minimum wage and workplace mandates.

Costs of regulatory compliance expenditures were studied for food safety practices and inspection audits, air quality, water quality, crop protection reporting, labor health and safety, and labor wages. Most significant cost increases were in labor health insurance requirements and water quality compliance, while food safety costs remained relatively steady.

While regulatory costs continue to dramatically increase, the farmgate value of crops has only marginally increased to cover the additional costs.

The study “Two Decades of Change: Evolving Costs of Regulatory Compliance in the Produce Industry” was formally released by CalPoly San Luis Obispo today (copy attached to this press release).

“Two Decades of Change: Evolving Costs of Regulatory Compliance in the Produce Industry”
2025-01-27T08:53:49-08:00January 27th, 2025|

Westlands Water District Lauds President Trump’s Commitment to Improving California Water

President Trump’s Executive Order regarding water resource in California ensures that the needs of the people of California, including family farmers and San Joaquin Valley communities, are duly and appropriately considered.

Westlands Water District thanks President Trump for his attention to California’s ongoing water crisis. The challenges that he highlights are real, and his leadership in addressing the barriers to water delivery are welcomed. It’s clear that what we’ve been doing for the past few decades has not been working; not for the people, for agriculture, or for the fish.

“We appreciate President Trump’s readiness to address these issues head-on and look forward to collaborating with federal and state partners to bring common sense back to the Food Basket of the United States,” remarked Allison Febbo, General Manager of Westlands.

2025-01-27T08:22:20-08:00January 27th, 2025|

Nutrition Experts Produce White Paper Regarding Almond Nutrition Findings

White Paper Should Be Big in Promoting Almond Consumption

By Patrick Cavanaugh, Ag Information Network

Making sure people know about the nutritious levels of almonds. Elena Hembler is the Associate Director of Nutrition Research at the Almond Board of California. She oversees the nutrition research program. She noted there is now a consensus statement on how essential almonds are for our health.

“And those consensus statements have been drafted. Nutrition experts drafted them into a White Paper recently accepted in a peer-reviewed journal,” noted Hembler.

Having this publication from this group of influential experts gives a third-party endorsement to almond research, which validates all of the findings, providing the research with so much more credibility.

We’re excited about this paper and plan to disseminate it to audiences worldwide, including consumers, health professionals, and food professionals. Also, we will target public health and policy medicine audiences as well to get this information into the hands of the people who are forming the nutrition guidelines and creating nutrition programs for people who want to improve public health.

Spanning two decades, almonds have over 200 peer-reviewed publications on their nutritional profile and health benefits. Research from top scientists and universities globally has uncovered that almonds may help support heart and gut health, weight management, skin health, exercise recovery, and more.

2025-01-24T12:00:41-08:00January 24th, 2025|
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