FEINSTEIN TO DHS: HALT I-9 AUDITS; SOLVE AG WORKER SHORTAGE

Urges ICE To Re-Focus 
On Violent Crimes

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, posted a press release on her website on Wednesday, September 4, 2013, declaring that she is urging the Department of Homeland Security to use prosecutorial discretion and to focus immigration enforcement efforts on violent criminals rather than on legitimate agricultural employers and their workers.

In a letter to Secretary Janet Napolitano, Feinstein described the troubling feedback she is receiving from California farmers that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is continuing to use I-9 worksite audits against agricultural employers, an issue she first raised in a letterto former ICE Director John Morton in June 2012.

Text of the letter follows:

September 3, 2013

The Honorable Janet Napolitano


Secretary
, U.S. Department of Homeland Security


Washington, DC 20528

Dear Secretary Napolitano:

As you may be aware, I wrote former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director John Morton a little over a year ago on June 13, 2012, requesting that ICE’s enforcement efforts focus on immigration law violations that involve serious violent crimes, per President Obama’s directive, as opposed to members of the agricultural community. Please find the June 13, 2012 letter, attached. I am unfortunately again receiving troubling feedback from farmers in California that ICE is increasing I-9 worksite audits against agricultural employers. As you have recognized previously, the agricultural industry faces an acute shortage of domestic workers. Therefore, I respectfully request that you redirect ICE’s enforcement efforts to focus on immigration law violations that involve serious violent crimes, and that you exercise prosecutorial discretion to forego enforcement against legitimate agricultural employers and their workers.

Many farmers and growers in California informed me that their business and livelihood are at risk due to a shortage of legal harvesters, pickers, pruners, packers, and farm workers. As you can imagine, with approximately 81,000 farms in California, I am very concerned that these audits will result in significant harm to the agricultural industry and the state’s overall economy.

Nor is California’s situation unique in our country, although, as the largest agricultural state, California is particularly affected. Farmers from all across the United States have expressed the severe harm they have been suffering from the lack of willing and available domestic agricultural employees. For your benefit, I am enclosing a booklet that I compiled, which provides examples of the workforce crisis facing the agricultural industry from every one of the 50 states in the U.S.

The utilization of I-9 enforcement audits against agricultural employers exacerbates this crisis. When employers being audited receive notification that certain employees have not provided proper work authorization documents, those workers must be terminated. Because the reality is that the majority of farm workers in the U.S. are foreign-born and unauthorized – which is well-known –, I am afraid that this aggressive worksite enforcement strategy will deprive the agricultural sector of most of its workforce and cause farmers and related industries across the country significant economic harm, as well as driving up food prices for consumers.

As I believe you are aware, this year, I collaborated with Senators Rubio, Bennet and Hatch to negotiate and develop a new bipartisan legislative proposal to solve this crisis that is balanced and fair. This proposal, the “Agricultural Worker Program”, was incorporated into the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, which the Senate passed in June 2013.

However, until Congress passes comprehensive immigration reform laws, I strongly believe that we cannot ignore the plight of America’s farmers, especially during tough economic times. For every job lost on farms and ranches, the country loses approximately three jobs in related sectors, like packaging and manufacturing that are supported by having the agricultural production here in this country. Without action on this important issue, I am concerned that the production of American-grown fruits, vegetables, and dairy will continue to downsize or move overseas, which puts the economy and health of the Nation at risk.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has wisely used its prosecutorial discretion to defer removal of young people who arrived in the United States without documentation as children, recognizing that our limited resources are better spent targeting aliens with criminal records or who otherwise present a threat to the safety of the United States. I respectfully suggest that you adopt a similar policy of exercising prosecutorial discretion to defer enforcement against agricultural employers and workers, and concentrate instead on removing those who would and have harmed our society, rather than those who contribute to our vital agricultural economy and heritage, and the safe and high-quality food supply that benefits all Americans.

Sincerely,

Dianne Feinstein


United States Senator

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:45:19-07:00September 7th, 2013|

ACP DETECTED NEAR CITY OF WASCO, KERN COUNTY

Breaking News

USDA/ CDFA on Full Alert

Regarding This Latest ACP Find

The Kern County Agricultural Commissioner, in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture will begin an extensive survey and treatment program in response to the detection of one Asian citrus psyllid near the City of Wasco in Kern County.

One male Asian citrus psyllid was confirmed on Thursday, September 5, 2013 near the City of Wasco in Kern County. A treatment program will be carried out on all citrus host plants within 800 meters surrounding the site where the insect was trapped. Residents in the treatment area will be notified in advance.

The pest is of grave concern because it can carry the plant disease huanglongbing (HLB). All citrus and closely related species are susceptible hosts for both the insect and the disease. There is no cure once a tree becomes infected. The diseased tree will decline in health and produce bitter, misshaped fruit until it dies. To date, HLB has only been detected in one backyard tree and one psyllid in the Hacienda Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles County.

“The Asian citrus psyllid is a dangerous pest of citrus,” said Ruben Arroyo, Kern County Agricultural Commissioner. “We’re working to determine the full extent of this incident so that we can protect our state’s vital citrus industry as well as our backyard citrus trees. We want to emphasize citrus fruit is safe to eat and the disease is not harmful to human health. Working together, we will rid our state of this invasive species.”

Florida biologists first detected the pest in 1998 and the disease in 2005, and the two have now been detected in all 30 citrus producing counties in Florida. The pest and disease are also present in Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina and Texas. Biologists in Mississippi, Arizona and Alabama have detected the pest but not the disease.

Residents in the area who think they may have seen the pest are urged to call the Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899. For more information on the Asian citrus psyllid and huanglongbing disease visit: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/acp/.

We will keep you posted with any additional developments including public meeting dates when they are established by CDFA and our office. If you have any questions, please call the Kern County Department of Agriculture/Measurement Standards at 661-868-6300.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:45:19-07:00September 7th, 2013|

UC COLLABORATION HELPS POSITION LA URBAN AG FOR GROWTH

Cultivate LA Is New View on Urban Ag

Until the early 1950s, Los Angeles was an agricultural powerhouse as the top farm county in the nation for decades, producing a wide array of fruits and vegetables as well as milk and other farm products. The University of California maintained a large Cooperative Extension office in Los Angeles County to work with local farmers. In the following years, as land was developed, farming declined precipitously.

Today, one UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor works with Los Angeles County commercial farmers, who are mostly located in the rural high desert around Lancaster.

More than half a century after its decline, agriculture has again become high profile in Los Angeles County, although the focus has shifted from rural to urban. Urban agriculture has gained momentum in the county, as it has in many metropolitan centers throughout the United States, with a growing number of small-scale city farmers, along with enthusiastic backyard beekeepers and poultry raisers. However, despite the apparent popularity of urban agriculture, a clear picture of its status in the county did not exist until very recently.

A new UCLA student report, “Cultivate LA,” was released on Aug. 15 and offered the first comprehensive picture of the local urban agriculture landscape. The report provides an important foundation for UC Cooperative Extension and other groups involved in developing policy and educational resources for urban farmers.

According to Rachel Surls, UC Cooperative Extension sustainable food systems advisor in Los Angeles County and the “client” of the student project, the report has generated tremendous interest. The students verified a total of 1,261 urban agriculture sites using a variety of data sources, and confirming sites with telephone calls and Google Earth. They looked closely at issues such as complex zoning codes that impact urban farming and the distribution of its products. As one of their final products, the students created a website (www.cultivatelosangeles.org) that contains an interactive map and a chart of agriculture zoning codes in each of the county’s 88 cities and its unincorporated areas.

Surls became involved in urban agriculture policy beginning in 2011, through her participation in the Los Angeles Food Policy Council. Due to the lack of information at that time, the task of crafting policy was a challenge. So, when UCLA faculty members offered to have urban planning graduate students produce a comprehensive report on urban agriculture in Los Angeles County, guided by her input, Surls embraced the opportunity.

With Carol Goldstein, lecturer in urban planning, and Stephanie Pincetl, professor and director of the California Center for Sustainable Communities at UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, Surls helped the students develop their research questions and directed them towards important sources of data.

Surls points out a few relevant findings that will guide her work in further developing UC Cooperative Extension’s program in sustainable food systems.

School gardens are the most common form of urban agriculture. In Los Angeles County, there are more than 700 verified sites. The report suggests that more resources and training are needed to ensure that gardens are successful and integrated into the school curriculum. Surls plans to update resources for school gardens in the next few months.

Urban farmers face major challenges. They find it hard to compete with rural farmers. Their small growing spaces make it difficult for them to produce fruits and vegetables that are competitively priced with those produced on large rural farms.

“Also, urban farmers have to learn from the ground up,” said Surls, who plans on creating an online database of resources and best practices for urban farmers. “Often, they don’t know where to start and don’t realize they are entering a very complex business.” 

Despite some challenges, urban farmers can enjoy advantages. Some have access to free or low-cost land if they operate within a public agency or nonprofit setting. Surls is currently developing resources that will help urban farmers test their soil and identify and mitigate problems, such as lead contamination. She also hopes to partner with nonprofit agencies to evaluate vacant lands for their suitability for farming.

Surls is currently leading a project that is assessing the needs of urban agriculture throughout the state. She is excited to see how the results of the UCLA student report will dovetail with the results of the statewide assessment.

“What’s happening in Los Angeles is mirrored in cities around California,” said Surls. “The public is enthusiastic about urban farming, and municipalities are struggling to find models that work in California’s urban communities. Both of these projects can help planners and citizens make common-sense decisions and help current and future urban farmers become successful.”

To learn more about the UCLA student project, visit http://cultivatelosangeles.org. For more information on UC Cooperative Extension’s sustainable food systems program, please visit http://celosangeles.ucanr.edu.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:45:19-07:00September 6th, 2013|

FAMILY FARM IN GRIDLEY CAN STAY AMONG NEW RANCHETTES

Butte County Land Saved for Ag

State and local organizations have partnered to permanently set aside for agriculture a Butte County ranch potentially in the path of development. The California Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Northern California Regional Land Trust (NCRLT) have created an agricultural conservation easement on the Pamma-Larkin farm one mile outside of Gridley’s sphere of influence, working with the family to ensure it will never be developed.

“My parents migrated from India in 1972 and worked as farm laborers, picking peaches until they saved up enough money to buy their own farm,” said Amarjit Pamma, who now farms the land with his brother Gurvinder.  “They farmed this property for over 30 years before my brother and I took over. It’s a valuable piece of land for farming and we like to keep it in agriculture for future generations.”

The Gridley area is known for its peach, prune and walnut orchards. The 96-acre Pamma-Larkin property is home to five different types of peaches: Stanislaus, Bowen, Andross, Arakelian and Late Ross. Harvested peaches are sold to two nearby canneries, Del Monte and Pacific Coast Producers.

The proximity of the communities of Biggs and Gridley, State Routes 70 and 99, and many small lots and rural ranchettes have put development pressure on the farm, a portion of which is along the Feather River. The farm is located on Larkin Road, hence its name, Pamma-Larkin.

“We are very pleased to see another farm protected forever,” said NCRLT Land Projects Coordinator Zach Mendes. “These projects wouldn’t be possible without the invaluable partnerships between the landowners, the DOC, and the land trust.

“Land Trust members, supporters, and the north state community also provide essential financial support for our work, and we couldn’t have done this without them.”

The Pamma-Larkin farm is the third placed into a conservation easement as a result of NCRLT efforts supported by a California Farmland Conservancy Program (CFCP) planning grant. This is the first conservation easement that CFCP has helped fund in the Biggs/Gridley area and the second it has funded in Butte County.

“We congratulate the Northern California Regional Land Trust and the Pamma family on the creation of this conservation easement,” Department of Conservation Director Mark Nechodom said. “We appreciate the work the land trust does to preserve the productive farmlands of Butte County and to help maintain a viable agricultural economy in the region. We’re very pleased to be a partner in this effort.”

About the Northern California Regional Land Trust: Founded in 1990, the NCRLT currently holds 27 conservation easements in Butte and Tehama counties covering over 15,500 acres. Its smallest easement is 0.39 acre, while its largest acquisition, Llano Seco Rancho, is 4,235 acres.

The organization is dedicated to promoting the conservation and preservation of Northern California’s open spaces, agricultural lands and natural resources with cooperation between the community, private landowners, public agencies and other nonprofit groups. For more information, visit http://www.landconservation.org/ .

About the Department of Conservation’s California Farmland Conservancy Program: Begun in 1996, the CFCP has provided more than $81 million in funding to permanently shield more than  56,000 acres of the state’s best agricultural land from development. For more information, visit: www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:45:19-07:00September 6th, 2013|

ALFALFA AND FORAGE MEETING

Attendees on the Kearney Trams during a Field Tour.

A California Ag TODAY Exclusive

UC Researchers Fill the Gaps on Many Questions

By Patrick Cavanaugh, Editor

Nearly 100 alfalfa and other forage growers and pest control advisors gathered TODAY at the Kearney Research and Extension Center in Parlier, Calif.

Shannon Mueller, UC Cooperative Extension Agronomy Farm Advisor, Fresno County, spoke about the importance of alfalfa variety selection as a tool for managing pests and disease.

Shannon Mueller, Ph.D.

The different regions where alfalfa is produced determine which pests are most important for resistance varieties. “Alfalfa varieties consist of a population of plants which have varying degrees of resistance to an insect or disease. Since alfalfa fields can sustain considerable loss of individual plants without reducing productivity, alfalfa varieties with 51 percent or more plant resistance in the field are considered to be highly resistant (HR), as resistant plants will make up for losses from other plants.

Alfalfa is heterozygous and no plant population would have the same resistance strength.

She noted that growers should know the pest and disease pressure in their areas and buy seed that has the resistance quality needed.

Dan Putnam, Ph.D.

And since alfalfa is a nitrogen-fixating crop producing between 250 and nearly 1000 pounds of N per acre, it could serve as a rotation crop, with wheat for example. “The actual amount depends upon yield and protein concentration. Although most of this N is removed in the crop, some portion remains to benefit the succeeding crop,” said Dan Putnam, UC Davis Agronomy Extension Specialist.

“We want to determine the impacts of rotation with alfalfa on the N fertilization needs of a following crop, such as wheat. We would like to develop an N credit recommendation for management of N fertilizers in non-legumes, rotated with alfalfa. He will have data from his experiment in 2014.

Putnam also discussed UC sorghum nitrogen and variety studies. “Sorghum has been proposed as an alternative forage, primarily as a summer annual silage crop for dairy or other livestock production,” Putnam said. “The primary value of sorghum in the Central San Joaquin Valley, under irrigation, is that it is likely to use less moisture and N than corn, which is currently a major forage crop in California.”

He reported on N-sorghum trials from 2011 and 2012, conducted in three locations. The trials are being repeated this year.

He noted the major advantages of sorghum include:

·      Less expensive to establish

·      Lower N requirement/lower inputs

·      Lower water requirement/ drought resistance

·      Heat Tolerant

Major Limitations:

·      Lodging issues in some varieties

·      Forage Quality (seed percentage/variety specific)

·      Yield (variety dependent/ compared with seed costs)

Following Putnam was a discussion on how to detect if Roundup Ready (RR) alfalfa is present in a sample.  “There are concerns among growers, marketers, and the general public about the co-existence of RR and conventional alfalfa,” said Michelle Leinfelder-Miles, UC Farm Advisor, San Joaquin County. “Key among the concerns is the possibility for the RR trait to transfer by pollen to conventional alfalfa.”

 

Michelle Leinfelder-Miles, Ph.D.

Gene flow has been measured between alfalfa fields grown for seed production; however, gene flow between fields grown for hay is largely prevented by management barriers. The primary barrier is that hay is generally cut before 10 percent flowering so seed is rarely allowed to form, let alone mature.

However, it is courteous and wise to employ practices that allow the co-existence of RR and convention alfalfa. Several important considerations include:

·      Growing certified seed.

·      Understanding the potential for gene flow. Cross-pollination is required in seed production but not in forage production.

·      Preventing the mixing of hay lots or carry-over bales between fields

·      Being aware of neighboring non-genetically engineered (GE) hay.

“Testing for GE Traits is a good way to insure that they do or do notexist when a customer is sensitive to GE crops,” Leinfelder-Miles said. Specific test strips are available to easily and quickly determine if an alfalfa sample is RR. Contact Leinfelder-Miles for more information on testing supplies.

Jeff Dahlberg, Ph.D.

There was also a discussion on Sorghum Variety Trials, presented byJeff Dahlberg, Director, Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Sorghum, both grain and forage, is a an important feedstuff for livestock, as well as a fuel stock.

Dahlberg is working on a major trial with many different sorghum varieties. He is measuring how all of them stack up regarding fall dormancy, winter survival, all major pests and diseases, salt tolerance and continuous grazing tolerances. He mentioned many very good varieties for California Production.

Nearly all forage sorghum growers are interested in trying to grow crops with less water, and Bob Hutmacher, UC Davis, Department of Plant Sciences, Shafter Research and Extension Center, presented research that shows respectable yields with three to four fewer inches of water.

Bob Hutmacher, Ph.D.

He stated that he and colleagues are working on different irrigation timings as well as different amounts of water on distinct forage and grain sorghum varieties in several locations. “We are testing forage types and grain types, but all were cut for silage in the trials,” Hutmacher said. “We are seeing some results that even with lower yields due to decreased water, there still can be a profitable yield.” He noted that the yield differences were less on the grain sorghum than on the forage sorghum.

Steve Wright

Steve Wright, UC Cooperative Extension Agronomy Farm Advisor, Tulare County spoke about the N needs of wheat.

“You need to fertilize according to yield potential,” Wright said. “Some varieties will yield five tons per acre, and they will require about 300 pounds on N per acre.

“Growers need to develop variety/nitrogen management strategy what would assure maximum yield and acceptable protein for all growing areas,” Wright said. “Recent research indicates that applying N at plating, tillering, boot, and flowering on newer varieties may increase yield and protein, however more research is needed,” he noted.

Larry Godfrey, Ph.D

Wright noted that a good rule of thumb is three to five pounds N per 100 pounds yield. “However ground water contamination is an important consideration regarding N-use. But I think growers can manage their N so that it will not cause any further problems,” Wright said.

Following Wright was a discussion on the Blue Alfalfa Aphid that caused enormous problems for growers throughout the state this year. The pest populations were very high, the usual materials were not working, and so there were yield reductions. Heading up the discussion was Larry Godfrey, a UC Davis Extension Entomologist.

Godfrey described the biology of the Blue Alfalfa Aphid and said there are several generations per year. He said the pest injects a toxin into the plant while feeding, which causes much more damage than the Pea Aphid.

Tim Hayes

Tim Hays, a PCA with Wilbur-Ellis, Shafter Branch, reported the Blue Alfalfa Aphid was a big problem in the 1970s, and it has always been at least a minor problem each year. “This year we had very high aphid numbers; we sprayed but did not get control. We had good materials that worked well on the aphid until this season. Clearly this is a resistance issue and the answer we need is new materials,” Hays said.

Godfrey noted that there is no apparent evidence that the failure this year was caused by insecticide resistance, and this did not appear to be a failure of the alfalfa’s resistance.

A Section 18 was filed for the use of another effective material for the 2014 season. Godfrey noted that the Section 18 might be canceled soon because a particular registrant has a new product and the company anticipates it will be registered in 2014 for use in the alfalfa industry.

And finally, Kurt Hembree UC Cooperative Extension Weed Management Farm Advisor, Fresno County, spoke about weed management in alfalfa with and without Roundup, on Roundup Ready stands.

 

Kurt Hembree

He noted that growers need to plan their program strategy around the weeds that they have or expect, and dedicate extra efforts to control as many weeds as possible during early stand development.

“When using glyphosate in seedling fields, treat the first time at the third trifoliate leaf stage,” Hembree explained. “Earlier or later timings can result in more weeds escaping control. And growers must expect some crop injury if tank-mixing with other herbicide materials.”

Hembree noted that it’s important to preserve the effectiveness of glyphosate. “Growers need to control escapes and rotate and/or tank-mix other materials as often as necessary,” he said.

He noted that a survey indicates that a large majority of growers are pleased with the Roundup Ready technology in alfalfa because it provides better weed control with simplicity. “However, more than half the growers surveyed are not concerned with glyphosate-tolerant or glyphosate-resistant weeds in alfalfa. The growers who think this way are in trouble,” said Hembree. He stressed: “If you want these products to be around, then you must make smart decisions.”

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:45:19-07:00September 6th, 2013|

"STOLEN" FARM EQUIPMENT TO BE SOLD, THEN STOLEN

“Stolen” Equipment Case Solved

UPDATE:  It turns out the “stolen” equipment was never actually stolen; the would-be thief intended to sell it and then steal it. 

In a statement TODAY, Megan Foster, Executive Director, Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau (YSFB), thanked Lt. Casner and the Sutter County Sheriff’s Department; YSFB membership and local media, including this blog, for getting the word out so swiftly; and everyone who called with tips.

“Because of the information the community provided,” Foster wrote, “deputies have been able to ascertain the following:

“The rice equipment was parked for sale in Live Oak off of Hwy 99 by a grower, and was not stolen,” said Foster. “Apparently the suspect in question, who might have been involved in a separate header theft, had taken photos of the parked chopper for potential buyers in Southern California. Once a buyer confirmed the desire to purchase, the suspect planned to steal a chopper, either those in Live Oak or somewhere else.”

Thankfully, it was an case of pending thievery–a crime waiting to happen–caught beforehand.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:45:19-07:00September 5th, 2013|

WALNUT PRODUCTION FORECAST DOWN LESS THAN ONE PERCENT FROM 2012

California Walnut Forecast 495,000 Tons

The 2013 California walnut production is forecast at 495,000 tons, down less than 1 percent from 2012’s production of 497,000 tons. This forecast is based on the 2013 Walnut Objective Measurement (O.M.) Survey, which was officially conducted August 1 through August 23, 2013. There were a few samples completed before August 1 for training and scheduling purposes.

Growers in the Sacramento Valley received above average rainfall during November and December, which helped the trees build a more vigorous root system. Weather during the spring was unusually dry and warm, which contributed to a longer bloom. Favorable weather conditions and dense foliage have helped limit sunburn damage. California experienced several short periods of hot weather; however the healthy conditions of many orchards helped the trees withstand the heat.

The 2013 Walnut O.M. Survey utilized a total of 740 blocks with two sample trees per block. Survey data indicated an average record low nut set of 1,239 per tree, down 10 percent from 2012’s average of 1,375. Percent of sound kernels in- shell was 98.8 percent Statewide. In-shell weight per nut was 23.3 grams, while the average in-shell suture measurement was 33.1 millimeters. The in-shell cross-width measurement was 33.1 and the average length in-shell was 39.0 millimeters. All of the sizing measurements were above average levels.

Estimated nut sets, sizing measurements, average number of trees per acre, and estimated bearing acreage were used in the statistical models.

The Walnut O.M. Survey began in 1958 to fulfill industry needs for an accurate walnut production forecast prior to harvest. The original sample was chosen proportionally to county and variety of bearing acreage. With each succeeding year, additions and deletions have been made in the sample to adjust for acreage removed, new bearing acreage, and operations that choose not to participate in the survey.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:45:19-07:00September 5th, 2013|

PLEASE RSVP FOR TWILIGHT FIELD DAY

Twilight Field Day, Sept. 12, Five Points

Sustainable agricultural systems involving precision irrigation and conservation tillage will be featured at the University of California Cooperative Extension’s annual Twilight Field Day and bus tour Sept. 12 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A crowd gathers for a presentation last year in the early evening.

“We want to introduce more farmers to these proven technologies,” said Jeff Mitchell, UCCE farm advisor and field day coordinator. “We’ve done the research. These systems work and they save water, reduce dust, store carbon in the soil, and save farmers money.”

This year, the expanded event includes an afternoon bus tour to three San Joaquin Valley farms where conservation agriculture systems are successfully implemented.

Registrants will gather at 1 p.m. at the UC Westside Research and Extension Center, 17353 West Oakland Ave., Five Points, Calif. to load on buses.

The bus tour includes three stops:

1 – Johnny and Joann Tacharra Dairy in Burrel – The Tacharras will explain the application of dairy waste water through an overhead irrigation system to grow forage crops.

2 – Armando Galvan of Five Points Ranch – Galvan will show his refined irrigation system to apply water to vegetable and row crops. Galvan installs special nozzles on the overhead irrigation drop lines to improve water infiltration and avoid ponding and crusting on the soil surface.

3 – Scott Schmidt of Farming ‘D’ Ranch in Five Points – Schmidt will discuss new management strategies to successfully implement new agricultural systems.

Following the tour, participants will reconvene at 4 p.m. at the UC Westside REC for a workshop on the economic and environmental benefits of conservation agriculture systems.

The event continues with a free barbecue dinner, entertainment by the Wheelhouse Country Band, and a keynote address by Suat Irmak, director of the Nebraska Water Center and professor of biological systems engineering.

Jeff Mitchell will name the 2013 Conservation Tillage Farmer Innovator of the Year award winner.

The expanded event coincides with a concerted effort by the Conservation Agricultural Systems Innovation (CASI) Center to grow the conservation agriculture movement in California.

CASI is a diverse group of UC researchers, farmers, public and private industry, and environmental groups formed to develop and exchange information on sustainable agricultural systems for California row crops.

“In each century, there are just a handful of times when agriculture can transform itself in revolutionary ways,” Mitchell said. “There is growing evidence that today presents one of those rare chances for agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley to reinvent itself.”

The event is free but pre-registration is requested.

RSVP to Diana Nix at dlnix@ucdavis.edu

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:45:20-07:00September 4th, 2013|

THIEF HAS POSTED PHOTOS TO TRY TO SELL STOLEN EQUIPMENT

Crime Alert

Help Needed to Locate Rice Chopper in Photos

The Sutter County Sheriff’s Department discovered the attached photos of a rice chopper on a crime suspect’s phone. The suspect had been sending the photos to potential buyers.

Deputies need help identifying the victim of the theft, as well as the location of where the photos were taken so the equipment can be recovered.

Please take a look at the attached images and call the Sutter County Sheriff’s Department with any information at (530) 822-7307.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:45:20-07:00September 4th, 2013|

RIM FIRE’S EFFECT ON RANCHERS WHOSE LIVESTOCK SURVIVED

Spared Rancher Faces New Pressures

By Laurie Greene, Associate Editor

RIM FIRE UPDATE: InciWeb reported TODAY at 6 pm that the Rim Fire has burned 235,841 Acres (368 square miles) to date and is 80% contained. The estimated containment date for the Rim Fire is September 20, 2013.

Tuolumne County Agricultural Commissioner Vicki Helmar told California Ag Todaythere are no cattle loss statistics yet because even though the Rim Fire is becoming more contained, the fire is still burning, and the scattered cattle are still being rescued and transported.

Marian Rocha Zimmerly, CFO of Farms of Tuolumne County, a countywide program for the support and growth of agriculture, agri-tourism, and preservation of open space, said in addition to cattle, livestock in the area includes sheep, goats, llamas and horses. Most of these animals have been returned to their ranchers or relocated elsewhere in the county.

One fortunate area rancher and former California Sheep Commissioner, Ann Shaeffer of Big Creek Meadow Ranch in Groveland had taken fire prevention measures by removing ladder fuel, and had downsized her cattle to decrease her feed bill.

Shaeffer said, “We dodged a bullet because the fire was all around us, but my sheep ranch remained untouched. The ranch, one or two miles from the fire’s edge that reached CA 120, suffered no direct loss from the fire.

However, Shaeffer is facing new challenges; the fire has forced wildlife such as bucks, lions and coyotes to come down to her area in search of food and water. Shaeffer has a great dog to protect her sheep, but, at present, her grazing land and two ponds will have to be shared with these animals.

What these pressures mean, “only time will tell how wildlife regroups itself,” she said.

Another concern for this burned-out region is erosion when it rains.

Additionally, as many ranchers in the area, she has supplemental agribusiness with homestay guests and local festivals. Her land contains an 1870 historic stagecoach barn (which survived) where Teddy Roosevelt stayed while visiting John Muir. The future of this secondary ag industry here is in question.

Shaeffer says the whole community pulled together by helping each other where they could. Shaeffer took in her neighbors’ unsheltered livestock when his barn burned down. He, like others, had insurance for the barn, but not for the new shipment of hay housed in the barn.

Shaeffer summed it all up by expressing her gratefulness for her ranch surviving the fire and by declaring, “this gives ‘wildfire’ a whole new definition.”

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:45:20-07:00September 4th, 2013|