FAMILY FARM SUPPORTS CHILD NUTRITION

Deardorff Family Farms Donates Salad Bar To Oxnard School

TODAY, United Fresh Produce Association posted this story about Deardorff Family Farms’ Donation to Students.

Vasken Khanjian hosts trivia contest with 
students with featuring Tasti-Lee tomatoes.


Last week, representatives from Deardorff Family Farms hosted an event with the 6th and 7th grade classes at the E.O. Green Junior High School, which is part of the Hueneme Elementary School District in Oxnard, CA. They educated students about their local growing operation, located down the road from the school, and provided samples of their Tasti-Lee Tomatoes.

“This donation is an excellent example of how produce companies can support United’s child nutrition programs, while promoting increased fruit and vegetable consumption with children in their communities,” said Andrew Marshall, United’s policy and grassroots manager.


Students at the E.O. Green Junior High School
enjoying their new salad bar, thanks to Bejo Seeds
and Deardorff Family Farms
Scott Deardorff, partner of Deardorff Family Farms, shared the history of his family’s business and some of their farming methods that create the bounty that fills Ventura County. Vasken Khanjian, business development director for Deardorff Family Farms, hosted a trivia contest with the students that showcased recipes featuring Tasti-Lee tomatoes.


The school received their salad bar at the beginning of the school year as part of United Fresh Produce Association’s Let’s Move Salad Bars to California Schools campaign, and now students have access to a wide variety of fresh produce options each day.

2016-05-31T19:41:11-07:00January 24th, 2014|

DAIRY LEADER PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UNTIL APRIL 4

California Dairy Leaders Program Broadens Applicant Eligibility

April 4, 2014 is the deadline to apply for Western United Dairymen’s highly successful California Dairy Leaders Program.

Designed to train the next generation of California’s dairy leaders, the leadership program consists of several sessions devoted to developing a better understanding of the economic, legislative, marketing, and environmental issues facing the industry.

Eligible participants must be actively involved in milk production, be able to spend the necessary time in class, as well as studying resource materials, and be able to commit to visits to locations such as Sacramento and Washington DC. The program application process this year is being opened up to individuals in allied industries. Application forms can be downloaded from the WUD website.

The year-long program kicks off in the spring. Topics include environmental issues, the state and federal legislative process, dairy pricing and economics, biotechnological developments, marketing and promotion, and public relations skills.

Participants will develop and enhance their leadership skills through communication, business etiquette, negotiation skills, time management, and team building workshops. Instruction will be provided by recognized experts in their field.

Class enrollment will be limited to ensure one-on-one instruction. The program enrollment fee of $750 should be submitted with letters of recommendation. Further information is available by contacting Western United Dairymen at (209) 527-6453.

2016-05-31T19:41:11-07:00January 24th, 2014|

Crime Alert

Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau Alert for Stolen Farm Equipment
A scraper was stolen from a Ranch on Dantoni Road in Marysville/Yuba County last night.

 
The scraper is 3-4 tons in weight, has flat tires and dual rams on the front, and is rust in color. The theft occurred between 6:00 p.m. yesterday and 9:00 a.m. today.


These photos depict equipment similar to that which was stolen.

Yuba County Sheriff’s case # is 14-000324. 

If you have info, please contact Yuba County Crime Analyst Leslie Carbah or dispatch 24/7 at 530-749-7777.















2016-05-31T19:41:11-07:00January 24th, 2014|

COMPREHENSIVE CALIFORNIA AVOCADO PRODUCTION COURSE

Apply for “AVOCADO PRODUCTION FOR NEW GROWERS”    a  6-Week Course  
 
Attention new and beginning California avocado growers,
Dr. Gary Bender, Ph.D., is offering a new six-week course entitled “Avocado Production for New Growers.” The course will be held on Thursday afternoons and conclude with a Saturday trip to the UC Cooperative Extension high-density trial and commercial grove.
 
The course is sponsored by UC ANR and UCCE-San Diego and supported by the California Avocado Commission.
 
The course schedule is as follows:
January 30  — Introduction to Agriculture in San Diego County, History of Avocado Production in California
February 6 — Botany, Flowering, Varieties, Harvest Dates, Rootstocks
February 14 (Friday) — Irrigation Systems, Irrigation Scheduling, Salinity Management
February 20 — Fertilization, Organic Production
February 27 — Insect and Mite Control, Disease Control
March 6 — Canopy Management, Tree Spacing, Frost Management
March 13 — Ag Waiver Water School Training
March 15 (Saturday) — Field trip to UC Cooperative Extension high-density trial and commercial grove
 
Because space is limited, register online early or mail in the registration form. The fee is $105 and includes class materials and a bonus publication. For more information, contact Cristina Lomeli at 760.752.4724.
2016-05-31T19:41:11-07:00January 23rd, 2014|

AG LEADERSHIP CHAIR ISSUES $1 MILLION CHALLENGE GRANT

California Ag Leadership Foundation Conducts Endowment Fundraising

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) has received a $1 million challenge grant from Loren Booth to help grow the foundation’s endowment and to support operations. The grant will provide a dollar-for-dollar match up to $1 million for all new gifts donated.

The foundation is currently in the middle of a major endowment fundraising campaign, which began in late 2012.

CALF supports the 44-year-old California Agricultural Leadership Program, one of the premier leadership development experiences in the nation. It is a state and federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation that depends solely on individuals, foundations and corporations for support.

Booth is a Class 27 Ag Leadership alumna and has been chair of the CALF board of directors since July 2009. She is the president of family-owned and operated Booth Ranches, a premium citrus grower in Orange Cove, Calif. She also operates a commercial cattle herd near the operation.

“I have said many times that I cannot possibly give back to Ag Leadership what it has given to me,” said Booth. “With this grant, I hope to inspire others to join me on Ag Leadership’s journey toward financial independence, so that we can perpetuate this one-of-a-kind program for generations to come.”

To encourage broad participation, the match will be valid until met – by new pledges or increased gifts from current donors – so that people can manage their philanthropy over a period of time and not against a deadline. Booth said she encourages anyone who is considering a gift to act now and double their donation while the matching grant is in place.

“Loren is one of our most passionate supporters and we are enormously grateful for her longtime commitment and breathtaking generosity,” said Bob Gray, CALF president and chief executive officer. “Her gift will effectively help us raise $2 million new dollars, which will have a tremendous impact on our endowment and operations and will be instrumental in sustaining Ag Leadership.”

2016-05-31T19:41:11-07:00January 23rd, 2014|

PREMIER AG LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM INVITES APPLICANTS

Ag Leadership Accepting Applications for Class 45

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is now accepting applications for Class 45. Growers, farmers, ranchers and individuals working in allied businesses and organizations are encouraged to apply.

The Ag Leadership Program, operated by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), is considered to be one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States. More than 1,200 men and women have participated in the program and are influential leaders and active volunteers in the agriculture industry, communities and other areas.
 

The 16-month program, from October 2014 to January 2016, is composed of monthly seminars delivered by Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, UC Davis and other academic institutions.

Fellows also participate in a 10-day national travel seminar and a 15-day international travel seminar. Seminars provide a comprehensive curriculum focusing on a variety of subject matter.

CALF invests approximately $45,000 per fellow to participate in the Ag Leadership Program. The costs are underwritten by individual and industry donations.

Detailed program information and the phase one application are online at www.agleaders.org.  

The phase one application is due no later than Monday, May 12, but individuals are encouraged to complete it earlier.

2016-05-31T19:41:11-07:00January 23rd, 2014|

DROUGHT PRESS CONFERENCE IN BAKERSFIELD TODAY

Central Valley Legislators Developing Emergency Drought Legislation
Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21), Congressman Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), and Congressman Devin Nunes (CA-22) are developing emergency drought legislation to provide necessary water supplies throughout the state and the Central Valley. 
The three Congressmen were joined by Speaker of the House John Boehner this afternoon to announce their legislative proposal to provide immediate relief from the ongoing drought in California.
The legislative proposal incorporates three main actions: 

  • Turning on the Delta pumps this year and next year to capture future rain events

  • Ending restoration flows in the San Joaquin River for this year and next year in order to stop wasting water

  • Establishing a bipartisan, emergency joint committee from the House and Senate to devise a long-term legislative solution 
Congressman Valadao stated, “California is facing one of the worst droughts in history. Congress cannot make it rain, but they can provide relief from burdensome environmental regulations. Today I join Speaker John Boehner, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, and Congressman Devin Nunes in calling for emergency drought legislation that provides immediate relief for farmers, farm workers, and families in the Central Valley.”
 Congressman McCarthy continued, “As we approach another drought year in the Central Valley, it is imperative that we take immediate action to provide water supplies to our local families, farmers, and small businesses. Restrictive environmental regulations reduce our supplies when water is available in wet years, but exacerbates the negative impacts during years of drought. At a time when we are in dire need of water, we must provide flexibility and allow water to flow around the state. Our legislation that is being developed would provide emergency drought relief for our state and our local communities.”
“The Senate’s rejection of all House initiatives to end the crisis has now resulted in an emergency situation throughout California. We hope senators will join us in taking action that will bring immediate relief and ultimately end this man-made crisis,” said Congressman Nunes.
2016-05-31T19:41:11-07:00January 23rd, 2014|

SPEAKER BOEHNER AND CALIF POLITICIANS MEET IN VALLEY TO PROPOSE DROUGHT LEGISLATION

Nassif Statement Regarding Congressional House Republicans’ Efforts to Address California Water Shortage

Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassifreleased this statement in response to a press conference held in Bakersfield TODAY with Speaker John Boehner and California members of Congress House Majority Whip, Kevin McCarthy; Congressman David Valadao; and Congressman Devin Nunes who have proposed legislation to address the worsening drought in California:

“The drought is doing great damage to farmers, farm workers and many other people who are part of the most productive agriculture state in the country.  Federal regulatory decisions made last year in the Delta made this situation much worse, by failing to pump and store more than 800,000 acre feet of winter runoff. The federal agencies charged with implementing fish species protections in the Delta declined to use their available discretion to capture that water, instead letting it flow out to sea.
 
It is time for Congress to act. We appreciate the efforts of Speaker Boehner and Congressmen McCarthy, Nunes and Valadao to encourage action by both houses of Congress on this crisis. We believe bipartisan agreement is necessary and possible. There are very moderate and reasonable steps available, such as federal legislation giving the regulatory agencies clear direction to allow the state and federal water project pumps in the Delta to operate at higher levels than they have in recent years. We must capture water runoff when it is available and store it for the protection of our farms and communities.
 
Our state’s water system is overdue for serious upgrades. We need more storage facilities and greater support for desalinization and water reuse projects that reduce reliance on the Delta. A refocused water bond should be presented to the state’s voters with strong support from our state and federal leaders. Federal action to raise the existing Shasta Dam should be expedited. Improved conveyance facilities in the Delta are essential for improving water supply reliability in much of the state as well as restoring the Delta ecosystem, as envisioned by the Bay Delta Conservation Plan.
 
There is so much to be done, but there has been so little action in Congress so far. We hope that the Speaker’s engagement today marks a willingness by members of both parties and both houses of Congress to work toward bipartisan solutions to the water supply crisis that threatens thousands of America’s most productive farmers and thousands more whose livelihood is tied to their survival.”

Since 1926, Western Growers has represented local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona and California. Our members provide half the nation’s fresh fruits and vegetables including a third of America’s fresh organic produce. Some also farm throughout the U.S. and in other countries so people have year-round access to nutritious food. For generations we have provided variety and healthy choices as the first line of defense against obesity and disease. We grow the best medicine in the world.™  

2016-05-31T19:41:11-07:00January 23rd, 2014|

California Ag News Weed Meeting in Monterey

California Weed Science Society

Meeting in Monterey

Weed Meeting Attendees Gather at Evening Reception this evening
By Patrick Cavanaugh, Editor

TODAY, Nearly 575 weed control professionals, many in the production agricultural industry are attending the 66th Annual Conference of the California Weed Science Society (CWSS) in Monterey.

The popular event’s theme is Meeting the Challenge for a Hungry World: Weed Management Strategies in the coming Decade.

Steve Fennimore, UC Extension Weed Specialist is the outgoing president of the CWSS. “We have many limiting resources in the world and obviously water is a huge limiting resource in California to say the least. And a large part of the meeting is devoted to a limiting control of herbicides due to resistance,” Fennimore said.

Speakers came far and wide including Clarence Swanton, University of Guelph, Ontario Canada;  Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia, and David Shaw, Mississippi State University.

David Shaw is one of the leaders in the U.S. on various tasks forces to develop strategies in dealing with weeds resistant to herbicides. “The southeastern U.S. has been adversely impacted by herbicide-resistant weeds, especially Palmer Amaranth.

The weed Palmer Amaranth is in California however no resistance has yet to be seen. “We want learn what we can to prevent resistance,” said Fennimore. “There are weed control systems that we can apply to our crops to help.”

2016-05-31T19:41:11-07:00January 23rd, 2014|

VEGETABLE CROPS RESEARCH EVENT

UCCE Vegetable Crops Research Update Feb. 14
UC Cooperative Extensionwill host the Vegetable Crops Research Update on Friday February 14, 2014, from 8:30 am through 11:45 am at the UC West Side Research and Extension Center, 17353 W. Oakland Avenue, Five Points, CA 93624
The Update will cover irrigation and salinity in processing tomatoes, herbicide carryover studies, the bagrada bug, nematode control, beet curly top virus program developments, and curly top virus biology and management.
Department of Pesticide Regulations and Certified Crop Adviser continuing education hours have been requested.
For more information call: Tom Turini (559) 375-3147
2016-05-31T19:41:12-07:00January 23rd, 2014|
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