Conservation Agriculture

Discussions have been initiated toward the formation of the California Overhead Irrigation Alliance.

If the return of earthworms to farm fields is an indication of success, then Sano Farms is on the right track. I havent seen earthworms in these fields in years, said Firebaugh farmer Alan Sano.

Leading San Joaquin Valley conservation tillage farmers Scott Schmidt of Five Points and Dino Giacomazzi of Hanford recently hosted a group of 38 no-till farmers from Western and South Australia.

Tomato producers interested in cutting costs, reducing inputs and improving their soil, received a strong jump start to planning their 2011 seasons by participating in a recently-held how to get started with conservation tillage and cover crop systems discussion held at Sano Farms in Firebaugh.

A number of common points came through loud and clear by each of the farmers who hosted visitors during a recent field tour. Advance planning prior to the strip-till or no-till corn season is necessary. Laying out appropriately-spaced, shallow irrigation berms is desirable.