- Author: Michael Hsu
New area director to support UC ANR programs in Colusa, Glenn, Butte, Yuba and Sutter counties
As the new University of California Cooperative Extension area director for five Northern California counties, Teghpreet “Preet” Ahluwalia has an impressive track record of connecting people with resources that can improve lives and uplift future generations.
After college at UC Davis, Ahluwalia immersed herself in the world of finance and real estate and started her own investment firm. Its clientele were mainly older adults seeking opportunities to build long-term wealth and security for their descendants.
“We wanted to open up these opportunities in our network to people who didn't have access to them, or wouldn't normally come across them,” Ahluwalia said.
She also volunteered on the board of the National Association of Women Business Owners to share her knowledge and help provide the resources that her entrepreneurial peers needed to thrive.
Beginning in her new role with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources this past August, Ahluwalia now provides administrative support as the area director to UCCE advisors and staff across Colusa, Glenn, Butte, Yuba and Sutter counties. Those teams offer expertise, partnerships and programs to benefit local food systems, community health and economic development.
Ahluwalia's passion for leading-edge research – coupled with her financial acumen and interest in agriculture – make her well-suited to serve as UCCE director.
“This position really represents the best of all worlds, where my experience in higher education and management just come together in this one role to help our clientele and community get to the next step of where they want to go,” she said.
Ahluwalia learned how to optimize budgets in Modoc County
Maximizing resources in a rural, farming area with a relatively small population is nothing new for Ahluwalia. After earning her MBA from UC Davis, Ahluwalia worked as the financial manager for the sheriff's office of Modoc County, in the far northeastern corner of California.
In remote Modoc, home to 8,500 resourceful people, Ahluwalia gained invaluable experience in navigating county government, working with the county administrator, seeing how budgets were determined – and then making the most of limited funds.
“We had a very limited budget in Modoc County, so we were always thinking creatively about what we could do differently to stretch that money or get more from another source,” she said.
Although Ahluwalia enjoyed living in Alturas and loved the natural beauty of the region, she moved back to the Sacramento area after getting married. In planning her next career move, Ahluwalia sought a path into higher education, taking a position in the admissions office of her alma mater, the UC Davis Graduate School of Management.
But when the UCCE area director job opening at UC ANR was posted, Ahluwalia saw an opportunity to tie-in another prominent aspect of her family story and heritage.
Childhood experiences, family history shaped ag interests
Although she was born in Calgary, Canada, Ahluwalia spent most of her formative years in Porterville in Tulare County. During her childhood, her father, who worked as a pharmacist during the day, also owned a small farm where he grew grapes and prunes. He would do his farm work from the evening until late at night – and on weekends.
“I think he was trying to do a little too much,” Ahluwalia said.
Although he eventually sold his operations, her father's herculean efforts demonstrate the importance of agriculture in their Sikh culture. Punjab, the homeland of many Sikhs, is a largely agricultural state in India.
Several UCCE advisors in the Central Valley identify as Sikh; during a recent regional UC ANR meeting, one of them expressed delight about Ahluwalia's leadership position.
“They didn't know I was in a director role,” Ahluwalia recalled. “They were just like, ‘We're excited to see you in this role because we've never seen anyone in this role from our community.'”
New director builds on legacy of strong relationships
In the first few months on the job, Ahluwalia has been focused on strengthening relationships with county agricultural commissioners, boards of supervisors and other key community leaders and organizations. Building upon the foundation set by the preceding UCCE county directors, Ahluwalia aims to make more people aware of the wide range of Cooperative Extension programs.
“I'm realizing, through my conversations in each of the counties, that people know we're here, they know we exist,” she said. “But to a certain extent, the community may not be familiar with the full spectrum of what UCCE is doing. Some of them don't know that we're pioneering 4-H youth programs, or that we're providing nutrition education through CalFresh Healthy Living – in addition to our farm advisors and volunteer programs such as UC Master Gardeners.”
To make work more productive, efficient and enjoyable for those advisors and staff, Ahluwalia said she is also looking to streamline administrative processes and offer support in whatever way she can.
“One of the biggest things I'll be doing is listening a lot,” she said. “What do they need and how can I advocate for that? I can't do anything alone – I can do the outreach; I can build the relationships. But they're the actual people who are connecting the research to our communities and providing that education and extension.”
Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty, UC ANR's director of county Cooperative Extension, believes that Ahluwalia has just the skill set and experience to thrive in managing teams and partnerships across five counties – all with their different priorities and needs.
“With her previous appointments in the Modoc County Sheriff's Office and the UC Davis School of Management, she has the essentials to successfully navigate the complex UCCE environment,” said Schmitt-McQuitty. “I'm excited to see how these skills will expand the research and extension in the region and build on the solid foundations the previous county directors established.”
- Author: Michael Hsu
Board of Directors to promote philanthropy through advocacy and fundraising in support of agriculture, natural resources and community health
The new University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Foundation has been established to advance UC ANR's essential research and extension mission.
The foundation – to be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization following approval by UC President Michael Drake in October – will support programs that promote California's agriculture and food systems; natural ecosystems and working landscapes; and healthy and thriving communities.
“The establishment of this foundation could not have come at a better time, as it will inspire the vital resources and energy we need to meet the pressing challenges we pinpointed in our recently released Strategic Vision 2040,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president for agriculture and natural resources.
Modeled after similar entities at UC campuses, the UC ANR Foundation will be guided by a volunteer Board of Directors. Representing a variety of regions and communities across California, the directors collectively bring years of experience in the agriculture, natural resources, government, academic and nonprofit sectors.
“By tapping into the board's connections, relationships and knowledge of our work and its impact, UC ANR is well-positioned to undertake significant and truly transformative fundraising initiatives and campaigns,” said Greg Gibbs, executive director of UC ANR Development Services.
The Board currently comprises eight community leaders and three ex officio members:
Don Bransford
Owner and Operator
Bransford Farms
Tom Delfino
Sr. Principal
S.S. Papadopulos & Associates
Bill Frost
UC Cooperative Extension Advisor Emeritus and former Associate Vice President
UC ANR
Anne Haddix
Co-President, Board of Directors
UC Master Gardeners of Sonoma County (Volunteer)
Corinne Martinez, Board Chair
President and Chief Operations Officer
Berryessa Gap Vineyards
Soapy Mulholland
Principal
Sopac & Associates LLC
Sharon Nance
President
NTAPROBLM LLC Inc.
Stephen Reid
Head Gardener of the Rose Garden
The Huntington Library and Botanic Gardens
Ex Officio Members
Greg Gibbs, Board Secretary
Executive Director, Development Services
UC ANR
Glenda Humiston
Vice President
UC ANR
Tu Tran, Board Treasurer
Associate Vice President
UC ANR
“We are grateful to the members of the new board for their leadership, expertise and passion for our mission, and we're thankful to the many donors – past, present and future – who generously support our work to improve lives all across California,” Humiston said.
History of philanthropic support empowered creation of foundation
It has been that outpouring of support – channeled by Gibbs' fundraising team – that enabled the establishment of the UC ANR Foundation. Gibbs was part of a nascent development team created just seven years ago, in 2017, to increase private funding from individuals, foundations, companies and agricultural commodities groups.
Within that time, the Development Services team has raised crucial funds for a wide range of impactful programs and projects. For example, philanthropic support is fueling efforts to cultivate workforce development in agriculture and related fields in Orange County, drive innovations in the “circular bioeconomy” within the San Joaquin Valley, strengthen wildfire resiliency in communities across the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and propel leading-edge research to benefit growers of citrus, grapes and other valuable commodities.
“People are seeing the true impact of UC ANR, and I think this foundation board is a testament to that,” Gibbs said. “It's a validation of all the work that's been done over the last seven years.”
In 2023, a Vice President's Cabinet began laying the groundwork for the foundation by establishing its bylaws and structure. That group comprised several current board members, as well as Andrea Ambrose, UC ANR director of advancement; Adina Merenlender, professor of Cooperative Extension in conservation science; and Kerry Tucker, chief strategic counsel at Nuffer, Smith, Tucker.
Then, presented with UC ANR's track record of robust fundraising and measurable impacts, UC President Drake approved the incorporation of the new nonprofit foundation on Oct. 2. The foundation will begin work with UC ANR leadership and staff in early 2025 to develop short- and long-term fundraising plans.
For the public, there is an immediate opportunity to support UC ANR's work – Giving Tuesday. From midnight to midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 3, visit give.ucanr.edu to donate and participate in a global online giving event.
“Just as UC ANR programs significantly improve lives in California and across the nation and world, our donors substantively improve those programs,” Gibbs said. “They believe in what we do, and they make our research and extension activities better in every sense – more impactful, more accessible and more sustainable.”
For more information on the UC ANR Foundation and opportunities to contribute, contact Greg Gibbs at glgibbs@ucanr.edu.
- Author: Michael Hsu
Strategic Vision 2040 prioritizes seven California challenges
Aiming to help tackle some of California's most pressing challenges, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has released its Strategic Vision 2040. The document serves as a blueprint to guide UC ANR's work, structure and resource allocation over the next 15 years to make a positive impact in communities across California.
As a long-trusted source for practical tools and information, UC ANR is the critical link between UC research and the everyday challenges affecting Californians' lives and livelihoods.
“UC ANR is uniquely positioned to cultivate, co-create and share science-based solutions on a wide range of issues in California, across the U.S. and around the globe,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president for agriculture and natural resources. “The Strategic Vision 2040 reaffirms our commitment to serve as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation in achieving a brighter future for all.”
The Vision document is the result of a 15-month process in which thousands of comments and feedback from hundreds of UC ANR employees and community members – including program participants, government agency staff, elected officials, nonprofit groups, California Tribes, industry partners, farmers and producers – were distilled and synthesized.
Informed by those insights, UC ANR refreshed its mission and vision statements and also identified seven distinct California challenges as priority areas in which UC ANR can make a significant impact:
Core Areas of Research and Programming
- Agriculture and Food Systems
- Natural Ecosystems and Working Landscapes
- Thriving People and Communities
Overarching Issues
- Climate Change
- Innovation
- Regulations, Policy and Compliance
- Systemic Inequities
“It's important to note that these seven challenges are complex and interrelated, and demand the kind of interdisciplinary, collaborative approaches that UC ANR has become known for fostering and sharing,” Humiston said.
The Strategic Vision 2040 will provide direction for UC Cooperative Extension researchers and educators who bring their know-how and partnership ethic to all 58 California counties; UC ANR's 14 statewide programs and institutes; and approximately 20,000 volunteers in the 4-H Youth Development, UC Master Gardener, UC Master Food Preserver, and UC Environmental Stewards programs. UC ANR also supports a network of nine Research and Extension Centers, as well as productive collaborations among campus-based Agricultural Experiment Station faculty and UCCE advisors and specialists.
In the coming months, a UC ANR committee will develop a five-year Strategic Framework that will translate the Vision into action. Specific goals and objectives will guide UC ANR in its mission to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems and economic prosperity.
The Strategic Vision 2040 document is found at: https://ucanr.edu/files/StrategicVision2040.pdf.
- Author: Pamela S Kan-Rice
Roger Duncan, UCCE farm advisor in Stanislaus County, retires after 36 years
For more than three decades, tree fruit and nut growers have depended on the advice of Roger Duncan, UC Cooperative Extension pomology farm advisor in Stanislaus County, to improve their production practices. Duncan, whose research and extension program focused on almonds, peaches, grapes and other tree crops, retired July 1.
“Roger Duncan has been an extraordinarily relevant researcher for the predominant crops in Stanislaus County,” said Rep. John Duarte, owner of Duarte Nursery in Hughson. “His research has encompassed rootstock and variety selection, tree spacing, chemical inputs and spraying, fertilizers, pruning and replanting amongst other projects.”
Duncan began working for UC ANR in 1988 as a field assistant to Integrated Pest Management advisor Jim Stapleton after earning a master's degree in plant science and plant pathology from Fresno State and a bachelor's degree in the same subjects from UC Davis. In 1990, he became a UC Cooperative Extension in pomology farm advisor in Stanislaus County.
During Duncan's tenure, the planted acreage of tree and vine crops has tripled in Stanislaus County to nearly 1,900 farms on over 230,000 acres. His research has helped to improve production efficiency through improved rootstocks, crop varieties and production practices.
“Roger provides growers with resources and tools on nutrition, sprays, nutrient deficiencies, calendars, costs, pest management and other horticultural practices,” Duarte said. “His work has had significant impact on the productivity and quality of almonds, peaches and grapes. Breeders, universities, nurseries, growers and marketers have all gained from the wisdom and dedication of Roger Duncan.”
Growing up in Modesto, Duncan wasn't raised on a farm. “I had friends whose families farmed orchard crops, so I had some exposure,” he said. “I caught the Extension bug while working as a summer intern for the pomology advisors in the Stanislaus County UCCE office after I graduated with my B.S. That is what inspired me to return to school with the goal of being a pomology farm advisor.”
Reducing production costs
To help growers lower production costs, Duncan introduced orchard practices aimed at reducing hand labor and other inputs. As a result of his research, minimal pruning has become the norm in California almond production, reducing input costs and carbon output and increasing yield. He also improved monitoring and management techniques of established and invasive diseases and insect pests.
“The practical applications Roger brings to the grower community are invaluable,” said Mel Machado, Blue Diamond Almonds vice president for member relations and Stanislaus County almond grower. “His minimal pruning study stood growers on their heads. People had preconceived ideas about pruning. He blew that up. His research showed that after you get the tree's frame, all you need to remove are the dead and occluded branches. With the market depressed, we needed to cut costs. He said, ‘You don't need pruning.' Now I'm growing bushes.”
Art Bowman, a crop adviser with Salida Ag Chem, agreed that Duncan's pruning research had an impact. “Roger's pruning trial that lasted over 20 years was a much-discussed subject among growers,” Bowman said. “Growers' pruning practices definitely changed due to Roger's research, with early emphasis on structural development and, later in the tree's life, concentrating on tree accessibility and deadwood removal.”
In 1990, when Duncan joined UC Cooperative Extension, California had 408,700 acres of almonds, according to the California Agricultural Statistics Service. Now the state has over 1.5 million acres of almonds.
About 75% of the farms Duncan has served have 40 acres or less, farmed by “small” or “part-time” farmers, who needed to learn basic horticulture and pest management. Stanislaus County also is home to some very large, sophisticated growers, who Duncan has kept apprised of new technology.
“I believe that personal interaction offers the most memorable means of information transfer, which is why I held an average of 12-plus extension events per year, gave 18-plus extension presentations per year, and went on an average of over 75 individual farm calls per year,” Duncan said. He also provided information via videos, blogs, podcasts, radio shows, newsletters, news media and extension publications as well as commodity boards.
Along with Duncan's research, Bowman has appreciated his availability. “Roger was always ready to take a call, make orchard visits and listen to a grower's concern or problem,” he said.
In 1997, Duncan began hosting twice monthly Tree & Vine Integrated Pest Management breakfast meetings for pest control advisers and growers to discuss current and potential pest threats. These meetings have continued for 28 years.
He speaks ‘farmer'
Machado attributes much of Duncan's success to his communication skills. “His research is scientific and he speaks ‘farmer,'” he said.
Machado gave rootstock as an example. “Roger is my rootstock resource; he knows rootstocks better than anybody,” he said. “His rootstock trial is dirt simple. There's a different rootstock every five trees. You can see walking down the row the differences in the rootstocks.”
From his field evaluations, Duncan identified a complex hybrid rootstock that is highly tolerant to ring nematode, bacterial canker and salt toxicity. He found other hybrid rootstocks that boost crop yield while reducing risk from soil chemistry and soil-borne disease challenges, enabling almonds to be grown in the marginal soils on the west side of the North San Joaquin Valley. To help growers choose the appropriate rootstock for their soil, he wrote a comprehensive ANR publication, made a video and worked with the UC Fruit & Nut Center to create an interactive rootstock comparison website.
Over the last 15 years, use of hybrid almond rootstocks has increased dramatically. Burchell Nursery now sells approximately 40% of their trees on hybrid rootstock compared to less than 5% of almond trees 15 years ago, and more than 95% of Duarte Nursery almond trees are on hybrid rootstocks, according to Duncan.
“We've worked with Roger for years, back when he didn't have a mustache and then when he had a mustache,” said Robert Longstreth, who grows almonds, walnuts and cherries.
“Roger does research in the area you need, not frivolous stuff that you don't need,” said Longstreth, who has benefited from Duncan's research on pruning, rootstocks, irrigation timing, plant nutrition and disease control. “He's thought very highly of by almond growers. When he has something to say, people listen.”
The UCCE farm advisor has overseen long-term trials to learn how to design and maintain an almond orchard to capture early production, maintain long-term yields and maximize profits. “In the first 17 years of the orchard design project, I increased cumulative net profits by up to $14,000 per acre, including increased yield while reducing labor and carbon inputs,” Duncan said.
Influenced by Duncan's tree-spacing research results, growers have increased almond tree density by 20% per acre statewide, leading to higher crop yields, longer-living orchards and better farm economic sustainability.
As California's expert on almond rootstocks and almond orchard design, Duncan has taught the subjects for the UC Almond Production Short Course, was lead author on the UCANR publication “Almond Rootstocks,” wrote the rootstock chapter, and co-authored the orchard design chapter of the UC Almond Production Manual. He was invited to Chile, Spain and Australia to share his expertise with growers there.
Expanded programs for kids and gardeners
In addition to being a farm advisor, Duncan served as director of UC Cooperative Extension in Stanislaus County from 2011 through 2013 and again from 2017 through 2020. As the UCCE county director, he acquired new county funding to hire a 4-H youth development program representative in 2018 to provide more learning opportunities for local, underrepresented children.
That year, he also acquired county funding to hire a full-time Master Gardener coordinator and launched the first UC Master Gardener Program in the county.
“I felt very lucky to serve as an advisor in the same county where I was born and raised,” Duncan said. “I am most proud of the trust I have developed with the growers and other clientele.”
Professional awards
Recently, Duncan's peers at UC ANR honored him with a Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding extension program, which gave growers the data and confidence to adopt orchard practices that have bumped up the productivity and economic value of California almond orchards.
The popular breakfast meetings to discuss pest management earned Duncan and his UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor colleagues the Entomological Society Award of Extension Excellence and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation's IPM Innovator Award. The California Legislature also recognized the breakfast club's commitment to sustainable pest management.
Recognizing Duncan's extraordinary contributions, the university recently granted him emeritus status.
“I have a lot of respect for the other farm advisors, but Roger is at the top of the pile,” said Machado, who has served on Almond Board committees with Duncan and known him since he joined UC Cooperative Extension. “I'm going to miss him. You can absolutely count on him.”
Congressman and nurseryman Duarte added: “While he will be sorely missed by us in his role of pomology advisor for the University of California, we hope that he keeps his interest, and continues to influence the food production industry in the Central Valley.”
- Author: Michael Hsu
UC ANR Fire Network compiles expert advice on preparedness, evacuation tasks
The explosive growth of the Park Fire in Northern California was fueled by recent, intense heat waves and extremely dry vegetation – conditions seen at many locations across the state.
Given the potential for wildfire and smoke impacts during what is expected to be a protracted “fire season,” California residents should think ahead and complete emergency preparations: https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Preparedness/.
“If you are concerned that you or someone you know could be affected by fire or smoke, now is the time to take simple steps to prepare,” said Yana Valachovic, University of California Cooperative Extension forest advisor for Humboldt and Del Norte counties.
Valachovic and other members of the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Fire Network are urging community members to tackle small but significant tasks to minimize potential fire damage. Many of these tasks can be finished in a weekend, such as:
- Clean debris from your roof and gutters.
- Inspect the area around your home and nearby structures and remove all combustibles (dead grass, plants, woody mulch, stored wood, etc.) in the first 5 feet, including under decks and stairs.
- Inspect the foundation, under-eave, and gable-end vents for holes and damage; add a layer of finer metal-mesh screens (1/8” mesh) to the vents to prevent ember penetration.
- Inspect the garage door bottom seal to make sure embers can't blow under the door.
- Replace the first 5 feet of wooden fences that attach to buildings with a noncombustible panel or gate.
A recently published report, “Retrofitting a Home for Wildfire Resistance,” also can help residents prioritize the measures that are most cost-effective and fit their budget.
Six things to do, six hours before evacuation
As evacuation warnings are issued for local communities, there are six important things to do in advance of an actual evacuation order, according to Valachovic:
- Close windows, pet doors and skylights.
- Move inside patio cushions, brooms and door mats; tie open wooden gates that attach to the house or deck to prevent a fire from traveling from the fence to the house.
- Relocate the barbecue propane tank away from home.
- Stage buckets of water and garden hoses in visible locations.
- Dress for evacuation: cotton clothes, sturdy shoes, hat and face protection and leather gloves.
- Put your “go bag” in your vehicle.
The UC ANR Fire Network website also includes downloadable checklists – in English and Spanish – for your go bag (https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Evacuation/Preparing_a_Go-Bag/) and for a host of important pre-evacuation tasks for your household, property, pets and livestock (https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Evacuation/).
“We want communities to be wildfire-prepared – not scared,” Valachovic emphasized.
Smoke exposure a significant public health concern
Hazardous smoke can blanket wide swaths of California – and much of the Western U.S. – during ongoing wildfire events. A primer on harmful health effects, a list of tips for reducing smoke exposure, and other resources and links can be found on the UC ANR Fire Network site: https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Air_Quality_and_Smoke/.
“If there's smoke in the forecast for the next few days, I would keep an eye on my local air quality at fire.airnow.gov,” said Katie Low, statewide coordinator for UC ANR's Fire Network. “And if the AQI – Air Quality Index – is high, I would limit my outdoor activity, wear an N95 mask if I do go outside, and run my air purifier.”
For instructions on making a DIY air cleaner, creating a “clean air space” in your home and fitting an N95 mask properly, visit the California Air Resources Board's “Smoke Ready California” page: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/smokereadyca.
Another useful tool is the crowd-sourced #FireMappers fire activity map – powered by the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation, GISCorps, and CEDR Digital Corps – accessible through the UC ANR Fire Network site: https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Current/.
