RECS is the acronym for Research and Extension System. The Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center is one of nine RECS throughout the state operated by the University of California division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR). RECS connect research and educational activites to the challenges in the regions they serve. 

Take a tour and learn about the unique contribution of each REC.  http://youtu.be/lcj7js1qQ0s

 

On April 1^st, the Hansen Fund released the results of this year’s Request for Proposals Program. The Hansen Advisory Board and the Research Advisory Committee had a particularly hard time this year. Twenty two projects, whose funding request exceeded the million dollar mark, were reviewed. With an available budget of $200,000 many good projects had to be turned down. Ten new projects and two continuing projects uniformly split between agriculture education and research, received approval letters. Projects will be posted in our website once the contract/grant process is finished.

A long delayed maintenance project that involves roof repairs and exterior painting of the historic Faulkner Farm House is also in progress. Three local general contractors with demonstrated experience working with Victorian houses recently submitted bids that are being evaluated by the UC Facilities Office. It is expected that the maintenance program will run through the summer and take between 60 and 90 days for completion. Monitor our progress—weekly updates will be posted on our website and/or blog.

Today is the first day of spring. It’s a busy time at the UC Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center (UC HAREC). Garden volunteers and farm staff worked countless hours preparing the farm over the winter. The fields and gardens are flourishing and the sounds of children fill the air. Yellow school buses are a welcome sight at the Center. Over 1700 Ventura County youth grades K-3^rd will participate in the 4-H Farm Field Trip and Classroom Outreach Program that kicks off in March and runs through the end of May.

Specially trained and dedicated volunteers work alongside staff to deliver fun and hands-on agricultural based lessons. For many Kindergarteners, this is their first time on a farm. Getting a glimpse of where food comes from, planting a seed and learning what makes it grow are unforgettable experiences. Older students delve deeper into plant growth and development, discover the important role pollinators play in our food system, and learn about the rich agricultural county where we live.

Picking and sampling farm fresh vegetables such as beets, carrots, sugar snap peas, and lettuce are favorite activities with all ages and a great way to introduce MyPlate, the newest USDA guide to healthy eating choices, and encourage daily physical activity. What can be better than getting your hands dirty, smelling the rich Santa Paula soil, and eating vegetables you helped harvest? Children aren’t the only visitors. Over 300 parents and teachers will visit, learn, and munch alongside youth.

The cost of buses makes a trip to the farm prohibitive for many schools. When visiting the farm is not an option, lessons delivered in the classroom bring the farm to life. The 4-H Classroom Outreach Program is an opportunity to learn about agriculture without leaving the school grounds.

Yes, it’s a busy and exciting time at UC HAREC.

Happy spring!

 

March is National Nutrition Month. To celebrate what healthy food is and where it comes from, the Center held its 3^rd Annual Preschool Open House—Healthy Foods Start on the Farm, on March 5th. Over 200 Ventura County preschoolers and their families participated in age appropriate and fun activities that demonstrate how plants grow as well as the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and participating in physical activity. Participants learned about MyPlate—a guide for making healthful eating choices and tasted farm fresh vegetables. Various displays demonstrated California and Ventura County agriculture. The farm was filled with the joyful sound of children laughing and learning. The morning event was a great success.