- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
The UC Desert Research and Extension Center hosted a workshop for employees and local stakeholders on potential uses for drone technology in agriculture, reported Edwin Delgado in the Imperial Valley Press.
“The intent of this workshop is to start bringing the knowledge about unmanned aerial systems to the University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources division and the public at large,” said Sean Hogan, coordinator of Informatics Geographic Information Systems for UC...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Each winter, thousands of "snow birds" land in the Southern California desert to enjoy the warm and dry climate. They are short-term refugees, many of them senior citizens, escaping cold weather in northern states and Canada. Winter visitors also have the opportunity to attend FARM SMART and learn about the food grown in the vicinity and shipped across the nation, reported Krista Daly in the Imperial Valley Press.
FARM SMART is offered in January and February each year. Attendees learn about irrigation and soils, pick vegetables to take home and enjoy a lunch of local...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
The 100,000th visitor to the UC Desert Research and Extension Center "Farm Smart" program walked through the gate last Thursday, reported the Imperial Valley Press. The program, which began in October 2001, annually educates local residents and visitors about the importance of agricultural production.
Larry Mallory of Burley, Idaho, was named the 100,000th visitor and his wife, Sheryll, the 100,001st. The couple are "snowbirds," spending their winters in the mild California desert while their home is buried in snow. They were...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
U.S. Congressman Juan Vargas (D-El Centro) visited the UC Desert Research and Extension Center last Friday to see the agricultural research underway, reported the Desert Review.
Vargas represents the 51st District, which includes portions of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and the entire U.S.-Mexico border in California. Desert REC director Sam Wang hosted the tour. He said the congressman posed for pictures with UC staff and academics, asked a...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
During a tasting event recently at the UC Desert Research and Extension Center, experts conveyed their desire for a variety that is smoother and has better flavor than European cultivars, which were described as too “perfumy” and sweet, said an article in the Imperial Valley Press.
“It’s crucial to have rich, full flavor,” said an extension specialist from Washington state. “I know it when I taste it.”
The scientists and farmers weren't critiquing grape cultivars for fine wines, but carrots - including the "baby" carrots that find their way into...