- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
![Since the UC Master Gardener program's inception, more than 5 million hours of volunteer service have been donated.](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/anrnews/blogfiles/55321small.jpg)
UC Cooperative Extension in Stanislaus County is launching its first UC Master Gardener program to extend research-based gardening assistance and information to county residents, reported John Holland in the Modesto Bee.
“Our goal is to encourage healthy environments (and improve the appearance of our community) with sustainable landscaping and gardening, green waste reduction and water conservation,” said Roger Duncan, UCCE county director.
Gardening enthusiasts may apply for the first round of training until Sept. 28. Weekly...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
![UCCE research and education has helped farmers boost crop yields.](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/anrnews/blogfiles/6326small.jpg)
The Modesto Bee yesterday ran a story about the steady yield growth of Stanislaus County agricultural crops over the past 100-plus years.
These increasing yields, wrote reporter John Holland, have enabled farmers to help feed a growing world population and allowed the vast majority of U.S. residents to live in cities and suburbs.
"Efficient farming also has kept food fairly affordable, meaning that consumers have extra money to spend on housing, clothing and other purchases that drive the economy," the story said.
Holland also listed "pitfalls" of the county's high yielding agricultural land:
- High...