- Author: Chris M. Webb
There are more than 50 species of mosquitoes in California. Several of them are able to transmit microbial organisms capable of causing human diseases such as encephalitis and malaria. They may also cause disease in livestock and pets. Mosquitoes can travel for miles and can be challenging to control.
In many places around the state local agencies have programs designed to keep populations in check. There are several ways we can help minimize the number of mosquitoes in our communities.
UC’s Mosquitoes: Intergrated Pest Management Around the Home publication provides much information about mosquitoes and how to best manage them.
Topics include:
- Identification
- Life cycle
- Public healthy and veterinary importance
- West Nile virus
- Management
Additional information and local resources can be found in these previous posts.
I will be out of the office next week, but will post a new article for you when I return on Monday, July 25!
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Poison oak is the most hazardous plant in California. It gained this distinction due to the annual number of working hours lost from allergic contact dermatitis caused by poison oak. The allergic reaction occurs in 80-85% of the population. It can cause skin irritation, itching and blisters.
Transmission of the allergen can occur by direct contact with the plant at any time of year; by touching contaminated clothing, tools, or animals; or by breathing the smoke caused by burning poison oak. The smoke is extremely hazardous. Inhaling this smoke can cause severe respiratory irritation. Never purposely burn poison oak.
A native of Western North America, poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) can thrive in a variety of settings. It can grow as a shrub or as a climbing vine. Leaves normally consist of three leaflets, but not always. Leaves can be glossy or dull. In the spring these plants produce flowers and in the summer berries. In fall foliage turns from green to orange and red.
To find out more about this plant including: impact on livestock, treating allergic contact dermatitis, biology, and management, please see UC ANR’s Poison Oak Pest Note.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety has recently announced publication of training materials designed to help dairy employers educate their employees on safe workplace practices.
In addition to providing instructions and materials for training sessions, the guide incorporates information about maximizing employee participation in training, preparing for training sessions, and the objectives of the sessions. Cal/OSHA requirements and additional resources are also included.
The Dairy Safety Training Guide and related materials are available to download for free. They are available in English and Spanish.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish, who suffered certain losses in 2010 may be eligible for disaster assistance. In all $8 million in disaster assistance will be available through the USDA’s ELAP program.
A recent quote from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack:
“ELAP is an important tool to help producers of America’s livestock, honeybees and farm-raided fish stay in business after they experience significant losses because of natural disasters. A healthy livestock, honeybee and fish industry is vital to America’s food supply and economy.”
More information can be found in English here and in Spanish here. In addition to the online resource, you may visit your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for assistance.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
A collaborative effort among University of California experts throughout the state, including Ventura County UCCE Farm Advisor Ben Faber, the 2nd edition of the Small Farm Handbook is an amazing resource for small farmers.
Written in an easy to follow, compact format this book packs a whole lot of information, tips and resources onto its pages. No other publication covers topics, issues, and facets of California's small-scale agriculture with this depth or level of expertise.
This book features the following chapters:
- The Vitality and Viability of Small Farms
- California’s Small Farms: An Overview
- Requirements for Successful Farming
- The Basics
- Enterprise Selection
- Farm and Financial Management
- Marketing and Product Sales
- Labor Management
- Growing Crops
- Postharvest Handling and Safety of Perishable Crops
- Raising Animals
This resource is available for viewing in our office. You may purchase and learn more about the book by clicking here. Orders may also be placed by calling 1-800-994-8849.
To receive a 10% discount when ordering online, use promo code PRVEN56 at checkout. In addition to your discount, a portion of your purchase will help support Ventura County Cooperative Extension research and education outreach.