- 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.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
While the catchweed bedstraw Galium aparine has historically provided some positive benefits, overall this plant is unwelcome. A native of North America this weed can be found throughout California, particularly in moist, shady areas causing problems in agricultural production, landscapes and vegetable gardens.
Stems of this mature plant can reach up to six feet long. A winter or summer annual in our state, peak germination typically occurs in mid to late December, with a secondary germination in February or March. Plants typically produce 100 to 400 seeds a piece. These seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to three years.
In addition to competing for nutrients, water and light catchweed bedstraw can host several nematode, insect and disease pests. Other problems associated with this weed include entanglement in farm equipment, and contamination and subsequent reduction in the value of wool or fur of livestock animals.
For advice in managing this weed, home gardeners and landscape professionals can download UC ANR’s recently updated Catchweed Bedstraw for Home publication.
Commercial growers can find advice in combating this weed at the UC IPM Pest Management Guideline website.
Catchweed bedstraw seedling.
Photo by Joseph DiTomaso
Catchweed bedstraw stem.
Photo by Joseph DiTomaso
Catchweed bedstraw flowers and fruit.
Photo by Joseph DiTomaso
- Author: Chris M. Webb
UC ANR has recently released a fantastic publication to help livestock owners reduce the risk of animal poisoning caused by the ingestion of poisonous plants. This 44 page publication is full of photographs to help with the identification of over 30 hazardous ornamental and range plants found throughout California.
Tables throughout will help owners to assess risk, recognize signs of animal poisoning and more. To access this free resource, please click here.
Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The USDA has a collection of tools designed to help farmers and ranchers identify areas in their operations in which they can save energy, and in turn money. For non-food producers, the site provides a small glimpse into the complex business of farming and ranching, highlighting a few of the powerful economic impacts and potential risks of those in the business.
Information and suggestions are divided into the following categories:
- The Energy Estimator for Animal Housing tool covers energy use in lighting, ventilation, heating, air circulation, milk cooling, water heating, and milk harvesting.
- The Energy Estimator for Irrigation allows users to estimate potential energy savings associated with pumping water for irrigation. The site provides information for farm-specific crops, pumping requirements and energy prices.
- The Energy Estimator for Nitrogen tool enables calculations related to nitrogen use on your farm or ranch.
- The Energy Estimator for Tillage tool estimates diesel fuel use and costs and compares potential energy savings between conventional tillage and alternative tillage systems. The crops covered are limited to the most predominant crops in 74 Crop Management Zones (CMZ's), allowing users to get an idea of the potential savings.