The University of California Cooperative Extension Ventura (UCCE Ventura) and the Hansen Agricultural Center have a new director.  Christopher M. Smith arrived last August and has been working hard to bring county agricultural players together in an effort to move toward a more synchronized use of UCCE and Research and Extension Center (REC) resources to maintain mission and objectives in an environment of limited resources.

Dr. Smith earned his B.S. in genetics at UC Davis while performing biochemical research on herbicide tolerance in glyphosate-resistant tomato cells, and subsequently received an M.S. in Biology for his work on Citrus Tristeza Virus at Long Beach State University.  At the University of Nebraska, his research encompassed biochemical characterization of regulatory proteins ("kinases/phosphatases") involved in carbon-fixation, and wound-induced systemic signaling and gene expression in plants, culminating in a Ph.D. in biological sciences.  

After completing his doctorate, he did postdoctoral research in sequence-structure computational analyses of protein kinases ("molecular switches"), and development of database resources for protein kinase information, at the San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California San Diego.  He spent the next 14 years serving as the executive director for the National Biomedical Computation Resource, and the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at UCSD. Prior to joining UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), Dr. Smith served as the associate vice provost for research at Rice University.

Ventura County possesses a moderate climate and prime agricultural land that allows it to be one of the more versatile growing environments in the state.  The county is not only the number one producer of strawberries and has significant acreage in citrus, avocado and vegetable crops, but also provides a viable testing ground for specialty crops that can serve profitable niche markets. Through collaboration Dr. Smith envisions a stronger commitment to the success and promotion of county agriculture for now and future generations.

The Spring 2014 issue of "Central Coast Farm & Ranch" magazine has an article that focuses on Chris Smith and his aspirations for UCCE Ventura and the Hansen Agricultural Center.  The article is entitled "On the Ground" and is published by the Farm Bureau of Ventura County.  If you are interested in subscribing to "Central Coast Farm & Ranch" please contact them at (805) 289-0155 or info@farmbureauvc.com. 

Dr. Smith encourages an active and responsive dialogue with the public and the county's agricultural community.  He can be reached at 805-662-6943.

SAVE THE DATE:  Saturday, August 17, 2013

Join the UC Ventura County Cooperative Extension's Master Gardeners at their summer workshop, "All About Roses, Plant Propagation."

Our hard-working Master Gardeners present a workshop for each season of the year and this one is devoted to sharing information about pruning, watering and fertilizing roses and dealing with any pesky pests.

Time:  8:15 am - 12:00 pm
Location:
    Hansen Agricultural Center
    14292 W. Telegraph Rd.
    Santa Paula, CA
   (Use Briggs Rd. Entrance)

The Master Gardeners love to share their expertise and love of gardening.   Workshops are held on Saturdays so more members of the public can participate.

Cost:  $30 (includes continental breakfast and snacks)

To view the flyer, please click here; or to online register.

SAVE THE DATE - June 22, 2013.  It's summer and a great time to decorate your home with cut floral arrangements.  UC Ventura County Cooperative Extension's Master Gardeners can help with their upcoming seasonal Home-Garden workshop, "Planning & Growing a Cut Flower Garden, Creating Beautiful Floral Arrangements."

Here you will learn how to have flowers available all year long to arrange in your home.  The Master Gardeners will teach you the principles of flower gardening and techniques to create lovely floral arrangements. 

Master Gardener workshops are open to the public and can fill up quickly.

Date:  Saturday, June 22, 2013
Time:  8:15 am - 12:00 noon
Location:
     Hansen Agricultural Center
     14292 W. Telegraph Rd.
     Santa Paula, CA
Cost:  $30.00 (includes continental breakfast and snacks)

Click to register and learn more about the workshop.

The University of California Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center (UC HAREC) supports Ventura County agriculture through research and education efforts. Volunteers play a vital role in education outreach and are integral in achieving our mission. We are currently recruiting volunteers for our youth development programs. Join a dedicated group of individuals who share a passion for agriculture and enjoy working with youth of all ages.

Interested individuals may attend an informational meeting in the Small Barn at UC HAREC —Wednesday, January 16^th, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  or Thursday, January 17^th, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Center is located at 14292 W. Telegraph Rd. in Santa Paula (corner of Briggs Rd. and Telegraph Rd). Please use Briggs Rd. main entrance. Free parking available.

To reserve a spot call or email by January 15^th— 805-525-9293 ext. 206 or awfaris@ucanr.edu.  Walk-ins also welcome.

For more information about our youth development programs visit our website at: http://ucanr.edu/sites/hansenagcenter/Hansen_Agricultural_Center_Programs/