UC scientists offer “hot topic” exhibits and displays for farm community at World Ag Expo 2018

Focusing on current “hot topics” in farming and agriculture, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources academics will offer nonstop displays and demonstrations in its own tent at the World Ag Expo, Feb. 13-15. The public and the press are invited to stop by anytime to meet the scientists and learn about a few of UC ANR's many agricultural research and extension programs in California.

The tent is in space I-37, on I Street, just west of Pavilion A.

Following is the schedule:

Tuesday, Feb. 13

9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Drones in Agriculture
Join us for a demo (no flights) of the hardware components and software used for drone mapping and a brief discussion of related regulations. (Available through Thursday!)
Sean Hogan, UC ANR IGIS Statewide Program
Andy Lyons, UC ANR IGIS Statewide Program

University and Community College Collaboration in Technology
Learn about the role of community colleges working with universities that span the continuum of education in agriculture.
Gabe Youtsey, UC ANR chief innovation officer
Jeff Dahlberg, UCCE specialist and director of the UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Tim Ellsworth, West Hills Community College Farm of the Future
Terry Brase, West Hills Community College Farm of the Future

UC Cooperative Extension Historical Archive
Learn about UC Merced Library's efforts to preserve, organize, and provide online access to records of enduring value on California agriculture.
Emily Lin, UC Merced Digital curation and scholarship
Lisa Vallen, UCCE archivist

Virtual Orchards
See a three-dimensional reconstruction of an orchard created by a photogrammetry technique and learn about Virtual Orchard applications
Ali Pourreza, UCCE specialist in ag engineering

Tuesday, Feb. 13
12:30 to 5 p.m.

Biosecurity in Animal Science and 4-H Project Curriculum
Learn more about this project and curriculum (available for free download), which can be used in 4-H animal science projects to teach about how easily disease is spread between species.
Martin Smith, UCCE youth science literacy specialist, UC Davis Veterinary Medicine
DeAnn Tenhunfeld, 4-H State Office

Improving the Efficiency of Flood Irrigation in California Through Automation
Learn about increasing irrigation efficiency and reducing the cost of labor and water to growers.
Khaled Bali, UCCE irrigation specialist
Peter Moller, Rubicon Water
John Krukar, Rubicon Water

Citrus variety display
Greg Douhan, UCCE citrus advisor, Tulare and Fresno counties

Wednesday, Feb. 14
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Long View: How conservation agriculture may help us prepare for food production for generations to come
Conservation agriculture contributes to more vibrant farm economies, greater production efficiencies, environmental benefits and farm water use efficiency.
Brenna Aegerter, UCCE vegetable crops advisor in San Joaquin County
Jessica Chiarta, UC ANR Communications Services

Providing Sustainable Farming Solutions
Learn how the strawberry and vegetable research and extension program is helping growers to produce with less water and chemical pesticides.
Surendra Dara, UCCE strawberry and vegetable crops advisor in San Luis Obispo County

Small Farm Innovation
View samples of value- added products developed from small farms, including moringa powder produced by local growers. See a showcase of Southeast Asian vegetables in season.
Ruth Dahlquist-Willard, UCEE small farms advisor, Fresno and Tulare counties
Michael Yang, UCCE small farms ag assistant
Lorena Ramos, UCCE Fresno small farms

Wednesday, Feb. 14
12:30 to 5 p.m.

Moisture Sensors, Vineyard Management and Precision Irrigation
Learn about using the latest technology in collecting soil moisture information for irrigation scheduling to improve crop water use efficiency and crop quality.
Khaled Bali, UC irrigation management specialist, UC Kearney Research and Extension Center
Reinier van der Lee, Founder and CEO, Vinduino

Reintroducing an Old Crop to California—Sorghum!
Learn about this drought-tolerant crop used for animal feed, renewable fuel production, and gluten-free flour and grain for human consumption.
Jeff Dahlberg, UCCE specialist and director of the UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Nutrition Programs
Learn about UC Cooperative Extension nutrition education programs, which are focused on improving knowledge, skills, attitudes and behavior to support healthy eating and physical activity.
UCCE Tulare County nutrition staff

Thursday, Feb. 15
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Asian Citrus Psyllid Management (ACP)
Learn about the Asian citrus psyllid, the insect that transmits the bacterial disease that is threatening California citrus.
Beth Grafton-Cardwell, UCCE entomology specialist and director of the UC Lindcove Research and Extension Center
Craig Kallsen, UCCE citrus advisor, Kern County

Pest Management Resources from UC IPM
Learn about publications, online tools, courses, and other resources to help you manage pests!
Stephanie Parreira, writer/editor, UC IPM Program

Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Agriculture
Learn how to recognize their symptoms and how they cause damage.
Andreas Westphal, UCCE nematology specialist
Zin Maung, staff research associate

The Science Behind Caring for Cows
See what tools we are using to identify sick cows and how we check the quality of cows' food.
Noelia Silva-del-Rio, UCCE specialist, Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, Tulare

Does your Spray Stray?
Check out this demonstration using color-changing cards to see where spray droplets are landing and then view easy modifications to reduce drift. Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Agriculture Learn how to recognize their symptoms and how they cause damage.
Cheryl Wilen, UCCE IPM advisor, San Diego County

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