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State officials tour Modoc County agriculture, sustainable pest management
On July 17 and 18, the Modoc County Department of Agriculture in conjunction with Modoc County Farm Bureau and UC Cooperative Extension hosted an agricultural tour to highlight some of the agricultural issues in Modoc County and how they relate to Sustainable Pest Management, a new strategic plan under construction by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR).
Attendees included north state county agricultural commissioners, representatives fromCDPR, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (CACASA), public land agencies, and elected officials. Over two days, attendees visited Surprise Valley, Goose Lake,Newell and theTulelake Basin. Producers,UCCE farmadvisors,Modoc County supervisors and staff, and theTule Lake National Wildlife Refuge integrated pest management coordinator discussed the noxious weed, grasshopper and water issuesModoc County faces and the tools needed to keep these issues in check.
In Alturas, the group loaded onto the bus and headed for Surprise Valley. County supervisors and staff, and UCCE farm advisors described attributes of the county as the bus traveled to the first stop at Marchy Ranch in Cedarville.
Scotch thistle was the main attraction at the Marchy Ranch. Tom Getts,UCCE weed ecology and cropping systems advisor for Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra counties, discussed life history and management methods for Scotch thistle. Neighboring parcels harboring acres and acres of noxious weeds are a primary concern for producers in this area. Once established, removing Scotch thistle from the landscape is very difficult.
The group then traveled to theIngraham and Gardener Ranches in Davis Creek. BetsyIngraham shared her experiences with grasshoppers as the insects hopped all around the ground with each step. Grasshoppers covered her house and had stripped her garden.Getts spoke to the source of grasshoppers from public lands and the management options in the area.
Laura Snell, UCCE livestock and natural resource advisor for Modoc County, spoke to the damage endured by small-scale farmers such as farmers market producers and those raising food for their families. The Gardeners described how the grasshoppers have decimated their alfalfa.
The day ended at the Modoc County Courthouse, where attendees were briefed on the importance of agriculture to Modoc's economy. They were given a brief history of the Klamath Project, which converted Tule Lake to a wildlife refuge and agricultural land.
On July 18, the bus headed from Canby across the Devil's Garden to Newell Migrant Center. Discussion ensued regarding invasive plant species as well as wild horses on the landscape. We learned that families at the Newell Migrant Center return from year to year to work in the agricultural industry in the Tulelake Basin.
After a driving tour through Copic Bay and viewing the commodities produced there (alfalfa, potatoes, onions, garlic, horseradish and barley), the group toured Gold Dust Potato Processors and ended at the UC Intermountain Research and Extension Center. Ben DuVal of the Klamath Water Users Association, Geoff Grisdale of the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and Rob Wilson, IREC director and UCCE agronomy and pest management advisor, described the integrated management of wildlife and agricultural lands in the Tulelake Basin and how land use practices benefit both.
Juan Hildago, CACASA president, commented, “Growers shared the issues they are facing in controlling weeds and grasshoppers in agricultural production areas and the lack of tools available to control these pests, and concerns about more tools that may be taken away as the state pushes for SPM (Sustainable Pest Management plan) and regulatory measures that can impact the use of available tools.”
“The message from growers across our state is consistent regardless of the commodity being grown in the efforts being made to use IPM (integrated pest management) and being diligent in using the limited pesticide tools available,” he added. “Current tools must be preserved and cannot be eliminated before effective and efficient alternatives are available.”
Julie Henderson, CDPR director, thanked the Modoc County Agricultural Department and all of the Modoc County and UC folks who made the tour happen. “We so appreciate you taking the time to give us a clear, on-the-ground view of the bounty of Modoc County and the tough pest management and related challenges you're facing,” she said.
L&D - Sustainable future, rural teen perceptions, navigating grant challenges, access to healthy food, disaster education, opening doors
Landing page | Archived webinars | Learning resources
Extension Methods & Delivery
Building Support
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
Office, Team, & Personal Management
Wednesdays, 9 - 10 a.m. PT
Starting September 18 - see sessions below.
Are you passionate about making a difference? Dive into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with our engaging speaker series this fall! Learn how to contribute to ensuring sustainable consumption, promoting health and well-being, securing water access and providing sustainable energy for all. Upcoming sessions:
- Sept 18 SDG #12 - Sustainable Consumption & Production
- Oct 2: SDG #3 - Health & Well-being
- Oct 16: SDG #6 - Water & Sanitation
- Oct 30: SDG #7 - Affordable & Clean Energy
See Me. Hear Me. Know Me.
Teen Perceptions of How Living in a Rural Community Influences their Diet and Physical Activity Choices (Extension Foundation)
Sept. 19, 2024 | 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. PT
Details & Registration.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the perceptions of teens in rural communities and the factors that influence their diet and physical activity choices. Our esteemed presenter, Deborah Thompson, Ph.D, RD, is a research nutritionist and professor whose work focuses on preventing youth obesity and related diseases through promoting a healthy diet and physical activity. Thompson's research spans: Theory and measurement to guide and accurately assess change; Health message design for developmentally and culturally appropriate interventions; design, development and evaluation of interventions promoting healthy behaviors, with a special focus on using digital media to engage youth.
Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Conference
Oct. 22 – 25, 2024
Salt Lake City, Utah
Details & Registration
The Annual Conference will be held on Oct. 22 – 25 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the Embassy Suites, just 10 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). The pre-tour will include the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter, the Bishops Central Storehouse, and the Salt Lake City LDS Temple renovation.
Aug. 29, 2024 | Noon p.m. - 1:15 p.m. PT
Details & Registration.
Discover strategies for navigating the ups and downs of complex grant-funded projects to ensure resilience and positive outcomes. We will cover five hard truths and strategies for turning challenges into opportunities and staying true to the letter and the spirit of any grant project. Dive into leadership principles that help you work toward the outcomes and vision you've committed to reaching with kindness, grace and well-being.
See various dates and times below.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month 2024, UC ANR Latinx & Friends ERG and News & Information Outreach in Spanish are organizing a series of events to honor and elevate the contributions of the Latino community. Like in previous years, we need your collaboration to disseminate information about the events planned this year.
We are excited to invite you to a series of webinars in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month 2024. These events will offer a unique opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the invaluable contributions of the Latino community to agriculture, education and the broader society. We created a page with Latin-American recipes – click Recipes to access the page. Check out the UC ANR Latino professional honored during the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month – click Successful Latinos.
Friday, Sept. 13.
1 – 2:30 p.m.
Details & Registration
Join us as Glenda Humiston, Vice President of UC ANR, opens our first session with remarks about the contributions of Latino professionals to UC ANR.
Keynote speaker: Carlos Suarez, USDA's State Conservationist, will provide an in-depth look at the "State of Latinos in Agriculture," highlighting the significant presence of Latino producers and farmworkers in California and across the nation.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Details & Registration
In our second session, Brent Hales, Associate Vice President for Research and Cooperative Extension, will lead a conversation celebrating the contributions of UC ANR Latino professionals.
Keynote speaker: Javier Diego Jacinto, scholar-activist whose activism and scholarly work intersect language, race, religion and immigration, rooted in his Mazateco heritage from Oaxaca, México, He will deliver a keynote on the "State of the Latino Community," discussing the Latino community's significant economic contributions and ongoing challenges.
Wednesday, Oct. 9 | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Details & Registration
Tu Tran, Associate Vice President - Business Operations for UC ANR, will introduce our final session.
Keynote Speaker: Erica Alfaro, an inspiring author and educator, shares her journey of overcoming adversity through education and discusses the future of education for Latino students. This webinar will focus on "Education and Latinos – The Future."
Each webinar is an opportunity to learn, share, and connect with the Latino community's rich heritage and ongoing contributions. We hope to see you there!
Food Security & Nutrition: Addressing Inequities in Access to Health Foods (Extension Foundation)
Oct. 15, 2024 | 10 - 11 a.m PT
Details & Registration.
This presentation will explore the relationship among food security, nutrition, health disparities and potential solutions to improve access to nutritious foods.
Learn the best way to set up your spreadsheet to visualize project progress, success, and even failures. Find out how to measure what's most important for projects and how to use that data to inform future decision making. By the end of the course, you'll know the best Excel features, tools, and functions to manage your projects. Request your LinkedIn Learning account from UC ANR IT help@ucanr.edu.
Overcoming Academic Perfectionism (NCFDD)
Sept. 12, 2024 | 11 am - 12:30pm PT
Details & Registration.
Do you struggle to share your writing at the early stages because it's not perfect?
Do you find yourself devastated by criticism of your work?
Do you beat yourself up every time the tiniest thing goes wrong?
Is it difficult for you to celebrate other people's success because it reminds you of your own shortcomings?
If any of these things sound familiar, CONGRATULATIONS! You're a perfectly normal perfectionist!
Secure Your Spot for the Next UC Peer to Peer round in September!
Extended deadline: Sept. 12 @ 5 PM.
Complete your application by Sept. 12.
UC ANR Peers: Did you miss your chance to participate in cross-campus peer conversations on Imperative? Not to worry! We will be launching another round of matches for continued conversations with your UC peers at the end of September.
The Imperative platform gives you the space and time to build trusted relationships within the University of California system. Over time, these meaningful conversations will help you connect with your purpose, find fulfillment in your career and boost your sense of belonging.
Great, how do I sign up for a peer match in September?
To receive a match in September and join for the next round of peer conversations, complete your application by Sept. 12. On Sept. 16 you'll receive your profile form link to fill out. As we approach September and the next round of matches, we'll send additional information on what to expect and a calendar invitation to attend a kickoff call.
Career Development Week – Nov. 7-13 (UC Davis)
The UC Davis Career Development page offers resources for career and professional growth, including virtual workshops on resume building, cover letter writing, and interviewing. It also provides a Career Development Toolkit for self-assessment and goal setting, a Career Design Lab for strategic planning, and confidential one-on-one career coaching. Additional resources include mentoring, career planning tools, and professional development opportunities such as courses and tuition assistance programs. Career Development Week is scheduled for Nov. 18-22, 2024. More details are available on the UC Davis Career Development page.
Credits:
Image by John Hain from Pixabay
age by Tumisu from Pixabay
Salute to Ag UC Davis football game Sept. 7
The CLEAR Center is sponsoring the first-ever Salute to Ag UC Davis football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, at UC Davis. Tailgate starts at 5 p.m. and the game kicks off at 7 p.m.
Joe Proudman,associate director for communications at the CLEAR Center, invites UC ANR members to join them. He says they have discounted tickets for the game.
If you are interested, go to goagspromo.com and enter promo code CLEAR, three different discounted ticketing options should be available:
$7 General Admission (normally $15)
$10 East Side (normally $20)
$18 West Side (normally $35)
The Aggies play at UC Davis Health Stadium located at Bob Foster Team Center in Davis.
In memoriam: Carl Bell
Carl Eugene Bell, UC Cooperative Extension weed science advisor emeritus, passed away on July 31 in San Diego. He was 75.
Bell began his 35-year UCCE career in 1979 as a weed science advisor in Imperial County, where he advised growers and production consultants on weed management on large farms as well as small-scale and organic produce operations. His research proved solarization was very successful at controlling weeds in organic winter vegetables at a reasonable cost.
In 2000, he was reassigned to Southern California to advise land managers on controlling non-native plants that invaded natural habitats. As UCCE invasive plants advisor, he served San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, Ventura and San Bernardino counties. “My methods reduce the cost of restoration from several thousand dollars per acre to less than $200 per acre,” Bell said in a 2014 retirement story.
Later in his career with UC ANR, he served for a period as UCCE director in San Diego County, in addition to his research and extension work. In retirement, he started his own consulting business, So Cal Invasives, to continue providing advice on managing invasive plants.
Bell, who was born in Los Angeles, earned his bachelor's degree in botany and master's degree in plant biology from California State University, Long Beach.
“From early on, I realized how lucky I was to be working as a weed scientist, both with UC and with the larger world of weeds outside the ivy-covered walls,” Bell wrote in a 2014 blog post announcing his retirement. “Weed scientists and practitioners have always been inclusive, supportive and interesting; and populated by fun-loving, intelligent, hard-working and egalitarian colleagues.”
Brad Hanson, UCCE weed specialist at UC Davis, shared his memories of Bell.
“I first met Carl at a weed workgroup meeting in 2005, just a few weeks after I started working in California,” Hanson said. “While I never worked on the same weed-management issues as Carl, I was always impressed with his leadership and engagement with his weed science colleagues from around the state. In particular, he was an important and visible leader in the California Weed Science Society, where he had a very large impact on weed research and outreach in our state.
“I enjoyed Carl because he had a great combination of intensity about what he did as a professional, but also was quick-witted, engaging, and quick to laugh with his friends and colleagues. Throughout my career, I've decided that it's people like Carl who make the extension network the best of what it can be – driven by good science, strong connections, service-oriented, and fun to be a part of.”
On the UC Weed Science Blog, Hanson wrote: “Carl was a very active and visible member of the California Weed Science Society for most of his career. He was a regular contributor to the program as a speaker and session chair and served on the program committee and board of directors in several capacities, including as CWSS President in 2008. His work was recognized by the CWSS several times including with the Award of Excellence (2002), as an Honorary Member (2010), and with a Presidential Award of Lifetime Achievement (2014). At the end of his career, he took on the job of co-editing the 4th edition of the Principles of Weed Control, a textbook published by the CWSS.”
Read more about Bell's life at https://www.featheringillmortuary.com/obituaries/carl-bell.
Farm Bureau of Ventura County Invests in our Youth and the UC 4-H Youth Development Program
When 4-H in Ventura County sought to raise funds that would help it meet the needs of local youth now and in the future, the community responded with tremendous generosity.
A national youth development organization, 4-H aims to empower young people with leadership skills for personal and professional growth. In California, the 4-H program falls under the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources umbrella and is administered through local UC Cooperative Extension offices based in counties across the state.
In May 2023, the Ventura 4-H Volunteer Management Board established the Forever 4-H Ventura County Endowment to ensure sustained financial support for future Ventura County 4-H youth.
Recognizing the value of long-term financial sustainability for 4-H, the Ventura County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture organized a donation drive to grow the endowment. By July 2024, their members and supporters had donated over $30,000 in support of Ventura County 4-H youth.
“With deep gratitude, the UC 4-H Youth Development program in Ventura County would like to thank every individual and organization for their generosity,” said Shannon Klisch, UC Cooperative Extension Area Director for San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
“A special thank you to our partners at the Farm Bureau of Ventura County for their leadership in raising over $30,000 to support 4-H youth. We know that 4-H youth are more likely to be civically engaged and make healthy choices than their peers and the difference that 4-H can make is in large part due to the supporters and donors that make programming possible," she added.
Funds from the endowment will support general 4-H operations and new programming for youth in 4-H which may include establishing a 4-H camp in Ventura County, increasing programming for youth at the Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and providing youth with opportunities to develop leadership and life skills.
To learn more about the Forever 4-H Endowment Fund, visit: https://ucanr.edu/sites/4hfoundation/Forever_4-H/
To learn more about 4-H in Ventura County, visit: https://ceventura.ucanr.edu/Families_-_Communities/
Editor's note: The month of donations last received has been updated and program plans for the funds have also been specified in the last paragraph.
