Agriculture

The evolutionary history of honey bees dates back millions and millions of years. Bees are thought to have appeared at least 130 million years ago, according to British biologist Dave Goulson, author of A Sting in the Tale: My Adventures with Bumblebees.

Recently I was asked whether the Asian citrus psyllid has been detected in Solano County. Since I wasn't sure, I thought I'd share the news of what I found out. Please see the notice below from the Solano County Agricultural Commissioner from December 2016.

We have an exciting selection of classes and events planned for 2018 at the Haven.

UC ANR had a major presence at World Ag Expo Feb. 13-15 in Tulare. In addition to exhibits inside the Pavilion, this year, UC ANR hosted a series of well-attended researcher demonstrations of citrus varieties, soil quality and other subjects in a tent outside.

Why aren't there more women in beekeeping? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 31 percent of all American farmers are women, contributing $12.

One of California's most important specialty crops is almonds; in 2016 the state's crop was worth $5.2 billion. Our climate is ideal for almond production, and as a result we grow more than 80% of the world's supply.

The latest issue of Farm Advisor's Update is out (Feb. 2018.) The newsletter is written by Tom Getts (UC Cooperative Extension Weed Ecology/Cropping Systems Advisor in Lassen-Modoc-Plumas-Sierra counties.

To reduce potential exposure to avian influenza, a new interactive website is now available to help California poultry producers, backyard poultry enthusiasts, regulators and risk managers assess the locations of waterfowl relative to poultry farms in the Central Valley.

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue followed his townhall at the World Ag Expo last week with visits with farmers and tours of farmland in the San Joaquin Valley.

I am pleased to announce that Mark Lagrimini, professor of agronomy and horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has accepted UC ANR's position of Vice Provost of Research and Extension.