Monthly Archives: September 2021

The US Forest Service and the California Conservation Corps (CCC) continue to use the fairgrounds as a base of operations. In this photo, Secretary Ross visits with CCC employees helping with bagged breakfasts and lunches for crews working on the incident. During the peak of the Caldor Fire, 8,000 first-responders were based at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, and the …

For Joe Del Bosque, a California Central Valley farmer, planting and picking cantaloupes has been part of his entire life. His parents immigrated from Mexico to the United States and Joe learned what it takes to grow delicious melons by watching his father at work. Today, Del Bosque Farms is a family-owned company found on the west side of Fresno …

By Bill Poindexter Meat, it’s going to be what’s for dinner for quite a while in these parts – and beyond. Feed the Hungry of Auburn has attended the Gold Country Fair Junior Livestock Auction for 30 years, supporting the FFA and 4-H kids who are selling their animals after raising them since birth, then donating the meat to The …

The largest climate package in state history, Governor Newsom highlights transformative $15 billion in funding to tackle wildfire and drought challenges, build climate resilience in communities, promote sustainable agriculture and advance nation-leading climate agenda Governor signs 24 bills focused on climate and clean energy efforts, drought and wildfire preparedness At the site of the KNP Complex in Sequoia National Park, …

When livestock manure decomposes in wet conditions, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Changing manure management practices so thatmanure is handled in a dry form can help reduce methane emissions and limit the effects of climate change. CDFA’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) provides financial assistance for the implementation of non-digester manure management practices …

CDFA’s State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) was created to provide financial incentives for agricultural operations to invest in irrigation systems that save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible system components include soil moisture monitoring, drip systems, switching to low pressure irrigation systems, pump retrofits, variable frequency drives, and installation of renewable energy to reduce on-farm water use …

Farmers need right-sized technology. Tools and technology can help farmers improve efficiency, save labor and connect with their customers. But many of the innovations in agriculture today are built for large-scale production, out of reach for most family farms. From hardware to software, mechanical harvesters to marketing apps, (CAFF) is seeking proposals for technologies that will help level the playing field, strengthen …

In recognition of Climate Week (Sept 20-26), here’s a video of some of the practices utilized in CDFA’s Healthy Soils Program — helping sequester carbon and save water.  Over the life of the program, CDFA has funded nearly 650 projects with $41.5 million in grants. The projects are building soil health on thousands of acres of farm and ranch land …

From a Western Growers news release Western Growers (WG) and S2G Ventures are now accepting applications for the 2021 AgSharks Competition, a unique event where start-up companies pitch their innovations in front of a live audience of the world’s largest specialty crop producers to win a $250,000 minimum investment. Impact-driven entrepreneurs and startups developing systems and technologies that promote a …

Unless you have a personal connection to the Central Valley or work in agriculture, chances are you haven’t been able to speak directly to a farmer about how they’re experiencing this year’s historic drought. Recently on  KQED Forum, three farmers from the Central Valley, where roughly 40% of the nation’s fruits, vegetables and nuts are grown, shared just how little water …