UC Blog
Small-scale lamb producer featured in Sac Bee
Dan Macon, a Placerville lamb rancher who last year received UC's Pedro Ilic Award for outstanding farmer, was the subject of a human interest feature in today's Sacramento Bee.
The article said Macon is among Placer County's most successful and sustainable meat purveyors. He sells his product to local restaurants and as part of the Sierra Foothills Meat Buyers Club.In addition to producing meat, Macon contracts with other farmers to "mow" their cover crops.
Director of UC Cooperative Extension in Placer and Nevada counties, Roger Ingram, told reporter Niesha Lofing that such sustainable farming efforts are what set Macon apart.
"He thinks of the community even before himself," Ingram was quoted. "I think that Dan symbolizes that there is potential out there (for small farm operations)."
Another example of the rancher's innovation and diversification is classes he offers to the community. On May 23, a half-day class at the ranch includes lessons in pasture management, livestock handling and predator protection. Also, local chefs will teach Argentine asada-style cooking. The class is $30 per person, dinner is $50 per person and the package can be purchased for $75. Reservations, required by May 13, may be made on Macon's Flying Mule Farm website.
Dan Macon, with Shermain Hardesty of the Small Farm Program, receives the Pedro Ilic Award.
House Ag Committee hears from valley farmers
California farmers would like the 2012 farm bill to provide help for struggling dairies, incentives for reducing air pollution and support for a legal farm work force, according to testimony at a House Agriculture Committee hearing yesterday at Fresno City Hall reported in today's Fresno Bee.
The story, written by Robert Rodriguez, said an almond grower who requested help for purchasing new tractors that meet state air quality regulations heard from Rep. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, that it may be a tough sell in the nation's capital.
"We can't drive public policy on what one state does," he said. "We are going to have to make some tough choices."
Speakers at the meeting said low dairy prices have hurt California dairy operators and that a significant majority of people willing to do farm work lack proper immigration status.
Van Konynenburg suggested the 2012 legislation should build on the parts of the 2008 farm bill that promoted healthy foods for schoolchildren and other consumers.
Many schools cannot handle large amounts of fresh produce, so the programs should include products such as "peach snack cups or a box of raisins," he said.
"Tree fruits and nuts are vital to the good health of the American diet," Van Konynenburg was quoted. "The next farm bill should support foods which the nation's medical community believes will enhance health and help fight disease."
Van Konynenburg also urged support for research that reduces labor needs in orchards, such as a mechanical peach thinner being tested by the University of California Cooperative Extension, said the Modesto Bee version of the story.
Mechanical peach thinning research by UC Cooperative Extension.
European grapevine moth found in Mendocino
As authorities collaborate on a battle plan to combat European grapevine moth, the pest has been detected in a new area.
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported last week that 13 moths were found in a North Ukiah chardonnay vineyard, the first evidence the pest has reached Mendocino County. The discovery of the moths means that a quarantine with a three-mile radius around the vineyard will be established.
Mendocino County Ag Commissioner Tony Linegar believes the moth was transported on winegrapes from Napa County, where infestations are high, the story said. European grapevine moth, a native of the Mediterranean region, was first detected in California's wine country last September.
Meanwhile, the Napa Valley Register reported today that USDA is forming a technical team with experts from Italy, Chile and the University of California to determine the next steps in an effort to eradicate the new pest.Napa County Ag Commissioner Dave Whitmer, speaking to the Napa County Board of Supervisors last week, outlined a control strategy that includes additional trapping, working with growers where the pest has been found, maintaining quarantine standards and doing educational outreach, according to the article, written by Mike Treleven.
Grape industry leader Jon Ruel applauded the the efforts of the ag commissioner and UC Cooperative Extension for jumping on the issue early, Treleven reported.
“Dave (Whitmer) has done a good job to get state and federal agencies involved ... for getting money and a Technical Task Force, which drew the best scientists in the world,” Ruel was quoted.
Earlier stages of EGM larvae are tan to yellow-brown (top). Later stages are brown.
UC Riverside scientist receives national honor
UC Riverside plant cell biologist Jian-Kang Zhu has been elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Zhu's accomplishment was mentioned by UC Riverside Chancellor Timothy White in his "State of the Campus" address Wednesday, said a story on the Southwest Riverside County News Network website.
Zhu’s research focuses on the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying plant responses to adverse environments, such as salinity, drought and low temperature. His work has led to the identification of genes for modifying the responses of crops to environmental stresses, which will ultimately lead to major contributions to agriculture and the environment, the article said.Zhu is “an uncommon, terrific scholar,” White was quoted.
A UC Riverside news service press release said Zhu's election brings the number of current UCR faculty elected to NAS to five. Chair of the Department of Botany and Plant Sciences Jodie Holt said the award demonstrates the significance of Zhu's research to the scientific community.
“Many scientists come from around the world to work in his laboratory, which is further evidence of his expertise and reputation," Holt was quoted.
Jian-Kang Zhu speaks at a reception held in his honor at UC Riverside.
California Places 1st at National 4-H Horse Classic in Denver
NEWS RELEASESubmitted by Jeanne George, State 4-H Equine Educational Advisor
January 15, 2010
California Places 1st at National 4-H Horse Classic in Denver!
Nearly 1000 people attended Western National Roundup, January 7-10, 2010. Six hundred youth competed in fifteen national contests. Thirty states along with Alberta, Canada were represented this year in Denver, CO at the Renaissance Denver Hotel. The conference, in its 90th year, is held annually in early January, coinciding with the start of the National Western Stock Show.Local 4-H horse project members between the ages of 14 and 19 qualified for the conference by winning at the California State 4-H Horse Classic educational contests held last March. The California delegation competed in hippology, team & individual demonstrations, public speaking, horse bowl, and horse judging. As a state team, California placed 1st overall of over twenty states competing in the horse educational contests.
The horse bowl team placed third overall high point team. Members were Zach Provchy of Fresno County and Rebecca Riley, Jordan Riley, and Rebecca Tierce, all of Riverside County. Zach placed 2nd overall and Rebecca Tierce was 9th overall. It was a very exciting competition! Riverside County 4-H Leader Lynn Warren served as the team’s coach.
California delegates were national winners in the team and individual demonstration contests. Alyssa Perez and Shayla Duncan of Orange County and Christine Allen of San Luis Obispo County were each awarded $500 scholarships. Kaitlen Lawton, Kings County, placed second in the public speaking contest. Tisa Aley of Orange County was the coach, with LaDawna Lawton, Kings County, assisting.
The horse judging team placed 10th overall. Team members were Vanessa LeMasters and Elise Hewitt of Riverside County, Lorine Allen of San Luis Obispo County, and Christine Dingle of San Diego County. Debbie Allen from San Luis Obispo County served as their coach. The team also placed 6th in halter judging and 9th place for oral reasons.
The hippology team of Deanna Lestina and Carlisle Tiss, both of Riverside County, Allison Cuellar of San Joaquin County and Amanda Ames of San Diego County and coach Jeannine Lestina of Riverside County. They placed 5th overall, including a 2nd in team stations and a 7th in examination phrase. Deanna was the 2nd place overall hippology national winner. She also placed 7th in hippology exam, 3rd in stations, and 8th in judging.
Congratulations to all!
national horse classic