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• Water Management and Efficiency - A focus on accelerating almond farmer transition to more efficient irrigation scheduling and management practices to get the most crop per drop of water. This initiative, which builds on the 33 percent reduction in water used per pound of almonds achieved by the industry over the last 20 years2, includes a range of activities from working with farmers to fine tune irrigation techniques to adopting more advanced water management technologies.
• Sustainable1 Water Resources - An exploration of how to best leverage a unique strength of the California Almond industry, its acreage, for accelerating natural flood-year groundwater recharge of aquifers. California’s aquifers are collectively the state’s largest water storage system and water recharged through this program would benefit all Californians, not just farmers. A second part of this initiative will look for opportunities to recycle water from multiple sources, such as municipal wastewater, as a way of increasing overall water availability for farmers and all Californians.
• Air Quality - Investigating various ways the almond industry can help meet the Central Valley’s exacting air quality standards.  This will delve into the various ways almond production impacts air quality and evaluate opportunities to decrease emissions. From analyzing industry fossil fuel use to small- and large-particle pollutants, all components of almond farming that impact air quality are under scrutiny. This initiative will identify alternatives that will result in cleaner air for all those who live in California’s Central Valley – farmers, their families, and surrounding communities.
• 22nd Century Agronomics - A recognition that we need to better understand and then adopt the technologies that will leadCalifornia farming into the 22nd century. Almond Board of California will lead a comprehensive exploration of almond farming techniques, bringing an exploratory mindset to consider all options as to what innovations and technical “leap frogs” will be needed to sustainably1 farm in the future. Each component of almond farming will be considered, from land preparation and varietal development, to equipment and processing.

Waycott noted significant progress already on two of the initiatives – Sustainable1 Water Resources and Air Quality — and said that the industry will keep consumers and customers apprised of major research projects in these and the other initiative areas in the months and years ahead.

“Our recent partnership with Sustainable Conservation is exploring the potential of using California almond orchards for accelerated recharge of Central Valley groundwater. Research this winter will channel excess winter flood water into almond orchards in several test sites, including Merced, Stanislaus, and Fresno counties where a UC Davis study will track soil moisture and water movement, tree response, detailed root development and growth response,” Waycott said.

“On air quality, the Almond Board, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and others are carrying out a new USDA-funded pilot projectdesigned to give both almond and corn growers greater access to greenhouse gas markets like those under California’s cap-and-trade program,” Waycott said.  The project builds on nearly ten years of funding by the Almond Board of California to improve nitrogen management and better understand greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O), from almond orchards.

The EDF project also dovetails with Almond Board-funded research to understand better the energy flows and the associated greenhouse gases over the average 25 years of an almond orchard’s life.  Life Cycle Analysis research on growing almonds by UC Davis showed that the industry could become carbon neutral, or even negative, if policy changes and production advancements work hand-in-hand.3

“Farmers are innovators. Since almonds were first planted in California, over 150 years ago, almond growers have adapted, changed, and pushed ahead to improve best practices and develop new technologies. The Almond Board’s research programs have driven this innovation since their inception in 1973 and through this new program, we carry on and accelerate that important tradition,” Waycott said.

“We will make investments today that will put the entire industry in a stronger position 10, 20, or 30 years from now. Already a leader in the size and value of our crop to California, the AIM initiatives will take our industry’s leadership to the next level with innovation responsive to the changing California business and agricultural environment. Above all, we want Californians to know almonds are a desirable and high-value use of precious resources entrusted and allocated to growing food in California,” Waycott added.

AIM will complement the California almond industry’s legacy of continuous improvement through over 40 years of research. With a more nimble and adaptive program, AIM will implement commonsense guidelines, develop innovative practices and cultivate advanced technologies that will lead to continued improvement in efficient and sustainable1 farming.

“For decades, the Almond Board has invested millions of dollars in critical research leading to important advancements which continue to support almond growers as good stewards of the land,” Waycott said. “In fact, over the last two decades, industry-funded research overseen by the Almond Board has allowed farmers to reduce the amount of water used to grow a pound of almonds by 33 percent. Our research has also helped develop orchard practices that better promote healthy environments for honey bees and ensure the safety of workers, local communities and ecosystems. The California almond community understands the value of critical research, and we’re doubling down on this important work.”

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The Big Fresno Fair hired 686 employees for the months of September and October. NOTE: This does not include the local employees hired by our carnival provider, Butler Amusements, our Janitorial Company, Pritchard Sports & Entertainment or each of the individual food vendors.

Livestock Pavilion

• 898 animals were exhibited at the Fresno Fair.
• 182 animals (meat goats, dairy cows, heifers, chickens, turkeys and rabbits) were put up for auction at the 2014 Jr. Livestock Auction on Saturday, October 4.
• 479 animals (beef, sheep and swine) were put up for auction at the 2014 Jr. Livestock. Auction held Saturday, October 11.
• $794,954 was generated from the two Livestock Auctions.
• The most expensive animal sold for $10,000
• 40 bales of straw/sawdust were used in the Animal Birthing Center
• 525 pens and cages were set up.
• 62 clubs exhibited in the Livestock Pavilion this year.
• 124 gallons of soap were utilized at hand washing stations this year.
• 86 animals won champion awards.
• Livestock employees worked a total of 10,540 hours during the 13-day Fair

Ag Ventureland

• 52 pregnant sheep were brought to the 2014 Fair.
• 102 lambs were born on-site.
• 150 baby chicks were hatched at the Fair.
• 6 cows were milked at the Cow Palace Milking Demonstrations and 910 gallons of milk were collected during the 13 days of Fair!
• 140 baby animals were on exhibit
• 120 bales of shavings her used in the exhibit

The Fair Education Program

This annual program draws students, teachers and parents from Fresno County Elementary School classrooms who take part in educational tours of the Fair. Young participants visit each exhibit building and they are taught about the rich agricultural history of The Big Fresno Fair while using an interactive and educational guide and having fun all at the same time.

• Over 35,579 Fresno County parents, teachers and students toured the Fair on four different days this year as part of the Fair Education Program. This is the 22^nd year of the Program.

Home Arts Building presented by Save Mart Supermarkets

• There were 100 homemade quilts that were entered for display.
• Pumpkin Carving Contest; had 10 participants
• There were 6 food contests:
  • Ethnic Food Contest; had 7 participants
  • King Arthur Flour “Great Cake” Contest; had 8 participants
  • Made with Nuts Contest; had 12 participants
  • Baked with Raisins & Raisin Pie presented by California Raisin Marketing Board had 30 participants
  • Chile Cook-off Contest; had 5 participants
  • Pie Contest; had 13 participants
• There was an average of 8 demonstrations per day

Wells Fargo Agriculture Building

• ·         The biggest pumpkin weighed 400 pounds.
• ·         595 grapes were given ribbons in four different divisions.

Kids’ Town

• New Wizard’s Challenge Exhibit
  • 36 STEM-based activities were on display in the Wizard’s Challenge exhibit
  • 230,000 people entered the Wizard’s Challenge exhibit
  • Thursday, October 9 was the busiest day in the Wizard’s Challenge exhibit with 40,000 people entering the exhibit
  • 26 gallons of soap were used for the Bubble Arena

Gem and Mineral Exhibit

• 1,800 lbs. of polished rocks handed out during the Fair Education Program.
• $6,000 in scholarships awarded to Fresno State and Fresno City College students.

Free Entertainment

• 1,580 hours of FREE entertainment were provided during the 2014 Fair.

Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand

• ·         547 horses ran in the races this year.
• ·         83 races were held this year.
• ·         On average 6.6 horses ran per race.
• ·         325 horses were stabled during the Fair.

SPCA

• 60 animals were adopted by Fair patrons during the 13 days of the Fair.

Wool Riders Only Mutton Bustin’

• ·         550 kids participated in Wool Riders Only Mutton Bustin’
• ·         50 sheep were brought for this attraction.
• ·         50 bales of hay were used to feed the sheep during the Fair.

All-Alaskan Pig Races

• 52 All-Alaskan Pig races were run.
• The pigs ran a total of 2 miles.
• Did you know:
  • Pigs are the 5^th smartest animal on the planet.
  • Pig’s IQ is about equivalent to most breeds of dogs.
  • An adolescent pig can run around 15 mph.

Bull Riding

• 1 minute was the longest ride time.
• 1 second was the shortest ride time.
• A total of 2,250 people attempted the Bull Riding at the 2014 Fair.

Play It Safe

• 300 children were ID’d and fingerprinted.
• 1,000 Play It Safe Coloring Books were handed out at the Fair.
• 70 awards and 25 bikes from the coloring poster contest were given out at the annual Play It Safe Awards held on Saturday, October 11.

New Willamette Valley Pie Company

• 4,600 slices of pie were sold.
• 550 turnovers were sold.
• 2,500 slices of cobblers were sold
• Marionberry was the most popular flavor during the 2014 Fair.

Big Bubba’s Bad BBQ

• ·         2,800 pounds of tri-tip were sold.
• ·         7,000 smoked turkey legs were sold.
• ·         1,100 ears of corn were sold.
• ·         400 pounds of baked beans were sold.

West Coast Concessions Fairs, Churros

• ·         9,600 Churros were sold.
• ·         1,090 pounds of sugar and cinnamon were used.

Southern Comfort Kitchen

• 6,000 Fried Gator Bites on a stick were sold.
• 600 pounds of shrimp were sold.
• 700 pounds of rice were used.
• 5,000 crab fries were sold.

Texas Twister Drinks

• 880 oranges were hand squeezed at the Fair.
• 2,380 cherries were used in the drinks.
• 2,015 Texas Twister Drinks were sold.
• 4,100 pounds of ice was used.

Sharky’s

• 995 lobster corndogs were sold.
• 860 shark bites were sold.
• 4,900 pounds of fries were sold.
• 330 mini crab cakes were sold.
• 1,961 orders of lobster fries were sold.

Garlicky’s

• 9,000 Garlic Chicken Kabobs were sold.
• 3,500 pizzas were sold.
• 100 pounds of garlic cloves were used at the Fair.
• Chicken Kabobs were the most popular item sold from Garlicky’s.

Sonoran Hotdogs

• 2,500 hotdogs were sold.
• 200 pounds of bacon were used.
• 60 cans of pinto beans were used.
• 300 onions were used.

Jackson Enterprises – Grilled Corn Stand

• 6,200 ears of corn were purchased.
• 3,000 corn in a cups were sold.

Too Cool Icee Stands

• 14,900 straws were used.
• 68 gallons of syrup were used.
• 2,000 refillable sports bottles were sold.

Cotton Candy

• A total of 500 pounds of sugar was used to make cotton candy.

Original Soft Rolled Tacos Since 1947

• ·         1,215 dozen corn tortillas were used at the Fair.
• ·         14,572 rolled tacos were eaten at the Fair.

MBM Concessions/Fat Fanny’s

• 2,400 deep-fried Oreos were sold.
• 480 orders of deep-fried Twinkies were sold.
• 3,300 pints of fresh strawberries were used.

Legendairy Gelato

• 14,128 scoops of gelato were served.
• 3,715 waffle cones were served.
• 38 of World’s Largest Waffle Cones were made.
• 800 lbs. of waffle mix used to make the waffle cones.
• Top 2 top flavors were: cookies & cream and peach champagne

Jack Frost Ice

• An estimated 360,000 pounds of ice was used during the Fair.

Save Mart Wine Garden

• 270 bottles of wine were used throughout the Fair.
• 72 of those bottles were Fresno State award-winning wine.

Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls

• Over 32,800 pounds of flour was used.
• Over 11,000 pounds of cinnamon sugar mixture was used.
• Over 4,400 pounds of butter was used.
• Over 5,100 pounds of cream cheese was used.
• Over 980 pounds of walnuts was used.

New Grandpa’s Family Fudge

• 500 pounds of fudge were sold.
• The top three flavors of fudge were:
  • Snickers
  • Chocolate Nut
  • Chocolate

Jeanne’s Artichokes

• 2,280 pounds of artichokes were sold.
• Artichokes were the most popular item from Jeanne’s sold at the 2014 Fair.
• 1,220 deep-fried frog legs were sold.
• 460 banana dogs were sold.

Beerocks

• 1,800 pounds of flour were used for beerock dough.
• 1,500 pounds of ground beef were used during the Fair.
• 1,500 pounds of onions were used to dice up and mix in the beerock meat.
• 1,500 pounds of cabbage were used to mix in the beerock meat.

Funnel Cake Express

• 225 pounds of powdered sugar were used.
• 2,100 pounds of dough were used.
• 6,000 funnel cakes were sold at the 2014 Fair.
• 120 new Gooey Monster Funnel Cakes were sold.
• 40 new Pan Puffs were sold.
• 60 new Maple Syrup Funnel Cakes were sold.
• 200 new Deep Fried Candy Kebobs were sold.

Pepe’s Mariscos

• 950 pounds of shrimp were used for the ceviche.
• 1,000 pounds of shrimp were used for shrimp cocktail.
• 1,530 pounds of carne asada were used.
• 300 limes were used.

Dippin’ Dots:

• 840 pounds of Dippin Dots were sold.
• The top three flavors were Banana Split, Cookies & Cream, and Rainbow ice.

Old Tyme Kettle Corn

• 6,400 pounds of corn kernels were popped during the 2014 Fair.
• 3,550 pounds of sugar was used during the 2014 Fair.

Spud Shack

• 5,000 pounds of potatoes were sold.
• 800 baked potatoes were sold.
• 90 pounds of butter were used.

Polynesian Shave Ice

• 4,100 shave ices were sold.
• 920 pounds of syrup were used.
  • The top three flavors were: Cherry, Bubble Gum & Tiger’s Blood.

Wellmon Concessions

• 650 orders of Dirty Fries were sold.
• 1,500 pounds of deli meat were used.

Sugar Shack

• 75 pounds of sugar were used.
• 125 candy apples were sold.
• Red candy was the bestselling type of candy apple.

Red & White Concessions: Corn Dogs

• 775 pounds of batter were used.
• 5,000 regular corn dogs were sold at the Fair.
• 3,250 jumbo corn dogs were sold at the Fair.

T Concessions Corn Dogs

• 40 pounds of flour was used.
• 20 gallons of mustard was used.
• 20 gallons of ketchup was used.

Gary Morse Concessions

• 2,100 bananas were used for frozen bananas.
• 18 gallons were chocolate were used.
• 42 pounds of sprinkles were used.

Good Ol’ Burgers

• 4,000 burgers were sold at the 2014 Fair.
• 2,250 pounds of beef was used.
• 230 orders of fried pork skins were sold.

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To enter the contest, participants can stop by any of the 20 conveniently located Central Valley Community Bank branches established throughout the Valley. There is also an opportunity to win a basket through social media; participants are asked to “like” the Central Valley Community Bank Facebook or follow it on Twitter (@CVCBNews) and then comment on one of the Valley Grown For You posts during the contest period. Participants must be 21 years of age or older and entries are limited to one entry per person in-branch and one through social media. Official rules for the contest are available at all Central Valley Community Bank branches, online at www.cvcb.com and through links on social media page posts dedicated to the Valley Grown For You campaign.

With the San Joaquin Valley consistently leading the nation in agricultural production, it serves as a hotbed for agribusiness, manufacturing innovation and economic impact.  The Valley makes up 72 percent of California’s $44.7 billion agricultural value and the region supplies over 25 percent of the nation’s food, according to 2012 County Crop Reports.

Central Valley Community Bank partners with numerous growers, manufacturers, and packers, all of whom make the Valley the revered worldwide agricultural model it has become.

“This is just a small way for us to give back to the communities that we are so invested in,” said Dan Doyle, CEO for Central Valley Community Bank. “We’re excited to showcase some of the delicious local food products that come from right here in our own backyard.”

The local food products that are being featured in the Valley Grown For You enter-to-win basket are listed below.

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Dr. Bartell died June 13 in Fresno at age 70. The memorial service will be from 11 a.m.-noon at the Viticulture and Enology Research Center (2360 E. Barstow Ave.) followed by a reception with light refreshments from noon-2 p.m.

Dr. Bartell served as dean from 1992 to 2006, when he stepped down to return to teaching and was succeeded by Dr. Charles Boyer, current dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.

He is credited for directing Fresno State’s agricultural education during a time of dynamic change and contributing to the growth of the world’s premier agricultural region.

Boyer said Dean Bartell was instrumental in the development of numerous initiatives including new degree programs, enhancing opportunities for faculty to do applied research, the growth of the university’s farm market and bringing the California Future Farmers of America’s annual conference to the Fresno State campus.

“Dean Bartell’s involvement in the region, state and nation raised the stature of the college and university,” Boyer said. “This enabled us to expand our programs, including the formation of the Department of Viticulture and Enology. The legacy of this foundation is seen today through the many gifts and other support that helped ensure the success of the university’s recent capital campaign while enhancing the Jordan College and Fresno State.”

Under Dr. Bartell’s stewardship, Fresno State’s viticulture and enology programs were merged in 2000 after nearly 50 years operating independently, making Fresno State the first California State University campus to combine those academic programs with research and industry outreach.

In 1997, the Fresno State Winery was bonded to bottle and sell its student-produced wines commercially, a first for any university campus in the nation. The sale of Fresno State wines has supported scholarships for students and the viticulture and enology programs. The winery has won more than 600 awards in commercial wine competitions.

Dr. Bartell also actively supported the annual Future Farmers of America and the State Leadership Conference that attracts 5,000 student participants to Fresno. He was honored in 2006 by the national FFA with its highest award for distinguished service.

“Dean Bartell provided solid leadership for the school and significantly improved the amount of scholarly activity during his tenure,” said Dr. John D. Welty, president emeritus of Fresno State who Bartell served his deanship under.

While serving as Fresno State’s dean, Dr. Bartell was active in several state and national organizations. He served as chair of the Dean’s Council of the California Ag Leadership Program, president of the American Association of State Colleges of Agriculture and Renewable Resources and as a member of the Policy Board of Directors for the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges. He was instrumental in the Agricultural Literacy Program, California Food and Fiber (CF3), the Agricultural Research Initiative, the Farm Bureau and other advisory councils.

“During Dean Bartell’s tenure, reaching out to alumni was made a priority as well as fundraising in support of students and programs,” said alumnus Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau and president of the Ag One Foundation who was also the Dean’s Medalist for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in 2002.

After retirement, Dr. Bartell was involved in such projects as the development of the Institute of Food and Nutrition Innovation, enhancement of the viticulture and enology program and continued development of the International Center for Water Technology.

He also advocated for agricultural educational issues at the state and federal level spending time in Washington, D.C. consulting with the United States Department of Agriculture on policies regarding education in agriculture.

The dean was a board member for the Fresno Community Food Bank for many years.

Dr. Bartell’s career in education began in 1968 as an instructor of biology at Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia after receiving his bachelor’s degree in education at Eastern Illinois University in 1966, his master’s in entomology from Purdue University in 1968 and his doctorate in entomology from the University of Kentucky in 1973.

His research concentration was in insect pest management, field crop entomology, biological control and insect behavior.

Dr. Bartell is survived by son Tim Bartell and son Paul Bartell and his family, Heather and Riley Bartell, of Fresno; and his siblings Jim and Nadine Bartell of Bartonville, Illinois; Marie and Leon Bluhm of Royal, Illinois; Dick Bartell of Brimfield, Illinois; and Catherine and Richard Hula of East Lansing, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Ag One Foundation in support of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State or to a university of the donor’s choice.

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A total of 44 new products were submitted to the New Product Awards from 35 different San Joaquin Valley-based companies, ranging from fresh and frozen produce; to flavor-infused water, tea, wines and liquor; to specialty ethnic foods and value-add fruits and nuts; to specialty dips, sauces and seasonings; and everything in between – all highlighting the rich diversity of food and beverage products coming from the region. All products entered are competing for the Buyer’s Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award.

Public voting for the People’s Choice Award is now open encouraging the public to share their thoughts as a consumer on what innovative new products stand apart in the marketplace and peek their interest. A photo and brief description of all 43 products submitted as part of the Fresno Food Expo New Product Awards can be viewed at www.FresnoFoodExpo.com by clicking on New Product Showcase or by visiting the Facebook page atwww.Facebook.com/FresnoFoodExpo.

Votes are counted by the number of “Likes” on Facebook combined with the votes cast by email through the Fresno Food Expo website between now and the Fresno Food Expo public event. After voting for their favorite new products, the public is encouraged to buy their tickets for the Fresno Food Expo on July 24, 2014 in order to take advantage of the opportunity to discover the local thriving food industry and create a renewed sense of pride in what is offered in the San Joaquin Valley. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced that night by Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin at approximately 6 p.m.

Last year, public voting on the Fresno Food Expo website and Facebook page captured more than 5,000 votes during the three-week voting period – eventually crowning Rosa Brothers Milk Company as the People’s Choice Award winner. The attention garnered through the People’s Choice Award boosted product awareness online and gave added promotional value and marketplace energy to all 33 participating companies and the San Joaquin Valley as a whole. Additionally last year, Cold House Vodka’s Cake Batter Vodka and Bella Viva Orchards Pure & Natural Dried Fruit Slices were awarded the “Industry Award” – renamed this year as the Buyer’s Choice Award – after a tie was determined by the judging panel.

“The Fresno Food Expo provided an opportunity to build an awareness of our products in the San Joaquin Valley, helping to drive consumer demand, as well as connect us with new buyers who didn’t have us on their radar,” said Brean Bettencourt of Bella Viva Orchards, winner of the 2013 Fresno Food Expo “Industry Award.”

During an exclusive New Product Awards preview event on June 18, all New Product Award entries were reviewed, ranked and narrowed to 10 products by a panel of marketing and food industry leaders, and the finalists for the Buyer’s Choice Award were announced by Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin.

Celebrity judges bring extensive experience to the awards with their unique understanding of an ever-changing consumer market from different categories within the food buying industry, but equally value the introduction of new, innovative products and concepts within an astute and very competitive industry.

Often referred to as the bread basket of the world, the San Joaquin Valley grows, manufactures and distributes enough food to feed over one-third of the nation every single day. The region has branded itself as an ideal place to find local sourcing solutions, innovative products and leading-edge packaging. The region’s proximity to fresh products and access to markets around the world, has not only made this region the most productive place for growing and processing food and beverage products, but has become the powerhouse for innovation in the food industry.

Food and beverage companies located within the 8-county San Joaquin Valley region can still sign up as an exhibitor for the 2014 Fresno Food Expo at http://fresnofoodexpo.com/registration/exhibitor-registration.

The 2014 Fresno Food Expo will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2014, at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center New Exhibit Hall. There is a closed business-to-business portion starting at 9 a.m. that is only open to pre-registered and pre-qualified buyers and a public event in the evening from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tickets to the public portion are $40 and can be purchased at any Ticketmaster Box Office or online at http://fresnofoodexpo.com/registration/public-tickets. For more information about the public event and ticket discount opportunities, visit www.FresnoFoodExpo.com.

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The FAACT Leadership Development Program provides community leaders with a comprehensive eight-month program highlighting specific issue areas in agriculture. Both agricultural and non-agricultural, community-minded people are encouraged to apply.

Beginning on Oct. 6, class participants will meet once a month for a day-long seminar to discuss current issues in food and fiber production. The class will meet the first or second Monday of the month from October through June. The tentative class meeting dates are: Oct. 6, 2014; Nov. 3, 2014; Jan. 12, 2015; Feb. 9, 2015; March 9, 2015; April 13, 2015; May 11, 2015; and June 8, 2015. The class does not meet in December.

As part of the curriculum, FAACT offers a balanced, factual presentation of several issue areas specific to agriculture, such as air quality, land use planning, water quality regulations and supply development, immigration and agricultural labor issues, regulatory processes and the economic viability of agriculture. The class sessions use a combination of field trips and lectures by noted experts.

Tuition for the program is $400 per person for Farm Bureau member and $500 for non-members, which will include a FCFB membership. The deadline to submit an application is July 25. Applications are available online at www.fcfb.org. Questions may be directed to FCFB at 559-237-0263 or info@fcfb.org.

The commencement session to honor FAACT Class XI was held on Monday, June 9. The graduates of FAACT Class XI are:

• Abram Bowman, Deerpoint Group, Inc.
• Holly Carter, Carter & Co. Communications
• Patrick Cavanaugh, Pacific Nut Producer
• Mona Cummings, Fresno Grizzlies – Farm Grown
• Jacob Cutler, Prudential Agricultural Investments
• Robert Frudden, Fresno Madera Farm Credit
• Stace Leoni, County of Fresno
• Clare Peoples, Baker, Peterson & Franklin CPA, LLP
• Ryan Porto, Porto Brothers Farms
• Kirk Squire, Horizon Nut Company
• Garrick Stuhr, Dow AgroSciences
• Alexandra Turgeon, Horizon Nut Company

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Both events are free for the public and designed to educate guests on how to save water with Fresno-friendly landscaping practices. The event on Friday will include a panel discussion with Q & A on Smart Gardens: How to be Water-Wise in Times of Drought. Saturday’s Water-Wise Plant Give and Take Event will draw hundreds of guests, dozens of master gardeners, offer hands-on activities for kids, and provide free educational workshops.

Guests are invited to experience and learn from all of the participating partners, while picking-up a limited amount of free, drought-resistant plants for their gardens. Gardeners will receive something special for donating water-wise plants, cuttings, bulbs, seeds and trees to share with other guests.

Throughout the event, experts in native and water-wise plants will be on-hand to offer advice for nurturing yards and gardens that are not only beautiful but also can thrive in San Joaquin Valley weather with a minimal amount of water.

Event activities include:

·        Workshops led by Master Gardeners on: “Creating a cactus / succulent dish garden”, “Composting”, “Topiaries”, “Micro-irrigation and Drip Systems”, “Growing Vegetables in a Drought” and an additional workshop led by the USDA on “Micro-irrigation and Drip Systems”.

·        Vermiculture display with Wiggly worms

·        Fresno State’s water-wise Garden in bloom

·        Access to irrigation and controller experts who can help answer residents’ questions concerning landscapes or vegetable gardens

·        Kid’s Mother’s Day craft project

·        Fresno State’s Floral Laboratory displays and Fresno State Plant sale

·        Raffle drawing

“We are so excited to be continuing one of the community’s favorite spring-time events,” said City of Fresno Water Conservation Supervisor Nora Laikam. “Every year, this event brings more partners and even more guests who are interested in learning about Fresno-friendly landscaping options that not only conserve water, but can save them money.”

Landscape irrigation represents up to 70% of water used in a typical household and much of this water is wasted by inefficient irrigation and water-guzzling landscaping. By planting water-wise San Joaquin Valley-friendly trees and plants that use two-thirds less water than other plants, households can save water and money without sacrificing a beautiful landscape. In addition to water-wise planting practices, households can also save 15-25 gallons of water per day by adjusting sprinklers so they don’t water driveways, streets and sidewalks.

To further educate the community on watering practices, the City of Fresno will have a water meter displayed at the event and will talk with residents about their own meters, or sign them up for free landscape consultations and water leak surveys. The Central Valley Friendly Landscape Award Program winners will also be at the Water-Wise Plant Event, showcasing their award-winning gardens and in honor of Cinco de Mayo, Fresno State-grown pepper plants will be available in exchange for a donation to benefit the Ag Student Scholarship fund.

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More than 5,000 FFA members from throughout the state were challenged to “pave the way” throughout the four-day event held at Selland Arena in downtown Fresno as well as on the Fresno State campus.

Attendees were motivated by state FFA officers and guest speakers, with workshops at Fresno State intended to develop their professional skills. The career show allowed students to see prospective colleges as well as entertain new ideas for the agricultural industry.

From public speaking to innovative production practices, students showcased their techniques in various competitions. Many contest winners will advance to compete at the National FFA Convention in October in Louisville, Ky.

Outgoing state president Riley Nilsen announced the new president. Kumar, 17, attends Tulare Western High School.

The 2014–2015 state FFA officer team will now begin preparing for the upcoming year. They are:

Vice President Haley Warner of Altaville – Bret Harte High School

Secretary Sierra Bryant of Templeton High School

Treasurer Roman Waskiewicz of Elk Grove – Pleasant Grove High School

Reporter Ellen Van Noy of Grass Valley – Nevada Union High School

Sentinel Luis Sanchez of Gonzales High School

The California FFA Association, founded in 1928, helps California high school students develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through vocational agricultural education.

Its state conference annually brings together students and educators from over 300 high schools across California to participate in conference sessions featuring keynote speakers for motivational leadership, a Career Show and Expo that provide essential networking opportunities and workshops to further challenge and develop stronger agricultural students.

Fresno State’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology  hosts the 5,000-plus agricultural students and educators for the conference.

About 100 agriculture students  assisted in running the conference April 12-15 by facilitating leadership workshops, giving tours of the University Agricultural Laboratory at Fresno State as well as coordinating the career development events that challenging students’ technical and factual knowledge of the agriculture industry in a specified area.

Nearly 2,800 FFA members competed in Career Development and Field Day events Saturday where over 30 different contests created and administered by Fresno State students, faculty and volunteers were held including fruit tree judging, livestock judging, dairy products, farm power and machinery and small engines throughout the day.

An awards ceremony was held in the Save Mart Center following the competitions before moving downtown for the conference Saturday night.

“FFA members directly benefit from these competitions as they gain essential knowledge and skill in specified areas of agriculture,” said Cheyenne Hefley, a Fresno State student who is the president of the California FFA State Conference Committee, a Fresno State organization that assists the FFA in planning the conference for its high school student members.

The college students work months in advance to ensure the success of the weeklong event, said Hefley, a senior biology student from Madera Ranchos.

“By being on this committee, students get the opportunity to inspire participating FFA students to pursue their passions in agriculture through a variety of opportunities that encourage them to explore their own capabilities,” he added.

Dr. Steven Rocca, professor of agricultural education at Fresno State, said the conference highlights the success and achievements of over 70,000 California FFA members who benefit from California’s secondary agricultural education system.

“This year in particular it takes on even greater significance given Governor Brown’s proposal to cut the Agricultural Education Incentive Grant Program, which funds over 300 FFA programs across the state,” Rocca noted.

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The guest speaker will be Mary Castro, the wife of University President Joseph I. Castro. Fresno State’s first lady, whose father milked cows on a dairy farm in Laton for 40-plus years, brings a lifetime of Valley agriculture experiences to the event. She will speak at about 12:30 p.m.

The observance is part of National Farmworker Awareness Week, when students and community members raise awareness about farmworker issues on college campuses and in their communities. Campus will be closed Monday, March 31, Chavez’s birthday, in observance of Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning, a state holiday.

“Our Cesar E. Chavez Celebration and Garlanding Ceremony helps spotlight farmworker conditions and honors farmworkers’ important contributions to us every day,” said student Fabiola Ramirez, a member of the celebration planning committee made up of employees, student organizations and other support programs at Fresno State.

“This isn’t just entertainment, it is educational for people who want to know who Cesar Chavez was and the meaningful legacy he left us,” said Ramírez, a sophomore Mass Communication and Journalism major from Atwater whose parents are farmworkers.

With Fresno State’s College Assistance Migrant Program kicked off the week with a blood drive today (March 24) in the Free Speech Area, citing a Chavez quote from the Peace Garden monument, “The end of all education should surely be service to others.”

The Cesar Chavez Exhibit is on display on the first and second floors of the Henry Madden Library as well as in the University Student Union.

An altar will be set up at Wednesday’s free, public event to honor Chavez. Various student and community organizations will have informational booths.

Fresno State’s Los Danzantes de Aztlán, folkloric student dancers in the Chicano and Latin and American Studies department, will perform at 11:45 a.m. followed at noon with welcomes by Daniela Flores, chair of the planning committee, and Raul Moreno, coordinator of  University Migrant Services.

Presentation of flags from the U.S., Mexico and the United Farm Workers and performances of the national anthems of the two countries precede Castro’s talk.

Two student organizations, TORTILLA (Teatro of Raza Towards Involvement in Local Latino Awareness) and Trabajadores de la Raza, will present “The Declamations — Prayer for the Farmworkers’ Struggle” in Spanish and English. Professor Phil Gonzalez’s Chicano and Latin American Studies class will also do a presentation.

The garlanding ceremony will be at 12:45 p.m., led by Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor, professor emeritus of Social Work, who founded the Peace Garden in 1990. He’ll be followed by the presentation of carnations, in which the public may participate by laying carnations at the base of the monument.

The Fresno State Mariachi will perform “De Colores” (The Colors), which was an anthem of the farmworkers movement since its early days with the five-year Delano Grape Strike launched in1965 by the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee and the National Farmworkers Association.

The two organizations merged to become the United Farm Workers union. Chavez served as president until his death on April 23, 1993. His final resting place is at La Paz in Kern County, the UFW’s California headquarters.

Last week, UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta visited campus and spoke at a sociology class about the American Healthcare Act and delivered the keynote address at the Latina Leadership Conference. In 2011, she was the keynote speaker at Fresno State’s Chavez celebration with the late Richard Chavez, Cesar’s brother, who died a few months later. Richard created the iconic UFW eagle that will be featured in small flags throughout the Peace Garden.

The “Cesar Chavez” film by actor-director Diego Luna stars Michael Peña (as Chavez) and Rosario Dawson and America Ferrera. The film tells the story of the farmworker leader and includes references to Fresno’s role in the struggle.

The United Farm Workers and the UFW Foundation are sponsoring a special event Sunday, March 30 with a screening at 5 p.m., a panel discussion following at Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 Cinemas in River Park (250 E Paseo Del Centro) and the Fundraising VIP Red Carpet Cocktail Reception at 7 p.m. at Ruth’s Chris Steak House (7844 North Blackstone Ave.).

A limited number of special rate tickets for students with current ID are available for the Red Carpet fundraiser by calling 559.496.0700.

For more information about Fresno State’s celebration, contact Moreno at 559.278.5750 or raulm@csufresno.edu or Ramírez atframirez28@mail.fresnostate.edu.

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The one-day, interactive educational experience is sponsored by Fresno County Farm Bureau and the Big Fresno Fair.  Students, chaperones and teachers will have the opportunity to take part in more than 50 demonstrations and booths, which focus on how food is produced, the diversity of Fresno County agriculture and nutritional information.  Participants will learn about the abundant agricultural industry in Fresno County, agricultural career opportunities and how to make healthy food choices.

In addition, more than 60 volunteers will help at the event.  Several businesses and individuals are financially assisting with school transportation and other costs.

Farm Day 2014 will provide students and teachers the opportunity to learn about food, fiber and animal production, meeting one-on-one with farmers and ranchers, resources managers and food and agricultural industry representatives.  In addition, students will be able to taste healthy fruits and vegetables provided in the Tasting Center.

For additional details, contact the Fresno County Farm Bureau at (559) 237-0263 or info@fcfb.org.

Fresno County is the nation’s number one agricultural county, producing more than 400 commercial crops annually, totaling more than $6.58 billion in gross production value in 2012. This event offers students a glimpse into the agricultural world of Fresno County. The 3,400 students participating in the 2014 Farm & Nutrition Day are from 44 different schools in 9 school districts across Fresno County.

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