Field Day for Avocado Growers

August 22, 2024



Avocado growers are invited to attend this field day at Pine Tree Ranch in Santa Paula from 9am - 12pm. Topics will include new varieties of avocados, controlling root rot, and more! For more information please contact UCCE Advisor Ben Faber. Click here to view the link to the program.



Image: Hamutahl Cohen

Avocado Pests and their Management in California

September 4, 2024



In this webinar, UCCE Advisor Dr. Ben Faber will discuss biological and environmental disorders in California avocados. For registration details visit the UC Ag Expert's Talk website.

Image: UC IPM

Making homes more resistant to wildfire can be affordable

Priorities include removing objects within five feet of a house, upgrading vents

A new report, “Retrofitting a Home for Wildfire Resistance” by Headwaters Economics and co-authored by UCCE advisor emeritus Stephen L. Quarles, provides guidance on affordable things people can do to make their homes more resistant to wildfire.

The report includes charts and a detailed appendix of cost estimates to give homeowners an idea of things they might consider when retrofitting their home for wildfire resistance. The report could also be useful for contractors, designers, and policy planners and shows how increasing wildfire resistance can protect communities.

Read the full article and access the report here.

Image: UC ANR

Be Ready for Wildfires:

Preparing Your "Go-Bag"

The best time to prepare for an emergency evacuation is before it happens. It's ok if you're not sure what to do or where to start. The UC ANR Fire Network has an abundance of resources and checklists including Evacuation Preparation and Preparing a Go-Bag.

Once you've prepared yourself and your household, make sure to tell your friends and loved ones. Being prepared can make a big difference.

Image: Evett Kilmartin

End of Queensland Fruit Fly quarantine declared in Ventura County!

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has lifted all regulatory restrictions related to the Queensland Fruit Fly in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. To see which counties are currently affected, visit their website at cdfa.ca.gov. To see the declaration letter from CDFA click here.

In a November 2023 article on the Queensland fruit fly quarantine, UCCE Entomology Advisor Hamutahl Cohen explained, “This pest has earned a bad reputation for wreaking havoc on fruit production in Australia, where it is native. Adult flies lay their eggs in fruit, and the eggs hatch into larvae that then feed on the fruit, causing damage.” Link to article.

Time to celebrate the lifting of the quarantine, Ventura County.

Image: CA Department of Food and Agriculture

Farm Bureau of Ventura County Invests in our Youth and the UC 4-H Program



We are extremely thankful for our partners at the Farm Bureau of Ventura County. Together with their members, they raised over $30,000 to build up the Ventura County Forever 4-H Endowment. The endowment will help support the sustainability of our local 4-H program and ensure youth have opportunities to be a part of 4-H into the future.

To view the press release click here.

For questions on this press release please contact UCCE Director, Shannon Klisch.

Award-Winning Master Gardeners



Congratulations to the the UC Master Gardeners of Ventura County for winning the First Place award for their container garden display at the Ventura County Fair.

The volunteers worked hard for this award and now the community gets to enjoy the display, learn plant identification, and learn about what is possible when you only have a small space for container gardening.

Image: Jill Tyler

County of Ventura 2023 Crop & Livestock Report

Visit the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner's website to read the new report. You can also find crop reports from previous years.

Image: County of Ventura Agricultural Commissioner

Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program Draft Guidelines Workshop



August 29, 2024

The California Strategic Growth Council and the Department of Conservation will provide program details and seek public input. For more information on this event visit their website at conservation.ca.gov



Image: CA Department of Conservation





The Ventura County Agri-Tech Fair is the Farm Bureau of Ventura County's biggest fundraiser of the year. The fair will be attended by industry leaders, researchers, farmers, and agricultural enthusiasts. In addition to the extensive networking opportunities, there will be educational talks to earn CEUs and of course, great food! Visit their website at vcagritechfair.com for more information.



Image: Farm Bureau of Ventura County

Heirloom Festival 



September 10-12, 2024

Head over to the Ventura County Fairgrounds to experience the largest heirloom produce display in the USA, and make sure to check out the Ventura County Master Gardener's booth while you're there. For more information on this event visit Heirloomexpo.com



Image: Rare Seeds

Job Opportunities!



Our local conservation partner Ventura County Resource Conservation District has several employment positions available. To view the open positions visit their website at vcrcd.org to find the perfect fit for you or someone you know.

The University of California Cooperative Extension in Ventura County conducts research and education activities in agriculture, natural resources, and positive youth development. We strive to promote a healthy food system, healthy environment, and healthy communities.

Your support helps in many ways.

Thank you.