Agricultural Advice from UCCE Advisors | | |
Webinar: Understanding How Herbicides Work
May 15, 2025
This webinar will cover the fundamentals of herbicides for weed management around the home and garden. Weed expert Tom Getts will discuss how herbicides work, the effectiveness of various organic and synthetic herbicides, and how to choose the right herbicide for your weed problem.
Image: UC IPM
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UC Ag Experts Talk: Mealybug Management in Citrus Orchards in California
May 21, 2025
Dr. Sandipa Gautam, Cooperative Extension Area Citrus IPM Advisor, Lindcove Research and Extension Center, will discuss citrus mealybug and how it has become a pest of concern for citrus growers in California in recent years. This webinar will discuss the biology and seasonal ecology of this pest, scouting and monitoring techniques, and best management options for its sustainable management.
Image: UC ANR
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Field Day: Irrigation Methods for Strawberry Establishment
May 22, 2025 | 9 AM - 11 AM
Join UCCE Advisor, Andre Biscaro at Crisalida Berry Farms in Oxnard for a hands-on field day focused on optimizing strawberry establishment through drip irrigation. This session will present second-season trial results, highlighting differences from the first season, and will compare drip irrigation with micro-sprinkler methods.
Image: Andre Biscaro
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Avocado Field Day Innovations and Insights
June 3, 2025 | 9 AM - 1 PM
Presented by:
California Avocado Society, California Association of Pest Control Advisors, Farm Bureau of Ventura County, and Limoneira
Connect with fellow avocado growers for an enriching morning filled with insightful presentations in the field, capped off with a delicious catered lunch. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and network with others who share your passion!
To view the full list of speakers visit the California Avocado Society website.
| | UCCE Community Education Programs | | |
Fourth Annual Weed & Wildflower Show Blooms with Record Crowd
Over 300 visitors enjoyed a sunny springtime afternoon at the Ventura County Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula on Saturday, April 12. The Ventura County Weed and Wildflower Show offered beauty, wonder, and education about our local native plants, weed invaders, and local conservation efforts.
The show is a collaborative effort between Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, Ventura County Weed Management Area, California Native Plant Society Channel Islands Chapter, University of California Cooperative Extension – Ventura, Ventura County Museum, UC Master Gardeners of Ventura, Santa Monica Mountains Fund, Channel Islands Restoration, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, Ventura Land Trust, and several other supporting conservation agencies, groups, and individuals.
Read more about the event here.
Image: Melonie Morgan
| | | | 4-H Youth Development Program | | |
Scholarship opportunities available to Ventura County 4-H high school seniors
These scholarships are designed to support our dedicated 4-H youth High School Seniors as they take the next step in their educational journeys.
Available Scholarships:
Topa Topa Flywheelers Scholarship
This scholarship awards a total of $5,000 annually to Ventura County 4-H members. The number of recipients and individual award amounts vary each year.
Norma Oteham Rich Memorial Scholarship
Established in honor of Norma Rich by her family, this scholarship awards one $2,000 scholarship to a deserving 4-H member.
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UCCE Ventura Welcomes
Carrie Hildebrand
Carrie is the new CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE Supervisor. She is a dynamic culinary and nutrition education professional with a deep commitment to food justice and community impact. With over 15 years of experience spanning nonprofits, media, and fine dining, she has led culinary departments, developed job training programs for formerly incarcerated youth, and created relatable food content for a global audience. From directing a social enterprise catering company to overseeing culinary operations at BuzzFeed’s Tasty, Carrie’s work blends operational leadership with a strong commitment to equity, empowerment, and good food. She will play a key role in building and developing our CalFresh Healthy Living UCCE team and program here in Ventura County.
| | | | UC Master Gardener Program | | |
Garden to Table Series: Vine Time: Growing Magnificent Melons & Cucumbers
June 4, 2025
Experience the sweetness of homegrown melons and the crisp freshness of garden cucumbers! From honeydew to cantaloupe, Persian cucumbers to pickling varieties, discover the secrets of growing these sprawling summer favorites in Ventura County.
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Climate Observations and Spring Outlook
California’s 2024–25 wet season reveals a striking weather disparity between the northern and southern regions of the state. While Northern California has experienced precipitation and snowpack up to 125% of normal levels, Southern California counties, including Los Angeles and Ventura, will likely finish the season with less than 50% of average precipitation. Looking ahead, spring is expected to be much drier and warmer in California and the broader Southwest, potentially increasing concerns about wildfire and drought.
For more insights and visuals, check out this detailed analysis by Dr. Daniel Swain here.
Image: Weather West
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Are you in a Fire Hazard Zone? CalFire's Updated Wildfire Risk Maps Are Live
CalFire has released its updated wildfire risk [Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ)] map, helping California residents better understand their wildfire risk and local public contacts. These maps are built using a science-based and field-tested model that evaluates various factors, such as historical fire data, vegetation, terrain, fire behavior patterns, and local weather, and are categorized into three hazard levels: Moderate, High, and Very High.
Knowing your risk level can help you stay informed and prepare appropriately. CalFire has also made it easier to find local public contacts in your area if you need more information or assistance.
Image: CalFire
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Giving Tuesday
May 15 - 16 | Noon to Noon
Be part of our 24-hour online giving campaign and help us connect the power of UC research in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development with communities across California.
Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of all Californians!
| | | Hansen Agricultural Research & Extension Center | | |
Novel Agricultural Technologies Demonstrated on April 10 Field Day at HAREC
Author: Annemiek Schilder
On April 10, 2025, an Agricultural Technology Field Day was held at the Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HAREC) in Camarillo, CA from 8:30-11:30 am. The demonstration was organized by the VINE, a program of UC ANR’s Office of Innovation supported by Farmhand Ventures. This program was created to meet the growing need for practical, industry-driven innovation in California’s agrifood sector, and takes a collaborative approach in working with start-up companies to accelerate innovation through on-farm demonstrations and grower input.
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The event was focused on growers, researchers and ag professionals and offered a unique opportunity to see cutting-edge agricultural technologies in action. About 60 attendees observed live demonstrations of technologies in various stages of development and commercialization, engaged directly with the startup teams, and provided valuable feedback to help shape these tools for real-world application. The following technologies were demonstrated:
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A spray drone by Ag-Bee LLC for field mapping and aerial application of foliar fertilizers and pesticides to crops – especially useful in orchards on slopes
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A computer-guided “sharp shooter” herbicide sprayer by Verdant Robotics, which can recognize and selectively apply herbicides to weeds in vegetable crops as demonstrated in lettuce;
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A robotic strawberry harvester which can pick strawberries and take color, weight, size and shape measurements simultaneously by L5 Automation,
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A solar-powered “smart” irrigation valve with flow meter by Lumo, and
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A precision irrigation automation system by Verdi.
Images: Annemiek Schilder
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California Organic Center Field Day - Rodale Institute and UC Hansen Agricultural Research Center
May 30, 2025 | 9 AM - 2 PM
Learn about cover crops, reduced tillage and compost tea research trials at Rodale and HAREC, Rodale's Organic Consulting services and other new and exciting projects in Ventura County.
Image: Rodale Institute
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Restoring Rivers for Flood Protection
May 15, 2025 | 11 AM - 12 PM
A free webinar on river restoration for flood protection utilizing nature-based solutions will be offered. Sustainable Conservation presents river biology experts from the science-based non-profit groups American Rivers and the River Project. The speakers will discuss planning, policy, restoration, and management of rivers and riverine habitat to protect resources, properties, life, and promote resilience. Lessons learned from this event are likely to be applicable to the many natural waterways of Ventura County. Read more here...
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Pollinator Palooza
May 17, 2025 | 10 AM - 1 PM
Enjoy arts & crafts activities, learn about native plants & pollinators, explore educational booths, and more. Don't forget to visit the Ventura County Master Gardeners booth!
For more information on this event visit conejovalleyguide.com
Image: Conejo Valley Guide
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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.
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