Agricultural Advice from UCCE Advisors | | |
'Tis the Season for Some Reason for Some Different Pests
Authors: Ben Faber, Hamutahl Cohen, Maripaula Valdes-Berriz
It never rains, but………. yeah, this is California, and we have had outbreaks of False Chinch Bug and Stink Bug since July, also whitefly especially on citrus.
These insects aren’t so particular about avocado and are more or less generalist pests that feed on a variety of plants. They just happen to feed on avocado because the orchards are up against the hills - where after fire and summer drought, the insects run out of food and look for good feeding.
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New Weather Station Network for Improved Irrigation Management in Ventura County
Authors: Andre Biscaro, Ben Faber
With distinct microclimates influenced by a diverse geography and proximity to the ocean, UC ANR is rolling out new ET-weather stations in Ventura County to improve irrigation efficiency.
These stations now support irrigation apps for crops like strawberries, vegetables and avocados, helping growers, farm managers and irrigators use data-driven information for determining how long to irrigate. UC ANR hopes to expand the network and is looking for local hosts.
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24th Annual Strawberry Production Meeting: Ventura County
Friday, September 12th, 2025
8:00AM-12:00PM
Location: UWCD 1701 N. Lombard Street, Oxnard CA 93030
*DPR and CCA credits have been requested for this in-person meeting*
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Webinar: The Growing Threat to Our Trees
October 1, 2025 | 11:00 AM - 12:00PM
California’s forests and urban landscapes face growing threats from invasive tree pests like beetles and fungi, which have already killed hundreds of thousands of trees across the state. Join forestry expert Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann for an educational webinar exploring important invasive pests that impact California’s trees.
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UC Releases Costs of Growing Cilantro, Parsley
Author: Pamela S Kan-Rice
For commercial growers considering planting cilantro or parsley, the costs and returns of producing in Ventura County are outlined in a new study by the University of California Cooperative Extension.
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Topics in Subtropics Summer Newsletter
Author: Ben Faber
- The Role of Pollinators in Avocado Production
- Is that a Fruit Fly?
- Sivanto Labeled for Control of Pink Hibiscus Mealybug in Dates
- Consperse Stink Bug
- Insights on 2025 Honey Bee Losses
- Upcoming Meetings
| | UCCE Community Education Programs | | |
CalFresh Healthy Living Program
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System Mapping of Farm-to-School Partnerships to Enhance Student Access to Healthy, Local Foods
Authors: Melissa Guillen & Katherine E Soule
Farm-to-school partnerships connect schools with local producers to enhance student access to healthy, local foods and support regional food systems. UCCE researchers in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties examined system-level structures that facilitate effective and sustainable farm-to-school partnerships.
Their study utilized a mixed-methods system mapping approach to analyze four farm-to-school partnerships systems on California’s Central Coast. This research also demonstrates how Cooperative Extension professionals can apply system mapping across diverse programs to strengthen collaboration and drive systems-level change.
| | | | | UC Master Gardener Program | | | |
Bye-bye, Bougainvillea? Fire Hazard Could Lead to Cutback of Several Beloved LA Plants
Spotlight on Dani Brusius, Master Gardener Volunteer!
Dani Brusius of the Ventura County Master Gardener program shares timely insights on fire-prone plants like bougainvillea and the growing interest in fire-safe landscaping across Southern California. Her expertise is helping residents rethink their gardens with safety in mind.
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UC Master Gardeners sweep awards
at the 2025 Ventura County Fair
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First Place: Open Landscape with Construction or Water
Sunflower magic in full bloom! The VC Fair Committee kicked off planning in January and nurtured these beauties from seed—overcoming setbacks to deliver a stunning display.
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Best Plant Material
So many flowers! Sunflowers, zinnias, lavender, and passion fruit vines on the arbors—more stunning than any photo can capture.
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First Place: Educational Display
Dig in and learn! From fire-wise gardening tips to seed challenges, compost fun, and creative coloring—there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
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Mulch Fire Protection Tips
Mulch fires pose a real risk, especially in hot, dry conditions where organic materials can ignite unexpectedly.
Proper landscaping practices and fire safety awareness are key to preventing these hidden hazards and protecting property.
For more information on fire standards visit VCFD
| | Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center | | |
California Coastal Cleanup Day
September 20, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This year, California Coastal Cleanup Day will become the world's largest scavenger hunt. Join us on Coastal Cleanup Day to help clean our beaches and waterways.
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8:00AM-5:00PM
The Holiday Inn Oxnard North (formerly the Marriott): 600 E Esplanade Dr., Oxnard, CA
The VC Agri-Tech Fair is the Farm Bureau of Ventura County's main fundraiser of the year.
General attendance is free, but you must register on the event website (see the green button below).
To support the Farm Bureau of Ventura County, you can upgrade to a VIP ticket. With this ticket, you will receive:
• An invitation and (1) drink ticket to our pre-event cocktail mixer on Sep 22
• A custom name badge
• Reserved seating at your chosen talks on September 23, 2025
• A Baggu swag bag with exclusive merchandise
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Farm Day Ventura County
November 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Farm Day is a first-of-its-kind FREE event where local farms, ranches, wineries, and agricultural organizations open their doors to the public for tours, produce tastings, and family-friendly activities.
The event is completely self-guided — explore the Farm Day Trail Map and visit any of the participating locations at your own pace.
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UCCE in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties improves the lives of local residents by working with growers, families, volunteers, and partners to advance science-based solutions in agriculture, natural ecosystems, community health, and youth development.
Your support helps in many ways.
Thank you.
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