Science-based solutions for healthy and resilient communities, food systems, and environments. | | Agricultural Advice from UCCE Advisors | |
UC Ag Experts Talk: Augmentative Biological Control for Spider Mites in Dates
November 4, 2026
In this webinar, Dr. Bodil Cass, Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, will provide an overview of major arthropod pests affecting desert date production, with a focus on Banks grass mite, carob moth, pink hibiscus mealybug, and secondary pests such as driedfruit beetles and datebugs. She will discuss species-specific monitoring, threshold considerations, and traditional management methods such as mesh bagging, sanitation, and miticide applications. She will also highlight recent UC Riverside research evaluations on biological control innovations, including aerial drone releases and targeted delivery of predatory mites, along with organic pesticide trials.
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Livestock Transition to Organic Webinar Series
November 5, 12, 19, 2026
Join us for a 3-week webinar series designed to help California livestock operations - especially beef cattle, dairy cattle, and poultry operations - transition to certified organic.
This series is intended for people preparing to transition to organic certification or in the process of transitioning. Sessions will cover key aspects of the transition process—including a rancher and farmer panel, an overview of the certification process and requirements, and an introduction to organic livestock economics, markets and processing options.
Presenters include experienced organic livestock producers, UC ANR Farm Advisors, and organic certifiers. Webinar recordings will be available on YouTube after the series.
| | The big October El Niño update: Status check on El Niño, still expected to become historic, and impacts | | Join Daniel Swain, Ph.D., a climate scientist with UC ANR's California Institute for Water Resources on his Weather West channel where he provides regular live and interactive weather and climate office hours. | | UCCE Community Education Programs | | | | UC Master Gardener Program | | | | 4-H Youth Development Program | | Thank you to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and Supervisor Long for recognizing Oct 4-10 as National 4-H Week. Four 4-H youth got the opportunity to speak to the board and share what 4-H means to them. | | | | Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program | |
UC SAREP Small Grants Program: 2027-2028 Request for Proposals
The UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program is now accepting proposals for our 2027–2028 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Small Grants Program!
The program funds planning, education and outreach, and applied research projects that support the development of sustainable agriculture and food systems in California.
New this year: A Capacity Building Track expands funding access for applicants with limited grant-writing experience.
Most grants are limited to $10,000; One applied research grant of up to $20,000 is available (Standard Track only).
Application deadline January 13, 2027. For more information and to apply, see link in comments.
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Are you curious how much rain has fallen in your location in Ventura County? The Ventura County Public Works Agency ’s Rain Season Report is an online dashboard that tracks rainfall across Ventura County, California. It helps residents, water managers, and researchers understand precipitation levels in different locations and how current rainfall compares with historical averages. Rainfall in the past 24 hours can also be tracked on this map.
| | Ventura County Crop and Livestock Report | | |
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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