Welcome to the Agricultural Teaching and Research Center (ATRC) Orchards. Using the orchards at the ATRC, students have an opportunity for hands on instruction and are able to conduct applied research projects in cooperation with University of California Cooperative Extension, local growers, and various agricultural service companies.
Besides producing a crop, the orchards find use in many of our College of Agriculture courses. Courses such as PSSC 366, Fruit and Nut Production, and AGRI 490, Agricultural Experimental Research, make extensive use of the orchards managed at the ATRC.
Currently, the farm has 100 acres of almonds, including a 22 acre varietal plot. Walnuts are planted on 20 acres and include an 8 acre varietal plot that is supported by local walnut producers. We have 10 acres of prunes that are in the process of being certified as organic. In much smaller plantings we have peaches, kiwi and grapes, all managed to provide a learning site for our instructional programs. The orchards also make use of a state-of-the-art computerized irrigation control system.
Besides the opportunities associated with course related activities and applied research, students can apply to be on the orchard management team. These students work closely with the faculty and staff to manage the orchards and in the process get an opportunity to put into practice what they are learning in their courses.
Phone: 530-898-5030
Fax: 530-898-5952
Faculty: Richard Rosecrance - rrosecrance@csuchico.edu - 530-898-5699
Staff: Lau Ackerman - lackerman@csuchico.edu
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