UCCE-UC IPM Biologics Educational Webinar Series

Nov. 18, Dec. 3 and Dec. 9 from 3:00-4:00 pm PST

UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisors Rachael Long and Zheng Wang are collaborating with UC IPM to host a series of four 1-hour educational webinars on the use of biostimulants and plant growth regulators in crop production, with a focus on vegetable and field crops. Both types of biologics are increasingly used in regulating crop growth and development but also bring discussions on their definition, regulation, and efficacy in field situations. The free webinars are designed for the agricultural community including growers, researchers, crop consultants, pest control advisors, and others in the industry. Please register in advance.

Building Public/Private Partnerships for a Carbon Neutral Water Efficient Almond—Free RAN Webinar & Discussion

Wednesday, Dec. 2nd, 11:00 am - 1:30 pm PST, Registration Required

Producing 80% of the world’s supply, almonds are California’s largest crop with 1.5 million acres planted. Join us to learn about and discuss an innovative almond production pilot project currently underway in Northern California, designed to be carbon neutral, water efficient and cost effective. We hope to gather ideas and thoughts on project outcomes, KPI’s, potential collaborations and investment capital. Led by the Regenerative Agriculture Network, CA Climate Defense Fund, North State Hulling Cooperative, TomKat Ranch Educational Foundation, Glenn Co. RCD, California Almond Board, and the Center for Regenerative Agriculture. Register in advance.

CATTLE, CARBON & COMPOST:  A CDFA Healthy Soils Program workshop

Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 9:00-11:00 am PST

Learn about research efforts seeking to improve forage and increase rangeland soil carbon storage. Also current research results from 2 years of compost application treatments on Yolo Land & Cattle Co. Speakers include Corey Shake (Point Blue Conservation Science), Chris Potter (CASA Systems 2100), Jeffrey Creque (Carbon Cycle Institute), Stephanie Larson (UCANR).For more information contact Joanne Heraty: heraty@yolorcd.org. 

Quantifying the Water Quality and Climate Impacts of Soil Health Practices on Wine Grapes Webinar

Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 9:00-11:00 am PST

The American Farmland Trust recognizes that growers are hesitant to adopt soil health practices due to the uncertainty of costs, net returns, and benefits to soil health and yields. AFT has released two California case studies, which demonstrate how growing practices such as cover cropping, nutrient management, mulching, and compost applications can improve farm income, soil health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  In this presentation, topics include cover crop research in wine grapes, water quality assessment with the Nutrient Tracking Tool, carbon sequestration assessment with COMET-Planner, and more.

Evening at the Meriam Park Drive-in Theater Fundraiser for Butte Environmental Council

Tuesday, November 24th, 5:30 - 8:30 PM

They will be showing the acclaimed climate change documentary "This Changes Everything" directed by Avi Lewis with screenplay by Naomi Klein. There will also be an awards presentation, silent auction, and items for sale.

Quantifying the Economic Impacts of Soil Health Practices on Wine Grapes Webinar

Thursday, Nov. 19 from 9:00-11:00 am PST

The American Farmland Trust recognizes that growers are hesitant to adopt soil health practices due to the uncertainty of costs, net returns, and benefits to soil health and yields. AFT has released two California case studies, which demonstrate how growing practices such as cover cropping, nutrient management, mulching, and compost applications can improve farm income, soil health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  In this presentation Paul Lum discusses the ones related to wine grapes.

Sustainable Management of California’s Fire-Prone Landscapes: Using Grazing to Help Keep Communities Safe Webinar Series

Thursday, Nov. 19 from 10:00 am-1:00 pm PST

The California Range Management Advisory Committee, an advisory body to the California Natural Resources Agency under the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, is co-hosting a virtual workshop with the California Fire Science Consortium to discuss the use of prescribed livestock grazing  as a sustainable fuel reduction and environmental management tool. Three separate workshops are planned: Nov. 5—Introduction to Wildland Fuels, Nov. 12—Using Grazing for Fuels Management 101, Nov. 19: Community Wildland Fuels Management Projects. There will be an opportunity for an optional virtual networking hour after each webinar where participants can engage with each other and ask questions. Please register in advance.

Regenerate: Resilience in Times of Uncertainty

Oct. 26-Nov. 20, 2020 3:00 PM Online Conference—Registration Open Sept. 8

Forum 2020, Healthy Soils: Growing Climate Resilience

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020 from 6:30 PM PST – 8:30 PM PST Online webinar, registration required.

Shifting from conventional agricultural practices to ones that improve soil health can eliminate numerous environmental harms while producing an abundance of nutritious and affordable food. Come hear experts explain how building the health of our agricultural soil can reduce emissions, sequester carbon, and improve plant health. Sponsored by The Environmental Forum of Marin. 

Estimation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Forest Management Activities, Contemporary Wildfire, and Historical

Nov. 12, 2020 from 2:00-4:00 pm PST. Online webinar, registration required.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff is hosting a public webinar on staff’s estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from contemporary wildfire and forest management activities, and a presentation on historical fire activity before modern fire suppression. In the first part of the webinar, staff will present the methodology and estimation results of GHG emissions from wildfire and prescribed burn, as well as the amount of ecosystem carbon transformed by forest management activities (which may include tree harvest, removals, and planting; prescribed burn; and other vegetation fuels management to reduce fire risk). In the second part of the webinar, staff will present a scientific literature review of quantitative historical fire data that are needed for modeling fire emissions. The data and literature review focuses on the 1,400 years before modern fire suppression began in 1910.

2020 Fibershed Wool & Fine Fiber Symposium: Healthy Soil & Sea

Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 12-14 from 9:00 am (Thurs.)-2:00 pm (Sat.) PST, Virtual Gathering

The 9th annual Fibershed Symposium will focus on how natural fiber and dye systems can positively impact soil and sea. Hear from scientists, community leaders, landscape managers, and designers (including CRARS director Dr. Cynthia Daley) on why the modern wardrobe is damaging life in the soil and sea, how natural fiber and food systems can be managed to enhance soil and watershed health, how place-based Black and Indigenous fiber practices create a material culture that enhances ecosystem function, and what it would look like to meet our clothing needs and provide fair compensation to all who contribute to fiber, fabric, and finished goods. Register in advance.

Quantifying the Water Quality and Climate Impacts of Soil Health Practices on Tree Crops Webinar

Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 9:00-11:00 am PST

The American Farmland Trust recognizes that growers are hesitant to adopt soil health practices due to the uncertainty of costs, net returns, and benefits to soil health and yields. AFT has released two California case studies, which demonstrate how growing practices such as cover cropping, nutrient management, mulching, and compost applications can improve farm income, soil health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  In this presentation Gabriele Ludwig discusses cover crop research in almonds, water quality assessment with the Nutrient Tracking Tool, carbon sequestration assessment with COMET-Planner, etc.

Workshop: Principles of Biological Systems

Tuesday and Wednesday, October 27-28, online and in-person at Fox Haven Organic Farm in Jefferson, MD.  9 AM to 4:30 PM

Bionutrient Food Association (BFA) founder Dan Kittredge will be giving a 2-day intensive workshop on the principles and practices of biological farming. The goal is to build upon your knowledge and experience to find ways to increase the health of your soil and crops for greater yields, healthier produce and better marketability. Note: This is not a free workshop but scholarships are available!

Ranching in the Sierra Foothills Autumn Webinar Series

Oct 6, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29 at 6 pm PST

UCANR has a great webinar series—Ranching in the Sierra Foothills. Topics include Targeted Grazing and Grazing Management, Cattle Health and Nutrition, and Beef Business Basics. Learn more and sign up!

Quantifying the Economic Impacts of Soil Health Practices on Tree Crops Webinar

Monday, October 26 from 9:00-11:00 am PST

The American Farmland Trust recognizes that growers are hesitant to adopt soil health practices due to the uncertainty of costs, net returns, and benefits to soil health and yields. AFT has released two California case studies, which demonstrate how growing practices such as cover cropping, nutrient management, mulching, and compost applications can improve farm income, soil health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  In this presentation Paul Lum discusses the ones related to tree crops.

Grazing for Soil Health & Conservation Easements, Sebastopol, CA

Saturday, October 24 from 9:00-3:00 pm PST

Sponsored by Goatlandia. Join in this fun, educational, and free gathering with Richard King and guest presenter Sarah Gordon, plant ecologist and Conservation Science Program Manager with The Laguna Foundation. Learn practical strategies and best practices that can save on feed bills and increase the value and functionality of your property, all the while improving the quality of your soil and what grows on it. Number of participants is limited and masks and social distancing required. Please register in advance to save your place.

Profitability Strategies: Earning More with Regenerative Ag Webinar

Thursday, October 15, 2020,  10 AM CT, Register in Advance

Adding cover crops, reducing tillage, and other practices can help benefit your soil and your bottom line. And now, increased soil organic matter or reduced greenhouse gas emissions from these practices can also generate verified carbon credits, which are increasingly in demand by buyers, such as major corporations. Learn more with Indigo Ag's Ryan Stockwell and Darrin Unruh.

Cover Crop Planning and Establishment in Small to Medium-Sized Row Crops, Orchards and Vineyards Webinar

Wednesday, October 14, 2020,  3–4 PM, Register in Advance

Garry Pearson will share knowledge from over 40 years of experience with cover crops, discussing cover crop selection, seed sourcing, equipment and the costs. Garry was the UC Davis Superintendent of Greenhouses for 37 years, and has led International ag education and outreach programs in Afghanistan, Iraq, Ghana, Dubai, and Cuba.

Transitioning to and Establishing a Regenerative Orchard

Oct 7, 2020 9:00 AM, PST

Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) and the Ecdysis Foundation is offering a free webinar on regenerative orchard management, including perspectives from almond growers on their management techniques. They will also present the findings of the two-year study, "A Comparison Between Regenerative and Conventional Almond Orchards Regarding Invertebrate and Microbial Communities, Soil Health, Pest Damage, Yield, and Profitability."

Cover Cropping Opportunities in Specialty Crops

Wed., Sept. 9, 2020 3:00 PM Pacific Time, Zoom Webinar

This first in a series of webinars on this topic is presented by Contra Costa County Resource Conservation District and UC Cooperative Extension. It is free and funded by a CDFA Specialty Crops Block Grant. This particular webinar will present an overview of cover cropping benefits, principles, and opportunities. It features Billy Synk of Project apis m. and Seeds for Bees, a program that helps growers by providing free or subsidized seed mixes along with technical support to help them get started in pollinator-supporting cover crops. Registration is required.

Millennials and Gen Zers: Their Decisions Affecting Climate Change and Food Choices

Sept. 3, 2020 3:30 PM Pacific Time, Zoom Call

Eve Turow-Paul is an author and globally-recognized thought leader who focuses on the intersection of food culture, the Digital Age, and well-being. By blending qualitative and quantitative methods, Turow-Paul explores the ‘why’ behind today’s biggest food and lifestyle trends. Eve is the Founder and Executive Director of the Food for Climate League, a non-profit research collaborativere-thinking the food and climate narrative to democratize sustainable eating and help companies, organizations, and governments empower all eaters to tackle the climate crisis bite-by-bite. Registration is required.

Cover Cropping Webinar

Thursday, August 26, 2020 9:00-10:30 AM, Online

Join CAFF for an orchard cover crop webinar focused on seed selection. Hear from a cover crop seed expert as well as from experienced growers. Information will also be provided on online tools to help with seed selection. Free, all welcome. Registration required.

A Moment in Time: Black Lives Matter and Regenerative Agriculture

August 20, 2020 3:30 PM Pacific Time, Zoom Call

How can regenerative agriculture be proactive at this moment of consciousness in our society to diversify and become truly inclusive? Both Black Lives Matter and regenerative agriculture have swiftly become resonating movements with active and energized engagement from across society. What role does regenerative agriculture play in making our society healthy through robust diversity? Leonard Diggs, Director of Operations and Farming Education at Pie Ranch in Central California, seeks to address this topic and bridge the gap between cultural and soil diversity. A RECORDING IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS WEBINAR(opens in new window)

The COVID Pandemic and Market Disruptions for Farmers and Ranchers - What Role Can Regenerative Agriculture Play?

August 13, 2020 3:30 PM Pacific Time, Zoom Call

Rebecca Burgess, Executive Director of Fibershed, has been stimulating change in local communities through marketing and incentive programs to promote regenerative agriculture. The results have been inspiring—fiber mills are reopening, and regional interest in local and sustainable textiles has boomed. In this webinar, Rebecca brings her experience and expertise to discuss how farmers and ranchers can use the disruption of COVID-19 as a catalyst for their farm and ranch businesses by implementing regenerative practices. A RECORDING IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS WEBINAR(opens in new window).

Payments for Ecosystem Services Part II: Carbon Markets and Credit Stacking

Thursday, Aug 6, 2020, 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM PDT

This webinar, hosted by NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Colin Mitchell, will feature presentations by two experts, Debbie Reed and Jim Blackburn, who are currently working on projects to advance soil carbon sequestration carbon markets and ecosystem services credit stacking programs for farmers and ranchers. A question-and-answer session will be provided following the presentations.

Outcomes and Metrics of Adaptive Rangeland Grazing Management

July 30, 2020 11:00 AM — 1:00 PM Pacific Time, Online Webinar

Speakers Richard Teague PhD (range ecologist with Texas AgriLife Research) and James Rodgers (Ranch Manager, Winecup-Gamble Ranch) will be discussing approaches to adaptive grazing management on extensive rangeland landscapes through outcomes based strategies and what metrics they and partners are using to determine success towards those outcomes. Registration is required. 

Soil Health: The Foundation for Regenerative Agriculture

July 30 & July 31, Online

This is a free, 2-day virtual event. Join to advance the opportunity that improving soil health offers to address climate change, water quality, food production, biodiversity, and many other pressing issues. Registration is required. 

Healthy People, Healthy Planet: Building a More Sustainable, Resilient, Equitable, and Nourishing Food System

Food Forum Virtual Workshop, July 22-23, 2020

The workshop will explore the integration of the health, societal, economic, and environmental effects and future needs of the food system. Workshop presenters—including CRARS Director Cundy Daley—will explore how the different effects of the food system can be estimated, compared, and accounted for when considering a new intervention such as policy or emergent technology. Topics include public health, dietary guidelines, and the ability of the food supply to meet demands for nutrient-rich crops; food safety, security and accessibility; resilience and regenerative agriculture; environmental and economic sustainability, including the impact of climate-related issues. The workshop is free but registration is required. Learn more and sign up now.(opens in new window)

GROUNDWORK: Regeneration through Agriculture Intensive

July 20-31, 2020 10:30 AM — 12:00 PM Pacific Time, Virtual Learning Journey, Applications are Limited—Apply Now!

Calling all young curious seekers and adventurous spirits to join in a special collaborative two-week intensive course about the principles, practices, and possibilities of regenerating our lands, communities, and food system. Bring your questions and open minds! Includes a virtual field day rooted in soil to explore the magical microbial world that lies beneath our feet. Intended for young adults— come to connect, explore, and laugh with others in a focused and small group format.

Regenerative Ag: A Systems Approach to Management and Science

July 16, 2020 11:00 AM — 1:00 PM Pacific Time, Zoom Call, Registration Required

Speakers will be discussing approaches to and outcomes of systems-level science conducted on regeneratively managed farms, along with the lessons learned through years of implementing regenerative practices on diverse operations. 

Fundamentals of Soil Health Workshop

July 8 & July 9, Online, 8-11 AM

This is a free, 2-day virtual event with multiple speakers. Learn about the properties of healthy soil and the latest research about different soil management practices including grazing sheep, the universal soil loss equation, carbon farm planning, and the use of biochar, compost, and mulching. Register for each day to attend.(opens in new window)

Webinar - Updates on Soil Health and Water Quality under Contrasting Farming Systems

June 18, 2020, Online, 2-3 pm EDT

Dr. Atanu Mukherjee will share updates on Rodale Institute’s Watershed Impact Trial and discuss preliminary results on the 6-year collaborative project with Stroud Water Research Center on impacts of organic and conventional management practices on soil health, and water quality.

Remote Sensing for RA- Past Barriers, Present Status & Future Potential

June 15, 2020 12:00 PM Pacific Time, Zoom Call Limited to 100

Moderated, one-hour group discussion, led by Rob Trice of The Mixing Bowl, will begin with lead-off comments from three RAN participants: Marc Horney, Assoc. Prof., Rangeland Resource Management, Cal Poly; Arian Aghajanzadeh, Head of Sustainability, Bountiful Ag;and Kris Covey, Visiting Asst. Prof., Environmental Studies, Skidmore.

PANEL: ASK THE EXPERTS – HOW REGENERATIVE ORGANIC AGRICULTURE CAN IMPROVE HUMAN HEALTH

June 2, 2020, 2:00-3:00 pm, Free Online Webinar

Join the Rodale Institute for an expert panel on their newest white paper on "The Power of the Plate:Regenerative Organic Agriculture & Human Health. Panelists will include: Dr. Scott Stoll, Founder & CEO of Plantrician Project, Dr. Zach Bush, Founder, Farmer’s Footprint & Seraphic Group, Dr. Ron Weiss, Founder & CEO of Ethos Health, Dr. Meagan Grega, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer of Kellyn Foundation, Dr. Drew Smith, Chief Scientist/Chief Operating Officer of Rodale Institute. The panel will be moderated by Jeff Tkach, Chief Impact Officer of Rodale Institute. Pre-registration is required.

2020 Grassfed Exchange Conference

May 27-29, 2020 in Fort Worth, TX

Scholarship Applications for farmers are available now!!! This year's conference theme, “Shared Stewardship”, is focused specifically on a “big tent” ethos in broadening our community and welcoming farmers, producers, and food system leaders from all walks. We are centering a diverse, intergenerational set of voices, focusing on how to make the future of regenerative agriculture successful.

CDFA PUBLIC WORKSHOP TO DEVELOP SOIL ORGANIC CARBON MAP

Choose one of two dates: May 5 and May 6, 2020 online.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announces a stakeholder workshop on the development of a soil organic carbon map for California. CDFA is looking to engage interested parties to provide early feedback as the map develops. Staff from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will also participate in the workshop. The map will serve as an indicator of soil health as California takes multiple actions to sequester carbon in agricultural soils to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more and register to participate. 

Working Rangelands Wednesdays Webinar Series

Every other Wednesday, starting May 6, 2020 at 1:00 PM online.

This new webinar series on ranching and rangelands starts off with a presentation by Grace Woodmansee and Dr. Leslie Roche on rangeland drought. Grace will present findings from a 2016 survey of California ranchers on drought preparation and response strategies. Register to participate. 

Webinar: Innovations in Cover Crop-Based Organic No-Till System

April 23, 2020 online, 2-3 pm EDT

Envisioning a Regenerative Future

Wednesday, April 15, 1PM ET, in the Soil4Climate Facebook group. 

Soil4Climate is honored to host legendary climate author and activist Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org(opens in new window), for a 30 minute interactive livestream(opens in new window) to discuss envisioning a regenerative future. 

Wildcat Day on the Farm

April 17, 2020 at the CSU, Chico University Farm, Chico, CA-- Cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions

This open house for Chico State students, faculty, and staff will feature a free shuttle to-and-from campus, guided tractor tours, food trucks, games and prizes.