Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems

Calendar of Events

Each box-like entry below is a link to an event.

Butte County Healthy Soils Program Incentive Grant Workshop & Webinar

March 6, 2024, In-Person at the Chico State University Farm, Classroom 102, 311 Nicholas C Shouten Lane, Chico, CA OR via Zoom

Join us to learn how to apply for the Healthy Soils Program Incentive Grant. Awards of up to $100,000  are being granted to implement on-farm soil health practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and store carbon in soil, trees, and shrubs in Butte, Glenn, and Tehama county.

Soil Health Field Days: Regenerative Orchard Systems

March 19 and 20, 2024 at the Chico State University Farm Pavilion, 311 Nicholas C Shouten Lane, Chico, CA

Join us at this jam-packed two day event to learn orchard management strategies to optimize soil health. Gather together with other growers, students, and agriculture professionals for presentations from a wide variety of speakers, panel discussions with successful growers, farm tours with demos and topics of discussion, programs to assist you with your goals, opportunities for networking and socializing, catered lunches and continental breakfasts. 

Carbon Farm Planning Two-Part Workshop

February 22, 2024 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM, Online Webinar

March 7, 2024, Field Day, Center for Land-Based Learning’s The Maples Farm in Woodland, CA

The Yolo Carbon Farm Partnership is hosting a two-part Carbon Farming workshop series to showcase on-farm strategies to improve soil health and increase the amount of carbon stored in plants and soil. The introductory webinar will feature an overview of carbon farm planning including introducing the typical components and associated tools. Funding sources for implementing carbon-beneficial practices will be highlighted, and partners will discuss the logistics of working on these plans and implementation. The webinar is followed by an in-person field day on March 7, 2024 at the Center for Land-Based Learning’s The Maples Farm in Woodland, CA. The in-person field day will dig deeper into the planning and practice of carbon farming featuring practices implemented at the Maples Farm.

Register for the webinar by clicking this box. For questions, contact Conor Higgins, Yolo County RCD Project Manager, at higgins@yolorcd.org or call (530) 661-1688 x 4.

Past Events

livestock in vineyardCOVER CROPPING AND LIVESTOCK GRAZING FOR REGENERATIVE VITICULTURE

Dec. 5, 2023, 10:00 am, LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyard in Acampo, CA

This free in-person event, sponsored by CAFF, will discuss cover cropping and integrated livestock grazing in vineyards as part of a systems approach to land management. Kendra Altnow and Maria Zumkeller with LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyard will talk about Project Terra, their collection of initiatives that demonstrate and communicate the positive impact of regenerative agriculture using systems approach principles. They will share their experience with cover cropping and integrated sheep grazing, and the considerations to have when planning and implementing these practices. We will also hear from their partners and how important collaboration is to farming regeneratively. There will be multiple guest speakers. Learn more and register now.

Solar Grazing Workshop

August 14-16, 2023, White Oak Pastures, Bluffton, Georgia

Participants will tour solar farms and learn how to combine regenerative grazing with solar power production. You will learn how sensitive solar equipment is kept safe from the grazing animals, how to deliver, load, and handle the animals on site, work with watering needs, grazing goals, and other grazing decisions, as well as the details of arranging contracts and working most effectively with the solar suppliers. Additionally, there are topics covered of use to the solar suppliers themselves such as the most effective types of seeding and equipment to use in conjunction with ecologically sound land management, use of space between panels, etc.

The Importance of Plant Nutrition in Organic Systems

Free Webinar: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 1 pm ET. 

John Kempf, Founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture, and Elizabeth Whitlow, the Director of Regenerative Organic Alliance are presenting this webinar about what creates soil health from the perspective of the "Plant Health Pyramid."

Farming with Fungi

4-part Interactive Webinar: April 11, 20, 26, and 29, 2023. 

Take advantage of this opportunity to attend a free 4-part webinar sponored by the Soil Food Web School with mycologist Dr. Adam Cobb, Soil Food Web Pioneer Dr. Elaine Ingham, and agroecologist, Nicole Masters. Fungal relationships with plants are essential for healthy soil, healthy plants, and carbon drawdown and accrual in the soil. This webinar series will cover everything you need to know including the science and case studies that support it. Advance registration required.

Cover Cropping for Soil Health and Fertility in Organic Production

April 17, 2023, 1:00 pm Eastern time, Live Webinar

This webinar presented by USDA NRCS Science and Technology will address the challenges organic farmers face in choosing and managing cover crop species and mixes, taking a step by step approach that considers cover cropping goals, seasonal niches in the rotation, climate and soil constraints, termination methods, and the needs of the following crop.

Regen. Ag. School: Integrating Holistic Management into Your Ranch or Farm

April 17-22, 2023, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM CST, Dixon Leo Ranch, Decatur, TX

Instructed by Kirk Gadzia, Wayne Knight, Casey Wade, and Philip Boyd. Gain comprehensive knowledge in Holistic Management® and create a livestock grazing plan that will help create more land health and financial success on your ranch or farm. This school is for you if you’re interested in farming, ranching, land conservation, or urban agriculture and want to improve your decision-making, profitability, water use, and soil health. Large- and small-scale producers are all invited! Early Bird discounts available if you sign up before Feb. 1, 2023. Scholarships are also available.

Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature

April 6-8, 2023, Berkeley, CA

Since 1990, the Bioneers conference has illuminated the topography of transformative change. This transformation inspires a change of heart, celebrating the unity and intrinsic value of all life. The rise of regenerative social movements and civil society leadership hold the greatest power and promise for successfully navigating the challenges of our time. For over three decades, the Bioneers Conference has served as a trellis on which this visionary movement of movements has grown and grown together around authentic “solve-the-whole problem” solutions. This historic shift to become an ecologically literate and just civilization heralds a declaration of interdependence. 

CRARS co-directors Cindy Daly and Tim LaSalle will be speaking at this year's event. Registration is now open.

DOUBLE EVENT in Glenn County

March 28, 2023, Glenn County, CA (or by ZOOM)

FIRST EVENT @ 9:30 am – Cover Crop Planting … Year #3!

Join us for a discussion on cover cropping in orchards. It has been three years of cover crop data collection and results! Attend to see...

  • Deep rooted cover crop profiles - how it improves water infiltration
  • Slake Testing to determine soil structure
  • On-Farm Water Infiltration Testing - how it works
  • Timing of winter cover crop seeding - Does it matter? Best management practices.
  • Preliminary data from the three year study

SECOND EVENT @ 10:30 am – Glenn County Partners Bring You Programs 101 for Farmers & Ranchers

Come learn about local, state and federal funding opportunities to implement new management practices on YOUR FARM OR RANCH. The Resource Conservation District is bringing together the County’s Department of Agriculture, Air Pollution Control District, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency and UC Cooperative Extension-Glenn County to help you learn about cost-share funding opportunities and loan options! Programs include: 

  • Carl Moyer and FARMER Programs
    CDFA Healthy Soils Program & SWEEP 
  • CDFA Alternative Manure Management Program 
  • Farm Bill Programs:  EQIP,  CSP,  RCPP,  NAP,  TAP 
  • And, more! 

 Your Partners will break programs down so you may learn what is available; then talk one-on-one with their technical advisors to create a plan, if desired.

RSVP (space is limited), preferably by March 24th! (Breakfast burritos will be provided.)

Soil Health Academy: Regenerative Farming and Ranching

March 14-16, 2023, Chico University Farm, Chico, CA

This course will examine all aspects of regenerative farming and ranching, soil health, plant health, and animal health. Hands-on experience will be heavily emphasized. This is a power-packed three days that will change what your farm or ranch should be and can be. Taught by highly experienced and regenerative farmers. Participants will work in teams to solve real-world grazing problems and sharpen their skills. Tuition includes cost of a Regen. Ag. 101 course that we'd like you to complete before attending—that course is offered in the Fall 2022. Scholarship money is available.

Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) Regenerative Crop Intensive: Wine Grapes

March 1st, 2023, 9AM-4PM, Napa Valley College, Napa, CA

In this in-depth workshop, Founder of AEA John Kempf, will describe the principles and the science of agronomic management systems that lead to high-level production in the wine grape industry. 

This course will show you that it is possible to improve your agricultural ecosystem in which: 

  • Soil health is quickly regenerated 
  • Crop yields and quality steadily improve 
  • Pest pressure is mitigated 
  • Crops become more resilient to climate extremes and require significantly less water to thrive. 

This is a free event but advanced registration is required by February 22nd. Lunch is included.

2nd Annual Regenerative Almond Field Day

February 21-22, 2023, Burroughs Family Orchards, Ballico CA

The Regenerative Almond Field Day is growing the movement of resilient farming by convening together farmers, industry leaders, researchers, technical service providers, land & livestock managers, policymakers, and others working toward a healthy and truly regenerative food system.

This interactive field day will offer farmers at every level the opportunity to learn from practitioners on the ground, get the latest information from researchers, ask questions of each other, and connect with folks committed to growing a food system that is healthy for our land and communities.

Pollinator Health Management Program at the North Valley Nut Conference

January 19, 2023, 12 :00 pm at Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, Chico, CA. Full event is 7:00 am - 1:00 pm.

This program in collaboration with the Honeybee Discovery Center features Rory Crowley, Director of Habitat Programs for Project Apis M.'s Seeds for Bees and Patricia Stock, dean of Chico State's College of Agriculture. 

White Buffalo Land Trust’s Holistic Management Intensive

January 5-14, 2023, at Jalama Canyon Ranch, CA.

This 10-day immersive experience guides participants in developing a context-appropriate pathway to management for ecological, economic, and community health through hands-on experience and practical application. With time in the field and in the classroom, students will have a mix of individual and group work time. Key modules included:

  • Financial Planning
  • Planned Grazing
  • Land Planning
  • Ecological Monitoring

This is a Savory accredited course and meets the training requirements for becoming a Savory Institute accredited professional.

Space is limited! Limited scholarships are also available—register by Nov. 28.

On-Farm Soil Health Workshop

POSTPONED, KK&R Orchards, near Artois, CA.

Join us and Glenn County Resource Conservation District for a discussion on cover cropping in orchards. It has been three years of cover crop data collection and results! Attend to see...

  • Deep rooted cover crop profiles - how it improves water infiltration
  • On-Site Slake Testing to determine soil structure
  • On-Farm Water Infiltration Testing - how it works
  • Timing of winter cover crop seeding - Does it matter? Best management practices will be discussed
  • Preliminary data from the three year study

At the olive orchard, California Olive Ranch planted cover crops in December 2020, October 2021 and September 2022 on approximately half of the field’s acreage. Treatment and control rows have been in place so Chico State’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems (CRARS) could monitor the impact of the cover crops to soil health for three years.

The discussion will also include funding opportunities available to growers through CDFA’s Healthy Soils Program as well as other grower opportunities to address the changing climate.

Space is limited and breakfast is included. Please sign up ASAP!

Bees and Biodiversity

Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, 11:00 am PST, Live Webinar

In this webinar sponsored by the Soil Food Web School, you will learn more about the life and importance of wild bees, bumble bees, and honey bees. Sonne Copijn, life-long beekeeper, will answer the questions: Why are bees important to all life on earth? What is their relation to the soil food web? How are humans connected to them? Why are 40% of bees worldwide on the Red List of Threatened Species? Sonne will explain how an environment fit for bees is an environment fit for everybody. Q and A session to follow the presentation.

Soil Life in Organic Farming: The Role of Soil Organisms in Soil Health and Resource Conservation

Dec. 5, 2022, 2:30 pm EST, Virtual Webinar

This webinar by the USDA-NRCS will discuss soil life in organic agriculture and the role of soil organisms, such as macro-and micro-fauna, including earthworms, fungi, protozoa, and bacteria.
Continuing education credits are available for conservation planners.

Regenerate Conference

November 2-4, 2022, Virtual and In-Person, National Western Center, Denver, CO

The Quivira Coalition, Holistic Management International, and the American Grassfed Association collaborate each year to convene ranchers, farmers, conservationists, land managers, scientists, and thought leaders to share knowledge, build community, and create a culture of resilience and regeneration. 

This year they are excited to explore the intersections of ecology and economy through the lenses of agriculture, science, conservation, economics, racial justice, policy, and culture. Leading up to the conference, they host a month-long series of events including a virtual workshop week and field days throughout the western US. These events will culminate in REGENERATE 2022, their hybrid conference in person at the National Western Center in Denver, CO and online for virtual attendees. 

Scholarships and discounts for beginning agrarians, land stewards, and students are available.

Tackling Climate Challenges in the North State

Wednesday, October 12th, 7:30 p.m. at Gateway Science Museum, 625 Esplanade (near Bidwell Mansion), Chico, CA

Director for the Center for Regenerative Agriculture & Resilient Systems, Cynthia Daley, PhD, will speak about regenerative agriculture incorporates farming practices that seek to improve water use efficiency and enhance biodiversity by reducing the carbon footprint associated with food and fiber production.Data from the Center for Regenerative Agriculture will be shared as well as successful mentor farmer testimonials that support the social, environmental, and economic benefits of regeneration. Call 530-898-4121 for more information.

Fall Shepherd School

October 8th-10th, 2022 at Foggy Bottoms Boys Farm, Ferndale, CA

This three day course is designed to provide the beginning and/or potential shepherd with an introduction to building and caring for a flock during lambing season. Topics include lambing, flock health and nutrition, equipment, low stress handling, grazing systems, sheering, evaluating wool, breeding, and more. Lunch and dinner and on-site dry camping provided as well as local recommendations for accommodation.

California Native Grassland Association GRASS Award Speaker Series event

October 4, 2022, 7-8 pm, Virtual

Speaker Robert Fitch, UCSB, shares his research on “Simulated Grazing and Prescribed Fire to Control Common Weeds.”

Livestock-Integrated Cropping Systems Symposium

Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, 11:00 am- 4:00 pm, Hopland Research and Extension Center – Shippey Hall, Hopland, CA

Join this interactive learning opportunity for orchard, vineyard, and livestock producers, as well as extension advisor, researchers, and more. The day will include presentations and hands-on learning workshops guided by experts.

Farmer Friday

Friday, August 19, 2022, 9:00 am- 12:00 pm, Handy Farms, Corning, CA

The Community Alliance with Family Farmers is hosting a learning field day at the Handy Farm in Corning, CA on August 19th, and our very own Cindy Daley will be there speaking about her work with orchards. Take the morning to learn new and innovative farming practices! Sign up ahead to get directions.

Real Organic Conversations

August 7, 3 pm at Live Earth Farm in Santa Cruz, CA; August 12, 4 pm at Park Farming Organics in Meridian, CA; August 13, 4 pm at Full Belly Farm in Guinda, CA

Engage in a dialogue about everything from the National Organic Standards Board, USDA, Real Organic strategies, and the farms that are signing up for certification. We will also discuss the lawsuit brought on behalf of organic farmers by the Center for Food Safety, the role of certifiers, the National Organic Program, and strategies going forward. 

Orchard - Livestock Integration

Wednesday, July 27, 2022, 4:30- 6:00 pm, Virtual

Come listen to a panel of producers and researchers discuss the opportunities and challenges in livestock integrated orchard systems in California along with current research projects. There will be a chance to ask questions and share your ideas and concerns as well. Register ahead.

Virtual Field Day: Integrating Livestock with Organic Crops and its Impacts on Food Safety and Soil Health

Wednesday, July 20, 2022, 2:00 pm ET, Virtual

oin the Organic Center and researchers as they present findings on the impacts of cover-crop grazing on food safety and soil health for fresh spinach and cucumbers in organic systems. This webinar will provide attendees with an understanding of how grazing of cover crops in fresh vegetable production systems can be implemented in 3 different climates (humid coastal, humid continental, and semi-arid). Great speakers from UC Davis and the University of Minnesota.

The Art and Science of Vineyard Grazing

Monday, July 18, 2022, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM, Virtual

This virtual event sponsored by University of California Cooperative Extension & UC Davis features numerous speakers and a panel discussion with sheep and vineyard producers.

Cattle/Sheep Grazing School

Thursday-Friday, July 14-15, 2022, Auburn/Grass Valley

This 2-day course will provide participants with hands-on understanding of all aspects of managed grazing with cattle and sheep. Topics will include grazing planning, grazing behavior, fencing, predator protection, ruminant nutrition, stockmanship and husbandry practices, and economics. Registration includes lunch and dinner on Thursday and breakfast/lunch on Friday. Scholarships available.

Working Rangelands Class Series

Wednesday, June 29, 6:00 - 6:45 pm, Virtual 

Join UC Cooperative Extension advisors, specialists, researchers, and ranchers for a biweekly summer webinar series highlighting applied, land manager-oriented solutions for rangeland drought challenges! Starts June 29, 6 pm- 6:45 pm.

Introduction to Managed Grazing

Tuesday, June 28, 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Auburn, CA 

With Dan Macon of University of California Cooperation Extension. Dan Macon is a partner in Flying Mule Sheep Company and has operated a commercial, range/pasture-based sheep business in Placer and Nevada Counties for 16 years. This course will provide an overview of mobile grazing systems and grazing management, with hands-on activities focused on estimating grazing capacity and setting up electric fencing.

Principles and Science of Developing Regenerative Agriculture Ecosystems

Wednesday, May 11 and Thursday, May 12, 2022, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Paicines Ranch, Paicines, CA 

The Paicines Ranch Learning Center is excited to welcome John Kempf in leading this in-depth two-day farmer workshop on the principles and science of regenerative farming ecosystems that optimize plant performance. Learn how to manage agricultural systems to reduce pest challenges, improve crop resilience to climate extremes, consistently improve crop yields and quality, and quickly revitalize soil health. When a truly regenerative ecosystem is functioning well, the need for external inputs becomes less and less, and in some cropping systems can even be eliminated. While the principles and science are transferable to all crops, this course will be focused on broad acre crop production.

Soil Health Workshop: Cover Crop Termination & Effects of Pomace on Soil Health

Tuesday, April 12, 2022, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, Cal. Olive Ranch, KK&R Orchards, Artois, CA.

The Glenn County Resource Conservation District is hosting this workshop. CRARS will conduct a Water Infiltration / Rain Simulator Demonstration. The workshop will also highlight updates from our preliminary soil and water monitoring data, as well as opportunities for farmers to obtain free technical assistance to apply for future grant funding opportunities through CDFA’s Healthy Soils Program.

 BONUS TALK: Dr. Amanda Hodson, Soil Ecologist and Nematologist at UC Davis will do a short presentation on improving beneficial soil biology through management practices utilizing raw olive pomace, compost, and compost tea. She will bring her microscope with nematode samples for attendees to look at.

Space is limited, RSVP by April 7th to Kellie Wilson-Burt, Program Specialist, Glenn County Resource Conservation District by phone at 530-934-4601 x3176 or by email at kellie@glenncountyrcd.org to reserve a spot and receive directions to the orchard.

Healthy Soils Project Seminar

April 5, 2022, 11:30 AM. Knight Ranch, 8251 County Road V, Glenn, CA

The Organic Fertilizer Association of California will be holding an IN-PERSON - Healthy Soils Project Seminar. Join them for lunch and see what cover crops can do for your farm! 

Register for lunch!
Or call (530) 934-2157.
0.5 CE Units in Crop Management for CCAs

Soil Summit

March 31, 2022, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, CSU Chico University Farm Pavilion

Sponsored by: Almond Board of California, Western Region Certified Crop Advisors, and Chico State - Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems. 

Topics to be discussed featuring a wide array of panelists:

  • Soils 101 – Why it matters for almond trees
  • Understanding soil chemistry
  • The loving relationship between soil structure and irrigation
  • Soil biology – what it means to you
  • Digging into soil pests and disease management
  • Value above & beyond the soil

View a draft agenda. (PDF)

The event will be live-streamed, as well as recorded and posted to the California Almonds YouTube channel. CCA CEUs available.

Breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost. Please RSVP by registering to reserve your seat.

twts logoThis Way to Sustainability: Elevating the Many Voices of Climate Justice

March 24-25, 2022

TWTS is a nationally recognized, student-run conference focusing on challenges, ideas, solutions and resiliency in planning our sustainable future. The conference hosts 1400 participants each year with a variety of respected professionals speaking on the many aspects of sustainability. The goal of the conference is to educate students, staff and faculty, and community members; providing attendees an opportunity to network, discuss, and become more aware of pertinent environmental and social issues we all face. 

Integrating Compost, Plants, & Water Catchment for Sustainable Farmscaping

March 16th, 2022, 6:00-7:30 PM, Webinar

This webinar for Healthy Soils Program awardees featuring Josh Robinson, will explore the interrelated nature of soil health, plants, and water, and how to successfully combine these elements into a productive, ecologically-beneficial agricultural space.

Soil Health Academy: Regenerative Farming and Ranching

March 15-17, 2022, CSU Chico University Farm

Tuition for this event includes: Regen Ag 101 course to be completed prior to the first day of in-person class; In-person attendance at the SHA school, as well as digital course materials and lunch each day; two follow-up Zoom meetings with a consultant within the first year after the date of the SHA school you attended; and access to future scheduled conference calls with the instructors. Discounts and scholarship opportunities are available.

Compost: A Misunderstood & Under-Utilized Natural Resource for Creating Healthy Soil, Food, Water & Air Quality

March 2, 2022, 9:30 am, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, Webinar

This webinar for Healthy Soils Program awardees featuring Dr. Craig Kolodge, will explore the multifaceted value of amending agricultural soils with compost. Join in to understand how this practice can enhance your land and community, and methods for utilizing its greatest potential.

Online Organic Agriculture Seminar Series for Growers

January 18–March 8, 2022, Tuesdays, 12–1 p.m. Pacific Time, Virtual via Zoom

Join University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and the Agricultural and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA) this winter for a weekly lunchtime seminar series for organic growers. During each Zoom session, a guest speaker will give a 30-minute presentation, followed by questions from the listeners and a more general discussion. No preregistration is required. Click here for more information and to join in.

Field Day: Healthy Soils, Cover Crops, and Conservation In the Sacramento Valley

Feb. 24, 2022, 8:45 - 11:30am, Davis Ranches, Colusa, CA

Learn about Soil Conservation Projects at Davis Ranches, the latest research soil health and cover crops in various California environments, and view deomnstration plots. Several speakers including our own Cindy Daley. CCA Credits Find out more.

Agriculture Career and Internship Fair

Feb. 23, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, University Farm Pavilion

Hosted by the Chico State College of Agriculture, this event is geared toward students studying agriculture but is open to students and alumni of all majors. This event is a great opportunity to network and become acquainted with more than 30 leading agricultural companies, including Colusa-Glenn Farm Credit, Crain Walnut Shelling, Grow West, Land IQ, Rumiano Cheese Company, and Tanimura & Antle. Students and alumni from all majors are invited to attend. Those who attend are advised to dress professionally and bring copies of their resume. Prior registration is not required of job seekers. Business and organizations can still register at www.csuchico.edu/ag. For questions regarding the fair, please contact Sarah DeForest at sdeforest@csuchico.edu or 530-898-3737. 

Regenerative Almond Field Day

Feb. 17, 2022, 9:30 am, Burroughs Family Farms

Learn regenerative techniques with almonds with the Ecdysis Foundation at the Almond Field Day at Burroughs Family Farms, Ballico, CA, Feb. 17th at 9:30 am. Several speakers including our own Cindy Daley. Lunch is included. Find out more and sign up now.

Producing Compost On-Site with the Healthy Soils Program

Feb. 16, 2022, 6:00-7:30 PM, Virtual Webinar

This program is offered by The Solana Center for Environmental Innovation for Healthy Soils Program awardees.

CARCD 76th Annual Conference: Communities, Collaboration, and Climate

Jan. 11- Feb. 4, 2022, Virtual on Zoom

CARCD continues the tradition of bringing together representatives from federal and state agencies, non-profits, private industries, farming communities, and resource conservation districts (RCDs) to share knowledge, build partnerships, and address urgent natural resource challenges. Experts will present and engage in conversations on climate-smart agriculture, the tree mortality crisis, community fire resilience, sustainable groundwater management, watershed health, social equity in conservation, and wildlife preservation. Virtual meetings, social events, and presentations will take place throughout the month! Learn more and register now.

goats grazing near treesFour Legged Friends: A Climate Friendly Solution to Fuel Reduction

Jan. 27, 2022, Virtual on Zoom, 2:00-4:00 pm

The Fire Safe Council of San Diego County is hosting a webinar about how grazing can be used to reduce the risk of wildfire, featuring:

  • Christopher Danch - Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council
  • Brittany "Cole" Bush - Shepherdess Land and Livestock
  • Matthew Sablove - Good Shepherds Regenerative Land Management

Please register ahead of time.

Apprenticeship Info Session

Dec. 14,  5:00 pm PST, Virtual on Zoom

Learn how you can train on a farm or ranch in the Center for Land-Based Learning's Apprenticeship Program. The Beginning Farm and Ranch Manager Apprenticeship connects apprentices with seasoned employers for paid on-the-job training while providing free online classes in ag production. In this session, they go over the nuts and bolts of the program and answer any questions you have.

hands holding soilCDFA Healthy Soils Incentives Program Information Webinar 

Dec. 1, 1:00 pm PST, Virtual on Zoom

Hostd by CRARS. Come learn more about the CDFA Healthy Soils Incentives Program and how to take advantage of this funding opportunity for California Farmers and Ranchers. Bring your questions! We'll be doing a general overview of the grant program before diving into the details of the application process.

2021 Fibershed Wool & Fine Fiber Symposium: Weaving Voices: People, Land & Water

Nov. 13,  9:00 am - 4:00 pm PST, Virtual on Zoom

Multiple speakers starting with a conversation between those working to produce our global demand for textiles and those that receive the mounds of material that is discarded once clothing is deemed “uninteresting” or damaged. There will also be presentations on finding solutions to water shortages due to climate changes and uplifting regional fiber-based economies.

Regenerate Conference Field Day

Tuesday, Sept 21, 2021, 100A-3pm

Registration is now open, with limited spots available, for the Regenerate California Field Day at TomKat Ranch in Pescadero, California. TomKat Ranch is bringing people together for meaningful conversations that catalyze the transition to a regenerative agriculture system. This field tour will be focused on holistic solutions that improve soil health, climate stability, water quality and availability, animal welfare, human health, economic prosperity, and biodiversity. Register for this as a stand-alone event or along with your Regenerate 2021 ticket by clicking this box.

ECHO East Africa Biennial Symposium on Sustainable Agriculture and Appropriate Technologies

September 28-30, 2021, Online Event

a network and training opportunity for those involved in alleviating hunger and poverty in East Africa by responding to climate change and declining yields in Africa with sustainable options. Three hours on three afternoons. $20 to register. (Donations for scholarships for those who cannot afford this fee are welcome.)

The Every Drop Impact Project Virtual Forum

Tuesday, September 14, 2021 -- 4:00-6:00 pm, Virtual on Zoom

Gateway Science Museum invites you to join our interactive Every Drop Impact Community Science Forum! Discuss the social, economic, and environmental impacts of drought. CRARS Director Cynthia Daley will be one of the speakers. Attendees will work with others to recommend resilience strategies, and learn how participating in community science can help inform scientists about which communities are at risk for drought. RSVP (click this event box) to get the Zoom link.

Climate Smart Agriculture: Agricultural Impacts and Strategies for California and The Western Cape

Tuesday, July 20, 2021, 7:00 AM - 11:30 AM (PDT - California), 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM (SAST - Western Cape), Free Webinar

Multiple speakers present an overview of climate smart tools available to assist farmers and ranchers.

Public Meeting of the CDFA Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel

July 15, 2021, 9:00-3:00 pm PST

Join the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the members of the Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel (EFA-SAP) for a public meeting containing updates on CDFA's Climate Smart Agriculture incentive programs: Below-ground Biodiversity Metric, Restore CA, Conservation Agriculture Planning Grants Program, State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), Healthy Soils Program (HSP), Technical Assistance Program. 

sheep2021 Sheep Producer Forum—Managing Risk

Thursday, June 24, 2021, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm PST, Wool Growers Restaurant, Bakersfield, CA 

Agenda items will include: Pasture, Range & Forage Insurance Program * Lamb Price Risk Protection * Economic Tools for Managing Risk * Precision Trace Mineral Nutrition for the Ewe Flock * Resources for Managing through Drought * Tax Options for Drought-Related Sales of Livestock * Electronic Identification Systems: Information is Power. The cost is $15. Registration is required.

sheep on rangelandManaging Risk in Your Sheep Operation

Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm PST, Foster's Bighorn Restaurant, Rio Vista, CA

Join the University of Wyoming, UC Cooperative Extension, and the California Wool Growers Association for a half-day workshop focused on real-world tools for managing risk in your sheep business! Topics include: Pasture, Range & Forage Insurance Program, Lamb Price Risk Protection, Economic Tools for Managing Risk, Managing Nutrition to Mitigate Risk, Resources for Managing through Drought, Tax Issues for Drought-Related Sales of Livestock, Electronic Identification Systems: Information is Power. The cost is $15 (includes lunch). Registration is required.

red clover cover cropCover Cropping in Orchards

Thursday, June 17, 2021, 9:00-10:30 am PST, Zoom Webinar

Community Alliance with Family Farmers and the Sacramento Valley Technical Assistance Hub are offering this virtual demonstration event. Discussion topics will include benefits for pollinators, beneficial insects, pest management, and soil health. Speakers will be Ben King from Pacific Gold Agriculture in Colusa, CA and Rex Dufour from the National Center for Appropriate Technology. Advance registration required.

compostCompost on the Farm

Thursday, June 17, 2021, 10:00 am PST, Virtual on Zoom

A free online workshop on compost will be held on Thursday, June 17th, 10 am-12 pm led by the Santa Rosa Junior College Shone Farm, and co-sponsored by the Sonoma RCD. You will hear about the use and benefits of compost, the CDFA Healthy Soils compost demo project at Shone Farm, a keynote presentation from farmer Phil Foster, and enjoy an engaging panel grower discussion. Please register in advance.