Events
Events Sponsored By or Participated In by CRARS
Webinar: How to Transfer Students into the New Plant & Soil Science Regenerative Agriculture Option at California State University, Chico
Wed, Feb. 25th: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Cynthia Daley, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture & Resilient Systems at California State University, Chico, will present this exciting FREE one-hour webinar exploring student transfer opportunities into a brand-new major in Regenerative Agriculture.
Since 2019, Dr. Daley has worked directly with farmers to support the transition to regenerative agriculture. She is the founder and director of Chico State’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture & Resilient Systems—the nation’s first comprehensive, university-based program dedicated to regenerative agriculture.
The Center currently supports 119 projects across more than 34,000 acres throughout California, the nation’s leading agricultural producer. Projects include composting, cover cropping, no-till cultivation, and advanced carbon sequestration technologies.
The program also offers technical advisory roles for students interested in hands-on, technical career pathways.
Denise Crosswhite, Senior Coordinator of Advising and Retention, will be available to answer questions and share guidance on ensuring a successful student transfer experience.
Register to Attend
Annual California Soil Health Field Days 2026
March 18 & 19, 2026, Chico State University Farm, 311 Nicholas C Shouten Lane Chico, CA 95928
Come to this two-day interactive event dedicated to exploring and promoting regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health while enhancing profitability and sustainability. This year we will be meeting in the new classroom and auditorium space next to the Farm Pavilion that we have used for past events. You can expect a wonderful line-up of speakers, educators, researchers, and fellow farmers as well as in-field demonstrations, a vendor fair, catered lunch both days, and time for networking.
38th Annual California Small Farms Conference
February 22–27, 2026, Fully Online with Local Meet-ups
Hosted by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), this statewide hybrid event features 50+ online workshops plus in-person gatherings in 10 regions—from San Diego to Humboldt. This year’s theme, Digging In Together: Small Farms, Deep Resolve, celebrates the perseverance of farmers and the collaboration needed to build a just and resilient food system.
Come join us in person: North Valley areas farmers are invited to join us to wrap up the week with an in-person social gathering and dinner Friday, Feb 27 from 3-6 at the Chico State University Farm. Hosted by CAFF, CRARS, and the North Valley Food Hub in cooperation with UCANR and Glenn County RCD, we will visit the new University Farm Store and demo our no-till seed drill.
Ag Leadership Colusa Farm Show Breakfast
February 4, 2026, 7:00 a.m, Saint Bernadette’s Hall, Colusa, CA.
This event brings together alumni, industry partners and friends of agriculture for meaningful connection, inspiration and community. It is also a significant fundraiser that directly support CALF’s mission of growing leaders who make a difference across California agriculture. Keynote Speaker: Don Cameron, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.
EcoFarm Conference
January 21-24, 2026, Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA
The EcoFarm Conference is one of the largest and longest-running gatherings of sustainable and organic farmers, ranchers, and food system advocates in the U.S. You'll enjoy learning, networking, and collaboration through workshops, keynote speakers, farm tours, and hands-on demonstrations. With a focus on regenerative agriculture, ecological stewardship, and food justice, EcoFarm fosters community and innovation in the movement toward a more sustainable and just food system. Come visit our booth—we'll be there!
Pollinator Habitat
January 15 - February 6, 2026, Live online lectures, Thursdays 11 am - 1 pm
This 4-week online course, taught by Ana Medic, explores agricultural practices that enhance pollination services by native pollinators and honeybees. It will include the importance of establishing pollinator habitat and hedgerows, use of pollinator-friendly cover crops, choosing plants, and other pollinator-friendly practices.
Selected Events Related to Regenerative Agriculture
Each box-like entry below is a link to an event.
Hoes Down Harvest Festival 2025
Saturday, October 4, 2025, Full Belly Farm, Guinda, CA
Come out for a day (and night!) of farm tours, workshops, kids’ activities, delicious farm-fresh meals, live music, and dancing under the stars. Proceeds support nonprofits that protect farmland, promote ecological farming, and strengthen rural communities.
Sierro Oro Farm Trail Farm to Fork Experience and Dinner
Sunday, October 12, 2025, Chico State University Farm, Chico
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating local farms, fine food, and community spirit. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the University Farm, this elegant event will be the perfect way to close out Wildcat Weekend.
Beneficial Recycling of Olive Pomace as an Antioxidant Additive for Asphalt Roads
Presented by Dr. Kun Zhang
October 15, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm, on Zoom
This collaborative research project between Chico State and UC Davis explored an alternative recycling option for olive pomace as a bio-renewable antioxidant for asphalt roads. In this webinar, the speaker will discuss the characterization of the bioactivities of the processed olive pomace (POP) for its radical scavenging activity. The antioxidant performance of POP-modified asphalt binders will be presented to show that POP is a promising bio-based antioxidant additive to retard asphalt aging. The beneficial use of POP-modified asphalt in pavement maintenance and preservation will be highlighted based on engineering, economic, and environmental analyses.
Introduction to Soil Health Management
Nov. 4- Dec. 12, 2025, Live Online Tuesdays 9-11 am
Understand the connection between soil health and primary productivity and, ultimately, food and fiber quality. This course, taught by Chico State Professor Garrett Liles, will cover soil properties, metrics of soil health, and influences of production practices and soil management systems (integrated practices) on these components. Soil sampling, analysis and interpretation are presented, along with monitoring strategies to ensure on-farm success.
Carbon and Water Dynamics in Californian Agroecosystems: Conventional Versus Regenerative Practices
Nov. 12, 2025, 8:50 AM - 9:05 AM, CANVAS 2025, Salt Lake City, Utah
Arshdeep Singh introduces the CRARS California Soil Carbon Accrual Project, which compares carbon and water cycling and economic return associated with conventional farming practices (full tillage; herbicide; fertilizers; pesticides; no ground cover) to RA farming practices (cover crops; no-till or conservation till; crop rotations) at representative farms across three major California growing regions (Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Palo Verde valleys). Each measurement location comprises eddy covariance towers. One location (Chico State University farm) has additional soil sampling, greenhouse gas chambers, and water chemistry measurement systems replicated across paired conventional and RA fields. In addition, we calculate the direct and indirect economic impacts of observed changes with implications for water use, water quality, and soil biological function. The interdisciplinary approach of this work informs a holistic farming management strategy aimed at increasing agricultural resilience to climate change in California
Biological Soil Health Strategies: Compost Tea and Cover Crops in Tomato Systems
Presented by Dr. Jamal Javanmardi
November 19, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm, on Zoom
This webinar explores innovative, research-based approaches to enhancing soil health and crop productivity in tomato systems. A multi-year field study compared compost tea applications and cover cropping techniques as sustainable, biologically active soil management practices.
Past Events
California Olive Integrated Pest Management Workshop
September 18, 2025, 8 am - noon, California Olive Ranch, Artois, CA
This free hands-on field day, centered on integrated pest management including beneficial invertebrate habitat installation within California olive groves, is open to all interested in Conservation Agriculture.
Guest speakers include COR Agricultural Project Manager Toni Longley, Chico State Professor Elizabeth Boyd, PhD., and Student Research AssistantGerado Tapia, COR agronomist Bibiano Martinez, and CRARS Technical Assistance Provider Ted Gailey.
Spaces are limited—register now!
Long-Term Impacts of Mechanical Pruning on ‘French’ Prune Orchards
Presented by Dr. Richard Rosecrance
September 17, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm, on Zoom
Join us for a webinar on the results of a five-year field study (2019–2023) that was conducted in a mature ‘French’ prune orchard in California to evaluate the long-term impacts of six distinct pruning regimens on yield, fruit quality, canopy structure, and labor efficiency. Treatments included dormant hand pruning; spring and fall mechanical hedging and boxing; and an innovative angled mechanical system designed to create a diamond-shaped canopy. Findings include the impact on yield, pruning costs, labor inputs, and preserving long-term productivity and orchard health.
Whole Farm/Ranch Planning and Design
July 22- Aug 29, 2025, Live Online Tuesdays 9-11 am
This course supports the transitional process to a plan, implement, monitor, replan management framework that encourages producers and ag professionals to work through a systems lens that addresses economic success and improved land health. Participants will develop a vision that incorporates management goals, establish a land management plan, and identify metrics to quantify outcomes and reassess their plan annually. Register by July 14, 2025.
Introduction to Beekeeping
June 18- July 11, 2025, Live Online Wednesday June 18 for the first class, Thursdays 9-11 am after that.
This course introduces students to the biology of honey bees (Apis mellifera) and provides a comprehensive overview of beekeeping practices. Students will learn about the life cycle, anatomy, behavior, and ecology of honey bees and explore essential beekeeping methods such as hive management, honey production, and disease control. The course combines theoretical and practical knowledge. Register by June 10, 2025.
Utilizing Mating Disruption and Regional Almond Variety Trial Field Day
April 11, 2025, 9:00-1:00 pm, Chico State University Farm, Chico, CA
Learn the benefits of disrupting Navel Orangeworm mating within orchard settings by using encapsulated pheromone disruption materials, see a demonstration of application using precision drone technology, and find out about the results of the University of California Regional Almond Variety Trials being done at the Chico State University Farm.
California Soil Health Field Days
March 20 – 21, 2025, Chico State University Farm, Chico, CA
This event is dedicated to two days of exploring and promoting regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, productivity and profitability across farming systems and communities. One day will be devoted to cropping systems, the other to rangeland systems. There will be keynote speakers, panel discussions, farm visits, a vendor fair, and much more!
37th Annual California Small Farm Conference
February 23 – 28, 2025, Hybrid, Online with In-Person Meet-ups throughout California
A week of learning, inspiration and movement-building for anyone involved in local food, sustainable agriculture, and small farms sponsored by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers. This hybrid conference features over 60 online workshops and in-person gatherings at multiple venues around the state.
Stacking Soil Health Practices In Orchard and Rice Systems
Friday, September 20, 2024, 8:30 - 11:30 am, Massa Organics, Hamilton City, CA
Join us for a FREE on-farm field day to learn how to make your farm more climate-smart and successful: • Integrating cover cropping, grazing and hedgerows. • Funding opportunities to implement climate-smart practices. • Regional distribution and marketing opportunities with the North Valley Food Hub. The event includes coffee and burritos. Register here to secure your space.
North Valley Food Hub Informational Webinar
Friday, September 27, 12:00 - 1:00 pm, Online via Zoom
The North Valley Food Hub Online Marketplace is Officially Open! Join us at this free live online webinar specifically for growers interested in learning more about how the North Valley Food Hub can help you sell your produce and how to participate! Reserve your space now by clicking here!
Intro to Practical Beekeeping
May 4, 2024 from 8:00 - 12:00 pm, Chico State University Farm, 311 Nicholas C Shouten Lane Chico, CA
Faculty: Kevin Ward, a beekeeper with a lifetime of experience managing beehives and keeping bees for pollination, queen rearing, and honey production. He'll be joined by a guest speaker with expertise in keeping hives healthy. Learn about the fascinating world of beekeeping. Whether you're a beginner or looking for advice on an existing hive, this event is perfect for you. Come and discover the basics of setting up your own hive, caring for bees, and harvesting honey as well as the importance of honeybees in our ecosystem. Register early—the class size is limited to 30.
Informational Webinar
March 28, 2024 from 12:00 - 1:30 pm Online
The intention of this project is to provide farm-to-fork integration through marketing and sales support for climate-smart commodities (such as but not limited to almonds, walnuts, rice, tomatoes, peaches, and prunes) by creating a one-stop shopping platform for wholesale buyers, and a marketplace for growers to post and promote their products. The program also provides free training, technical support, mentorship, and subsidies for producers to implement climate-smart practices. Join us at this free webinar to learn how you can benefit and participate!
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.
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.