Conversations

Hello everyone,

I work with an organization called Wild Farm Alliance. Our mission is to promote a healthy, viable agriculture that protects and restores wild nature. We just released a new resource to help farmers support beneficial birds and manage pest birds.

You can find the new resource here.

Birds can help on the farm to keep pest insects, rodents and pest birds at bay. When habitat is provided for beneficial birds, bringing them closer to crops, farmers may be able to reduce pest-control costs. Beneficial birds can help with production in the same way as beneficial insects. This new resource includes:

• Colorful Accounts of How Birds Can be Beneficial in Crops and on Pasture
• USDA’s Historic Economic Ornithology Division
• How Best to Manage and Co-exist with Pest Birds
• Why On-Farm Habitat and the Surrounding Landscape Influences Pest Control
• What Farmers Can Do to Make Farms More Bird-Friendly

Hello everyone,

I work with an organization called Wild Farm Alliance. Our mission is to promote a healthy, viable agriculture that protects and restores wild nature. We just released a new resource to help farmers support beneficial birds and manage pest birds.

You can find the new resource here.

Birds can help on the farm to keep pest insects, rodents and pest birds at bay. When habitat is provided for beneficial birds, bringing them closer to crops, farmers may be able to reduce pest-control costs. Beneficial birds can help with production in the same way as beneficial insects. This new resource includes:

• Colorful Accounts of How Birds Can be Beneficial in Crops and on Pasture
• USDA’s Historic Economic Ornithology Division
• How Best to Manage and Co-exist with Pest Birds
• Why On-Farm Habitat and the Surrounding Landscape Influences Pest Control
• What Farmers Can Do to Make Farms More Bird-Friendly and Resilient
• How Birds’ Diets, Foraging Strategies and Nesting Periods Affect the Farm
• Inspiring Stories from Ten Innovative Farmers

Not surprisingly, growers tend to know a lot more about the birds that cause damage than about those that are beneficial. Losses can be significant for some crops, but the benefits of the pest control services provided by birds have not often been measured. This new resource discusses the research behind both beneficial and pest birds, getting new information into the hands of farmers.

Jo Ann Baumgartner, WFA executive director explains that "in order to bring this resource to life, WFA reviewed more than 600 research articles, synthesizing them into readily accessible information that will assist farmers in implementing practices which benefit the farm and wild nature."

Today farmers who are masters at IPM—Integrated Pest Management—are using ecological pest-control strategies that include birds. They understand that the overwhelming majority of songbirds are beneficial during nesting season because they feed pest insects to their voracious nestlings. With this publication, we are spreading the knowledge of how all farmers can make the most of birds on their farms.

Jo Ann Baumgartner, explains that “by providing habitat for beneficial birds, farmers are improving the biodiversity of their operations which increases the resiliency of the farm. This new resource gives farmers practical and research-based information on the importance of specific birds to crops."

Click here to download your free copy!

Authors: Jo Ann Baumgartner, Wild Farm Alliance (WFA); Sara Kross, Columbia University; Sacha Heath, University of California, Davis; and Shelly Connor, WFA

Advisory Team: Rachael Long, UC Cooperative Extension; Helen Atthowe, Woodleaf Farm; and Peter Martinelli, Fresh Run Farm. Editorial Consultant: Karen Van Epen

Thanks,

Shelly Connor

Wild Farm Alliance

shellyconnor@wildfarmalliance.org

I'm curious what others do to control small rodents in crops, particularly in cucurbits. We already trap for gophers and squirrels, but we also have mice and voles spending a lot of time in our squash and melon fields. At the moment, I don't have much preference between deterrent or kill methods, but I'd like to hear examples of either. Long-term, we would like to focus on deterrents, but we would like to get a handle on them. Mowing the open areas does not seem to be increasing the amount of raptor kills by much (at least not noticeably in the rodent populations), so it is time to be more proactive... I'm interested in hearing any sort of suggestions...

Hello - I am a former small-scale California farmer and currently a PhD candidate in epidemiology at UC Davis. My thesis focuses on small-scale diversified farms, with an emphasis on the interface of feral pigs and outdoor-raised pigs. My advisor is Dr. Alda Pires, who is a University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) specialist of urban agriculture and food safety.

We recently created an online survey to identify outdoor-raised pigs in California as well as areas which are impacted by feral pig intrusions. This survey is appropriate for anyone that raises at least one pig outside including: pork producers, farmers, ranchers, backyard operations, 4-H/FFA members, pet pig owners, heritage pig breeders, pig rescue groups, etc.

Click here to take the survey.

Survey participation will help UCCE develop outreach and educational materials for all operations that raise pigs outdoors and/or

Hello - I am a former small-scale California farmer and currently a PhD candidate in epidemiology at UC Davis. My thesis focuses on small-scale diversified farms, with an emphasis on the interface of feral pigs and outdoor-raised pigs. My advisor is Dr. Alda Pires, who is a University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) specialist of urban agriculture and food safety.

We recently created an online survey to identify outdoor-raised pigs in California as well as areas which are impacted by feral pig intrusions. This survey is appropriate for anyone that raises at least one pig outside including: pork producers, farmers, ranchers, backyard operations, 4-H/FFA members, pet pig owners, heritage pig breeders, pig rescue groups, etc.

Click here to take the survey.

Survey participation will help UCCE develop outreach and educational materials for all operations that raise pigs outdoors and/or experience feral pig intrusions. The information supplied on this survey will be treated strictly as confidentialand used for statistical analysis purposes only.

This survey should take 10-15 minutes to complete and participants will have a chance to win a $100 gift card. Survey will close on November 15, 2018 midnight PST. Winners will be announced early December on my twitter page.

This survey is voluntaryand is being conducted for research and outreach purposes only. People may choose not to participate or quit the survey at any time. There will be no penalty or loss of services to anyone who decides not to take part in the survey. This research has been reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board

Dr. Alda Pires and I appreciate your cooperation and support of this project. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Alda Pires at apires@ucdavis.eduor Laura Patterson at lpatters@ucdavis.edu

Thank you for your time,

Laura Patterson

Good Morning Ya'll,

My name is Jacob Roberson and I am the Food Safety Regional Lead for Tulare, Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties for a non-profit organization called Community Alliance with Family Farmers (new to Fresno area). CAFF is well established all over California except for the Central Valley which is where I am based out of (Fresno to be exact). I wanted to use this post as a source to contact farmers who are struggling with food safety and cannot afford to hire an outside consultant to come to their farm, perform assessments, help with documentation, and get their farm ready for a 3rd party audit. I perform the same duties as an outside consultant but my service is no cost to the farmer. CAFF is a non-profit organization looking to better food safety standards and procedures practiced on small farms / farms at a disadvantage (financial hardships, language barriers, new farmers, etc.).

Food

Good Morning Ya'll,

My name is Jacob Roberson and I am the Food Safety Regional Lead for Tulare, Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties for a non-profit organization called Community Alliance with Family Farmers (new to Fresno area). CAFF is well established all over California except for the Central Valley which is where I am based out of (Fresno to be exact). I wanted to use this post as a source to contact farmers who are struggling with food safety and cannot afford to hire an outside consultant to come to their farm, perform assessments, help with documentation, and get their farm ready for a 3rd party audit. I perform the same duties as an outside consultant but my service is no cost to the farmer. CAFF is a non-profit organization looking to better food safety standards and procedures practiced on small farms / farms at a disadvantage (financial hardships, language barriers, new farmers, etc.).

Food safety is a growing concern and I believe every farmer should have GAPs (Good Agriculture Practices) established on their farm/ranch even if they are not covered by the new FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) produce and preventive facilities rule.

If you feel my free service may benefit you and/or your company, do not hesitate to contact me. My phone number is 559-730-8435 and email is jacob_roberson@outlook.com. If you prefer, you can contact me through farmsreach as well but I would prefer the other two methods of contact (phone and email).

If you know of someone who could benefit from my service as well, please give them my contact information.

Best Wishes,

Jacob Roberson

March 30 & 31

9AM - 3:30 PM (each day)

Classroom (AM): Robert Livermore Community Center,

Cresta Blanca Room, 4444 East Ave., Livermore

Field (PM): TBA

Click here to view the HMI webpage for more information !

Are you a new rancher interested in learning whole ranch planning concepts and principles? Are you looking to improve your ability to work with nature and to increase the productivity of your ranch?

Holistic Management International , the Alameda County Conservation Partnership and UC Cooperative Extension invite you to join us for a Holistic Management Whole Ranch Planning workshop.

This introductory course is geared towards ranchers in the first ten years of production who are looking to learn key whole ranch planning concepts and principles to them manage their ranch for the triple bottom line (social, environmental, and financial

March 30 & 31

9AM - 3:30 PM (each day)

Classroom (AM): Robert Livermore Community Center,

Cresta Blanca Room, 4444 East Ave., Livermore

Field (PM): TBA

Click here to view the HMI webpage for more information !

Are you a new rancher interested in learning whole ranch planning concepts and principles? Are you looking to improve your ability to work with nature and to increase the productivity of your ranch?

Holistic Management International , the Alameda County Conservation Partnership and UC Cooperative Extension invite you to join us for a Holistic Management Whole Ranch Planning workshop.

This introductory course is geared towards ranchers in the first ten years of production who are looking to learn key whole ranch planning concepts and principles to them manage their ranch for the triple bottom line (social, environmental, and financial sustainability), alongside more effectively managing their human, financial, and natural resources. Specific topics include: the four ecosystem processes, management inventory development, sustainable decision making, grazing management strategies and tools associated with wildlife habitat.

HMI AGENDA

HMI Workshop 2016

FACILITATORS/SPEAKERS

Rob Rutherford, Certified Holistic Management® Certified Educator

Doniga Markegard, Markegard Family Grass-fed

Sheila Barry, UCCE Bay Area Livestock Advisor

COST

$15 - Register/Pay Online here

(includes lunch for both days)

RSVP by Friday, March 25th

Questions?

Please email Haley Burgardt at haley.burgardt@acrcd.org or call (925) 371-0154 ex. 100. Include your name, ranch or organization, email and phone.

Hi Folks,

Last month I gave a presentation at a national meeting of the Agronomy/Entomological Societies of America in Minneapolis, MN. It focused on the complex integration of HEDGEROWS, COVER CROPS and INSECTARY PLANTS in our biological control strategies in the context of our vegetable and strawberry research at our USDA-ARS organic research farm in Salinas, California. Here's the a link where you can watch a 10 minute video on it A Biological Control Buffet in the Salad Bowl of America It's got a few surprises :)

take care, Eric

Eric Brennan, Ph.D

Research Horticulturist

Organic Crop Production

USDA-ARS

1636 E. Alisal St.

Salinas, CA 93905

Tel. 831-755-2822

Fax. 831-755-2814

Email. Eric.Brennan@ars.usda.gov

http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric_Brennan/

Dear farmers!

We're a small team on a big mission - to make precision agriculture concepts affordable and accessible to even the smallest of farmers. We need some input to be smarter about what we're building.

Our name is Farm Dog (http://farmdog.ag/) and we'll gladly send a Farm Dog hat to the first 50 people that will answer the 25 questions in this survey form: http://goo.gl/forms/88SywcPrlt

Yours,

Michael Hermon

Co-founder and CTO

Farm Dog

The Grange Farm School is looking for a special kind of student. You think holistically rather than in parts. You see the importance of asking high quality questions. You are innovative, ambitious, persistent, and collaborative. You want to be part of the new face of agriculture that will transform our world for the better.

Our 14 week residential, Student Program offers you the tools and confidence to manage a successful agricultural enterprise, whether in farming, ranching, or related fields. You will live and work on a beautiful 5,000 acre ranch with diverse vegetables, grains, fruit trees, and livestock. Guest instructors and staff members provide a comprehensive curriculum in business management, industrial arts, animal husbandry, soil and ecology, and crop production, supported by an understanding of the theory and history of our food systems. You will leave with hands-on practical experience, and

The Grange Farm School is looking for a special kind of student. You think holistically rather than in parts. You see the importance of asking high quality questions. You are innovative, ambitious, persistent, and collaborative. You want to be part of the new face of agriculture that will transform our world for the better.

Our 14 week residential, Student Program offers you the tools and confidence to manage a successful agricultural enterprise, whether in farming, ranching, or related fields. You will live and work on a beautiful 5,000 acre ranch with diverse vegetables, grains, fruit trees, and livestock. Guest instructors and staff members provide a comprehensive curriculum in business management, industrial arts, animal husbandry, soil and ecology, and crop production, supported by an understanding of the theory and history of our food systems. You will leave with hands-on practical experience, and a framework for thinking outside the box, creative decision making, and communication that improves your business planning, community networking, and relationship building .

Grange Farm School programs are designed for practical people who are ready to make a difference in the real world. Students with a desire to enter a career in agriculture equipped with essential skills, knowledge, and resources. Students who want to be among the million new farmers, ranchers, and small businesses this country needs in order to transform agriculture through creative and profitable enterprises.

Grange Farm School is part of the movement to make that happen. Are you ready to join? Then take the next step by contacting us at info@grangefarmschool.org or visiting our website or blog: http://www.grangefarmschool.org OR http://www.grangefarmschool.wordpress.com

Join us at the Grange Farm School this Fall, in an exciting residential training program designed to equip students with key skills for successful, sustainable, agriculture. Our Practicum Student Program consists of daily field work, bimonthly field trips, and a rigorous curriculum taught during afternoon lessons by staff and guest instructors. Students are able to enroll concurrently in Mendocino College's Community Work Experience Education program and gain credits while studying and working at the Grange Farm School.

This beautiful location in Mendocino County, California is host to numerous exciting projects while in the take off phase of a brand new education program and production farm. Students collaborate with staff to design and build systems for living, growing produce, raising livestock, rehabilitating tools and structures, and so much more.

Check out our website or blog for more information.

Join us at the Grange Farm School this Fall, in an exciting residential training program designed to equip students with key skills for successful, sustainable, agriculture. Our Practicum Student Program consists of daily field work, bimonthly field trips, and a rigorous curriculum taught during afternoon lessons by staff and guest instructors. Students are able to enroll concurrently in Mendocino College's Community Work Experience Education program and gain credits while studying and working at the Grange Farm School.

This beautiful location in Mendocino County, California is host to numerous exciting projects while in the take off phase of a brand new education program and production farm. Students collaborate with staff to design and build systems for living, growing produce, raising livestock, rehabilitating tools and structures, and so much more.

Check out our website or blog for more information. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis for the September 1st start date of our next Practicum Student Program!