Charitable Contributions for Farmers It is common for businesses to receive tax deductions for cash donations, but did you know that the agriculture community can donate fresh foods for a similar benefit? California farmers and agriculture businesses have the opportunity to donate fresh fruits and vegetables in return for some pretty hefty tax breaks. How much is the deduction?  In …

MODESTO, Calif. – (Nov. 15, 2017) – A groundbreaking mandatory pasteurization program created by Almond Board of California (ABC) and its strategic partners has supported an enviable industry-wide food safety record over the last decade. Since the program’s launch, there have been zero outbreaks of foodborne illness attributed to California Almonds. Today, more than 200 treatment processes have been validated …

November has come and growers & PCAs are anticipating the annual Tree & Vine Expo on November 7th at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, held by American Vineyard, California Fresh Fruit, and Pacific Nut Producer Magazines.  The Expo will feature educational grower seminars, and state of the grape, nut, and tree fruit industry addresses by Jennifer Williams from the California Walnut Board, Kelly Covello from …

Don’t miss the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo coming to the Big Fresno Fairgrounds on November 14th, put on by American Vineyard, California Fresh Fruit, and Pacific Nut Producer Magazines.  The Expo will feature educational grower seminars, and state of the grape, nut, and tree fruit industry addresses by Gary Schulz of the Citrus Research Board, Ian LeMay of the California Fresh Fruit …

Modesto, Calif., (October 24, 2017) – Two side-by-side demonstrations of low-dust harvesting equipment from four almond equipment manufacturers were hailed as successful as scores of almond growers took time during harvest to attend. Manufacturers Exact Harvesting Systems of Modesto, Flory Industries of Salida, Weiss McNair of Chico and Jackrabbit of Ripon participated in the events, the first of their kind. …

Sacramento, Calif., (October 18, 2017) – Farm Advisors and PCAs have fielded calls this season concerning Monterey on Krymsk 86 or Rootpac-R showing unique foliar symptoms – yellowing, rolling leaves with marginal necrosis and poor growth. Occasionally Nonpareil or Butte trees may be affected, but based on planting preferences and symptoms, Monterey generates the most concern. Most of the trees …

Davis, Calif., (October 16 2017) – Donald Norene, a third-generation walnut farmer from Rio Oso, was recently honored with an Award of Distinction from the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES). The award is presented annually to individuals whose contributions and achievements enhance the college’s ability to provide cutting-edge research, top-notch education and innovative outreach. Norene is …

Visalia, Calif., (October 13, 2017) – UC Agriculture and Natural Resources will be offering a three-day, multi-topic Pistachio Production Short Course on Nov. 14-16, 2017. Held in Visalia, this course will provide participants with the latest information and research from several UC experts on pistachio orchard production, field preparation, planting, pruning, economics, diseases, integrated pest management, and harvesting. The course is designed …

Join AGERpoint for an almond yield monitoring field day on Friday, October 13, 2017.  Growers are invited to view a live demonstration of how the combination of yield monitoring, mapping, geospatial technology can enable more accurate management decisions.  The event is free and will begin at 10 a.m. just off of Lerdo Hyw, 1 mile east of I-5 Buttonwillow, California. …