2025 California Small Farm Conference

Welcome to the 37th annual California Small Farm Conference, a week-long event featuring over 40 online workshops as well as a dozen in-person gatherings around the state. Whether you’re a beginning farmer or a seasoned grower, a local food advocate or a farmers market manager, you’ll find something here for you. This year’s theme, "Rooted in Place", honors the vital relationship between farmers, communities and the land they steward.

Check out the schedule below for event times and locations. Click "Reserve Tickets" to register. Admission is on a sliding-scale, to ensure everyone can attend. Please select the amount you’re comfortable paying. Enjoy the conference!

Interested in sponsoring this event? Learn more here

8:00am PST

A New Model for Farmland Access and Transition: The Farmland Commons

Sunday February 23, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

The Farmers Land Trust is a national organization working to support farmland protection, transition, and secure access for farmers through the innovative Farmland Commons model, which decommodifies land by placing it in the ownership of local communities. This dynamic and engaging presentation will share how the Farmland Commons model works, and participants will leave with the knowledge and resources that will enable them to carry forward creative land transition and access opportunities to their own communities.

Speakers

Ian McSweeney

The Farmers Land Trust

Kristina Villa

The Farmers Land Trust

Sunday February 23, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online

Issues in Food & Ag / Other

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farmers Market Professionals, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

11:30am PST

Beyond the Newsletter: 5 Strategies to Scale a 100+ CSA Program in Less Than One Season

Sunday February 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST

Most farmers know a newsletter is key to engaging an existing audience, but it’s the activities surrounding your newsletter that deliver growth. Scaling a CSA program requires more than just communication; it demands strategic planning and execution across various aspects of the business.

After a brief presentation, attendees will be guided through a hands-on workshop, where they’ll learn 5 strategies to grow a CSA. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with a clear, actionable plan to scale their CSA membership to 100+ members this season, leveraging a mix of good products, community engagement, and technology.

Speakers

Ari Memar

Sunday February 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online

Sales & Marketing

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers

1:15pm PST

Which Direct Market Channel Is Right for Me?

Sunday February 23, 2025 1:15pm - 1:30pm PST

Learn about different market channels and their pros and cons. Identify which market channels may be beneficial for your business.

Speakers

Ramiro Lobo

Small Farms Advisor, UCCE San Diego

Darlene Ruiz

Staff Research Associate, UCCE San Diego

Siguenos en las redes sociales- Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/cesandiego/ - Instagram @UCCESanDiego - X/Twitter https://www.facebook.com/sandiegoucce - Facebook

Sunday February 23, 2025 1:15pm - 1:30pm PST
Online

Sales & Marketing

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers

4:45pm PST

Wildlife Safe Ranching

Sunday February 23, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST

We will cover the practical and legal knowledge required to run a successful operation in California alongside wildlife. We will cover deterrence, exclusion, guardian animals, and the dynamics of "Barnyard CSI" and kill site forensics. We will also touch on conflict with domestic animals (especially loose dogs) with livestock, and how wildfires, drought, and a changing legal landscape impact farmers, ranchers and wildlife. Our perspective is pro-farmer, pro-rancher, pro-homesteader, and pro-wildlife. Attendees will come away informed and empowered, including with information on how to access free resources to solve conflicts with wildlife legally and safely.

Speakers

Gowan Batist

The Mountain Lion Foundation

Sunday February 23, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

8:00am PST

Let’s Talk About Nitrogen on Your Organic Farm

Monday February 24, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant production. It's particularly difficult to manage on organic farms because the availability dynamics are complex. This workshop will present a holistic way of thinking about nitrogen cycling and management so that growers can have a nitrogen plan in place. From compost and cover crops to soil organic matter and amendments, we'll talk about it all. By the end, you'll be empowered to understand how these different sources of nitrogen create a whole system plan and where you have room to improve.

Speakers

Patricia Lazicki

UC Cooperative Extension

Margaret Lloyd

Small and Organic Farms Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension

Monday February 24, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

9:00am PST

Farmers' Market Manager Training Level 1: Elevating Market Management Standards

Monday February 24, 2025 9:00am - 6:00pm PST

This half-day training, developed by the California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, offers farmers' market workers, managers, volunteers or enthusiasts insight into the rules and regulations and best practices for running a CA certified Farmers market. The program is designed to equip market managers, staff, volunteers, enthusiasts, with the essential skills needed to enhance the integrity, management, and sustainability of Certified Farmers’ Markets across California.

During this interactive session, participants will dive into the foundational elements of the Farmers' Market Manual, which promotes direct farmer-to-consumer relationships and supports small independent farmers. Upon completion of the training, participants will receive a free farmers' market management manual.

The training will be led by farmers' market longtime professionals and industry leaders Portia Bramble (North Coast Growers Assn), April Lancaster (Visalia Farmers markets) , Tanya Wolf (Ag institute of Marin), and Minni Forman (Food Farming dir. Ecology Center).

Speakers

Minni Forman

Ecology Center

April Treona

Downtown Visalia Certified Farmers' Market

Portia Bramble

North Coast Growers' Association

Marikit Mayeno

Food and Farming Program Coordinator, Ecology Center

Monday February 24, 2025 9:00am - 6:00pm PST
Online

Farmers Market Professionals

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers, General Public (including non-farmers), New & Beginning Farmers, Farmers Market Professionals

9:45am PST

Ag Technology: Funding Opportunities

Monday February 24, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST

This panel presentation will explore various funding opportunities available to farmers for advancing agricultural technology. Panelists will discuss different incentive programs for farmers, including:

CDFA: Agrivoltaics and irrigation efficiency program
CORE: Electric tractor vouchers
CARB: Tractor replacement program
3CE: Ag Electrification Program
UCANR: Tool Lending Library

The session will be moderated CAFF's Tech Hub. Join us to learn how these funding opportunities can support your farming operations.

Organizer

Maria Ridoutt-Orozco

Small Farm Technology Advisor, CAFF

Maria supports the Small Farm Tech Hub by leading technical assistance efforts to improve the productivity and competitiveness of small farmers. Maria is originally from Peru and fell in love with farming when she attended the Agrarian National University in Lima. After receiving... Read More →

Monday February 24, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST
Online

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers

11:30am PST

A Farmer's Guide to Groundwater and SGMA

Monday February 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST

Do you use a well for irrigation? Have you heard about the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) or new regulations for groundwater? Confused by the endless acronyms and jargon, and need to understand what this really means for your farm? Come hear from three farmers who are working with CAFF on groundwater education. Walk away with an understanding of how SGMA functions in Tehama, Butte, and Monterey counties, how to get good information on SGMA in your region, and ways to get involved in groundwater policy in your region.

Speakers

Rogelio Ponce

Sun Valley Farms

Cheetah Tchudi

TurkeyTail Farm

Sadie Morris

Oak Slough Farm

Catherine Van Dyke

Water Policy and Organizing Manager, CAFF

Monday February 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online

Issues in Food & Ag / Other

Audience Experienced Farmers, New & Beginning Farmers

11:30am PST

On-Farm Recordkeeping Technologies and Strategies

Monday February 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST

Join us for a panel-style discussion on the essentials of recordkeeping for farmers. This workshop is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the various resources available to streamline and enhance your farm's recordkeeping processes. Whether you’re focused on improving your business operations, ensuring food safety compliance, or preparing for audits and certifications, this session has you covered.

The workshop will outline the critical aspects of recordkeeping, including profit/loss statements, crop plans, and the importance of accurate documentation for food safety and marketing, FSMA, organic certifications, and third-party audits, emphasizing how proper records play a pivotal role in meeting these standards.

After this workshop you won’t go at it alone! CAFF’s Farmer Services Office Hours are held every Monday to get in-depth advice on what records you need and how to maintain them efficiently. This workshop is your starting point to mastering farm recordkeeping—don’t miss it!

Speakers

Maria Ridoutt-Orozco

Small Farm Technology Advisor, CAFF

Maria supports the Small Farm Tech Hub by leading technical assistance efforts to improve the productivity and competitiveness of small farmers. Maria is originally from Peru and fell in love with farming when she attended the Agrarian National University in Lima. After receiving... Read More →

Paulina S. Hernandez

CAFF

Arabelle Schoenberg

Monday February 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

1:15pm PST

Organic IPM for Vegetables

Monday February 24, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST

This workshop will provide a foundational introduction to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and how the IPM framework can be applied on small-scale organic vegetable farms. We will start with a basic overview of key IPM concepts and strategies. Then we will explore how IPM can be used to manage two common and economically-damaging pests as examples, symphylans and cucumber beetles. This will include real-world examples of IPM for these pests from North Bay vegetable growers, shared with permission. We will use last 30 minutes of this workshop to walk through how to write your own IPM plan for a pest of your choice using a simple outline. This will start with accurate pest identification, understanding its life cycle, and prevention strategies. Then we will cover how to set action thresholds appropriate for your farm as well as strategies for monitoring and record keeping. We'll cover how to combine management strategies such as biological, cultural, mechanical, and organic chemical options. Attendees will leave this workshop with a draft of an IPM plan they can continue refining over time.

Speakers

Ellie Andrews

Specialty Crops Advisor for Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties, UC Cooperative Extension

Monday February 24, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

1:15pm PST

Path to Organic: How to Prepare for an Organic Certification

Monday February 24, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST

Join us for a workshop on organic certification and inspection, featuring an experienced organic inspector and successful organic farmer. This session will provide insights into the certification process, compliance requirements, and practices for preparing for an inspection.

Speakers

Megan Robertson

Alluvial Organics

Kristen Draz

FogDog Farm

Grace Jackson

Farmer Services Regional Lead - Central Valley, CAFF

Monday February 24, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

3:00pm PST

Steps for Conducting Research on Your Own Farm

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST

Every farm has unique challenges and, in striving towards solutions, farmers are innovative problem-solvers well-versed in constant trial and error. However, as a farmer, you may not think of yourself as a researcher or what you do as experimental trials. This workshop will break down the basic steps you can follow to conduct practical on-farm research projects to answer questions about a range of practices, from soil health, plant breeding and cultivar selection, and climate resilience. It will feature a panel of farmers who will share their motivation for doing research on their farms, their experience running basic experiments with accessible and inexpensive tools, and the different opportunities available to receive funding and assistance to develop farmer-led research projects. The aim of this workshop is to provide the background and tools needed to cultivate your curiosity and problem-solving skills into your own research.

Speakers

Ellie Andrews

Specialty Crops Advisor for Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties, UC Cooperative Extension

Reyna Yagi

Farmer/Owner, Yagi Sisters Farm

"First we eat, then we do everything else." ~ MFK Fisher

Caiti Hachmyer

Farmer, Red H Farm

Samuel Guitron

Gospel Swamp Farm

Moet Takata

Ecological Pest Management Program Manager, CAFF

Moet supports the Ecological Pest Management Program to help farmers implement and sustain ecological pest management practices through applied research and outreach. She is based in the San Joaquin Valley, and conducts on-farm experiments in walnut orchards and winegrape vineyards... Read More →

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience Experienced Farmers, New & Beginning Farmers

3:00pm PST

Asian Specialty Crop

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST

In this conference I will be introducing a panel from different regions to talk about Asian Specialty Crop and the impact of how each region is doing. This is to create the talk of what's happening in our markets, how we can brainstorm, help each other out, etc.

Speakers

Addison Vang

Hmong Community Food Systems Outreach Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Chiang Rai Lor

Aggregation Coordinator, FairShare CSA Coalition

Johnny Moua

CAFF

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Online

Sales & Marketing

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farmers Market Professionals, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

4:45pm PST

Regulatory and Advocacy Tools for Small Food Producers

Monday February 24, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST

Farmers, homesteaders, artisans, and cottage food makers have the right to produce the food they want, and consumers have the right to purchase what they want to feed their families. However, laws and regulatory overreach often restrict these choices, and while consumer demand for locally grown products is rising, increased regulation can drive out small farms and businesses.

In this workshop, we will explore key federal, state and local regulations that impact small food producers. We will examine the federal rules regarding meat and poultry production, the prohibitions on interstate sales of certain products such as raw milk, cottage food regulations, and FSMA safety regulations. Since this conference in CA based, we will also touch on the state and local rules for each of the above food categories and also address typical local zoning regulations, the state Right to Farm law, and more. We will examine the legal solutions - such as meat and milk share agreements - that can farmers and small producers can employ to remain viable and grow.

Finally, we will explore the various legislative, policy, and advocacy tools that seek to expand food freedom choice for everyone, and offer guidance on how producers can build partnerships with legislators and mobilize supporters to change the rules to their benefit.

Speakers

Christine Dzujna

Monday February 24, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online

Farm Biz & Management

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers)

4:45pm PST

Organic Practices for Citrus and Avocado Growers

Monday February 24, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST

Organic production of subtropical tree crops along the coast revolves around maintaining tree health through management of irrigation, nutrients and cultural practices. Disease and pests of these trees will be discussed and practices that reduce the occurrence.

Speakers

Ben Faber

Monday February 24, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

8:00am PST

What is Carbon Farming?

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

What is “carbon farming”? As government agencies, retail corporations, and the general public have become more interested in sustainable farming, terms like “organic,” “climate-smart,” “regenerative,” and others have become the buzz words of our time – but often lose some of the meaning and power behind the original intent. Carbon farming is an emerging term to join this list, with growing interest from funding agencies and produce buyers. But what exactly is “carbon farming?”

Join a panel discussion hosted by the new Resource Conservation District (RCD) Regional Ag & Climate Hubs to explore the important role of carbon on working lands and discuss how RCDs are collaborating with farmers. Panel topics will include the basic science behind on-farm benefits of carbon, how RCDs can help growers plan and implement carbon farming, and successes and lessons learned in carbon farming in California. This presentation is aimed at helping farmers understand what carbon farming really is, improving their ability to talk about the environmental benefits their farms provide, and giving them familiarity with Carbon Farm Plans and the agencies that can fund the creation and implementation of these plans. Service providers and the general public are encouraged to join as well to deepen their understanding of these issues.

Speakers

Joshua Kouri

Central Coast Soil Hub

Margot Flynn

Sacramento Valley Regional Soil Hub Coordinator, Sacramento Valley Soil Hub

Elena Bischak

California Associations of Resource Conservation Districts

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

8:00am PST

Research on CalFresh & Other Nutrition Assistance Programs at Farmers’ Markets

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

This workshop will share research updates from three groups of UC ANR academics seeking to grow the use of CalFresh at farmers’ markets, as well as improve the experience of shoppers using CalFresh at markets. The recent funding threat to Market Match underscored the value of programs that connect direct marketing farmers and shoppers using nutrition assistance benefits. Each research program is testing interventions or listening for information that will strengthen those connections. You’ll hear about:

• NPI’s Market Match Research: In the summer of 2024, the Nutrition Policy Institute enrolled about 80 CalFresh recipients, that don’t use Market Match, in a pilot intervention testing the effectiveness of using text messages to inform participants about the Market Match program offered at a farmers’ market near their recruitment site. Participants completed an initial and follow-up survey, and a small sub-sample took part in an in-depth interview.

• CalFresh at Farmers Market Assessment Tool: UC ANR academics, Shannon Klisch and Cassandra Nguyen, collaborated to develop a tool that supports best practices for market staff to welcome CalFresh shoppers. The tool is based on a systematic review of published literature, pilot testing with market managers, and surveying content experts in the field. Practices included in the tool cover program implementation, accessibility considerations, market culture, communications about programs, and marketing.

• Sacramento Region Market Access Survey: UC Cooperative Extension Advisor Olivia Henry surveyed the managers of 70 markets in the greater Sacramento region in the spring and summer of 2024. She asked about what motivated and challenged them around CalFresh and the WIC/Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. The results point to several recommendations for public agencies and technical assistance providers.

Speakers

Samantha Sam-Chen

Project Policy Analyst, UC Nutrition Policy Institute

Cassandra Nguyen

Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension, UC Davis

Olivia Henry

Regional Food Systems Area Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension

Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online

Farmers Market Professionals

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farmers Market Professionals

9:45am PST

Grants: Preparing for the Proposal

Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST

This workshop is designed to help producers and processors who are new to grant applications. There are many steps to take prior to beginning the application process: registering with the System for Award Management, creating a mission statement, defining your goals and needs, finding programs that are the right fit, and more! This workshop will, 1) provide an overview of everything the small producer should do before beginning their proposal in order to maximize success; 2) outline the differences between private, state, and federal grants; 3) provide resources for applicants searching for the right grant for their business; and 4) provide a few basic tips and tricks for writing a proposal.

Organizer

Laura Ting

CDFA

Speakers

Logan Dreher

CDFA

Lauren McCawley

RFSI Program Manager, California Department of Food and Agriculture

Lauren McCawley is the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program Manager for the California Department of Food and Agriculture.The purpose of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program is to build resilience in the middle of the food supply chain; to provide... Read More →

Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST
Online

Farm Biz & Management

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, Farmers Market Professionals

11:30am PST

Mentorship Magic! How mentorship strengthens organic & bolsters beginning farmer success

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST

Hear from farmers who are part of the West – Southwest Transition to Organic Partnership (TOPP) Program for a conversation about the importance of farmer-to-farmer mentoring and their pivotal role in expanding organic and supporting beginner farmer success. Join the conversation and find out how to become a mentor or find a mentor!

Speakers

Justin Miller

Twin Peaks Orchard

Molly Nakahara

Education Manager, CCOF Foundation

Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online

Audience Experienced Farmers, New & Beginning Farmers

1:15pm PST

Blending Habitat Conservation & Restoration into Ag Landscapes: From Research to Reality

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST

Western Sustainable Agriculture and Research (SARE) supports farmer and rancher driven research on the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainable agriculture throughout the western U.S. and Pacific Islands. These research projects produce data-driven recommendations to assist producers and other land managers in making management decisions, such as integrating habitat conservation and restoration into agricultural landscapes.

This workshop will highlight two producers using Western SARE Farmer/Rancher grants to investigate management practices in different California landscapes to enhance sustainable agriculture.
Jesse Trace, Traceland Ranch in Cayucos, CA, will discuss his work on implementing rehydration and restoration practices, including berms, recharge basins, and plantings, to increase water infiltration and crop production as well as developing native oak cultivars for use as a food source.
Alex Palmerlee, Far View Ranch in Bangor, CA, will talk about how grazing management can aid in natural oak recruitment as a landscape-scale solution. They will share the outcomes of their own research and their experiences in conducting research through the Western SARE Farmer/Rancher grant program.

Speakers

Jesse Trace

Traceland Ranch

Alex Palmerlee

Far View Ranch Inc

Miranda Kersten

Western SARE

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

1:15pm PST

Farmers' Market Roundtable: Navigating Hot-Button Issues in Today’s Certified Farmers' Market Landscape

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST

This roundtable, hosted by the CA Alliance of Farmers' Markets, offers a dynamic space for farmers' market professionals and stakeholders to come together and discuss the most pressing issues facing the industry today. In an open and collaborative format, participants will have the opportunity to share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and explore best practices around key topics such as market regulations, vendor management, financial sustainability, marketing, nutrition incentive grants, and the evolving role of markets in local communities.

CA Farmers' Market Industry leaders Cara Mae Woodloge of Napa Farmers Markets and Minni Forman Food and Farming Program Director at the Ecology Center will facilitate the discussion

With a focus on peer-to-peer learning, this session will encourage attendees to share insights, ask questions, and provide support to one another as they navigate the complexities of operating successful farmers' markets in California.

Speakers

Cara Mae Wooledge

Executive Director, Napa Farmers Market

Minni Forman

Ecology Center

Portia Bramble

North Coast Growers' Association

Marikit Mayeno

Food and Farming Program Coordinator, Ecology Center

Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm PST
Online

Farmers Market Professionals

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farmers Market Professionals, New & Beginning Farmers

3:00pm PST

New and Ongoing Resources for Producers: Simple Grants for Compost and up to $25k for Healthy Soil Practices

Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST

It can be difficult to obtain financing for conservation practices, as many government grants are confusing with burdensome reporting. Zero Foodprint exists to make it easy for growers to access funds for conservation practices, through our Compost Connector and Restore programs. This workshop will outline how each program works including eligibility, timelines, scoring criteria, and how they can overlap. There will also be time at the end for questions and attendees will be connected to the staff members who run each program if they have further questions.

Speakers

Alana Williams

Zero Foodprint

Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

8:00am PST

Practical Tools for Implementing Regenerative Agriculture Practices

Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST

Regenerative agriculture practices can build soil health and increase the resilience of farms to climate extremes. Access to equipment and information can be a barrier to entry for farmers who wish to experiment with new practices. This workshop will include a 30 min presentation on practical equipment considerations for implementing regenerative practices on California farms. In addition, the workshop will share practical resources and tools from the Western Cover Crops Council and the University of California Cooperative Extension that farmers can use to manage cover crops and adopt other soil health practices. Stories from California farms will be shared including successes, challenges, and strategies for when things do not go as planned. There is no one-size-fits all for implementing regenerative practices in a Mediterranean climate with diverse cropping systems and short crop rotations. Big picture considerations for maintaining soil health, implementing soil building practices and selecting cover crop species will be shared.

Speakers

Sarah Light

UC Cooperative Extension

Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

9:45am PST

Soil Health In-Field Tests and Lab Analyses: What do they tell us? What are their limitations? How do they compare?

Wednesday February 26, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST

There is no one metric that can be used to quantify soil health. Instead, we rely on measurements from an array of indicators to paint a picture of what is going on in the soil. With all of the options available, how do you know which tests to use? Are the results accurate? How do you put those results into context and build strong soil health on your farm? In this workshop, we will explore the various lab analyses and in-field measurements of soil health and talk about their benefits, drawbacks, and usage for farmers and technical assistance providers.
UC Cooperative Extension and UC Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program staff will share our experiences with measuring soil health and working to develop an in-field soil health assessment for farmers in Northern California.

Speakers

Margaret Lloyd

Small and Organic Farms Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension

Lindsey Kelley

Small Farms Program Community Education Specialist, UC Cooperative Extension

Vivian Wauters

UC SAREP

Wednesday February 26, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers, General Public (including non-farmers), New & Beginning Farmers

11:30am PST

Apple Orchard Health

Wednesday February 26, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST

This virtual workshop will provide a big-picture overview of key management strategies to promote apple orchard health. We will start with a 30-minute presentation that covers soil, nutrient, and water management and Integrated Pest Management strategies for insect pests and diseases focusing on organic/agroecological approaches. This will include examples and helpful photos of visual symptoms of different issues. At the end of the presentation, I will share a quick poll with the audience to ask them to rank which aspects of orchard health they'd like to hear most about from experienced apple growers. I'll share the results with everyone so we can all see which topics are highest priority. For the remainder of the time, we'll hear from a panel of small-scale commercial apple growers to learn which strategies they use in their orchards to promote orchard health, what works best for them in their context, and why. This will help show attendees what these strategies look like in practice and how strategies can be tailored to different orchard situations. After panelists feel they have covered the attendees' identified priority topics, we'll open it up for Q&A to help attendees explore how to effectively apply these strategies in their own orchards.

Speakers

Ellie Andrews

Specialty Crops Advisor for Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties, UC Cooperative Extension

Wednesday February 26, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PST
Online

Farm Production / Practices

Audience New & Beginning Farmers, Experienced Farmers, General Public (including non-farmers), Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers

4:45pm PST

Water Rights, Rural Water Systems and Water Use Efficiency

Wednesday February 26, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST

Analysis of California water rights concerning small-scale agriculture and rural water consumers. Exploration of primary rural water systems, focusing on system reliability, life spans, and expenses. Examination of water usage efficiency, including a guide on conducting a distribution uniformity test and overall assessment of water systems, along with the importance of conducting such tests.

Speakers

Tom Hammond

Abundance Ag Engineeirng

Wednesday February 26, 2025 4:45pm - 6:00pm PST
Online

Farm Biz & Management

Audience Experienced Farmers, Farm Advisors & Technical Assistance Providers, General Public (including non-farmers), New & Beginning Farmers

2025 California Small Farm Conference

From $20.00