UC Davis

Agronomic crop production in California faces a number of challenges related to farm economics, market demand shifts, environmental regulations, labor availability, and conservation of natural resources. Given the diversity of crops and production regions in California, combined with a reduction of University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) personnel, a statewide needs assessment was conducted to identify the major concerns of UCCE’s agronomic crops clientele and their preferences for different types of extension material programming. Between July - August 2020, 483 growers, consultants, and allied industry of agronomic crop production responded to an online survey. Based on the responses, water clearly ranked as the top concern for California agronomy, while weed control and irrigation/water management were identified as the top management challenges. Crop rotation benefits were a primary reason for growing agronomic crops, with profitability and tradition ranked closely behind. In addition to water and profits, land stewardship was a high priority for growers when making management decisions. From a broader list of topics covered by UCCE research and extension, the top gaps in issues that clientele consider to be priority vs. their satisfaction with delivery of information on these topics include testing new products, water conservation and storage, irrigation management, weed control, and soil health. Based on the gap in priority and satisfaction, UCCE’s agronomy advisors should consider focusing research and extension efforts on these topics. The results or this needs assessment survey provide insights into the priorities and decision-making process of agronomic crops clientele, helping to improve regional and statewide research and extension efforts, and identifying opportunities for collaboration.