Recent anrcs items

Accepting food assistance benefits varied by market operator type at Sacramento region farmers markets

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the availability of food assistance programming at certified farmers markets in the Sacramento region of California. These programs offer nutrition benefits to shoppers and economic benefits to direct-marketing farmers and the wider regional economy. We used surveys (n = 59) and interviews (n = 9) to ask market managers about acceptance of CalFresh (the program name for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in California), WIC/Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and incentive programs. Food assistance programming was widespread: 59% of markets redeemed CalFresh, 64% accepted WIC/Senior FMNP benefits, 34% offered the incentive program Market Match and 14% offered another type of incentive. Regarding CalFresh, market managers reported that staffing needs, administrative work and lack of information were their top challenges. The most common concerns with FMNP were a perceived lack of customers, lack of participating...

Grassland biomass thresholds critical to fire behavior in California

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Anecdotal and fire behavior modeling evidence indicates that livestock grazing can reduce herbaceous fuels and improve ecosystem resilience in an era of expanding and intensifying wildfires. To quantify these effects in California, we established a statewide, multi-year (2020 to 2022) study manipulating herbaceous biomass levels within prescribed fire footprints to examine the relationship between herbaceous biomass levels and key fire behavior metrics. We identified multiple biomass thresholds that may be incorporated into land management and planning documents. Grasslands with fewer than 384 pounds (lb) per acre (43 grams per square meter [g/m²]) biomass had greater than 90% probability of stopping a fire before reaching 33 feet (ft) (10 meters [m]) while grasslands with biomass greater than 1,248 lb/acre (140 g/m²) had a near zero probability of stopping a fire before reaching 33 ft. Biomass values below 2,496 lb/acre (280 g/m²) had only a 3% probability of reaching 4 ft...

California sheep and goat ranchers adjust to wage increases

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

California’s Assembly Bill 1066 overtime-for-farm workers law increased minimum sheep and goat range herder wages by 250% in 6 years, from less than $2,000 a month in 2018 to almost $5,000 in 2025. However, higher wages did not attract domestic U.S. workers to herding: most herders in the United States are workers from Peru and Mexico who have H-2A visas. Sheep and goat ranchers responded to higher herder wages by assigning more animals to each herder, switching from monthly to hourly wages where feasible, and expanding their herds or exiting the business. More became vegetation managers, earning payments from clients when their sheep and goats consume vegetation on crop lands and solar farms and grass and brush in the urban–wildland interface to reduce wildfire risks.

4-H Sustainable Polymers curriculum strengthens youth scientific literacy

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Plastics are integral to modern life, but their production, use, and disposal also create significant environmental and social challenges, making scientific literacy about plastics important for informed civic and personal decision making. We examined how the grade 9-12 4-H Sustainable Polymers curriculum supported youth scientific literacy in two California school settings led by 4-H educators. Using a multiple case study design, we analyzed post-program focus group data from 13 high school youth with a framework that defined scientific literacy across four dimensions: science content, scientific reasoning skills, interest and attitudes, and contribution through applied participation. Youth described learning core ideas about plastics, including material properties, life cycles, and environmental impacts. They also reported using evidence through graphs, observations, research, and discussion to interpret plastics-related issues. Hands-on, materials-based activities were described...

The benefits of oak woodland restoration can exceed the costs of treating conifer encroachment

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Woody encroachment is a common threat in many fire-dependent ecosystems throughout the world. In northwestern California, conifer encroachment threatens the survival of deciduous oak woodlands and rangeland habitats, resulting in many negative impacts to flora and fauna biodiversity and livestock production. This study characterizes the benefits and costs of oak woodland restoration projects where Douglas fir is removed, weighing the timber value of the encroaching Douglas fir trees with the costs of removal and the value of post-restoration forage. Through a series of interviews and surveys, coupled with additional data collection and literature review, we found that the benefits of oak restoration through the removal of the Douglas fir encroachment exceeded the costs of treatment for landowners on average.

Nitrogen budgeting made easy for annual summer crops with a new online calculator

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The need for fertilizer nitrogen (N) highly depends on site-specific factors. In addition to fertilizers, residual soil nitrate, nitrate in the irrigation water and N mineralized from soil, organic matter can provide significant amounts of crop-available N. The need for fertilizer N can be more accurately determined by having estimations of N contribution from these sources. In this paper we discuss the factors affecting the amount of N available to summer annual crops from these sources. We introduce an online tool that calculates the amount of fertilizer N required to meet average yields expected at the field scale based on user supplied site-specific input.

New estimates show the first decline in California’s organic share of cropland

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Building on the historic leadership of California farmers in organic agriculture, statewide climate mitigation goals include increasing organic production to 20% of all cropland by 2045. The focus on cropland reflects the increased opportunity to reduce synthetic additives as compared to animal production. However, existing data limitations obscure the relative contribution of crops and animal agriculture to trends in organic production in California. Using anonymized data on organic production from the State Organic Program, the USDA Census of Agriculture, and California’s top organic certifier (CCOF), we developed statewide and county-level estimates of organic cropland and animal production. These estimates show a disproportionate growth of organic animal production over time, especially since 2014, and an overall drop in organic cropland acreage share in recent years. We estimate that only 4.5% of all California cropland is organic as of 2022. To meet the statewide organic...

Exploratory survey of rice growing practices identifies perceptions and management of weedy rice

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Weedy rice (Oryza sativa L. spp.) is an emerging weed in California rice production. To address weedy rice issues and improve extension efforts, information is needed about the prevalence of growing practices that may contribute to or prevent weedy rice infestations, and about grower awareness and perceptions of weedy rice. Using a mail-in and online survey, we gathered information in the spring of 2019 from growers and pest control advisors about their rice production practices and attitudes about weedy rice. The 157 respondents reported diverse rice production systems, growing practices, and weed management methods. Weedy rice was reported on only a small number of respondents’ farms, and most respondents did not consider weedy rice to be a serious issue for them. Survey results indicate that most respondents are already implementing practices to prevent the spread of weedy rice on the land they manage. These proactive measures will play a critical role in safeguarding...

A critique of California’s Forest Practice Rules’ capacity to accommodate resilience silviculture

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The wildfire crisis in California will likely require fundamental changes to forest practice regulations so that foresters can practice resilience silviculture that modifies forest conditions sufficiently to avoid further conversions of the landscape into non-forested vegetation types. We assessed the extent to which California’s forest practice regulations accommodate one key element of resilience silviculture: density reduction. We found that, generally, current (as of 2025) regulations do accommodate the reduction of density down to average levels that have been documented by recent reconstruction studies. However, we found them to be possibly constraining when considering the potential need to reduce density below historical levels. Our assessment found that foresters do not utilize an existing mechanism that allows them to reduce densities to lower levels, suggesting an area for further investigation. Recent changes that allow California Environmental Quality Act exemptions...

Building soil health: Lessons learned from seven field trials on the California Central Coast

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

California’s Healthy Soils Program (HSP) funds demonstration projects to assess and showcase the impact of HSP practices in California agroecosystems. Here, we summarize findings from seven controlled field trials, each 2 to 3 years in length, and assess the potential of various HSP practices to improve soil health and mitigate climate change in California’s Central Coast vineyards, orchards, cropland, and rangeland. The effect of compost application on soil health and carbon (C) sequestration varied between trials and was impacted by application rate, compost source, and soil properties. Reducing tillage intensity decreased yield in one of three project years and had limited effects on soil health and C sequestration in dryland forage, while no-till did not affect yield or winegrape quality in a biodynamic vineyard. Cover crops in two lemon orchards also showed few effects, likely due to low biomass production of rainfed cover crops during drought. We emphasize the importance...

Harvest Aid Materials and Practices for California Cotton: A Study Guide for Agricultural Consultants and Pest Control Adviser

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Harvest Aid Materials and Practices for California Cotton: A Study Guide for Agricultural Consultants and Pest Control Adviser

Efficient Urban Water Management: Using Remote Sensing to Monitor and Manage Irrigated Landscape in Inland Southern California

Thu, 6 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Efficient Urban Water Management: Using Remote Sensing to Monitor and Manage Irrigated Landscape in Inland Southern California

Effective Management of Roof Rats in Nut and Fruit Orchards in California

Thu, 6 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Effective Management of Roof Rats in Nut and Fruit Orchards in California

Defunding SNAP-Ed: The Impact on California’s Health Departments & Communities

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This Nutrition Policy Institute research brief outlines the impacts of the defunding of SNAP-Ed on statewide nutrition and physical activity programming, as shared by representatives of the California Department of Public Health and local health departments across the state.

Key to the Phytoseiid Predatory Mites Found on California Crops

Wed, 8 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Key to the Phytoseiid Predatory Mites Found on California Crops

California Naturalist Series: Natural History of the Sierra Nevada

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This publication explores the unique biological diversity and natural features of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Topics covered include bioregions, geography, ecology, environments, geology, climate, and human influence.

Profiles of California Brush: Targeted Grazing to Reduce Fire Fuel Loads in California Chaparral Series Part 1

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Profiles of California Brush: Targeted Grazing to Reduce Fire Fuel Loads in California Chaparral Series Part 1

Pathways to your Future: Managing and Preparing for after high school education/training and careers Grades 9-12

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pathways to your Future: Managing and Preparing for after high school education/training and careers Grades 9-12

Managing Small Ruminant Nutrition in Chaparral: Targeted grazing to reduce fire fuel loads in California Chapparal Series, Part 2

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Managing Small Ruminant Nutrition in Chaparral: Targeted grazing to reduce fire fuel loads in California Chapparal Series, Part 2

Efficient Urban Water Management: Smart Soil Moisture Sensor-Based Irrigation Controllers

Wed, 1 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Urban water conservation is very important in California given the limited amount of available freshwater. Landscape irrigation is the largest user of urban water in Southern California. Therefore, it is important to schedule irrigation properly to avoid water loss while keeping plants healthy. Smart irrigation controllers can help save water by adjusting irrigation based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels. This publication focuses on soil moisture sensor-based irrigation controllers that can be used for landscape irrigation management in different urban settings, including residential areas. These controllers monitor soil moisture levels and use this information to avoid unnecessary irrigation, helping reduce water waste. This publication provides essential information to help readers understand the science behind these controllers and how to use and maintain them in practice. Available rebate programs for purchasing smart irrigation controllers and soil moisture...

Efficient Urban Water Management: Science-Based Plant Selection for Inland Southern California Landscapes to Optimize Landscape Water Use and Mitigate the Urban Heat Island Effect

Wed, 1 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This publication summarizes research-based plant factor information for eighteen plant species that can be easily programmed into smart ET-based irrigation controllers. It also provides information on the evaporative cooling potential of the selected plant species.

Natural History of the Central Coast Bioregion

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

California’s Central Coast Bioregion embodies exceptional biological diversity and natural beauty. Across the bioregion’s 15,000 square miles, physical and biological processes, combined with time and human actions, have resulted in a broad range of ecosystems, each harboring distinct assemblages of plants and animals.

California Naturalist Series: Natural History of the California Current

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this publication, we dive into the ocean off California’s shore and explore the physical oceanography, coastal ecology, and management practices that define it.

“Pocket parks” promise climate resiliency on a small scale. Are they working?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

UCCE specialist Monica Palta and UC Irvine colleagues to study value of small-scale green spaces.

Foresters, prescribed-fire experts swap knowledge to reduce wildfire impacts

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Program in El Dorado County shows many benefits of “good fire”, training events.

Clima y enfermedades causan la muerte de árboles en varias regiones de California.

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Los patógenos y plagas de las plantas, la urbanización y los cambios climáticos están cambiando la variedad o distribución natural de los árboles californianos.

Investigadores de UC ANR apoyan a los viveros de California

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Durante la Conferencia de Invernaderos 2025, además de charlas, hubo recorridos en invernaderos y atención personalizada a dudas de los productores.

Volunteer programs are effective at reducing urban water use in Marin County, California

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Reducing irrigation usage for residential landscapes is a key strategy for managing water demand, but many property owners struggle to implement effective water conservation. Garden Walks is an educational program that supports trained volunteers to visit local residential properties. They suggest improvements to irrigation systems, mulch usage, grouping plants based on similar water needs, and other water-efficient landscaping techniques. Working with a Marin County water district, we measured water use for 481 households participating in Garden Walks and 478 non-participating households for six years to assess potential water savings. On average, participating households used 7,780 gallons less water in an irrigation season (8% less) than non-participating households. Much of the water savings appears to have come from leak detection. Irrigation leaks were detected in 6% of participating households, and fixing those leaks accounted for nearly 40% of program water savings.

For California walnut drying, fuel choice and improved training and automation may reduce energy consumption

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Drying is an energy-intensive step in walnut production, accounting for 19% of processing costs and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This study surveyed 19 California walnut drying facilities to update energy consumption estimates and identify factors influencing energy use. The variables analyzed included production volume, implementation of energy conservation strategies, the type of fuel used for drying, and ambient air conditions (temperature and relative humidity). The results show that the average energy consumption for walnut drying in California was 1.156 million British thermal units per short ton of in-shell dried walnuts, 11.1% lower than 2009 estimates. Natural gas facilities used 41.5% less energy than those using propane. The type of fuel used for drying was the only factor that significantly affected energy consumption; energy conservation strategies, including in-bin moisture meters and air recirculation, did not have a significant impact. This suggests...

Reforestation Manual for California Conifers

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Reforestation practices for California’s conifer forests have evolved greatly in the four decades since they were last documented. Experts in reforestation share their developments in the field and offer safe and effective practices for protecting California’s vast array of conifers.

Blackeye Bean Production in California, Second Edition

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Blackeye Bean Production in California is a production manual that covers the growth and development of blackeye beans; preplanting decisions such as which cropping system and which plant variety to use; major growing-season activities such as fertilization, irrigation, pest management, and harvesting; and marketing of the crop

Central Valley decision support tool helps predict yield and profitability response to irrigation with saline water

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study introduces a novel decision support web tool (https://doi.org/10.15140/D3J04K) to assist farmers and policymakers in managing salinity in California’s Central Valley. The tool integrates agronomic, economic and spatial data to predict crop yield and profitability under varying irrigation water salinity. This resource also supports policymakers and groundwater sustainability agencies in identifying areas where saline groundwater prevents profitable farming and prioritizing those areas for land repurposing to reduce agricultural water demand. We evaluated the tool by predicting yield and profitability for alfalfa, almonds, pistachios, table grapes, and processing tomatoes under varying salinity at field and regional scales. Alfalfa maintained high yields and profitability across varying salinity levels, while table grapes showed strong economic resilience; however, almonds were most sensitive to water quality degradation. The spatial analysis indicated regional variation,...

Ten Years of Wolf-Livestock Interactions and Cooperative Extension Work in Northern California

Tue, 9 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Livestock-predator interactions are common-place on the millions of acres of public and private ranches throughout California. The toolbox to mitigate these interactions has ebbed and flowed over the years with changes in political climate and public interest in predators. The first California gray wolf in recent history crossed the California/Oregon state line border on December 28, 2011, thus making gray wolves the most recent predator to be added to the livestock-predator equation. With them came a whole new set of challenges as well as new rules for producers to follow as wolves are provided protection under the Federal and California Endangered Species Act. The California wolf population has currently grown to over seven known established packs that have established throughout the state. With this increase in wolves also came impacts to the state’s $3.63 billion range livestock industry including direct losses through depredation of cattle and sheep. University of California...

There's a path forward in the San Joaquin Valley to benefit farmers, communities, and nature — but only if we plan . . . and plant

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

There's a path forward in the San Joaquin Valley to benefit farmers, communities, and nature — but only if we plan . . . and plant

Survey of California dairy nutritionists on extent of byproduct usage

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Byproduct feedstuffs play a crucial role in California dairy rations and contribute to the sustainability of the industry, but the extent of their usage in the state has not been widely investigated. In March 2022, we sent a byproduct feeding and management survey via email to 61 dairy cattle nutritionists in California. Twenty-six completed surveys were included in the final data analysis (response rate = 46%; n = 26/61). Nutritionists reported servicing 498 dairy farms that represented approximately 936,700 milking cows. Respondents serviced mostly cows housed in San Joaquin Valley herds (87.6%), with some cows housed in Northern California (5.5%) and Southern California (6.9%) regions. Survey respondents also reported 58 byproducts that were fed on California dairies; almond hulls and whole cottonseed were the most frequently utilized byproducts. The average lactating ration byproduct inclusion rate was...

4-H Project Sheet: Food Waste Busters

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Youth learn to reduce food waste at home and in their community while building skills in sustainability, STEM, leadership, and civic action through hands-on learning.

“El Cafecito al Mediodía”: Un puente entre la ciencia, la comunidad y el corazón latino

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Spanish-language podcast goes behind the scenes with UC ANR’s Latino staff and academics to provide science-based information to audiences across California and beyond.

The (chicken) show must go on: 4-H turns bird flu into learning opportunity

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

4-H animal education programs and poultry competitions evolve with the ongoing bird flu outbreak.

What influences movement of coyotes through Los Angeles?

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

UC scientists report that wealth, pollution and population density affect how coyotes move and adapt to urban areas.

UC Cooperative Extension advisor provides first-of-its-kind avocado irrigation data

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Study findings from Southern California avocado orchards help growers save water and money.

California farmers are turning to nonfarm employers to fill lower wage seasonal jobs

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

California’s agricultural employers hired an average 414,000 workers between 2018 and 2023 and reported an average 886,000 unique farmworkers each year, a ratio of 2.1 workers for each average or full-time equivalent (FTE) job. The ratio of two workers for each FTE job is stable, but a rising share of workers are brought to farms by nonfarm crop support firms, including farm labor contractors (FLCs). Farmers outsource seasonal and specialized tasks to crop support firms to save money by paying for labor and other services when they are needed. FLCs account for two-thirds of average crop support employment, which highlights the challenge of regulating the intermediaries whose average employment is about the same as for workers hired directly by crop farmers.

Los equipos de restauración forestal rápida son efectivos, según un reporte de UCCE

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Plantar árboles inmediatamente tras un incendio forestal es crucial para las comunidades, ecosistemas y objetivos sobre carbono.

Adoption patterns of on-farm nutrient management practices and nitrogen application rates in California's Central Valley

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Nitrogen fertilizers in irrigated agriculture improve cropland productivity, but contribute to groundwater contamination, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. While California has implemented agricultural water quality regulations since the 1980s, targeted efforts to address nitrate contamination through nitrogen application reporting and management have been emphasized more recently under the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. This study uses a unique, field-level dataset from the Kings River Water Quality Coalition in California’s Central Valley to examine nitrogen management practices, including common combinations of practices (bundling), across crop types. The analysis draws on four years of data from Irrigation and Nutrient Management Plans and details nitrogen application and management strategies. The results show that in 80% of fields across crops, between 50 and 300 pounds per acre (lbs/acre) of nitrogen is applied. Crop-level nitrogen applied minus nitrogen...

A Review of Over a Hundred Years of Plague Surveillance in Orange County, California, 1909-2022

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, has been in California for over a century, infecting humans, animals, and fleas. The first human case in Southern California was reported in 1908 in the city of Long Beach, Los Angeles County. Since then, sporadic detections of plague have occurred in animals, fleas, and people across the region, including an urban outbreak that resulted in at least 32 confirmed human cases and 31 deaths in 1924 in Los Angeles. In preparation for the 1953 national Boy Scout Jamboree planned in Orange County, Y. pestis-positive fleas were detected in 1946 from a pool of 107 fleas collected from seven California ground squirrels at the planned event site. This discovery prompted extensive rodent and flea control efforts in 1952, with state and county health authorities closely monitoring the site to safeguard attendees. Following these measures, no plague-positive fleas or animals were detected at the location. In 1975, responsibility for plague surveillance...

Harmful Chemicals in Urban Soils: A Step-by-Step Guide to Soil Testing and Risk Reduction for Urban Food Growers

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A factsheet describing how to follow safer growing practices, assess risk, and test soil when planting in urban landscapes.

The Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management’s Ad Hoc Feral Swine/Wild Pig Working Group (Abstract)

Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management, established in 1995 (https:// www.fws .gov/international-affairs/trilateral-committee), has brought together the United States, Mexico, and Canada, for nearly three decades to foster common goals for conservation. The Trilateral Committee facilitates collaboration of the three North American nations’ wildlife agencies (Canada - Canadian Wildlife Service; Mexico – SEMARNAT; USA - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and their partners, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to promote projects and programs of mutual interest to protect and preserve biological resources and ecosystems across borders. Annually, delegates from each country come together in the spring to solidify partnerships, discuss on-the-ground projects, law enforcement issues, the exchange of ideas and resources, and work to develop shared information databases. Although the committee touches on a wide range of ecological...

Towards an Automated Camera Trap Monitoring System with Satellite and Drone Upload Capabilities for Island Invasive Mammal Surveillance

Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Invasive mammals pose a significant threat to native island ecosystems. However, detecting and removing mammals at low densities remains a costly and challenging endeavor. While camera traps (CTs) are effective detection tools they must be manually visited to collect data for analysis, confirmation of target animal detection, and subsequent management action. Deploying CTs in remote, inaccessible, or dangerous areas leads to delayed data collection and processing, hindering timely management efforts. To decrease time, costs, and risks associated with CTs Conservation X Labs developed a prototype automated monitoring system called the Sentinel. The Sentinel plugs directly into CTs, processes sequences of collected images to detect if animals are present using on-board machine learning models. Within several hours of CT the first trigger event, the Sentinel transmits text-based metadata of animal detections, termed insights, via low bandwidth satellite communication protocols to...

Tapered deficit irrigation strategies can reduce water use in processing tomatoes

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

California processing tomato growers must adapt their irrigation management practices to cope with frequent droughts and increasingly limited groundwater supplies. Processing tomatoes’ water stress tolerance provides a water savings opportunity through deficit irrigation. However, it is important to initiate deficit irrigation at key growth stages to maintain yields. We conducted a deficit irrigation experiment over three years using a randomized block design with four treatments in three commercially operated fields in Fresno County. A tapered deficit treatment was applied, where the amount of water deficit was increased partway through the deficit period to ease the crop into higher water stress while further reducing irrigation. In all three seasons, there were no differences between treatments in yield, with some seasons having an improvement in Brix with the higher deficit treatments. This was achieved with up to a 29% reduction in irrigation compared to the grower’s standard...

A case study of evapotranspiration at five almond orchards on a spectrum of conventional to regenerative management

Tue, 8 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In an increasingly unstable climate, it is critical to optimize water needed for crop irrigation to secure food production and livelihoods while reducing environmental impacts. Here, we focus on water use for almonds — a crop that occupies roughly 20% of the irrigated agricultural land in California and has long been the focus of scrutiny. Regenerative agriculture, a term used to describe system designs that increase soil health, biodiversity, resilience to climate, and profitability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and pollution, offers a potential way forward. We used eddy covariance, micrometeorological, and soil moisture measurements from 2022 and 2023 to quantify the evapotranspiration of California almond orchards under different soil and plant management practices and produce comprehensive estimates of the water footprint of different management systems. In five almond orchards, we find that there is little difference between evapotranspiration at...

Pocket Gophers (Thomomys spp.): Nuisance Pest or Vector? (Poster)

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Approximately one third of all calls received by ACVCSD, Alameda County Vector Control Services District, are for rodents. One overlooked rodent species commonly encountered in Alameda County is the pocket gopher. In 2022, gophers accounted for the 8th-highest amount of service requests of 32 different vertebrate species-related services offered at Alameda County Vector Control. The potential monetary loss and physical damage caused by just one or two gophers is enough to cause significant distress to homeowners. Gophers are a particularly bothersome nuisance pest to homeowners, but are they only a nuisance pest, or are they also a vector? Pocket gophers can harbor ectoparasites, which can pass on diseases to other animals and potentially to people if exposed. However, because they live almost exclusively underground, gophers are not likely to encounter people, therefore the risk is likely minimal. To best control pocket gophers, it is essential to consider Integrated Vector Management...

The Demographic and Evolutionary Consequences of Fertility Reduction in Rats: How Pesticides and Sterilants Act Like Sexual Selection

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Rat population control is complicated by the rapid evolution of non-responsiveness to rodenticide treatment within populations. Population control using contraceptives could mitigate evolved resistance if non-responsiveness to contraceptives evolves more slowly than non-responsiveness to rodenticides. Our presentation has two parts. First, we use an age-dependent demographic model and classic data from natural populations to explore how contraceptives may control rat population size. We show that: (a) fertility reduction applied early in female lifetimes is effective in controlling rat population growth, and (b) is effective in controlling rat populations that are expanding. Consistent with model predictions, (c) field application of contraceptive bait decreased the total number of rats and the proportion of juvenile to adult rats observed in camera traps over a one-year urban study. Secondly, we illustrate a method for delaying and possibly eliminating the evolution of non-responsiveness...

Lettuce Production in California

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This publication provides information on production of lettuce. Information is included on varieties, seeding, irrigation, fertility and pest management.

Broccoli Production in California

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This publication provides information on production of broccoli. Information is included on varieties, seeding, irrigation, fertility, pest management, harvesting, packing, and marketing.

Investigating Sudden Death in Beef Cattle Herds on Range or Pasture

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A systematic approach to the investigation of sudden cattle deaths on pasture can help identify a cause and prevent future deaths. This publication is a guide for ranchers and extension advisors on information and sample collection.

Economic Impacts of Wintering Geese to Agricultural Operations in the Sacramento Valley of California

Fri, 7 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Over 2.2 million geese rely on California’s Central Valley for critical wintering habitat during the non-breeding season, with 80% over-wintering in the Sacramento Valley region. The wintering goose population has nearly doubled compared to estimates reported in 2006; notably, lesser snow geese (Anser caerulescens caerulescens) make up over half of all wintering geese. Despite changes to hunting regulations, lesser snow goose populations remain consistently high and have resulted in human-wildlife conflicts with farming and livestock operations. Damage by geese to pastures and planted winter crops is not a new phenomenon in the Sacramento Valley, but many farmers and ranchers report that the problem has dramatically increased since 2018, with damages in 2023 the worst they have experienced. To quantify the financial impact that occurred in 2023 in Yolo, Solano, and Sacramento counties, we partnered with county Agricultural Commissioners to survey farmers and ranchers about their...

Efficacy of BurrowRx® Fumigation for Control of Richardson’s (Urocitellus richardsonii) and Columbian Ground Squirrels (Urocitellus columbianus) in Montana: Two Pilot Studies

Fri, 7 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In recent years, landowners and pest management professionals have expressed increasing interest in methods that can control burrowing rodents without the residual and secondary poisoning risk characteristic of many rodenticides. Carbon monoxide injectors constitute one method that meets those requirements. The author tested the BurrowRx® to determine the injection time needed to successfully fumigate burrows occupied by Richardson’s and Columbian ground squirrels in Montana. Efficacy for control of Richardson’s ground squirrels on combined locations was 80% with a 60-second injection time and 44% with a 180-second injection time for Columbian ground squirrels. Average number of burrows and relative size for both species was collected also.

The Recovery of the Aleutian Cackling Goose: From Great Success to Dreaded Pest

Fri, 7 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aleutian cackling geese are one of the greatest wildlife management success stories to date in North America. The Aleutian goose was listed as Federally endangered in 1967 with total population counts below 800 individuals into the mid-1970s before the population recovered to what it is today. This species of goose nests on the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, USA and undergoes a 2000-mile transoceanic flight to and from California’s North Coast. The North Coast is an important staging area for the birds where they benefit from nutrient-rich agricultural pasture lands for energy reserves. Results from 2023 spring waterfowl surveys estimated the Aleutian goose population at 212,113 individuals, approximately 353% greater than the 60,000-bird population target of the Pacific Flyway Aleutian Goose Management Plan. Local agriculturalists have been integral partners in restoration efforts by providing habitat and protections for this species. After population recovery was declared and the...

Urban wildfire impacts water, soil and wildlife

Fri, 7 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

UC experts offer tips on testing drinking water and rehabilitating gardens after an urban wildfire.

To limit bird flu spread, keep wild birds away from poultry, livestock

Fri, 7 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Waterfowl Alert Network data help assess the risk of avian influenza H5N1.

El cambio climático transforma y desafía a la agricultura

Fri, 7 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A medida que el clima continue cambiando, los riesgos a la agricultura seguirán creciendo.

Tracking Wildlife Seasonality of Mesocarnivores in Alameda County, California

Fri, 7 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Alameda County Vector Control Services District (ACVCSD) responds to requests for service regarding mesocarnivores due to their proximity to humans and potential as a rabies vector. Mesocarnivore related calls are the most common wildlife related calls with striped skunks, raccoons, and Virginia opossums being the most common species. They are adapted to suburban and urban environments and readily exploit human resources. We investigated these requests for services and categorized them by call type. We looked at the frequency of call types related to potentially seasonal behaviors and created a histogram to determine if certain types of calls are seasonal and if they are seasonal, to determine the temporal range and peak frequencies. We then compared the frequency and temporal range of these call types with information from academic institutions. We used this information to create an estimated timeline when these behaviors occur in Alameda County.

Wild Pig Behavioral Response to Aerial Gunning in Southwest Georgia, U.S.A.

Fri, 7 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the United States, costs of wild pig damage to natural resources and control exceed $1.5 billion annually. Aerial gunning from helicopters can rapidly reduce wild pig populations, and understanding wild pig behavioral response to aerial gunning may offer insight into control measures to enhance efficacy of removal campaigns. We used camera trapping to quantify wild pig detection rates and activity patterns during four periods (Before, During, After, and Long After i.e., approximately one month after cessation) associated with a helicopter aerial gunning campaign that took place only during daylight hours. Relative to Before aerial gunning, daytime wild pig detection rates among study periods were similar but nighttime detection rates declined During, After, and Long After gunning. However, wild pig detection rates within closed canopy forests increased During and After the campaign relative to Before, suggesting that aerial gunning increased wild pig preference for overhead...

Five Years of Progress: A Summary of the Current Capabilities for Drone-Based Delivery of Rodenticide for Rodent Eradication Projects

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Invasive rodent species represent a principal threat to global biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, particularly on islands. The development of aerial dispersal of rodenticide bait from helicopters in the 1990s was a major innovation credited with driving an increase in the scale, scope, and pace of successful eradication attempts. Helicopter-based operations can, however, be logistically complex and prohibitively costly, particularly on islands that are small and remote. Uncrewed aerial vehicles (or “drones”) have been identified as a promising tool to enable bait distribution on sites for which helicopter or ground-based methods are unfeasible. We report on the early evolution of this tool, documenting six drone-assisted rodent suppression and eradication programs widely spread across the Pacific. Drones were transportable on aircraft, cars, and small vessels, offering cost savings and logistical efficiency when compared with helicopters. They also proved to be a viable means...

Advancing Research in the Field of Non-lethal Beaver Damage Management

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Beavers serve critical ecological functions and play the role of keystone species in wetland ecosystems. Yet, their ecological engineering can sometimes cause flooding or other damage to human infrastructure and agriculture necessitating management action. In an effort to preserve the ecological benefits of beavers while mitigating damages, many stakeholders increasingly seek non-lethal solutions that are part of the USDA Wildlife Services (WS) Integrated Wildlife Damage Management approach. Research at the Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center aims to expand this portfolio by investigating drivers of beaver damage and developing, evaluating, and refining effective tools for non-lethal beaver management. In this paper we provide an overview of non-lethal beaver management tools showing promise in field operations, including: 1) physically excluding beaver from key areas; 2) managing water flow around beaver impoundments; 3) translocating beaver colonies from damaging...

Xenosurveillance of Wild Pigs Using Mosquito Bloodmeals

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Feral swine are an abundant invasive species that are heavily managed in the United States. We used DNA extracted from the bloodmeals of mosquitos to detect free ranging feral swine in south central Florida. DNA was of a sufficient quantity and quality that downstream applications such as genotyping or Sangar sequencing were feasible. Preliminary analyses were able to detect feral swine in blood-fed mosquitos.

Canine Assistance to Increase Vole-Trapping Efficiency and Effectiveness

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

We explored whether canine assistance would significantly improve efficiency and effectiveness of snap-trapping for non-chemical management of voles. We expected dogs’ abilities to indicate real-time vole proximity could improve efficiency enough to render snap-trapping a feasible management tool at limited scales and where use of rodenticides is inappropriate. Timing was a critical component of our approach. Trapping commenced early January and thence every 14 days through mid-March, intended to directly reduce reproductive capacity by removing potential breeders before onset of breeding season and reducing early-season damage. We compared dog-assisted trapper efficiency and effectiveness to an “unassisted” human trapper working to scout and trap plots of the same size within the same field. We compared trap success (# voles killed per # traps set), efficiency (# voles killed per minutes spent searching and marking holes), and total search time invested. A late (March) pilot...

Uptake, utilization, and satisfaction with employer sponsored health insurance in a population of vineyard farmworkers

Tue, 4 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

California farmworkers experience lower health outcomes and underutilize health services compared with the general population, impacting their well-being and farm productivity. Employer sponsored health insurance facilitates access to health services and represents one method for improving farmworker health outcomes, but more knowledge is needed to promote employee uptake and utilization. From 2021 to 2023, we surveyed 497 vineyard workers in Napa County on their views of health insurance. Offering insurance has a large impact on benefits satisfaction. However, satisfaction is limited and uptake low when employers contribute less than 80% to the annual premium. This is principally because when the cost to them is greater, farm employees opt out of health insurance to avoid wage reductions to prioritize other essential living costs. Seasonal workers opt out at especially high rates because they are offered the lowest employer premium contributions and are simultaneously the...

Effectiveness of herbicide control methods for coyote brush on the North Coast of California