http://ucanr.org/blogs/venturacountyucce/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed Serving agriculture and residents since 1914 en-us UC ANR http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/ Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:15:57 PST Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:15:57 PST UC ANR There are several different species of mealybugs, with a wide range of hosts. High populations of these insects can slow growth and cause plant damage. UC IPM Online’s Pests in Gardens and Landscapes resource provides readers with photos and text to identify and manage mealybugs.  Topics include: Identification of species Life cycle Damage Solutions Resources for commercial growers can be found here.
]]> Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:15:57 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6790&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6790 The recent issue of UC’s California Agriculture is packed with interesting and informative articles. Two articles help to directly connect farmers and consumers. All articles can be accessed online. Please see topics below: 150 years after Morrill Act, land-grant universities are key to healthy California Uncertain future for California’s biomass power plants Community Supported Agriculture is thriving in the Central Valley UC Cooperative Extension explores a farm-to-WIC program Crop...
]]> Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:40:34 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6771&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6771 On Tuesday, March 6 UC Hansen Agricultural Center (UC HAC) will hold a preschool open house from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Preschoolers and their grown-ups are invited to participate in the following activities: Story time in the garden Herbie the Seed Puppet Worms Plant a seed Zoo garden hunt Attendees are invited to enjoy snacks or lunch from home at on-site picnic tables. No food or drink will be available for purchase. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. To...
]]> Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:35:02 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6767&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6767 The 2011 UC Master Gardener Vegetable Demonstration Garden Project has recently finished. A group of certified Master Gardeners and trainees spent time each week from January 27 through December 15 learning vegetable gardening techniques through hands-on experience. They documented their project so that they could impart lessons learned throughout the2011 project. This article is the sixth in a series to share this knowledge. Garden tools: Tools in the garden can save time and effort.  ...
]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:25:54 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6751&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6751 Co-sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension Groundwater Hydrology Program, Groundwater Resources Association of California (GRA) will present an educational opportunity February 28-29 at Buehler Alumni Center, located on the UC Davis campus. Directed toward a broad audience, the Introduction to Groundwater and Watershed Hydrology: Monitoring, Assessment and Protection short course will be taught by experienced instructors. From GRA’s website: “This short course will review the fundamental...
]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:56:01 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6746&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6746 The recent LA Times article, Farm Team: Two chefs spend a year at Windrose Farm, lending labor and know-how, and learning from the ground up is an interesting and entertaining article related to the business of farming. Farmers are busy, multi-talented people. They must have skills in a wide variety of areas for their business to survive. As the LA Times article explains slight adjustments in operations have the potential to make a profound difference on the bottom line. UC’s Farm Business...
]]> Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:43:07 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6733&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6733 Biological control can be used to control pests and the damage they cause in gardens, landscapes, agricultural, range and wildlands. What is biological control? Biological control is using natural enemies to reduce the numbers of pests. Natural enemies include: predators, parasites, pathogens and competitors. Pests include: pest insects, mites, weeds, pathogens, nematodes and vertebrate pests. Using biological control methods can reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides....
]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:37:53 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6719&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6719 The joint meeting of the 58th Annual Conference on Soilborne Plant Pathogens (formerly Soil Fungus Conference) and the 44th Annual California Nematology Workgroup will be held March 20-22, 2012 in San Marino, California at the Huntington Botanical Gardens. The focus of this year’s symposium will be Ornamental and Landscape Pathology.  Speakers will be Akif Eskalen and Antoon Ploeg, University of California, Riverside; and Jim Downer, UC Cooperative Extension, Ventura County. To learn more...
]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:35:57 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6702&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6702 A new addition of UC ANR’s Topics in Subtropics newsletter has posted to our website. This is a collaborative effort from UC researchers throughout the state, written for commercial producers. Newsletter content includes: Vertebrate damage Chemical thinning of olives Tips on producing the earliest early citrus in the San Joaquin Valley Herbicide registration chart Resource and market information for enterprise selection. To view previous issues, or to subscribe to any of our...
]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:56:20 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6693&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6693 Cooperatives allow groups of people to accomplish more collectively than as individuals. This private business model is owned and controlled by the people who use its products, supplies, or services. Cooperatives vary in type and size, but all are formed to meet the objectives of their members. UC’s Small Farm Program has a collection of online resources for those interested in learning more about cooperatives. Topics include: What is a Cooperative Starting a Cooperative Publications...
]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:42:36 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6679&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6679 Water that drains out of our washing machines, bathtubs and showers is graywater. Graywater can be reused in the yard to water plants and trees. Although graywater use is common in some areas, recycling graywater is controversial in other areas. As of August 2009 Laundry-to-Landscape systems can be installed in California without a permit. Learn more about these systems at the Casitas Municipal Water District’s free Gray Water Workshop this Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 9:00 am to noon. To...
]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:36:57 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6670&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6670 The 2011 UC Master Gardener Vegetable Demonstration Garden Project has recently finished. A group of certified Master Gardeners and trainees spent time each week from January 27 through December 15 learning vegetable gardening techniques through hands-on experience. They documented their project so that they could impart lessons learned throughout the2011 project. This article is the fifth in a series to share this knowledge. Irrigation: Proper irrigation is vital to plant health. Drip...
]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:53:13 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6666&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6666 Persistence and collaboration often make success possible. Ventura County 4-H All-Stars Savanna Stanley and Dayle Morris have used both to keep their All-Star project at Ormond Beach moving forward. Despite many obstacles, they have kept working together  with the community to make their goals a reality. Quang Tong, former California State 4-H Program Representative, was quoted in a December 28, 2011 Ventura County Star article as saying… “Both young ladies have demonstrated what is best...
]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:34:33 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6625&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6625 Mowing habits have a big impact on lawn appearance and health. Improper mowing can lead to thinning, weeds, pests, buildup of debris, and more. Cutting your grass to the right height at the right time can do much to help keep your lawn healthy and beautiful. UC ANR’s Mowing Your Lawn and “Grasscycling” publication can help you determine how much and how often to cut. Topics include: How high to mow? When to mow? What to do with the clippings? Mowing equipment Mower safety Additional...
]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:09:37 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6638&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6638 Nominations are now open for the 2012 Pedro Ilic Awards. When UC’s Small Farm Program was established in 1979, Pedro Ilic was one of the original advisors. His untimely death in 1994 prompted the program to honor those who carry out his legacy of personal commitment to small-scale and family farming. Each year these awards honor an educator and a farmer who embody characteristics that helped make Ilic a success. The awards will be presented at the California Small Farm Conference, March 4-6...
]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:44:47 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6624&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6624 The 2011 UC Master Gardener Vegetable Demonstration Garden Project has recently finished. A group of certified Master Gardeners and trainees spent time each week from January 27 through December 15 learning vegetable gardening techniques through hands-on experience. They documented their project so that they could impart lessons learned throughout the2011 project. This article is the fourth in a series to share this knowledge. Garden planting: Gardens can be planted directly with seeds or...
]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:30:57 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6618&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6618 The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) continues to be found in several California counties.  New finds are being made on a weekly basis.  Ventura County and others with this pest remain in quarantine, which means fruit and plant material movement is restricted in these counties. UC’s Elizabeth Grafton-Cardwell has recently provided an update on LA’s urban infestation. The update can be found on UC ANR’s Citrus Bugs Blog. UC researchers have begun releasing Tamarixia radiate in Riverside County and...
]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:35:07 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6593&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6593 California agricultural producers and consumers rely on wild bee species to pollinate crops. Wild bees pollinate more than one third of California’s pollinator-dependent crops. These crops are currently estimated to be worth $11.7 billion annually. Many of these bees live in neighboring livestock rangelands, and provide diversification vital to sustaining our food supply. Researchers have found that in addition to the economic benefits of pollination, animal pollinators provide up to 40...
]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:35:56 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6579&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6579 Later this month, local area youth will be joining other 4-Hers from the southern section of our state for a Teen Involvement Conference. At the conference youth will gain leadership and teamwork skills while participating in community service activities. This year those attending the conference will be putting together care packages for our troops overseas. Ventura County 4H participants are currently requesting donations and could use your help. Items requested are as...
]]> Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:29:52 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6567&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6567
]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:01:29 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6506&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed cmwebb@ucdavis.edu(Chris M. Webb) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6506