Page 2 — June 2017
PURPLE POWER Deerhaven Herb & Flower Farm prepares for lavender harvest By JOHANNA MILLER
urning onto Bonny Doon Road from Highway 1 north of Santa Cruz, one can expect a number of different sights and smells. Wildflowers flank the paved road at first, pushing out onto the pavement persistently. Then there are damp, cool redwood groves. After a quick jog onto Martin Road, a wide expanse of meadow is revealed. Deerhaven Herb and Flower Farm is located on the 10-acre meadow. Surrounded by the forest of the Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve, a nature preserve which protects various rare plant and animals species, the farm is an ideal place to grow the popular herb.
T
“We have our own microclimate right here,” said Deerhaven owner Mary Jessen. “It is perfect for lavender. The sandy soil, all the direct sunlight — herbs love it.” Mary and her husband David bought the farm from The Nature Conservancy in 1992. They had been tenants on the property since 1981 and saw an opportunity to revive the estate. The farm itself has been many things in the past. An old firehouse is located on the farm, now used as a home for Jessen’s daughter and her family. It was once a Christmas Tree farm, a turkey ranch, a fruit orchard, and even a bootleg vineyard during Prohibition. “This place definitely has a colorful history,” David said, laughing. “It just continues to evolve.” On June 11, 2008, Deerhaven was almost completely destroyed by the Martin Wildfire, which ended up burning more than 500 acres of land. A number of structures at Deerhaven were lost, including Mary’s soap shop. Today, burnt trees still line the property. But the Jessens were able to use the event to their advantage. They realized that with all the areas the fire had cleared away, they could now plant and grow twice as many lavender plants. “It was almost a blessing in disguise,” Mary
Photo by Johanna Miller
Violet Intrigue is an English variant of lavender, and is often used to produce oil and perfumes, and for cooking.
said. “Since the fire, lavender has become our main draw.” The Jessens see lavender as a niche market. It is something unique but popular that they could also enjoy growing. The plant is also one that gophers and deer, both common to the estate, don’t go after. Mary said it’s nice, for once, to be able to coexist with the deer instead of worrying about them eating her roses. For the most part, Deerhaven grows two varietals of the lavender: Grosso and Violet Intrigue. The lavender, which is 100 percent organic, not only gets sold in bunches but also used in Mary’s essential oils and Deerhaven Herb & Flower Farm owners Mary and David Jessen survey one of their lavender fields. soaps. She has a workshop right on But the Jessens are the property where positive the summer’s she and David craft harvest will be successthe items by hand. ful. Plans for a public “My favorite thing U-Pick at Deerhaven, about this business is including lessons on the manufacturing, the how to self-dry lavencreation process,” she der and kids activities said. are in the works. The Jessens hope to They have even open to the public for a brief time early in the opened up one of the summer for the harvest. new houses, which replaced one destroyed It’s been a challenge by the fire, to AirBnB picking an exact date, travelers. however, after such a “We are so thankwet winter. “That’s the only thing ful to be here, doing lavender doesn’t thrive what we love,” Mary said. “Of course we in,” David explained. want to share it with “We had about 100 people.” inches of rain this To learn more about winter season, and so lavender and informamuch wind. We lost tion on Deerhaven Herb a lot of plants, and & Flower Farm, visit our Grosso varietals deerhavenlavender. have taken longer to com. bloom.”
Photo by Johanna Miller
Photo by Johanna Miller
Mary Jessen in her workshop, where she produces soaps, essential oils and prepares bouquets.
June 2017 — Page 3
PASO ROBLES
Paso Robles Lavender Festival returns By SONJA ESCHENBURG Far more than just a pretty face, lavender — with its tiny purple blooms and distinctive perfume — has become one of the most popular plants all across the county. To celebrate its many purposes, the Central Coast Lavender Growers Association and Paso Robles Main Street Association will, together, host the ninth annual Central Coast Lavender Festival on Saturday, July 8, at the Paso Robles Downtown City Park
from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. “This festival has grown (far) beyond our expectations and is a fun way to celebrate this miracle plant,� said Lila AveryFuson, chairperson and owner of Central Coast Lavender Farm. While lavender is of course known for its scenic explosions, it’s also known for extreme versatility, and this one-day-long festival will celebrate exactly that. Whether it’s being used in herbal and personal care products or for its fragrance and raw, pure taste, lavender
Photos contributed by Central Coast Lavender Farm
is purposeful in more ways than one and this event is a popular opportunity for local lavender producers to share those countless purposes with the community. Local lavender growers will
accentuate these purposes by sharing their more personal techniques for production and management. Hundreds of booths, tasting gardens and free seminar demonstrations will line the park along with art,
crafts, music and food concessions. Guests are encouraged to grab a few friends, pull up a chair, lounge in the park and enjoy the July summer weekend. Admission to the event is
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
free and parking is available all throughout downtown. For information, contact the Central Coast Lavender Farms at (805) 233-3288 or the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association at (805) 238-4103.
SALINAS
2016 crop statistics released for SLO County AgTech Summit returns $915M overall gross value reported, a 10 percent increase from 2015 CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
The San Luis Obispo County Department of Agriculture/ Weights and Measures has announced the release of the 2016 production statistics for the local agricultural industry. The total gross crop value for 2016 was $914,724,000. “Despite challenges caused by the ongoing drought, the overall value of agricultural production in 2016 increased by 10 percent compared to 2015,â€? said Martin Settevendemie, County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer. Settevendemie cautioned the statistics only represent commodity gross values and do not reect net proďŹ ts received by producers. Also, reported values do not include multipliers related to secondary economic beneďŹ ts to the community. “Ideal growing conditions and strong markets beneďŹ tted some commodities, such as wine grapes and avocados. Conversely, cattle, vegetable and nursery stock producers faced low market prices while struggling with the cumulative impacts of the ongoing drought,â€? Settevendemie said. The top 10 commodities ranked by value for 2016 were: 1. Wine grapes
2. Strawberries 3. Avocados 4. Broccoli 5. Cattle and calves 6. Vegetable transplants 7. Cut owers 8. Head lettuce 9. Cauliower 10. Lemons The weather cooperated well for wine grape production in 2016. Minimal frost exposure allowed for good fruit set. Harvest concluded before fall rains arrived, keeping fruit quality high and yields exceptional. This, coupled with a very strong market, shattered records with overall total values amounting to $242,900,000, a 66 percent increase from 2015. Strawberry acreage expanded by 10 percent over 2015, with over 3,700 acres in production. Damage from light, intermittent rains diverted more berries than usual into the processing market, increasing the overall processed fruit value by 37 percent compared to 2015. Overall, the value for both fresh and processed fruit totaled over $241 million, an 8 percent increase over 2015. Avocado orchards located in areas that had adequate irrigation water had high yields. 2016 was also a heavy bearing year based
on fluctuations in the normal fruit bearing cycle of avocado trees. Demand for avocados was very strong, with a 23 percent increase in value per ton over 2015. For growers that had producing trees, the combination of a high yield year and a strong market resulted in an overall increase of 169 percent in value compared to 2015. Trees that were stumped, a cultural practice aimed at reducing water demand of the trees, began to rebound. In areas of the county that had irrigation water, ideal weather conditions produced an abundance of high quality vegetables in 2016. However, produce grown in the mid-western states ooded the market resulting in very poor prices. Generally, the total value for all vegetables combined was just over $197 million, an 8 percent decrease compared to 2015. Shortages of both labor and water availability challenged some vegetable growers to adjust production accordingly, including discing ďŹ elds that were valued below harvest costs. Water supplies throughout the drought year were sporadic, depending on ďŹ eld location, as some growers reported having no water shortages while others experienced dry wells and damage from salt accumulation.
Northern Energy is Agriculture & Farming
(805) 466-1232 8950 El Camino Real Atascadero, CA 93422-5336
The number of cattle sold in 2016 decreased by 24 percent compared to 2015, reecting the lowest total sales since 1928, when Annual Crop Report documentation began in the county. The drought, along with limited available rangeland forced producers to reduce herds. Increased consumer demand for poultry and pork contributed to a 25 percent reduction of wholesale value, resulting in a 39 percent drop in value for cattle in 2016. Overall, the livestock category decreased by 36 percent in value, over 2015. Shifting markets, drought conditions and foreign competition continued to challenge the nursery industry, resulting in an overall 13 percent downturn in value compared to 2015. “The signiďŹ cant contributions local agriculture brings to the county continued in 2016. Despite the challenges of the ongoing drought and wide fluctuations in market prices, agriculture remains strong and diverse in San Luis Obispo County,â€? explained Settevendemie. Statistics of the local agricultural industry featured in the Department’s Annual Crop Reports for 1928 through 2016 can be viewed at slocounty. ca.gov/agcomm.
to Salinas June 28-29
CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
For the third year, the Forbes AgTech Summit will take place June 28-29 in downtown Salinas. The City of Salinas, which is the host partner, sees its $250,000 investment in the Summit as a key component of its strategy of building an agtech ecosystem. The goal is to grow “3Pâ€? businesses: good for proďŹ ts, people, and the planet. The potential of agtech is to produce more productivity, create high quality jobs, and reduce impact on the environment. Among the results of last year’s Forbes Summit: s !TTENDANCE INCREASED percent from 407 to 620, with more on the waitlist. s STARTUPS PARTICIPATED in the Summit’s Innovation Showcase. Nine start-ups joined the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (increasing the total from 16 to 25). s .EWS COVERAGE OF 3ALINAS delivered an estimated editorial impact of $4.1 million. s !BOUT IN DIRECT economic benefits through Summit-related spending. “We’re delighted to welcome the Forbes AgTech Summit
back to Salinas for a third year,� said City Manager Ray Corpuz. “We’re proud that Forbes Media, and attendees from around the world, see Salinas as a hub of the emerging agtech industry, and we’re excited to see interest continue to grow.� The 2017 Forbes AgTech Summit, a two-day, invitationonly event on June 28-29 in Salinas Valley, will bring together more than 600 of the most entrepreneurial minds in global agriculture with those from the Silicon Valley to tackle some of the world’s most critical challenges. Held once again right in the heart of the Salinas Valley, the third Forbes AgTech Summit provides participants with a fully immersive experience into the burgeoning world of agricultural technology, from tours of state-of-the art processing plants to hands-on demonstrations of cuttingedge, in-field technologies. The summit is designed to foster an energetic debate and generate rich networking opportunities while showcasing the latest innovation for farmers, investors and stakeholdSee SUMMIT, page 9
Page 4 — June 2017
KING CITY
Auction raises $2.1M at Salinas Valley Fair
Photo by Samantha Bengtson
Livestock Auction buyers gather with this year’s heritage animal raised by Matthew Umbarger of King City High School FFA. By SAMANTHA BENGTSON
With the theme “Cowboy Up and Wind Down,” the 2017 Salinas Valley Fair brought thousands of visitors to South County last weekend and featured the annual Junior Livestock Auction, which raked in $2.1 million from the sale of 950 animals. This year’s Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation scholarship winner was Matthew Umbarger, senior at King City High School and part of the FFA club. Umbarger currently represents King City as the vice president for the
South Coast Region FFA. He raised the fair’s heritage animal, which sold for $371 per pound. “This is the second year in a row that he is a returning applicant,” said Foundation scholarship chairman Ralph Rianda. “He actually applied a year ago, didn’t get the scholarship and came back. That’s something for 4-H and FFA-ers to think about for our next year’s scholarship applications that will come out in October.” As the scholarship winner, Umbarger received a $2,500 scholarship that he
can use for his continued education at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, where he plans to earn his associate’s degree in justice. Umbarger plans to transfer to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, to major in forestry and natural resources. Every year the Salinas Valley Fair board awards an individual or couple who has helped to put on the fair, and this year’s recipients were George and Angie Young. The Youngs own A&G Pumping, which takes care of watering down the Stampede Arena grounds
and are donors of the fair, helping to provide services and support for the event year-round. “It’s a good honor,” George said. “What we do is all for the kids. It’s not just one person, it’s multiple people who help the fair, and that’s what makes it great.” The Junior Livestock Auction brings together not only auction buyers from throughout the Salinas Valley, but also FFA and 4-H members from Gonzales to King City and from Bitterwater to Templeton.
Isaac Gomez of Greenfield 4-H has been a part of 4-H for three years and brought a Yorkshire named Pirate because he has a patch on his eye. “It’s been really fun raising him, and I encourage kids to raise animals,” Gomez said. Daniel Gomez, also from Greenfield 4-H and Isaac’s brother, also raises pigs and this is his first year. Daniel has raised lambs in the past. Daniel said he named his pig Ham because of what See FAIR, page 8
San Miguel Flouring Mill Co., Inc.
Feed, seed, and elevator service. Family owned and operated for five generations. 1401 N Street, San Miguel, CA 93451
805-467-3287
June 2017 — Page 5
PASO ROBLES
Annual Olive Fest shows no sign of slowing down By MADELINE VAIL There is no better reminder of Paso Robles’ affinity to Tuscany than the annual Olive Festival, taking place at the Downtown City Park every year at the beginning of the summer. This being the 14th year, the festival shows no signs of “getting old.” Sponsored by both Pasolivo and Derby Wine Estates, there were more participants — both guests and vendors — this year than ever before and the styles and endless options of how to enjoy this multi-talented fruit was abounding in every booth. The three-day event kicked off with a pre-festival social mixer at Allegretto Vineyard and Resort June 2 then followed on June 3 with an afternoon filled with free olive oil, olive product sampling from producers from all over California, wine tasting and an open Olive Dish Cooking Contest. Heather’s Handmade Soaps had a dessert stand of hot pink soap cupcakes. Even though this was owner/soapmaker Heather McIntire’s first year participating in the festival, she has been making soaps and body products for the past 10 years. “I try to only use local olive oils,” McIntire said. “I get them from the groves on 41. The most popular product I have is the lemon verbena soap, I sold my last bar just a few minutes ago.” As for the epicurean side of the festival, some booths went beyond the traditional crusts of bread to sample. Besides the ever-popular olive oil ice cream that is dished out every year by Pasolivo, a stand out booth was Bocca Bella Farms, located in San Miguel, where one could find a myriad gourmet treats that would turn your olive perspective on its head and there is a good reason why. John Jantz is not only co-owner of
Photo by Madeline Vail
Beth McCown (from left), Chuck McCown, Lynn Kishiyama and Art Kishiyama pose for a photo during the Paso Robles Olive Festival at the Downtown City Park. Bocca Bella Farms, but is also a renown chef, so when stopping by his booth you were sure to find some new and creative way to enjoy olives; such as the tapenade and chocolate or the green olive and black olive tapenade with grissini, or even their olive oil version of nutella with dark chocolate and hazelnut butter.
“We like to do little bites just as we do at the farm for tastings,” Jantz said. “It’s a way to showcase the olive oil in practical use as well as provide a tasty treat for people who may be a little overwhelmed by tasting all that olive oil. We do different ‘bites’ every year at the fest which people really enjoy, but they love the ice
cold refreshing watermelon and olive oil “cocktail.” While I encourage a straight tasting of our extra virgin olive oil, it’s nice to provide something other than the same old bread chunks you’ll often find for dipping.” As for the final results of the festival on a competitive level, McClintocks restaurant
won the “Taste of the Olive” contest headed up by Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin with the assistance of Councilman Fred Strong. Three local restaurants competed against one another with their “olive inspired” appetizers and the winner was chosen by the first 50 members of the public that voted by ballot.
Adolfa’s Tamales took first place in the public cook ing contest judged by Paso Robles Police Chief Robert Burton and two assisting officers. And while there were Gold and Silver awarded in five different categories, Molefina’s Koroneiki varietal took home Best in Show.
Page 6 — June 2017
SANTA CRUZ
50 YEARS at the UCSC Farm & Garden
Photo by Johanna Miller
Apprentices and interns tend to the Alan Chadwick Garden at UC Santa Cruz recently. By JOHANNA MILLER Orin Martin says his favorite thing about the Alan Chadwick Garden at UC Santa Cruz is its diversity. “On one side of the plot we have a Canadian Spruce tree, and on the other there’s a palm tree,� said Martin, garden manager and teacher at UCSC. And then, with a laugh: “They’re not exactly thriving per say, but the point is, we’re able to grow both.� The mild, Mediterranean climate of California’s Central Coast is rare. Less than 3 percent of the world is covered in such ecosystems. That makes a place like Santa Cruz ideal to experiment and grow a variety of things. UCSC’s Farm & Garden was established in 1967, only two years following the opening of the school. Alan Chadwick came to the university and started the Student Garden Project, a volunteerled venture that aimed to turn an overgrown hillside on campus into a fruitful organic garden. Chadwick was a pioneer in organic farming, developing his own version of the Biodynamic French Intensive Method, which was only before used in land outside Paris, France. Today the UCSC Farm & Garden is part of the Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS). They have three facilities: the Photo by Johanna Miller Alan Chadwick Garden, the UCSC Farm and the A sign lists instructions for students of the garden. Cowell Ranch Hay Barn. CASFS aims to research, develop and advance environmentally sound “It continues to boggle my mind with what’s Martin began his journey at UCSC not long after agriculture practices. been accomplished here,� Martin said. it began. Though he did not have a background
in gardening, he was inspired after seeing what Chadwick and his students were doing. Since 1977 Martin has been acting as garden manager, mentoring students, interns and apprentices. “I feel like I’m serving a life-sentence in this garden,â€? Martin joked, “but in a good way, of course.â€? The UCSC Farm & Garden has had a big impact on agriculture and horticulture worldwide. The highly selective Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture at the garden has garnered attention internationally in recent years. Martin says the program seems to naturally attract students of a high caliber, who are both passionate and creative. “I’ve been so impressed by the people I’ve met here,â€? Martin said. “They dare to succeed at things I never dreamed.â€? Throughout 2017, Martin and his colleagues, students and many graduates have come together to celebrate the past 50 years by offering a number of special events and hands-on activities. The ofďŹ cial First 50 Celebration will be July 2830, with three full days of speakers, workshops, music, food and tours. “I think this will be a wonderful retrospective,â€? Martin said. “To look back on our history and see what we’ve done, and what might come next.â€? For information and to register for the First 50 Celebration, visit casfs.ucsc.edu.
STATE
2017 Golden Bear and Agriculture Progress Award winners announced CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
T h e w i n n e r s o f t h e C a l i f o r n i a S t a t e F a i r ’s G o l d en Bear Award and Agriculture Progress Award have been announced. These awards are part of a prestigious list of honors, which include Agriculturalist of the Year and the Wine Lifetime Achievement Award. All the award winners will be recognized at the California State Fair Gala on Thursday, June 22. T h e A g r i c u l t u r e P r o g r e s s Aw a r d w a s e s t a b lished in 1994 and is presented to an individual or organization that has contributed extensively over a number of years to the promotion, advancement, and growth of the California State Fair Agriculture Programs. T h i s y e a r ’s r e c i p i e n t i s C h r i s Z a n o b i n i , P r e s ident and CEO of Ag Association Management Services Inc. which represents various agriculturebased organizations. Zanobini is also the Chair of the Alliance for Food and Farming and the Chair of the California State Fair Ag Advisory Board. Agriculture, the Fair, and Chris have a long history together. While attending U.C. Davis, Zanobini worked with Ag Prog r a m s a t t h e C a l i f o r n i a S t a t e F a i r. T h a t e x p e r i ence gave him a deep appreciation for what the Fair does. Later in life, he helped start the State Fair Farm Scholarship program, which provides funds so studentsinneed can take a Farm Tour at Cal Expo. Zanobini also uses his industry connections to support the Fair’s Ag Programs.
When Zanobini found out he was the recipient of this year’s Agriculture Progress Award he didn’t know what to stay. “It’s hard to put into words how I feel,� he said. “I have been connected to the Fair for such a long time. It means a lot. I’m honored to support such an incredible ag program.� Throughout his career, Chris has served many agricultural groups including California Grown, The World Apple and Pear Association, and The Ag Export Council. His goal is to make sure everyone knows the vital importance of agriculture. T h e G o l d e n B e a r Aw a r d i s o n e o f t h e C a l i f o rnia State Fair’s highest honors and was first presented in 1977. It acknowledges individuals and businesses that have furthered the Fair’s mission of showcasing California’s economic and cultural diversity, and have rendered meritorious service to and support the California State Fair. P e t e L e e s h a i s t h i s y e a r ’s r e c i p i e n t o f t h e G o l d en Bear Award. A Sacramento native, Leesha’s love of the California State Fair goes back to his childhood. “My mom would take my brother and I to the Fair back when it was held on Stockton Blvd,� he reminisced. “Ever since then I’ve been an advocate for the Fair. I believe in what the Fair does.� Leesha attended Sacramento City College, served in the mil-
itary, and then got his start in Stockton as a night loader at Bell Distributing in 1976. He worked hard and quickly rose through the ranks, holding positions in merchandising, sales, and sales management, eventually becoming the Vice President of Marketing, Specialty Brands, and Government Affairs with DBI Beverage Inc. Pete retired from DBI Beverage in February 2017. When Rick Pickering, President and CEO of the California Exposition and State Fair, called to let Pickering know he had been chosen to receive this year’s Golden Bear Award, Pickering was in shock, “I couldn’t wait to tell my family. I was thrilled.� Chris Zanobini and Pete Leesha will receive their awards at the 2017 California State Fair Gala on Thursday, June 22. Also receiving awards that evening are: s !GRICULTURALIST OF THE 9EAR 4OM .ASSIF s 7INE ,IFETIME !CHIEVEMENT !WARD 0AUL $RAPER s 6INEYARD OF THE 9EAR $UTTON 2ANCH (OME 6INEYARD s #HAMPIONS OF 4ECHNOLOGY !WARD /RGANIZATION !IRA s #HAMPIONS OF 4ECHNOLOGY !WARD )NDIVIDUAL "RYAN - 3AS tokas Tickets, tables, and sponsorships for the Gala are availa b l e n o w. C l i c k h e r e t o p u r c h a s e . M o r e i n f o r m a tion can be found at castatefair.org/gala or email gala@calexpo.com.
June 2017 — Page 7
WATSONVILLE
100 years and counting
Contributed
In 1922, the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau hosted the State Egg Laying Contest.
Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau celebrates centennial By JOHANNA MILLER On June 22, the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau will call to order at its annual meeting for the 100th time. The meeting, which kicks off at Watsonville Slough Farms at 5:45 p.m., will celebrate the ac-
complishments of the organization in the past century. Around 1914, a number of agricultural colleges began reaching out to farmers across the country. There was a need for organization — for a way to distribute information and improve marketing methods
between farmers and advisors. The Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau (SCCFB) was one of the very first Farm Bureaus, established in 1917. Local Farm Advisor Henry Washburn and ranch owner Theadore Hoover (brother to president Herbert Hoover) were two pivotal play-
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ers in forming the bureau. Throughout its history SCCFB has remained a grassroots organization, working within the community to support those involved in the many branches of agriculture. “We’ve continued to be a very progressive, forward-thinking organization,” said Jess Brown, current executive director. “It has great value in a community like ours.” Brown, who noted he has worked for the organization for decades, said that SCCFB has always tried to stay ahead of the curve in all areas of agriculture — and in particular, organic farming.
“It seems obvious today, but back in the day people were hesitant to embrace organic practices,” Brown said. “We’ve done our best to remain a leader for the nation in that respect.” Earlier this year, SCCFB released “100 Ag-Related Activities to do in Celebration of Farm Bureau’s Centennial Year.” The list includes everything from visiting U-Pick farms and buying local produce to supporting various educational programs in the county. One of these is the Focus Agriculture program, developed in the 1990s through the Agri-Culture organization. The goal of the program is to educate community
leaders about the importance of agriculture. It has inspired a number of other similar organizations across the country. At its centennial meeting, the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau will announce the 2017 Farmer of the Year. California’s Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross will be this year’s featured speaker. “This is a time to reflect back, to collect history and recognize the progress we’ve made,” Brown said. For information on the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau and the 100th Anniversary Celebration, visit sccfb.com or call (831) 724-1356.
Page 8 — June 2017
WATSONVILLE
Contributed photos
Farm Discovery’s Sprouts Camp set for June 26-30 By JOHANNA MILLER Education is key at Farm Discovery. Over the years, the Watsonville nonprofit organization, held at Live Earth Farm, has offered a number of programs, camps and events to inspire youth and their families to learn about agriculture. Sprouts Camp, which is held for children 3 to 6 years old, is one of the organization’s annual events. This year
it will be held June 26-30, from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Children can attend the camp alone or with their parents. “We want kids to learn by way of their senses,” said Jessica Ridgeway, executive director of Farm Discovery. “We want them to see, feel, smell and taste their food to better understand it.” Children and their families who participate in Sprout Camp will experience everything from planting and growing crops to nutrition and environmental
stewardship. Campers can also interact with goats, cows and other farm animals on the site. According to Ridgeway, Sprouts Camp is also just a good way to get young kids interested in being outside. “Kids are most likely to develop a love of the outdoors if you expose them to it early on,” she said. “Being out here on the farm, with so much to see and do — they learn to embrace and enjoy it.” Farm Discovery, which is celebrating
its 10th anniversary this year, is offering scholarships for Sprouts Camp, as well as all their programs. Currently, only half of this year’s scholarships have been claimed. Farm Discovery is reaching out to other organizations and schools in the Pajaro Valley to find recipients. Junior Staff Members and Leaders in Training are also sought every year. Youth 14 years of age and older work alongside the education team to build
experience working with younger children. “Sprouts Camp is just one of the many camps we are putting on this summer, but it is definitely one of the most important,” Ridgeway said. “The kids are very young, and their world right now is very small. We want to open up that world.” For information on Sprouts Camp and other Farm Discovery programs, visit farmdiscovery.org.
HORTICULTURE
A hedge between keeps friendship green By TONY TOMEO If good fences make good neighbors, what about hedges? If only it were that simple. There are all sorts of evergreen hedges to provide privacy, obstruct unwanted views, disperse wind, define spaces or muffle noise. They can do much of what fences do, and muffle sound better. The problem is that they are composed of living plants, shorn into submission and very unnatural shapes. Unlike fences, hedges need to be shorn very regularly. Otherwise, the shrubbery that they are composed of tries to grow into its natural forms. Slow-growing plants like Japanese boxwood may only need to be shorn twice annually, especially if no one minds if it looks somewhat shaggy. Old fashioned glossy privet is so vigorous that it likely needs to be shorn a few times before autumn. Even if the work of shearing is not a problem, accessibility might be. Hedges are popularly planted between properties. The outsides of such hedges are therefore accessible only from adjacent properties, which might have other plants or landscape features in the way. There is also the risk that the neighbors might not want anyone
FAIR
From page 4
happens after the auction sale. “I got really lucky with my
coming over to shear such a hedge! Beware of the dog! Hedges in conjunction with backyard fences are easier to maintain as long as they are kept below or at the same height as their fences. They only need shearing on the inside and on top. Fences might be needed to keep dogs in or out anyway. When planning for a new hedge, other plants and garden features that might obstruct access within the same landscape must be considered too. Taller hedges should be shorn so that they are slightly narrower on top, and wider at the bottom. This promotes more uniform growth, and hopefully prevents basal baldness. Upper growth gets more sunlight than lower growth, so grows faster, and too often shades out lower growth while becoming distended up high. Hedges should also be watered and fertilized evenly from end to end. It is important to remember that hedges work for the landscape, and should not be allowed to dominate. Fat hedges waste space. A well groomed hedge that is only two feet from front to back works just as well as a hedge that is three times as plump. Feral plants that ‘volunteer’ within a hedge must be removed instead of shorn along
pig this year because he was 260 pounds, and that’s the limit of how much he could weigh,” Daniel said. “I am grateful for my parents who let me do this and for helping me out with all my projects that I’ve done.”
with the hedge. They only compromise uniformity. Highlight: wax privet The pros and cons of wax privet, Ligustrum japonicum “Texanum” might get it a rating of about 2.5 out of 5. It seems that every asset is offset by a liability. The profuse clusters of tiny white flowers are sweetly fragrant, but are also a serious problem for those allergic to pollen. The berries attract birds, but are also very messy, and contain seeds that can germinate in the strangest of places. The dense evergreen foliage is prettier and actually glossier than that of the more common glossy privet. Growth is slower, and therefore easier to maintain as a shorn hedge. Regular shearing deprives wax privet of most, but not all of its bloom and seed. Glossy privet is more invasive if allowed to set seed, but less invasive as a shorn hedge deprived of bloom before producing seed. Without shearing, wax privet eventually reaches ground floor eaves, and gets about half as broad. It can be groomed into a small tree. sss Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at lghorticulture@aol. com.
Mari Horwath and Natalie Eubanks also raised swine projects for Chualar 4-H. Horwath has raised eight hogs so far. Eubanks just raised her fifth pig for the Salinas Valley Fair and she likes participat-
ing in the event because she learns something new every time and gets to meet new people. “I like doing 4-H because every time you show you get better and better,” Horwath said.
Contributed
Wax privet
“It’s a great learning experience and teaches you responsibility,” Eubanks said. Celeste Villareal raised a pig for Mission 4-H and is in her fifth year of raising animals. Villareal is involved with 4-H
because of her family and her brother. Jaylen Calbrow, a member of Gonzales 4-H, shows pigs because they are fun to hang out with and it teaches her responsibility.
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June 2017 — Page 9
CALENDAR June 18
June 20
Niner Wine Estates Father’s Day Dinner
Opening day of Market Cart
Niner Wine Estates, 2400 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles. Enjoy a dinner from 6-8 p.m. designed to feature wines paired with father-inspired dishes. Tickets are $150, and $125 for wine club members. For a menu and more information, visit ninerwine.com or call (805) 226-4893.
University of California, Santa Cruz. Local, fresh produce and owers from the UCSC Farm and Alan Chadwick Garden will be sold at the base of UCSC (corner of Bay and High streets) every Tuesday and Friday from 12-6 p.m through early November. All produce is locally grown at the farm. Visit casfs.ucsc.com for information.
June 18
June 21
Farmworker Reality Tour Watsonville. The monthly Farmworker Reality Tour aims to challenge participants to better understand the conditions of Mexican farmworkers in Central California. The tour will observe farming practices common in the area, be given a speech by a farmworking family, witness a strawberry picking demonstration and visit the Buena Vista Migrant Labor Camp. The night will end with a home-cooked meal in Watsonville. Tickets range from $20-$30. For information, visit farmworkerfamily.org or call (831) 216-8772.
SUMMIT From page 3
ers of the global agricultural ecosystem. “We’re convening over 600 of agriculture’s leading voices to debate, discuss, showcase and collaborate on innovative, near-term solutions to the most daunting challenges facing global agriculture,� said Paul Noglows, executive director, Development, ForbesLive, Forbes Media and executive producer of the Forbes
Monterey County Farm Bureau Meeting Monterey County Farm Bureau ofďŹ ce, 1140 Abbott St., Suite C, Salinas. Join the Monterey County Farm Bureau for their general meeting. This month’s topic is cannabis production. Call (831) 751-3100 for information.
the celebration will be Secretary of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross. The 2017 Farmer of the Year recipient will be announced. To purchase tickets and for information, visit sccfb.com. June 24
Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival Atascadero Lake Park. Featuring wineries from the Central Coast, as well as local culinary vendors, craft breweries, live music and artists displaying their work. Admission to the Paddock Zoo is included, and beneďŹ ts from the festival will support the zoo. The Mayor’s Winemaker Dinner on Friday will beneďŹ t the North County Boys & Girls Club. Tickets are $60 in advance and $75 at the gate. For information, visit atascaderochamber.org. July 1
Estate. Learn about the heritage of Italian grape growing and the differences between new and old styles. Then experience the wines ďŹ rst hand with a guided tasting by vintner Janis Denner. Tour begins at 11 a.m. and is free. Normal tasting fees do apply. Reservations are not required but encouraged. For information, call (805) 239-9432. July 8
9th Annual Lavender Festival Paso Robles Downtown City Park. Free to the public, the annual Paso Robles Lavender Festival showcases lavender producers from across the Paso Robles region. Learn about lavender’s many uses and enjoy free samples. Vendors, food, refreshments, displays, and other activities will be offered. Contact the Paso Robles Downtown Main Street Association for information.
July 8 First Saturday of the Month Vintner and Second Saturday on the Tour Santa Cruz County Farm Vines Pelletiere Estate Vineyard and Farm Bureau’s 100th Annual Winery, 3280 Township Road, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Meeting Paso Robles. Join winemaker Join the Agricultural History June 22
Watsonville Slough Farms Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, 5:45-9 p.m. Featured speaker for
AgTech Summit. “We can think of no better place to do that than historic Main Street Salinas-the epicenter of global agtech innovation, where Salinas and Silicon Valley meet.� The Forbes AgTech Summit will kick off on Wednesday, June 28, with exclusive tours for 150 of the participants, who will visit Taylor Farms’ state-of-the-art processing plant, Grupo Flor’s cutting-edge cannabis cultivation facility and the grower owned processing plant of True Leaf Farms. The tours will conclude with a series of Field Demos at
Amy Butler for a tour of the vineyards to discover a number of Italian wines unique to Pelletiere
Hartnell College’s Alisal Campus. The Innovation Showcase and the Plenary Sessions will follow under the summit’s signature white tents on Main Street Salinas, where Janet Napolitano will present the opening keynote. The Innovation Showcase continues to expand and will feature 50 innovative agtech startups offering a wide variety of solutions to the challenges of achieving higher crop yields and less food wastage. Showcase presenters include Arable, California Safe Soil, Cool Planet, Harvest CROO Robotics, HeavyConnect, Hydro-
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Grow, Lumigrow and SWIIM. “Participating in the Forbes AgTech Summit exposed HeavyConnect to a wider spectrum of AgTech stakeholders and led to dozens of follow-on discussions after the event with industry leaders looking to leverage the HeavyConnect platform in their operations,â€? said Patrick Zelaya, Founder of HeavyConnect Inc. “Our inclusion in the summit’s Innovation Showcase and the Field Demos deďŹ nitely raised our proďŹ le and very much helped bring us to the attention of 500 Startups.â€? “As an early-stage venture fund and seed accelerator,
tional activities will be offered for children of all ages. July 8
Monterey Beer Festival 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. Celebrate the Summer of Love at the 16th annual Monterey Beer Festival. Taste beer from across the globe from a souvenir Beer Festival pilsner included with admission. A variety of food will be available. Live music is planned as well, featuring the 60s Summer of Love Band. Attendees must be 21 and over. Tickets $45 and $20 for Designated Drivers. VIP tickets start at $70. Visit montereybeerfestival.com or call (831) 372-5863 for information. July 9
Cheesemaking 101 Templeton. (Directions will be provided to ticket holders prior to class.) Join Bev Michels of Alecea Rosea Farm for a private cheese making class. This farmstead workshop includes a cheese making demo, lesson, farm tour and brunch. A complete kit of ingredients to make your own cheese at home will also be provided. Tickets and information are available at FARMsteadED.com.
we’re excited to be participating in this year’s summit so we can continue investing in the world’s best agtech startups,� said Tristan Pollock, Venture Partner, 500 Startups. “Some in Silicon Valley may think this industry is unsexy, but that’s exactly why we like it. It’s feeding the future, and farming innovation is desperately needed in the U.S. and around the world as the population grows.� Zelaya and Pollock will be featured in conversations on the afternoon of June 28 at the opening of the Innovation Showcase. Starting on the afternoon of
Wednesday, June 28 and continuing through Thursday, June 29, the plenary sessions will encourage dynamic discussions around such topics as drought solutions, future of food production, rise of organics, robotic tech in the ďŹ eld, labor and the farmer of tomorrow. “The Forbes AgTech Summit has helped Taylor Farms accelerate our discovery and implementation of new technologies in farming, harvesting and fresh-food-processing operations,â€? said Bruce Taylor, founder and CEO of Taylor Farms. For information, visit forbes. com/forbes-live/event/agtechsummit.
Page 10 — June 2017
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