UC Agriculture & Natural Resources

After 28 years with @UCDavisPlants, Steve Fennimore, #UCCE weed specialist, retires—but not from innovation. He’s diving into a new chapter exploring chemical-free soil prep for strawberries. His advice to the next generation: “Take risks.”
➡️ bit.ly/4lZf2UE

One cow ran more than 13 miles in four hours in the middle of the night — trailed all the while by at least one wolf, cameras set up by Tina Saitone @ucanr.edu showed.

"…or they can apply foliar applications of some insecticides like spinosad. Foliar applications are impractical on large trees, but can be a good option for smaller ones.

Of course, insecticide applications can be costly, but so is removing trees!” 4/4

“Professionals can apply insecticides like neonicotinoids, which can protect the tree for several months (but insecticides may harm pollinators if the tree is flowering and have other non-target effects)…” 3/4

"Other than keeping your tree healthy and considering replacing it with something native that won't be affected, insecticides are the only other real option right now." 2/4

On saving #eucalyptus beetle-infested eucalyptus trees, UC Cooperative Extension entomology advisor Eric Middleton says, "There is not silver bullet unfortunately: the best course of action is working with a pest control company or tree care company." 1/4

High school students in #FresnoCounty showcase their summer research projects in #agriculture.
Our Kearny Agriculture Research and Extension Center and partners host the annual event, which helps connect students to agriculture and research.

abc30.com/post/high-sc...

New director to elevate UC Cooperative Extension impact on Central Coast | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Emily Jane Freed began as UC Cooperative Extension area director for Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties in June. She brings experience in agriculture issues, logistics and emergency services...

Join us in welcoming Emily Jane Freed as the new UC Cooperative Extension director for Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz. With deep roots in sustainable ag, she’s ready to support local growers and communities alongside UCCE advisors. 🌱 #UCCE #AgCommunity
bit.ly/4lTvIfY

Catch @weatherwest.bsky.social LIVE at 10 am PT today. He'll offer updates on recent weather events and more.

TOMORROW 10am: Daniel Swain @weatherwest.bsky.social, @ucanr.edu climate scientist, will discuss California's unusual weather.
Link below

Tate remembered for leadership in rangeland management Kenneth W. Tate, a professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences and a UC Cooperative Extension specialist, died unexpectedly on June 5, 2025, at the age 58. He is remembered for his leadersh...

"I am deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of my friend and colleague, Kenneth Tate. He was a brilliant mind in plant science—dedicated, generous, and deeply committed to his research," Dr. Frank Mitloehner said.

www.plantsciences.ucdavis.edu/news/tate-obit

Update for folks: Following a very large (M 8.7) and relatively shallow undersea subduction zone quake in the West Pacific east of Kamchatka, Russia, there is a considerable threat of a damaging basin-wide #tsunami. For late-breaking details, visit: https://tsunami.gov

Currently a Tsunami Watch (threat still being evaluated) for entire U.S./Canada West Coast following very large M 8.7) sub-oceanic quake near eastern Russia in West Pacific. Plenty of time to refine/crunch numbers further for West Coast, but more imminent threat closer to epicenter.

Study reveals universal color curve for arabica coffee roasting A new study in Scientific Reports reveals that all Arabica coffee follows the same color development pattern during roasting, potentially transforming quality control and industry standards.

Despite different roasting profiles, techniques & origins, all Arabica coffee follows the same color curve
"Color isn't just about appearance; it's a key indicator of quality for many products, including coffee," said Irwin Donis-González @ucanr.edu to @phys.org.web.brid.gy phys.org/news/2025-07...

Weather & climate office hour 07/31/25: More on cool coast & upcoming warming, plus federal update - YouTube The latest in a recurring series of live, virtual, & interactive "office hours" hosted by Dr. Daniel Swain on various topics related to extreme weather and c...

New live weather & climate office hour on Thu, Jul 31, at 10am PT! I'll offer (yet more) thoughts on the notably cool July esp. near CA coast & recent ocean warming, plus August heat potential, and also another weather/climate federal update. #CAwx #CAfire youtube.com/live/qBT...

We'll ask Eric Middleton if there is a way to save infested trees

This is coming up Saturday...join us! 🌳☂️🍦😎 Details at www.descansogardens.org/event/a-cele...
@luskininnovation.bsky.social @ucanr.edu

‘I Feel So Much Better’: CalFresh Healthy Living, UC Programs Boost Health of Older Adults CalFresh Healthy Living (CFHL) brings free nutrition education and wellness support to people eligible for the federal SNAP.

It is tragic to see such good programs have to shutter due to the federal government's elimination of funding to support it.

securetrack.morningagclips.com/f/a/3F5DUf0v...

In top illustration, a scattered pattern of conventional suburban sprawl. In lower illustration, a cluster development pattern can provide the same total amount of housing as the scattered pattern, but is much safer and more effective because it retains (or creates) a protective “agricultural-urban interface” near the existing residential core, with clustered development and a protective agricultural-urban interface farther away.

To coexist with inevitable wildfires, development guidelines should integrate community location and design, empowering residents of fire-prone regions to survive wildfire, write Max Moritz, wildfire specialist @ucanr.edu et al @cellpress.bsky.social
www.cell.com/cell-reports...

A woman and her young daughter grab a can of tomatoes from the grocery story shelf. The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included. The text read: “University of California experts support FDA’s proposed front-of-package Nutrition Labels, But recommend several evidence-based amendments: Require “high in” label for products high in saturated fat, sodium, and/or added sugars only; Require separate labels for each “high in” nutrient of concernInclude attention-grabbing design elements (e.g., exclamation mark); Label foods marketed to infants and toddlers; Disclose non-sugar sweeteners; Use a density-based nutrient model for “High In”; Roll out the label with a consumer education campaign.”

University of California @npi.ucanr.edu experts support the FDA's proposed front-of-package labels, and recommend a clear “high in” label system, distinct icons, inclusion of infant/toddler foods, disclosure of non-sugar sweeteners, and a public education campaign. 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/3Ux7ex0

image of weeds

Revised IPM Pest Notes now available covering Bermudagrass, Nutsedge, and Russian Thistle. Because the best defense starts with understanding the offense! anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx... anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx... anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx...
@ucanr.edu @ucanrpam.bsky.social

Get ready for heat later this summer, Bay Area

Weather models suggest that the ridge of high pressure pushing against low pressure along the coast “will become (unseasonably) intense over” California in early August, wrote @weatherwest.bsky.social @ucanr.edu

Applications are now open for Audubon Canyon Ranch’s 2026 Certified California Naturalist course!

Explore California’s incredible ecology in a welcoming, community-centered program—open to all.

🗓 Apply by Oct. 27
bit.ly/3H3bhhA

Southwest center has helped farmers purchase cold storage for vegetables, Tracy Celio @ucanr.edu said. The hub helped one producer lease a vehicle to take produce to market. Another purchased a grain mill and was able to deliver product to a nearby school, reports @aallyahpatrice.bsky.social

Chris Chen, integrated vineyard systems advisor, will headline the 2025 Sustainable Ag Expo Nov. 10–12.
A leader in climate-adaptive #viticulture, Chen will share soil health, carbon sequestration & resilience strategies with growers statewide.
bit.ly/4f86iZt

What can we expect as fire season ramps up in California? Officials and scientists say the state has had a mild season thus far, but fires are expected to surge in drier months.

“We’ve had a number of small-to-medium-sized fires, but nothing too startling so far,” Max Moritz @ucanr.edu told @aljazeeraenglish.bsky.social

“And we’ve seen some factors that point to what could be a fairly severe fire season as we enter the drier months.” www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/...

“Our team has supported nearly 2,000 individuals and over 1,000 farm and food businesses in just two years, and we were ready to deliver 100 grants totaling $4.2 million,” said Tracy Celio, Southwest Regional Food Business Center program manager @ucanr.edu

‘Roots of Cool,' a new Descanso Gardens exhibit, honors climate resilience Engaging and thought-provoking artworks will consider “Trees and Shade in a Warming World.”

“Roots of Cool” at @descansogardens.bsky.social highlights shade equity and climate resilience, using art to explore how shade affects communities. Visit the Cultivate: Made in the Shade event tomorrow, July 25.

Read at @nbcla.com: www.nbclosangeles.com/the-scene/ro... #UCLA #UCLALuskin @ucanr.edu

YouTube video by UCANRespanol Breaking the Cycle: How UC CalFresh Healthy Living, and One Man’s Determination Changed a Life

Art Sevilla knew life had to change as a father, SNAP recipient & person in recovery. CalFresh Healthy Living, UC classes sparked that change—building health, hope & purpose.

#CalFreshHealthyLiving #SnapEdWorks #SupportSNAPEd #SNAPEd

www.youtube.com/watch?v=40-U...

Edna 4-H of San Luis Obispo celebrates 100 years of ‘good, wholesome, family fun’ | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources For 100 years, Edna 4-H has guided youth through leadership projects, from raising pigs to riding mountain bikes. This month, the community gathered to celebrate the milestone.

From pigs to pollinators to mountain bikes, Edna 4-H has guided generations of San Luis Obispo youth through a century of hands-on learning. Members celebrated #100years of curiosity, growth, and community this month. #CA4H
bit.ly/3IN4t8h