YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The Sutter County Resource Conservation District recently hosted two farmer-to-farmer demonstration events through the Yuba-Sutter Specialty Crop Technical Assistance Hub. The “TA Hub” is part of a larger network of hubs, the California Farm Demonstration Network, a project partnership that includes California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, the California Department of Food and Agriculture; Natural Resources Conservation Service; University of California at Davis; University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources; and the California Farm Bureau Federation. The project was created to provide more hands-on resources to specialty crop farmers seeking guidance for climate resilient practice implementations on-farm. The events through this hub will allow growers to see first-hand how a variety of conservation practices can be implemented on their farms, with knowledge-sharing and peer support being a primary focus.

On September 22nd, the first event in a series of five events was hosted by Money Dhami of Jovan Farms on his farm. Attendees learned about compost application in an orchard setting, with Sarah Light of UCCE presenting as well. The grower also demonstrated on how to calibrate your compost applicator. Sutter RCD was available at the conclusion of the event to schedule time to meet with growers interested in receiving technical assistance for applying to receive funding to start using compost on their farms.

On October 6th, Paul Hundal of Tudor Trees hosted a second Farmer-to Farmer demonstration workshop focused on hedgerows in orchard systems. While attendance dropped due to conflicts with harvesting, the event was still well attended by area growers. Few growers are interested in the addition of hedgerows on their farm due to costs, maintenance, and fewer proven tangible benefits (like yield improvement). Sutter RCD hopes to expand education and knowledge of the benefits of having hedgerows in farm systems through additional events and educational materials. Hundal did an excellent job giving an overview of his hedgerow system and how it integrates into his farm.

The Yuba-Sutter Technical Assistance Hub has another Farmer-to-Farmer demonstration workshop hosted by Tirath Johal of JS Johal & Sons planned for November 10th, time 10am to 12pm, location 5020 Garden Highway, Yuba City, Ca. The focus of this workshop will be entirely on SWEEP (State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program) practices eligible for funding through CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture). The Sutter RCD encourages growers of specialty crops, especially orchard crops, to join us in a discussion and demonstration of these practices, which include micro/drip irrigation, soil moisture monitoring systems, pump retrofits, installment of renewable energy among others.

For more information regarding this event, please visit our website at sutterrcd.specialdistrict.org. For questions regarding Technical Assistance for funding programs such as SWEEP and HSP (Healthy Soils Program) through CDFA, please contact our office directly by phone or email at 530-844-3364, or [email protected].