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December 2024

Winter Curtailment


Our office will be closed from December 24, 2024 - January 1, 2024. Regular business hours will resume January 2, 2025.

Agricultural Advice from UCCE Advisors

Lightning Presentations from UCCE


Last month, our dedicated UCCE Advisors and staff engaged in an enlightening round of lightning talks, showcasing their expertise and innovative insights to our key partners and ANR Leadership. To view these presentations click HERE.


Image: Stephanie Gallimore

Nitrogen Removal as a Pathway to Regulatory Compliance


Authors: Andre Biscaro and Jodi Switzer


Farming in California hasn’t become any easier over the last few years. With skyrocketing labor costs, decreased water availability and increased regulations of different natures, additional layers of work are now required to stay afloat. One recent significant regulatory change came with the adoption of the Ag Order by the Los Angeles Regional Water Control Board last September. The Ag Order mandates that Ventura County growers begin tracking nitrogen and irrigation through the development of certified Irrigation and Nutrient Management Plans starting in 2025. Continue reading...


Image: Andre Biscaro

Mountain Fire Resources now available on our website


We have created a list of information for community members and growers affected by the recent conflagration. Check back periodically for updates, which will be prominently noted.

View Now 

UCCE Community Education Programs

UC Master Gardeners

Garden to Table Series: Getting Started with Growing Your Own Food


January 25, 2025

Learn essential tips for planning your edible garden, choosing the right plants for your space and our Ventura climate, and basic growing techniques to help ensure success.


Register
Check out the Master Gardeners of Ventura County Speaker Series

Work with UCCE

View Open Positions 

Recent News

Native Landscaping with Oaks Provides Greater Benefits  


Author: Carol Stocker


Ecologist Doug Tallamy encourages transition of conventional landscaping to native habitat, with oaks as anchors. Establishment of oaks in a horticultural setting encourages local native flora and fauna, which in turn contribute to diversity and ecosystem health. Oaks support hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Continue reading...

US 101 Wildlife Crossing Construction in Agoura Hills Entering Phase II


Preparation for top treatment of the bridge landscaping will soon begin. A functional native plant zone will promote wildlife use and create a safe haven during crossing activities. The bridge will allow wildlife movement in the area's increasingly fragmented landscape. It will help ensure ecosystem and genetic balance for both animals and the native plants they inadvertently disperse through their movement. Live cameras and background information can be found at 101 Wildlife Crossing

Partner Events & Updates

Ventura County Weed Management Area Meeting


December 12th, 2024


Quarterly-In Person/Zoom Meetings include a program speaker/presentation, participants sharing information on weed projects they are working on. To view the agenda, click HERE.


Image: Weed Management Area of VC

WeedCUT Webinars


December 13, 2024 & December 18, 2024


12:00 - 1:30 pm


WeedCUT is a new webtool is hosted by UC ANR, and designed to help practitioners develop an IPM approach based on the weeds they’re trying to control and the characteristics of the site they are managing. It compiles information from UC’s weed control handbook and lots of expert knowledge from throughout the land management community.


Register HERE

Image: WeedCUT

Drones 101: Using Drones to Enhance Agricultural Extension and Research, December 13, 2025


December 13th, 2024


1 pm to 2:30 pm


This webinar will consist of three 20-minute presentations, each separately followed by an interactive discussion, relating to topics of:

  • Applications of drones for agriculture and natural resources
  • Technology and data products
  • Integrating drones into a research or education program



For more information on this webinar visit the Informatics and GIS Program website. To register click, HERE.


Image: Evett Kilmartin

Ventura County Farm to School Job Vacancy


Garden & Nutrition Educator


VC Farm to School is in search of a thoughtful, creative, dedicated person to join Ocean View School District as a Garden and Nutrition Educator, to lead farm to school programs in their five schools. To view the job description, click HERE.


Image: Ventura County Farm to School

How To Harden a Home for Wildfire: Vents, Gutter Guards, and Gaps


Learn the importance of home hardening against ember ignition and watch low-cost how-to demonstrations. In this video, learn how to retrofit your vents with 1/16th in metal mesh screens, install gutter guards, and address gaps in your structure by filling them with caulking and installing a door sweep.

Calling All Farmers: Join Our Organic Mentorship & Demonstration Site Programs!


The Organic Agriculture Institute is excited to announce a dual opportunity for farmers to get involved in advancing organic agriculture. Whether you're an experienced organic farmer looking to share your wealth of knowledge, or someone transitioning to organic production, these programs are designed to foster learning, innovation, and community.


California Farm Demonstration Network (CFDN): 

Host a site to showcase organic farming practices and be compensated for your time and efforts. Learn more about CFDN.


Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) Mentorship Program: 

Mentor transitioning organic farmers or become a mentee and receive personalized support. Participating mentors and mentees will receive stipends.


Image: UC Organic Agriculture Institute

Small Farms Food Safety Resources


The Statewide Small Farms Food Safety team offers resources, workshops and technical assistance to aid growers in complying with federal food safety requirements. Food safety resources on topics from general farm food safety to post harvest handling are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Mandarin and Hmong.


Image: Small Farms Programs

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Small Grants Program 2025 -2026

The University of California Cooperative Extension in Ventura County conducts research and education activities in agriculture, natural resources, and positive youth development. We strive to promote a healthy food system, healthy environment, and healthy communities.

Your support helps in many ways.

Thank you.


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