Stories from the field

The people of the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources work with California farmers to produce food for the world healthfully and sustainably. Read their stories.

Making the most of what we have

Management and protection of water, soils and air, judicious use of bioenergy and recycling, and adaptation to climate change are among the areas of expertise employed by UC ANR.

Deeply rooted water solutions: UC ANR Cooperative Extension specialists are testing drought-resistant varieties of oranges and grapes that send their roots deeper into the soil, thereby absorbing and retaining more winter rainfall and reducing dependence on irrigation. Such varieties could be of particular help to growers in regions that are not served by state or federal water projects.
Ground prep aids in tomato production: “Conservation tillage” (CT) crop production techniques are being adapted to tomato production in California, with the help of UC ANR Cooperative Extension personnel. Tomato growers using CT techniques in field tests reduced tillage by an average of nine passes per year, reducing the generation of dust, lowering fuel and labor costs, and addressing a variety of technical problems, all while maintaining their produce yields.

UC ANR Cooperative Extension has made water quality compliance for north coast dairies manageable by educating producers on improving best management practices, necessary record keeping and water testing, and by assisting in the organization of voluntary visits of the water board to working dairies.

— Jeff Stackhouse
UC ANR Cooperative Extension advisor