Sustainable Agriculture

Warm colors of the horizon sky above green fields of winter grain crops

Winter grain crops help farmers get the most out of the least water

July 6, 2026

By Trina Kleist

UC research shows farmland could remain viable if farmers plant winter grain crops. When managed properly, small grains can grow during the cool season, using little irrigation.

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From left, 5. Matthew Fidelibus, Mark Battany, Larry Bettiga crouch to examine old vine Zinfandel vine in the Cucamonga Valley

Bettiga, leading light in viticulture, retires after 41 years as UC Cooperative Extension advisor

June 29, 2026

By Michael Hsu

Larry Bettiga, UCCE viticulture advisor for Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties, is set to retire July 1. He shaped the wine industry across California and beyond.

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Almond Robotics, Modular Learning, Inc. team crouch by the Davis Senior High School sign

Student teams from across California and around the world win Farm Robotics Challenge awards

May 22, 2026

By Kelly D Scott, Michael Hsu

Winners of the fourth annual Farm Robotics Challenge were announced during a livestreamed awards ceremony on May 21. See the winners and watch the recording.

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Kearney REC employee Ryan Puckett uses a wand to water tea plants in a greenhouse

Brewed awakening: UC explores tea’s potential as ‘champion crop’ for California

May 21, 2026

By Michael Hsu

Scientists at Kearney Research and Extension Center are studying tea as a potential high cash-value, climate-resilient crop for the Central Valley and other regions.

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UC Small Grains Blog: Article

Using Remote Sensing to Fine-Tune Nitrogen Management Under Organic Amendments

March 18, 2026

Authors: Valentina Roel-Rezk, Mark Lundy, Cameron Pittelkow---Recycled organic materials, such as compost, anaerobic digestate (AD), and hydrolysate, are increasingly used in California agriculture to improve soil health and reduce waste. Some key questions have recently emerged from this practice: how much…

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UC Master Gardeners of Placer County: Article

What Is Sustainable Landscaping?

December 27, 2025

By Elaine Kelly Applebaum, Master Gardeners of Placer County The concept of sustainability, once vague and maybe even a little revolutionary, now seems to have permeated our mainstream culture. It speaks to a way of living that meets the needs and goals of people today while ensuring future generations…

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Man in polo and shorts and hat at left speaks with a group of students under shade trees during a farm tour

Food Blog: Article

New webinar series by CAFF and UC aids farmers transitioning to organic

December 9, 2025

By Michael Hsu

The “Transition to Organic Webinar Series,” held on Wednesdays Jan. 14-March 18, covers the certification process, market dynamics, soil health, and pest and weed management.

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Houston Wilson, in baseball cap, gestures while doing a talk in the shade of an orchard

Employee Spotlights: Article

Wilson brings science to California’s high-priority crops

November 21, 2025

By Michael Hsu

Based at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center near Fresno, UC Cooperative Extension specialist Houston Wilson and his team develop integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for some of California’s most valuable agricultural commodities.

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Photo illustration of a spray drone hovering over a orchard

Food Blog: Article

Public invited for up-close look at future of citrus ag tech

November 12, 2025

By Hanif R Houston, Michael Hsu

Six ag tech companies will demonstrate their technologies at a VINE Connect Field Day on Dec. 5 at UC ANR's Lindcove Research and Extension Center. This cohort focuses on citrus.

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Three people sit on stage in front of a screen, speaking to an audience

Green Blog: Article

UC Organic Agriculture Institute forges partnerships at first regional conference

November 10, 2025

By Caroline D Champlin

The San Diego Region Organic Agriculture Conference attracted over 100 attendees, including more than 50 organic farmers. The event was the biggest in OAI's five-year history.

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