Local Opportunities

Check this page for local educational opportunities hosted by the Lodi Winegrape Commission, universities, ag associations, and more. *ALWAYS* confirm event details with hosts!

To get your event posted, email the details in the format below to Dr. Stephanie Bolton, stephanie@lodiwine.com, with the subject line “new lodigrowers.com event.”

CWGA: GRAPE DAY.

Date:  Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Time:  8:00am – 1:00pm

Venue:  Jean Harvie Community Center, 14273 River Rd, Walnut Grove, CA 95690

Cost:  FREE

Speakers & Topics

  • Grapevine Mealybug: The Impact in Vineyards and Control Methods
  • California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG)  –  Regulatory Update
  • Supply Chain Updates
  • State of The Industry

Description:  Join the Clarksburg Winegrape Growers Association for their 2024 Grape Day. Admission includes breakfast, lunch, networking with industry members, and educational seminars. 

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE.


2024 WORLD AGRI-TECH INNOVATION SUMMIT.

Dates:  Tuesday, March 19 – Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Venue:  San Francisco Marriott Marquis, 780 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Cost:  Click HERE for pricing

Speakers & Topics:  To view the full agenda, click HERE

Description:  The World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in San Francisco gathers global agri-food corporates, investors, and technology start-ups from around the world to uncover the most exciting innovations in the agri-food sector and forge the right partnerships to take those solutions to market. This summit unites more than 2,500 global leaders and pioneering businesses dedicated to advancing and investing in technologies to build a stronger, more resilient agri-food supply chain.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


UC DAVIS: WINE EXECUTIVE PROGRAM – FROM GRAPE TO TABLE.

Dates:  Sunday, March 24 – Thursday, March 28, 2024

Time:  8:00am – 5:00pm

Venue:  UC Davis Campus

Cost:  Click HERE for pricing

Speakers & Topics:  To view the full agenda, click HERE

Description:  The UC Davis Wine Executive Program is uniquely designed to teach the fundamentals of winemaking and management skills necessary to be profitable in today’s challenging and dynamic wine industry. Sessions are tailored to help industry leaders grow their businesses by expanding on such topics as building one’s financial acumen and expanding a company’s current marketing and branding strategies. More than 1,000 wine industry executives have attended this unique and informative program over the past twenty-plus years. Participants develop relationships with other key wine industry leaders that continue long after the program ends.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


UC ANR: SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY VINEYARD IPM DAY.

Date:  Monday, April 1, 2024

Time:  7:30am – 12:00pm

Venue:  UCCE San Joaquin County Office, 2101 E Earhart Ave, Assembly Room1, Stockton, CA 95206

Cost:  $40

Credits:  3.5 hrs DPR CE & 3.5 hrs CCA CEU applied for

Speakers & Topics:  To view the full agenda, click HERE

Description:  Join UC ANR for their Vineyard IPM Day in San Joaquin County. UCCE Farm Advisors and Specialists across California will be presenting on various IPM topics. Dr. Luca Brillante with CSU Fresno will be speaking on his work with field scale detection of Leafroll virus using hyperspectral remote sensing. Breakfast and refreshments will also be provided.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE.


CD11 LODI IPM NETWORK BREAKFAST MEETING.

Date:  Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Time:  8:00 – 9:30am

Venue:  Burgundy Hall, Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E Lockeford St, Lodi, CA

Cost:  FREE, all are welcome

Credits:  1.5 hrs DPR CE (OTHER) approved

Special Guests & Topics:  

  • Maria Zumkeller, MS, LangeTwins & Stephanie Bolton, PhD, Lodi Winegrape Commission – Vine Stress and Disease
  • Paul Precissi, Precissi Ag – Pest Management in Organic Vineyards

Who Should Attend:  Local Pest Control Advisers (PCAs), GROWERS who manage their own pest control (PRIVATE APPLICATORS) or who have pest control questions, anyone looking for viticulture DPR CE credits, viticulture TECHNICAL ADVISORS in Lodi, and winemakers/grower relations personnel interested in learning about vineyard pest management.

Description:  Our group meets monthly to discuss current vineyard pests and their management. The goal is to create a strong local network for communicating the best IPM strategies and for support in solving viticultural anomalies. This month’s meeting will focus on vine stress and disease (especially rot), as well as organic options for pest management in vineyards. 

RSVP:  To the Lodi Winegrape Commission by phone 209.367.4727 or email info@lodiwine.com.


LOCKEFORD PMC: SPRING FIELD DAY – COVER CROP SEEDING.

Date:  Friday, April 3, 2024

Times:  9:30am – 12:00pm

Venue:   Lockeford PMC, 21001 N. Elliott Rd., Lockeford, CA 95237

Cost:  FREE

Speakers & Topics:  To view the full agenda, click HERE

Description:  The Lockeford Plant Materials Center will be holding their spring Field Day on April 3, 2024. As usual they will focus on cool season cover crops, and this year the emphasis is aspects of cover crop seeding.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


CDFA & STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AG: DEFINING REGENERATIVE AG.

Date:  Thursday, April 3, 2024

Time:  5:30pm 

Venue:  Online via Zoom

Cost:  FREE

Description:  CDFA, in collaboration with the State Board of Food and Agriculture, will be hosting public listening sessions that will help define “regenerative agriculture” for state policies and programs. Updates on the public listening sessions and the process for defining “regenerative agriculture” are available on CDFA’s website.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


LDGGA: BUSINESS & ECONOMIC FORUM.

Date:  Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Time:  8:00am – 1:00pm

Venue:  Jackson Hall, 413 E Lockeford St, Lodi, CA 95240

Cost:  FREE

Speakers & Topics

  • Joe Moramarco,bw166 – Current Wine Market Trends
  • Jeff Bitter & Kyle Collins, Allied Grape Growers  –  Wine Market Update
  • Chris Bitter, Terrain/American AgCredit – 2023 Crush Perspective and Update on Vineyard Values
  • Kristine Fox, Relation Insurance Services – Grape Crop Insurance and Whole Farm Revenue Protection

Description:  Join LDGGA for a complimentary seminar focused on the business of winegrape growing and the economic factors impacting the industry. Lunch is included with RSVP.

RSVP:  To LDGGA by email info@ldgga.org or by phone 209.339.8246. 


IMMIGRATION & FARM LABOR CONFERENCE.

Date:  Friday, April 5, 2024

Time:  8:15am – 3:00pm

Venue:  Kalmanovitz Appellate Courtroom, School of Law, UC Davis, 400 Mrak Hall Drive, Davis, CA

Cost:  FREE

Speakers & Topics:  To view the full agenda, click HERE

Description:  This conference examines farm labor issues in California and U.S. agriculture. Fruit, nut, and vegetable crops are almost 85 percent of California’s $50 billion in crop sales; the H-2A guest worker program is expanding; and higher labor costs are spurring labor-saving innovation and imports from Mexico and other lower-wage countries. The first session explores technology, trade, and other issues affecting the farm labor market, the second deals with the H-2A program, and the third outlines prospects for immigration reform generally and specific farm labor proposals. There is no charge to participate, but you must register before March 29, 2024.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE. For questions or further information, please contact Philip Martin by email plmartin@ucdavis.edu.


FCFB: AGRICULTURAL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION TRAINING.

Date:  Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Times:  9:00am English | 1:00pm Spanish

Venue:  Fresno County Farm Bureau Office, 1274 W Hedges Ave, Fresno, CA

Cost:  $40 for members | $60 non-members

Description:  The Fresno County Farm Bureau will be offering an agricultural hazardous materials transportation training in English and Spanish. All attendees must be at least 21 years of age and are required to bring their California driver’s license. The training will be provided by Nationwide.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


CA FARM BUREAU EXTENSION: 2024 CE SERIES.

Date:  Thursday, April 11, 2024

Time:  9:30 – 10:30am

Venue:  Online via Zoom

Cost:  FREE for members | $400 for non-members

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (Laws & Regs) – applied for

Topic:  Rodenticide Test Prep, Sub-Category for the PAC

Description:  California Farm Bureau presents the Farm Bureau Extension: 2024 Continuing Education Series held virtually. Join them throughout the year for webinars featuring content that meets your pesticide continuing education (CE) requirements. Subject matter experts will share information immediately applicable to your business operations and advance your professional development. CE certificates will be sent for each webinar attended after the successful completion of a simple quiz on the material. This session will help growers who need the Rodenticide Sub Category on their PAC pass the new exam. Topics include:

  • fumigation
  • pesticide labels
  • PPE
  • pest identification.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


STANISLAUS & SAN JOUQUIN COUNTY FARM BUREAUS: WEBINAR.

Date:  Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Time:  10:00 – 11:00am

Venue:  Online via Zoom

Cost:  FREE 

Speaker & Topic:  California Farm Bureau Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS) – Workplace Violence & Unions on the Farm

Description:  Stanislaus County and San Joaquin County Farm Bureaus are hosting a free webinar to discuss violence in the workplace and unions on the farm. The Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS) through the California Farm Bureau will be presenting and will also cover training requirements, card check, and updates and resources FELS can provide. 

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


TEMECULA GRAPE DAY.

Date:  Thursday, April 19, 2024

Time:  8:00am – 4:00pm

Venue:  South Coast Winery Resort & Sp, 34843 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591

Cost:  $96

Speakers & Topics:  TBD

Who Should Attend:  Winemakers, Winery & Vineyard Owners, Anyone with an interest in the wine industry

Description:  Join the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association for their one-day conference featuring in-depth seminars on the latest advancements and developments in Enology and Viticulture. Attending you will gain access to 30+ industry-related vendors at the event.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE.


LDGGA: CPR & FIRST AID TRAINING.

Date:  Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Time:  9:00am – 12:00pm English Session | 1:00 – 4:00pm Spanish Session 1

Venue:  Jackson Hall, 413 E Lockeford St, Lodi, CA 95240

Cost:  $40

Description:  State and Federal law mandates that agricultural operations with employees working in remote locations must have one person per every 20 employees trained in providing emergency medical care including CPR and First Aid. LDGGA is offering a CPR, First Aid, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) course for our members and their employees. The course will provide the participants training to respond to accidents, sudden illnesses, and other emergency medical situations encountered at the work site. Attendees will receive a comprehensive book of the training provided and a CPR and First Aid card valid for two years. Space is limited.

Registration (required):  To register, submit name(s), preferred sessions, and payment to LDGGA, PO Box 2004, Lodi, CA 95241 or by email info@ldgga.org. Pre-registration by 4/19/24 is required.


2024 US SUSTAINABLE WINEGROWING SUMMIT.

Dates:  Tuesday, April 30 – Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Venue:  Wine & Roses, 2505 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA

Cost:  Click HERE for pricing

Speakers & Topics:  To view the full agenda, click HERE

Description:  Join the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and co-hosts from California, Washington, New York, and Oregon to learn about cutting-edge sustainable and climate-beneficial practices being adopted in vineyards and wineries across the U.S. — and in the broader value chain. Be inspired and gain ideas on how to share sustainable winegrowing stories with consumers and trade. Engage in conversations and build community with others dedicated to sustainability and wine at the 2024 U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


CA FARM BUREAU EXTENSION: 2024 CE SERIES.

Date:  Thursday, May 9, 2024

Time:  9:30 – 10:30am

Venue:  Online via Zoom

Cost:  FREE for members | $400 for non-members

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (OTHER) – applied for

Topic:  Stewardship Practices for Pyrethroid and Neonicotinoid Insecticide Use in Vegetable Crops

Description:  California Farm Bureau presents the Farm Bureau Extension: 2024 Continuing Education Series held virtually. Join them throughout the year for webinars featuring content that meets your pesticide continuing education (CE) requirements. Subject matter experts will share information immediately applicable to your business operations and advance your professional development. CE certificates will be sent for each webinar attended after the successful completion of a simple quiz on the material. The presentation covers practices to prevent off-site movement of pyrethroids and neonicotinoids. This includes spray drift management for vegetable crops, irrigation practices to minimize runoff, and novel treatment technologies in development.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


STANISLAUS CFB: HEAT ILLNESS PROVENTION.

Date:  Thursday, May 23, 2024

Times:  9:00 – 10:00am Spanish | 10:00 – 11:00am English

Venue:  Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, 1201 L St, Modesto, CA 95354

Cost:  $40 for members | $50 for non-members

Description:  Join Stanislaus County Farm Bureau at their office for a heat illness prevention training that is required annually by CalOSHA for outdoor employees.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE.


CDFA & STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AG: DEFINING REGENERATIVE AG.

Date:  Thursday, May 29, 2024

Time:  5:30pm

Venue:  Online via Zoom

Cost:  FREE

Description:  CDFA, in collaboration with the State Board of Food and Agriculture, will be hosting public listening sessions that will help define “regenerative agriculture” for state policies and programs. Updates on the public listening sessions and the process for defining “regenerative agriculture” are available on CDFA’s website.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


UC DAVIS: OAKVILLE GRAPE DAY.

Date:  Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Time:  8:00am – 2:00pm 

Venue:  Oakville Experimental Vineyard, 1380 Oakville Grade Rd, Oakville, CA 94562

Cost:  $100

Speakers & Topics:  To view the full agenda, click HERE

Description:  The UC Davis Viticulture & Enology Department will be hosting Grape Day at the Oakville Experimental Vineyard on June 5, 2024. The event will take place from 8 am – 2 pm and registration will include pastries, coffee, and lunch. Speakers include farm advisors, cooperative extension specialists, and UC Davis Faculty.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE. Registration closes on Friday, May 31 at 5pm.


CA FARM BUREAU EXTENSION: 2024 CE SERIES.

Date:  Thursday, June 13, 2024

Time:  9:30 – 10:30am

Venue:  Online via Zoom

Cost:  FREE for members | $400 for non-members

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (OTHER) – applied for

Topic:  Integrated Pest Management

Description:  California Farm Bureau presents the Farm Bureau Extension: 2024 Continuing Education Series held virtually. Join them throughout the year for webinars featuring content that meets your pesticide continuing education (CE) requirements. Subject matter experts will share information immediately applicable to your business operations and advance your professional development. CE certificates will be sent for each webinar attended after the successful completion of a simple quiz on the material. 

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


UC DAVIS: TOWARD SUSTAINABLE GROUNDWATER IN AG – LINKING SCIENCE & POLICY CONFERENCE.

Dates:  Monday, June 17 – Thursday, June 20, 2024

Venue:  Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, 1333 Old Bayshore Highway, Burlingame, CA 

Speakers & Topics:  TBD

Description:  This three-day international conference with a pre-conference workshop day will bring together leading scientists, policy analysts, policy and decision-makers, and agricultural and environmental stakeholder representatives from around the world to define and highlight the science of and the challenges in groundwater resources management and groundwater quality protection within and related to agricultural landscapes. The conference will also offer a forum to identify promising technical and policy solutions that provide a sustainable future for groundwater and food production at regional, national, and global scales.

Registration (required):  TBD


STANISLAUS CFB: CPR & FIRST AID TRAINING.

Date:  Thursday, June 27, 2024

Times:  8:00am – 12:00pm Spanish | 1:00 – 5:00pm English

Venue:  Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, 1201 L St, Modesto, CA 95354

Cost:  $100 for members | $125 for non-members

Description:  Join Stanislaus County Farm Bureau at their office for a CPR and first aid training. CalOSHA requires that at least 1 employee of every 20 employees be trained.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE.


UC DAVIS: IN VINO ANALYTICA SCIENTIA 2024.

Dates:  Tuesday, July 9 – Friday, July 12, 2024

Time:  8:00am – 5:00pm

Venue:  UC Davis Conference Center/Walter A. Buehler Alumni Center, 550 Alumni Ln, Davis, CA 95616

Speakers & Topics:  To view the full agenda, click HERE

Description:  The 13th edition of In Vino Analytica Scientia will provide an exceptional opportunity to hear from international experts covering a range of topics related to analytical sciences for grapes, wines, brandy, and spirits. General conference themes include:

  • Chemical analysis of grapes, wines, spirits, and by-products
  • Biotechnology and microbiology
  • Oxidation, aroma, phenol chemistry, and wine aging
  • Non-targeted analysis and chemometrics
  • Genetic approaches towards better grape and wine quality
  • Sensory analysis and wine styles

The conference will feature several invited keynote speakers, submitted oral and poster presentations, and networking opportunities with participants from around the world. Participants will have opportunities to enjoy wines from California and the US, visit the sustainable winery facilities at the University of California, Davis, and participate in a trip to world-renowned northern California wineries.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE.


CA FARM BUREAU EXTENSION: 2024 CE SERIES.

Date:  Thursday, July 11, 2024

Time:  9:30 – 10:30am

Venue:  Online via Zoom

Cost:  FREE for members | $400 for non-members

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (OTHER) – applied for

Topic:  Vertebrate Pest Control

Description:  California Farm Bureau presents the Farm Bureau Extension: 2024 Continuing Education Series held virtually. Join them throughout the year for webinars featuring content that meets your pesticide continuing education (CE) requirements. Subject matter experts will share information immediately applicable to your business operations and advance your professional development. CE certificates will be sent for each webinar attended after the successful completion of a simple quiz on the material. 

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


STANISLAUS CFB: TRACTOR SAFETY.

Date:  Thursday, July 25, 2024

Times:  9:00 – 10:00am Spanish | 10:00 – 11:00am English

Venue:  Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, 1201 L St, Modesto, CA 95354

Cost:  $40 for members | $50 for non-members

Description:  Join Stanislaus County Farm Bureau at their office for a tractor safety training. CalOSHA requires that employees who operate equipment be trained annually.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE.


CA FARM BUREAU EXTENSION: 2024 CE SERIES.

Date:  Thursday, August 8, 2024

Time:  9:30 – 10:30am

Venue:  Online via Zoom

Cost:  FREE for members | $400 for non-members

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (Laws & Regs) – applied for

Topic:  Personal Protective Equipment

Description:  California Farm Bureau presents the Farm Bureau Extension: 2024 Continuing Education Series held virtually. Join them throughout the year for webinars featuring content that meets your pesticide continuing education (CE) requirements. Subject matter experts will share information immediately applicable to your business operations and advance your professional development. CE certificates will be sent for each webinar attended after the successful completion of a simple quiz on the material. 

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


CA FARM BUREAU EXTENSION: 2024 CE SERIES.

Date:  Thursday, September 12, 2024

Time:  9:30 – 10:30am

Venue:  Online via Zoom

Cost:  FREE for members | $400 for non-members

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (Laws & Regs) – applied for

Topic:  Application Inspection

Description:  California Farm Bureau presents the Farm Bureau Extension: 2024 Continuing Education Series held virtually. Join them throughout the year for webinars featuring content that meets your pesticide continuing education (CE) requirements. Subject matter experts will share information immediately applicable to your business operations and advance your professional development. CE certificates will be sent for each webinar attended after the successful completion of a simple quiz on the material. 

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


CA FARM BUREAU EXTENSION: 2024 CE SERIES.

Date:  Thursday, October 10, 2024

Time:  9:30 – 10:30am

Venue:  Online via Zoom

Cost:  FREE for members | $400 for non-members

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (OTHER) – applied for

Topic:  Choosing the Right Pesticide

Description:  California Farm Bureau presents the Farm Bureau Extension: 2024 Continuing Education Series held virtually. Join them throughout the year for webinars featuring content that meets your pesticide continuing education (CE) requirements. Subject matter experts will share information immediately applicable to your business operations and advance your professional development. CE certificates will be sent for each webinar attended after the successful completion of a simple quiz on the material. 

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


STANISLAUS CFB: HAZARDOUS AG MATERIALS TRAINING.

Date:  Thursday, October 24, 2024

Times:  8:00 – 9:30am English | 10:00 – 11:30am Spanish

Venue:  Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, 1201 L St, Modesto, CA 95354

Cost:  $40 for members | $50 for non-members

Description:  Join Stanislaus County Farm Bureau at their office for a hazardous ag materials training. Everyone operating a Class C vehicle carrying hazardous material must be trained.

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE.


CA FARM BUREAU EXTENSION: 2024 CE SERIES.

Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2024

Time:  9:30 – 10:30am

Venue:  Online via Zoom

Cost:  FREE for members | $400 for non-members

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (Laws & Regs) – applied for

Topic:  Preventing Common Violations

Description:  California Farm Bureau presents the Farm Bureau Extension: 2024 Continuing Education Series held virtually. Join them throughout the year for webinars featuring content that meets your pesticide continuing education (CE) requirements. Subject matter experts will share information immediately applicable to your business operations and advance your professional development. CE certificates will be sent for each webinar attended after the successful completion of a simple quiz on the material. 

Registration (required):  To register, please click HERE


2025 INTERNATIONAL IPM SYMPOSIUM.

Dates:  Monday, March 3 – Thursday, March 6, 2025

Venue:  Paradise Point Resort & Spa, 1404 Vacation Road, San Diego, CA 92109

Cost:  TBD

Speakers & Topics:  TBD

Description:  The premier global event for the industry, the IPM Symposium brings together the science and business communities to share the latest research, strategies, and solutions for effectively managing pests in agriculture communities, and natural areas.

Registration (required):  TBD


UCCE & UC IPM: AIR BLAST SPRAYER CALIBRATION.

VenueOnline

Cost:  FREE (without DPR credit); fee to earn DPR credit

Credits:  2 hrs DPR CE (OTHER) and 0.5 hr DPR (LAWS & REGS); 2 hrs CCA (IPM)

Description:  This course was developed for anyone who works with air blast sprayers or is involved with ensuring successful pesticide applications in trees and vines. This includes pesticide handlers, pest control advisors, growers, and supervisors. The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video. View the full description HERE.

For more information including technical requirements please contact Cheryl Reynolds, UC ANR, at creynolds@ucanr.edu.


AG CEU ONLINE: MITE CONTROL AND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT.

Time:  1 hr duration

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (OTHER); 1 hr CCA (Integrated Pest Management)

Description:  This course discusses mite control in major crops and is sponsored by BASF. Mites are small arthropods in the class Arachnida and the subclass Acari. Although they are related to insects, mites are in the arachnid class and are closely related to spiders and ticks. They are common pests in agriculture, landscapes, and gardens. Mite species are estimated to number nearly 50,000. They live in diverse habitats; in soil, water, or plant matter. They eat living and dead plant material as well as fungi, lichens, and even carrion. Some are parasites on animals and others feed on mold. This course will focus on the mites that threaten nut trees, pome fruit, grape, strawberry, tomato, and citrus crops.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


AG CEU ONLINE: ORGANIC/SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION.

Time:  1 hr duration

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Credits:  2 hrs DPR CE (OTHER); 2 hrs CCA (Sustainability)

Description:  This course focuses on sustainable organic farming practices and cultural and biological pest management without the use of synthetic chemicals. This course will provide a general overview of the most common pests in organic/sustainable agricultural systems and current methods of controlling insect pests, weeds, and diseases in a range of organic crops grown in the United States. Organic/sustainable agriculture is expanding rapidly in the US with an average annual increase of 12% during the last 15 years. In the early years, organic production was limited and typically meant small farms and roadside stands. Now, however, the growing demand for organic produce is attracting conventional producers and retailers. Organic product sales now exceed $32 billion in the US.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


AG CEU ONLINE: VINE MEALYBUG IPM IN VINEYARDS.

Time:  1 hr duration

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (OTHER); 1 hr CCA (IPM)

Description:  This online Continuing Education course, sponsored by Suterra, the global leader in environmentally sustainable pest control, discusses the identification of vine mealybug (VMB), how it damages grapes and grapevines, monitoring and treatment options, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and Pesticide Safety. Vine mealybug (VMB, Planococcus ficus) is a serious insect pest of grapes and has three characteristics that make it particularly damaging:

  • it easily moves from vineyard to vineyard
  • it is difficult to control with insecticides
  • it is implicated in the spread of viruses that cause grapevine leafroll disease

Information provided herein does not constitute a recommendation. Always consult with your PCA to determine the best pest management practices and timings for your operation. Adhere to state and local regulations and the current pesticide label and check with your organic certifier.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


AG CEU ONLINE: PROTECTING POLLINATORS.

Time:  1 hr duration

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (OTHER); 1 hr CCA (Sustainability)

Description:  As of January 2018, there were approximately 2.63 million managed honey bee colonies in the U.S. Over 500,000 make their home permanently in California, while another 1.5 million hives are moved into the state annually to augment the pollination demands of California’s almond crop alone. This means slightly fewer than 79 percent of the managed hives in the U.S. are used to pollinate a single California crop. In 2019 there are about 1.16 million planted acres of almond orchards in California, with mature trees on bearing acreages capable of producing more than 2.27 billion pounds of almonds annually. Growers usually rent two colonies of honey bees per bearing acre. “Honey bees are essential to almond production,” said Bob Curtis, pollination consultant and retired director of Agricultural Affairs for the Almond Board of California. “Every almond we eat exists because a honey bee pollinated an almond blossom so it’s in farmers’ best interest to keep them safe. Our livelihood depends on it.” As important as managed honey bees are to almonds and the more than 100 other crops they pollinate, pesticides and insecticides used to protect crops against pests are also important. Farmers and crop protection specialists recognize that and work diligently to ensure that pollinators and pesticides can co-exist in balance. This course will examine the stressors on the honey bee population such as Colony Collapse Disorder, nutrition, pesticides, parasites, and pathogens as well as rules and legislation to protect honey bees. 

For more information:  Please click HERE.


AG CEU ONLINE: GRAPE POWDERY MILDEW CONTROL IN CA VINEYARDS.

Time:  1 hr duration

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (OTHER); 2 hrs CCA (IPM)

Description:  Grape Powdery Mildew is the number one disease in California vineyards. More dollars are spent on powdery mildew control and, yet, this disease still accounts for more crop losses than any other grape pest. This course, sponsored by Western Farm Press, explores the different fungicide classes; treatment options for powdery mildew in California; resistance management, and regional differences in disease development. It also includes a detailed approach to using the UC Powdery Mildew Risk Assessment Index (RAI) to predict infections. Seasonal patterns of disease development differ from region to region (as well as year to year), and cost-effective management strategies must be based on local conditions that favor or inhibit pathogen reproduction. Season-long control depends on reducing early-season inoculum and subsequent infections with well-timed fungicide applications. Spray timing and frequency (and coverage) are everything; these vary depending on local weather, temperature, varietal susceptibility, vine growth stage, and material choice.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


AG CEU ONLINE: UTILIZING POTASSIUM NITRATE – DISEASE ORGANISMS & IPM.

Time:  1 hr duration

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Credits:  1 hr CCA (Nutrient Management) & 0.5 hr (Soil & Water Management)

Description:  Potassium nitrate is used in agriculture, industry, solar energy plants, food, and pharma. In agriculture, the main uses of potassium nitrate are related to the supply of plant nutrients via fertigation, foliar, and field applications. Potassium nitrate has also proven to be a valuable tool in crop pest and stress management and has shown positive effects on the control of plant pests and diseases when applied or as an additive to crop protection agrochemicals, thus allowing the grower to practice more effective and judicious use of pesticides. When used correctly, potassium nitrate can be a valuable and economic source in any Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, not only for its effective and environmentally sensitive aspects but for its effects on overall plant health, thus creating a stronger, more resistant plant. This is demonstrated in this course by a number of examples of pest management with potassium and nitrate sources. This course also has a section on the role of nutrients in IPM and is sponsored by SQM.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


SAN JOAQUIN CO: SUPPORTING BENEFICIAL BIRDS & MANAGING PEST BIRDS.

Time:  1 hr duration

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (OTHER)

Description:  This one-hour online course covers various practices farms can employ to utilize birds for pest control and reduce pesticide use. In addition, the course covers how to address birds when they may be pests on the farm.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


SAN JOAQUIN CO: THE FIELDWORKER SAFETY INSPECTION REPORT.

Time:  1 hr duration

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (LAWS & REGS)

Description: This course covers the regulatory requirements found in a Fieldworker Safety Inspection Report, what each requirement means, and how to comply.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


SAN JOAQUIN CO: THE PESTICIDE USE MONITORING INSPECTION (PR-ENF-104).

Time:  1 hr duration

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Credits:  0.5 hr DPR CE (LAWS & REGS) and 0.5 hr DPR CE (OTHER)

Description:  Pesticide Use Monitoring Inspections are one of the most common types of regulatory inspections performed by our department. The purpose of these inspections is to determine if the handler and employer are in compliance with regulations, and permit conditions and if the label is used. Additionally, these inspections ensure that possible hazards to people, crops, non-target animals, and surrounding properties are addressed.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


SAN JOAQUIN CO: PEST CONTROL HEADQUARTERS INSPECTIONS FOR AG OPERATIONS.

Time:  1 hr duration

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Credits:  1 hr DPR CE (LAWS & REGS)

Description:  This training focuses on the Pest Control Headquarters Inspection Report (Form 109). This type of inspection is for:

      • Production Agriculture Operations
      • Pesticide Dealers
      • Pest Control Advisors (PCA)
      • “Other” Non-Production Headquarters Types

For this training, the concentration will focus on agricultural operations.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


SAN JOAQUIN CO: PESTICIDE DRIFT PREVENTION.

Time:  1 hr duration

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Credits:  0.5 hr DPR CE (LAWS & REGS) and 0.5 hr DPR CE (OTHER)

Description:  Pesticide drift is the movement of pesticide dust or droplets through the air at the time of application or soon after, to any site other than the intended treatment area. This continuing education course training series discusses tips and techniques to reduce the possibility of off-target drift.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


VIRTUAL VITICULTURE ACADEMY: PROSPECTIVE WINEGRAPE GROWER COURSE.

Time:  6 video modules

Venue:  Online

Cost:  $289 | $200 with code NewGrower

Description:  New and prospective wine-grape growers often do not have all of the information needed before deciding to start and grow a successful vineyard, and they find out the hard way that making poor decisions at the start can be costly and frustrating. To help growers avoid costly start-up mistakes, this comprehensive Online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course provides everything you need to start and grow your vineyard successfully. The course includes:

      • Over 5hours of guided video content
      • Downloadable and printable grower guides to help you keep notes along with the course
      • Real-life examples, illustrations, and more of what you need to know to make good decisions from the start for growing a successful vineyard.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


WILD FARM ALLIANCE: ROLE OF BIRDS ON FARMS – CERTIFICATION.

Time:  10 virtual courses

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Description:  This 10-lesson virtual course teaches agricultural professionals and farmers how to support beneficial birds and manage pest birds on farms. By learning how to assess the farm’s avian needs and opportunities, farms can be designed to provide for a diversity of beneficial birds. If pest birds are a problem, they can be discouraged with specific practices during the shorter periods when they cause damage. The sessions cover the latest research, tools, and resources, and are given by experts in avian pest control, entomology, ornithology, and conservation. This course was first offered via webinar format in early 2022. View the recordings of the lessons at your own pace and track your progress using the certificate, HERE.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


WILD FARM ALLIANCE: HABITAT ON FARMS – AVIAN PEST CONTROL SERVICES.

Time:  1 course

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Credits:  4 hrs DPR CE (OTHER) – approved

Description:  WFA is pleased to offer a free California Continuing Education Course about supporting avian pest control. Participants will learn about research that shows the benefits of installing habitats in and around farms to attract beneficial birds that provide valuable pest control services. After completing a course, Wild Farm Alliance will email you a certificate of completion within one week. You must submit the certificate to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to receive your credits. These two courses are approved for the “Other” category and would count towards the total “Other” hours needed for the QAL license renewal.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


WILD FARM ALLIANCE: NEST BOXES & PERCHES – AVIAN PEST CONTROL SERVICES.

Time:  1 course

Venue:  Online

Cost:  FREE

Credits:  3 hrs DPR CE (OTHER) – approved

Description:  WFA is pleased to offer a free California Continuing Education Course about supporting avian pest control. Participants will learn about the research showing the benefits to the farm of installing Western Bluebird and other songbird nest boxes, Barn Owl and American Kestrel boxes, and songbird and raptor perches to gain these birds’ valuable pest control services. After completing a course, Wild Farm Alliance will email you a certificate of completion within one week. You must submit the certificate to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to receive your credits. These two courses are approved for the “Other” category and would count towards the total “Other” hours needed for the QAL license renewal.

For more information:  Please click HERE.


Organizations Hosting Training Seminars and Educational Events

Many of these qualify for LODI RULES Standards 1.6 & 2.8

Ag Safe Conference

American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) annual meeting

American Vineyard Grape Expo

Association of Applied IPM Ecologists (AAIE) annual conference

California Plant and Soil Conference (California Chapter of the ASA)

California State University-Fresno Biennial Grape Day

California Association of Pest Control Advisors (CAPCA) Meetings and Workshops

Clarksburg Grape Day

Dollars and Sense Tradeshow and Seminar

Foothill Grape Day

Lodi Farm Safety Day

Lodi Grape Day (every February)

Lodi District Grape Growers Association Seminars and Workshop 

Lodi Winegrape Commission (LWC) Seminars and Workshops

Napa Valley Viticulture Fair

Rootstock: Napa Valley Grapegrowers

San Joaquin Farm Bureau Seminars and Workshops

San Joaquin Valley Grape Symposium

San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association Annual Meeting and Industry Forum

Sonoma Grape Day

Sustainable Ag Expo (San Luis Obispo every fall)

University of California-Davis extension courses and seminars (RAVE, etc.)

Unified Wine and Grape Symposium (every January in Sacramento)

Vineyard Economics Seminar

Wine Industry Financial Symposium

WINexpo

World Ag Expo (every February)


UC IPM Online Trainings

The UC Statewide IPM Program provides online courses that reflect current advances in pest management and related topics. Selected courses are approved by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) for Continuing Education Units. Some are also approved for structural units from the Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB).

Check out the UC Integrated Pest Management website for online pieces of training – some are free and some charge a fee: ipm.ucanr.edu/training/index.html.