2011 World Ag Expo Seminars

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Are Global and Food Safety and Quality Standards Making the Grade?

Speakers: Dr. Barry Eisenberg, Dr. Scott Hood, Scott Horsfall

Learn what trading partners want to know about your food safety practices and what quality assurances are being implemented in the U.S. to ensure food safety and quality. Dr. Scott Hood from General Mills, Dr. Barry Eisenberg from United Fresh Produce Association and Scott Horsfall from the Leafy Green Marketing Agreement will discuss federal and state safety regulations industry-developed standards, post harvest quality assurance practices and traceability.

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How do Major International Food and Agricultural Supply Chains select Suppliers?

Speaker: Mark Benjamin

Description: How to meet the needs of foreign buyers is the focus of this discussion. California has a reputation for producing a wide variety of high quality food products, but foreign buyers have more choices that California. Learn how to beat competition and expand sales from a panel of representatives from major international supply chains. Mark Benjamin from Kenkko Commodities is the speaker.

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Grow Local, Sell Global: Hear from Successful Farmers Who took a Risk and are Now Branded Worldwide

Speakers: Don Barton, Loren Booth

Transitioning from domestic sales to being an international supplier. Hear from a panel of farmers turned exporters to learn how they expanded their businesses by marketing their products internationally. Featured speakers are Don Barton, president of Gold River Orchard and Loren Booth, President of Booth Ranches.

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Cuba "A New Beginning" Is there really a market for California there?

Speakers: C. Parr Rosson

Hear the possibilities and learn how to be prepared to enter this market. This may be possible for the first time in 47 years as the Organization of American States is looking to expand Cuban participation. Even under current limitations this country purchased more than $4 billion worth of ag products from the U.S. between 2002 and 2008. With the embargo lifted the question is - will California find a market there? Presenter is C. Parr Rosson, PhD, professor from Texas A&M.

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Trade Barriers & Free Trade Agreements: Leveling the playing field for U.S. producers

Speakers: Islam Siddiqui

Achieve better understanding of trade barriers and free trade agreements from the chief agricultural negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Ambassador Islam Siddiqui will discuss whether Congress will enact free trade agreements made with Korea, Panama and Colombia and what other steps the federal government is taking to improve market access for California ag products. Ambassador Siddiqui will also reveal current efforts to level the international playing field for American producers and deliver jobs and economic opportunities.

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Air Quality Regulations : How will my Operation be Impacted?

Speakers: Brad Miller, Sayed Sadredin

Major drivers of air quality regulations in California - greenhouse gas reporting and AB 32 are the focus of presentations by Sayed Sadredin, executive of the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District and Brad Miller, president of Environmental Concepts Company in Mission Viejo. Reporting of greenhouse gases by major sources is required by the California Global Warming Solutions Act- AB 32, which was signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. The state's air resources board in approved a mandatory reporting regulation in 2007 and it became effective in 2009. Learn what is in store for the Valley and the state.

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General Agriculture Seminar: Local and Regional Water Supply Conditions and Outlook

Speakers: Ron Jacobsma , Mark Larsen

Friant Water Authority General Manager Ron Jacobsma and Mark Larsen of the Kaweah Delta Water conservation district, will lead a discussion on the outlook for surface water deliveries, the impact of the San Joaquin River settlement on water deliveries and the potential of the Temperance Flat Reservoir to improve water deliveries. Jacobsma has served in senior management positions at Friant for the past 21 years. Manager since 2003, he guided Friant through implementation of the historical settlement. Mark Larsen, general manager of Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District will discuss the relationship of surface water deliveries and groundwater availability. He will also provide insight on impact of land use changes to groundwater levels in the future.

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Drip Irrigation and Water Savings: Hype vs Reality

Speaker: Mark Hewitt

Examine some of the common beliefs and misconceptions about drip irrigation. In real world settings, experience has shown that drip irrigation does not always result in lower water use. Mark Hewitt of Rainbird will look at examples of drip irrigation's impact on water efficiency, yield and crop quality. He will also present two case studies to show actual on-farm results. In the first, a grower expects to lower water use with new drip system. Instead, he finds water use is 30 percent higher compared to irrigating with a big gun traveler system. However, his crop biomass and yields are up significantly. In the second, a grower installs drip on wine grapes and finds he can vary the amount of water depending on soil conditions within the vineyard, weather, age of vines and growth stage. Controlling the timing of water application over the growing season results in higher quality grapes.

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Grower Success Using Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) on Alfalfa, Corn and Cotton

Speaker: Inge Bisconer

Field crop growers will learn how subsurface drip irrigation systems can increase their crop yields, uniformity and quality in addition to reduced fertilizer, water and energy use. Field accessibility is also improved compared to gravity and sprinkler systems. Inge Bisconer of Toro Micro-Irrigation will present specific examples of alfalfa, corn and cotton production using subsurface drip irrigation. According to Toro Micro-Irrigation, the increase in revenue, reduction in cost and improvement in convenience offsets the cost of adopting drip irrigation systems and in many cases has enabled continued production of crops in areas where water supplies are severely depleted or restricted or where gravity and sprinkler are deemed wasteful. Bisconer will also introduce support items for subsurface drip systems including the Toro Micro-Irrigation Owner's Manual, the Tape Irrigation Calculator and the Drip/Micro Payback Wizard.

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Now Is the Time for Efficient Watering Systems

Speaker: Vahan Bagdasarian

Hear how increasing pump efficiency by only a few percentage points can quickly return your cost of investment in new equipment. Worn impellers and pumps along with inefficient motors need to be replaced. Van Bagdasarian of Grundfos will explain evaluation of the complete system, the use of larger diameter pipe in mains and laterals and how that will save energy and may increase the uniformity of the irrigation system. He will also look at the operating cost of the complete system.

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Filter Efficiency Translates to Water and Energy Savings

Speaker: Randy Delenikos

Learn about the criteria for an optimum water filtration system. Proper filtration is the best way to get the most from your water delivery system. Randy Delenikos from Lakos will explain that the focus of a filtration system should not only be price and performance but should include pressure and water loss. Today's filter technology does provide options for operating at lower pressures, which can translate into significant cost savings in terms of pump horsepower and total kilowatt consumption to deliver a given flow of water. Delenikos will review filter options and the keys to energy cost improvements to reveal savings beyond traditional logic for design and operation.

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Using Technology to Improve Irrigation Scheduling

Speaker: Lanny Sowell

Using Technology to Improve Irrigation Scheduling

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Simplified Irrigation Management Monitoring soil tension in real time

Speaker: Jeremy Otto

A background in irrigation management technology will be presented by Jeremy Otto of Hortau. Learn how proper management of inputs such as water, fertilizer and pesticides can increase productivity.

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Turning Waste Into Revenue- The Role of Center Pivot Irrigation Solutions for Distributing Water and Other

Speaker: Andrew Smith

Learn how turning water from feeding operations, municipal sanitary treatment facilities and other industrial processes into an agricultural resource a viable option. Center pivot systems are uniquely adaptable to a variety of conditions and make an excellent choice for alternative water sources. The session will provide an overview and examples of the board range of existing or emerging applications.

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Overhead Mechanized Precision irrigation: A growing Revolution for California Agricultural Water Management

Speaker: Jeff Mitchell

Hear how overhead center pivot and linear irrigation systems are being reintroduced in California's Central Valley. Jeff Mitchell of University of California Davis will explain how these systems enable automated, precise irrigation while reducing labor costs. They also permit considerable crop flexibility, particularly when coupled with conservation tillage approach

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Precision Irrigation with Valley Variable Rate Irrigation

Speaker: Jake LaRue

Put your irrigation management decisions into action for each management zone in the field to improve input allocations and efficiency. Jake LaRue of Valmont will explain how variable rate irrigation lowers production costs and potentially increases profits. The mechanized irrigation industry's first variable rate irrigation control is designed to match your pivot�s water application depth to your specific soil type.

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Dairy and Air Quality- Where the Industry Stands

Speaker: Dr. Frank Mitloehner

Regulatory pressure on San Joaquin Valley dairies due to the region's historically bad air quality will be discussed by the leading University of California air quality researcher Dr. Frank Mitloehner. Producers will hear about his latest research in quantifying air emissions from dairies and possible mitigation measures. Added to the mix is California's dubious honor of being the first state to require dairies to take steps to improve air quality.

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2011 Outstanding Dairy Industry Educator/Researcher

Speaker: Ron Goble

2011 Outstanding Dairy Industry Educator/Researcher- Dr. Frank Mitloehner, University of California Davis.

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Lunch and Facing Challenges: Immigration Compliance Strategies

Speaker: Anthony Raimondo

Learn the ins and outs of complying with current immigration laws, how to fill out I-9 forms and what to do when an employee's name and Social Security number do not match. In addition there will be advice on dealing with government raids and audits and dairy employer rights and responsibilities in a government investigation. Speaker and labor attorney Anthony Raimondo will give practical advice on legal hiring and retention of employees. Joining Raimondo will be a dairy producer and representative from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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Focusing on Milk Quality:Goals in a Global Marketplace

Speaker: Chris Jongsma, Nicole Ekblom, Shawna Morris

Are U.S. dairy producers ready to meet the global demand for milk quality? This seminar looks at the future of milk quality from the viewpoints of producer, veterinarian, processor and representative from the U.S. Dairy Export Council. As consumers become more aware of the source and quality of the food they eat, milk quality is coming under scrutiny at all levels of the supply chain. Tighter restrictions on somatic cell counts are looming in the U.S. as the European Union is already taking steps to require lower counts in milk from the U.S. Panelists for this important discussion are Nicole Ekblom, DVM Atwater-Merced Veterinary Clinic, Shawna Morris, vice president trade policy of U.S. Dairy Export Council; and dairy producer Chris Jongsma.

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2011 Outstanding Dairy Producer of the Year

Speaker: Ron Goble

2011 Outstanding Dairy Producer of the Year- Stephen D. Maddox, Maddox Dairy, Burrell, Calif.

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Lunch and Food Economics and Consumer Choice: A Call to Action!

Speaker: Rob Aukerman

Food Economics and Consumer Choice: A Call to Action!

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The skinny on fatty acids: Beyond energy to improve your bottom line (Sponsor: Virtus Nutrition)

Speaker: Dr. Tom Jenkins

Ongoing research shows the importance of the individual fatty acids both on rumen function as well as benefits to the cow for increased production and reproduction. Dr. Tom Jenkins, professor of animal science from Clemson University, will give practical tips that will increase your understanding and help you profit from the fatty acids your cows eat. In addition, local nutritionist Jim Tully from Pine Creek Nutrition will share his approach to balancing fatty acids in his clients� diets in order to maximize performance and profitability. (Sponsor: Virtus Nutrition)

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2011 Outstanding Dairy Industry Service Awards

Speaker: Ron Goble

2011 Outstanding Dairy Industry Service Awards: Rob Vandenheuvel, general manager, Milk Producers Council and Syp Vander Dussen, MPC president

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Dairy Report

Speaker: Ron, DMI Board

Dairy Checkoff Update

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Lunch and How do you do it? The next generation takes over the dairy

Speaker: Ben and Ken Curti, Carl Sousa , Caroline Berry, Jody Graves, Lori Sousa Cardoza

Panelists will share stories of how their families have transitioned dairy management from one generation to the next. Learn how to execute the delicate act and make decisions that will keep your family working together. Moderator of this seminar will be Caroline Berry, founder of Next Step. Panelists will be Ben and Ken Curti, Lori Sousa Cardoza and Carl Sousa and Jody Graves.

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Surviving milk price wars: How can Dairies Make a Profit?

A look at economic and financial conditions facing the dairy industry will be discussed by a panel of financial experts from Genske, Mulder & Co. a CPA firm that represents 12 percent of the nation's milk in 29 states

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Taking It to the Street

Speaker: Amanda (Nolz) Radke

An enthusiastic promoter of the beef industry, Amanda (Nolz) Radke will challenge beef producers to speak out about the positives of beef. She believes producers should be able to effectively communicate with consumers and tell their side of the story and refute the misleading information promoted by well-funded animal rights lobbying groups. "We know we produce a safe, wholesome and delicious product to feed the world, but does the consumer know all of these things?" Radke asks. Even though we have good intentions to speak out, she adds, we are busy with daily work on the farm or ranch, and leave that task to others. In her presentation, BEEF magazine blogger and BEEF Daily editor Radke will show producers how to make the most of their efforts to promote the beef industry.

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What is the Model for Beef Industry Sustainability

Speaker: Wes Ishmael

Is the liquidation of the nation's cowherd a short-term event or a long-term trend? Speaker Wes Ishmael, who writes the monthly Cattle Economics column for BEEF magazine, will take an in depth look at two paths for the beef industry - a temporarily smaller herd due to higher feed costs and other factors or a long term trend toward fewer producers and cattle and more industry concentration. Ishmael believes there is a definite need to question whether the current cattle industry model is economically sustainable. If it is, Ishmael said, he will help beef producers learn to position themselves to take advantage of opportunities and how to adapt to a new model.

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Tax Strategies for Beef Producers

Speaker: Robert Gunther

Learn what corporate structuring options are available to beef producers and the benefits and disadvantages that come with each option. Tax strategist and CPA Robert A. Gunther with the Little Rock, AK -based firm of Frost, PLLC is a specialist in animal agriculture income tax planning and compliance. He is a veteran presenter on tax topics at agriculture forums across the nation. In this seminar he will also list tax benefits that are innately available to beef producers. His presentation will be pertinent to all aspects of beef production including cow/calf operations, stockers and feedlot operations.

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Navigating the Corn Silage Maze

Speaker: Everett Thomas

Corn silage choices can be overwhelming for dairy producers. Speaker Everett Thomas will cut through the confusion and provide practical advice on selecting silage corn to fit your herd size, storage options and milk production goals. Thomas, of Oak Point Agronomics, will also discuss how tonnage, digestibility and net energy factor into corn silage choices in today's economic climate.

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Choosing the best alfalfa hay and Corn silage to maximize milk production and profit

Speaker: Gerry Higginbotham

Learn how to evaluate the quality of hay and silage to cost-effectively balance rations for high milk production from one of the San Joaquin Valley's best-known dairy nutritionists. Gerry Higginbotham, University of California farm advisor in Fresno County will review the basics of forage quality measurements and their impacts on dairy rations, production and economics of dairy farming.

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Economic trends with hay and forage markets

Speaker: Seth Hoyt

Will milk prices stay at profitable levels in 2011? What will hay exports do in 2011? Seth Hoyt, of The Hoyt Report, will answer these and other important questions for dairy producers and hay growers. Hoyt will use his in-depth experience in the hay and forage markets to give producers the latest information on market factors impacting alfalfa and other forages in the Western states. Hay growers in the West have options on what to plant for 2011 and depending on the area, some have decided to plant other crops. What this will do to the hay market and hay acres in the West will be explored by Hoyt.

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Are You Ready for Roundup Ready Alfalfa?

Speaker: Dan Putnam

Hear about interesting and exciting new genetic traits beyond Roundup Ready that may have large impacts on alfalfa in the future from UC Forage Specialist Dan Putnam. Roundup Ready hit the fields in 2005, but planting was halted due to a lawsuit in 2007. Most predict that the glyphosate-resistant variety will be fully commercialized in 2011, but much of the controversy remains.

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Agricultural Equipment Safety

Speaker: John Barrientos

Learn about common hazards associated with mobile farm equipment and how to train workers to operate your equipment safely. Speaker is Farm Employers Labor Service representative John Barrientos.

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Keep onTrucking: An updae on CARB's truck diesel rule

Speaker: Cynthia Cory

Receive an update on California Air Resources Board's on-road diesel truck and bus rule from Cynthia Cory, CFBF's director of environmental affairs. In October, CARB voted to drop a requirement that some on-road diesel vehicles undergo annual smoke testing. Cory testified before the board that the annual smoke check amounted to excessive testing.

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What's in Store with the New Congress and How will Changes Affect California Agriculture

Speaker: Jack King

The outlook for trade, immigration, health care, climate change and farm bill legislation will be presented by CFBF's Manager of National Affairs Jack King. King will explore the direction of the new Congress and how changes will affect California agriculture.

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The Farm Bill and its Impact on California Farmers

The Farm Bill and its Impact on California Farmers at 12:45 p.m. with speakers Josh Rolph, director of International Trade, Farm Policy, Taxation & Plant Health and Elisa Noble, director of Natural Resources & Public Lands. This seminar will provide an important and dynamic overview of the 2008 Farm Bill provisions that could impact California farmers. The presentation will also expand upon current discussions regarding development of the 2012 Farm Bill.