2012 Seminars
Check back for 2013 seminar schedule
International Trade Seminars
Best Export Markets for Agricultural Equipment
Padraic Sweeney
The agricultural equipment industry is a strong, highly successful manufacturing and exporting sector of the U.S. economy. Some of the most dynamic markets for U.S. agricultural equipment are overseas. As the world’s population grows and demands an ever greater variety of higher quality food products, U.S. agricultural equipment manufacturers face growing opportunities—as well as some significant challenges to selling internationally. Padraic Sweeney of the U.S. Department of Commerce will discuss the key opportunities and challenges facing U.S. agricultural equipment exporters, in the context of the National Export Initiative.
Seminar Center
2/14/2012 10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
Export Compliance and Regulatory Overview
Omari S. Wooden
In October 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division developed the Automated Export System Compliance Review Program. Understand the requirements of the Automated Export System and Foreign Trade Regulations and how to avoid possible penalties and seizure of cargo. In accordance with the Foreign Trade Regulations, all parties to the export transaction are subject to penalties and fines. This session will provide you with information to assist you with the exporting process.
Seminar Center
2/14/2012 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Small Business Capital and Fast!
Sue Malone
Looking to capture 92% of the buying market? Think outside our borders! Capital is available for you and your business to do just that. Sue Malone is the founder of Strategies for Small Business and responsible for closing more than 20,000 loans, making her the Small Business Administration’s top lender. She can provide loans between $5,000 and $25,000 with a turnaround in five days or less. Sue is interested in the success of your small business and will work efficiently and effectively for you.
Seminar Center
2/14/2012 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
Foreign Buyer Matchmaking
Reaching buyers in markets worldwide can be challenging. Come to this seminar to meet and greet a myriad of buyers from around the globe and potentially expand your customer base. You will have the opportunity to learn about buyers who are attending World Ag Expo from various places including Canada, Mexico and Chile. These buyers are ready and anxious to learn about your products. Available on hand for your convenience will be support staff from California Centers of International Trade Development, U S Department of Commerce, Export-Import Bank and an international business team who can help you increase sales through exporting.
Seminar Center
2/14/2012 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Hay & Forage Seminars
Hay Situation and Outlook in the Western States
Hay & Forage Grower Seth Hoyt
The record high alfalfa and other hay prices and strong profitability in 2012 were great news for hay growers, but the record low amount of alfalfa hay fed by some dairies was not a good long term development for hay growers. What impact will this have on hay supplies and the alfalfa hay market in the west in 2012?
Seminar Center
2/14/12 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Panel Discussion: Innovations in Forage Harvesting
Forrest Laws
Agricultural equipment inventors and representatives of manufacturing companies will share what’s new in harvesting technologies to improve forage productivity.
Seminar Center
2/14/12 10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Panel Discussion: Making the Most of High Quality Forages
Carol Frate
Sponsor: Mycogen Seeds
Hear first-hand why many dairy operations are placing more emphasis on high quality forages, including highly digestible corn silage. A consulting nutritionist, dairy owner and farm manager will share how they grow, store and feed high quality forages in order to achieve optimum milk production and reduce ration costs. You’ll get practical management tips on how to incorporate more high quality forages into your dairy operation.
Seminar Center
2/14/12 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Pricing Corn Silage in Today’s Volatile Market
Noelia Silva del Rio, Carol Frate
As dairy producers strive to replace more expensive concentrates with high quality corn silage, the pricing structure of corn for silage may need to consider factors other than tonnage. Whether you are buying, selling or growing your own corn silage, you’ll gain insights on its value as a quality feed for dairy cows and how to gain an edge in today’s market.
Seminar Center
2/14/12 2:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
General Ag Seminars
Water Update
Seminar Center
2/15/12 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Looking for Terrorists
Dr. Mark Hoddle, Ted Batkin
Any tourist may be carrying a terrorist for citrus farmers in the San Joaquin Valley. Nursery plants smuggled in can harbor another terrorist. Since 9/11 the focus for Homeland Security has been to protect the country from terrorist determined to attack our government and society. Yet, during this time we have had smaller terrorist gaining a foothold in our citrus producing areas, the Asian Citrus Psyllid. Learn what is being done to contain this threat and to stay prepared for the next threat.
Seminar Center
2/15/12 11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
More Green Energy- Bio fuels
Dr. Robert Hutmacher
The ideas of bio fuels goes back to the 19th Century with Henry Ford and Rudolf Diesel, and today it is being touted as the future for our cars, trucks, tractors and even the Navy’s jets. Join us for an update on the latest projects in the San Joaquin Valley; from camelina for jet fuel, to sorghums and switch grass for ethanol.
Seminar Center
2/15/12 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m
Panel Discussion. M2M; Future of Ag Communications?
Bob Murphy, Nic Stover, Charles Christie, Joey Mier
Seminars will discuss; Remote telemetry hardware solutions including sensors and control panels for both Engines (diesel, natural gas, etc.,) and electric motors. Energy efficiency and the auxiliary benefits created by utilizing "Green" technology through remote telematics. The past, present, and future of remote telemetry and asset management. Also include will be an overview of all types of remote communications including cellular, satellite and radio frequency. Applying remote telemetry/asset management into production agriculture. An overview of the managerial concepts and operational efficiencies created by the implementation of remote telemetry.
Seminar Center
2/15/12 2:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m
BEEF Seminars
Income & Estate Tax Update for Beef Producers
Robert Gunther
This presentation will provide an overall income tax update specifically focused for individuals involved in all aspects of beef production including cow/calf operations, stockers and feedlot operations. Expiring IRS provisions, depreciation and changes in farm income tax rules will be the focus of this presentation. Discussion will also include an overview of current estate tax laws as well as changes set to take place with respect to these tax laws. This presentation will also include specifics as to how current estate tax laws could benefit those operating in the beef production industry, and what considerations need to be made before these provisions expire.
Seminar Center
2/15/12 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
The Time is Now You've got your story, and you're ready to tell it.
Amanda Radke
Now, where to start? It all starts with making “Agvocacy” a daily part of your routine. Using social media, Radke will show you how to creatively share stories and positive messages while negating the misinformation about production agriculture along the way. All it takes is a few clicks on the computer, and you're ranching online, connecting with consumers around the globe.
Seminar Center
2/15/12 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cow Shifting – Opportunities and Challenges in a Smaller Industry
Wes Ishmael
Economics and one of the worst droughts in history have spawned the smallest U.S. beef cowherd since World War II. Whether or not industry contraction continues, industry basics have changed forever.
Seminar Center
2/15/12 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Irrigation Seminars
Choices for Precision Irrigation of Commercial Field Crops
Jake LaRue
The presentation will start with a brief discussion of what precision agriculture for field crops is and its history and what irrigation offers to precision agriculture. Time will be spent on some of the possible applications of precision irrigation, methods to evaluate and specific benefits; current options available for precision irrigation using center pivots. This will include a brief overview of OEM and third party options. The presentation will move to a discussion of specific applications, costs for precision irrigation and benefits to the grower and consider what the future may hold for improvements in precision irrigation.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Choosing Mechanized Irrigation
Andrew Smith
Join this session for a better understanding of how best to integrate center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems into your operations seamlessly, effectively and profitably.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Pumping Efficiency
Bill Green
Worldwide, water and energy are two issues that affect everyone in agriculture. This lecture will provide basic technical information for moving water with irrigation pumps so farmers can make informed decisions with their irrigation systems that will lead to the efficient use of energy and water. PG&E’s Advanced Pumping Efficiency Program (APEP) targets working pumping plant installations. The program offers subsidized pump efficiency testing and provides monetary incentives for pump retrofit/ repair. The program examines the operating condition of pumps, evaluates them through pump tests, and brings inefficient pumps back to efficient operation, providing the potential for energy and water savings through proper farm management.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Making the Right Filter Decisions
Randy Delenikos
With so many options to consider, it’s important to first analyze the issues with your water systems and then apply an objective set of criteria to help determine the proper filter for any given application. What’s in the water, what is causing you problems and what needs to be filtered? It’s not just a matter of the longest list of filter features or the finest micron rating or the biggest filter you can afford. Virtually all of today’s filters have value, but that value has to match your specific needs. Know the types of filters and what they can & can’t do. Understand the differences and consider how those differences may be valuable to your applications. Evaluate the options based on those criteria that are important to your applications and you will stay focused on the best solution for your needs. Take control of the decision process and don’t be misled by products or features unrelated to what’s right for you.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Beyond Sand Media: 21st Century Filtration
Jim Lauria
With a growing emphasis on water efficiency, energy conservation and improving the performance of finely tuned irrigation systems, filtration equipment must keep pace with advances in water management.Using examples from California farms, we will explore a variety of available filtration technologies, tracking not just return on investment, but also the return on environment. Participants will learn how to specify a filtration system with an eye toward the condition of the source water, orifice size in the irrigation system, power needs, labor costs for operations and maintenance, pipe or tape layout and managing back flush water.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 12:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m.
Applying Fertilizers and Chemicals through Irrigations Systems
Vahn Bagdasarian
Farmers are under pressure to save costs and avoid excessive fertilizer and chemical use. Current Fertigation and Chemigation systems deliver the accuracy and uniformity required when properly used. Let your irrigation system do the work and deliver the chemicals and nutrients to reduce your application costs. Today irrigation systems when designed and operated correctly are extremely uniform and can apply nutrients and chemicals as well. With the use of your irrigation system you can apply the amount that the crop requires at the time the crop requires those applications.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
To “Drip” or not to “Drip”
Dean Parrish
The presentation will compare the three most common types of “efficient irrigation” systems (drip, micro-sprays and solid set) used to grow almonds. Each system will be introduced along with real life case studies showing the agronomics and economics of each type of system. My goal is not to promote one type of system over the other, but rather to educate the growers as to what’s being used and why so that they can make an informed buying decision.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
How Drip Irrigation Technology Helps Improve Water Use Efficiency
Jim Schieferle
Over the past 30 years, drip irrigation technology has been adopted by nearly 2.3 million acres in California according to the 2008 USDA Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey. This represents one third of California's 8.3 million irrigated acres and represents a substantial investment into technology. Consider that drip irrigation adoption is, according to producers, typically accompanied by increased yields and quality and decreased resource use and costs, this is significant progress in the productivity and resource use efficiency of California farmers. It is believed that drip irrigation provides producers an invaluable tool to increase water and resource use efficiency.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 1:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Improved water resource management using an acoustic pulsed Doppler sensor
Mike Cook
Over the years, acoustic Doppler profilers (ADP) have become a standard for flow measurement in large open channels. In most cases, pulsed Doppler systems measure the water velocity profile either from the side of the channel or from a bottom mounted system. Having a velocity profile is critical in providing accurate flow measurements and provides important information about the structure of the velocities in the flow. A SonTek IQ flow meter uses multiple beams to measure water velocity and applies a vertical beam and pressure senor to measure water level – these two types of data are used to calculate flow. In addition to the new design, the flow meter provides improved performance for theoretical flow calculations, which are important in smaller channels, such as ditches and turnouts where an index calibration may not be practical when considering cost.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 2:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Saving water and fuel with internet engine control
Jacob Christfort
This seminar will explain how to use the latest advances in Internet-enabled engine control to save water and fuel by only running pump engines when necessary and at the RPM’s necessary. Examples will be given of how existing systems were retrofitted to this new approach.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 2:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Beef and Livestock Seminars
Low Stress Cattle Handling
Jon Mollhagen
Understanding animal physiology will help reduce the stress on both you and your cattle.
Pavilion D, Beef and Livestock
2/14/12 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Carcass Evaluation
John Openshaw
The next generation of carcass evaluation tied with DNA.
Pavilion D, Beef and Livestock
2/14/12 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Horse Vitals
Coleen Davis
A live demonstration on taking a horse’s vitals. What does it mean when your horses posture, expression, appetite and behaviors change? What does it mean when your horse’s vitals are in the abnormal range? What is causing the problem, and can it be treated successfully without calling the veterinarian? What you can do ‘on the spot’ to alleviate the animal’s distress.
Pavilion D, Beef and Livestock
2/14/12 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
BVD Virus: Adapting to a changing industry
Bruce W. Hoffman
Current BVD PI prevalence data will be presented along with recommendations for improvements in disease prevention.
Pavilion D, Beef and Livestock
2/14/12 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Pregnancy checking and the latest digital technology knowledge of imaging by ultrasound.
John Openshaw
How to use digital technology while ultrasounding during pregnancy checking of your herd.
Pavilion D, Beef and Livestock
2/15/12 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Cow Dog Training and Fundamentals
Blaine Ketscher, Ryan Pascoe
Dog trial demonstration, techniques and training for the use of cow dogs on the ranch.
Pavilion D, Beef and Livestock
2/15/12 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Horse Vitals
Coleen Davis
A live demonstration on taking a horse’s vitals. What does it mean when your horses posture, expression, appetite and behaviors change? What does it mean when your horse’s vitals are in the abnormal range? What is causing the problem, and can it be treated successfully without calling the veterinarian? What you can do ‘on the spot’ to alleviate the animal’s distress.
Pavilion D, Beef and Livestock
2/15/2012 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
The differences in performance, carcass traits, meat quality and profitability when finishing cattle on grass vs. grain.
Gustavo Cruz
The study effects of finishing cattle on a grass or high grain diet. Data from feed quality to meat quality, a very complete research will be discussed.
Pavilion D, Beef and Livestock
2/16/2012 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Carcass Evaluation
John Openshaw
The next generation of carcass evaluation tied with DNA.
Pavilion D, Beef and Livestock
2/16/2012 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Equine Injury First Response, Wound Care and Bandaging. What you need for First Aid Injury Response items.
Coleen Davis
A live demonstration on how to distinguish and treat bruising, lacerations, puncture wounds, abrasion, avulsion and control bleeding. The best approach to wound management. Bandaging and monitoring for complications. How to do a Robert Jones bandage for Fractures before the vet arrives. When it’s beyond First Aid and you should contact a veterinarian.
Pavilion D, Beef and Livestock
2/16/2012 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Hay Bale Injection: Fad or Phenomenon
Thomas Cox, Dr.James Runyon
Does round bale injection really change the nutritional value of hay and non-traditional forages like wheatstraw and cornstalks? Will cows eat a bale they have refused after it's been treated with a molasses-based, protein-enriched nutritional supplement? How do hay injection costs stack up against other supplements? This seminar will review tractor mounted and portable equipment used in hay injection and the formulas available on the market today.
Pavilion D, Beef and Livestock
2/16/2012 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Dairy Seminars
Communicating with consumers
The recently created U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, representing a broad spectrum of livestock and commodity farmers, discusses new-age principles for connecting with today’s consumers to deliver a positive message about agriculture that they will understand, remember and share with others.
Seminar Center
2/14/12 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Nutrition
Tony DeGroot
Tony DeGroot, Sr., began dairying in the Central Valley in 1966. Now, more than 50 years later, the family’s third generation is involved in day-to-day operations. Tony prides himself on his family’s ability to adapt to changes in the dairy business and willingness to try out new ideas. Hear about his most recent trial of a new yeast-derived protein source known as dietary escape microbial protein or DEMP. Feeding this new protein source maintained the dairy’s high milk production while feeding fewer traditional sources of supplemental protein such as canola. Lunch provided.
Seminar Center
2/14/12 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
How is the dairy checkoff investing my money?
Listen to a current update about how checkoff dollars are being used to advance the image of dairy farmers with consumers and promote consumption of dairy products.
Seminar Center
2/14/12 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Outlook on dairy's 2012 prices and beyond
You do your best to secure the optimum prices you can for milk and commodity ingredients for your dairy, but at the end of the day you are still tied to the mercy of the marketplace. Rolling with current volatility can feel a lot like riding a roller coaster in the dark. This session will take a deep look into global and domestic markets, what they are currently doing, why these prices are occurring and what is predicted to happen in the future. This session’s economic expert will shed some light on the markets so you can have a better idea of what's around the next turn.
Seminar Center
2/15/12 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Immigration
John VerHaar
John VerHaar of Aquila Farms near Bad Axe, Michigan, was recently convicted of hiring and harboring unauthorized workers. He was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay hefty fines. John believes his challenges in finding qualified labor for his dairy are similar to other producers’ challenges. Hear him explain his hiring protocols and experience in dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He says what happened to him could happen to others. Lunch provided.
Seminar Center
2/15/12 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Unlocking the potential of methane digester systems on dairy farms, manure management
Chris Voell, Jerry Bingold, Paul Martin Dairy Seminars
According to the U.S. EPA’s AgSTAR program, anaerobic digesters are technically feasible at more than 2,600 U.S. dairy operations, but many early adopters of methane digester systems have found that the capital investment, operating costs, financial risk and regulatory hurdles are not supported by the current market conditions and energy policies. This session explains why dairy farms are uniquely positioned to benefit from the growing anaerobic digester industry and explores the emerging ‘project finance’ business model, which has the potential to make digester systems a much more profitable business venture for dairy producers. Case studies on projects already putting this model into practice will be reviewed.
Seminar Center
2/15/12 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Dairy Challenge Special Preview
Are you up for a challenge? North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC) brings together the best and brightest college students, diligently preparing for their dairy careers. Over 400 students from 50 universities participate each year. This Special Preview at WAE will feature students from Cal Poly and Fresno State. Come see the challenge for yourself how Dairy Challenge unifies students, producers, agribusiness and universities.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Q&A with California's producer groups on current issues
Walt Cooley
One of the many benefits to joining a producer organization is that it will keep tabs on all the issues so you don't need to worry about them as much. Leaders from California's major producer organizations – Alliance of Western Milk Producers, Milk Producers Council and Western United Dairymen – will devote one hour to report on their recent activities and answer any questions you have on your mind. Come prepared with questions on dairy policy, environmental regulations, milk pricing, etc.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Cow Cooling
Hear about new research on cow cooling from University of Arizona Extension specialist and researcher John F. Smith. He will discuss new findings from a large-herd dairy study conducted in Arizona and what it means to dairymen considering future facility design and cow cooling decisions. Smith will also review strategies and priorities to reduce heat stress on commercial dairies.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Wisdom in minutes
Attend this session and take home a tip or trick to improve your dairy’s efficiency. The hour-long session will feature 10-minute mini-presentations from leading California dairy producers, nutritionists and veterinarians. Each will share a tool they’ve discovered to save you time, money or unnecessary hassle. The seminar will be round-robin style with many different presenters. Topics will include cloud computing, social media, harnessing technology and more.
Seminar Center
2/16/12 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Utilities Seminar
California Agriculture & Irrigation
Energy providers will discuss how they can assist in addressing energy management solutions for farm, ranch, timber and nursery operations as well as food and fiber processors statewide.
Seminar Center
2/14/12 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
2/15/12 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
2/16/12 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Topics:
• Updates on the General Rate Case, Advanced Meters and the Smart Grid
• Demand Response and Time Varying Pricing
• Agriculture Energy Solutions
• Pumping, irrigation, motors, lighting, ventilation, refrigeration and more.
• Distributed Generation/Renewable Energy
• BioGas, geothermal, small hydro, wind and solar
Southern California Edison
Richard Jett, Senior Manager Market Segments
Bill Delain, Local Public Affairs Regional Manager
Mark S. Martinez, Manager, Demand Response
George Wiltsee, Renewable Alternative Power, Manager
Pacific Gas & Electric
Bob Carlson, Manager, Energy Service & Sales
Dylan Savidge, Manager, Customer Relations/ Tariff Interpretation
Greg Race, Specialist, Customer Impact