January 2018 E-News

In Memory of Bryan Anthony

The Jordan College and the Department of Viticulture and Enology lost a special friend on January 7, 2018. Bryan Anthony was a 1988 graduate of Fresno State with a master’s degree in Plant Science. He was a champion of Fresno State’s viticulture program and an active member of the Viticulture and Enology Alumni Association where he most recently served as president. Early in his career, he was employed as the table grape manager for the Fresno State vineyards, under the direction of professor emeritus Dr. Sayed Badr. Bryan was a familiar face at events and activities where he proudly wore his "bulldog" apparel. His friendship and dedication to Fresno State, our program, and students will be missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 10 at 2 p.m. at the Wyndham Hotel, 9000 W. Airport Drive, Visalia. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made payable to the Ag One Foundation for the Bryan Anthony Memorial Scholarship Fund to support viticulture students at Fresno State.More info → 

Stanislaus County Dinner to honor Nick Blom and family

On March 8, 2018 Ag One will host the 15th annual Ag One - Stanislaus County Alumni and Friends dinner at Durrer’s Barn in Modesto. This year it is our pleasure to honor the late Mr. Nick W. Blom and his family for their involvement and many contributions to education and agriculture in our community. Proceeds from the event will be added to the Ag One – Stanislaus County Alumni and Friends Scholarship endowment fund. Nick Blom immigrated to the U.S. in 1963 from the Netherlands. He was married to his wife, Els, for 51 years and they raised their four children, Ingrid (Mello), Pete, Nick and Marika (Morrison), in Modesto. Nick was publicly known as a tree and vine farmer, turned community leader and local politician. He served 5 terms as a Stanislaus County Supervisor and during his era the Air Quality Commission was created, a controversial trash/energy converter was built and prayer was brought to Supervisor meetings when he became Chairman. As a family man and friend, Nick was legendary for his generosity, kindness, strength, intelligence and quick-wit wielded brilliantly by his heavy Dutch accent. The saying "he never knew a stranger" aptly described Nick as well as his lifelong pursuit of learning. His hard work and dedication to community inspired his family to carry on his tradition. Please join us in honoring Nick Blom and celebrating with his family. Purchase Tickets →

Congratulations to Tony Campos, 2017 Almond Achievement Award Winner

Tony Campos, past Ag One Community Salute Honoree, accepted the 2017 Almond Achievement Award at the Almond Conference in December. Tony has been involved with Almond Board of California (ABC) for almost three decades, serving on multiple committees, including eight years as an ABC Board Member. “Tony is someone in our industry that has dedicated his life to promoting, processing and developing markets for almonds,” said Lori Coburn, Hughson Nut, Inc., who nominated Campos. “He has been involved in the industry in different capacities for decades as a grower and processor.” Campos began growing almonds in 1971 with his brothers, Esteban and Fermin. In 1981, the brothers built the first Campos Brothers Farms almond huller, promising premium-quality processing. Join us in congratulating Tony! Read more →

Animal Science students host Red Wave Sale

On January 6, students from the department of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education hosted the 22nd annual Red Wave Classic Prospect Sale featuring lambs and meat goats. Fresno State sold 33 of the 55 lambs. The average was $950. Brem Livestock offered 35 goats which averaged $1,100. Many of these animals are purchased by 4-H and FFA members as project animals. The Red Wave Sale gives students the opportunity to gain "hands on" experience in merchandising of show livestock. Students plan the sale including advertisements, prepare the livestock for sale and help coordinate and conduct the actual sale. The Red Wave Sale is usually held the second Saturday in January each year. Thank you to Farmers Feed who generously sponsored one bag of feed for every animal sold. Read more →

Meat Science alumni establish scholarship endowment

Six friends and alumni from the Meat Science program at Fresno State have partnered in establishing a scholarship endowment to support current Jordan College students working at the meat laboratory. Josh Hasty ’14, Macc Rigdon ’13, Chad Bower ’13, Kyle Mendes ’14, John Woodcock ’16 and Chance Reeder ’15 share a deep appreciation for their time at the meat laboratory on campus and want to give back in a meaningful way. For more information about the donors or to support the endowment, please visit the Ag One website. Join us in thanking these young men for their generous support! Read more →

M.P. Dennison Memorial Scholarship established to support Ag Business students

We are honored to announce the establishment of the M.P. Dennison Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund. A successful rancher in the Selma and Fresno area, Dennison was a self-made man who farmed tree fruit, table and raisin grapes and owned several ranches in the early 1900’s. He left the legacy of his land to his six children and the legacy of education to his grandchildren, for whom he created educational trusts. Although he only had an 8th grade education himself, Dennison realized the value of higher education. He loved farming the land and understood the farmer’s responsibility to feed the world. In honor of his values and passion, this endowment was established to support agricultural business students in the Jordan College. We are excited to provide this opportunity to students, furthering the education of our future farmers and ranchers like M.P. Dennison.

Bayer CropScience establishes graduate fellowship at Fresno State

Bayer CropScience has created a fellowship which provides $50,000 ($25,000 each year, for two years) to fund the education of aspiring scientists interested in a career in the agrochemical industry. The fellowship recipient will work jointly with faculty in the Department of Plant Science at Fresno State and research scientists at the Bayer CropScience Western Field Technology Station to complete a master’s thesis focused on applied research in the field of plant health. Topics of research may include entomology, nematology, plant pathology, and/or weed science. The recipient will also receive a paid summer internship with Bayer CropScience, and will have the opportunity to present their thesis findings at Bayer’s US Central Headquarters. The fellowship will begin in Fall 2018 and applications are due February 20. For more information visit the Plant Science department website. More Info →

Allied Grape Growers continues support for the Department of Viticulture and Enology

Join us in thanking Allied Grape Growers for their continued support of the Jordan College, and renewing their $25,000 commitment to support the chair position for the Department of Viticulture and Enology. Developing partnerships with industry and alumni are an essential part of our students' success and we are incredibly thankful.

Planting seeds of success…

• The Valley Ventures Accelerator at Fresno State is now accepting applications through March 1 for its spring cohort. The program will continue to focus on sales, marketing, distribution and venture capital for emerging companies in the water, agriculture and energy technology fields. Read more →
• Join us for the Ag Fest Basketball Game at Fresno State on Feb 17 where the Jordan College will be highlighted throughout the evening! More Info →
• Upcoming career and internship fairs will connect industry partners with Fresno State students seeking positions in the agriculture, grape, wine and food industries: “Harvesting the Leaders of Tomorrow” - January 31; Viticulture and Enology - February 7; Recruit the 99 - March 7. For more information contact Mary Willis at mwillis@csufresno.edu.
• Join us in welcoming the college’s new Internship and Professional Experiences coordinator, Imelda Dudley. Imelda is a Jordan College alumna and is housed in the Jordan College Advising and Career Development Center.

 

Meet Our Staff

 

Bobbi Jean Bertken - Intern

Bobbi Jean is from Tracy, California where she lived until starting her education at Fresno State in 2013. She is an Animal Science major with an emphasis in Livestock Business Management. After completing her Bachelor of Science Degree, she plans to work for a cattle ranch with the hopes of starting her own operation. Bobbi Jean joined the Ag One team in January of 2018

 

Important Dates

February 17, 2018         Ag Fest Men's Basketball Game 

March 8, 2018               Stanislaus County Alumni and Friends Dinner, Modesto

March 21, 2018             Common Threads Awards Luncheon, Clovis

May 14, 2018                 Turf Day Golf Classic, Belmont Country Club

Become an Ag One member!

If you’re not already a member, please consider joining Ag One and receive 10% off selected items like wine and olive oil at the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market!