Message from Vincent Roos,

                 University Agricultural Laboratory Manager                                     

As an agricultural business student at Fresno State in the early 1980’s, I was fortunate to work on the university agricultural laboratory. While I don’t really remember the condition of the equipment back then (though my primary role was operating equipment), I do remember making a humorous comment several months ago to the person I was walking with through the equipment yard that, “I think I drove that tractor in 1981”. Since taking the management reins of the university farm, I’ve become aware of the importance of upgrading the infrastructure of Fresno State’s agricultural programs.

As part of my responsibilities of managing the university farm, I’ve also assumed the responsibility for shepherding and leveraging the expenditure of $18.75 million dollars received from the State of California for farm improvements. Understanding this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, we’ve strategically identified and set in motion both planning/building efforts for improving critical farm infrastructure and equipment inventories. With a short window to utilize funds, we are aggressively contracting for services and equipment which meet the parameters identified for the funding, which insure 1) sustainable integrated energy and agriculture production and water efficient agricultural systems, 2) climate-smart crop production and climate-smart value-added products use, and 3) sustainable food production and efficient water and natural resources utilization, all of which help bring the university farm into the 21 st century.

Under infrastructure improvements, 6 projects are currently in various stages of design or construction.
1. Refurbishment/modernization of the horticultural greenhouses/operations.
2. Modernization of meat science laboratory, building of a new meat processing facility.
3. Improvements to the dairy production unit for access, electrical services and construction of a silage pad.
4. Modernization of the research winery in the Donald E. Gumz Enology building.
5. Replacement of the chiller/HVAC system in the Vincent E. Petrucci Viticulture building.
6. Installing two “square circle” center pivot irrigation systems in two 40-acre field crop blocks.

Under equipment replacement/modernization, we are securing the following (to name a few).
1. Replacement tractors for 6-7 of our tractor fleet. (One is electric, autonomous – on site).
2. Replacement vehicles for 13 of our farm fleet (pickups, utility truck, vans).
3. Replacement forklifts (winery, shop, field).
4. Purchase of a high-clearance sprayer.
5. Purchase of many more implements related to operational needs in our orchard, vineyard, winery and vegetable crop production units.

There are numerous other projects such as pasture improvement/renovations, irrigation efficiency system development, as well as sustainable, efficient equipment and system yet to be encumbered, of which we will report on in the future.

Bear in mind, though this seems to be a marked improvement in our overall equipment and infrastructure conditions - all of which we are immensely thankful by the way - it is not time to “relax” considering this represents but a fraction of our overall program/operational needs.

Students continue to receive a high-quality education, and we are making strides to improve the overall farm laboratory infrastructure and equipment modernization. The additional investment of support provided by alumni and friends helps us better train and educate students for careers in agriculture. We see examples of this with the Bee Sweet Citrus Processing laboratory and the Western Agricultural

Processors Association Nut Processing laboratory. Both these laboratories provide state of the industry equipment for students to gain hands-on experience.

If you’d like to learn more about our projects or if you’d like to explore how you can help, please reach out to me, Dean Rolston St. Hilaire, Alcidia Freitas Gomes or Lauri King. There are opportunities for in-kind support (feed, equipment, inputs), services, as well as financial. If you’d like to support students more directly, there are mentoring opportunities as well as internships.

Your help ensures we are the most relevant, progressive and responsive agricultural university to prepare students to become the leaders of tomorrow. Thanks in advance for your support.