Smart Farm University

The project aims to provide education, training or assistance to farmers, ranchers and foresters throughout the Central Valley by hosting a series of monthly workshops on varying topics.

The workshops will tentatively be held on Fridays with exceptions made for holidays or unavailability of classroom or building.

The workshops are at no cost and open to participants with: no experience, “beginning farmers”, small or medium scale farmers, and already operating farmers.

The workshops intend to focus on agricultural business, conservation, or technology; with the goal of promoting business growth and development of new market opportunities.

The workshops will consist of classes on topics such as (but not limited to):

• Business Planning
• Capital / Funding Opportunities
• Irrigation and SGMA
• Equipment Planning
• Agricultural Technology
• Crop Selection and Improvements
• Soil Health and Pest Management
• Conventional vs. Organic
• CalOSHA and Food Safety
• Taxation and Recordkeeping
• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP’s)

Registering for a monthly workshop series allows the attendee access to one-on-one technical assistance resources, ease-of-access to applicable information, or an introduction to a network of different industry experts.

If you would like more general information, feel free to complete form linked below:

Interest Form Sign up for the Project Newsletter

March Workshop Series

The month of March will host to three (3) workshops:

March 06, 2026
2pm - 3pm

Seasonal Crop Selection

This workshop will provide a general overview of: regionally applicable crops, potential seed selection to increase yield, resources to make an educated decision, tentatively market stable crops for short term ROI and other related information.

Ranjit Riar
Associate Professor
Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

March 13, 2026
2pm - 3pm

Nutrient Management on the Farm

This workshop will provide a general overview of: the practice of managing the amount, source, placement, and timing of plant nutrients and soil amendments; along with the goal of maximizing crop productivity and economic benefit while minimizing environmental impacts such as water runoff or leaching.

Devin Clarke
Unbound Ag

March 27, 2026
2pm - 3pm

The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Research & Education Grant Program

The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Research & Education Grant Program focuses on advancing on-farm sustainability solutions by funding innovative producer-driven research and outreach. This grant program involves agricultural producers (main applicants) and technical advisor(s) implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture.

Gabrielle Kirkland
Director of Grants
California Farmworker Foundation
The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Research & Education Grant Program

Register for March Workshop Series

April Workshop Series

April 03, 2026
2pm - 3pm

Working alongside Wildlife in Ag

This workshop will provide an overview of: a collaborative approach integrating wildlife conservation into farming and ranching to create mutually beneficial ecosystems. Non-lethal deterrents such as guardian animals and specialized fencing protect livestock while maintaining habitat corridors for native species.

Erik Rodriguez
SGMA Small Farms Technical Assistance Educator
UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP)

April 17, 2026
2pm - 3pm

Integrated Pest Management on the Farm

This workshop will provide an overview of: science-based, sustainable approach to pest control that prioritizes long-term prevention through a combination of biological, cultural, and physical tactics.

ZinThuZar Maung
PhD / Staff Research Associate III
Small Farms and Specialty Crops Program
UC ANR, UCCE Fresno

April 24, 2026
2pm - 3pm

CDFA Healthy Soils Program Grant Incentive

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Healthy Soils Program (HSP) offers financial incentives to farmers and ranchers. These incentives encourage the adoption of conservation management practices aimed at improving soil health, sequestering carbon, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Juan Gonzales
Community Education Specialist, Climate Smart Agriculture
University of California,
Agriculture and Natural Resources

Register for April Workshop Series

May Workshop Series

Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)

May 08, 2026 | 2pm - 3pm

This workshop will provide an overview of: California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) which provides a statewide framework for local agencies to manage groundwater resources sustainably, aiming to halt overdraft and prevent permanent damage to aquifers.

Erik Rodriguez
SGMA Small Farms Technical Assistance Educator
UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP)

Project Apis, m.

May 15, 2026 | 2pm - 3pm

This workshop will provide an overview of: Project Apis m. (PAm) which is a U.S. non-profit organization focused on funding honey bee research and developing solutions for the beekeeping industry and agricultural pollination.

Tom Johnson
Grower Relations Manager
Project Apis, m.

Grant Writing

May 22, 2026 | 2pm - 3pm

This workshop will provide an overview of: how to potentially secure a grant for a small farm.

Joseph Avila
Avila Family Farms

Register for May Workshop Series

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