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 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

October Educational Workshops

Soil Health Bottom Line Program

October 08, 2026 | 3pm - 4pm

Discover how the Soil Health Bottom Line Program is transforming California agriculture by making sustainable farming highly profitable! We invite you to explore how our financial incentives, expert technical guidance, and advanced economic tools help local growers successfully transition to regenerative practices. See firsthand how we empower farmers to boost their crop yields by up to 22%, build powerful climate resilience, and secure a thriving financial future for their land.

Paul Lum
Senior Agricultural Specialist
American Farmland Trust
plum@farmland.org

Soil Health in the Central Valley

October 15, 2026 | 3pm - 4pm

Discover the latest breakthroughs in Central Valley soil health and learn how to maximize your land's earning potential at our upcoming educational workshop! We invite you to explore regional data, connect with local agronomy experts, and master practical techniques tailored specifically to the unique growing conditions of the Valley. See firsthand how implementing advanced soil management strategies can drastically improve your water retention, shield your crops against extreme weather, and significantly boost your operation's bottom line.

Jessie Kanter
Sierra Resource Conservation District
jkanter@sierrarcd.com

Restoring Pollinator Habitat on Farms

October 22, 2026 | 3pm - 4pm

Learn how native hedgerows support pollinators, improve biodiversity, and promote healthier, more resilient farming systems.The workshop includes a field visit to the Fresno State Horticulture Unit to explore a recently established native hedgerow.

Husandeep Singh
Agriculture and Rangeland Community Projects Manager
Sierra Resource Conservation District
hsingh@sierrarcd.com

Register for the October Educational Workshops

November Educational Workshops

(Virtual) USDA Veteran's Beginning Farmer & Rancher Program

November 05, 2026 | 3pm - 4pm

Discover how the USDA Veteran Farmer and Rancher benefits are clearing a direct path for military veterans to successfully transition into a rewarding new career in agriculture! We invite you to explore how your unique military skillset translates into farming and ranching through specialized training networks, low-interest loan programs, and priority access to capital. See firsthand how working with a dedicated state coordinator can connect your operation with targeted grant preferences, increased conservation cost-share rates, and powerful crop insurance premium reductions-ensuring you never have to navigate the transition alone.

Brooke Raffaele
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
USDA Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coordinator- California
Brooke.Raffaele@usda.gov

Natural Resources Conservation Service- NRCS

November 12, 2026 | 3pm - 4pm

Discover how the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is helping American farmers and ranchers put practical, producer-centered conservation solutions to work! We invite you to explore our historic motto, "Keeping Working Lands in Working Hands," and see how our tailored technical support and cost-share financial assistance programs can strengthen your specific operation. See firsthand how working with a trusted, boots-on-the-ground partner can help you reduce input costs, maximize your yields, and preserve the natural resources that secure your land's long-term profitability.

Erwin Dueñas
District Conservationist
Erwin.Duenas@usda.gov

(Virtual) Boots to Roots

November 19, 2026 | 3pm - 4pm

Discover how Boots to Roots is empowering military veterans to restore American rangelands while building deeply purposeful new careers! We invite you to explore our unique hands-on training, mentorship pathways, and national network dedicated to regenerative grazing and adaptive land management. See firsthand how transitioning service members use livestock operations to heal degraded soils, boost landscape resilience against drought and wildfire, and lead the next generation of ecological land stewardship.

Angela Czaja
Founder & CEO
angela@bootstoroots.org

Eric Czaja
MAJ, Special Forces
United States Army
Naval Postgraduate School
Faculty, Defense Analysis
eric.czaja@nps.edu

Register for the November Educational Workshops

If you choose to register, you will be automatically enrolled into all workshops.

All in-person workshops held at:

Center for Irrigation Technology
5370 N Chestnut Ave, Fresno, CA 93740

Contact

Make an Appointment