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

December Workshop Series

“Setting up for Seasonal Success”

December 05, 2025
2pm - 3pm

Understanding Farm Financial Documents

This workshop will provide an overview of the following financial documents: balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statements, profit and loss statement and the Schedule F Form as it relates to owning or operating a farm.

Neil Tung
Lecturer
Agricultural Business
California State University, Fresno

December 12, 2025
2pm - 3pm

Formulating a Seasonal Farm Plan

This workshop will provide an overview of how to utilize farm financial, operational and field data or analytics in hopes to make an informed decision ahead of the next growing season.

Nick Rosa
Executive Partner
Rospec Insights

December 19, 2025
2pm - 3pm

SBA Small Farmers 7(a) Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration- Fresno District Office will present an overview of the 7(a)-loan program for small farmers interested in securing funding to purchase, build, or renovate facilities, expand into expanding markets, or gain access to working capital.

Israel Lara Jr.
Outreach and Marketing Specialist
Fresno District Office/Region IX
U.S. Small Business Administration

  Register for “Setting up for Seasonal Success” Series  

January Workshop Series

“Flowing into the New Season”

January 09, 2026
2pm - 3pm.

Revisiting the Irrigation Systems

This workshop will provide an overview of: common irrigation systems and their weak points over the winter season, mitigation along with possible corrective or preventative maintenance for the next growing season; regional resources and other applicable irrigation information.

Jose Mauricio Paz Villegas
UC Cooperative Extension - Fresno County

January 16, 2026
2pm - 3pm.

Balancing Irrigation pH

This workshop will focus on water pH, the effect of high pH water, and methods for adjusting, including sulfuric acid and carbonic acid. There will also be a demonstration of water pH probe calibration and best practices.

Waldo Moraga
Eco2Mix

January 30, 2026
2pm - 3pm.

USDA | NRCS Programs

This workshop will provide an overview of: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), requirements, technical assistance, associated forms, and regional block grant distributors and resources

Yissel Martinez
Outreach Coordinator
U.S. Department of Agriculture

  Register for “Flowing into the New Season" Series  

Contact

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