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

 January Workshop Series

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

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…

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…

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 January Workshop Series  

February Workshop Series

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

February 06, 2026
2pm - 3pm

Equipment Lending Library

This workshop will provide an overview of: the Farm, Food, Future Initiative (F3 Local) and the University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources; Equipment Lending Library;  housed at Kearney Agricultural Research & Extension Center (KARE) in Parlier; and its policies, procedures, upcoming trainings, and details.

Amber Butland
Lending Library Coordinator
F3 Local

February 13, 2026
2pm - 3pm

Irrigation Systems Maintenance

This workshop will provide an overview of: varying irrigation systems maintenance, key components, available parts; generating efficiency and effectiveness for a small farm system and other applicable information.

Cory Broad
CCA, CA-NSp, PASp, CID, CAIS
Agronomic Sales Manager
www.AvidWater.com

February 27, 2026
2pm - 3pm

USDA FSA Loans

This workshop will provide an overview of: available FSA loans;  both direct loans (funded by the government) and guaranteed loans (through commercial lenders, with the FSA guaranteeing a portion of the loan); and a detailed guide on requirements.

Jacob Thao 
Farm Loan Manager
USDA FSA

Register for February Workshop Series

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

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