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

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

Meet Your Local UCCE Team

This workshop will provide an introduction to and general overview of the many professionals working within your local University of California Cooperative Extension system.

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

Guidance for Agricultural Grants

This workshop will provide an overview of: how to potentially secure a grant for a small farm from a farmers perspective and the challenges you may face.

Joseph Avila
Avila Family Farms

Register for May Workshop Series

June Workshop Series

WiseConn Engineering

June 05, 2026 | 2pm - 3pm

This workshop will provide a history about WiseConn Engineering, irrigation automation, and telemetry. Along with automation requirements for upcoming regulations and the benefits of time, labor and sustainability.

Mark Yoshimoto
myoshimoto@wiseconn.com
Office: (559) 326-7613
Cell: (559) 473-3088
4140 N. Brawley Ave Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93722
www.wiseconn.com

HotSpot Ag

June 26, 2026 | 2pm - 3pm

This workshop will provide an overview of how irrigation and fertigation automation technologies are being used to improve water efficiency, nutrient management, and operational decision-making in modern agriculture.

Steven Soares
Senior Customer Success Manager (Central Valley)
(559) 415-5933
ssoares@hotspotag.com
hotspotag.com

Fresno State Women’s Entrepreneur Center (WEC)

June 26, 2026 | 2pm - 3pm

This workshop will provide an overview on the services and resources available for FREE at the Women's Entrepreneur Center (WEC) which include things such as: business planning, digital literacy, or marketing.

Ana Alfaro
Director
Central Valley Women's Entrepreneur Center
Office of Community and Economic Development
559.278.0709
anaa@csufresno.edu
Central Valley Women's Entrepreneur Center

Register for June Workshop Series

Contact

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