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 Sign up for the Project Newsletter

 

---

July Workshop Series

Agritourism 101

July 24, 2026 | 2pm - 3pm

Agritourism, inviting the public onto farms and ranches, can generate supplemental income for agricultural businesses and provide an outlet for direct-to-consumer sales. This workshop will provide a general overview of the opportunities and considerations for starting an agritourism business, including: safety and liability, regulations and zoning, and marketing.

Marisa Y. Johnson
Agricultural Outreach Specialist
Local Farm and Food Innovation (F3Local)
myjohnson@ucanr.edu

Triple F Ranch & Farming Forest

July 31, 2026 | 2pm - 3pm

A conversation with Richard Felipe; a fourth-generation farmer from Hanford, California who over the past four years has eliminated all synthetic inputs on his 200-acre pistachio ranch. He'll share why they transitioned to regenerative farming and the challenges faced along the way.

Richard Felipe
Owner/Farmer

Register for July Workshop Series

August Educational Workshops

USDA Risk Management Agency

August 06, 2026 | 3pm - 4pm

Learn how the Risk Management Agency (RMA) can assist with tools to safeguard your farm against the financial impacts of unexpected crop losses and market drops. Attend this educational workshop to see how affordable crop insurance policies can protect your bottom line.

Ruben Saavedra
Deputy Director
Davis Regional Office
ruben.saavedra@usda.gov

USDA Farm Service Agency

August 13, 2026 | 3pm - 4pm

Learn how the Farm Service Agency (FSA) can fuel your agriculture business by providing vital farm loans, disaster relief funding, and conservation rewards. Attend this educational workshop to meet your local team and learn how to secure the financial support and stability your farm needs to thrive.

Laura J. Westerfield
Acting Farm Loan Manager
California-District 3
Fresno-Tulare-Kings
laura.westerfield@usda.gov

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

August 20, 2026 | 3pm - 4pm

Learn how the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) can help you grow your business by opening doors to new domestic and international markets. Attend this educational workshop to learn how their grading services, official certifications, and grant programs can boost the value and visibility of your products.

Melissa Nicks
Deputy Director (Acting)
Grants Division
Agricultural Marketing Service
Melissa.Nicks@usda.gov

Register for August Educational Workshop’s

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

All workshops held at:

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

Contact

Make an Appointment