I haven't fully adjusted to California's climate. Or perhaps it is just that I don't understand it. How is it possible that the lawn was mowed yesterday and then we went under a freeze warning for the overnight? Hearty grass?
Last week I spent part of a day at UC ANR's ‘friendly office with the best birthday parties'! And it was fun! I wasn't there for a birthday party but Karrie Reid (@Reid_Karrie)still put out quite a spread for my visit to the San Joaquin office. Her baking skills inspired me to try some ideation in the kitchen over the weekend. I must admit, there were some failures but no one was injured. The UCCE San Joaquin program and facility is truly a reflection of a strong and long-standing partnership with the County. I am really proud to be a resident of that county. And apparently once you are, it is difficult to leave. I was surprised how many of the UCCE personnel in that office were born and raised in the county. In addition to discussions, I had a chance to walk through a bit of the demonstration garden. Because it is so close to home, I will definitely return there as I look for ideas.
Emma Fete participated in the meeting despite having arrived from Ohio only 2 days earlier. Today is her first day as the new CE Advisor in 4-H Youth Development, housed in San Joaquin County with program responsibilities in both San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. Welcome Emma! It was really thoughtful of her to come in during what was surely a hectic week. She is going to fit in well with the office group!
Last week I spent a day down at South Coast REC to attend a meeting intended to think through how the facility could house a public-private partnership to advance Controlled Environment Agriculture. The day was packed with good information and some really exciting stories about growing food on Mars, developing South LA, and the differences between greenhouse production and controlled environment production. No doubt there are both successes and some failures in the making, but it's all progress.
A couple weeks ago I met with David Slaughter to learn more about the Big Ideas Smart Farm project he is leading at UC Davis. It was a fascinating discussion, full of opportunities for UC ANR to be a partner in the effort and promote the intended hub. Controlled environment agriculture is just one element of the Smart Farm hub. From the whitepaper that lead to UCD support for the project, “SmartFarm will take an integrated systems approach to develop superior plants, smart machines, more efficient farming methods for crops and animals alike, and a highly trained workforce that together will provide a path toward food security in the year 2050 and beyond”. While there is a ‘place' identified to showcase smart farming practices and advancements, the idea is that, as a hub, there is coordination amongst the different components of a ‘smart farm' that aren't necessarily co-located. It's really exciting and I can envision how UC ANR, across the state, could be very much connected to the effort.
Off to a day trip this morning and then Program Council tomorrow and Wednesday. I haven't looked much beyond that for the week but anticipate some learning opportunities and perhaps some successful ideation.