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Jeannette
Warnert JULY 26 FIELD DAY SHOWS FIRST PRECISION AG EQUIPMENT BEING USED IN THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY FRESNO - UC Cooperative Extension hosts a field day and tour from 8 to 11:30 a.m. July 26 in Kings County to demonstrate the first precision agriculture equipment, guidance systems and yield monitors being used in the San Joaquin Valley. Precision farming is the treatment of crops precisely when and where it is needed. The common practice is to apply seed, pesticides and fertilizer uniformly over entire fields. Precision agriculture relies on airborne or satellite sensing and the use of sophisticated mathematical tools to detect and map the crop health or stress state and identify which specific areas need specific treatments. "For example, by detecting an insect infestation early, a small area can be treated before the infestation spreads into the entire field or farm," said Bruce Roberts, UCCE County farm advisor. "The reduction in chemical use is environmentally friendly and saves the grower money." Precision practices are gaining acceptance in California cotton production, Roberts said. "Field research is validating precision applications of soil amendments, seeding rates, fertilizers and Pix applications," he said. Tour and field day participants will visit precision agriculture field trials. Discussion will include the economics of variable rate technologies, research objectives and future opportunities. The tour begins at the Sheely Farms Headquarters, 27875 Gale (Lincoln) Ave. near Stratford. The agenda is as follows: 8 a.m. -- View equipment and talk to representatives 9:15
a.m. -- First stop 10:45
a.m. -- Second stop For more information contact Bruce Roberts at (559) 582-3211, Ext. 12730, baroberts@ucdavis.edu, or Steve Wright, UCCE farm advisor, at (559) 685-3309, Ext. 215, sdwright@ucdavis.edu. #
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