Agricultural producers/ranchers* are invited to a free in-person field day to learn about different carbon farm practices, what carbon benefits and co-benefits these practices can provide, and practical considerations when implementing. The field day will consist of short presentations, a tour of three operations implementing their own carbon farm plans, and opportunities for grower led discussions. Join this event to learn about what carbon farming is, its ability to improve soil health, increase water infiltration, and reduce emissions, and what resources and funding opportunities are available.
Morning snacks, transportation between sites, and lunch will be provided.
Hosted by: Center for Land Based Learning and Yolo County Resource Conservation District
Sponsored by: Yolo County Community Climate Action Fund
When: Tuesday, May 5th, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Meet at the Maples Farm at Center for Land Based Learning; 40140 Best Ranch Rd, Woodland, CA 95776. A bus will take everyone from there to the other two stops on the tour.
Agenda:
8:30 – 9:00 AM: Breakfast & Check In at Center for Land-Based Learning (CLBL)
9:00 – 9:15 AM: Introduction to the Maples Farm and Carbon Farm Planning Goals – Delaney Sondag, Center for Land-Based Learning
9:15 – 9:45 AM: Research findings from a 3-year CDFA Healthy Soils Demonstration Project: Soil Health Impacts of Compost and Biochar Application in Olives – Dr. Amanda Hodson, UC Davis
9:45- 10:15 AM: How to apply carbon farming practices in your own cropping systems: funding opportunities and technical assistance – Conor Higgins and Amy Williams, Yolo RCD
10:15 -10:30 AM: Break & get on bus
10:30 – 11:00 AM: Travel to River Garden Farms (Knights Landing)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Field Tour & Discussion: Hedgerow establishment – benefits, drawbacks and lessons learned – Dominic Bruno, Assistant Manager, River Garden Farms
12:00 – 12:30 PM: Travel to Matchbook Winery (Zamora)
12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch & Introduction to Matchbook Winery’s carbon farming practices – John Giguiere, Owner and Founder of Matchbook Winery
1:30 – 2:30 PM: Field Tour and Discussion: building carbon with pollinator strips, windbreaks, and field borders – John Giguiere
2:30 PM: Closing remarks & bus ride back to CLBL
*Space is limited. Priority will be given to farmers and ranchers, though all are welcome to register and attend granted space is available. Reminders and other details will be sent out prior to the event.
