New! See new Barley, Oat & Wheat Trial Results - 2006
See News Release Article - NEW! Stripe Rust found on Wheat & Ascochyta Blight found in Garbanzo Beans - March 14, 2006
Field crops are a significant part of San Joaquin County agriculture, with annual revenues of 150 million dollars. Leading the way is the alfalfa hay industry at $50 million per year followed by corn, dry beans wheat and rice. Field crops are going through a transition period with part of the acreage be established into permanent crops of orchards, vineyards and Real Estate. However, the majority of agricultural acreage in the San Joaquin County remains in various field and row crops with 420,000 acres reported in the 2000 Ag Census.
Cooperative Extension activities in field crops. An extensive research and education program is conducted each year to help growers meet the challenges that limit the highest agricultural productivity. This research is done in a coordinated effort among scientist located on the UC Davis campus, cooperating growers and the local Cooperative Extension office. In addition to the ongoing agricultural issues, more time is being spent in the area of environmental concerns of water quality, pesticide pollution, and farming practices that threaten endangered species.
The research being conducted in San Joaquin County field crops include: The statewide variety development and testing program for Wheat, Rice and Dry Beans. Each year hundreds of potentially new cultivars are evaluated for yield, quality & improvements in pest & disease problems. Many of the new cultivars that make it to the commercial production system have their beginning in these experiments. The annual reports with results can be obtained on the Web page link to publications.
Pest problems and pesticides are constantly being evaluated to find new and environmental safer approaches to controlling the problem. Some of the new chemistry offers favorable results. Other pest management approaches include mixing crop species to combat weeds and insects and reduce the need for pesticides. Research is also being conducted which study the movement of pesticides and to help contain off site movement. New Crops are always of interest to the farming community in hopes of finding alternatives to the over produced commodities. Some of these new crops have included:
Rice has long been grown successfully on the east side of the county in the Escalon area. This aquatic crop is now being explored in the delta region on the west side where peat soil and high water tables offer some good potential.
The large amounts of manure produced on dairy farms are now restricted to any off site release and can pose serious problems to the crops and ground water aquifer if not used in measured amounts. Cooperative Extension has an on going program to identify tolerant forage crops, varieties and management practices that will help mitigate the problem.
Newsletters, pamphlets, publications are just some sources of information available. For more details on how to receive the information contact the Cooperative Extension office (209) 468-2085.
