By John Wood, Certis Biologicals Regional Manager, CA South Central Valley
Those who subscribe to this column have heard me reiterate how dormancy for tree growers hardly equals rest. We’ve talked about the importance of dormant spray, pruning, scouting and planning as a foundation to ensure a successful season.
One important dormant activity I believe that sometimes can fall through the cracks is continued education. Now is the perfect time to brush up on the information available out there that can help you be more successful.
Not too long ago, I shared some of my favorite online resources that I rely on to stay knowledgeable for my customers; however, I didn’t include what I consider the most wonderful advancement in education and training – the webinar.
As someone who has spent their adult life on-the-go, sitting still in a classroom for even an hour-long training can be quite the exercise in patience. Behold the webinar, which I can do in my truck during lunchbreak or even at home relaxing on my couch.
The only problem that I can see with the webinar is that there are just so many options out there. How do you choose which ones will benefit you the most?
I’ve gathered some of the webinar hosts that I choose most often for you and included a link to the events they have coming up.
UC Ag Experts Talk
For now, this series of webinars is focused mostly on citrus and avocado production, but they regularly include events on general (and useful) topics such as respirators, label reading tips and weed management. This is good information to have, no matter what crop you grow. Be sure to keep up-to-date on their events, but always check past webinars as well because their library is full of still-relevant information.
Organic Trade Association (OTA)
For organic producers, this is simply a wonderful resource for the complicated issues they face in production and compliance. They regularly host webinars with regulatory updates and even one upcoming event discusses organic buyer habits. They are free for members and you can see the whole upcoming lineup here.
Almond Board of California
With online trainings and webinars on disease management and drying during harvest, this is a consistent and reliable source of information for almond growers. Keep an eye on their events calendar for upcoming webinars that might be beneficial for your 2020 growing season.
Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association
Another helpful crop-specific resource is the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association. They don’t do many webinars a year, but the one upcoming on their calendar about genome sequencing sounds quite intriguing.
Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA)
Biologicals are just different and that’s why I like that the BPIA has webinars tailored specifically to biologicals and some of the biggest issues that users face, like residue management and resistance management. You can find those all on their website, accompanied by some handy whitepapers.
As always, I’m interested to hear from you. Email me at asktheexpert@certisbio.com with your favorite webinar or webinar host.
While the trees rest and there is not an active crop demanding your undivided attention, why not try out this convenient way to get information delivered right to you, whether you are in your office or on your couch?
This series is part of a partnership with Tree Nut Farm Press. You can read the original here.
