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10 CapitalPress.com May 22, 2015 Subscribe to our weekly California email newsletter at CapitalPress.com/newsletters California Farmers propose voluntary water cuts By SCOTT SMITH Associated Press FRESNO, Calif. — Farmers in the Sacramen- to-San Joaquin River Delta who have California’s oldest water rights are proposing to voluntarily cut their use by 25 percent to avoid the possi- bility of even harsher restric- tions by the state later this summer as the record drought continues. Under the deal presented to state officials Wednesday, farmers would either take less river water for irrigation or leave a quarter of their crops unplanted. If the state accepts the deal, Delta water managers say it may become a model for farmers through- out California, who also are facing curtailments. It is difficult to predict Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press Irrigation pipes sit May 18 along a dried irrigation canal on a field farmed by Gino Celli near Stockton, Calif. Farmers in the Sacra- mento-San Joaquin River Delta who have California’s oldest water rights are proposing to voluntarily cut their use by 25 percent to avoid the possibility of even harsher restrictions by the state later this summer as the record drought continues. how many farmers will par- ticipate, said attorney Jenni- fer Spaletta, who represents several Delta growers, but those who do would be able to plan their crops earlier in the season with more certain- ty. “From a business stand- point, it makes a lot of sense to do our part and to help in the emergency,” Spaletta said. “At this point, obvi- ously we’re in an absolute drought emergency.” Gov. Jerry Brown has or- dered communities through- out the state to reduce water use by 25 percent. State wa- ter officials have encouraged water users to propose con- servation measures, drawing the proposal from farmers. Brown has been criticized for leaving farmers out of tightening regulations that force communities through- out the state to cut back on their water use. But this is the second consecutive year that junior water-rights holders have received orders to stop pumping river water to irri- gate their crops. Those making the propos- al are so-called riparian wa- ter rights holders, who have the oldest and most secure access to California rivers. The harsh drought has caused state officials to say they may start ordering even these rights holders to stop taking water. A coalition of Delta farm- ers and officials for the State Water Resources Control Board continue to work out the details and Spelatta said officials have responded pos- itively to the proposal. Delta farmers with the most senior water rights dis- pute the state can force them to stop irrigating their crops from California rivers, said John Herrick, manager of the South Delta Water Agency, who called this proposal a “safe harbor.” He said that it would likely be adopted be- yond the Delta by water users in the San Joaquin and Sacra- mento River watersheds. Thomas Howard, execu- tive director of the state wa- ter board, would ultimately rule on whether to approve the deal. Michael George, who works for the state water board as the Delta Water Master, said that the propos- al is a classic example of risk assessment by the farmers proposing the voluntary cut- backs. “It is my personal opin- ion that a certain 25 percent reduction is a reasonable trade-off for regulatory un- certainty,” George said. “No- body benefits if uncertainty persists.” Researchers mark center’s 50th anniversary with time capsule By TIM HEARDEN ing “letters to the future” to tell their successors what they pre- dict in terms of technology and advances over the next 50 years. Center director Jeff Dahl- berg wrote in his letter that he expects scientists in 2065 to be using holographic demon- strations in their education- al programs and technology that will allow 3-D imagery showing how plant systems function and how genes work, Capital Press PARLIER, Calif. — Scien- tists are celebrating a key Uni- versity of California agricultural research center’s 50th anniver- sary by imagining how studies will be done a half-century from now. Six academics at the UC’s 600-acre Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension center in Parlier, near Fresno, are writ- according to a news release. The letters will be part of a time capsule that will be buried on the grounds until Kearney conducts its centennial anniver- sary. “I’m pretty excited that I’m here for the 50th anniversary,” Dahlberg told the Capital Press. “Over the years the center has had a tremendous influence on some of the agricultural success here in the valley. That’s just built on 50 years of continuing research and being able to pro- vide solutions to issues (growers have) faced over the years.” UC dignitaries and agricul- tural leaders will gather with researchers and other employ- ees for an invitation-only cel- ebration on May 26, then the center will be open for students, teachers and the public for tours on May 27. Opened in 1965, the center includes a state-of-the-art green- house, a postharvest laboratory, a mosquito control laboratory, several insectaries and offices as well as 260 acres of orchards, vineyards and fields, according to its website. Over the years, the center has gained international acclaim for developing new fruit, nut and grape varieties, innovative cultural and irrigation practices, pest and disease management techniques and postharvest biol- ogy, the website explains. For instance, Kearney re- searchers have been using a four-acre plot to test whether shorter peach and nectarine trees can reduce labor and insurance costs without sacrificing fruit quality and yield. Having labor- ers pick from the ground would save the considerable time it takes to move and position lad- ders during harvest. 21-2/#5 Proud Sponsor of 4-H Through an innovative soccer club model, youth in the mid-Willamette Valley are staying fit and learning leadership skills. 21-2/#T2D THE TRACTOR STORE At Arbor Grove Nursery , we ’ ve learned the importance of investing in the future. That ’ s why we support local 4-H chapters and their work to create a brighter future for themselves and the agriculture industry. (541) 342-5464 5450 W. 11 th , Eugene, OR www.capitalpress.biz/hosted/tractorstore 21-2/#T4D Van Cleve Associates Oregon - California Ranches 530-906-3978 21-2/#18 www. VanCleveRanches .com Proud Supporter of Proud Supporter of 4H 21-2/#T4D YOUR AD HERE! Classified Line Ads 866-435-2965 2000: (L) Edgar Jesus de la Rosa Romero, and (R) Nestor Himenez, 4- H Liverpool U-13 club team, Salem, scrimmage as they warm up to play in the prestigious Mt Hood Challenge Soccer Tournament. The team advanced to the semifinals and finished second in Bracket A. school teams, and bright orange and black soccer uniforms that By Mary Stewart, OSU Extension Service sport the familiar 4-H clover emblem at actual cost. The 180 During the 2014 summer soccer season, more than 1000 youth volunteer coaches and managers are supported by Curiel, who is benefitted by playing on soccer teams that are a little out of the former semi-pro soccer player and USSF B license coach, as well ordinary. In 2015, that number will grow to 1500 youth according as a youth development expert. to Cristian Curiel, Oregon State University Extension 4-H youth “This youth development expertise sets 4-H soccer teams apart as development faculty. the developmental needs and skills of youth are The 4-H Soccer Club gained its Oregon Youth to how the teams operate,” says Pamela “The 4-H soccer integral Soccer Association (OYSA) affiliation in 2014 Rose, Oregon 4-H Program leader. after proving the 4-H program could meet OYSA’s club is open to any In addition to funding for coach training and strict standards for structure and organization. youth who wants soccer balls, Curiel is looking for a donation of “OYSA recognizes that the 4-H soccer program is land for a soccer field. “If someone has the land, to play soccer.” of adequate quality coaching and playing to be may be able to come up with the resources to competitive,” says Curiel. Cristian Curiel, we make it an official soccer field,” he says. More than 50 OYSA teams of boys and girls ages OSU Extension To make a donation to the 4-H soccer program, eight through 16, and 34 high school teams 4-H faculty. and for more information, contact Cristian Curiel participate in the mid-Willamette Valley. at the OSU Extension office in Marion County, The program grew out of OSU Extension’s 4-H 503-588-5301 or cristian.curiel@oregonstate.edu. Latino outreach program. Now it’s open to all kids and As youth train and compete in the 4-H Soccer Club, they grow in communities. “Without the opportunity that 4-H provides, many self-confidence and have fun, while building their skills. Some youth can’t afford to play soccer,” Curiel points out. “Soccer is players even develop into attractive recruits for other soccer clubs supposed to be an affordable sport, but when youth join club and high school teams. When it comes to opportunities for youth, soccer, it gets expensive.” the 4-H soccer program has clearly scored a winning goal. The 4-H Soccer Club provides OYSA player’s cards to pre-high 4-H is the youth education arm of the OSU Extension Service. Through 4-H, young people learn and grow in partnership with caring adults to develop the skills and confidence needed to become contributing, productive, self-directed members of society. Because 4-H uses an active, learn-by-doing approach, young people see how their actions make a difference in the lives of others and the world around them. At the local level, OSU faculty members who live or work in the community they serve provide leadership and oversight of 4-H. These faculty members have extensive training in youth development principles and also are in touch with the needs of the community’s young people. Volunteers who work with 4-H are invited to do so only after they undergo extensive background checks. They must also participate in training that includes topics such as club organization, risk management, and working with youth. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities and materials without discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status. An Equal Opportunity Employer. 800-228-4346 21-2/#T2D Find out more at AGNursery.com Let ’ s Grow Together! 1991: (L) Francisco Uribe and (R) Kevin Garcia stretch out before playing in a U-13 match at the Mt. Hood Challenge Soccer Tournament. The 4-H soccer club contains 90 teams and gained an OYSA affiliation this year. The boys belong to the 4-H Liverpool U-13 Club and live in Salem. 1720 Fescue St. SE Albany, OR 97322 www.brattain.com P.O. Box 307 • Canby, OR 97013 888-877-7665 www. stutzmanenvironmental .com 21-2/#T4D 1971: Juan Vargas, Salem, leads his team out for pre- game warm-ups at the Mt Hood Challenge Soccer Tournament in Wilsonville Proud Supporter of Proud Sponsor Of 4-H 503-873-6498 877-FOR-IOKA www.iokamarketing.com Silverton, Oregon Proud Supporter of 4-H 21-2/#T4D Stockland Livestock Auction wants to thank and congratulate all the dedicated 4H groups making a difference. Your passion for agriculture is the future of our industry. CALL ANY TIME! FOR INFORMATION OR TO CONSIGN: ˚ We ll˚work˚hard˚for˚your˚business˚and˚harder˚to˚keep˚it. • Kale McGuinness 508-703-3981 • Jack Mcguinness 509-703-3982 • TOLL FREE 800-372-6845 21-2/#T4D We also apply this thinking to the work we do for our growers. By investing in new techniques and varieties, we grow plants that will lead to more successful futures for our customers. 1980: Nestor Himenez, of the 4-H Liverpool U- 13 club team in Salem, gets ready to play in the Mt Hood Challenge Soccer Tournament. The 4-H soccer club is open to anyone who wants to play soccer, and not only for underserved or Latinos. 21-2/#13