By Valley Ag Voice Staff
This is a special month for agriculture as March 19 is federally recognized as “National Ag Day.” Along with celebrations lined up for the nation’s farmers, ranchers, and dairy producers, events are planned throughout the month from technology expos and agribusiness conferences to the local Kern County Water Summit.
TECHNOLOGY
The 2024 California Small Farm Conference is taking place on March 1, hosted by the California Alliance with Family Farmers. This year, the Small Farm Tech Expo will be part of the conference for a day filled with workshops and an exposition of technology tailored for small farmers. This free event will take place at Madera Community College from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit is also taking place in March at the Marriot Marquis in San Francisco. The program runs from March 19-20 and attendees will hear from several industry leaders and witness tech showcases with breakout sessions, roundtable discussions, and plenty of opportunities to network.
AGRIBUSINESS
The 2024 Outlook Agribusiness Conference, held by the California Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, will take place March 21 at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center.
Before the conference, multiple education classes will be offered as well as a student reception, an ag tour, and a California Classic BBQ & Scholarship Auction. Program sessions include ag land trends, pistachio industry outlook, water outlook, solar and alternative agriculture, and a fresh perspective on California’s ag economy.
On March 11-13, the Agricultural Council of California is hosting its 105th Annual Meeting in Carlsbad, California.
SUMMITS
The Water Association of Kern County’s 2024 Water Summit on March 7 at the Mechanics Bank Theatre in Bakersfield. Along with a vendor showcase, the summit will include several guest speakers covering topics from infrastructure to SGMA.
Another summit is taking place out of state on March 18 at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. Agri-Pulse’s Ag & Food Policy Summit will include discussions on local food systems, biomanufacturing, environmental markets, and overseas demand. Virtual participation is available.
