2009 Blueberry & Blackberry Field Day

Farmers interested in learning more about growing blueberries or blackberries were able to learn from the experiences of other growers, USDA scientists, and UC researchers at two days of berry-themed events. The events began May 19 with the Blueberry Field & Packing House tour in the afternoon, followed by the Blueberry & Blackberry Field Day, May 20. Both events were based at UC Kearney Agricultural Center in Parlier, and sponsored by the UC Small Farm Program.

Manuel Jimenez, Small Farm Program advisor with UC Cooperative Extension in Tulare County, organizes the blueberry events that have become an annual gathering for potential and successful blueberry growers of all sizes.

Presentations:

Below are PDF copies of PowerPoint presentations given at Blueberry & Blackberry Field Day:

Blueberry trends and market challenges (1.26 MB)
Marketing outlook
-Mark Villata, U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
California blueberry production: A grower's perspective (6.21 MB)
Establishment and production costs for the San Joaquin Valley of California
-Tom Avinelis, Avinelis Agri-Care
Arthropod management in California blueberries (1.25 MB)
Integrated pest management update
-David Haviland and Stephanie Rill, UC Cooperative Extension Kern County
takeda (5.16 MB)
Blackberry trellising systems to reduce fruit sunburn and for mechanical harvesting
-Fumiomi Takeda, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Appalachian Fruit Research Station
- Takeda also shared a handout about the Rotating cross arm trellis system and related research articles that he co-authored.

Agenda

Please see the agenda for more detailed information about the May 19 & May 20 events.

Preview article

This article about the two events was published in several newspapers beforehand: Events examine how to farm blueberries, blackberries in Central Valley

News wrap-up

Some of the articles that provided news coverage of the event:

Blueberry boom sees prices decline
by Dennis Pollock, Western Farm Press

"Exploding production and shared information on how to lower pH levels were among topics for a field day that Jimenez coordinated at the UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier, Calif. ..."
- Includes interview with Manuel Jimenez
Reducing blackberry sun-scald
by Dennis Pollock, Western Farm Press

"Research that had its genesis in an effort to address freeze damage to blackberries in the Midwest could also help protect blackberries in California from the state’s searing summer sun. ..."
- Includes interview with Manuel Jimenez
Interest grows in California blueberry industry
Also see slide show
by Don Schrack, The Packer

"PARLIER, Calif. - The development of heat-tolerant blueberry varieties is attracting more potential California grower-shippers. ..."
- Includes comments from Manuel Jimenez
More Valley farmers turn to blueberries
by Robert Rodriguez, Fresno Bee

"Their roots are shallow, they are finicky about their soil, and extreme temperatures can ruin a crop -- but blueberries can bring sweet rewards for San Joaquin Valley growers who master the art of growing them. ..."
- Includes comments from Manuel Jimenez

Want more information?

Additional information is also available from the 2008 Week of Blueberries.