The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology is hosting its seventh annual Food, Family and Farm Month, with over 20 events showcasing Fresno State students, staff, faculty and supporters and their close ties to the Central Valley agricultural industry.
All of the activities are open to the public over the course of almost five weeks. Many are free, including four, family-friendly events on Saturday, Oct. 18:
- Jordan College Open House: The third annual event from 9 a.m. to noon features campus farm and winery tours, drone demonstrations, prizes, food samples, research presentations at O’Neill Park (2611 E. Barstow Ave.) and a visit by Victor E. Bulldog IV.
- Gibson Farm Market Fall Plant Sale: Shoppers can enjoy a huge selection of citrus trees, herbs, houseplants, shrubs and vegetable seedlings grown by Fresno State students, from 9 a.m. to noon at the semi-annual sale (5368 N. Chestnut Ave.).
- Fall Festival: The Gibson Farm Market will host a pumpkin patch, free wine tasting, food samples and kids activities from noon to 3 p.m.
- Water-Wise Plant Exchange: The public can bring and trade water-wise plants and cuttings to the free event at the horticulture nursery (3150 E. Barstow Ave.) from 8 a.m. to noon, when conservation experts will from the City of Fresno Water Conservation Program will be available for advice.
Additional events during the month include:
Gibson Farm Market Wine Tastings: Adults 21 and over can sample student-produced wines from the award-winning Fresno State Winery, including its discounted “wine of the month.” The free events are scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7.
Enology Society Wine Tasting: The public is invited to learn about wine properties and production methods at the student organization meeting from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the campus winery (2360 E. Barstow Ave.). The cost is $10 for Fresno State students and $15 for the general public.
California Water Institute 25th Anniversary Reception: Campus, community and industry stakeholders will celebrate the campus organization’s innovative educational and collaborative efforts to address California’s most pressing water challenges from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. RSVP for the free event at the Jordan Agricultural Research Center (2703 E. Barstow Ave.).
Wine Club Fall Release Wine Tasting Party: The public can join Fresno State Wine Club members for their free, fall release party from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, and enjoy some of the newest and favorite wines blended by campus viticulture and enology students at the nation’s largest and oldest campus winery.
Ag Tech Day: Growers and industry members can see and learn about the latest innovations in ag technology at live campus farm demonstrations, educational presentations and a local business expo from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31, at several locations at or near the Center for Irrigation Technology. Sign up for free at the event website.
Whole Vine Festival: The third annual event offers food samples, wine tasting, educational displays, food trucks, art, music and kids activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. The free event on the campus lawn, northeast of the Science II Building (near the southwest corner Woodrow and Barstow avenues) spotlights the San Joaquin Valley’s role as the national leader in table, raisin and wine grape production.
Collegiate Rodeo: The Bulldoggers campus rodeo club will host its only annual home event Friday, Nov. 7, against the West Coast’s top collegiate teams at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds (748 Rodeo Dr.). Tickets can be purchased online.
AI Dairy Production Webinar: Campus researcher Dr. Paulina Andrea Freire Vásconez will host a free webinar from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, on new applications and technology that is part of the campus AI Webinar Series organized by Dr. Bao Johri, Fresno State’s vice president for information technology and chief information officer.
Viticulture Club Fall Harvest Barbeque: The campus Viticulture Club will host its 72nd annual event at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the Kings River Winery (4276 S. Greenwood Ave. in Sanger). The event features food, wine and an auction at its biggest fundraiser of the year to support the student club’s professional enhancement activities and industry tours. Online admission tickets are $80, or $70 for students and veterans.
Presentations at Industry Expos: Fresno State faculty and staff will join industry professionals in sharing their research and expertise at the Tree and Vine Expo at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in Turlock and at the Grape, Nut and Tree Fruit Expo at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds on Friday, Nov. 14.
Agribusiness Management Conference: The 44th annual event will feature agricultural industry leaders and experts presenting on the latest technology trends, evolving regulations and Central Valley, national and international economic trends. Registration is $150 for the event, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Pardini’s Banquets and Catering (2257 W. Shaw Ave.), and free for Fresno State students who contact Luz Mendoza in advance at: luzmendoza@csufresno.edu.
Ag One: The Ag One Foundation and University Advancement will host several events for alumni, campus and industry supporters that raise money to support agricultural students and campus programs.
- Kern County Alumni and Friends Luncheon: Alumni and ag industry supporters are invited to attend the 46th annual event on Thursday, Oct. 16, at Buttonwillow Land and Cattle Company (19400 Wildwood Road in Buttonwillow).
- Turf Day Classic: The 54th annual event returns to the Belmont Country Club (8253 E. Belmont Ave.) on Friday, Oct. 24.
- West Side Luncheon: The eighth annual event for growers and alumni will be held Thursday, Nov. 6, at Fresno Equipment Company (21350 S. Lassen Ave. in Five Points).
- Top Dog Alumni Awards: Alumni and agricultural supporters Gary and Marlene Peacock and Lloyd, Ralph and Fred Fagundes are among 14 honorees who will be recognized for their professional accomplishments and dedication to the community and campus at the annual event organized by the Fresno State Alumni Association.
For more information on many of these events, contact Luz Mendoza at luzmendoza@csufresno.edu.
