June 2017 Ag OnE-News
(Dean Sandra Witte and President Joseph Castro)
North Bay Alumni and Friends Dinner – June 14
Thank you to the Jordan College alumni and friends who gathered at the Santa Rosa Junior College Shone Farm for this year’s North Bay Alumni and Friends dinner on Wednesday, June 14. The evening included a tour of Shone Farm, silent auction, wine tasting during the social hour followed by a short program and dinner featuring Fresno State and Shone Farm products. Guests were able to mingle with Dr. Joseph Castro, Fresno State president, Dr. Sandra Witte, dean of the Jordan College, David Sieperda, Fresno State farm manager, Don Parreira, Ag One President, along with other staff from Ag One and the Jordan College.
(Ag Boosters BBQ Circa 1985)
Save the date – Ag Boosters BBQ September 10
Mark your calendars for the 40th Annual Ag Boosters BBQ on Sunday, September 10! This year is a milestone, celebrating four decades and more than $1 million raised. Join us for an exciting evening including a social hour sponsored by Fermin Campos Farms featuring Fresno State farm products and cheese and cracker tasting provided by Valley industry partners, plus the CWA Country Store sponsored by Ultra Gro Plant Food, enjoy Fresno State wine and other beverages at the bar sponsored by Rabobank and a delicious barbecue dinner sponsored by Zenith Agribusiness. Tickets are $50/person, $450/table and sponsorships are still available, visit the Ag One website for more information.
Calling alumni and friends in the San Luis Obispo area!
The Jordan College is hosting a reception for alumni and friends in conjunction with the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association conference on Monday, June 26. Stop by the Monday Club in San Luis Obispo from 6 – 7:30 p.m. for award-winning Fresno State wine and student-produced products. For more information, contact Ag One at 559.278.4266
(L-R: Ross Borba, Jr., Tina Borba, Peggy Borba, Mark Borba)
Community Salute honoring the Borba Family – July 14
Purchase your tickets today for the Ag One Community Salute honoring the Borba Family on July 14 at the Fresno Convention Center. Sponsored by The J.R. Simplot Company, the event will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner sponsored by Community Medical Centers at 7 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person, $1,250 per table of 10 guests. Sponsorships are also available; please visit the Ag One website for more information.
Congratulations to Bob Boyd!
Join us in wishing alumnus Robert Boyd (pictured right) the happiest of retirements as he leaves the university after nearly 40 years of service. Fresno State's campus continues to grow and develop thanks in-part to Bob’s work as associate vice president for Facilities Management. Bob graduated in 1979 with a degree in Agricultural Economics and began his career with the university as a student assistant. Bob's many talents and areas of service extend to the Ag One Foundation as a previous member of the board of directors and committee member of the annual Ag Boosters BBQ. He has committed his career to building a place for our future generations and has overseen a multitude of improvements at Fresno State and the Jordan College, including the Jordan Agricultural Research Center. We thank Bob for his tireless commitment to the university, to the college and to Ag One!
Fresno State students learn about agriculture in the Azores
Twelve Jordan College students returned recently from a study abroad trip to the Azorean islands of Terceira and Sao Miguel as part of Fresno State’s academic exchange agreement with the University of the Azores. Students visited dairy, fish, floral, food processing, fruit, sugar, tea, vegetable, vineyard and winery production facilities from May 22 to May 31 and were joined by faculty members John Cordeiro (Animal Science) and Dr. Maggie Ellis (Plant Science). University and government officials also presented to the visiting group on international economic, cultural and historic topics. Read more 
Memorial service to be held for Dr. Gary Ritenour
The Jordan College remembers Dr. Gary L. Ritenour, Professor Emeritus of Plant Science, who passed away on January 10, 2017. Dr. Ritenour joined the department faculty in 1969. He taught a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in plant science, agronomy, plant protection, plant health, applied statistics and biometrics. He served the department, college and the university with distinction. Dr. Ritenour assumed a number of administrative positions, including Director of Agricultural Operations, Chair of the Department of Plant Science and Mechanized Agriculture and Director of Crop Production and Protection Center. He was a consultant in crop production and agricultural chemicals for nearly 30 years, and during his tenure he conducted research on evaluation of agricultural chemicals. He was a member of several professional societies and received many awards from the industry and university. The service will be held on Saturday, June 24 at 2 p.m. at First Church of God in Fresno (3920 N. First St.)
Planting seeds of success...
- Bulldoggers Rodeo Team advances 5 qualifiers to nationals
- First weekend of sweet corn nets record 78,473 ears sold
- Soil Judging Team competes at national contest
- Alumni and supporters of the Dairy Science program will meet on Thursday, June 29 to tour the dairy and discuss plans for the program. Contact Ag One for more information at 559.278.4266.
- USDA Ag Discovery conference comes to Fresno State
Important Dates
July 14, 2017 - Community Salute honoring the Borba Family, Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Halls
September 10, 2017 - Ag Boosters BBQ, Borba Ranch
September 10, 2017 - Fantasy Vacation Drawing, Borba Ranch
Become an Ag One member!
If you’re not already a member, please consider joining Ag One and receive 10% off selected items like wine and olive oil at the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market! Join or renew your existing membership today!