The trip to Imperial County last week was interesting and full of contrasts. It started with a mini-shot of Wild Turkey on the flight, as a toast to the founder of Southwest Airlines. The memorial service was held while we were inflight and we observed a moment of silence before the toast. That alone was a first while inflight.
I learned more about the UCCE programs, including the increased funding support from partners to grow the successful FarmSmart program and some of the impressive statistics that demonstrate the strength of the 4-H program. Many on the combined UCCE/Desert REC team are new (less than six years with UC ANR). At least a few weren't part of the team yet during my last visit. But it's no surprise that there is noticeable growth in the reach of programs given the support from local clientele. After a tour of the facility, we had lunch with some local stakeholders and partners, including a recent chair of the County Board of Supervisors, the County Ag Commissioner, and one of our CARET representatives. Partners from San Diego State University, University of Arizona, and several leaders from a local university in Mexico (UABC) were able to join us.
We toured El Toro Land and Cattle and had a chance to see how they have grown their hay export facility and started using the new feed mill since I last visited. It seems odd to me that in the state that grows more alfalfa than anyone else, we also produce Bermuda grass hay. Few states can boast this. I learned that grain is added to hay bales (5%) for some clients and the hay is a combination of Bermuda, alfalfa and Klein grass. I suspect that makes for a complete feed for the cattle. I need to look a bit more into Kleingrass as that is new to me.
Who would have thought that any portion of the energy in Imperial County would come from hydroelectric? While the portion is small, but growing, and it's far from the largest hydroelectric plant I have visited, I was impressed to see such a thing at all. Admittedly, I have been to more hydroelectric plants than most, but I still enjoy seeing them.
I am headed south again this week, after a meeting of the strategic plan goal owners. I hear there may be rain, making plans a bit uncertain. At some point, I expect it will be the government shutdown that interrupts travel plans rather than weather.