This winter has been extraordinary. We now have an abundant snowpack in the mountains and our reservoirs are filling to the brim. Our long drought is officially over. That’s great news, but we all know that our weather could swing back toward drier conditions without much warning. That’s one of the reasons the work we do is so important.

2019 is off to a good start and has already provided us with much needed rain and snow in the mountains. I am looking forward to a productive year filled with notable accomplishments for our faculty, staff and students. We are resolute in our commitment to make sure everyone in our college has the tools, resources and facilities to help them succeed. There are many behind-the-scenes activities that keep us moving in the right direction, and I thought it would be good to reflect on these as we begin the year. 

As the calendar year draws to a close, I find myself filled with gratitude for the dedication and hard work of our faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends who keep the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the forefront of meeting the challenges that face our world. You’ve heard it said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so we decided to treat you to a slide show of a few highlights from 2018.

I’d like to extend a sincere “welcome back” to everyone after the Thanksgiving break and the campus closure caused by the very poor air quality from the tragic Camp Fire. Our hearts go out to all those affected by what is now the most destructive and deadly wildfire in California history.

One of nature’s most fascinating spectacles is currently underway in California: the annual migration of millions of ducks, geese, swans, cranes and other migratory waterfowl through the Pacific Flyway. The destination for a great many of these birds is the Central Valley of California. Here they seek out food and shelter for the winter before they head back north to Canada and Alaska to breed, nest and repeat the cycle. 

The relative calm of summer in Davis has quickly given way to the hustle and bustle of our students, staff and faculty gearing up for a new academic year. We welcome everyone back and look forward to the excitement, discovery, and connections this change in seasons brings.

Congratulations to the 1,720 undergraduate students who will cross the stage at one of two College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES) commencement ceremonies on Friday, June 15. 

Field days help farmers plan for the future

Field days for California growers are a tradition going back to the very beginning of the University of California. They have stood the test of time because they are an extremely effective method of showing the agricultural community the latest innovations in plant and animal production.

Take the UC Davis Give Day challenge.

The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is working hard to address critical issues with food, water, energy, climate change and human health to improve our quality of life and to support the public good.

We have earned our reputation as a world leader in the agricultural, environmental and human sciences through our unwavering commitment to the land-grant system of research, teaching and extension. It’s a system that has proven its worth to society and has only gotten stronger with time.