| The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announces registration is open for the 34th Annual Nutrient Management Conference hosted by CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and Western Plant Health (WPH). This year’s conference will be held at the Hilton Stockton in Stockton, CA, October 28-29, 2026, and includes an optional pre-conference tour of the Port of Stockton 1-4 p.m. October 27. Each year, the Nutrient Management Conference brings together industry professionals and academic researchers to learn about and share the latest research and innovative practices related to fertilizing materials and irrigation management. This year’s conference agenda includes presentations on irrigation and nutrient management in annual and perennial crops, cover crop adoption, potassium management in almond, irrigation scheduling, updates on outreach impacts of the Nitrogen and Irrigation Initiative, biostimulants and the role of silicon in plant nutrition. Panel discussions will focus on the outcomes from the Second Agricultural Expert Panel and addressing irrigation challenges across differing regions and cropping systems. A Poster Session will be held the evening of October 28 for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers and industry members to present their ongoing research, outreach or demonstration projects in California related to irrigation and nutrient management. FREP does not accept abstracts/posters related to proprietary product development, testing or promotions. To present a poster at the conference, submit your abstract(s) to FREP@cdfa.ca.gov by October 20, 2026. One presenter per accepted abstract will receive free conference registration. Early conference registration (through October 15) is $225 or $130 for currently enrolled students. Late registration (after October 15) is $250 or $140 for currently enrolled students. Continuing education units (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisers and Self-Certified Growers will be available. Upon registration, conference attendees may sign up for the pre-conference tour on October 27 (limited space available). To view the agenda, call for posters or register online, visit the conference website: www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/FREPConference. For more information, please contact FREP staff at frep@cdfa.ca.gov. Since 1990, FREP has funded more than 280 research projects focusing on nutrient and irrigation management in California cropping systems. For more information, visit the FREP project database of completed and ongoing projects at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/frep/Research.html. |