Agriculture Break Out Session 2: Integrated Pest Management & Foothill Crop Production

In this LEAF Conference session, Mackenzie Patton, University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Adviser, provides an in-depth overview of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and how the Sierra Nevada foothill region’s unique microclimates, soils, watersheds, and environmental conditions influence crop production.

This presentation covers:
What Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is and how growers can apply it
Identifying and monitoring pests and diseases
Cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical management strategies
How foothill microclimates impact crop selection and pest pressure
Watershed and runoff considerations for Sierra growers
Soil variability, erosion risk, and nutrient movement
Wildlife interactions and sustainability practices
Specialty crops and site-specific planning
Resources available through UCCE, RCDs, UC IPM, and local programs

Mackenzie also discusses how UCCE supports growers across the Sierra region through research-based guidance, free advising, and connections to additional agricultural resources.

Recorded at the 2025 Land, Energy, Agriculture, and Forestry (LEAF) Conference, hosted by Mother Lode Job Training (MLJT) and the Central Sierra Economic Development District (CSEDD).

This event was made possible through support from the California Jobs First Initiative, the Regional K–16 Education Collaboratives Grant Program, and a grant via the Mariposa County Resource Conservation District through the California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI).