UKIAH, Calif. – As irrigation season fast approaches, farmers are urged to attend an upcoming and very informative irrigation field meeting.

The University of California Cooperative Extension will host the meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 22, at the Ruddick Ranch, 2400 Ruddick-Cunningham Road in Ukiah.

With all the issues surrounding water use on the North Coast, this meeting provides a great opportunity to discuss how to optimize your orchard irrigations and think about establishing a soil- and/or plant-based water use monitoring program.

After the irrigation portion, they will look at the Bartlett and Bosc pear rootstock trials established in 2005 in the Ruddick 5-foot by 10-foot high density planting.

While not required, please RSVP to Shelley Janek to plan for refreshments and handouts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-462-3664, Extension 103.