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brentdhales.bsky.social

@brentdhales.bsky.social
357 followers 125 following 137 posts

Currently serve as the University of California Associate VP of Agriculture and Natural Resources. I'm a proud husband, father, and grandfather.

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Reposted by @brentdhales.bsky.social
The New York Times @nytimes.com · 08/01/2026
The University of California said Thursday that it had enrolled more than 301,000 students last semester, a record mark even as the Trump administration pursued a sweeping pressure campaign against the 10-campus system.
nyti.ms
University of California Reports Record Enrollment Despite Trump Pressure
Enrollment increased to more than 301,000 as the system prepared for a budget debate in Sacramento.
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Reposted by @brentdhales.bsky.social
Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 07/01/2026
🥣📈 Longer #WIC participation = healthier diets! A new policy brief finds kids ages 2–5 who stay on WIC longer have higher diet quality and eat more nutrient-dense, WIC-approved foods. Supporting continued enrollment could help reduce nutrition disparities.
A young girl places a watermelon in a small orange shopping cart while shopping for produce at the grocery store. The text reads: “New policy brief! WIC serves more than 6.7 million low-income people in the U.S. each year. Longer participation in WIC contributes to higher diet quality among infants and young children. By aligning WIC food packages with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, policymakers can maximize the availability of healthy foods for disadvantaged children.” The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California logo is included.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
This would truly be damaging for America. www.morningagclips.com/2026-could-s...
morningagclips.com
2026 Could See the End of the Farm Bill Era of American Agriculture Policy
Discover the significance of the 2026 Farm Bill as Congress prepares to tackle agricultural reforms and nutrition programs.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Here is some important information for farmers in California. www.morningagclips.com/new-state-la...
morningagclips.com
New State Laws Affecting Farms Take Effect Jan. 1
Several new state laws set to take effect this week will impact agriculture in California, and will begin January 1.
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Reposted by @brentdhales.bsky.social
Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 11/12/2025
📢 New policy brief shows how safety net programs, especially #WIC, are key to healthier diets and weight outcomes for disadvantaged children. Longer WIC participation predicts higher diet quality, offering insights to strengthen nutrition support & reduce health disparities. bit.ly/4nWiqja
Graphic reading, "NEW POLICY BRIEF!
Safety Net Programs Associated With Improved Diet and Weight Among Disadvantaged Children
Key Facts:
- Federal assistance programs like WIC and SNAP are designed to alleviate the impact of socioeconomic disparities in nutrition during childhood, which can contribute to poor diet quality and weight status.

- The strongest predictors of diet quality were program duration (especially WIC) and race and ethnicity.

- Encouraging longer participation in federal nutrition assistance programs, especially for Black and English-speaking Hispanic households, will likely help to improve diet quality and weight status among children with lower socioeconomic status. 
NPI logo at the bottom right corner. Quote from a focus group participant discussing their experience with WIC stating, “Having that educational piece alongside with the appointments has been helpful for our family, because it kind of helps me to know like what other foods I can introduce to my baby, and also to my toddler.” Nutrition Policy logo in the bottom right corner.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
www.morningagclips.com/new-webinar-...
morningagclips.com
New Webinar Series by CAFF and UC Aids Farmers Transitioning to Organic
Farmers seeking guidance on starting or advancing their transition to organic crop production are invited to attend free webinars.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Milk is not just good for the body, it's great for the economy. www.morningagclips.com/california-d...
morningagclips.com
California Dairy Industry Powers $23.2 Billion Economic Impact and More Than 150,000 Jobs
The California dairy industry continues to serve as a cornerstone of the state's agricultural economy, according to new report.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
www.morningagclips.com/uc-anr-team-...
morningagclips.com
UC ANR Team Helps Small Farmers Understand Historic, Decade-Old Groundwater Law
A law that represents one of the most revolutionary changes to groundwater management in CA history was passed more than 10 years ago.
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Reposted by @brentdhales.bsky.social
Daniel Swain @weatherwest.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
I'll be hosting *two* separate livestreams this week, each w/different focus. First, join me on Tue, Dec 2 @ 4pm PT for a CA weather update. I'll discuss the recent tule fog/stratus episode & what appears to be a pretty long dry spell into Dec. #CAwx [1/2]
youtube.com
California weather update: Tule fog, a December dry spell, and an overview of our topsy-turvy autumn - YouTube
The latest in a recurring series of live, virtual, & interactive "office hours" hosted by Dr. Daniel Swain on various topics related to extreme #weather and ...
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Great work, Michelle! www.morningagclips.com/uc-dry-bean-...
morningagclips.com
UC Dry Bean Field Day Gives Updates on New-Variety Research
Scientists discussed their progress during the recent University of California Dry Bean Field Day, held at test fields on campus.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
This outlook is going to be challenging for growers and producers across the U.S. It is important to note that as farmers struggle, their communities will also struggle as they have fewer resources to spend in their communities. www.morningagclips.com/only-half-of...
morningagclips.com
Only Half of US Farmers to Be Profitable in 2025, Ag Lenders Say
Explore the challenges to becoming a profitable farm amidst rising farm debt and tighter margins in the agricultural sector.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
This will be critical for the peach industry in California. www.morningagclips.com/peach-grower...
morningagclips.com
Peach Growers Await Pivotal Cannery Sale
California cling peach growers face an uncertain future after long-term contracts were voided by Del Monte Foods.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
www.morningagclips.com/public-invit...
morningagclips.com
Public Invited for Up-Close Look at Future of Citrus Ag Tech
Several companies will demonstrate their Citrus Ag technologies at a VINE Connect Field Day on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
The Organic Ag Institute is a leader in California. www.morningagclips.com/uc-organic-a...
morningagclips.com
UC Organic Agriculture Institute Forges Partnerships at First Regional Conference
The University of California Organic Agriculture Institute hosted an inaugural conference September 25-25 in San Diego.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
I hate this but it is so necessary. www.morningagclips.com/four-wolves-...
morningagclips.com
Four Wolves Lethally Removed After Deterrence Efforts Failed
California Department of Fish and Wildlife said it has euthanized four gray wolves from the Beyem Seyo pack in Sierra Valley.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
www.morningagclips.com/fira-usa-202...
morningagclips.com
FIRA USA 2025: Automation Emerges as Key Solution to Address Specialty Crop Agriculture’s Critical Challenges
The fourth annual FIRA USA demonstrated that automation has evolved from experimental technology to practical solutions.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
www.morningagclips.com/weathering-r...
morningagclips.com
‘Weathering’ Rock Dust in Farm Fields – A Down-To-Earth Climate Solution?
UC researchers and their colleagues are studying how that process can be applied in agricultural fields to boost carbon sequestration.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
www.morningagclips.com/join-first-c...
morningagclips.com
Join First California Oak Discovery Day at Hopland Rec Oct. 11
The UC Hopland Research and Extension Center invites the community to its first-ever California Oak Discovery Day on Oct. 11.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Happy National 4-H Week! www.morningagclips.com/national-4hf...
morningagclips.com
National #4HForGood Challenge: Encouraging Youth to Lead with Their Heart and Hands
Explore how #4HForGood empowers youth to create impactful change as part of 4-H and NBCUniversal's exciting partnership.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
www.morningagclips.com/ai-tool-to-h...
morningagclips.com
AI Tool to Help Farmers Measure Real-Time Crop Health From the Field
Leaf Monitor, a new mobile tool backed by artificial intelligence and predictive modeling, could revolutionize how farmers monitor crops.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
This is amazing news! Well done! www.morningagclips.com/swain-named-...
morningagclips.com
Swain Named to 2025 TIME100 Next List of Emerging Leaders
Daniel Swain, climate scientist in UC ANR's California Institute for Water Resources, is included in 2025 TIME100 Next.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
We are so fortunate to have her at UC ANR. www.morningagclips.com/new-nutritio...
morningagclips.com
New Nutrition Policy Institute Director to Emphasize Community Participation in Research
Epidemiologist Hannah Thompson, “Recess For All” expert, studies physical activity and health for youth in California.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
www.morningagclips.com/new-online-t...
morningagclips.com
New Online Tool Helps Growers Choose Cover Crops
farmers in California and throughout the West have a decision-support tool that recommends cover-crop species.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
www.morningagclips.com/climate-dise...
morningagclips.com
Climate, Diseases Driving Death of Several Tree Species in Multiple California Regions
The trees that beautify California landscapes and provide food, shade and many other benefits are under attack by fungi.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
www.morningagclips.com/value-of-cal...
morningagclips.com
Value of California Ag Production Tops $60 Billion for First Time
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) has released production data summaries for 2024 in California, with a total value for the year of $61.2 billion, an increase of 3.6 perc...
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
www.morningagclips.com/fira-usa-lau...
morningagclips.com
FIRA USA Launches the Women in AgRobotics of the Year Award
FIRA USA is proud to announce the launch of the Women in AgRobotics of the Year Award, celebrating women in agricultural robotics.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
www.morningagclips.com/business-bui...
morningagclips.com
Business Builder Awards Infuse $1.5m Into Food Enterprises Across Southwest
The Southwest Regional Food Business Center awards 73 grants to growers, entrepreneurs in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Good news for UC ANR. www.morningagclips.com/uc-anr-recei...
morningagclips.com
UC ANR Receives $15.1 Million to Accelerate Ag Tech Innovation
A state award for UC ANR Innovate will help speed Agtech ideas from the lab into the hands of growers and producers.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
This investment is critical for the ag sector in California. www.morningagclips.com/agriculture-...
morningagclips.com
Agriculture and Bioeconomy Among Recipients of $80 Million Investment in California Jobs First Program
Governor Newsom and the California Jobs First Council announced $80 million in funding to support eleven projects across California.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
www.morningagclips.com/how-can-we-f...
morningagclips.com
How Can We Feed a Growing Population?
Explore how to feed a growing population amid rising hunger and food insecurity challenges affecting millions globally.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
www.morningagclips.com/questions-ab...
morningagclips.com
Questions About Growing Agave? UC ANR Has Answers
Explore the growing agave trend in California as acreage has quadrupled, providing new opportunities for farmers.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
www.morningagclips.com/medfly-quara...
morningagclips.com
Medfly Quarantine in Portion of Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County has initiated a Medfly quarantine to prevent the spread of Mediterranean fruit flies and protect local produce.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
www.morningagclips.com/california-r...
morningagclips.com
California Rice Fields Provide Vital Habitat for Snakes, Birds and Fish
Uncertainties around crop markets, water and climate can prompt some California growers to fallow rice fields or change management practices.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Here is a great video that shares some of the incredible work going on here. www.youtube.com/shorts/EhFVE...
youtube.com
Senior Citizens Thrive on the Benefits of SNAP-Ed
YouTube video by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
The science is clear. www.yahoo.com/news/article...
yahoo.com
US pediatricians' new COVID-19 shot recommendations differ from CDC advice
For the first time in 30 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics is substantially diverging from U.S. government vaccine recommendations. The group’s new COVID-19 recommendations — released Tuesday...
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
We went through this before and the kids are resilient. It is about the learning opportunities that 4-H brings. www.morningagclips.com/uc-davis-unf...
morningagclips.com
UC Davis’ Unfold Podcast Explores How 4-H Kids Are Adapting Amid Ongoing Avian Flu Outbreak
A statewide ban on bird exhibitions, due to highly pathogenic avian influenza, has left empty cages and disappointed young 4-H members.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
www.morningagclips.com/farmers-invi...
morningagclips.com
Farmers Invited to Test Robots, High-Tech Solutions at Sept. 17 Soil-Health Field Day
DAVIS, Calif. — Autonomous weed-killing robots, AI-powered plant-health scanners, and farm waste converters will take center stage Wednesday, Sept. 17, when University of California, Merced hosts a VI...
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
morningagclips.com/federal-fore...
morningagclips.com
Federal Forestry Cuts Fuel Wildfire, Resource Concerns
As wildfire conditions across California are expected to increase steadily through the summer, state officials expressed concerns.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
'Uncharted territory': Newsom and UC go to battle against Trump's UCLA sanctions
UCLA is in conflict with the Trump administration, which has frozen federal grants and demanded a $1-billion fine over a host of allegations. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state will sue.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
www.morningagclips.com/how-plants-a...
morningagclips.com
How Plants are Learning to Spot Sneaky Bacterial Invaders
Scientists at the University of California, Davis, used artificial intelligence to help plants recognize a wider range of bacterial threats.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
It is tragic to see such good programs have to shutter due to the federal government's elimination of funding to support it. securetrack.morningagclips.com/f/a/3F5DUf0v...
securetrack.morningagclips.com
‘I Feel So Much Better’: CalFresh Healthy Living, UC Programs Boost Health of Older Adults
CalFresh Healthy Living (CFHL) brings free nutrition education and wellness support to people eligible for the federal SNAP.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Controlled, prescribed fires have the ability to reduce fuel loads and decrease devastating wildfires. www.morningagclips.com/montana-stat...
morningagclips.com
Montana State Professor Studies How Wildfires Can Threaten Drinking Water Quality
When wildfires occur much of the groundcover that would otherwise absorb and partially filter water runoff can be destroyed.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
This was a huge disappointment. www.morningagclips.com/small-farms-...
morningagclips.com
Small Farms, Food Businesses to Lose Vital USDA Support
The Southwest Regional Food Business Center, led by UCANR, is one of 12 food business centers across the country.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
For those reliant on migrant workers for business, this is critical. www.morningagclips.com/webinar-are-...
morningagclips.com
Webinar: Are You Ready for an I-9 Audit?
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS) is pleased to present this important webinar with our H-2A program partner, Worker and Farmer Labor Association. With increased scrutiny on emp...
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
I love this story, a century in the making. www.morningagclips.com/edna-4-h-of-...
morningagclips.com
Edna 4-H of San Luis Obispo Celebrates 100 Years of ‘Good, Wholesome, Family Fun’
Edna 4-H, the longest-running 4-H club in San Luis Obispo County, now celebrating its 100-year anniversary.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
www.morningagclips.com/uc-anr-share...
morningagclips.com
UC ANR Shares Prospects for Sustainably Farming the ‘Agave Rush’
The popularity of farming agave has taken off, with climate change motivating growers to consider planting drought-tolerant crops.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
I'm so proud of this effort. www.morningagclips.com/uc-anr-award...
morningagclips.com
UC ANR Awards Four Grants to Promote Equitable Land Access in Southern California
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has awarded grants to four organizations for community-based media campaigns.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 05/07/2025
Here's an article about the work of one of UC's best. www.nytimes.com/2025/07/02/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | A Plague of Pests Is Coming for California. Here’s How to Stop It.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
She's not just an amazing leader, she's a dear friend and I'm grateful for her leadership. www.morningagclips.com/schmitt-mcqu...
morningagclips.com
Schmitt-McQuitty Retires as ‘Transformative Leader’ of California 4-H, UCCE
during Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty’s very first week as a 4-H agent, she realized the deep passion that participants have for 4-H.
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brentdhales.bsky.social @brentdhales.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
I love this. www.morningagclips.com/placer-count...
morningagclips.com
Placer County Team Demonstrates the Value of Participating in 4-H
The Ophir 4-H Club team started from scratch just five years ago and won the 4-H state championship in both 2023 and 2024.
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