Fresno State’s campus farm is undergoing significant upgrades with the help of a one-time $18.75 million allocation from the state assembly, part of a broader initiative benefiting each of the four California State University agricultural colleges. The funding is being used to modernize campus farms, introduce new technology, and promote sustainable practices that enhance student learning.
Among the recent improvements are two new pivot irrigation systems visible near Chestnut and Bullard avenues. These 24-foot tall units irrigate fields of alfalfa hay, corn silage, and triticale. The systems are equipped with automated software that allows remote operation via smartphone and can be integrated with meteorological data. They can also be scheduled to run during off-peak hours to reduce energy costs and can distribute fertilizers and pest control products through the same lines, which helps lower labor expenses.
The expanded irrigation capacity has enabled the farm to double its alfalfa acreage from 18 to 36 acres, increasing the amount of livestock feed grown on campus and reducing overall costs.
“We are thankful to the state for helping us add state-of-the art equipment that will help us modernize the farm,” said Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire, dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. “Incorporating technology like this irrigation system will pay dividends, both economically and environmentally. The unit allows our staff to more efficiently manage water and other inputs that will improve crop health while allowing us to expand the range of crops that we can sustainably grow.”
The Center for Irrigation Technology will host a demonstration of the new irrigation equipment during Ag Tech Day on Friday, Oct. 31, from 7 to 11 a.m. The event is open to the public at no cost and includes demonstrations of agricultural drone equipment as well as a presentation on updates to the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. An expo featuring agricultural vendors follows at the Fresno State Water, Energy and Technology Center.
Additional upgrades funded by the state include an updated fleet of farm vehicles—such as an electric-powered tractor, forklifts, utility vehicles, and carts—many with autonomous capabilities. These purchases were supported by rebates from state programs like Clean Off-Road Equipment and San Joaquin District Air Resources Board.
A new drone has been acquired for crop management across much of the 1,000-acre campus farm. Staff are being trained in its use to improve pest monitoring and crop health management.
The horticulture nursery has also received updates in irrigation, ventilation, heating, and cooling systems in its seven greenhouses. Automated software is expected to lower energy costs while improving plant health and extending growing seasons. Student involvement in installing some of this equipment has provided additional hands-on learning opportunities.
Feed management operations at the campus dairy have improved with a new silage pad designed to reduce waste and enhance drainage. Other dairy facility upgrades include new flooring, drainage improvements inside the Macebo Dairy Unit, a new feed wagon, repairs to storm-damaged structures, and plans for further renovations.
In viticulture and enology, renovations are underway at the Donald E. Gumz Enology Building to expand teaching space for beer and spirits production alongside wine science. Fundraising efforts are ongoing for new brewing equipment. The adjacent refrigeration area will soon house a wine library for special collections including vintages dating back nearly three decades.
New concrete storage tanks have been purchased for white wine production at the Fresno State Winery; a discounted Müller pot still was also acquired for creating spirits. A donated Defranceschi-SACMI wine press is now in use by students during production.
A block of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes was recently removed as part of vineyard renewal efforts; future plans include upgrading irrigation with automated systems funded by a grant managed by Momentum from the California Energy Commission (https://www.energy.ca.gov/). This project aims to demonstrate methods for reducing energy costs while maintaining efficient agricultural production through integration with Wiseconn software.
Other campus farm units—including meat science labs as well as beef, equine, sheep, and swine facilities—have seen infrastructure improvements such as refrigeration upgrades, flooring renovations, exterior repainting, new appliances funded by student support groups like ASI (https://asi.fresnostate.edu/), donor-funded housing improvements for student managers in animal units, field replanting projects underway at beef units with plans for further pasture renovation next year.
Dr. St. Hilaire emphasized the educational value these investments bring: “All of these modernization projects are not only making the farm more sustainable and efficient, but they’re enhancing students’ ability to learn how to use the latest precision and automated agricultural technology,” he said. “The Fresno State farm is a special place because of its on-campus location and easy access for classes, so we’re also thankful to our industry supporters who are helping us make additional updates and support our strategic vision to better help our students and college shape the future of Central Valley agriculture.”
More than 100 students work on the campus farm annually as part of their training; local employers often recruit them due to their practical experience gained onsite.
