Chico State Precision Farming Field Day Recap: Innovation in Regenerative Agriculture and Pest Management

On Friday, April 11, industry leaders, researchers, and growers gathered at the Chico State Farm for the highly anticipated Precision Farming Field Day. Hosted by Suterra and Chico State’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems (CRARS), the event offered hands-on education and insight into the latest advancements in sustainable agriculture, pest management, and precision farming tools.

Advancing Regenerative Agriculture: CRARS Sets the Stage

The day began with opening remarks from Ted Gailey, who represented the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems. CRARS continues to play a pivotal role in driving sustainable farming in California. Their mission is to investigate, develop, demonstrate, and educate about regenerative agricultural practices that restore and enhance the resiliency of living systems and communities. Ted emphasized how regenerative techniques can improve soil health, reduce chemical inputs, and build long-term resilience in tree nut orchards and other cropping systems.

Exploring RAVT Almond Varieties with UC Cooperative Extension

Luke Milliron, Orchards Advisor with the UC Cooperative Extension, led a compelling field tour through the Regional Almond Variety Trial (RAVT) at Chico State Farm. Attendees had the unique opportunity to explore a variety of trial almond cultivars firsthand. Luke shared insights into disease susceptibility and tree architecture. Which is critical considerations for growers interested in diversifying or future-proofing their almond plantings.

Mating Disruption Spotlight: Suterra’s Innovative CheckMate® NOW-F

Suterra’s own Dr. Emily Symmes, Senior Manager of Technical Field Services, delivered an informative session on pest control using mating disruption, with a focus on navel orangeworm (NOW), the most damaging pests in almond and pistachio orchards. She highlighted the benefits of CheckMate® NOW-F, Suterra’s sprayable pheromone solution for navel orangeworm management. This innovative product provides mating disruption with the flexibility and efficiency of aerial or ground spray application, an ideal solution for growers aiming to reduce insecticide use while improving crop protection.

Dr. Symmes also provided valuable data on field performance and compatibility with existing IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programs. With increasing regulatory pressure and sustainability goals, Suterra’s pheromone-based tools are a core part of progressive pest management strategies.

Drone Spraying in Action: Yamaha’s High-Tech Application Demo

Rounding out the speaker lineup was Brad Anderson, Division Manager at Yamaha, who introduced attendees to Yamaha’s drone spraying solutions tailored for California’s tree nut growers. Brad discussed the growing role of unmanned aerial spraying in orchard management, particularly in difficult-to-access terrain or for growers seeking precision and efficiency in pesticide and pheromone application.

Following the presentation, attendees gathered at the edge of a Chico State almond block for a live drone spraying demonstration. Yamaha’s aircraft applied a treatment of CheckMate NOW-F, showcasing the real-world application potential of combining mating disruption with cutting-edge drone technology.

A Look Ahead: Collaboration and Innovation Drive the Future

The 2025 Chico State Precision Farming Field Day was a resounding success, highlighting how collaboration between researchers, extension advisors, and ag technology companies is reshaping the future of farming. From regenerative soil practices to advanced pest control solutions like sprayable pheromones and drone applications, the event underscored the power of science-driven, sustainable agriculture.

At Suterra, we’re proud to be at the forefront of agricultural technology and remain committed to delivering innovative tools that support growers' productivity and environmental goals.

Interested in learning more about Suterra’s CheckMate NOW-F or integrating drone-based mating disruption into your IPM program? Contact our team today to get started.