By Rowan O’Connell-Gates, WFA Program Associate
On September 30, WFA partnered with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) and UC Davis to host a Field Day at the USDA Spence Research Farm in Salinas, California. The event brought together 107 researchers, growers, and agricultural professionals to explore how hedgerows, insectary strips, and habitat patches can support beneficial insects on working farms.
Attendees listen to opening remarks from Eric Brennan
Eric Brennan and Daniel Hasegawa of USDA-ARS welcomed attendees to the farm and kicked off the day. Brennan and Ian Grettenberger of UC Davis introduced their CDFA Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) project, setting the stage for a morning of research presentations.
The talks began with hedgerows. Eric and Daniel shared findings from their hedgerow design trials, and Daniel followed with his research on whether native plants could host Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV), an important consideration when choosing what habitat to plant near crops. UC Davis researchers Anna DiPaola and Briley Mullin then discussed how field-edge insectary strips supported biological control in their trials.
From there, the focus switched to crop production. Danny Karp of UC Davis spoke on co-managing fresh produce for conservation, food safety, and biocontrol, all topics of interest for growers seeking to balance habitat implementation with on-farm food safety. Gabe Sacher of the California Strawberry Commission presented on the impacts of in-field flower strips on lygus population control in strawberry production. Ian Grettenberger closed out the presentations with a closer look at diamondback moth management and its intersection with non-crop plants.
Attendees explore the hedgerow trial
After a short break, attendees headed out into the field for two tours. The first, led by Eric and Daniel, visited a new, long-term hedgerow trial established by USDA-ARS in 2025. Guests were able to discover more about each species, thanks to the corresponding informational signs.
Some plantings in the hedgerow trial were labeled with a species sign, like this Seaside Woolly Sunflower
The second tour, led by Eric and Sam Earnshaw of Hedgerows Unlimited, brought attendees to a 23-year-old hedgerow. Together, they shared many insights about species size and compatibility from two decades of growth, providing guests a rare chance to see how these plantings mature over time.
Attendees walk towards the farm's 23-year-old hedgerow planting
The morning programming closed with a farmer panel featuring Roy Fuentes of Fuentes Berry Farms, Jazmin Lopez of Pisoni Vineyards, and Kim Horton of M2M Ag Consulting, who shared what it takes to rely on habitat for pest management on working farms. Attendees who purchased tickets then enjoyed lunch from local taqueria, Tacos Don Beto.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation was provided throughout the day and continuing education credits were available through the Department of Pesticide Regulation.
Events like this show how research and on-farm experience can unite to demonstrate habitat as a practical element of productive, resilient farms. Thank you to our partners at USDA-ARS and UC Davis, to all of the speakers, and to everyone who joined us in the field.