Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1310869
MOVERS AND SHAKERS 3 MOVERS AND SHAKERS Allan Fulton This June, Allan Fulton retired from his position as a University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisor. During his career, Fulton played a pivotal role in helping almond growers better understand how to effectively manage water to ensure maximum yield while keeping conservation top of mind. Working in the San Joaquin Valley for 12 years and then in the Sacramento Valley for the past 20 years, Fulton was on the cutting edge of research that led to improvements in irrigation efficiency and knowledge of trees' water needs. His contributions to the industry include his key role in research that led to the development of ABC's Almond Irrigation Improvement Continuum. Fulton also worked on a five-year ABC-funded Water Production Function research project (2013-2017), for which the research team compared water demands and supply impacts on almond trees in the northern, central and southern valleys. Fulton also frequently presented at The Almond Conference and taught dozens of short courses on irrigation. When asked about the legacy he'd like to leave behind, Fulton told ABC, "I'd just like to be thought of as an advocate for a responsibly irrigated agriculture industry that works thoughtfully and diligently toward farming sustainably and providing healthy, reliable food and fiber," adding that he's thankful "for the blessing of the opportunity to be part of California agriculture." Mae Culumber ABC-funded researcher Mae Culumber received the Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding New Academic from the University of California Academic Assembly Council and University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR). This award recognizes UC ANR academics for the use of innovative methods and the integration of research, extension and leadership. In her four years as the UC Cooperative Extension Fresno County nut crops advisor, Culumber has developed a research program that provides solutions to identify management practices that maximize water and nutrient efficiency and promote soil health improvements. Culumber's most recent contribution to California almonds involves her collaboration with experts to study the impacts of Whole Orchard Recycling (WOR) in newly established orchards. Results from this research demonstrate the potential for a 19% yield increase, 58% increase in soil carbon and 32% increase in water holding capacity in almond orchards where WOR takes place. "The first four years of my career as an advisor have been very rewarding," said Culumber. "I have had tremendous support from the nut crop industries, UC ANR and my fellow academics to develop a program aimed at finding solutions to production issues faced by California growers. This recognition is humbling, giving me further motivation to continue the pursuit of meaningful applied research and education initiatives that will enhance the sustainability and viability of nut crop production systems." Tod Kimmelshue Durham-based almond and walnut grower Tod Kimmelshue was voted into office as Butte County Supervisor, District 4, earlier this year. The district runs from southwest Chico through Richvale and Gridley down to Butte County's southern border. Before running for office, Kimmelshue worked in banking as Vice President of Farm Credit, where he served members of agriculture for 35 years. Kimmelshue attended Butte College and received an ag business degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 1982. Before running for supervisor, Kimmelshue served his local community and California agriculture in multiple ways: He is a former California Farm Bureau Board member and past Finance Chair, and a past Board president and member of the Butte County Farm Bureau. He also served as vice chairman for the Butte County Water Commission. "As a nut producer in California, I am so very proud to be associated with the Almond Board of California. Their efforts to work with growers, like myself, and all sectors of California agriculture to enhance and promote our industry are very important. As a local elected official, I look forward to doing the same, working hard and striving daily to best serve and represent my local community," said Kimmelshue.