We’re excited to introduce our ten expert presenters! From discussing updates on surface and groundwater issues in the Kaweah Subbasin to tools and funding for grower success, these experts will cover a range of topics that are essential for your farm’s success.
Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions and get equipped with tools and expert advice on water management for your farm! 💧🚜
Meet our event presenters:
Name: Jason Phillips
About:
Jason Philips received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Portland State University. After graduating, Jason moved to Sacramento to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a civil engineer and project manager on civil works and flood control projects. Currently, Jason is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Friant Water Authority. As CEO, he oversees all activities the Authority conducts on behalf of its member agencies. Jason’s previous responsibilities range from serving as a project manager in the planning division and as an area manager at the Klamath Project to helping address the drainage issue on the San Joaquin Valley’s west side. His previous experience also includes working for the Bureau of Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Region for 15 years.
Topic: Friant Water Authority and the CVP
Name: Mark Larsen
About:
Mark Larsen received his Bachelor’s in Industrial Technology from California State University, Fresno. Currently, Mark is the General Manager of the Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency where he leads the agency’s efforts to achieve sustainable groundwater resources under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Previously, Mark was the Kaweah Delta Water Conservation General Manager where he managed projects, developed water management policies, and developed and maintained relationships with various entities toward groundwater mitigation, water transfers, water education, and conservation. Mark also served as the Watermaster for the Kaweah and St. Johns Rivers Association and is General Manager for the Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency. He also serves on the Board of the Water Education Foundation and the Board of the Tulare County Flood Commission.
Topic: Kaweah River and Kaweah Subbasin GSP Determination and SGMA update
Name: Aaron Fukuda
About:
Aaron Fukuda earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and his Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Fresno. Aaron is the General Manager of the Tulare Irrigation District, where he oversees the district’s day-to-day operations while continuing to promote the conjunctive use of the district and its growers. Aaron is also the interim general manager of the Mid-Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency (MKGSA), where he coordinates water activities surrounding jurisdictions, including the development of the groundwater sustainability plan for the MKGSA. Previously, Aaron spent six years as an associate engineer specializing in agricultural hydraulic design.
Topic: Kaweah Subbasin GSP Determination and SGMA update
Name: Michael Hagman
About:
Michael Hagman received his Bachelor of Science in Business from California State University, Chico and received his Masters in Public Administration from CSU Chico. Michael’s previous roles includes being the Financial Affairs Manager for Friant Water Authority and the Interim General Manager for Teham Colusa Canal Authority, where he developed his experience in strategic planning and water resources. Currently, Michael is the General Manager for Lindmore Irrigation District and the Executive Director for the East Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency. Michael also owns and farms a tangerine ranch in the Porterville Irrigation District.
Topic: Kaweah Subbasin GSP Determination and SGMA update
Name: Kait Palys
About:
Kait Palys is a Virginia Tech graduate who settled in the San Joaquin Valley. Since 2016, she has dedicated her career to addressing the west’s sustainable water management challenges. Kait is a Water Resources Specialist/Hydrogeologist at INTERA, where she works as a “jack of all trades” under all things Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Outside of work, Kait enjoys serving as the Founder and Co-Director of Central Valley Water Professionals – a passion project with the mission of connecting perspectives from different corners of the CA water world across the Valley.
Topic: Kaweah Subbasin Mitigation Program
Name: Joel Kimmelshue
About:
Joel Kimmelshue holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science with a concentration in Water Resources from North Carolina State University in addition to his Certification as a Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS). Prior to that he grew up on his family almond, walnut, and row crop farm in Butte County and received his Bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly, SLO. Dr. Kimmelshue is a founding partner and Principal Soil and Agricultural Scientist with Land IQ and has worked in the field of agricultural sciences for the past 27 years. Joel’s experience includes practical and applied solutions for development and management of agricultural-based soil/water/plant systems – especially irrigated systems. His technical expertise also includes water resources science and planning, land reclamation, soil/plant nutrient dynamics and management, and irrigation and drainage management. He is experienced in multi-stakeholder settings and works closely with owners as well as regulatory, agency, and consulting teams to develop workable and cost-effective approaches.
Topic: Land IQ
Name: Craig Hornung
About:
Craig is a seasoned professional with a lifelong dedication to agriculture. Born and raised in the Visalia/Ivanhoe area, Craig grew up working on his family’s citrus farm. Later, he obtained his B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Colorado State University. Since graduating, Craig gained 40 years of farming experience, having farmed in Arizona and various parts of the Central Valley. In addition to his farming experience, Craig has 30+ years of experience in technology development, which includes experience with evaluation and in-field verification with multiple platforms and companies breaking into the agricultural application with technology. He also focused on irrigation evaluation and application from Center Pivots to Sub-Surface Irrigation. This experience is a result of Craig’s previous titles as a Product Manager of Field Connect for John Deere Water and Product Manager of Crop Sense for T-Systems International. He also co-founded the Soil Solutions Corporation for water modification. Craig now owns Hornung Brothers Farming and works in Technical Services at AC-Foods. He is also the Vice Chair of the East Kaweah GSA.
Topic: Irrigation Practices
Name: Amber Butland
About:
Amber has been with the Climate Smart Agriculture Program at the University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources since June 2022. Originally from rural Ohio, Amber moved to the Fresno area with her husband and their two sons in 2021. With a background in science education and a passion for community involvement, she is excited to be working with growers in the Central Valley on the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. In her spare time, Amber enjoys hiking, landscape photography, and reading.
Topic: SWEEP Grant Opportunities
Name: Lurana Strong
About:
Lurana Strong grew up in the City of Lemon Grove in San Diego County and attended San Diego State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition Sciences. After graduating she worked in the nutrition department at Alvarado Hospital and after a couple years decided this was not the environment she wanted to work. She then worked at Dixieline Lumber as a Tool Dept Manager while earning a second degree from Cal Poly Pomona in Plant Science. While at Cal Poly Pomona, Lurana was introduced to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and began working as an intern at the Visalia Field Office in 2010. Lurana started as a soil conservationist for the Visalia NRCS service center and is now the District Conservationist in Visalia.
Topic: EQIP Grant Opportunities
Name: Chris Hunter
About:
Chris Hunter received his Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Helms School of Government at Liberty University after earning an Associate of Science in Information Systems from Cerro Coso Community College. Chris is the Assistant General Manager for Lindmore Irrigation District and the Program Manager for the East Kaweah GSA. Previously, Chris served East Side growers for twenty three years as member of the Friant Water Authority. Starting as a Computer Services Technician, then Network Analyst, making his way to Director of Technology. While at Friant Water Authority, Chris supervised technology innovations and IT administration activities, worked with management and government departments to develop IT methods to meet business needs, and managed numerous projects related SCADA implementation and water conveyance operations.
Topic: Event MC
“My Job Depends on Water: Farming in the SGMA Era” is happening Thursday, July 13th from 7:30am-1:30pm at the International Agri-Center in Tulare! To learn more about the event, visit https://ekgsa.org/rsvp.
RSVP before July 6th to reserve your BBQ lunch!