The Lodi Boys & Girls Club is accepting nominations for its 2013 Lodi Community Hall of Fame.

Jim Aschwanden knows a few things about agriculture.

Jim Aschwanden knows a few things about agriculture. The former Galt Joint Union High School District trustee and retired Galt High School agriculture teacher now serves as the executive director of the California FFA Foundation. He also sits on the FFA Adult Board, where he works with teachers and former student FFA leaders.

Local museums are where curiousity meets a vast wealth of knowledge. Whether visitors want to uncover the agriculture roots of the area, enjoy interactive science and wildlife exhibits, or even crave some football history during the offseason, at least one of these Central Valley museums can provide that information.

The Central Pacific Railroad gave birth to Lodi in the summer of 1869. Beginning as a simple rail stop with a couple merchants’ simple wood buildings and a few scattered homestead farmers, Lodi grew to become a bustling city of more than 75,000 with a thriving and increasingly famous grape and wine industry.

At first glance, Locke seems like any one of the dozens of tiny towns nestled among the sloughs in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Just off of River Road, faded storefronts line Main Street. Cats wander down alleys and along the sidewalks, and birds swoop down to peck at the ground in the openings between buildings. Like many other places in the Delta, it’s not a ghost town, yet it’s far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.

What happens when you cross a winemaker with a passion for his heritage and a chef who considers food an artful experience?

(NAPSI)—You may have heard that drinking 8-ounce glasses of water a day is good for your health. But what if the water you’re drinking isn’t as good for you as you think—due to drinking water contaminants?

Thanks to a restaurant owner with a foundation in politics, Republican political consultant and policy adviser Karl Rove now knows where Woodbridge is.

Though her day job is in an office, Amy Blagg simply can’t get away from the farming life she grew up in. Her work for the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation, both locally and on a state level, was recognized by the California Farm Bureau Federation in March.

The following is a list of public meetings in the Lodi and Galt areas this week:

Author Sue Grupe de Polo will speak about her new children's book, "San Joaquin County from A to Z," at the monthly docent council meeting on Monday in the multipurpose room at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum at Micke Grove Park.

(NAPSI)--America's farmers feed the world: According to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), each U.S. farmer grows enough for 155 people. Now, thanks to technology and their own hard work, they should be able to continue to do so, despite what Mother Nature has been throwing at them lately.

(BPT) - With many states facing drought this summer, homeowners across the country will be looking for ways to save their landscaping while conserving water at the same time. Even if you’re not in a drought-affected area, it pays to keep conservation in mind when it comes to watering outdoors. Using less water is good for the environment and your wallet.

(BPT) - Simple, fresh and delicious – that’s summertime eating at its best. Less time in the kitchen means more time to enjoy the bright delicious flavors of just-picked berries, peaches, greens and other vegetables.

Though it’s not used to quench thirst, Brady Whitlow, president of Corto Olive Oil, looks at the product simply: as freshly squeezed juice.

Shaped by the land and climate and further molded by the economy and markets, Lodi’s agricultural landscape over the decades has evolved from grain to watermelons to grapes.

Two brothers and a sister in Thornton are busy farming in three counties, yet they find the time to be involved in small local boards, raise money for charity and participate in community activities.

On a recent spring morning, a chill wind strafes the Lima Ranch west of Lodi.

It sends up missiles of stray alfalfa. Workers bend as they walk into the wind — and keep their jackets zipped to the top.

The wind doesn’t take the edge off Jack Hamm. The dairy’s general manager keeps moving, talking, gesturing.

We admit it: We’re in an agricultural state of mind. We just finished our annual Lodi-area ag section, “Soil & Sun.” We’ve presented several profiles of area ag leaders and innovators in recent days.

Roy Yates leases property on four ranches, where he takes care of 105 cows and several calves. Not only that, but he also makes business decisions, prepares paperwork and watches the livestock market so he can decide when to sell his cattle.

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 on Tuesday against rezoning 10 acres of land along Highway 99 and Armstrong Road, derailing a construction company’s hope of building a $30 million resort and spa near Micke Grove Park.

(NAPSI)—Your next barbecue may be better if you follow these 10 tips from the experts at the United States Department of Agriculture on keeping food safe when cooking outside:

Galt teacher Mandy Garner has been chosen as California's star FFA adviser after besting four peers in a final interview over the weekend. The Liberty Ranch High School ag department chairwoman's honor was announced at the state convention in Fresno on Sunday.