Niederholzer named Certified Crop Adviser of the Year in Western Region 
The award recognizes a certified crop adviser who has shown exceptional dedication and leadership that has made an impact in the organization and industry.
Niederholzer, who became a UCCE advisor in 2002, works with prunes, almonds, pears, apple, cherry, olive, plum, citrus, and pomegranate in Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties. His studies include orchard mineral nutrition, rootstock evaluation, cropload management, and airblast spray coverage and drift.
“It was a surprise and an honor to get that award from a great organization,” he said.
The award for Certified Crop Adviser of the Year in the Western Region acknowledges a member's exemplary dedication and contributions to agriculture as a Certified Crop Adviser. This individual also actively encourages and leads others to advocate for agricultural practices that are advantageous for both farmers and the environment.
Niederholzer was a member of the WRCCA Board of Directors from 2006-2022. While on the Board, he served on the WRCCA Testing and Continuing Education Committee, including 10 years as committee chair. His efforts included spearheading an esteemed CCA Exam Preparation course.
Supervisors recognize Macon's contribution to local agriculture 
The Nevada County Board of Supervisors recognized Dan Macon as a well-respected and important pillar of the county's agricultural community.
At its board meeting on Sept. 24, the supervisors presented Macon with a Certificate of Recognition for his many years of dedication and excellent service to Nevada County agriculture.
In 2017, Macon became the livestock and natural resources advisor for Placer, Nevada, Sutter and Yuba counties. Since 2020, Macon has served as UCCE county director for Placer and Nevada counties and livestock and natural resources advisor.
“I'm truly humbled by the recognition,” said Macon. “Cooperative Extension can't exist without strong county and community partnerships, and my family and I have been so fortunate to be part of the Nevada County agriculture community for so many years.”
In addition to being a UCCE advisor and county director, he has operated Flying Mule Farm, raising a small-scale commercial flock of sheep near Auburn. Macon, whose wife Sami passed away last year, is in the process of transferring to UCCE in Calaveras County to live closer to family and help care for his ailing mother.
“Dan's leadership has made a lasting impact on Nevada County,” said Nevada County Agricultural Commissioner Chris de Nijs. “His work not only strengthened our local agriculture both from a land management and economic perspective, but also set a benchmark for excellence and resiliency in the field. He will continue to be a pillar of the ag community, and I with him the best of luck in his new adventures!”
Legislators honor NPI's 10-year anniversary with resolution
California Senator Nancy Skinner and Assemblymember Mia Bonta honored the Nutrition Policy Institute with a joint California Legislature members resolution to recognize its decade of positive impact.
Founded on Feb. 18, 2014, within UC ANR, NPI's research has informed policies such as free school meals for over 6 million students and funding for school kitchen equipment. NPI's work led to increased recess for students, enhanced funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (commonly known as WIC), healthier beverage policies in childcare, and food security initiatives at UC campuses.
Based on NPI research, efforts also have been made to expand Farm to Corrections food programs and improve CalFresh Healthy Living interventions, enhancing fitness and diet-related outcomes for children. As a trusted resource for legislators and policymakers, NPI provides science-based policy recommendations, contributing significantly to public health in California.