San Joaquin Valley farmers can get help with engines

Farmers up and down the San Joaquin Valley can learn next week about grants to help them convert to cleaner-burning tractors, irrigation pumps and other equipment. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has organized workshops in cooperation with the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service, farm groups and utilities. The meetings include three in the northern valley:

• Stockton: 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 15 at the San Joaquin County Agricultural Center, 2101 E. Earhart Ave., near Stockton Metropolitan Airport

• Modesto: 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau,1201 L St.

• Merced: 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 16 at the Merced County Farm Bureau,646 S. Highway 59.

For more information on the grant program, call (559) 230-5800 or go to www.valleyair.org.