San Luis Obispo County Agriculture News
October 15, 2021
SLO County Wineries, Agriculture Businesses Helped by Farm Bureau-Backed Wildfire Insurance Reforms Announced Tuesday
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (October 13, 2021) – Fire insurance reform is coming to San Luis Obispo County wineries and other agriculture businesses. 
 
On October 12, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued an Order to the state’s “insurer of last resort,” the California FAIR Plan Association, to double the wildfire property insurance coverage limit for wineries and other farm or ranch businesses. 
 
“This is a big deal for our agriculture community,” explained SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Director Brent Burchett. “When we brought Commissioner Lara to a Paso Robles winery back in June, we explained how the current coverage for agriculture businesses is grossly insufficient, and that insurers are failing to account for fire prevention efforts we’ve gone to great expense to employ on our farms, ranches and wineries.” 
  
Lara announced Tuesday he worked with California Farm Bureau members across the state over the past year to develop more comprehensive insurance reforms for ag and other rural businesses. Specifically, the Order expands the maximum FAIR Plan policy limit from $4.5 million to $8.4 million, and requires insurance companies to incorporate property owners’ fire-prevention actions when rating their risk. 
 
Lara said, “Recognizing these ‘fire-hardening’ actions will provide incentives to property owners to protect their property against wildfires, reducing future losses and increasing a competitive market." These reforms build on passage of Senate Bill 11 earlier this year, which made the agriculture industry eligible for FAIR Plan coverage for the first time. 
 
The Department of Insurance also published never-before-seen data on the claims, losses, and non-renewals specifically for agriculture policyholders. Agriculture businesses in the Central Coast region experienced the second-highest wildfire losses in the state over the past four years, totaling $93 million from 2017-2020. 
 
“There is no silver bullet to our fire insurance crisis, and the cost of these policies is still extremely high, but this is a major step forward,” Burchett said. “We want to thank Commissioner Lara for all his work, and all our Farm Bureau members who pushed for these changes.” 
Top regulator orders key fixes for winery, vineyard fire ...

California Insurance Commissioner ...

Read more
www.northbaybusinessjournal...
Coverage Limits Increased Under California FAIR Plan

The California Fair Access to Insurance ...

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agnetwest.com
This Week In SLO County Agriculture
This Issue Includes: 
  • Community News: Remembering Longtime SLO County Agriculture Leader Marilyn Britton;
  • County Government News: SLO County Board Of Supervisors Meet October 19;
  • State Government News: Commentary: Amid Challenging Times, Farm Bureau Prevailed;
  • Business Member Spotlight: Glenn Burdette;
  • Featured Member Benefit: O'Reilly Auto Parts;
  • Social Media Post Of The Week: SLO County Farm Bureau - Agriculture Still Feeling COVID Hangover
  • Labor News: NY Times - John Deere Workers Strike In Contract Dispute;
  • Wildfire News: Cal Matters - Get Ready For More Wind, Fires, Blackouts;
  • Water News: California Water Board - State Water Board Raises Fees Again!;
  • Produce News: Vegetables West - Researchers & Grower-Shipper Association Collaborate To Battle INSV;
  • Environmental News: Washington Post - California Set To Become First State To Ban Gasoline Powered Lawn Equipment;
  • Vineyard & Wine News: AgAlert - Weather Stations Aid Coastal Vineyard Mildew Fight;
  • Transportation News: Morning Ag Clips - Adapting to Persistent Supply Chain Disruptions;
  •  Livestock News: USDA Offers Online Tool to Aid Drought-Stricken Ranchers; and
  • Wisdom From The Farm & Ranch.
Community News: Remembering Longtime SLO County Agriculture Leader Marilyn Britton
San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau is sad to announce the passing of our longtime Executive Director and community leader Marilyn Britton.

"SLO County's agricultural community has lost one of its greatest champions and advocates," said Executive Director Brent Burchett. "While our thoughts are with the Britton family on their loss, Marilyn leaves behind a proud legacy of supporting farmers, ranchers and local youth that continues to be felt today and for decades to come."

Marilyn Britton passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 8. She had a distinguished career at San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau for over 30 years before retiring as Executive Director in 2001.

Born in 1939 in San Luis Obispo to Albert and Nadine Martin, Marilyn graduated from Atascadero High School in 1957, and from Cal Poly with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. It was at Cal Poly, in the Mustang Marching Band, where she met her husband Glenn Britton. Marilyn received numerous awards and recognitions for her service to the local agricultural community, including being named the 2018 Agriculturalist of the Year.

Per Marilyn’s wishes, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that expressions of sympathy be made to a cause that was near to Marilyn’s heart, the San Luis Obispo Agricultural Education Committee.

Established in 1989, the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization works with local teachers and students to raise awareness about the importance of agriculture. Contributions can be mailed to: San Luis Obispo Agricultural Education Committee, P.O. Box 1916, Templeton, CA 93465.

Read more about Marilyn’s life at slofarmbureau.org.
SLO County Farm Bureau remembers longtime agriculture...

San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau shared their sympathies in response to the passing of longtime Executive Director and community leader Marilyn Britton. "SLO County's agricultural community has lost one of its greatest champions and advocates," ...

Read more
pasoroblesdailynews.com
Paso Robles High School Agriculture Department Ranks in...

PASO ROBLES - For the second year in a row, the Paso Robles High School (PRHS) Agriculture Department has been ranked in the top 20 Agriculture programs in the State of California. Every year statistical analysis is used by the California...

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pasoroblespress.com
AFBF Forms Partnership with MANRRS

The American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) announced...

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www.fb.org
Pioneer Day returned with enthusiasm Saturday to Paso Robles

Thousands of people turned out to watch the Pioneer Day Parade in Paso Robles this weekend ...

Read more
pasoroblesdailynews.com
County Government News: SLO County Board Of Supervisors Meet October 19
SLO County Supervisor Lynn Compton plans re-election run ...

Supervisor Lynn Compton is preparing to run for a third term on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors - a campaign that would again pit her against the candidate she beat by just 60 votes in 2018.

Read more
www.sanluisobispo.com
SLO County eyes additions to camping ordinance. What...

About 70 people gathered in front of a northern Cambria home Oct. 2 to learn more about possible additions to San Luis Obispo County's camping regulations. If approved, the modifications covered in a draft document could affect their neighborhood ...

Read more
www.sanluisobispo.com
State Government News: Commentary - Amid Challenging Times, Farm Bureau Prevailed
Commentary: 'That is the power of Farm Bureau'
October 13, 2021 - Ag Alert
Commentary from California Farm Bureau Administrator Jim Houston (edited, emphasis added)

One of the hallmarks of any successful farmer or rancher is resilience. The fact is there are so many forces outside of your control. At the most difficult times, it is only faith, patience and determination that enable one to persevere through the season—but persevere we do. Here in Sacramento, we have legislative seasons and, recently, it seems that each season is stranger and more difficult than the next. ...

....One bill sought to declare all surface water in the state drinkable by 2050. Another set out to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2045 and have net negative emissions thereafter. There were bills to phase out single-use packages and impose $90 million in increased taxes on pesticides. There was also an attempt to institute a mail-in card check election for unions, robbing our employees of their rights to secret ballot elections.

However, thanks to your membership, California Farm Bureau's Government Affairs Division was able to keep all those measures at bay.

We even managed to create a market for wildfire insurance where there previously was none. Senate Bill 11, by state Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, was introduced by Farm Bureau in response to member complaints that California's insurer of last resort—the FAIR Plan—was not offering farm coverage. We offered a solution and worked with the insurer, Sen. Rubio, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to bring the bill to fruition. Farmers and ranchers will soon be able to turn to the FAIR Plan to get coverage.

For several years, we have been working with local counties and their members on efforts to secure funding for the University of California Cooperative Extension and 4-H. And this year, we found a champion in state Sen. John Laird, D-Santa Cruz. Working together, we were able to secure not just the restoration of the funding gap but additional money, as well, for a total $33.2 million in ongoing funding.

In total, Farm Bureau helped deliver $2 billion for our members and their communities. ...
Read the full story here.
California Agriculture Falling Behind in Legislative...

Legislative spending can be one of the most effective ways to bring about positive change, particularly when it comes to specific sectors of the economy. President and CEO of California Citrus Mutual Casey Creamer described a need for the...

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agnetwest.com
California set to become first state to ban...

California is set to become the first state in the country to phase out gas-powered lawn equipment. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill Saturday that would require new small off-road engines (SOREs), used primarily for landscaping, to be...

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www.washingtonpost.com
Business Member Spotlight:
Glenn Burdette
Each day we make a per­son­al com­mit­ment to go beyond — build deep­er rela­tion­ships, pro­vide inno­v­a­tive solu­tions, work col­lab­o­ra­tive­ly as a team, serve our com­mu­ni­ty, and be active stew­ards for the future of Glenn Burdette. Account­ing is often called a num­bers busi­ness, but we view it as a ser­vice busi­ness. We are deeply com­mit­ted to serv­ing our clients, who are respon­si­ble for our suc­cess; our employ­ees, who are the heart and soul of our firm; and our com­mu­ni­ty, where we make our homes, raise our fam­i­lies and par­tic­i­pate in activ­i­ties that enrich our lives.

Our goal is to go above and beyond for our clients, cre­ative­ly apply­ing our exper­tise and expe­ri­ence to meet their indi­vid­ual needs. We help them seize oppor­tu­ni­ties today, and offer solu­tions for their chal­lenges ahead. We serve a diverse base of large, mid­dle-mar­ket and small own­er-man­aged busi­ness­es in a wide range of indus­tries, and we are also proud to serve a num­ber of non­prof­it orga­ni­za­tions, gov­ern­men­tal agen­cies and individuals.

Com­mu­ni­ty ser­vice is inte­gral to the cul­ture of Glenn Bur­dette. Our employ­ees serve on local non­prof­it boards, and are active in cham­bers of com­merce and ser­vice clubs from San­ta Maria to Paso Rob­les. Fol­low­ing are just some of the orga­ni­za­tions that our firm and employ­ees sup­port with their time and resources:
1150 Palm Street| San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 544 - 1441 glennburdette.com
Thank You Farm Bureau Members
New Members
Kathryn McGinnis, Ann De Lay

Renewing Collegiate Member

Renewing Members
Douglas Thomason, William Coy, Dale Guerra, Michael Strouss, Dan Wixom, James Cushman, Darline Lindsey, Stephen Sinton, Daniel Jaureguy, Keith Smith, William Ernst, White Ranch Co, Joe Sabol, Wallace Group
Featured Member Benefit: O'Reilly Auto Parts
Farm Bureau members in California can save anywhere from 5-20% on select parts they use every day such as brake pads and rotors, filters, batteries, belts, hoses and many more commonly replaced automotive and equipment parts. O’Reilly Auto Parts offers a great selection of not just general automotive, but fleet and heavy duty parts as well to cover every piece of equipment on your farm or ranch.

Enjoy free delivery within a 5 mile radius of your local O’Reilly Auto Parts store and free access to our professional customer website firstcallonline.com for parts look up and ordering, vehicle specs, TSB documents, etc. To take advantage of the discount visit your local O’Reilly Auto Parts and use the CA Farm Bureau account to purchase your product. Should you want to open your own account let the representative know and they will set you up with your private account using the same discount structure. O’Reilly Auto Parts offers cash on delivery, daily charge, weekly charge, and monthly charge accounts depending on your individual needs.

Learn more here.
Social Media Post Of The Week: SLO County Farm Bureau - Agriculture Still Feeling COVID Hangover
Labor News: NY Times - John Deere Workers Strike In Contract Dispute
October 29, 2021: Is "Long COVID" a Disability? What Does That Mean for Employers? 
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Labor believe “Long COVID” may qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), possibly triggering requirements for employers to make reasonable accommodations for such individuals. How do you need to deal with “COVID Long-Haulers?” How do you, engage in the ADA-required interactive process, manage reasonable accommodations (or make sure you know what a “reasonable accommodation” is?) and how does California Family Rights Act/federal Family and Medical Leave Act job-protected leave, California Supplemental Paid Sick Leave, AB 1522 paid sick leave, vacation benefits, and even your leave of absence policies fit into this?  Erica Rosasco of McKague Rosasco will walk you through this new thicket of requirements for California agricultural employers. 
  
When? Friday, October 29, 2021, 10:00 AM Pacific 
Where? Your desktop, laptop, tablet or favorite device! 
Cost? FREE! 
Register: Here
Questions? Comments?  Please call us at 800-753-9073 or email us. 
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It): Past FELS Webinars/Webinar Videos/Presentation Slides: September 23 & 24, 2021: Wage & Hour Workshop with Seth Mehrten: Wage and hour litigation continues to plague California employers - Ag employers are no exception.  Seth Mehrten of FELS Group Legal Service Plan partner law firm Barsamian & Moody will conduct a two-part workshop on wage-and-hour law and regulations impacting California agricultural employers, including topics like minimum wages, overtime, meal and rest period requirements, and more.   This webinar will cover the most frequently litigated wage and hour issues and discuss specific strategies that employers can implement to proactively manage their wage and hour compliance. You can view Seth's presentation slides here. You can view video of Seth's presentation on September 23 here; you can view Seth's presentation from September 24 here
COVID-19 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SSPL) Expires Sept. 30

In the absence of action by the Legislature or an executive order by Governor Newsom, SSPL expired on September 30, 2021 (see  Retroactive COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave in Wage & Hour, Leaves Issues and UI/SDI/PFL, below.) SSPL was mandated by an early-action budget bill in March 2021, and was retroactive to January 1, 2021. 

According to California’s 2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Expired on September 30, 2021 on California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Labor Standards Enforcement website: 

“It is important to note that workers taking 2021 SPSL as of September 30, 2021 may continue to take the leave they are currently on even if the entitlement extends past September 30, 2021. For example, an employee who exhibited symptoms and was recommended to isolate on September 28, 2021 may continue to utilize the 2021 SPSL they would be entitled to even if that isolation is required to extend into October 2021, and be paid for the time according to the requirements of the 2021 SPSL law.

After September 30, workers who were not paid the SPSL they were entitled to when they were unable to work in 2021 due to COVID-19 can still request pay from their employer or file a claim with the Labor Commissioner.” (October 8, 2021) 
Legislative Update: New Wage Theft Bill (AB 1003)

October 11, 2021, It's that time of year again in California when the work of the state's legislators over the past year culminates in a myriad of signatures by the Governor. Among these new measures, Assembly Bill 1003 (AB 1003), a new wage...

Read more
www.mckaguerosasco.com
California low-wage workers no longer have COVID paid...

A California law that provided employees with extended paid time off during the pandemic has expired. That could leave the Central Valley's low-income workers, including those who are employed by the region's agricultural industry, in a...

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www.sanluisobispo.com
John Deere Workers Strike in Contract Dispute

About 10,000 unionized employees walked out, as worker activism rises during nationwide labor shortages. Some 10,000 unionized workers at the agriculture equipment maker Deere & Company went on strike early Thursday after overwhelmingly rejecting ...

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www.nytimes.com
The Compensation Trap

Starting January 1, 2022, California employers risk criminal charges for the intentional theft of wages.[i] An intentional theft of wages in an amount greater than $950 for one employee, or $2,350 for two or more employees will subject an...

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www.wga.com
DHS Says No More ICE Raids

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement to stop conducting workplace raids to arrest immigrants lacking work authorization. The problem lies with "exploitative employers," not...

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www.wga.com
Ag Supervisor Development Program - Register Now

Field supervisors, mayordomos, and crew leaders are the front line of your management team. These leaders can ensure quality production, compliance with company policies, and keep your operation running smoothly and efficiently. However,...

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www.calflca.org
Advertise With San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau
Get Your Message in Front of Over 1600 San Luis Obispo Countians!

Our weekly E-News is sent out every Friday to our membership and local leaders. If you're interested in an effective, low-cost advertising campaign ($150 a month) please give us a call or send an email to SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Director Brent Burchett.
Wildfire News: Cal Matters - Get Ready For More Wind, Fires, Blackouts
Video: October 9th Wildfire Preparedness Day at the Vets Hall in Cambria  
  
Presenters included:  
  • California Insurance Commission; 
  • Cambria Fire Chief William Hollingsworth discussing evacuation and fuel ordinances; 
  • Contractor Corky Sanchez discussing home hardening; 
  • San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council Business Manager Dan Turner on grant funding; and  
  • Nate Herring, John Gee, and Dan Turner on SIM Table wildland fire training technology. 
To watch the video click here.
'Self-serving garbage.' Wildfire experts escalate fight...

As the Caldor Fire roared into the Lake Tahoe basin more than a month ago, Brian Newman took some comfort in the surroundings. An operations section chief with Cal Fire, Newman knew that thousands of acres of trees and brush had been deliberately ...

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www.sacbee.com
Get ready for more wind, fires, blackouts

When it comes to California's fire season, there's no rest for the weary. Soon after PG&E began restoring power to the 24,000 customers hit with shutoffs amid Monday and Tuesday's gusty winds, the utility warned another 29,000 customers could...

Read more
calmatters.org
California announces changes to ease the thorny problem...

As this year's wildfire season approached, many vintners and farmers in California found themselves unable to secure wildfire insurance for their properties, as private insurers raised their premiums by as much as 300%, or in some cases canceled...

Read more
www.sfchronicle.com
Water News: California Water Board - State Water Board Raises Fees Again!
State Water Board Raises Fees Again!

State Water Board Raises Fees Again - Ignores Industry Concerns Recently, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) voted to increase all of their water quality and water rights fees again. This time they increased the fees across the board.

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californiaagtoday.com
Supervisors inch forward on allowing private ownership...

The question of whether private ownership of desalination plants will be allowed in Monterey County remains unresolved, but supervisors on Oct. 12 voted 4-1 to direct county staff to prepare a study on overturning the 32-year prohibition on...

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www.montereycountyweekly.com
What's the Future of the Salinas Dam? - Oct. 20 Public Mtg.

Please note that the Scoping Meeting is conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The following notice is being sent as a courtesy to potentially interested parties from County of San Luis Obispo SGMA and WRAC mailing lists and is not...

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mailchi.mp
Researchers discover drought will not allow groundwater...

When the rain and snow don't fall and the reservoirs don't fill up, people will pump water out of the ground for their needs. But that practice has its limits, as underground aquifers get depleted, similar to how we squeeze water out of a sponge. ...

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www.ijpr.org
CA WATER COMMISSION: Groundwater Rights Summary and...

For the past several months, the California Water Commission has been leading a process to frame state considerations around how Groundwater Sustainability Agencies might construct well-managed groundwater trading programs. The Commission has...

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mavensnotebook.com
Atmospheric Rivers Left California Mostly Dry in Water...

The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, or CW3E, at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, released its report October 11 on atmospheric rivers during Water Year 2021. The report, "Distribution of Landfalling Atmospheric Rivers over the...

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www.waternewsnetwork.com
Produce News: Vegetables West - Researchers & Grower-Shipper Association Collaborate To Battle INSV
Researchers & Grower-Shipper Association Collaborate to...

Grower-Shipper Association of Central California (GSA) - Implementing effective disease and pest management strategies is a continual challenge for farmers. While these challenges are not new in agriculture, they impact more than just farmers....

Read more
vegetableswest.com
FDA Signs Domestic Mutual Reliance Agreements with Four...

FDA recently entered into domestic mutual reliance (DMR) agreements with the states of California, Florida, Utah, and Wisconsin to help ensure the safety of domestic food production and distribution systems. FDA's goal is to coordinate efforts...

Read more
www.morganlewis.com
Environmental News: Washington Post - California Set To Become First State To Ban Gasoline Powered Lawn Equipment
California set to become first state to ban...

California is set to become the first state in the country to phase out gas-powered lawn equipment. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill Saturday that would require new small off-road engines (SOREs), used primarily for...

Read more
www.washingtonpost.com
Republicans Unveil True Conservation Alternative to...

The Biden administration talks a great game about conservation, but is intentionally misleading Americans about their agenda. Take the 30X30 push. Stemming from a January 27th Executive Order 14008 entitled "Tackling...

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townhall.com
What They Are Saying: The Western Conservation Principles

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On October 5, Congressional Western Caucus and Senate Western Caucus Members unveiled a blueprint for effective, science-based conservation titled, " Western Conservation Principles."

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westerncaucus.house.gov
USDA needs to put climate solutions before industry profits

The United States is in a food fight with the rest of the world over climate change - and agricultural policy is at the heart of it. The recent release of the Department of Agriculture's Action Plan for Climate Adaptation and Resilience only...

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thehill.com
Vineyard & Wine News: AgAlert - Weather Stations Aid Coastal Vineyard Mildew Fight
Weather stations aid coastal vineyard mildew fight
October 13, 2021 - By Bob Johnson, AgAlert (Edited)

In their endless effort to manage powdery mildew fungicide resistance, winegrape growers still rely extensively on a material used to protect French wine more than 150 years ago. ...

...Most important, there is a risk of sulfur dust drifting from the vineyard to nearby neighborhoods with unprotected residents who can be particularly at risk if they have respiratory problems. A pilot project in the Central Coast region aims at providing growers with weather information that will help avoid drift when applying dusting sulfur and other materials.

"When it is too windy or there is an inversion, you can have spray drift," said Mark Battany, UCCE viticulture advisor in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. "If we have better data, we can reduce drift." ...

Farm Bureau members can read the full story here. Need your membership number? Send an email to info@slofarmbureau.org and we’ll look it up for you.  
Window for open burning closing for grape growers

With a deadline looming for the end of open burning of removed orchards or vineyards in the San Joaquin Valley, farmer Tom Murphy is contemplating his limited options. The problem, Murphy said, is the trellis system that supports his grapevines.

Read more
agalert.com
Paper shortage, delays cause disruption in printing of...

With paper joining a lengthy list of items in short supply because of pandemic-stretched supply lines, winemakers find themselves in a bind when it comes to getting their products to market. Without paper, there are no labels, and with no labels...

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napavalleyregister.com
Transportation News: Morning Ag Clips - Adapting to Persistent Supply Chain Disruptions
Agricultural exporters plead for more Oakland services

Agricultural exporters in California's Central Valley are pleading with trans-Pacific carriers that suspended calls in Oakland last winter due to congestion at the Northern California port to immediately reinstate at least some of those services...

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www.joc.com
Adapting to persistent supply chain disruptions

DENVER - The U.S. economy is on a strong growth path and cash-rich consumers are spending robustly on both services and goods. Roughly 80% of the U.S. adult population has now received at least one vaccination shot, leading to renewed...

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www.morningagclips.com
Livestock News: USDA Offers Online Tool to Aid Drought-Stricken Ranchers
USDA offers online tool to aid drought-stricken ranchers

PUBLISHED ON WASHINGTON - An online tool is now available to help ranchers document and estimate payments to cover feed transportation costs caused by drought, which are now covered by the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and...

Read more
www.morningagclips.com
105th Annual CCA/CCW Convention and California Cattle...

Registration Packages Full Registration (CCA/CCW Member) $225 Includes policy meetings, tradeshow access, Allied Industry Council Wine and Cheese Reception, Welcome Party, Producer Education Series, breakfast & lunch in the tradeshow on Thursday...

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calcattlemen.org
Wisdom From The Farm & Ranch
Dear Mama, I'm A Cowboy
Red Steagall

There's nothin' left, but ashes
The fire is gone for good
I'm trapped here in this cabin
Too cold to go for wood
I thought I'd write a letter
Let you know that I'm ok
Though my leg still hurts a little
From a bad spill yesterday

Dear Mama, I'm a cowboy
And I know that breaks your heart
All the things they wrote about me
Must'a torn your world apart
So Mama please, forgive me
Though I drove you near insane
I never killed nobody
'n' I never robbed that train

We found him in the springtime
At the table where he died
Tears had stained the paper
When he bowed his head and cried
We all just bawled like babies
As we read it one by one
And thought of our own Mammas
And all the things we left undone

Then we rolled him in his blanket
And as the boys all gathered round
I read his letter one more time
As we placed him in the ground

Dear Mama, I'm a cowboy
And I know that breaks your heart
All the things they wrote about me
Must have torn your world apart
So Mama please forgive me
Though I drove you near insane
I never killed nobody
'n' I never robbed that train

I never killed nobody
'n' I never robbed that train
Farm Bureau Membership Matters
We cannot support your freedom to farm and ranch without your membership.

Join SLO County Farm Bureau now or renew your membership online. Go to slofarmbureau.org to join, or download the membership form PDF. Have your renewal notice available to speed up the process; you will need to enter your membership number, name and ZIP code. Renewal dues may be paid online or over the phone by credit card.

We're here to help! Call us if you need some assistance with membership, at 805-543-3654. All California county Farm Bureau memberships are processed through the California Farm Bureau Federation, but please reach out to our SLO County office if you need your membership number or have questions.
Thank You San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau
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