San Luis Obispo County Receives Substantial Rainfall, Drought Conditions Persists |
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Farmers and ranchers across SLO County saw much-needed rain this week. Review real-time rain and stream data monitoring on SLO County Public Works Water Resources Division website here.
Drought conditions continue as statewide snowpack, rainfall, and reservoirs are well below normal. All parts of San Luis Obispo County are experiencing “Extreme Drought” (D3) or “Exceptional Drought (D4)” conditions. Longterm outlooks are trending towards a continuation of drought conditions through February and maybe into next winter.
California Department of Water Resources is projecting 0% delivery of state water allocations for 2022. They are also anticipating significant impacts to agriculture, recreation and another extreme fire season in 2022.
SLO County Board of Supervisors approved a recommendation from the County Drought Task Force this week that SLO County's local drought declaration remain in effect. The immediate and long-term impacts of the drought pose a threat to the health and welfare of our residents and a negative impact on the economy of San Luis Obispo County.
To review the full Drought Task Force's presentation to the Board, click here. |
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An extended period of drought on the Central Coast was...
"We're not out of this thing yet. So, actually just today the County Board of Supervisors extended our local drought designation," said Brent Burchett, San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Executive Director.
Read more
www.ksby.com
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This Week In SLO County Agriculture |
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This Issue Includes:
- Community News: AgAlert - Commentary: Costly Regulations Stress Farms Trying To Stay Afloat;
- COVID-19 News: Greenhouse Growers Association Hosts Successful Vaccine Clinic With SLO County Public Health;
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State Government News: California Farm Bureau - By The Numbers 2021 Annual Report;
- Federal Government News: California Farm Bureau December 17 Federal Policy Update;
- Business Member Spotlight: Cal Coast Machinery;
- Social Media Post Of The Week: Sign Giveaway;
- Labor News: Bakersfield.com - Farmers Ease Workers' Path To Citizenship;
- Livestock News: Morning Ag Clip - Award-Winning Speakers Headline 2022 Cattle Industry Convention;
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Wildfire News: AgAlert - Lara Pledges Continued Work On Fire Coverage Issues;
- Environmental News: Morning Ag Clips - 61 Million Acres Voluntarily Conserved In America, 2020 Report Reveals;
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Water News: ABC News - Big California Storm Dumps Snow, Drenches Parched Regions;
- Vineyard & Wine News: Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance - 2021 Wine Awards - Winter;
- Produce News: Santa Maria Times - California Destined For Vertical Farming, 3D-Printed Communities, Says Futurist Matt Griffin;
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Transportation News: AgNet West - House Passes Ocean Shipping Reform Act; and
- Wisdom From The Farm & Ranch.
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December 10th Most Read Stories:
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Executive Director Report
Here are a few things we worked on this week:
- Submitted comments to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) asking for livestock projects by FFA and 4-H students be exempted from the upcoming Prop 12 regulations;
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Monitored National Oceanic Atmospheric Association’s "Public Scoping Meeting 2: Notice of Intent to Designate Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary;"
- Monitored the Dec. 14 SLO County Board of Supervisors meeting;
- Farm Bureau member Dan Ponti attended the SLO County Fire Safe Council executive committee meeting;
- Attended an update on applying for the CDFA Healthy Soils Program hosted by Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District;
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Did an interview with KSBY on local drought conditions;
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Reviewed the California Natural Resources Association “Pathways to 30x30” document, which came out of Governor Newsom’s October 2020 Executive Order to conserve 30 percent of California lands and coastal waters by 2030 (comments due Jan. 28, 2022);
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Was a guest on 98.1 KJUG's Tom & Becky Show (watch here);
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Shared local ag perspectives with a group developing a new Sustainable Farming Initiative to help expedite carbon sequestration on the Central Coast; and
- Met with NOAA staff and local agriculture stakeholders about the National Marine Sanctuary Program.
Note: SLO County Farm Bureau's office will be closed Dec. 20 -Jan.3 for the holidays. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Community News: AgAlert - Commentary: Costly Regulations Stress Farms Trying To Stay Afloat
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California Living: How to Achieve the Western Lifestyle...
by Clark Company, a Ranch Real Estate Brokerage | ClarkCompany.com The fabric of California is a diverse blend of cultures, ethnicities, upbringings, lifestyles and living areas. From bustling metropolitan cities to rural towns, the Golden State...
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www.clarkcompany.com
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Commentary: Costly regulations stress farms trying to...
It's no secret that the bottom line for farms and ranches is getting thinner. These past two years have brought increased financial challenges related to COVID-19 workplace requirements and disruption in the marketplace. Production costs will...
Read more
www.agalert.com
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Has there been a California exodus? Turns out fewer...
A new study released Wednesday found no big exodus of people leaving California for other states during the COVID pandemic. But California is still losing population to domestic migration, because fewer people than usual are moving in from other...
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www.sacbee.com
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Kentucky Farm Bureau Launches Tornado Relief Fund
Farmers, ranchers and many others in western Kentucky are still trying to wrap their heads around the extent of the destruction caused by an F4 (strong) tornado that began late on Dec. 10, and went into the next day. In a Kentucky Farm Bureau...
Read more
www.fb.org
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COVID-19 News: Greenhouse Growers Association Hosts Successful Vaccine Clinic With SLO County Public Health |
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Greenhouse Growers Association Hosts Successful Vaccine Clinic with SLO County Public Health
On Tuesday, Farm Bureau member Central Coast Greenhouse Growers Association (CCGGA) partnered with SLO County Public Health to host a mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic. Six area nurseries took part in the clinic with over a hundred employees and family members receiving vaccines. In an email to members, CCGGA Administrative Director Dan Jones thanked staff from Public Health and Altman Plants staff for hosting a smooth event.
If you are interested in hosting a mobile clinic for your employees, contact Demetrio Morales-Salazar SLO County Public Health Outreach Coordinator at
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State Government News: California Farm Bureau - By The Numbers 2021 Annual Report
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Upcoming CARB Mobile Source Training Webinars
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has several new regulatory programs that will help the State become carbon neutral in the future. These programs are going through the public process designed to get input from people and industries...
Read more
content.govdelivery.com
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ANALYSIS: California's Climate Policies-Agriculture
Legislative Analyst Office - Chapter 135 of 2017 (AB 398, E. Garcia) requires our office to annually report on the economic impacts and benefits of California's statutory greenhouse gas emission targets. This report provides our assessment of ...
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lao.ca.gov
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Federal Government News: California Farm Bureau December 17 Federal Policy Update |
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California Farm Bureau Bi-Weekly Federal Policy News
THIS WEEK IN Federal Policy News December 17, 2021 Climate Executive Order to Require Federal Government to be Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 According to a new Executive Order signed by President Biden o
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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USDA to conduct study about agricultural producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting the 2021 Farm Producer Study to improve knowledge and understanding of agricultural producers and help USDA improve...
Read more
www.morningagclips.com
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Business Member Spotlight:
Cal Coast Machinery
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Cal-Coast Machinery has been the California Central Coast’s premier John Deere dealer for over 50 years. Founded in 1968 as a single store in Santa Maria, Cal-Coast Machinery has since grown to operate additional stores in Paso Robles and Oxnard. We serve our customers in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties.
Today, Cal-Coast Machinery is highly regarded by our customers and John Deere company. Over the past 50 years, we’ve built our solid reputation through the efforts of our employees and leadership of our owners. We look forward to serving you for the next 50 years.
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3920 Ramada Drive | Paso Robles, CA 93446
Monday - Friday 7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Saturday 8:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
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Thank You Farm Bureau Members |
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New Member
Jason Domingos
Renewing Agriculture Members
Marie Alexander, Canyon Ranch, Teixeira Farm Inc, Althea Gibson, Janet Andrews, John Jones, James Spitzley, Merle Miller, Tar Creek Ranch LLC, Total Telco Specialists Inc, Craig Sunada, Joseph Balint, Robert Bunch, Gary Tucker
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Social Media Post Of The Week: Sign Giveaway |
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SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY FARM BUREAU MEMBER GIVEAWAY
'Tis the Season, and SLO County Farm Bureau is giving away 5 "No Trespassing signs to any SLO County Farm Bureau member who would like them!
To claim your signs, come by the office starting January 6th anytime between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. If you would like to become a Farm Bureau member, you can join at slofarmbureau.org or when you come into the office!
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Labor News: Bakersfield.com - Farmers Ease Workers' Path To Citizenship
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California Farm Labor Contractor Arraigned in Alleged...
Alfredo Casas, 62, of Stockton, California, has been arraigned on 15 felony counts of insurance fraud, grand theft and tax evasion. Casas allegedly underreported payroll for his farm labor contracting business by over $1 million, resulting in a...
Read more
www.insurancejournal.com
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Farmers ease workers' path to citizenship
California farmers frustrated with congressional inaction on farmworker immigration and guest-worker reform have settled on another way to nudge their workforce toward U.S. citizenship. A partnership announced last week between the California...
Read more
www.bakersfield.com
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Key Changes of Readopted Cal/OSHA ETS
On December 16, 2021, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board approved a revision and extension of the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). Incorporated in the approved revisions are some rather significant changes employers should be aware of.
Read more
www.wga.com
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Dept. of Fair Employment & Housing Announced Stepped-up FCA Enforcement
December 10, 2021 - FELS
In October 2021, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (“DFEH”) announced stepped up efforts to enforce the Fair Chance Act (FCA), enacted in January 2018 and commonly known as California’s “ban-the-box” law. It amended the Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”) to prohibit employers with five or more employees from directly or indirectly inquiring into, seeking the disclosure of, or considering an applicant’s conviction history (including questions on a job application) until after the applicant receives a conditional offer of employment.
The FCA limits on the types of statements employers can make in job postings and advertisements, prohibiting employers from publicizing that they will not consider applicants with a criminal history. Posting and help-wanted ads stating, “No Felons” or “Must Have Clean Record” are forbidden by FCA. These and similar statements violate the Act’s requirement that employers consider an applicant’s criminal history individually, and to also consider any mitigating information provided by the applicant that might indicate that the applicant’s criminal history may not be relevant to position the employer is seeking to fill.
DFEH employs sophisticated data technology to find potential FCA violations in job postings and advertisements. DFEH recently found over 500 advertisements containing unlawful statements that the employer would not consider job applicants with a criminal record in single day. DFEH documented these violations and sent notices to the employers to remove the unlawful statements.
DFEH has also released a Fair Chance Act Toolkit and plans to release an interactive training and online application in 2022 to assist employers with compliance, including:
- Sample forms;
- DFEH guidance;
- A suggested wording for job advertisements and postings;
- FAQs about the Fair Chance Act; and,
- An informational video.
FELS also offers FCA-compliant employment application forms in English and Spanish in pads of 25 in its supply catalog. Employers should review their materials, advertisements, and job postings for possible violations of the FCA. The cost of FCA non-compliance can be high; FCA allows employees who have suffered a violation of the law to file claims with the DFEH and pursue remedies including compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.
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FELS COVID-19 Updates:
FDA Provides Guidance on Vaccines Issued Outside the U.S.: With potential vaccination mandates and employee’s vaccination status being discussed as potentially part of occupational safety and health rules by federal authorities (which would oblige state authorities like Cal/OSHA to follow suit with similar rules), the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has furnished guidance as to whether persons vaccinated outside the U.S. who may not have received vaccinations approved for use in the U.S. can be considered “fully vaccinated” (an important consideration in return to work requirements in the 2nd re-adoption draft of Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 ETS, expected to be adopted by the Cal/OSHA Standards Board when they meet on December 16; see Cal/OSHA Releases 2nd Readoption ETS Draft, below). (December 15, 2021)
Cal/OSHA Releases Updated 2nd Readoption ETS Draft: The revision of the early November draft (see Cal/OSHA Releases Draft Re-Adoption of COVID-19 ETS, below) generally deletes exemptions from various ETS requirements applicable to vaccinated employees, creating new requirements for testing, face coverings, social distancing, exclusion from workplace, and ventilation in housing, and provision of face coverings in employer-provided transportation. At first read, most of this seems workable. Some changes seem problematic; the definition of “face covering” is revised with a new criteria requiring a mask be constructed of “fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source.” No guidance is offered as to how much passage of light may be acceptable, how bright the light source must be, or whether any passage of light is acceptable. In an apparent effort to provide clarity that seems to add only redundancy, employees who must receive notice of the presence of a COVID-19 case in the workplace now include those who were “on the premises.” Vaccinated employees, employees who have had COVID-19 and returned to work as permitted by the ETS, and employees who have experienced a close contact with a COVID-19 case are exempted from removal requirements but only if they wear a face covering and maintain six feet of distance in the workplace, but it is unclear whether this applies to employees working outdoors. Last, since the ETS does not impose any obligation on employees to wear face coverings, it is unclear whether an employee may decline to wear a face covering, triggering the requirement for workplace exclusion and be eligible for exclusion pay required by the ETS. (December 8, 2021)
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Livestock News: Morning Ag Clip - Award-Winning Speakers Headline 2022 Cattle Industry Convention
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Predicting grazing cattle weight gain from satellite imagery
USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) developed a unique approach to using satellite imagery to predict cattle weight gain on rangelands. By fusing multiple images over a period of time...
Read more
www.morningagclips.com
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Award-winning speakers headline 2022 Cattle Industry...
"Everything is bigger in Texas," and that includes the speaker lineup for the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show to be held Feb. 1-3, in Houston. General session speakers will hit...
Read more
www.morningagclips.com
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Jan 24, 2022 CRCC RANGELAND SUMMIT
Learn the value of California rangelands and how the ranchers who steward them an help address the state and federal climate strategy goals, protect 30% of land and water by 2030. Hear ...
Read more
mailchi.mp
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Wildfire News: AgAlert - Lara Pledges Continued Work On Fire Coverage Issues
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Lara pledges continued work on fire coverage issues
Dec. 15, 2022 - Kevin Hecteman - AgAlert
Ensuring California farmers and ranchers can insure their properties and businesses has been a top priority of the California Farm Bureau this year, and one of the state's constitutional officers is paying attention.
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara came to the California Farm Bureau's 103rd Annual Meeting in Garden Grove for what Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson called a continuation of the listening tour that began in May in Napa County. Subsequent roundtables were held in Butte and Ventura counties, and more are in the works.
At each stop, Lara and Farm Bureau leaders have heard from farmers and ranchers whose insurance carriers have canceled or declined to renew policies, citing increased risk of wildfire.
"I want to thank Farm Bureau and Jamie for us getting together as quick as possible to do this for the first time," said Lara, who said his work with farmers and ranchers will continue in 2022.
Farm Bureau Members can continue reading this article here. If you need to find you membership number contact our office at 805-543-3654 or info@slofarmbureau.org.
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Environmental News: Morning Ag Clips - 61 Million Acres Voluntarily Conserved In America, 2020 Report Reveals
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California to propose reforms to major rooftop solar policy
California is expected to propose changes this week to a state policy that allows owners of private homes with solar panels to sell their excess energy into the electric grid at or near the retail rate.
Read more
www.cnn.com
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California Air Resources Board Approves Updated...
30 Million In Incentive Funds Available To Help Small Businesses Acquire Zero-Emission Models December 13, 2021 - SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board...
Read more
goldrushcam.com
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Environmental, fishing industry impacts discussed at...
Everyone from environmental activists to seasoned fishermen are weighing in on a proposed national marine sanctuary off the Central Coast. After announcing a month ago that it was initiating the designation process for the Chumash Heritage...
Read more
www.newtimesslo.com
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61 million acres voluntarily conserved in America, 2020...
The Land Trust Alliance released a new report today finding that 61 million acres were conserved by land trusts as of year-end 2020 - an increase of more than 15 million acres since 2010.
Read more
www.morningagclips.com
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Advertise With San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau |
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Get Your Message in Front of Over 2,000 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.
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Water News: ABC News - Big California Storm Dumps Snow, Drenches Parched Regions
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LOIS HENRY: State's early zero-water-for-ag projection...
Storms hammering California this week will likely bump up the state's Dec. 1 projection of zero water for agricultural contractors. But questions about how and why the Department of Water Resources made that projection - and what it means for the ...
Read more
www.bakersfield.com
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Chumash National Marine Sanctuary Comment Deadline Extended
On November 10, 2021, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a Notice of Intent to conduct scoping and to prepare a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
Read more
content.govdelivery.com
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California's water supplies are in big trouble as...
California is preparing for a third straight year of drought, and officials are tightening limits on water use to levels never seen so early in the water year. Most of the state's water reservoirs are well below average, with several at less than ...
Read more
www.marketwatch.com
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Big California storm dumps snow, drenches parched regions
SAN FRANCISCO -- Motorists spun out on whitened mountain passes and residents wielded umbrellas that flopped in the face of fierce winds as Northern California absorbed even more rain and snow on Monday, bringing the possibility of rockslides and ...
Read more
abcnews.go.com
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Vineyard & Wine News: Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance - 2021 Community Wine Awards
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Paso Robles 2021 Community Wine Awards
The Community Wine Awards recognize individuals and organizations that make Paso Robles Wine Country a better place to live and work. For the third year in a row, we called for nominations for our Wine Awards from the Paso Robles Wine Country...
Read more
pasowine.com
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Sonoma, Napa wineries bullish on premium chardonnay market
In the wine world, cabernet sauvignon has been described as the king of the grape varietals while chardonnay is known as the queen. But the queen has been a little neglected in the overall conversation within the wine industry between the...
Read more
www.pressdemocrat.com
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Best cabernet, Bordeaux-style, and red wines in Paso...
Cabernet sauvignon wines are the big, bold, tannic wines that pair perfectly with holiday meals centered around meats like prime rib, roast beef, pork tenderloin, lamb, and venison. Lucky for us, Paso Robles is producing some outstanding...
Read more
pasoroblesdailynews.com
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Visionary tractor concept is as entrancing as the wine...
Farm machinery specialist New Holland Agriculture has teamed with the automotive design mavericks at Pininfarina to present a concept that's sexier than a tractor should be. Designed to improve upon the way premium specialty grapes are tended to, ...
Read more
newatlas.com
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Produce News: Santa Maria Times - California Destined For Vertical Farming, 3D-Printed Communities, Says Futurist Matt Griffin
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Integrated pest management strategy for the diamondback...
Adult diamondback moth (Photo by Jack Kelly Clark) The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, is a small plutellid moth of European origin that has been in North America for nearly two centuries. It is currently present in many parts of the ...
Read more
ucanr.edu
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California destined for vertical farming, 3D-printed...
International futurist Matt Griffin returned for a second year as the featured guest speaker at the EconAlliance Future Forum, where he again delivered science fiction-like predictions about innovations set to challenge major industries in...
Read more
santamariatimes.com
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CFIA investigates salmonella outbreak linked to avocados
December 9, 2021: This notice has been updated to reflect 16 additional cases that have been reported in the ongoing outbreak investigation. There are now 79 Salmonella illnesses reported across five provinces.
Read more
www.producebluebook.com
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Transportation News: AgNet West - House Passes Ocean Shipping Reform Act
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House Passes Ocean Shipping Reform Act
Earlier this week the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021. The bill seeks to address the ongoing challenges related to international trade and issues within the supply chain. The bill was passed by a vote of ...
Read more
agnetwest.com
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Supply chain issues continue to disrupt U.S. agriculture
By Jennifer Whitlock Field Editor As the holiday season hits a high note, supply chain issues remain front and center in Americans' minds. Imports of consumer goods have garnered the most attention, with fears over whether the trendiest gift...
Read more
texasfarmbureau.org
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Wisdom From The Farm & Ranch |
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Happy Days
By Rachel Dennis
The bells in town are ringing,
‘Tis Christmas time, we know;
But not a sound of the bells we hear
Out across the shifting snow.
Across the wind-swept prairie,
Where the wild chinook winds blow.
‘Tis Christmas night, and we’re far away
From all we love and know,
But faces are bright, and hearts are light;
Outside is the drifting snow.
And we talk, and laugh, and sing with joy,
Out where the chinooks blow.
It’s Christmas night, and they drink a toast
To the loved one, far away;
One to the boys from the sunny South,
And one for the old range ways;
But the one we all love best of all
When they call out “Happy Days.”
‘Tis Christmas night on the old wild range,
And the Northern Lights aglow,
Dance o’er the grim grey cut-banks,
And down on the drifting snow.
And the coyote sneaks by the frozen creeks,
And the wolf calls long and low,
But the toast on the range is “Happy Days,”
Far out where the riders go.
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Farm Bureau Membership Matters |
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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.
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Thank You San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau
Platinum Members
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