Coastal Commission Approves Wildfire Fuel Reduction Project at Hearst Ranch | |
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By SLO County Fire Safe Council Executive Director Dan Turner (edited)
On June 7, the California Coastal Commission gave unanimous approval to the hazardous fuel and ecological restoration project we are sponsoring on the Hearst Ranch in San Simeon (see the maps here). Our project team includes the Hearst Ranch, CAL FIRE, and Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District (US-LT RCD). See the full project descriptions on the Coastal Commission agenda (Item 17).
The project's environmental analysis was prepared for us by Auten Resource Consulting and followed the protocols of the Cal VTP and US-LT RCD' s Coastal Zone Public Works Plan put in place for the Covell project. Spencer Gordon US-LT RCD jumped into the deep end of the pool and shepherded this through the RCD and Coastal Commission. This was a great team effort involving US-LT RCD staff; CAL FIRE; Xerces Society; Fire Safe Council staff; and a huge shout out to Auten Resource Consulting and their excellent analysis and project design and preparation!
We received very complimentary comments from Coastal Commissioners. There was no hesitation on their part to approve the plan. There were some negative and some supporting public comments. This project provides protection from wildfire to historic structures at Old San Simeon Village and improves forest health and reduces catastrophic fire risk on the Pico Creek stand of Monterey pine next to New San Simeon (San Simeon Acres) while protecting Monarch butterfly habitat and other sensitive sites.
BONUS POINTS
Additionally, the California Coastal Commission approved 2 other projects in Monterey Pine in Cambria at the California Fish and Wildlife Cambria Ecological Reserve and Rancho Marino Reserve. These 2 projects were joint efforts by US-LT RCD, UC Santa Barbara (Rancho Marino) and CA Fish and Wildlife (Cambria Ecological Reserve); the Project Specific Analysis was prepared by Ascent Consulting. Learn more about these projects here.
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This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
Community: SLO Chamber - Cracking the Government Code | Who does what? | |
SLO Chamber - Cracking the Government Code | Who does what? - June 13th Noon-1:30pm Webinar | |
Cracking the Government Code is an award-winning event series designed to get you answers to these questions and share shortcuts to more quickly and easily shape the community you love. If you're someone who wants to get involved and help craft the future you want to see, this series was designed for you. Session 2 | Who does what? The differences between State vs County vs City and who has the most power to impact different issues.
Should I go to the Mayor or the board of supervisors with this problem? How can I get more amenities in my neighborhood? Which elected officials can make permitting easier?
Understanding which level of government has the most power to make a change you want to see is key to making the most impact with the least confusion.
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SLO County Open Farm Days shines a light on family farms and local agriculture * Paso Robles Press | |
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Local farmers are getting ready to again give the public a peek behind the scenes of their operations next month for the SLO County Open Farm Days.
And this year the event has expanded to three days this year, July 14-16, offering attendees more behind-the-scenes peeks at local agriculture. Tourists and townies, community members, and agricultural ...
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Cal Poly Center for Sustainability- June Events
Cal Poly
1. How Do California Rangelands Store Carbon? webinar: 6/20 [Register by 6/14]
2. Quesos Latinos / Hispanic Cheeses Short Course, Dairy Innovation Center: 6/21-22
3. Strawberry Center Field Day: 8/3
San Luis Obispo
4. Volunteer Wetland Restoration Event, Los Osos Creek Wetland Preserve: 6/10
5. Food, Agriculture and Climate Change Speaker Series: 6/14 & 6/28
6. Canopy Management: Trellising, Sunburn, Mechanization; J. Lohr Vineyard, Paso Robles: 6/14
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The Rice Partnership is excited to present our first Lunch & Learn of the year on June 22 at Noon, featuring Craig Filipponi of Glenn Burdette, who will be discuss the new tax legislation passed in the SECURE Act 2.0. Lunch is complementary, we hope you can make it and feel free to bring a friend. Respectfully requesting RSVPs by June 15th by emailing Elko Gardner at r 805-517-4122 oratelko@thericepartnership.com | | |
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August 23-24, 2023 | Seaside, CA
The annual Healthy Soil Summit is an essential event for ranchers, growers and farmers who are improving their soil health management systems.
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Local Government: New Times SLO - SLO County allows water district a seat in Paso Robles basin governance | |
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SLO County Board of Supervisors Budget Hearings
Monday, June 12, 2023 – Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Budget Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Recommended Budget. The County's Recommended and Supplemental Budget documents can be viewed at the following link: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/budget.
BUDGET HEARING ITEMS NOT HEARD ON JUNE 12, 2023 WILL BE CONTINUED
ON TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023
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SLO County allows water district a seat in Paso Robles basin governance | In a vote that invoked the long-running clash between commercial agriculture and rural residents in Paso Robles, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors relinquished some of its Paso groundwater basin governance authority to a water district on June 6. | | | | |
Recovery mode: Projects across SLO County aim to repair creeks, roads, and infrastructure after catastrophic winter storm damage | click to enlarge Six months ago, historic winter storms bludgeoned San Luis Obispo County with rain totals the region hasn't seen in decades. A Jan. 9 deluge brought the most precipitation ever recorded at Cal Poly in a single day-and that turned out to be just one of several severe storms to hit the Central Coast. | | | |
State Government: California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work - State Government Affairs Weekly Update-June 9, 2023 | |
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California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work - State Government Affairs Weekly Update
June 9, 2023
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Informational Hearings on Governor Newsom’s Infrastructure Package - This week several legislative committees held informational hearings focused on the Newsom Administration’s package of Budget Trailer Bills intended to smooth the pathway for infrastructure projects, and especially those related to water and High-Speed Rail. Among other things, the package would make it easier and quicker to compile Administrative Records for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); limit the litigation window challenging projects under CEQA to a maximum of 270 days; update the list of Fully Protected Species under the California Endangered Species Act, remove three species from the list, and eliminate conflicting definitions in the California Fish and Game Code; and improve review processes for habitat restoration, flood control, and infrastructure projects affecting the Delta.
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California insurance market rattled by withdrawal of major companies | Two insurance industry giants have stepped back from the California marketplace. They say that wildfire risk and soaring construction costs have prompted them to stop writing new policies. State Farm announced last week it would stop accepting applications for all business and personal lines of property and casualty insurance. | | | | |
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What is Mediation? When to Use it And How it Works for Farmers
By Laura Hardie of the California Agricultural Mediation Program
As a farmer, you’ve likely encountered situations requiring conflict resolution. Whether it is a disagreement with a neighbor, a feed dealer regarding a debt, or a landowner over a lease agreement, conflicts can arise out of nowhere.
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Federal Government: Funding Questionable for New Specialty Crop Farm Bill Programs | |
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California Farm Bureau's - Weekly Federal Policy News
June 8, 2023
- Debt Ceiling Deal Signed by President – Default Avoided But Drama Ensues
- Forest Service Releases New Forest Plans for the Sequoia and Sierra National Forests
- CAFB Submits Comments to U.S. EPA on Proposal to Set PFAS Drinking Water Regulations
- Senate Committee Examines Specialty Crops in the Farm Bill
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Funding Questionable for New Specialty Crop Farm Bill Programs | by Sabrina Halvorson The specialty crop industry wants farm bill funding for research and new programs, but lawmakers ask, where's that money coming from? Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers and co-chair of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance says it's hard to say what is the most important of all the priorities for specialty crops in the farm bill. | | | | |
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Farmers make voice heard in Washington
During time spent in Washington, D.C., as Congress debated the deal to extend the debt ceiling to avoid default, a delegation of California Farm Bureau leaders met with lawmakers to advocate on important issues facing farmers and ranchers.
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Farmers need 'direct relief' for storms, lawmakers told
After atmospheric river storms slammed California in January and March, damaging crops and delivering record amounts of rain and a historic snowpack, farmers and farm advocates continue to tally the losses, and they demand better planning for future storms.
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Environmental: Coming Summer 2023: Details on New Regulations from NOAA Proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Off SLO County's Coast | |
Coming Summer 2023: Details on New Regulations from NOAA Proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Off SLO County's Coast | |
Editor's Note: SLO County Farm Bureau has been engaged on this issue for many years. Farmers have concerns about the potential for new regulations that might extend inland to fields adjacent to waterways that ultimately connect to the ocean.
Since early in 2022, NOAA staff have been busy drafting the designation documents for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) based on comments received during scoping, workshops on various topics, and years of sanctuary staff experience. These documents will include: a) the draft management plan, describing the non-regulatory programmatic strategies and actions the new sanctuary will undertake for an initial five-to-10-year period; b) a draft proposed rule (and terms of designation) that describe the proposed regulations; and c) a draft environmental impacts statement (draft EIS) required by the National Environmental Policy Act, that primarily analyzes the impact of designating the new sanctuary. The draft management plan will be the roadmap for implementation of programs like education and outreach, research and monitoring, resource protection, and maritime heritage.
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Cal Poly report highlights offshore wind's potential to spur green energy transition | Morro Bay's wind farm-based future may provide a significant economic impact to the city, according to a report published by two Cal Poly professors. "The projects in Morro Bay are the linchpin to California's transition to green energy," Cyrus Ramezani said. | | | |
Business Member Spotlight:
Rabo AgriFinance
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Rabo AgrifFinance offers a full range of flexible and innovative lending and insurance products for leading agricultural producers and agribusinesses. Our knowledgeable Rabo AgriFinance specialists are located in your community and understand your operations, sectors and unique financial needs. We have the extensive background, experience and knowledge our clients expect in an ag lender.
We're committed to building long-term relationships with clients—by understanding their unique financial needs and providing tailored solutions to meet them. This commitment gives clients the security of knowing they can count on us through changing economic and agricultural cycles.
Founded by farmers for farmers, Rabobank's cooperative heritage is the foundation our business is built on - creating value for the customers we serve. Our sundial logo symbolizes how Rabobank stands by customers as their needs change over time - helping them achieve their financial goals at every stage of life. The people, businesses, and communities we serve will always be at the heart of our business.
Rabo AgriFinance is part of the Rabobank Group, a leading global financial services provider with over $700 billion in assets serving more than 10 million customers worldwide.
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Contact your local San Luis Obispo County Rabo AgriFinance specialist Jeannette McClure
jeannette.mcclure@raboag.com 707.206.1724
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USDA: USDA to Increase Rates for Specialty Crops Inspection Grading and Audit Services - Western Growers Association | |
California Farm Service Agency May Newsletter | The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) to July 14, 2023, to give producers more time to apply for assistance. The original deadline was June 2. | | | | |
USDA to Increase Rates for Specialty Crops Inspection Grading and Audit Services - Western Growers Association | USDA to Increase Rates for Specialty Crops Inspection Grading and Audit Services Starting on October 1, 2023, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will enact changes to its rates for voluntary grading, inspection, certification, auditing and laboratory services for a variety of agricultural commodities, including fruits and vegetables. | | | |
Produce: 5 fun facts we bet you didn't know about delicious California strawberries | Dished | |
5 fun facts we bet you didn't know about delicious California strawberries | Dished | Canada has some delicious produce, including seasonal strawberries. But while these prized jewels have a very limited run in our climate, we can count on California strawberries for high-quality and affordable berries, available to Canadians all year round. | | | | |
Update on Potential FDA Activities Related to Flooding and Sampling Assignments - Western Growers Association | In late May 2023, Western Growers staff learned about two activities the U.S. | | | |
Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
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Renewing Business Support Members
McAbee Ag Consulting, Central Coast Propane, C & M Nursery, Jim's Supply Company, Quinn Company, Vina Quest LLC
Renewing Agricultural Members
Gerald Shaffer, Horsefeather Ranch, OSO Libre Ranch Inc, Michael Owens, The Hearst Corporation, George Andrews, Doug Boyer
Renewing Associate Member
Luis Ayala, Walkin T Ranch, Frances Garay
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Featured Member Benefit:
Great Wolf Resorts
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As a Farm Bureau member, you can SAVE UP TO 30% on your next stay at any Great Wolf Lodge location Nationwide. You're going to love winding down waterslides, dining in themed restaurants and building family traditions. All lodges include a colossal, 84-degree indoor waterpark, daily activities, spacious family suites and much more. So clear your calendar and head to your nearest Great Wolf Lodge. Discount valid at any of the 19 Great Wolf Lodges throughout the U.S. and Canada. To take advantage of this offer, simply provide your unique offer code when booking. The California Farm Bureau code can be found on https://members.cfbf.com/ (login required), or by calling the Farm Bureau member help desk at 1-800-698-3276 to obtain the discount code. | |
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Labor: ChatGPT Designs Its First Robot With Food Supply in Mind | |
ChatGPT Designs Its First Robot With Food Supply in Mind | Poems, essays and even books - is there anything the open AI platform ChatGPT can't handle? These new AI developments have inspired researchers at TU Delft and the Swiss technical university EPFL to dig a little deeper: For instance, can ChatGPT also design a robot? ...“We wanted ChatGPT to design not just a robot, but one that is actually useful,” says Della Santina. In the end, they chose food supply as their challenge, and as they chatted with ChatGPT, they came up with the idea of creating a tomato-harvesting robot. | | | | |
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California Ag Employment News from Farm Employers Labor Service - June 11
NCFH Offers Fliers Detailing Availability of Low-Cost Healthcare for Farm Employees and their Families
The National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH) has released fliers in English and Spanish to educate farm employees about Farm Worker Health Centers offering discounted health services for communicable diseases like the flu or COVID, chronic issues like diabetes and arthritis, pediatrics and mens’ and womens’ health issues, vaccines, general health screening, and prescriptions. Fees charged by Farm Worker Health Centers are based on income and family size and are available to all, including H-2A employees. Read more at FELS' website.
CAFB Labor Availability & Cost Survey Available Now!
FELS parent organization, California Farm Bureau, has released a new survey for California agricultural employers. The survey is intended to get employer feedback on their experience with hiring enough employees to operate their businesses. To the degree they were not able to do that, respondents will be asked what they did to address that problem; increase wages and benefits, automate some tasks or turn to labor-saving technologies, switch to less labor-intensive commodities, turn to the H-2A program, or simply do without. Survey responses are completely anonymous, but your experience is key to Farm Bureau's efforts to advocate for solutions for California farmers and ranchers. You can find more information about the survey here.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Do You Really Need to Keep Old I9s Forever, and Other Questions About I-9 Compliance June 6, 2023: Agricultural employers face many paperwork requirements. One constant headache is I-9 forms. The form is complicated, and there are very specific rules an employer is required to follow. Do you know all of those rules? Do you know how long you must keep I-9s and when you can discard them? Jen Shaw of Shaw Law Group walked our audience through from A-Z on I-9 Compliance issues. You can review Jen's presentation files and view a recording of the webinar on Webinars and Trainings on FELS' webpage.
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Livestock: Lab-grown meat could have a worse carbon footprint than animal agriculture, UC Davis study says | |
Lab-grown meat could have a worse carbon footprint than animal agriculture, UC Davis study says | |
Lab-grown meat made from animal cells is thought to be better for the environment.
Now a study from the University of California, Davis, shows that lab-grown meat could potentially have a worse carbon footprint.
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Ten Ways to Reduce Stress on Your Beef Cattle Operation | PUBLISHED ON DULUTH, Ga. - Quality colostrum and vaccination can get animals off to a great start, but even in a vaccinated animal, stress can compromise their immune system and make them susceptible to respiratory disease. Here are 10 ways to reduce stress in your beef cattle, from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA. | | | |
Vineyard & Wine: Farm Bureau to Speak at Independent Grape Growers of Paso Robles Area - Groundwater Seminar June 21 | |
Taste of the Back Roads - a celebration of Paso's eastside AVAs * Paso Robles Press | |
They call themselves the Back Roads Wineries but range all over Paso Robles' eastside. However, they usually are found on back roads. The wineries crop up in four distinctive AVAs: Geneseo, El Pomar, Creston and Templeton. This cluster of some 30 wineries meanders here and there, many tucked along winding country roads south of Hwy. 101, including wineries along the Union Road Wine Trail and the Creston Corridor.
These boutique wineries represent not only the wide variety of grapes but also the typicity of wines produced there. Many of them joined in the group’s annual mini-festival, Taste of the Back Roads staged at Cass Winery’s Barrel Room.
On a clear and sunny spring afternoon with a backdrop of Cass vineyards, the festival brought together a group of 17 wineries offering a spectrum ranging from Rhône blends to Italian varietal wines with Cabernets taking the lead in the reds and Viognier as the popular white.
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Farm Bureau to Speak at Independent Grape Growers of Paso Robles Area - Groundwater Seminar June 21 | |
June 21st, 2023 1:00 PM on Zoom - Get the latest regarding the status of the Paso Groundwater Sustainability Plan!
- Learn how the Plan will affect farmers and their water rights;
- Hear the implementation schedule and what compliance will look like; and
- Hear how proposals in the plan may benefit farmers.
Bring your questions. A robust Q&A period will follow each presentation. Speakers include SLO County Groundwater Sustainability Director Blaine Reeley and Farm Bureau Executive Director Brent Burchett.
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Water: California Farm Bureau Commentary: California needs smart water policy, guided by data | |
State Auditor Points Out Inadequacies with California Water Management | A recent report highlights a multitude of shortfalls in California water management. An audit was conducted on the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the State Water Resources Control Board in its administration of water supplies. Several areas were highlighted as needing improvement. | | | | |
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California Farm Bureau Commentary: California needs smart water policy, guided by data
Advocates for California agriculture have had quite a bit to say about the state’s maddening failure to capture more water in wet years when it’s available. We have also expressed related concerns about fixing the burdensome water rights permitting process, which can begin to correct some of this problem.
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'Improvised, spotty and belated': Will California reform its oversight of water rights? | California's complex system of water rights took shape starting in the mid-1800s, when settlers saw the state's water as abundant and free for the taking - a time when a Gold Rush prospector could stake claim to river flows simply by nailing a notice to a tree. | | | |
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 us to lookup your member number or we can process your membership for you, 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 Platinum Members | |
SLO County Agriculture News is distributed by SLO County Farm Bureau for information purposes only. Stories written by SLO County Farm Bureau may be reprinted with attribution. Some outside story links may require site registration. Opinions expressed in stories, commentaries or editorials included in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of SLO County Farm Bureau. For information on advertising opportunities, please email info@slofarmbureau.org or call our office at 805-543-3654. | | | | |
