Panetta, Farm Bureau Host SLO County Agriculture Storm Briefing | |
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All farmers, ranchers, agriculture businesses and the public are invited to an Agriculture Storm Briefing hosted by Congressman Jimmy Panetta on Thursday, February 23 at 5:30pm at The Carlton located at 6005 El Camino Real, Atascadero.
Congressman Panetta wants to hear from constituents about damages from the January 2023 flood disaster and challenges applying for federal disaster assistance. No RSVP is required to attend.
Speakers will include Congressman Panetta, USDA Farm Service Agency SLO County Director Jeff Sledd, SLO County Agriculture Commissioner Marty Settevendemie, and SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Director Brent Burchett.
While Congressman Panetta represents the northern part of SLO County, this information will be applicable to all of SLO County. For questions, please contact San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau at 805-543-3654 or email info@slofarmbureau.org
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This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
Disaster Relief News: USDA Farm Service Agency - Emergency Loan Program Open, September 18, 2023 is Deadline to Apply | |
USDA Farm Service Agency - Emergency Loan Program Open, September 18, 2023 is Deadline to Apply
SLO County farmers and ranchers can now apply for low-interest loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency. This is in addition to other FSA programs that may provide grants or cost-share money. See those other programs here. Note that programs may have different application deadlines and eligibility rules.
- Event: January 14, 2023, Presidential Major Disaster Declaration FEMA-4683-DR as a result of Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides beginning on December 27, 2022
- Emergency farm loans for both physical and crop production losses as a direct result of the disaster
- Up to a maximum of $500,000 (Current rate is 3.75%)
- Learn more about the USDA Farm Service Agency Emergency Loan Program here
- Contact our local Farm Service Agency office in Templeton at 805-434-0396
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SLO County to open additional storm debris collection sites on Feb. 21 | News Channel 3-12 | SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.- San Luis Obispo County is offering additional storm debris collection sites throughout the county to meet the need for proper and continued storm clean-up. The following locations are open as collection sites for storm debris only and will not accept non-storm related waste. Nipomo: Nipomo CSD, 148 S. | | | |  |
SBA Opening Disaster Loan Outreach Center in San Luis Obispo | Note from Farm Bureau : Only agriculture businesses that do not grow crops or raise livestock are eligible for SBA disaster loans; farmers and ranchers should apply to USDA Farm Service Agency. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is opening a Disaster Loan Outreach Center this Saturday, Feb. 18 in San Luis Obispo. The center is geared toward businesses... | | | | |
Damage control: Some SLO County storm victims don't qualify for FEMA help | For San Luis Obispo resident Beth Wagner, shock stifled any other emotion while she watched helplessly from Los Angeles as rising water wrecked the interiors of both her house and rental property near San Luis Creek on Jan. 9. "Our neighbor called us in a panic. | | | |
Community: New Season of California Bountiful Debuts on Feb. 25th | |
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Interested in Installing Electric Vehicle Chargers?
Implementing direct current (DC) fast charging infrastructure in agriculture can be a complicated and costly process. Challenges include high installation costs, range anxiety, specialized maintenance, and a lack of experience with electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. However, DC fast charging can offer significant cost savings and environmental benefits in the long term.
Join us for an interactive webinar about electric vehicles and charging stations for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. We will cover the following:
-- Planning your fleet transition
-- Calculating energy use and charging needs
-- Charging strategies and station placement
-- Providing resiliency and redundancy
-- Regulations and policies to consider
-- Rebates and technical support from Central Coast Community Energy
When: Mar 2, 2023 03:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting by Zoom.
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New Season of California Bountiful Debuts on Feb. 25th | A new season of California Farm Bureau’s California Bountiful TV debuts Feb. 25 with host Aubrey Aquino. Get up close with the people, places, food and farms that make California so delicious! Check it out on KSBY every Saturday at 6:30pm and Sunday at 5:00am. | |
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Non-Credit Vocational Education (Ranch Education) Part-Time Instructor Pool Position Available | |
Selected applicants will be interviewed to establish a pool of approved Non-Credit Vocational Education instructors for possible part-time teaching assignments in the Continuing Education Division. Assignments may be day, evening, or weekend classes at the San Luis Obispo Campus, the North County Campus, South County Center, other sites within San Luis Obispo County.
Description of Program:
The goal of the Ranch Education program is to create farm and ranch employees and
managers who have a basic grounding in animal handling and care, ranch design and maintenance, pasture maintenance and herding techniques. Emphasis will be placed on regenerative, holistic and sustainable practices to address practical, environmental, ecological and cultural challenges.
Students will gain practical hands-on experience in ranch design and repair, forage
and pasture management, machinery maintenance and operation, irrigation and facility repair and construction. They will learn to identify and handle different species
and breeds of animals safely while working in a functional ranch setting on the
75 acres of grassland located at 3535 Education Drive, San Luis Obispo.
The Ranch Education program will allow students to explore a variety of different employment opportunities. These opportunities include livestock event facility and cattle or horse ranch maintenance or management, establishing a goat or sheep herding business
geared toward contract fire management and brush removal, sheep and/or goat farming,
irrigation installation or repair, landscape management or working as a manager in any capacity that requires a combination of ranching skills.
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Farm Bureau News: CFBF and AFBF 2023 Policy Handbooks | |
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What's Farm Bureau's Position On...?
Farm Bureau is a grassroots, member-led organization. Our policy positions start at the county level, then move on to California Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau. Our members discuss issues throughout the year at county board meetings, California Farm Bureau's Commodity Advisory Committees and the House of Delegates at the Annual Meeting of Members.
The policy books below guide our government affairs staff in their advocacy efforts to elected officials and government agencies.
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State Government: Learn about California's Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap on February 28 and March 2 | |
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California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work-
February 17, 2022
As many Farm Bureau at Work readers might notice, this week’s issue is longer than most! This is due to the fact that today, Friday the 17, is the bill introduction deadline. All bills must be submitted by the end of today in order to move in this year’s legislative process. Today’s final entries will be recorded over the weekend and ready for review by the start of the next week. This week reflects the beginning of the deluge of bills being introduced for legislative review this year. Many bills are introduced in what is commonly called “spot form.” This means the author may have an idea on what section of law they would like to amend, but do not have specific language yet. In the meantime, in order to meet the deadline, they submit a bill with very little substance so they can amend it later. Farm Bureau has flagged many bills like this to see if substantive language is later added. Some may later “die” completely, but it’s always best to cast a wide net in the beginning. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to staff.
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Floods, fires, droughts show California needs bigger safety net for farmworkers, advocates say | Torrential rains and floods submerged whole towns and killed more than 20 people in parts of California in January. They also caused thousands of farmworkers to lose weeks of pay because the flooded fields and orchards were surrounded by treacherous, watery and muddy roads. | | | | |
Learn about California's Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap on February 28 and March 2 | The Department of Pesticide Regulation, in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, will host webinars on February 28 and March 2 to provide information on the recommendations in the Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap for urban and agricultural environments. DPR opened a public comment period on the prioritization and implementation of next steps outlined in the Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap. The planned webinars are intended to help inform public comments. The comment period will close at 5 p.m. on March 13, 2023. Email comments to alternatives@cdpr.ca.gov Comments received will be considered as part of the state-level coordination on implementing the recommendations in the Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap. | | | |
Federal Government: Biden EPA Proposes Restoring Pesticide Protections for Farmworkers Rolled Back Under Trump | |
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California Farm Bureau's Federal Policy News -
February 16, 2023
- CAFB Testifies at House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill Listening Session
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Revisions to Voluntary Agreements Permitting
- NRCS Announces Western Water Framework and WaterSMART Initiative
- USDA Announces Emergency Conservation Program Resources for 41 Counties Impacted by Storms
- Rural Development Head Nominated for USDA Deputy Secretary
- Reminder - USDA FPAC Feedback Survey
- Reminder - ERP Phase Two Applications Underway
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Legislation Seeks to Protect U.S. Farmland from Foreign Investment | Lawmakers are looking to address the amount of foreign investment in American farmland. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) figures show that foreign entities held an interest in nearly 51 million acres of U.S. farmland in 2021. Multiple pieces of legislation have been introduced as an effort to limit further investment from foreign entities. | | | | |
Biden EPA Proposes Restoring Pesticide Protections for Farmworkers Rolled Back Under Trump | The Biden administration is proposing to restore regulations aiming to protect farmworkers from pesticides that had been rolled back under the Trump administration. The Trump administration sought to limit the scope of rules preventing pesticides from being sprayed when there are people ... | | | | |
AFBF Welcomes Nomination of Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture | American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Biden's intention to nominate Xochitl Torres Small to serve as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. "AFBF congratulates Xochitl Torres Small on her nomination to serve as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. | | | |
Business Member Spotlight:
Valley Pacific Petroleum Services
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Valley Pacific customers can consistently expect the following:
- High-quality, competitively-priced fuels and lubricants
- Safe, clean, dependable, friendly service. “No Surprises. No Disappointments.”
- A sincere partner that cares about the long-term success of their customers.
Valley Pacific is family-owned and locally managed with strong ties to the surrounding communities. As members of 20 county chapters of the California Farm Bureau and other similar associations, the company is involved in the local economy and aware of the customer’s needs. Valley Pacific is also a carrier member and strong supporter of the California Trucking Association (CTA). With CTA Fleet Safety Awards in 2018, 2019, and 2020, Valley Pacific has been recognized for its strong safety record in operating its own delivery fleet with its own drivers.
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Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
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Renewing Agricultural Members
Smith Held and Yokoyama Land Company
Renewing Associate Members
Jerry Handley
Renewing Associate Business Support Member
Filliponi & Thompson Drilling
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Environmental: California’s Sustainable Pesticide Roadmap: What it is and Why it Matters | |
Community partners propose conservation plan for Diablo Canyon | While the passage of Senate Bill 846 might enable Diablo Canyon Power Plant to continue operating past its original closure date, it hasn't stopped local organizations from envisioning a future of conservation for Diablo Canyon lands. | | | | |
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California’s sustainable pesticide roadmap: What it is and why it matters
This year the state of California has set its sights on ambitious pest management goals in the name of improving human health and promoting ecosystem resilience, sustainable agriculture and thriving urban and agricultural communities.
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Featured Member Benefit:
Case IH
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Case IH: Save hundreds on smart tractors
Case IH’s new AFS AccuSync® technology enables multiple machines to share real-time guidance lines and coverage data in the field, helping you minimize skips and overlaps. Save up to $500 on AccuSync®-ready equipment when you print a certificate from caseih.com.
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Produce: Fruit Flies Are Spreading Across U.S. Crops | |
Strong growth in organic market slowed in 2021 | The organic market has seen continued growth in retail sales in the past decade. U.S. organic retail sales increased by an average of 8 percent per year and surpassed $53 billion in 2020 (inflation-adjusted to 2021 dollars). | | | | |
Fruit Flies Are Spreading Across U.S. Crops | The government took a grower's crop without compensating him, in a misguided effort to contain a pest that's been around for decades. | | | | |
Central Coast Olive Oil Competition Registration Now Open | The Central Coast Olive Oil Competition, hosted annually by the California Mid-State Fair and in partnership with the Lodi Grape Festival, is now accepting entries. The 15th Annual competition will take place in April 2023 and feature olive oil from across the state of California. | | | |
Labor: NEW! FREE Webinar: Understanding California’s Pay Data Reporting Requirements | |
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NEW! Pay Data Reporting Webinar 2/24/23!
NEW! FREE Webinar: Understanding California’s Pay Data Reporting Requirements: Thanks to the Legislature, California employers are now subject to greater pay transparency requirements. The recent amendments to California’s current pay data reporting law make it among the strictest in the country. How can you ensure compliance with the new rules and navigate the practical challenges they present?
Join Shaw Law Group expert Jen Shaw for an interactive discussion of Senate Bill 1162 and the Pay Data Report requirements, including:
- A review of the new FAQs in this area
- How to ensure your pay data reports are compliant
- Understanding the meaning of “labor contractor” and your responsibilities in this area
- How to audit your compensation practices to identify potential risk areas
- Jen will answer all of your questions, and provide the pragmatic advice you need to ensure your organization is in compliance. Do not miss this chance to learn from the best!
When: February 24, 2022, 10 AM
Presented by: Farm Employers Labor Service & The Shaw Law Group
Where: Online
COST? It's FREE!
Register Here
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Livestock: National Egg Shortage: A Grim Prediction and a Unique Egg Alternative | |
Over-the-counter livestock antibiotics will require prescription after June 11 | COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Don't wait. Get to know your local veterinarian now and establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship if you expect to treat livestock in the future, as over-the-counter livestock antibiotics will soon require a prescription. | | | | |
National Egg Shortage: A Grim Prediction and a Unique Egg Alternative | News Channel 3-12 | SANTA BARBARA, Calif - Chickens may not fly, but egg prices are soaring. It's all thanks to the combination of a deadly bird flu outbreak and rising feed and labor costs. "We had to raise our prices," says one egg producer at the Santa Barbara Farmer's market. | | | |
Vineyard & Wine: Prices Soar for SLO County Wine Grapes | |
First Annual CASS Winery Paso Robles Pruning Competion on Feburay 25 |
Wineries on Anderson Road collaborate in beautification project | Buried power lines, paved roadway, oak trees bring fresh look and feel - Seven wineries are putting the finishing touches on a collaborative beautification project [...] | | | | |
Prices Soar for SLO County Wine Grapes | California's winegrape crushers squished less and charged more in 2022 compared to the year before. According to the 2022 preliminary Winegrape Crush Report issued by the state's Department of Food and Agriculture, 3.3 million tons of grapes were crushed for wine last year across the 17 districts in California. | | |
Preliminary 2022 Grape Crush Report released | CDFA Home Planting Seeds Blog Preliminary 2022 Grape Crush Report releasedCDFA's Planting Seeds Blog From the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service The 2022 crush totaled 3,620,595 tons, down 6.7% from the 2021 crush of 3,880,141 tons. Red wine varieties accounted for the largest share of all grapes crushed, at 1,885,875 tons, down 7.2% from 2021. | | | |
Blendfest is the only event dedicated to blended wines. The event showcases the scenic beauty of the coast with the renowned wines of Paso Robles. | | | | |
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Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Scholarship for North County High School Seniors
The PRWCA is offering up to $30,000 in scholarships in 2023 to North County high school seniors who will be attending either a 2- or 4 -year college. Priority is given to children of wine industry employees of those planning to major in ag-related majors. Selection is based up financial need, demonstrated scholastic ability, community involvement, leadership and/or work history, determination to succeed, and a 500-word essay.
Application deadline: March 17, 2023
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Water: Newsom Suspends Environmental Laws to Store More Delta Water | |
California's snowpack is melting faster than ever before, leaving less available water | For decades, Californians have depended on the reliable appearance of spring and summer snowmelt to provide nearly a third of the state's supply of water. But as the state gets drier, and as wildfires climb to ever-higher elevations, that precious snow is melting faster and earlier than in years past - even in the middle of winter. | | | | |
Newsom Suspends Environmental Laws to Store More Delta Water | Facing criticism that stormwater flowed out to sea, the governor asked the water board to waive rules designed to protect salmon and other endangered fish. Environmentalists call it "a breakdown of law and order" while growers laud it as a way to ensure more water is delivered this year. | | | |
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 | | | | |
