Farm Bureau Challenges 'Ag Order' Fertilizer Regulation |
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May 27, 2021 - Kevin Hecteman, Ag Alert
Saying new regional regulations will have a profound impact on food production, farm organizations have petitioned the State Water Resources Control Board to review a regional board's order limiting applications of fertilizer and other inputs on Central Coast crops.
The California Farm Bureau and seven county Farm Bureaus joined five other agricultural organizations in filing the petition, which focuses on an order adopted April 15 by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.
The Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for Central Coast Agriculture—also known as Ag Order 4.0—regulates runoff from irrigated farmlands by limiting nitrogen-fertilizer inputs, with allowable amounts decreasing over time.
The order creates new monitoring and reporting requirements for nitrogen applications and removals, and lays out several paths to compliance, including one using third-party programs to help farmers achieve the order's objectives.
California Farm Bureau Counsel Kari Fisher signed the petition on behalf of the state Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureaus in Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties, where the order is in effect. Other petitioners include the California Strawberry Commission; Western Growers; the Grower-Shipper Associations of Central California and of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties; and the Western Plant Health Association.
To read the full AgAlert story, click here.
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The Fight Isn't Over
As many know, the recently-adopted Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (Ag Order 4.0) has placed unprecedented restrictions on San Luis Obispo County farmers and threatens our entire Central Coast agricultural economy.
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Our county Farm Bureaus and industry partners have taken the next step in what will likely be a long battle to challenge this complicated and misguided regulation. To read the petition to the State Water Board, click here or the image above.
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This Week in SLO County Agriculture |
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In This Issue:
- Farm Team Action Alert: Stop AB 995;
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COVID-19 News: The Washington Post - California Announces $116.5 Million in Vaccine Incentives as Demand Dips;
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Community News: The Atascadero News - Pioneer Day Festivities Will Return This Year;
- Business Member Spotlight: Valley Pacific Petroleum Services Inc.;
- Labor News: CFLCA Webinar: Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Regulation Revisions for Employers;
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Livestock News: The Tribune - Gray Wolf in SLO County has Been Missing for More Than a Month. 'We're Trying to be Hopeful';
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Vineyard & Winery News: Paso Robles Daily News - 'Full Boar' Film Coming Back to Park Cinemas for Wine Festival;
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Produce News: The Californian - California Finds 4% of Fruits, Vegetables Contaminated by Pesticides;
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Wildfire News: Napa Valley Register - Denied Property Insurance, Napa Valley Wineries 'Extremely Vulnerable' This Fire Season;
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Water News: AgAlert - Commentary: Water: We can go on Fighting or we can get to Work;
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Environmental News: Western Ag Processors- Be on the Lookout for Trespassers During Pesticide Application; and
- Wisdom From the Farm & Ranch.
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May 21st Most Read Stories:
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Executive Director Report
Here are a few things we worked on this week:
- Discussed state legislation affecting agriculture with Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham’s office;
- Participated in the SLO Food System Coalition’s Food Policy Working Group;
- Participated in weekly SLO County Farmworker Task Force meeting;
- Held a SLO County Farm Bureau Board of Directors monthly meeting;
- Attended the SLO County COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force meeting on May 26;
- Met with SLO Chamber of Commerce President Jim Dantona; and
- Discussed Ag Order 4.0 next steps with California Farm Bureau and Monterey County Farm Bureau.
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Are You Looking for Interns? We Can Help
SLO County Farm Bureau receives a lot of resumes from local college students seeking internships in the ag industry. If you are interested in providing an internship or job shadowing experience, please give us a call or send an email to SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Director Brent Burchett. |
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Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country
The San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau office will be closed Monday, May 31 in observance of Memorial Day. The SLO Tribune has a list of local Memorial Day ceremonies. |
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Farm Team Action Alert: Stop AB 995 |
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For a recap of state legislative and government affairs news, read this week's Friday Review from California Farm Bureau. |
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The State Assembly is considering an expansion of California’s costly and much-abused paid sick leave mandate that will saddle employers with new costs and burdens after a disastrous year of unprecedented pandemic-related costs and burdens. AB 995 (Gonzalez) will expand the paid sick leave mandate imposed by AB 1522 (Gonzalez) in 2015 from three days to five days even while California employers struggle to understand and comply with 10-day COVID-19 retroactive paid sick leave, a massive expansion of California Family Rights Act (CFRA) family and medical leave from employers of 50 or more to employers of five or more, and Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). Enough is enough; California farm employers need a break from constant and expanding employment mandates; AB 995 is one mandate too many!
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COVID-19 News: The Washington Post - California Announces $116.5 Million in Vaccine Incentives as Demand Dips
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California announces $116.5 million in vaccine...
As of Wednesday, the United States' daily new infection count (23,245) was down more than 92 percent from a Jan. 8 peak of 313,829 new cases, according to data compiled by The Washington Post...
Read more
www.washingtonpost.com
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Number Changes for COVID-19 Phone Assistance Center
Residents can still get questions answered about vaccines, testing, and regulations San Luis Obispo, CA - San Luis Obispo County's COVID-19 Phone Assistance Center (PAC) number is...
Read more
www.slocounty.ca.gov
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I Planned to Decline the Vaccine. Getting COVID Changed...
When the vaccine for COVID-19 became available, I was skeptical and had decided to take my chances without it. Then I got sick. Fighting a COVID-19 infection changes your perspective. It was horrible...
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www.fb.org
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Community News: The Atascadero News - Pioneer Day Festivities Will Return This Year
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Pioneer Day Festivities Will Return This Year *...
PASO ROBLES - Good news for Paso Robles residents, the Pioneer Day Festivities will be back this year! The Paso Robles Pioneer Day Committee has confirmed there will be a Pioneer Day Parade, Royalty, Bean Feed, and more. However, what all these...
Read more
atascaderonews.com
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Annual Vino for Vets Memorial Weekend Fundraiser Changes ...
PASO ROBLES - Honor Flight Central Coast California is usually on the receiving end of donations, but this May, it's turning the tables to help local wineries who have supported the organization that takes local military veterans on...
Read more
atascaderonews.com
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SLO County Memorial Day Weekend Events * Paso Robles Press
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY - Each year, the community comes together to honor those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Due to the pandemic, many annual events have been canceled or altered to accommodate restrictions. The...
Read more
pasoroblespress.com
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Business Member Spotlight:
Valley Pacific Petroleum Services Inc
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In 1947, Durrel Woolsey joined Standard Oil as a commissioned agent. A few years later, in 1954, he became a wholesale distributor for the company. And in 1970, Mr. Woolsey established Woolsey Oil Company as an independent marketer. The family business was later run by his son Bruce until it was sold to Norm Crum (current owner) in 1994.
Valley Pacific soon added locations throughout Central California, including locations in Bakersfield, Porterville, Pixley, Escalon, Fresno, Merced, Salinas, King City, and Paso Robles. In 2016, the company significantly expanded again with the acquisition of Renner Petroleum of Eureka, CA, and opened a site in Redding. Strategically located through the state’s agricultural and rural belts in the Central Valley, Central Coast, and the North Coast, Valley Pacific provides services throughout California and beyond. We are now one of the state’s largest petroleum marketers.
Valley Pacific strives to serve its five distinct shareholders with the following governing values:
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Shareholders: “Earn A Fair Profit.”
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Employees: “Work Hard; Work Smart; Be Safe; Have Fun.”
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Customers: “Safe, Clean, Dependable, Friendly Service: No Surprises. No Disappointments.”
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Vendors: “Expect The Best.”
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Community: “Obey The Law & Be A Good Neighbor.”
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2732 Danley Ct #1 | Paso Robles, CA 93446
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Thank You Farm Bureau Members |
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New Collegiate Member
Abigayle Huntress
Renewing Business Support Member
Renewing Members
Carla Young, M Chavez & Sons Farming Inc, George Andrews, Richard Morgantini, Brandon Wiebe, Alvis Cantrelle, Mesa Vineyard Management Inc., Mark Zohns
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Labor News: CFLCA Webinar: Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Regulation Revisions for Employers |
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California Farm Labor Contractors Association Webinar: Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Regulation Revisions for Employers
Rescheduled to June 9 from 1 - 2:30 pm -- Register here
Free to all participants!
As the vaccinated population increases and with revised guidelines from the CDC, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board will be hearing proposed revisions to the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards on June 3rd. These long-awaited changes address exemptions for vaccinated employees; physical distancing, masking, and quarantining; training on vaccine information; wages and paid sick leave; and other issues related to COVID-19. Join us for expert analyses of the real-life implications for agricultural employers.
Presenters include Dan Leiner, area manager with Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Branch; and Lisa Baiocchi, senior associate at the Prince Firm. Free due to generous grant funding from the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health & Safety.
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Livestock News: The Tribune - Gray Wolf in SLO County has Been Missing for More Than a Month. 'We're Trying to be Hopeful'
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Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame inductees to be honored
Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame inductees and award winners will be honored on Aug. 9, 2021, during the 12th annual banquet, held in conjunction with the nation's largest cattle industry gathering. The Cattle Feeders...
Read more
www.morningagclips.com
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American Farm Bureau Federation Reports Agriculture and...
Last week, a coalition of agriculture and forestry groups - including the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Forest Resources Council, the American Sheep Industry Association, the...
Read more
goldrushcam.com
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Gray wolf in SLO County has been missing for more than a ...
The lone gray wolf detected in San Luis Obispo County in early April has gone missing, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife says, and experts are increasingly pessimistic about his whereabouts...
Read more
www.sanluisobispo.com
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Vineyard & Winery News: Paso Robles Daily News - 'Full Boar' Film Coming Back to Park Cinemas for Wine Festival
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'Full Boar' film coming back to Park Cinemas for Wine...
Eberle Winery is bringing back its Full Boar film to the Downtown Park Cinemas for a special showing ...
Read more
pasoroblesdailynews.com
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New Book Dives into S.L.O. County Wine History - The...
Bottles & Barrels Libbie Agran and Heather Muran Publish 'San Luis Obispo County Wine: A World-Class History' "Most people don't know how special we are," explains Libbie Agran, co-author with Heather Muran of the new book San Luis Obispo County...
Read more
www.independent.com
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Produce News: The Californian - California Finds 4% of Fruits, Vegetables Contaminated by Pesticide
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Cal Poly plot tests avocado trees for root rot resistance
A small block of avocados planted on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus has given campus researchers an opportunity to study root rot management strategies. Please log in to see this story.Full online content is available to Farm Bureau...
Read more
www.agalert.com
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California finds 4% of fruits, vegetables contaminated...
A new report shows that 4% of California produce sold in grocery stores contains illegal amounts of harmful pesticides. While regulators say this is well within safe limits, advocates say they find that statement "alarming."
Read more
www.thecalifornian.com
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Pallet Shortage Update: Why the Problem Could Linger...
Although conversations are occurring within the North American and global horticulture industry relative to the current acute pallet shortages, a statement from the United Fresh Produce Association and other industry organizations warns that many ...
Read more
www.greenhousegrower.com
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As summer travel rebounds, Californians urged to leave...
News release from the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program As COVID-19 restrictions ease, summer travel is expected to increase, and California agricultural officials are cautioning Californians on what not to pack for their trips -...
Read more
plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov
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Wildfire News: Napa Valley Register - Denied Property Insurance, Napa Valley Wineries 'Extremely Vulnerable' This Fire Season
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Denied property insurance, Napa Valley wineries...
The notice came to Green and Red Vineyard in early spring: its insurer had declined to renew the winery's property insurance policy, citing the high risk of wildfire. "It flipped us out, not having insurance - especially going into harvest this...
Read more
napavalleyregister.com
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Editorial: Congress must act on California wildfire...
If you want an idea of just how dysfunctional Congress is today, take a look at its record on wildfire prevention. It's inconceivable that Congress has largely failed to act on one of the West's most pressing issues. California's senators and...
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www.mercurynews.com
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Water News: AgAlert - Commentary: Water: We can go on Fighting or we can get to Work
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Commentary: Water: We can go on fighting or we can get...
We're in a drought again-and a bad one-and that means a lot of attention to the way farmers and ranchers use water. Some of that attention is sympathetic, via news stories that show how farmers have had to plow down crops or sell animals they can ...
Read more
www.agalert.com
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UC Davis experts on drought and water supply issues
Experts from the University of California, Davis, are available to media to discuss the drought and water-supply issues affecting California. These include faculty and staff of the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences, College...
Read more
www.morningagclips.com
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San Luis Obispo County Water Resources Advisory Committee to Meet June 2
The next WRAC meeting will be at 1:30pm Wednesday, June 2 online via GoToMeeting.
The agenda (with login information) has been posted here. |
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President of California Farm Bureau speaks on water...
Federal regulators with the Bureau of Reclamation have issued new numbers on the Central Valley Water Project, cutting agricultural water allocations to zero. The president of the California Farm Bureau, who is a citrus and olive farmer in Butte...
Read more
krcrtv.com
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Facing a drought, California's farmers make hard choices ...
Firebow - During rainy seasons, these feathery asparagus beds produce generations of soft green spears that reach the vast San Joaquin Valley sky. On Monday they were thrown into dry soil and their longevity was shortened by unreliable and...
Read more
californianewstimes.com
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Environmental News: Western Ag Processors- Be on the Lookout for Trespassers During Pesticide Application
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Western Ag Processors Association Issues Urgent Advisory to Farmers: Be on the Lookout for Trespassers During Pesticide Applications
Editor's Note: While this advisory is specific for Fresno County. SLO County farmers and ranchers should be on the lookout for this sort of activity locally.
This is an urgent advisory to be on the lookout for people trespassing on to farms in the towns of Raisin City, Cantua Creek and Caruthers during or immediately after pesticide applications. Participants of a study by the Central California Environmental Justice Network are being paid to carry backpacks with air monitoring equipment in these locations from May through August. We are concerned these activists may attempt to enter a field or orchard during a pesticide application or immediately thereafter in order to make sure they get a “detect” on their air monitoring equipment.
This effort is led by the Central California Environmental Justice Network. For years, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) has been conducting community air monitoring, and there been very few detections of pesticides, and none that exceeded any risk levels of actual concern. Frustrated with the lack of evidence, the environmental justice community is resorting to using unproven and unapproved methods and equipment to attempt to demonstrate pesticides are impacting residents in these communities.
Considering these activists are getting paid to prove detection, we are concerned with just how far these activists will go to attempt to prove pesticide exposures. Should you see anyone in or around the edge of your field or orchard, we urge you to immediately contact the County Sheriff's office and the county ag commissioner. We have already warned the Sheriff and the Ag Commissioner of this potential threat.
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LA Times Today: Replacing California's last nuclear...
The Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant opened in the mid-eighties. Four decades later, PG&E is in the process of closing it down by 2025. But what does the shutdown mean for the environment, and for residents trying to keep their electricity on...
Read more
www.latimes.com
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A renewable energy 'breakthrough'
The Biden administration has opened up California's coast to wind farms. We're also covering severe drought in the American West and disaster readiness as we head into hurricane and wildfire season. The offshore wind industry has boomed in parts...
Read more
www.nytimes.com
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Fresno-area candidate for Congress wants to declare the...
A hopeful for a Fresno-area seat in Congress has initiated a petition to have the embattled Delta smelt declared extinct. Chris Mathys said Monday he took the first step toward that petition, which is a letter of intent to the U.S. Fish and...
Read more
www.fresnobee.com
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Wisdom From the Farm & Ranch |
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So God Made a Ranch Wife
Written by Sierra Shea, Inspired by Paul Harvey
And on the ninth day, God looked down on his planned paradise
And said, “Oh dear, the rancher is going to need help.”
So God made a ranch wife.
God said, “I need somebody who will take the 2 o’clock check, pack lunches, work all day
gathering calves, keeping books, or revaccinating the steers and then come home to make supper and wash the dishes.” So God made a ranch wife.
God said, “I need somebody willing to sit up all night with her newborn son
And watch him grow. Then, pray each morning and teach her children to say,
‘Please and thank you.’ I need somebody who can read EPDs, mend a fence or pull a calf,
Who can clean her house with vinegar, baking soda and hot water.
And who, during calving and haying, will finish her 40-hour week on Friday,
Then, join her rancher for another two days, six meals and five loads of laundry.”
So God made a ranch wife.
God had to have somebody willing to work in town for “the insurance,” to warm cold
Calves in her kitchen and spend her weekends working to get the hay in at
Double speed ahead of the rain clouds. And, keep working at it alone, when the rancher goes off to help the neighbor when she sees the first smoke. So God made a ranch wife.
God said, “I need somebody strong enough to tamp posts and heave bales,
To co-sign a loan for half a million with steady hands, yet gentle enough to tame show steers
And raise kids and calm the rancher when he’s upset over higher corn and lower fat cattle,
Who will stop her work for an hour to talk on the phone to her neighbor who just found out
Her mother is sick. It had to be somebody who would cook and clean and not cut corners.
Somebody to wash, dry, iron, tidy, feed, rake, brand, water, wean, pick up this, run that back
And check the homework and pack the lunch bags and remember the basketball schedule and replenish the refrigerator and finish a hard week’s work with a five-mile ride to church.”
Somebody who would sew a family together with the soft strong stitches of sharing,
Who would laugh and then sigh and reply with smiling eyes,
When her daughter says she wants to spend her life
“Doing what mom does.”
So God made a ranch wife.
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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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