San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Board Member Matthew Merrill gave a report on how high temperatures are affecting local crops this week to KSBY News. PG&E meteorologist John Lindsey tweeted, "It was warm but not hot enough to break any daily records from the 1989 heatwave. Paso Robles reached 88 degrees, well below the daily record of 98 set in 1889. Santa Maria hit 94, short of the 103 mark from 1989. San Luis Obispo saw 97 nearly tying the record of 98 from 1989" | |
KSBY News- Heatwave Jumpstarts Growth At Central Coast Wineries | |
By: Austin Herbaugh, KSBY News
Apr 07, 2022
This heatwave is kicking off an early growing season for some crops on the Central Coast.
Just a week and a half ago, it was raining. On Thursday, temperatures climbed into the 90s.
Growers say this is good for the wine industry but a late-season frost, while unlikely, could spell trouble.
Summer-like heat is kickstarting growth at vineyards in the Edna Valley.
"As far as the vines, they're going to start growing like weeds. They like the heat and they've been waiting for something like this," said Matthew Merrill, President of Mesa Vineyard Management Inc.
Clusters of wine grapes are already starting to form at Tolosa Winery.
Those grapes are now vulnerable to frost damage if the Central Coast sees another dramatic swing in temperatures.
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Continue reading the story here.
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Heatwave jumpstarts growth at Central Coast wineries | This heatwave is kicking off an early growing season for some crops on the Central Coast. Just a week and a half ago, it was raining. On Thursday, temperatures climbed into the 90s. Growers say this is good for the wine industry but a late-season frost, while unlikely, could spell trouble. | | | |
This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
Community: Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District Looking For New Executive Director | |
Job Opening: Executive Director at Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District
Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District is looking for a new leader. Current Executive Director
Jackie Crabb announced this week she is retiring soon. SLO County Farm Bureau would like to thank Jackie for her years of work supporting farmers, ranchers and landowners in SLO County, and wish her a happy retirement.
Download the job announcement here.
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Applications available for Mid-State Fair 'Mission Marketplace' | Applications for the 2022 California Mid-State Fair's Mission Marketplace are now available. The marketplace is designed to showcase the Central Coast's best products and locally made goods. It will give twenty artisans, growers, and producers a home to showcase their locally grown or hand-crafted items to over 420,000 fairgoers. | | |
2022 CA Small Farm Conference - CAFF | You can watch over 50 video sessions from the 34th Annual CAFF California Small Farm Conference! Dig into over 50 different online workshops, forums and videos designed for farmers, ranchers and the local food system advocates who support them. | | |
Wind-blown fire at Nipomo strawberry field burns shop, shed and farm equipment | A wind-blown fire destroyed agricultural structures and equipment at a strawberry farm in Nipomo on Wednesday morning. The blaze, reported at 9:06 a.m., occurred at a farm on Cherry Blossom Place off Orchard Road, said Adan Orozco, Cal Fire's public information officer. A Cal Fire Twitter post said the incident took place near Borega Lane. | | | | |
Announcements April 2022 | Cal Poly Center for Sustainability | Agriculture for Tomorrow A College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) Program Preparing leaders in sustainability through education, research, outreach, and operations. To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves. -Mahatma Gandhi Happy Earth Month, everyone! 1.5. | | |
Distillers of SLO County announces new president, executive director | The executive board of SLO County Distillers has unanimously elected Aaron Bergh as their new president. Bergh, master distiller, and proprietor of Calwise Spirits, is known "as the guy who leads by example and sets his sights on new horizons," according to the board. | | |
SLO County-based nonprofit hosts inaugural Carrizo Plain Photo Contest | Ecologistics is seeking photographers to enter its first Carrizo Plain Photo Contest. Contestants may submit up to three different photographs in each of the competition's three categories (flora, fauna, and open). The entry fee is $5 and the deadline to submit photographs is Sunday, April 10. | | | |
County Government: SLO Tribune - Paso Robles Groundwater Pumped Far Beyond Sustainable Levels, New Report Shows | |
SLO County supervisors move forward on vacancy elections - but not a redistricting commission | San Luis Obispo County citizens may get to decide how the county fills vacant elected offices - but not how its borders are redrawn during redistricting. At its meeting Tuesday, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors continued to piece together a county charter that... | | | | |
Paso Robles groundwater pumped far beyond sustainable levels, new report shows | A new report shows that over-pumping of the Paso Robles groundwater sub-basin has continued at unsustainable levels, an issue worsened by the ongoing drought that has resulted in greater irrigation needs for agriculture operations in the region. | | | |
State Government: Top State Scientist to Head Farm Bureau's California Agricultural Research Institute | |
Bill seeks to boost domestic foods in public schools | If it's being purchased with U.S. tax dollars for consumption in U.S. schools, it should be grown in the U.S. This is the idea behind a bill authored by Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Salinas. Senate Bill 1308 would require California public schools and universities to buy food grown, ... | | | | |
Hogs Are Wreaking Havoc Across the State |
At first they were isolated incidents, reported by TV newscasters struggling not to laugh. But as the sightings in California piled up, the phenomenon began to resemble the opening scene of a zombie movie.
In downtown Riverside, a pack of feral hogs marauded through the streets at night, causing millions of dollars in damage.
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California Farm Bureau's Friday Review for April 8, 2022 - Governmental & Legislative Affairs Update | | |
California Wants To End Commercial Feeding Operations |
There is never a shortage of people who want to end farming. Currently, there is a bill in the state legislature that would ban the construction of new, or expansion of current, commercial animal feeding operations. The bill tries to justify this with false claims of animal and employee abuse.
Please write to your legislator and tell them that you oppose any attempt to restrict or limit animal feeding operations.
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Top State Scientist to Head Farm Bureau's California Agricultural Research Institute
April 4, 2022 - SACRAMENTO - Dr. Amrith Gunasekara, manager of environmental programs for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, has been hired to head a research foundation conducting and supporting scientific studies on critical matters affecting California farm communities.
Dr. Gunasekara will serve as director of science and research for the California Bountiful Foundation. The foundation, which is affiliated with the California Farm Bureau, will serve as a research clearinghouse compiling scientific data on agriculture, water and the environment.
“Bringing together Dr. Gunasekara’s considerable expertise and experience and the collective contributions of our 31,000 farmers, ranchers and supporting businesses presents a tremendous opportunity to the people of California,” said California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson. “Science and agriculture are the bedrocks of our society and our state, and now we have the best of both working to bring more food, fiber, flora and fauna to the people in a healthy and sustainable way.”
Dr. Gunasekara served as scientific advisor to California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross and manager of the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation. He previously served as a senior environmental scientist for CFDA, specializing in environmental issues related to fertilizer use. ... Continue reading here
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Federal Government: Factors That Will Shape the 2023 Farm Bill | |
Federal Policy News - April 7
- Senate Passes Ocean Shipping Reform Act
- CAFB Submits Comments on FDA's Proposed FSMA Changes
- USDA to Issue Payments for Livestock Producers Impacted by Drought & Wildfire
- Agriculture, Water & Local Government Coalition Comments on Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog Listing
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Factors That Will Shape the 2023 Farm Bill
March 28, 2022 - DROVERS -A window inside the 2023 Farm Bill was opened last week at the Ag and Food Policy Summit.
With Ukraine and Russia at war in the midst of a world moving away from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lot to consider in the 2023 Farm Bill. Industry experts weighed-in to share their predictions.
The coming Farm Bill must be heavily rooted in conservation and climate change to gain the seal of approval from both the House and Senate, according to Randy Russell, president of The Russell Group. ...
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Business Member Spotlight:
AG Box Company
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A Staple in the Produce Community
AG Box Company has served the local farming and packaging community across three decades and continues to grow and innovate. Established in 1988 as a local supplier for the produce growers, shippers, and packers of the Central Coast, we have spent the last 30+ years growing, innovating and providing excellent customer service at competitive prices.
Maker of the industry standard for Napa Cabbage and Bok Choy crates, AG Box Company distributes corrugated packaging, wooden pallets, and produce boxes. Since 1988, we have been proudly serving Oceano, Fresno, and Santa Maria, CA, and surrounding areas. AG Box Company is an exclusive assembler of WGA crates. If you need quality produce shipping or storage containers, we are your premier choice in Central California and on the West Coast.
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agboxcompany.com
OCEANO: 805-489-0377 FRESNO: 559-264-3421 SANTA MARIA: 805-922-9883
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Wildfire: Free Webinar on April 19 - How To Shop (For Property Insurance) When You've Been Dropped | |
Many of our SLO County Farm Bureau members and rural property owners have lost property insurance coverage or had dramatic price increases on their plans. This free webinar on April 19 will discuss how to keep your home insured when your options are limited and premiums are climbing. Register here: uphelp.org/R2PApril19 | | |
Sonoma County Farmworkers Organize Speak-Out Ahead of Deadline for an Evacuation Zone Policy - Wine Industry Advisor |
Over 50 Sonoma County businesses and organizations sign open letter supporting the adoption of a formal local policy that addresses farmworker health & safety concerns Santa Rosa, CA,
April 6, 2022 - With intensifying drought and another unpredictable wildfire season on the horizon, farmworkers are continuing their push on the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to adopt a formal, local wildfire evacuation zone policy ...
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Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
New Members
Robyn Gable of SLO Creek Farms and Cayden Swain
Renewing Members
Bella Terra Farms, Canyon Creek Ranch, M Chavez & Sons Farming Inc, Steven Lock, Coastal Tractor, Louise Gorfain, Paul Ready, Robert Soto, Filipponi & Thompson Drilling, South County Chambers of Commerce, Thomas Stokes
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Featured Member Benefit:
Ford Truck Discount
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Farm Bureau Bonus Cash is exclusively for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. $500 Bonus Cash on eligible new 2020/2021/2022 Ford Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty.®
This incentive is not available on F-150 Raptor, F-600, F-650 and F-750 Super Duty®. This offer may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. Must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 consecutive days prior to purchase and take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by January 3, 2022. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or see your authorized Ford Dealer for qualifications and complete details. Note to dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #37860
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Produce: The Packer - Western Drought Puts Food Security At Risk | |
Get ready to spend more at the grocery store. Food prices expected to soar, USDA predicts. | If you think paying $10 for a pound of bacon or $6 for a pound of butter is bad, it's about to get more expensive. Pretty soon, you'll be paying even more for just about everything when it comes to eating in or dining out, according ... | | | | |
The Packer: Western drought puts food security at risk
April 7, 2022 - Water is in short supply in the West. A coalition of farmers and farm organizations recently ran a national ad in the Wall Street Journal to educate consumers on the fact that farms producing much of the food in the U.S. shouldn't be taken for granted. ...
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Labor: April 29 Webinar - California’s Newest (and Vaguest) Employer Mandate | |
The Latest Compliance Resources from California Farm Bureau's Farm Employers Labor Service
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Pesticide Applicator License - Continuing Education Credits Available May 5
May 5 - 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Register here
Topic: "Ask a PCA": Making Smart Choices about Label Selection and Timing of Applications (English)
Speaker: Michael Fantozzi, Crop Consultant , Stanislaus Farm Supply (1 hr Other )
Each topic in this Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) approved Farm Bureau series is worth 1 hour of continuing education credit toward your pesticide applicator license. Free for Members, $400 Non-Members
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Environmental: SLO Tribune - Offshore Wind Energy On Central Coast Closer After Environmental Assessment Of Site Survey | |
Report to California Legislature: Prepare for sweeping effects of climate change | Painting alarming scenes of fires, floods and economic disruption, the California Legislature's advisors today released a series of reports that lays out in stark terms the impacts of climate change across the state. The typically reserved, nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office outlined dire consequences for Californians as climate change continues to alter most aspects of daily life. | | | | |
Offshore wind energy on Central Coast closer after environmental assessment of site surveys | Another step forward was taken in the long process before offshore wind turbines may be seen floating in the Pacific Ocean off the Central Coast. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the federal agency overseeing the offshore wind activities in the Morro Bay wind energy area, released on Wednesday a draft environmental assessment analyzing the potential impacts site surveys may have. | | | | |
California takes step toward first offshore wind farm on West Coast |
Commercial fisherman remain leery about the potential loss of 200 square miles of prime fishing real estate and no one knows what effect the farm will have on birds.
(CN) — The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously to pave the way for the West Coast’s first offshore wind farm that if ultimately approved ...
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Livestock: Animal Rights Activist Glues Hand To Table During Legislative Hearing At California State Capitol | |
Animal Rights Activist Glues Hand To Table During Legislative Hearing At California State Capitol | SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) - A legislative hearing at the State Capitol in Sacramento was disrupted on Wednesday when an organizer from a Bay Area-based animal rights group glued her hand to a table and refused to leave. The Assembly Agriculture Committee met to vote on various pieces of legislation. | | | | |
Cattle may move early due to feed prices, drought | California ranchers are being squeezed by drought, high prices and, now, transportation issues. That is expected to result in an earlier, faster and more expensive move to get cattle to their summer grazing pastures. "Normally, the movement from winter grazing country to summer grazing is a six- to eight-week-long process," said Ned Coe, a Modoc County rancher and California Farm Bureau field representative. | | | |
Vineyard & Wine: Paso Robles Daily News - Vina Robles Announces New CEO | |
Weed Control & Pesticide Laws & Regulations |
April 20th, 2022 1:00PM - 3:00 PM on Zoom 2 Hours of DPR CEUs Applied For
Please join us April 20th for a virtual seminar. Edward Kronfli will be discussing options to manage weeds through chemical and physical control methods. Laura Ramage will be returning to the IGGPRA stage to give growers the 2022 updates on pesticide laws & regulations. Laura will cover how vineyard owners can remain in compliance ...
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West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force Seeks to More Clearly Define Smoke Taint in Wine Grapes - American Vineyard Magazine | Where there's drought, there's fire, and where there's fire, there's smoke. This is a major concern for wine grape growers in the drought-stricken west this year. Evacuations, power outages and smoke taint have had a major impact on the wine industry at harvest-time in ... | | | | |
Vina Robles announces new CEO | Vina Robles Vineyards and Winery and the Nef family have announced the appointment of wine industry veteran Kurt Ammann as CEO of the family-owned winery. "Vina Robles has a long history in the Paso Robles community, and I am humbled to have been selected to lead the 100-percent estate vineyard and winery operation into the next 25 years," said Ammann. | | | |
Water: Adelaida Area Hydrogeologic Study Community Meeting Will Be April 25 | |
April 25 Community Meeting: Adelaida Area Hydrogeologic Study
On Monday, April 25, 2022 at 4:00 p.m., a community meeting will be held at the Atascadero Library, at 6555 Capistrano Avenue, Atascadero CA 93422. USGS, SLO County, and US-LTRCD staff will provide an overview of the next phase of the Study (Task 2), which will involve new data collection in the study area. To review past meeting information, visit the County’s website here.
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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 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 | | | | |