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San Luis Obispo County Agriculture News

April 8, 2022

www.slofarmbureau.org

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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.

...

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.

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This Week In SLO County Agriculture

In This Week's Issue:

  • Community: Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District Looking For New Executive Director;
  • County Government: SLO Tribune - Paso Robles Groundwater Pumped Far Beyond Sustainable Levels, New Report Shows;
  • State Government: Top State Scientist to Head Farm Bureau's California Agricultural Research Institute;
  • Federal Government: Factors That Will Shape the 2023 Farm Bill;
  • Business Member Spotlight: AG Box Company;
  • Wildfire: Free Webinar on April 19 - How To Shop (For Property Insurance) When You've Been Dropped;
  • Featured Member Benefit: Ford Truck Discount;
  • Produce: The Packer - Western Drought Puts Food Security At Risk;
  • Labor: April 29 Webinar - California’s Newest (and Vaguest) Employer Mandate;
  • Environmental: SLO Tribune - Offshore Wind Energy On Central Coast Closer After Environmental Assessment Of Site Survey;
  • Livestock: Animal Rights Activist Glues Hand To Table During Legislative Hearing At California State Capitol;
  • Vineyard & Wine: Paso Robles Daily News - Vina Robles Announces New CEO; and
  • Water: Adelaida Area Hydrogeologic Study Community Meeting Will Be April 25.

April 1 Most-Read

1. Report Finds California Has Fifth-Most Polluted Water In U.S.

2. Why California hunters are fighting a bill that would make it easier to kill wild hogs

3. SLO County and the Central Coast Water Authority seek agreement to solve state water challenges

4. California Farm Bureau's Friday Review - Governmental Affairs Report for April 1

5. SLO County Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda

6. California Insurance Commissioner survey on wildfire insurance problems

7. Letter to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service regarding a proposed Endangered Species Act regulatory action signed by SLO County Farm Bureau and other ag groups

8. Governor Newsom's Executive Order on Drought Restrictions

9. Guide to Regenerative Grazing Leases: Opportunities for Resilience

10. Time is Running Out to Get Your Pre-2010 Engine Diesel Truck in Compliance with CARB

Executive Director Report

Here are a few things we worked on this week:

  • Met with Supervisor Debbie Arnold;
  • Monitored the April 5 SLO County Board of Supervisors meeting;
  • Farm Bureau member Dan Ponti and staff met with Cal-Fire and the SLO County Ag. Department leadership about updates to the SLO County “Ag Pass” program to allow limited access to crops and livestock during wildfire evacuations; 
  • Met with California Women for Agriculture – SLO County Chapter leadership about upcoming events in 2022;
  • Assisted KSBY with a story about the effect recent warm weather is having on SLO County agriculture;
  • Spoke to SLO County Groundwater Sustainability Director Blaine Reely about local implications for new agriculture well construction following Governor's Newsom recent executive order on drought conditions (an announcement from the County is expected early next week)
  • Reached out to candidates running in the June 2022 Primary Election to schedule our Farm Bureau Candidate Forum (details to be announced soon);
  • Attended the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Prosperity Committee meeting;
  • Met with local agriculture leaders at the Cal Poly Rodeo Annual Banquet;
  • Participated in the SLO Food System Coalition Food Policy Working Group meeting; and
  • Gave our Farm Bureau weekly update on 98.1 KJUG The Tom & Becky Show (every Thursday around 9:05am).

Upcoming Events:

  • April 9 from 9am-2pm (multiple locations)- Central Coast Greenhouse Growers Association 19th Annual Open House Scholarship Fundraiser
  • April 19 at 6pm at Ancient Peaks Winery – California Women for Agriculture SLO County Chapter and Farm Bureau Legislative Meeting with Guest Speaker Supervisor Debbie Arnold
  • April 26 at 5pm – SLO County Farm Bureau monthly board meeting (all members welcome, please RSVP to info@slofarmbureau.org)

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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.

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State Government: Top State Scientist to Head Farm Bureau's California Agricultural Research Institute

Vegetables Produce

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, ...

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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

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. ...

Read more

Business Member Spotlight:

AG Box Company

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.

agboxcompany.com

OCEANO: 805-489-0377 FRESNO: 559-264-3421 SANTA MARIA: 805-922-9883

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

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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 ...

Read More
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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

SLO County Farm Bureau Business Support Member List

Featured Member Benefit:

Ford Truck Discount

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

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 ...

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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

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The Latest Compliance Resources from California Farm Bureau's Farm Employers Labor Service


APRIL 7, 2022 - Cal/OSHA Releases Draft of COVID-19 ETS 3rd Readoption: Cal/OSHA has released draft language for the 3rd readoption of the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) originally adopted in November 2020, readopted in June 2021, and readopted for the second time permitted by the Administrative Procedures Act in December 2021. 


The language as written by Cal/OSHA is likely to be adopted by the Cal/OSHA Standards Board at its April 21 meeting. Governor Newsom’s February 28, 2022 executive order extended the life of the second readoption to May 6, authorized the Standards Board to readopt the ETS for a third time, and extends the life of the 3rd readoption to December 31, 2022. More here


DLSE Shifts FLC License Processing to Enhance Speed of Approvals and Renewals: In an email of March 25 to California Farm Labor Contractor licensees, the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement announced it is shifting its farm labor contractor examination process to an on-line vendor in the expectation that examinee success will improve, DLSE will be able to more efficiently deploy its staff to manage new license applications and renewals and backlogs for testing will disappear in the coming months; you can read more here.


FELS and California Farm Bureau have worked with a number of FLCs to help resolve licensing issues with DLSE in the last 18 months, and we continue to be ready to assist you with these problems going forward. Please feel free to email us at info@fels.net or call us at 800-753-9073 with FLC licensing concerns.

UPCOMING WEBINARS


April 29, 2022 (webinar): California’s Newest (and Vaguest) Employer Mandate: What Will California Privacy Rights Act Require You to Do to Safeguard Employee’s Data: The CPRA significantly amends the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) by broadening businesses' obligations under the CCPA and creating the California Privacy Protection Agency, the first statewide privacy regulatory agency, to enforce the CCPA. California employers with more than $25 million in annual gross revenue need to be prepared to comply with the new requirements by January 1, 2023. Seth Mehrten of FELS Group Legal Services Program partner firm Barsamian & Moody explains the new requirements and how to best prepare for compliance in the lead-up to the law's effective date.

April 29, 2022, 10 AM

Register here


May 25, 2022 (webinar): ALRB Do's and Don'ts: An Overview of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act and the Agricultural Labor Relations Board: Rights to protected concerted activity and other rights protected by the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA) apply to employees even in non-union workplaces. Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) chair Victoria Hassid will offer insight into the Board's enforcement of these rights.

May 25, 2022, 10 AM

Register here

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 ...

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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.

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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.

Join or Renew Your San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Membership

Thank You Platinum Members

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