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Jun 25, 2025
FARM BUREAU IN ACTION
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Annual Dinner
The 2025 Annual Dinner, "Working Lands, Working People" celebrated the rich resources of El Dorado County, uplifted and embraced the heart of the local farmers and ranchers.
| Michael Ranalli, President El Dorado Farm Bureau | Dan Durheim, COO California Farm Bureau | Miranda Jachens, Leadership Farm Bureau | 2025 Scholarship recipient, Kaydence Carroll, Claudia Jachens | |
CAFB Leadership Program Updates
In May, I toured a variety of farms and ranches in Tulare and Kern County with Leadership Farm Bureau - hosted by California Farm Bureau.
We focused on the topics of water and labor; touring a water banking project and companies who are adopting automation in both the farm and processing sides. It was an important trip to see how diverse California agriculture is and how the needs of one county can be so drastically different than another’s.
Representing EDC Farm Bureau we have an average farm size at about 77 acres, whereas Tulare is 353, and Kern is 1,419 according to data from the Census of Agriculture. Fascinating to see the large scale operations and how their practices differ from my home county.
A highlight for me was getting to eat carrots straight from the field - they were extra delicious And I saw lots of cows!
And of course thanks to Claudia Jachens for watching cruise on my continued adventures.
~ By Miranda Jachens,
Leadership Farm Bureau is a leadership development program sponsored by the California Farm Bureau and is the one program in Farm Bureau that is specifically designed to invest in emerging Farm Bureau leaders. Participants gain perspective and training in the areas of personal development, human behavior, public speaking, working with the media, political advocacy, government structure, key political issues and the Farm Bureau organization and structure.
For more information, check out their page at https://www.cfbf.com/ag-programs/leadership-farm-bureau
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El Dorado County Ag in the Classroom - 20 Mile Taste
Join us at Rainbow Orchards on August 23, 2025 from 4-7pm. Once again, John Sanders of Old Town Grill will be contributing his creative culinary creations for this fun event. Enjoy dessert pastries and wine pairings plus hot apple cider donuts while listening to live music performed by Hither and Yon.
Visitors will have the option to drive thru/take out the meal or to stay and picnic in the orchard. The orchard venue will include live music wine, beer, hard cider, sangria to purchase, and auction items. More info Tickets here
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Disaster Preparation for Farms and Ranches Webinar
July 1, 2025 from 7:00 - 7:45 PM PDT
Farming and ranching businesses often face a specific set of challenges when it comes to protecting both critical infrastructure, crops, and livestock during natural disasters. Join the UC ANR Fire Network to learn about practical methods for disaster preparation for farms and ranches! UC Cooperative Extension Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor, Dan Macon, will discuss types of potential disasters (including wildfire), the importance of developing and sharing written plans, and other measures to keep your livestock safe and healthy during disasters.
Register here by June 30
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CHECK OUT OUR BEGINNERS WORKSHOP SERIES
Our goal is to help those interested in exploring how to get started in agriculture, connect you with community resources and support your endeavors along the way. This entire series of workshops is free for Farm Bureau members, or available to non-members, with a fee. Each class does require a reservation for seating purposes.
If you are interested in the series, now is a great time to explore joining Farm Bureau to save money on the wealth of knowledge you will gain. Go to https://www.cfbf.com/membership/become-a-member to explore the benefits of becoming a member.
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Framework for Small Business Success
July 16 6:00 pm
A great overview of starting a business. We'll touch on topics such as Business Structures, Locations, Financing, Business Plans, Licensing and Permits, Employees, Marketing and much more. Free for members. $5 non-members
Please reserve a spot, using the links above, as seating is limited.
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Getting Started With Ranching
Aug 5 6:30 pm
Are you interested in starting a ranch? Want to turn your passion for raising livestock into a business? This workshop will provide beginning ranchers with information on the economics of ranching, on developing a business and marketing plan, and on navigating the regulations around commercial livestock production. Taught by UCCE Central Sierra Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor, Dan Macon.
Please reserve a spot, using the links above, as seating is limited.
Free for members. $5 non-members
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Upcoming Series Workshops
- Beginning Farming Academy - date TBD
- Farmer's Markets - Selling your Products - date TBD
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You May Also Be Interested in This
Small Farmer & Rancher Creating Your Business Identity Virtual Workshop
June 26, 2025 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. PT
The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement (OPPE) are partnering to host a Small Farmer & Rancher Creating Your Business Identify Virtual Workshop. The virtual workshop will cover information on:
- Creating a profile on Google Business
- Leveraging ecosystems to promote your farm.
We look forward to you joining us for this virtual informational workshop.
Register here.
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Enroll in the Mentorship Program Aimed at Preserving California’s Agricultural Heritage
Beginning farmers and ranchers in California face many challenges to sustaining their agricultural operations. This program provides no-cost mentorship services from farmers and ranchers with more than a decade of experience operating a production agriculture business in California.
Click here for more information about this program and learn more about upcoming workshops.
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Understanding Farm Succession Planning
Finding time to talk to your family about succession planning for your farm may be difficult. You may also be uncomfortable with the thought of selling your farm or handing over control to family members.
Make the time to develop a solid succession plan (often called a “transition plan”) for your farming business. As it transfers to its next generation of leaders, you’ll help ensure that your family’s wishes are met, and emotional stress is minimized.
Click here to explore more about making Your Land Your Legacy
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AB 1156 - California Farm Bureau policy regarding the Williamson Act
Since the inception of the Williamson Act, between 15 and 16 million acres of land have been under contract, no matter the drought or economic conditions facing California. This stability comes from a landowner contractual obligation to make payment to the state of California for early contract cancellation. Those payments are made to the Department of Conservation to manage a soil health fund and then flow to the General Fund. Millions of dollars are typically remitted to the General Fund from those payments. AB 1156 eliminates that contractual obligation only for solar development, providing solar developers with a General Fund subsidy during a multi-billion-dollar budget crisis. Farm Bureau requested amendments to AB 1156 which would keep the existing integral contractual obligations that are in statute today. This prevents the creation of new unfunded budget liabilities and keeps the Williamson Act stable.
Like the concerns expressed by Members of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture at its policy hearing on AB 1156, Farm Bureau seeks to define “insufficient water supply” and “commercial viability” so that these changes in conditions are clearly measurable and identifiable by landowners, state agencies, and local governments. This ensures that land use decisions are based on actual changed farming conditions.
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CAFB FILES PROTEST IN PG&E GRC PHASE 1
On June 18, 2025, CAFB filed its protest to Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) General Rate Case (GRC) Phase 1 application. CAFB’s protest focused on PG&E’s misleading presentation of the impact of the case. For example, PG&E claims that bills will mostly be flat compared to 2025, but this looks at the GRC in isolation and without additional ongoing cases that will further impact rates. It also ignores the fact that PG&E does not include requests for funding to underground distribution lines outside of 2027 because of the shifting of that request to the SB 884 expedited underground program. This allows for billions of dollars to be left out of the calculus on impacts to customers despite knowing they will be requested and at least in some capacity granted. The next step in the proceeding will be the Prehearing Conference on July 3, 2025, and then CAFB will begin to further review testimony and explore opportunities to push back on funding requests.
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TELEPHONE LANDLINE DEBATE CONTINUES AT THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION AND THE LEGISLATURE
AB 470 (McKinnor) would usurp a rulemaking opened by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in 2024 to broadly consider changes related to landline or Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) requirements and procedures. There are 16 COLRs in California. AT&T is the biggest, covering large parts of the state. Frontier is the second largest. Meanwhile, parties to the proceeding, including CAFB, have been holding meet and confer sessions which address potential areas of agreement related to issues raised. The AT&T sponsored legislation, AB 470, presents unworkable and one-sided processes to implement the COLR revisions. AB 470 made it out of the Appropriations Committee, but did not make it to the Assembly Floor for consideration. Nevertheless, the bill is continuing to move through the Assembly and amendments were in print on June 19 that do not resolve our concerns. The legislation will be heard in the Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee on June 23. CAFB is opposed to the legislation and collaborating with other stakeholders to defeat the legislation. Meanwhile, many of the same parties engaged on the legislation are continuing to meet and discuss proposals that are similar to the topics in the legislation as part of the CPUC Rulemaking, 24-06-012.
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The Voice of California Agriculture
Episode 62: 6/19/25 - California Farm Leaders Voice Concerns, Day in the Life of a Dairy Farmer, Livestock Pest, and Average Age of Farmers Discussion
Listen here
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California Bountiful
Animals contribute to agriculture in many ways, and on this episode of California Bountiful, we visit a few farms and ranches where animals are kind of a big deal! From a working horse ranch in Coachella to cattle in San Diego County's backcountry, we also discover a frog farm and introduce you to the California Farm Bureau's reigning Farm Dog of the Year. Plus, learn about blooms trending to match the 2025 official Pantone color and a beef recipe to whet your appetite! Watch the episode here.
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Member Benefits
In addition to supporting the local agricultural community, Agricultural members enjoy access to the following exclusive benefits and discounts. Explore benefits available to members here.
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Farm Bureau Extension
Farm Bureau Extension is a free educational platform for Farm Bureau members. Created in 2021 based on feedback from members, the platform serves to help members navigate daily business operations on the farm and ranch. Courses are offered throughout the year to help fulfill requirements for annual DPR licensing, health and safety training and employer compliance with state mandates.
| For weekly updates with exclusive digital content, subscribe to the FREE Ag Alert newsletter today! | |
Trump Administration Reverses Course on Immigration Enforcement in Agriculture & Hospitality
The Trump Administration reversed a brief pause on ICE enforcement in agriculture and hospitality. With a new goal of 3,000 daily arrests, the Farm Bureau urges focus on criminal targets—not essential workers—and calls for measured, compassionate action. More info
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On Wednesday, USDA announced new actions to address the potential reintroduction of the New World Screwworm (NWS), a pest that has been eradicated from the U.S. for decades. More info
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The Trump Administration issued an Executive Order to improve wildfire prevention and response, streamlining agency coordination, easing prescribed burn regulations and modernizing data use. Federal efforts will focus on identifying and mitigating fire risks. More info
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2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Contest
Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights.
Submissions due Fri, Jul 11, 2025 9:00 PM
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Is there a story you'd like to share with our members? Let us know at admin@edcfb.com
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Trump officials reverse guidance exempting farms, hotels from immigration raids
The Department of Homeland Security on Monday told staff that it was reversing guidance issued last week that agents were not to conduct immigration raids at farms, hotels and restaurants — a decision that stood at odds with President Donald Trump’s calls for mass deportations of anyone without legal status. Officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including its Homeland Security Investigations division, told agency leaders in a call Monday that agents must continue conducting immigration raids at agricultural businesses, hotels and restaurants, according to two people familiar with the call. The Washington Post.
Industry leaders plead with White House on relief from raids after setback
Industry and business groups that depend on immigrant workers are scrambling to respond to President Donald Trump’s heightened deportation efforts, after winning a partial reprieve on raids last week that was reversed days later. The administration on Monday walked back a pause on immigration raids at farms, meatpacking plants, hotels and restaurants, sending renewed shock waves through the broader business community, parts of which are still pushing the White House for relief from workplace raids. The Washington Post.
As the summer harvest season launches, confusion and uncertainty hang over California fields
As the crucial summer harvest season gets underway in California’s vast agricultural regions, farmers and their workers say they feel whiplashed by a series of contradictory signals about how the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration might affect them… “We, as the California agricultural community, are trying to figure out what’s going on,” said Ryan Jacobsen, chief executive of the Fresno County Farm Bureau and a farmer of almonds and grapes. He added that “time is of the essence,” because farms and orchards are “coming right into our busiest time.” Los Angeles Times.
A 'perfect' season for Washington's sweet cherries turns sour because of deportation fears
It was supposed to be a banner year for Pacific Northwest cherries. Cherry production is estimated to be about 10% above last year’s, the fruit is high quality, and California’s shorter-than-usual season meant cherry pickers would be free to migrate north to bring in the crop. The only problem? They never showed up. " We had everything, the size of the cherries, we had the quality — perfect scenario," said Erik Zavala, director of field staff at Blue Bird, a growers co-op in Wenatchee, Washington. “Now, everybody's asking, 'What the hell happened? I mean, where are the pickers?'” KUOW.
They can’t get fire insurance. So California wineries are seeking out fire trucks and military tech
As summer approaches and Napa Valley’s vineyards grow lush, the specter of wildfire looms. The memory of Napa’s two most destructive wildfire years — 2017 and 2020 — is fresh, but preparing for future events has become difficult… So the Napa Valley community, particularly its vintners, has taken matters into its own hands. Wineries are hiring private firefighting forces, buying professional equipment and training their vineyard employees to operate it. Some have installed underground bunkers for water storage to supply their extensive sprinkler systems. San Francisco Chronicle.
Proposed new groundwater fee structure has Tulare County farmers crying foul
Tulare County farmers are incensed by a proposed new fee structure that they say will put the entire burden of state groundwater oversight across the San Joaquin Valley solely on their shoulders. It costs the state Water Resources Control Board about $5.5 million a year to oversee six basins in the San Joaquin Valley that have been found to have inadequate groundwater plans... “If they approve this fee structure, one subbasin will pay for the whole SGMA program, which is inequitable,” said Eric Limas, general manager of Pixley and Lower Tule River groundwater sustainability agencies. SJV Water.
Trump admin eyes Mojave Desert groundwater as potential source for arid Arizona
The situation on the Colorado River — the water supply for 40 million Westerners and half of all Californians — is dire… To the Los Angeles-based water company Cadiz Inc., that looks like opportunity… After trying and failing for more than two decades to pump ancient groundwater from beneath the Mojave Desert… the controversial company has set its sights on new customers over the border in the Grand Canyon State… On Monday, the Interior Department announced plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with the latest incarnation of the project, called the Mojave Groundwater Bank. Politico.
Clover Sonoma cuts ties with Central Valley supplier tied to egg recall, salmonella
Clover Sonoma has broken ties with Merced County company, August Egg, following the recall of 1.7 million eggs because of a potential salmonella contamination that affected eggs from multiple brands in the United States. The outbreak of the foodborne illness sickened people across seven states, including California. “We were alarmed to learn our organic cage free eggs were part of a food safety recall, and our immediate concern was for the safety of the public,” Clover Sonoma’s Vice President of Quality, Regulatory and Sustainability, Michael Benedetti told the Business Journal. The Press Democrat.
Opinion: New California wolf packs: How to balance wildlife conservation with ranching
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently announced the presence of three new wolf packs in the state, bringing California’s total number of packs up to 10. Department biologists believe there are between 50 and 70 gray wolves in the state of California… this recovery has caused challenges and genuine concern for California’s rural communities, particularly those who are professional ranchers... As wolves show up in places from which they’ve been absent for 100 years, it is understandable that people are worried. The Fresno Bee.
PG&E may cut power in these California counties due to fire risk. What to know
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has placed more than a dozen California counties on notice for a possible public safety power shutoff as hot, dry conditions and gusty winds heighten wildfire concerns through Sunday. Beginning as early as Thursday, so-called PSPS outages are possible in portions of 13 counties, PG&E said in a forecast update Wednesday morning… Winds gusting up to 50 mph are forecast for areas including the northwest Sacramento Valley and Salinas Valley foothills, while the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and interior regions are expected to remain dry with humidity dropping as low as 10%. The Sacramento Bee.
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2024/2025 Board of Directors
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Ranalli
Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Spinetta
Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gordon Helm
Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miranda Jachens
Jim Davies
Norm Krizl
Shamarie Tong
Tandra Heagy
Lee Tannenbaum
Staff
Managing Director . . Barb Kildow admin@edcfb.com 530-622-7773 530-620-8292 (cell)
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El Dorado County Farm Bureau News is a publication for its members. Dues for membership are $225 for agricultural members, $190 for Business Ag Support, $87 for Associate members and $25 for Collegiate. Non-profit postage paid at Placerville, CA. Postmaster: Send changes to 2460 Headington Road, Placerville, CA 95667 El Dorado County Farm Bureau does not assume responsibility for statements by advertisers or for products advertised in El Dorado County newsletter, nor does Farm Bureau assume responsibility for statements or expressions of opinion other than in editorials or in articles showing authorship by an officer, director or employee of El Dorado County Farm Bureau or its affiliates.
A private nonprofit organization serving El Dorado County agriculture since 1917.
2460 Headington Road, Placerville, CA 95667
530-622-7773
EDCFB.com
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