SBCFB Weekly Newsletter
May 22, 2024
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Farm Bureau Extension: 2024 CE Series | |
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California Farm Bureau presents the Farm Bureau Extension: 2024 Continuing Education Series held virtually. Join throughout the year for webinars featuring content that meets your pesticide continuing education (CE) requirements. Subject matter experts will share information immediately applicable to your business operations and advance your professional development. CE certificates will be sent for each webinar attended after the successful completion of a simple quiz on the material.
Classes are presented via Zoom and held during the mid-morning hours on the specified dates. Check below for class dates. Cost is free for members and $400 for non-members.
• June 13 - Integrated Pest Management
• July 11 - Vertebrate Pest Control
• Aug 8 - Personal Protective Equipment
• Sept 12 - Application Inspection
• October 10 - Choosing the Right Pesticide
• Nov 14 - Preventing Common Violations
Click here for more information.
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YOUR FARM BUREAU HAPPENINGS | |
House Farm Bill Update - May 21 | |
Highsmith, Carol M, photographer. Aerial view, United States Capitol building, Washington, D.C. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress | |
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the House Agriculture Committee’s Farm, Food, and National Security Act.
“AFBF appreciates Chairman G.T. Thompson for his work in drafting a modernized farm bill, which we support. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act recognizes the challenges and opportunities facing America’s farmers and ranchers.
“Included in the House’s farm bill is a much-needed investment in the farm safety net, including making crop insurance more affordable, which will help farmers withstand inflation and supply costs that have outpaced current programs. New investments in specialty crop programs and research, along with preserving interstate commerce of agricultural products, will enable farmers to remain competitive in an ever-changing marketplace. Improvements to dairy programs will provide transparency, and more conservation resources will help farmers protect the resources they’ve been entrusted with. The farm bill also consists of important nutrition programs that help families facing hunger.
Read the full article Here.
Read about Farm Bill issues Here.
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New USDA Programs and Partnerships to expand Organic Agriculture Opportunities | |
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USDA announced several initiatives in an attempt to bolster the organic ag sector this week. This includes new partnerships, grant awards, and an additional $10 million in funding aimed at expanding markets for organic products and assisting producers in transitioning to organic production. One of the key initiatives is the Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) program, under the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which has awarded approximately $24.8 million for 23 projects to support the development of organic markets. Additionally, USDA is investing in infrastructure, equipment, and transportation capabilities to decrease barriers faced by producers, such as limited storage capacity and transportation constraints. AMS has now awarded a total of $75.2 million to 93 projects to date across the nation to OMDG.
USDA will also be increasing support for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which will cover up to 75% of organic certification costs at a maximum of $750 per certification category. OCCSP provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of organic agricultural commodities for expenses incurred obtaining or maintaining organic certification under USDA’s National Organic Program. Eligible OCCSP applicants include any certified organic producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent.
To apply, producers and handlers should contact FSA at their local USDA Service Center and be prepared to provide documentation of organic certification and eligible expenses.
Read about Organic Program Partnership Transition Here.
Read about OMDG Here.
Read about OCCSP Here.
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Commentary: Why zero-emission forklift rule
is costly for Farmers | |
Commentary by Colin Sueyres
Courtesy of AgAlert
The California Air Resources Board is poised to adopt a new rule to eliminate internal combustion engine forklifts. The proposal would bring logistical burdens and added expenses for agriculture.
The cost of farming and ranching operations-specifically moving hay, grain and produce-may be about to get a lot more expensive in our state. That will be the outcome if the California Air Resources Board adopts its proposed rule to eliminate internal combustion engines, or ICE, forklifts across the state.
Read the full article here.
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Grainger Industrial Supply
Farm Bureau members receive even deeper discounts on the following categories:
Farm Bureau members get special member prices on selected categories and brands from Grainger, PLUS get free standard parcel shipping on all standard Grainger products.
Get started with your price savings using 3 easy methods:
- Present the California Farm Bureau account number at time of purchase.
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Go to https://www.grainger.com/farmbureau to establish a new Grainger.com® account using that account number; or
- Call Grainger customer service at 1-800-472-4643 to update your existing Grainger account with the Farm Bureau organization account number.
To be sure you get your Farm Bureau member prices, always reference California Farm Bureau’s organization account number when visiting your local branch, making a telephone order, or when setting up your personal account online.
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At JB Dewar, we take pride as the premier Central Coast-based expert provider of fuel and automotive products.
With over 90 years – and four generations – of family-run service, we’re honored to deliver value reaching far beyond a product line that sets the standard for excellence. We’re also an ally – a partner ready, willing and able to promote our customers’ long-term success. Since our 1933 founding by John B. Dewar, we’ve forged a tradition of family, community, and value, providing the highest quality products to the agriculture, farming, trucking, construction, energy, and repair shop industries.
From fuels, lubricants and filters to coolants, equipment and cleaners, JB Dewar carries only the finest quality petroleum industry products from trusted manufacturers. Whether you’re troubleshooting, maximizing efficiency or simply restocking, we have a vast array of petroleum and specialty products to meet your needs.
JB Dewar offers technical service assistance to address your fuel, storage and dispensing related concerns. We perform equipment installation, repair and inspection, equipment/exchange upgrades, fuel/lube transfers and more.
Yet that’s just part of what we do. JB Dewar is most proud of what we do outside the office – in the community – where it counts. We are proud to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation and are excited to advance the learning of the next generation through programs like JB Dewar Tractor Restoration Education Competition and the Poly Built team. These are just a few of the organizations that JB Dewar works hard to fuel forward.
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Need to Renew Your Membership or Want to Join?
We can make that easy for you!
Click here to Renew or Join today!
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Thank you to our Silver Members! | |
Thank you to our Business Members! | | | | |
