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Last week was a busy week at the office! Paul got the chance to go to Cal Poly and speak to the Cal Poly Agricultural Leadership class about Farm Bureau and Young Farmers and Ranchers!
Jesslyn spent a day with her SLO Agri-Peer Networking Group learning about marketing strategy and strategic planning with a guest speaker, Mary Heslep, from Ten Acre Marketing! Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see what we are up to every week!
-The SLO County Farm Bureau Team
| | This Week In SLO County Agriculture | | Upcoming Community Events: SLO Young Farmers and Ranchers Meeting | | |
Our Young Farmers and Ranchers will be touring the Molnar Cattle Ranch in May! We are so excited to learn more about the ranch and there Beef By The Beach Program! Please use the link below to RSVP!
RSVP Here!
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We need YOU! Every year the SLO County Farm Bureau has a booth at the Best Of The West Antique Equipment Show. We BBQ and serve our famous Tri-Tip Sandwiches, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and Chili!
We need help at our booth with food prep, serving, and selling. It is a great family fun event and a wonderful way to connect with our community. We would love to have you join us. Please check out the link below and fill it out if you can volunteer. The hours marked are very flexible. Please reach out to Jesslyn at jblank@slofarmbureau.org if you have any questions about the event or volunteering! We will provide you with lunch and free admission into the event!
Volunteer Here!
| | Community: Glen Speck Elementary Schools Holds It's 28th Annual AG Day | |
New Paso Robles bridge expected to help traffic | Work is expected to begin this summer on a new bridge that will connect S. Vine Street to the intersection of Theater Dr. and Highway 46. | | | |
Cal Poly sets new admissions record | In its 2025 enrollment review, university officials say nearly 82,000 students applied to the school. | | | |
Glen Speck Elementary School holds its 28th annual AG Day | Students at Glen Speck Elementary School spent the day outside the classroom learning about agriculture on Thursday | | | |
Disaster preparedness course offered in Atascadero | 20-hour course is open to individuals age 15 and older. - The North San Luis Obispo County Community Emergency Response Team will offer a basic training course in disaster preparedness, response an... | | | |
Update: Paso Robles Main Street ranked eighth in the USA Today's 10 Best Main Streets list | Update posted April 18: Paso Robles Main Street was the only downtown in California to make the list - Paso Robles Main Street has been [...] | | | |
Dream Big Darling retreat returns to Central Coast in June | Application deadline for scholarship recipients is May 15 - Dream Big Darling, a nonprofit organization that supports emerging women in the wine and spirits industry, [...] | | | |
Obituary of Justin Henry Wiebe, 44 | It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Justin Henry Wiebe. Justin passed unexpectedly on March 13, 2025 after organ failure [...] | | | | Local Government: Paso Robles Selects New City Manager | |
San Miguel Board of Directors to discuss possible removal of its Community Services District | The San Miguel Board of Directors is set to discuss a proposal at Thursday night's meeting involving the possible dissemination of its community services district | | | |
Paso Robles selects new city manager | Following a closed-session discussion at Tuesday night's City Council meeting, it was announced that Paso Robles has selected its next city manager. | | | |
New economic development director brings services to North County entrepreneurs | Donnica Forensich will hold open office hours at the Sandbox in Paso Robles every Wednesday - The Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Small [...] | | | | State Government: California Farm Bureau President Highlights Urgent Challenges Facing Agriculture | |
California Farm Bureau President Highlights Urgent Challenges Facing Agriculture | SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass identified critical issues facing the state's farmers and ranchers, stressing immediate action to support small and... | | | |
California sues to stop Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs | California has filed a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's tariffs. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that Trump lacks the authority to impose the sweeping 10% tariff on all imports. | | | |
NorCal farmers plead for Trump's help in their fight against PG&E | Northern California farm bureaus urge President Donald Trump to stop PG&E from removing Scott Dam, warning of disaster for farms, towns and water access. | | | | Federal Government: Proposed Bill Would Require Congressional Approval Before New Agricultural Tariffs | |
How Trump's tariffs are shaping the auto market landscape | As President Donald Trump weighs whether to suspend his tariffs on foreign cars and parts, automakers find themselves in a challenging position as they try to adapt to the back-and-forth. | | | |
Proposed Bill Would Require Congressional Approval Before New Agricultural Tariffs | A new bill introduced by Congressman Adam Gray aims to protect U.S. farmers from economic harm caused by retaliatory tariffs. The "Stop ..... | | | |
Trump administration moves to narrow protections for endangered species | Environmentalists warn new proposal from US wildlife agencies could lead to habitat destruction and extinction | | | |
Thousands Accept Trump Buyouts at USDA - Economy AgNet West | Thousands of workers have accepted the Trump administration's buyout offers at the USDA. E & E News says employees who've seen the internal | | | | Agricultural: Five Things Farmers Need to Know About the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) | |
Summit to Showcase California Agritourism Best Practices, May 14-15 | DAVIS, Calif. -- Given market fluctuations and climate volatility, many agricultural producers are seeking additional sources of farm-related revenue to pay their bills. Agritourism is... | | | |
Modern Agriculture Puts Soil Health First | Farmers are at the forefront of regenerative practices because they see firsthand what it takes to grow and sustain life. | | | |
Five Things Farmers Need to Know About the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) | LUBBOCK, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its planned rollout of $10 billion in economic disaster relief for farmers, including $42.91 per... | | | |
U.S. Farm Sector Starts 2025 Strong but Faces Rising Trade Risks and Price Pressures in New Administration | The Farm Credit System says the U.S. economy entered 2025 with key indicators in favorable positions. However, expectations for first quarter | | | |
Women's Health on the Farm: New Tools for Fertility Awareness | SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. - The farm environment creates particular difficulties for people who live there. Female farmers in agricultural work handle multiple commitments which start... | | | |
USDA: Climate Program Cancelled, Funding Reprioritized to Farmers | WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today [April 14, 2025] announced the cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC). Following a thorough... | | | | Environmental: Conserving Natural Resources as We Grow Food | |
Conserving Natural Resources as We Grow Food | We must conserve and protect natural resources to grow food and sustain our farm for future generations | | | |
Morro Bay asks Vistra to transfer former power plant property to city | Vistra told the city of Morro Bay: "We respectfully decline your offer to gift the City of Morro Bay our private property." | | | |
Biogas Industry Campaign Highlights Domestic Energy and Economic Potential | WASHINGTON -- As Congress prepares to deliberate critical clean energy tax provisions, the American Biogas Council (ABC) has launched an online advertising campaign to spotlight... | | | |
Rattlesnake sightings could be higher than usual this year on the Central Coast | Snake sightings are no surprise to people in the community, but Cal Poly biology professor Dr. Emily Taylor says that rattlesnake sightings could be higher than usual this year. | | | |
Ag Alert - On the Record: Wade Crowfoot talks California's natural resources | California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot leads efforts to conserve the state’s environment and natural resources—water, air quality, forests, energy and species. Many decisions and regulations that emerge from agency departments affect farmers and ranchers. | | | |
Fertilizing Pastures after a Drought | COLUMBUS, Ohio - Spring is here, bringing lush pasture growth with April rains and warmer temperatures. Although many of our pastures may have gone into... | | | | Produce: Orange Production Expected to Rise - Citrus | |
Customer confusion about 'sell by' dates on food leads to three billion pounds of food waste each year | Grocery prices have been on the rise for the past five years at a rate of 3% year-over-year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. | | | |
US FDA suspends food safety quality checks after staff cuts | The Food and Drug Administration is suspending a quality control program for its food testing laboratories as a result of staff cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services, according to an internal email seen by Reuters. | | | |
Orange Production Expected to Rise - Citrus AgNet West | USDA/NASS reports that U. S. orange production is expected to rise by 2% from March, with Florida's production unchanged at 11.6 million .... | | | |
AFT Raising $2M for Emergency Resilience Grants for Farmers | WASHINGTON -- Honoring the nexus of environmental stewardship and agriculture, American Farmland Trust seeks to raise $2 million in total to support its Emergency Resilience... | | | |
California Treasurer: Tariffs Hurt Farmers and Raise Food Costs | California State Treasurer Fiona Ma spoke out Wednesday during a national press call hosted by a group of state treasurers. The group raised | | | | Labor: USCIS Releases New Form I-9 | |
USCIS Releases New Form I-9 - Farm Employers Labor Service | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new edition of the Form I-9 on April 3. The new version features minor changes to the prior form: Adding appropriate statutory language and a revised Department of Homeland Security Privacy Notice to the Instructions. Renaming the fourth checkbox in Section 1 to "An alien authorized to [...] | | | |
Trump Indicates Possible Immigration Flexibility for Ag Employers, USCBP Provides No Criminal Information on January Bakersfield Arrests - Farm Employers Labor Service | At a cabinet meeting on April 10, President Trump indicated an interest in creating an avenue to legal status for agricultural employees, saying he wanted to ensure that farms and hotels with undocumented workers can continue to employ them. Trump said farmers would be able to "come in with a letter concerning certain people, saying [...] | | | | |
The Magic of Madonna Inn ~ Iconic Rooms, Dining & Hospitality
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- Terrace Pool and Fitness Center
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- Exploring San Luis Obispo
- Tesla & EV Charging Stations
- Madonna Inn Copper Cafe & Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House
- Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge & Terrace Pool Bar
Learn More Here!
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Madonna Inn
San Luis Obispo, CA
| | Thank You Farm Bureau Members | | |
Renewing Agriculture Members
Vineyard Team
LaVerne Watkins
Carl Holloway
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County
M Chavez & Sons Farming Inc
California Mid State Fair
Renewing Business Support Members
Heredia Farm Labor
Coastal Tractor
Renewing Associate Members
Paul Ready
Louise Gorfain
| | Featured Member Benefit: AVIS Car Rentals | | |
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| | Livestock: Ranchers Hope Trump's Tariffs Boost Demand For Cattle, But Some Fear Market Uncertainty | |
Angus Joins Global Initiative to Improve Livestock Efficiency | SAINT JOSEPH, Mo. -- Joining a new global effort to help beef cattle producers breed more efficient livestock, the Angus Foundation - alongside Angus Genetics... | | | |
Real California Cow's Milk Cheeses Bring Home 18 Awards at United States Championship Cheese and Dairy Product Contest in Green Bay, Wisconsin | TRACY, Calif. - Cow's milk cheese and dairy processors that use the Real California Milk seal brought home 18 awards during the 2025 annual biennial... | | | |
Ranchers hope Trump's tariffs boost demand for cattle but some fear market uncertainty | Ranchers hope President Donald Trump's tariffs will make imported beef expensive enough that Americans will turn to cattle raised at home for all their hamburger and steaks. | | | |
Time to Check & Treat Your Herd for Ticks | AMES, Iowa - Temperatures are warmer, grass is greening up nicely, and yes, it's time for ticks. But are ticks on cattle a concern? Absolutely,... | | | |
California's Gray Wolf Population Expanding - Agri-Business AgNet West | California's gray wolf population is expanding, with seven established packs and four additional areas of activity identified by the end of | | | |
CDFA/OARS Allocates Grants Aimed at Reducing Methane Emissions | The CDFA/OARS has allocated $24.82 million in grants to 30 projects aimed at reducing methane emissions. These projects, part of the ........ | | | | Vineyard and Wine: CrossHatch Winery Owner Buys 40-Acre Farm in Templeton | |
Booker Vineyard celebrates Earth Day with educational vineyard walks | Learn about regenerative organic farming during April 22-27 events - Booker Vineyard will offer free educational vineyard walks and a documentary screening during Earth Day [...] | | | |
CrossHatch Winery owner buys 40-acre farm in Templeton | Plans for property include winemaker dinners and educational wine experiences - Michelle Vautier, owner of CrossHatch Winery, has acquired a 40-acre farm at 10443 Dover [...] | | | |
Fortress Custom Crush opens full-service winemaking site in Paso Robles | New facility led by Jeremy Leffert serves wineries of all sizes - Fortress Custom Crush has opened a full-service winemaking facility in westside Paso Robles, [...] | | | | Water: CDFW: California Takes Action to Halt Golden Mussel Invasion | |
YEAR ANNIVERSARY: State groundwater sanctions paused but Kings County farmers, water managers moving forward - SJV Water | Wednesday marks one full year since the state brought the "hammer" down on Kings County farmers for pumping so much groundwater it sank a vast area that | | | |
CAL MATTERS: Salmon fishing shutdown marks a grim milestone. Why California shouldn't give up hope | By Chuck Bonham, director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. This week, a public federal process determined there will be no commercial salmon fishing off California's coast for the third year in a row. | | | |
CDFW: California Takes Action to Halt Golden Mussel Invasion | From the Department of Fish and Wildlife: In response to the recent detection of golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the state of California has developed a comprehensive Golden Mussel Response Framework to address this urgent invasive species threat. The discovery in October 2024 marked the first known occurrence of golden mussel in North America. | | | | Farm Bureau Membership Matters | | | | |
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.
| | Thank You Platinum Members | | SLO County Agriculture News is distributed by SLO County Farm Bureau for information purposes only. Stories written by SLO County Farm Bureau may be reprinted with attribution. Some outside story links may require site registration. Opinions expressed in stories, commentaries or editorials included in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of SLO County Farm Bureau. For information on advertising opportunities, please email info@slofarmbureau.org or call our office at 805-543-3654. | | | | |