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San Luis Obispo County Agriculture News

April 21, 2025

www.slofarmbureau.org

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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

In This Week's Issue:

  • Upcoming Community Events: YF&R Meeting on May 13th at Molnar Cattle LLC
  • Community: Glen Speck Elementary Schools Holds It's 28th Annual AG Day
  •  Local Government: Paso Robles Selects New City Manager
  • State Government: California Farm Bureau President Highlights Urgent Challenges Facing Agriculture
  • Federal Government: Proposed Bill Would Require Congressional Approval Before New Agricultural Tariffs
  • Agricultural: Five Things Farmers Need to Know About the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP)
  • Environmental: Conserving Natural Resources as We Grow Food
  • Produce: Orange Production Expected to Rise - Citrus
  • Labor: USCIS Releases New Form I-9
  • Business Member Spotlight: Madonna Inn
  • Thank You Farm Bureau Members
  • Featured Member Benefit: AVIS Car Rentals
  • Livestock: Ranchers Hope Trump's Tariffs Boost Demand For Cattle, But Some Fear Market Uncertainty
  • Vineyard and Wine: CrossHatch Winery Owner Buys 40-Acre Farm in Templeton 
  •  Water: CDFW: California Takes Action to Halt Golden Mussel Invasion
  • Farm Bureau Membership Matters

April 14th Most-Read

  1. Pioneer Day names Gary Tucker and Lorraine Cagliero as marshal, queen
  2. Mythbusting MAHA’s Claims About Food and Farming
  3. Can Adam Schiff protect California farms, workers from Trump tariffs?
  4. 'A different experience': Cal Poly's Poly Royal Rodeo returns to San Luis Obispo
  5. Question marks, concerns and possible benefits of tariffs on local businesses
  6. NFU: Farmers and Ranchers Will Bear the Brunt of a Global Trade War
  7. Trump admin declares emergency in California's federal forests
  8. New visitor center, shared office space opens in Paso Robles
  9. New market opens in San Luis Obispo offering 'higher quality' meats, seafood
  10. FARMSTEAD ED - Open Farm Days 2025

SLO County Farm Bureau Calendar of Events:

  • April 22nd - SLO Farm Bureau Monthly Board Meeting at 5:00pm at the SLO Farm Bureau Office - Please RSVP by emailing pclark@slofarmbureau.org or by calling 805-549-3654
  • May 12th - SLO Farm Bureau Women's Meeting - Location TBD
  • May 13th - SLO Young Farmers and Ranchers Meeting at Molnar Cattle LLC. Tour starts at 6:00pm. Please RSVP Here!
  • May 23rd-25th - Best Of The West Antique Equipment Show at the Historic Santa Margarita Ranch. Please use this link to Volunteer Here at our Farm Bureau booth!
  • May 27th - SLO Farm Bureau Monthly Board Meeting at 5:00pm at the SLO Farm Bureau Office - Please RSVP by emailing pclark@slofarmbureau.org or by calling 805-549-3654

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!

 

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.

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Cal Poly sets new admissions record

In its 2025 enrollment review, university officials say nearly 82,000 students applied to the school.

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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

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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...

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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 [...]

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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, [...]

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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 [...]

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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

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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.

Read More

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 [...]

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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...

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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.

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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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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 .....

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Trump administration moves to narrow protections for endangered species

Environmentalists warn new proposal from US wildlife agencies could lead to habitat destruction and extinction

Read More

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

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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...

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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.

Read More

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...

Read More

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

Read More

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...

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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...

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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

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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."

Read More

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...

Read More

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.

Read More

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. 

Read More

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...

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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 ....

Read More

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...

Read More

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

Read More

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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Business Member Spotlight: Madonna Inn


 The Magic of Madonna Inn ~ Iconic Rooms, Dining & Hospitality 


Enhance Your Stay with Luxurious Amenities & Activities : On-Property amenities and activities are loved by hotel guests and locals alike! Read more below for information on what is offered!



  • Terrace Pool and Fitness Center 
  • Boutique Shopping
  • Live Music and Dancing 
  • Horseback Trail Rides 
  • Hiking 
  • Tennis, Basketball & Pickleball 
  • 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!

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

SLO County Farm Bureau Business Support Member List

Featured Member Benefit: AVIS Car Rentals


AVIS Car Rentals For All Your Explorations!


California Farm Bureau members can save up to 35 percent off Avis base rates with PAY NOW* for max savings with an Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number. In addition, enjoy additional offers** like dollars off, a complimentary upgrade, or a free weekend day. Visit www.Avis.com/CAFB or call 1 800-331-1212 to make a reservation.


Avis Car Rental operates one of the world's best-known car rental brands with approximately 5,450 locations in more than 165 countries.


Learn More Here!

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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.

Read More

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,...

Read More

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

Read More

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 ........

Read More

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 [...]

Read More

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 [...]

Read More

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, [...]

Read More

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

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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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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.

 
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