Despite $42 Million Decline from 2021, Strawberries Remain San Luis Obispo County's Top Agricultural Commodity | |
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Tomorrow, San Luis Obispo County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer Marty Settevendemie will present the 2022 Annual Agricultural Statistics for San Luis Obispo County to the Board of Supervisors. From the staff report:
"For the second consecutive year, crop values for San Luis Obispo County set a record high as the total value for 2022 reached $1,084,332,000, a slight increase of less than one percent over the previous year. Although the impacts from the ongoing drought led to reduced yields in a wide variety of crops, strong crop prices helped offset reductions in total production, and the overall farmgate value of the county’s agricultural industry exceeded $1 billion for the third time in history.
For the fourth consecutive year, strawberries remain the county’s top valued crop and wine grapes stay in the second spot, as those two crops continue to account for nearly half of the county’s overall crop value. The importance of strawberries and wine grapes in the local agricultural landscape is undisputed, but the county continues to support a wide diversity of crops. In 2022, the biggest gains in value were reported in the vegetable sector, as the total value recorded for vegetables increased over $60 million from the previous year.
These figures represent only commodity gross values and do not reflect net profits received by local agricultural producers. Also, reported values do not include multipliers related to secondary economic benefits.
The top ten commodities by value in 2022 were:
- Strawberries
- Wine Grapes
- Cattle and Calves
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Head Lettuce
- Vegetable and Ornamental Transplants
- Avocados
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cut Flowers
Animal Industry:
The overall value of the county’s local animal industry increased 12% based largely on strong cattle prices. Despite the benefit of high sales prices, ranchers continued to struggle with the impacts of the ongoing drought, as the grass and feed levels of local rangelands were well below average, supplemental feeding costs were high due to record high hay prices, and many animals had to be sold off early in the year at lower-than-average weights.
Field Crops:
Persistent drought conditions, which included record low rainfall during the first few months of 2022, continued to be the major story for the field crops sector. Yields for all rain dependent crops were at near record lows and thousands of acres of planted barley and grain hay went unharvested. Despite significant decreases in yield per acre and overall production for most field crops, overall value increased by 35% in 2022 buoyed by record high values for alfalfa and grain hay.
Fruit and Nut Crops:
The overall value of the fruit and nut sector fell 13% from the record high set in 2021. Values remained strong for nearly all fruit and nut crops, but a series of weather-related problems impacted yields and overall production across the sector.
Avocados were the most heavily impacted, as production per acre fell nearly 50% from the previous year. Growers were impacted by ongoing drought conditions, as well as a series of other, more localized weather challenges, ranging from high winds and excessive heat to cool temperatures during the bloom period. The county’s total wine grape production was down 18% in 2022 despite a slight increase in bearing acres. However, values increased across all varietals, helping to minimize the impact of that reduced production, and total value fell by only 7%.
Decreases in strawberry production per acre and a slight downturn in strawberry prices resulted in a significant 13% decline in overall value. Despite that decrease, strawberries remained the top valued crop in the county at just under $278 million, edging out winegrapes by $16 million.
Nursery Products:
After several years of decreased nursery production due to falling demand, overall value rebounded significantly in 2022 as local growers utilized available greenhouse capacity to a greater extent. Increased production led to a 28% increase in value from the previous year. The nursery market continues to experience large fluctuations in both demand and product value, but certain sectors, such as cut flowers, which are utilized widely in the wedding industry, rebounded strongly in 2022 as the country emerged from the impacts of the COVID pandemic. Although gross revenue increased significantly, overall costs have also been on the rise, driven by high energy prices, and the local nursery industry continues to struggle with overall profitability and unpredictable markets.
Vegetable Crops:
Vegetable prices rose considerably in 2022, driving the overall value of this sector to a record high and pushing the county’s crop value over a billion dollars despite significant decreases in value in the Fruit & Nut category. Although some individual growers were severely impacted by the ongoing drought and had to fallow fields due to a lack of available irrigation water, the impacts to overall vegetable production were less severe than in other local crops and were offset by strong prices across the sector.
Four of the county’s Top 10 highest valued crops came from the vegetable category, as broccoli, cauliflower, and head lettuce came in at the #4, #5, and #6 positions, and brussels sprouts rose into the Top 10 for the first time ever at #9. Despite the dramatic increases in gross values, local growers continue to struggle with net profitability as costs increased substantially, especially for fertilizers, fuel, transportation, and labor.
The 2022 Annual Report will be distributed in late August 2022. Annual Reports from 1928 through 2021 can be viewed at www.slocounty.ca.gov/agcomm" (emphasis added).
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This Week In SLO County Agriculture | | Pictured at right, 2022 Business of the Year recipient Jaguar Farm Labor Contractor President Joe Garcia speaks at the SLO County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting of Members. | |
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Calendar- Upcoming Events & Deadlines:
- August 22- SLO County Farm Bureau Board Meeting (at office, 4875 Morabito Place SLO, CA 93401; all members welcome-please RSVP via email or phone call)
- August 23 - 2023 Retirement Plan webinar by Nationwide at 10am register here
- August 24 - Vertebrate Pest Mgmt. - CE: 1 Hour Other *Pending DPR & CCA register here
- September 18 - Deadline to apply for USDA FSA's Emergency Loan Program
- October 10 - SLO County Great AGventure at Paso Robles Event Center (Email SLO County Ag Education Committee Exec. Dir. Kim Bradley for more info at kimberlybrad5@gmail.com)
- October 13 - Deadline to apply for the USDA FSA's Emergency Conservation Program for January, February and March 2023 storm damages in SLO County
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Community: Resource Conservation Districts Hiring Carbon Farming Hub-Regional Coordinator | |
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Resource Conservation Districts Hiring Carbon Farming Hub-Regional Coordinator
Do you have a passion for carbon farming, sustainable agriculture, and conservation management? The Coastal San Luis RCD is seeking a qualified candidate for the South Central Coast Carbon Farming Hub’s Regional Coordinator position.
The Regional Coordinator for the South Central Coast Carbon Farming Hub will work closely with the Coastal San Luis RCD, Upper Salinas-Las Tablas RCD, Ventura County RCD, and Cachuma RCD to accelerate adoption of carbon farming practices in the tri-county region.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through August 25, 2023. Anyone wishing to learn more about the position, click here or call our office at (805) 772-4391.
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The Rice Partnership Hosts 'Tax Efficient Investing' Lunch September 21 at Allegretto Vineyard Resort | |
Local Government: Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin Dies | |
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San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Meets August 22
SLO County Board of Supervisors meets August 22 at 9am. Watch the meeting live here and review the agenda items here. Items of interest to agriculture include:
- 2 - Submittal of bid opening report for the Phase 1 – Arroyo Grande Creek Channel Emergency Capacity Restoration project, to award the subject contract (Clerk’s File) to Raminha Construction, Inc., the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, ...
- 4 - Request to 1) approve responses to the FY 2022-23 Grand Jury report titled “Can One Wet Year Wash Away the Paso Robles Basin’s Water Worries?”; and 2) forward the responses to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court by September 6, 2023.
- 15 - Request to 1) authorize a budget adjustment for FC 205 - Groundwater Sustainability Department in the amount of $7,600,000 from the Sustainable Groundwater Management Round 1 Implementation Grant Program using State Aid revenue from Department of Water Resources for grant administration and disbursement to participating agencies for implementation of the Paso Robles Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), which will address GSP data gaps, develop and implement high priority management actions and complete three (3) supplemental water supply feasibility and engineering studies, by 4/5 vote; and 2) ratify the Director of Groundwater Sustainability Director’s approval and signature on behalf of the County of grant funding agreements with the participating agencies.
- 23 - Request for approval to apply for a Regional Resilience Planning Grant in an amount up to $650,000 for an updated Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Climate Action Plan.
- 24 - Request to appoint Jon Winstead to the Water Resources Advisory Committee of the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
- 25 - Request to approve five committee appointments to the State Water Subcontractors Advisory Committee of the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
- 37 - Overview of the 2022 Annual Agricultural Statistics for San Luis Obispo County.
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Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin dies | The City of Paso Robles has announced the passing of Paso Robles Mayor Steve W. Martin. Martin passed away on Monday after a hard-fought illness. Mayor Martin’s passing leaves a void throughout the community, as he leaves behind a legacy of over two decades of public service and commitment to the betterment of Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo County. ... | | | |
State Government: Legislature Reconvenes, 1 Month Remains | |
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California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work - State Government Affairs Weekly Update- August 18, 2023
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INSURANCE - SB-505 , authored by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) and sponsored by the California Farm Bureau and the California Department of Insurance passed from the Assembly Committee on Appropriations and has been referred to the Assembly Floor Consent Calendar. This means the bill does not require presentation on the Assembly Floor for it to be voted on and passed from the chamber. The next stop after the Assembly Floor vote is referral to the Governor’s desk for signature.
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WATER - AB-1573 (Assemblymember Laura Friedman, (D–Glendale) having to do with mandates for use of California native plants . It would also ban nonfunctional turf in new or renovated commercial and industrial spaces. This bill would drastically limit local landscaping choices and it was recently amended and while it removed language we didn’t like; it still provides mandates for use of native plants which Farm Bureau opposes. We will continue work with the Plant California Alliance to ensure that this legislation does not leave the State Senate.
- Continue reading in this week's Farm Bureau at Work
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Federal Government: USDA - Smaller cow-calf operations still outnumber large operations, but herd sizes have increased | |
California Farm Bureau Joins Multiple State Farm Bureaus in Comments Regarding Federal Regulation of Transmission Siting and Construction
California Farm Bureau and other State Farm Bureaus responded to a Notice of Intent (“NOI”) and Request for Information (“RFI”) issued by the Grid Deployment Office of the United States Department of Energy (“DOE”) regarding the designation of National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (“NIETCs”). The State Farm Bureaus encouraged DOE to adopt a number of changes and clarifications to the NOI’s proposal to help ensure that NIETC designations do not usurp the roles of state siting processes, the roles the Independent System Operators and Regional Transmission Operators have over transmission planning, and FERC’s limited backstop siting authority.
The comment letter noted that Farm Bureau members will be directly impacted by the designation of NIETCs which enables transmission line developers to seek FERC backstop authorization. The threat that eminent domain may be exercised for transmission line projects, when those projects may not be the right solutions for grid constraints or congestion, raises significant concerns. A copy of the comment letter can be accessed here.
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Smaller cow-calf operations still outnumber large operations, but herd sizes have increased | In the United States, most cow-calf operations are relatively small and have fewer than 50 cows though a few very large operations (with more than 1,000 cows) can be found. On cow-calf farms, calves are birthed, raised, and weaned on site. | | | |
San Luis Obispo USDA Service Center Newsletter for August | USDA San Luis Obispo County Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers of approaching application deadlines for purchasing risk coverage for some crops through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). NAP provides financial assistance to producers .. | | | |
The industry tapping K Street to one day dethrone beef | |
A sesame seed bun packed with lettuce, tomato, onion and a patty grown in a lab with Washington’s help.
This is the future of American food, according to a nascent industry that’s firing up a network of lobbyists, trade groups and new ...
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Environmental: How Microplastics Are Making Their Way Into Our Farmland | |
Grant Spotlight: Using Hedgerows to Manage Pests | Wild Farm Alliance's project provides growers with information on how to use hedgerows as a biological control. WFA hosted a hands-on field day at Santana Lepe Orchards in Livingston, California to provide planting education to growers firsthand. In addition, WFA released this video ... | | |
California Growers Can Get Support to Create Conservation Plans - Western Growers Association | Wild Farm Alliance (WFA) is offering support to California farmers to create farm-specific conservation plans. | | | |
Bakersfield - Shrew protection proposal could alter local pesticide practices | Changes may soon be made to local pesticide application procedures in order to protect a small mammal found in some in parts of western Kern County. | | |
Pairing Regenerative Farming and Solar Energy Production to Improve Urban Resilience | CLAREMONT, Calif. -- Inland Southern California is known for having "cheap dirt," or poor soil quality that is unfit for agricultural use. The region's poor... | | | |
Livestock are dying in the heat. This little-known farming method offers a solution. | Silvopasture could make for healthier soil - and keep cattle alive during sweltering summers. Josh Payne planted chestnut trees six years ago. The rows of nut trees haven’t fully matured yet, but he’s banking on the future shade they’ll provide to shield his animals from sweltering. ... | | |
How Microplastics Are Making Their Way Into Our Farmland | Microplastic pollution is a global environmental problem that is ubiquitous in all environments, including air, water and soils. Microplastics are readily found in treated wastewater... | | | |
Business Member Spotlight:
Poor Richard's Press
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Poor Richard’s Press is here to provide all of your branding needs under one roof. With just one logo, we can create a seemingly endless number of products and services tailored to your brand.
Services: Design + Print + Mail + Apparel + Web + Promo
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Produce: A New Avocado Variety Could be the Fruit of the Future | |
You've Got To Watch This! Laser Weeding Red Lettuce at Night [Video] | Laser weeding is starting to heat up and turn heads among the ag community. Check out a cool clip of a high-tech unit on the night shift. | | | |
A New Avocado Variety Could Be the Fruit of the Future | The Luna avocado could be more sustainable to grow and more beneficial for other avocado plants than the more common Hass variety. | | | |
OGS 2023 - General Attendee & Exhibitor Registration Open! | Organic Grower Summit Presented by Western Growers and OPN provides growers firsthand knowledge and information in a variety of areas ranging from ag tech to food safety to sustainability. Through engaging educational sessions, insightful keynote presentations, and a trade show floor featuring nearly 100 exhibitors... | | | |
Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
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Renewing Business Support Members
Sinton Helicopters, Ag Box Company, and Paso Robles Chevrolet
New Agricultural Member
Vino Farms, Inc.
Renewing Agricultural Members
Laird Foshay, Greenheart Farms Inc, Trinchero Family Estates, Sadie Kendall, Eberle Winery, Whale Rock Ranch Trust, and Joan Okui
New and Renewing Associate Members
JoAnn Head, Donald Luenser, and Jesse Bland
New Collegiate Member
Haley McCorkle
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Featured Member Benefit:
CAT Equipment Discount
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Labor: FELS. - “Regular Rate” Mistakes are Low-hanging Fruit. Is Yours Ripe for Picking? " | |
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California Farm Bureau's Farm Employer Labor Service
“Regular Rate” Mistakes are Low-hanging Fruit. Is Yours Ripe for Picking? "Regular rate of pay" confusion is all too common among ag employers, given the complexity of California labor law. Do you have "regular rate of pay low-hanging fruit?" You can read more here.
California Minimum Wage to Rise to $16 on Jan. 1; CAFB Questions the Increase: Carl Borden, Senior Counsel, California Farm Bureau Legal Services Division: Per California Labor Code section 1182.12, subdivision (c)(1), the director of the California Department of Finance issued on July 31 a notice that the state’s minimum wage will be $16 an hour in 2024. The 2023 minimum wage is $15.50.
The minimum salary of a qualifying executive, administrative, or professional employee classified as exempt from minimum wage, overtime premium pay, and time-recordkeeping requirements in 2024 will be $1,280 per week (monthly equivalent: $5,547; annual equivalent: $66,560). The 2023 minimum weekly salary is $1,240 (monthly equivalent: $5,374; annual equivalent: $64,480).
On August 10, California Farm Bureau’s Legal Services Division sent to the director of the Department of Finance a letter questioning the calculation the agency used in setting the minimum wage at $16 for 2024. The letter asserts that the unusual method specified in the statute for determining whether the minimum wage is to be increased—and if so, by how much—in fact warrants no increase for 2024.
The letter further notes that even under a more typical and straight-forward calculation based simply on the increase calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics of 2.3 percent in the U.S. Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from July 2022 through June 2023, the minimum wage in 2024 should be only $15.90.
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Wildfire: Legislature is avoiding key issues, including worsening California fire insurance crisis | |
CA Rancher Testifies Before Congress on Ways to Address Wildfires | YOSEMITE VALLEY, Calif. -- Today [August 11, 2023], Dr. Dave Daley, a leader in the California Cattlemen's Association, Public Lands Council, and National Cattlemen's Beef... | | | | |
'Extremely high fire risk': Weed abatement concerns grow in Cambria following record wet year | From the recent devastating scenes in Maui to terrifying memories of Paradise - wildfires are top of mind for many living in the western portion of the U.S. | | | | |
Legislature is avoiding key issues, including worsening California fire insurance crisis | The California Legislature will adjourn next month without acting on several major issues, including a crisis in fire insurance availability. | | | |
Livestock: Livestock are dying in the heat. This little-known farming method offers a solution. | |
Consumer Interest in Plant-Based Meats Fades Amid High Prices and Product Shortcomings | Sales of plant-based meats are struggling as consumers turn to lower-cost and familiar proteins amid higher prices. | | | |
Livestock are dying in the heat. This little-known farming method offers a solution. | Silvopasture could make for healthier soil - and keep cattle alive during sweltering summers. | | | |
July Cattle Update: Inventory Still Falling, Drought Conditions Improve | Cattle prices have come a long way in the first half of 2023. In fact, the weighted average market price for a steer this July is 27% higher than it was in July 2022. | | | |
Vineyard and Wine: IGGPRA - Paso Robles Agriculture Safety Training August 29 | |
Paso Robles wine organization launches mobile app, bringing 'new level of convenience' to visitors | A Paso Robles wine country organization has launched a new mobile app aimed at providing an easy and accessible method for... | | | |
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Paso Robles Agriculture Safety Training
August 29th, 2023 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
| IGGPRA is proud to present the first annual Paso Robles Agri-Safe Training featuring essential Cal/OSHA required safety training courses for all vineyard workers in partnership with DiBuduo & DeFendis Brokers, LLC. | | | |
The Wine Writers' Symposium Announces that Applications are Open for 2024 Program | NAPA VALLEY, Calif. -- The Wine Writers' Symposium, the premier North American gathering for wine writers, is now accepting applications for its 2024 in-person ... | | | |
Water: State Water Board Delays Draft Ag Order Hearing Until September 19, Fees Increasing 5.8% | |
State Water Board Delays Draft Ag Order Hearing Until September 19, Fees Increasing 5.8%
On June 16, 2023, the State Water Board released its draft order on the petitions seeking State Board review of the Central Coast Regional Water Board’s Ag Order 4.0. Ag Order 4.0 was adopted by the Regional Board in 2021 and was petitioned to the State Board for review by agricultural groups, including CAFB, as well as environmental groups. The ag petitioners, including CAFB, submitted comments on August 11, 2023. The State Board will hold a public meeting to receive oral comments and consider adoption of the Draft Order at its September 19, 2023 meeting. The draft order and other documents are available here.
The State Water Board is proposing a 5.8% increase in the per acre annual fee each operation must pay based on acreage of irrigated lands. The item will be heard at the State Water Board on September 19, 2023. Annual fees are described on the State Water Board's Fee Schedule website.
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Database of Demand Management Actions Under SGMA Goes Live | Demand management - policies that alter the incentives of water users in ways that encourage conservation - will be necessary to achieve groundwater sustainability under California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act... | | | | | |
Cuyama Valley ag producers call for carrot boycott over groundwater fight | A legal dispute over groundwater rights in the Cuyama Valley has led small ag producers in the area to call for a boycott of products sold by Bakersfield-based carrot giants | | | |
Carrots v. Cuyama: Commercial growers sued their neighbors over groundwater rights and the first hearing is coming up | Just as the Cuyama Unified School District stepped out of a financial crisis after years of budget struggles, Bolthouse Farms and Grimmway Farms sued the... | | | |
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.
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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. | | | | |
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