2023 San Luis Obispo County Agriculturalist, CattleWoman, Cattleman of the Year Named | |
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Local agriculture organizations recognized three San Luis Obispo County farmers and ranchers during the California Mid-State Fair’s annual Cattlemen and Farmers Day at the Paso Robles Event Center on July 20th.
The 2023 award recipients are:
- George Donati, Agriculturalist of the Year;
- Suze Evenson, CattleWoman of the Year; and
- Mike Massey, Cattleman of the Year.
The awards were selected by members of the San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau, San Luis Obispo County CattleWomen, and San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s Association.
“This is a special annual tradition for our local agriculture community dating back to 1963,” explained Farm Bureau Executive Director Brent Burchett. “These three individuals embody our proud farming and ranching heritage in San Luis Obispo County.”
Continue reading below for more information on the winners. Permission to reprint story is granted with credit to San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau. Photos of the award recipients are available here. Please attribute photos to Tom Meinhold Photography.
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George Donati, 2023 Agriculturalist of the Year
San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau has selected local farmer and vineyard industry leader George Donati as the 2023 Agriculturalist of the Year.
The Agriculturalist of the Year award recognizes distinguished success in the agriculture industry and a lifetime of dedication to advancing San Luis Obispo County’s proud farming and ranching heritage.
His 50-year career working in agriculture has been marked by advancement of the local agricultural community and service to his fellow farmers. Born in 1951 to Clarence and Nancy Donati of Santa Maria, George has five siblings, Jane, Leslie, Jim, John and Tricia.
Read more here.
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Suze Evenson, 2023 CattleWoman of the Year
San Luis Obispo County CattleWomen have selected San Miguel rancher and community leader Suze Evenson as the 2023 Cattlewoman of the Year.
Born in Ojai, California in 1953 to Leland and Betty Stiles, Suze has one sister, Kathy. As a child growing up in the Ojai Valley, she was exposed to the sweet smell of orange blossoms in the spring and riding her horse downtown with friends.
After graduating from Nordhoff High School in 1972, Suze worked for the County of Ventura in the Mental Health Emergency Services Inpatient Unit as the Inhouse Secretary. She went on to work for a company her father helped...
Read more here.
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Mike Massey, 2023 Cattleman of the Year
San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s Association has named local rancher and cattle industry leader Mike Massey the 2023 Cattleman of the Year.
Born in Paletine, Illinois to Bill and Rosette Massey in 1963, Mike Massey has seven siblings, Denise, Maureen, Renee, David, Craig, Brian and Bonnie. The Massey family came to California in 1971, when Mike’s father was transferred to a position in Fullerton, California.
Massey aspired to be a cowboy from a young age. He credits the beginning of his lifelong love of agriculture to his high school FFA teacher Gary Hunt. “Mr. Hunt impressed upon me to work..."
Read more here.
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This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
Community: Central Coast Crops Recovering from Historic Winter Storms | |
Announcements July 2023 | Center for Sustainability | |
Cal Poly
1. Fuels Treatments Webinar & Field Training, Swanton Pacific Ranch: 7/20 & 7/27
2. Avocado Growers Field Day: 8/2
3. Strawberry Center Field Day: 8/3
4. Grimm Center for Organic Research and Production Field Day: 8/3
San Luis Obispo & Central Coast
5. California Mid-State Fair, Paso Robles: 7/19-30
6. Nonprofit Mondays at SLO Provisions, Slow Money SLO: Mondays in July
7. Rodale California Organic Center Monthly Tour, Camarillo: 7/21
8. SLO Food System Coalition Summer Social, Baywood: 8/7
9. Distillery Trail Weekend, Paso Robles: 8/11-13
10. ACRES-USA 5th Annual Healthy Soil Summit, Seaside: 8/23-24
11. National Heirloom Exposition, Ventura: 9/12-14
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Win $250,000 in AgSharks Pitch Competition - Vegetables West Magazine | Western Growers and S2G Ventures are now accepting applications for the 2023 AgSharks Competition, a unique event where startup companies pitch their innovations in front of a live audience of ... | | |
Central Coast Crops Recovering from Historic Winter Storms | Many Central Coast farms were devastated by floods last January, but local farmers say crops are starting to thrive again. | | | |
Local Government: Arroyo Grande Creek Will Undergo a Two-Stage Sediment Removal and Levee Repair Process as County Public Works Assesses Post-Rainstorm Damage | |
Arroyo Grande Creek Will Undergo a Two-Stage Sediment Removal and Levee Repair Process as County Public Works Assesses Post-Rainstorm Damage | An estimated almost $7 million price tag for post-storm damage repairs hovers over Arroyo Grande Creek. The series of winter rainstorms starting Jan. 9 wreaked... | | | | |
Agreement reached for cleanup of PFAS found in groundwater near SLO Airport | SLO County and CAL FIRE have reached a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement with the Central Coast Water Board related to PFAS discharged at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport. | | | |
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Paso Basin Cooperative Committee Meeting - Wednesday, July 26
ThePaso Basin Cooperative Committee will hold a Regular Meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at the Paso Robles Council Chambers, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
Please click here to view/download the agenda packet
Members of the public can participate in-person, via phone or by logging into the web-based meeting (information below).
Call-in: (669) 444-9171, Meeting ID: 833 5944 6962, Passcode: 068456
Zoom Link
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State Government: Informational Hearing Held on Wildfire Prevention | |
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California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work - State Government Affairs Weekly Update
July 21, 2023
Informational Hearing held on Wildfire Prevention
This week the Assembly Select Committee on Wildfire Prevention Chaired by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-Marin) met at Sonoma State University.
Frank Bigelow, CALFire Chief discussed the Wildfire and Forest Health Taskforce’s home hardening strategies and how different departments in CALFire meet monthly to strategize on wildfire prevention goals. He shared that fire hazard and risk differ – hazards are the built in elements that cannot be changed like landscape, whereas risk can be mitigated. CALFire’s fire severity hazard zone maps were recently updated using factors such as: fire history, vegetation, topography, climate, and ember production and movement.
The new zone severity maps include updates to burn probabilities for wildland areas, updated fire environment footprints (urban/developed), updated vegetation density for urban areas, inclusion of slope in the urban zoning model, localized fire weather used in both wildland and urban models, new firebrand production and transport model with local wind data. Statewide, the new maps reclassified 106,543 acres (0.34%), with Very High FHSZ down over 67,000 acres, and impacts to all counties, except for Kings, Glenn, and Trinity, which had no changes. In the high and very high zones, new Hazard Disclosures for real estate transactions are required in both the state and local responsibility areas.
Chief Bigelow next talked about home hardening – roof materials, ember intrusion points, and the like. The Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide is the gold standard for how to harden your home. And there are hundreds of thousands of homes across the state that need the work. Mike Peterson, from California Department of Insurance spoke next about CDI reducing wildfire risk and the connection between wildfire mitigation efforts impact on insurance property rates. He stated that individual property owners, communities and the state will all play a role for action to be taken before fires occur so that risk reduction happens through consumer incentives. Mr. Peterson walked through the Safer from Wildfires program, which looks to reduce rates for homeowners that take risk reduction actions. Regarding availability and affordability of insurance, Mr. Peterson said CDI works closely with CALFire and Cal OES to advocate for increased wildfire mitigation efforts. He did not mention specific actions CDI may be taking regarding State Farm’s public withdrawal from the state.
Mark Brown from the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority presented a local government view on how communities can take wildfire risk reduction efforts. The Authority produces a Community Wildfire Protection Plan which is a county wide framework that uses LiDAR data and combines with a Fire Risk Assessment for every parcel and home in Marin, identifying hazards and investments needed to reduce risks. The goal is a tool that allows for current parcel level assessment so that residents know how to harden, and the county knows where to place defensible space. They inspected 80,000 parcels and 60% of those inspections took some mitigating action. This data can be used by insurers to confirm that property owners are entitled to a discount.
Marin County has home hardening grants up to $5,000 per property, some which require a 50% match from the homeowners. Vent screens, gutter guards and garage seals do not require a 50% match because of their importance. Also, residents that live in the WUI get 5 pickup chipper days to clean fuels. Inspectors provide public information through these inspections, and through an annual community event.
Finally, John Anderson from The Humboldt Redwood Company presented. The company manages over 440,000 acres in the state. Mr. Anderson shared a historical perspective on forest density, controlled through Native burning and natural occurring fire. At the start of the 20th century, there were on average 50 trees per acre, and now there are 300 to 400 trees per acre. This creates overstocking and competition amongst trees, compounded by drought, such that we now have millions of dead and dying trees. Mr. Anderson indicated that efforts at the state level to aggregate mitigation data are being aggregated into a unified tracking system, with a goal help drive the state’s goal of treating 500,000 acres. The state is counting in their treatment existing timber harvest plans, meaning that the 500,000-acre goal would not be additive to the timber harvest plans. This should get fixed. Mr. Anderson shared that fuels reduction through thinning gets an effectiveness boost with prescribed burning. Unfortunately, air quality management districts are frustrating the fuels reductions goals by limiting burn days and failing to coordinate with local burn bosses. Mr. Anderson shared that the company makes use of the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption to treat its lands without having to conduct a full timber harvest plan, saving tens of thousands of dollars. Small landowners should be taking advantage of the exemption. Mr. Anderson concluded with a discussion about the opportunity for biomass to create baseload energy while benefitting the state through significant risk reduction, projecting that $200 million of annual spending would cover the transportation costs to reach 500,000 acres of forest thinning annually.
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Goat herders prevent California wildfires. Most haven't seen their families in years | Recent wage regulations threaten to cost herders their jobs, but both advocates and operators say more than a "quick fix" is needed | | | | |
Fire chief urges public to send letter to state fire marshal | State reassessing proposed changes to the west side of Paso Robles' fire hazard severity rating - The Paso Robles Fire Chief Johnathan Stornetta is asking [...] | | | |
Federal Government: Rep. Panetta Leads Bipartisan Coalition to Introduce Legislation that Expands Access to Agriculture Conservation Programs | |
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California Farm Bureau's Weekly Federal Policy News
July 20, 2023
- Comments Submitted to Forest Service in Support of Wild Horse Gather
- USFWS Finalizes Rule on Experimental Populations
- Extension for Farm Bill Deadline Appearing More Likely
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The Biden administration bets big on 'climate smart' agriculture | The U.S. Department of Agriculture has allocated more than $3 billion to help farmers transition to practices that sequester carbon and reduce emissions. But some researchers claim the program can't measure emissions accurately and is unlikely to achieve its climate goals. | | | | |
Rep. Panetta Leads Bipartisan Coalition to Introduce Legislation that Expands Access to Agriculture Conservation Programs | Monterey, CA - United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) led a bipartisan coalition to introduce the Growing Access to Environmental Sustainability (GATES) Act to reduce barriers that producers face in accessing agricultural conservation programs. Co-leading this legislation are Reps. John Duarte (CA-13), Yadira Caraveo (CO-08), David Rouzer (NC-07), Jim Costa (CA-21), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), and Lori Michelle Chavez-DeRemer (OR-5). | | | |
USDA: Federal Government is Primary Funder of U.S. Agricultural Research and Development | |
Federal Government is Primary Funder of U.S. Agricultural Research and Development | The Federal Government provides 64 percent of public agricultural research and development (R&D) funding in the United States. State governments and non-governmental sources, including funds generated by the universities themselves, account for the other 36 percent of funds for public agricultural R&D. | | | | |
Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local FSA Committees - California Ag Network | The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members for elections that will occur later this year. Additionally, USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) is unveiling a new GIS tool to make it easier for producers to participate in the nomination and election processes for county committee members, who make important ... | | | |
Business Member Spotlight:
Hotel Buena Vista
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Checking into Hotel Buena Vista is like settling into a laid-back business and social hub just steps from downtown San Luis Obispo, CA. Best of all, we’re oh-so affordable, leaving plenty in your travel budget for doing more of whatever you want to do. Guests arriving at the hotel are welcomed into a bright, pristine lobby with comfy seating areas creating a warm sense of home. Upstairs, our 75 roomy, 100% smoke-free guest accommodations are decked out with creature comforts like free Wi-Fi, plush towels and flat-screen HDTVs with premium cable channels. Many of our rooms offer microwaves and/or refrigerators; just put in a request with us! Outside, tranquil tropical gardens, a sun-splashed heated pool, shady patios and BBQ areas invite you to fully enjoy San Luis Obispo’s gorgeous year-round weather.
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Environmental: Solar Panels on Water Canals Seem Like a No-Brainer. So Why Aren't They Widespread? | |
Solar Panels on Water Canals Seem Like a No-Brainer. So Why Aren't They Widespread? | The idea of putting solar panels on top of the world's thousands of miles of irrigation canals has long seemed like a good one. | | | | |
PG&E tests technology that could turn California EVs into a fleet of mobile batteries | Through "bi-directional charging" EV owners could send stored power back to the grid on high-demand days or use their car battery to power their home. | | | |
Avocado: Avocado Growers Free Seminar LIVE in the Field at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo | |
Avocado Growers Free Seminar LIVE in the Field at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo | Eventbrite - CAS, UC Cooprative Extension, and CAC presents Avocado Growers Free Seminar LIVE in the Field at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo - Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at Crops Unit, San Luis Obispo, CA. Find event and ticket information. | | | | |
Avocados Get a Big Makeover That Will Help You Save Money | Avocados are a heart-healthy fruit with a bad habit of going brown too fast. Chipotle's 'Autcado' guac-making robot and a new Luna variety are coming to the rescue. | | | |
Produce: Why are Frozen Vegetable Prices So High? Blame War, Fewer Immigrants and California Weather, Say Economists | |
CDFA Seeks Comments on Priorities for Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program | SACRAMENTO -- The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is seeking public comments on priorities being developed for the new Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure... | | | | |
Officials say hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen organic strawberries is growing | Another patient has been identified in an ongoing outbreak of hepatitis A infections traced to frozen organic strawberries. As of its update posted July | | | | |
Why are Frozen Vegetable Prices So High? Blame War, Fewer Immigrants and California Weather, Say Economists | Theaverage shelf price for frozen veggies rose by 18% in the past year — the largest increase among all grocery items, according to the consumer price index for June 2023. | | | |
Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
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Renewing Business Support Members
PG&E
Renewing Agricultural Member
Mar Vista Berry LLC
Renewing Associate Member
Clint Osborne
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Featured Member Benefit:
Grainger
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Grainger: Deals for every room in the house
Grainger offers much more than home improvement equipment, tools, and supplies. You can also use your Farm Bureau membership to get special pricing and free shipping on home appliances, furniture, batteries, and a whole lot more. Register your account and see what’s on offer at Grainger.com/FarmBureau!
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Labor: California's Farmworkers in Labor Investigations Will Get Free Legal Help With Immigration | |
Commentary: As heat rises, protecting farm employees is critical | After a long, cool, wet spring gave way to a scorching heat wave last weekend, California agricultural employers should be bracing for the hot summer throughout our state. | | | | |
California's farmworkers in labor investigations will get free legal help with immigration | New program will help farmworkers who complain of labor violations get legal assistance for their immigration case. | | | |
Meal Period Violations, Farm Employers Beware - American Vineyard Magazine | Meal break violations are an open door for Class Action & PAGA lawsuits that farmers have been getting impacted by, according to longtime ag labor and employment attorney Ron Barsamian. ... | | | | |
Vino Farms, target of local labor advocates, to pay $1.4 million to settle lawsuit over worker pay | One of the largest vineyard management firms in Sonoma County has settled a lawsuit alleging it shortchanged workers over pay, or allowed meal and rest breaks. | | | |
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Resources and Tips from HCD on Employee Housing
July 17, 2023 - Courtesy of California Farm Labor Contractors Association
CFLCA remains dedicated in its efforts to support farm labor contractors as they navigate a complex regulatory environment. Last week, CFLCA met with representatives of California’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to discuss best practices for employers that utilize employee housing.
Employee Housing Inspections
- HCD is responsible for inspecting employee housing for five or more employees.
- The Employment Development Department is responsible for inspecting employee housing for four or fewer employees.
Permit to Operate Processing
- Employers are required to submit an Application for Permit to Operate Employee Housing Facility at least 45 days prior to the date of initial occupancy.
- HCD recommends submitting applications as early as possible so that employers have sufficient time to address any issues that arise during the process.
- Ensure all contact information on your application is accurate as outdated information may result in processing delays. Employers who renew housing using information from previous applications frequently include outdated contact information.
- You may direct any questions or concerns regarding your application to [email protected].
Resources for Employers
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Livestock: Farm Groups: BLM Proposal Could Limit Public Land Uses | |
Farm Groups: BLM Proposal Could Limit Public Land Uses | Ranchers, foresters and others who use public lands have urged the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw a proposed rule they fear would radically restrict activities such as grazing and timber harvesting in favor of conservation as the predominant land management priority. | | | | |
United States Cattle Inventory Down 3% | There were 95.9 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms as of July 1, 2023, according to the Cattle report published by USDA NASS. | | | |
Vineyard & Wine: San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Board Member Erin Amaral Awarded 'Wine Grape Grower of the Year' by Local Vineyard Industry | |
Paso Robles Wine Country Wins Best Wine Region of the Year 2023 | These 10 wine regions, voted by our readers as the best in the U.S, will make you fall in love with wine all over again. | | |
Central Coast Wine Grape Market: What You Need to Know for 2023 | Press Release - Understanding the Current Market - Insights for Buyers and Sellers -- Featuring, Audra Cooper, Central Coast Grape Broker/Partner, Turrentine Brokerage | | | | |
San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Board Member Erin Amaral Awarded 'Wine Grape Grower of the Year' by Local Vineyard Industry | |
PASO ROBLES — The San Luis Obispo County wine industry annually comes together to honor members of the local wine community. These awards recognize dedication, stewardship, innovation, and leadership demonstrated in the County.
The 2023 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards go to:
- Wine Grape Grower of the Year, Erin Amaral, Pacific Coast Farming
- Winemaker of the Year, Matt Trevisan, Linne Calodo
- Wine Industry Person of the Year, Mike Sinor, Sinor-LaVallee Wine Co.
Also receiving an award from the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is Linda Cooks, wine and liquor manager from Albertsons Paso Robles, who will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Water: How Is Demand Management Developing in SGMA Groundwater Sustainability Plans | |
LOIS HENRY: New groundwater fee aims to create 'equity' among South San Joaquin Valley farmers but some say it will unfairly devalue their farms | Farmers in the Wheeler Ridge-Maricopa Water Storage District who rely on groundwater will be paying a new fee intended to create "financial equity" with farmers who contract for surface water. | | | | |
How a Saudi firm tapped a gusher of water in drought-stricken Arizona | Lax rules let a Saudi-owned company pump water from Arizona state land to grow alfalfa for the kingdom's cattle. | | | |
What to Do if Your Well Has Gone Dry - New 'Be Well Prepared' Flyer Available in Multiple Languages | On May 17, 2023, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced the official launch of the new Be Well Prepared program that provides information and resources to help well owners, well users, and local agencies be ready for impacts of climate-driven weather extremes on groundwater supplies and drinking water wells. | | | | |
How Is Demand Management Developing in SGMA Groundwater Sustainability Plans | Demand management will play a critical role in both reaching groundwater sustainability under SGMA and determining the economic costs of groundwater regulation. Here, we provide an update on the approval process of 116 submitted groundwater sustainability plans. We detail demand management proposals and compare how these differ between plans that have been approved and those deemed incomplete or inadequate. | | | |
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 [email protected] or call our office at 805-543-3654. | | | | |
