San Luis Obispo County SLO County Farm Bureau member Babé Farms shared a photo of a field of baby bok choy this week. "As you can see, our baby bok choy fields are thriving right now 🥬😍 With the weather starting to warm up, we are very much looking forward to grilling season. One of our favorite ways to prepare Bok choy is to barbecue it Santa Maria style! Just filet the heads, baste with olive oil, sprinkle with your choice of seasoning (we prefer @susieqbrand) and grill until golden and slightly charred. ...."
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You Win Some, You Lose Some. Fate of Key Legislation Affecting Agriculture Decided This Week in Sacramento |
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The Assembly and Senate Appropriations Committees dispensed bills this week. The committees either approved bills to continue through the legislative process for floor votes in the following weeks in their respect houses or held them (which means they cannot be active for the remainder of 2021).
The status of the bills of importance to agriculture that were acted upon by the two fiscal committees are listed in this week's Friday Review by California Farm Bureau. |
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California Farm Bureau's Friday Review for May 21, 2021
This week's State Legislative and Governmental Affairs Update includes:
Passed Appropriations Committee: Assembly
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Agricultural Employment: Ab 73, AB 364, AB 654, AB 701, AB 995, AB 1041, AB 1192;
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Animal Health and Welfare: AB 888;
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Climate Change: AB 284, B 680, AB 1395;
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Commodities: AB 45, AB 239, AB 535, AB 710, AB 719, AB 778,;
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Natural Resources: AB 1500;
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Nutrition: AB 1009;
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Pollinators: AB 391;
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Utilities: AB 1139;
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Waste: AB 332;
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Wildfire: AB 9;
Held Appropriations Committee: Assembly
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Agricultural Employment: AB 95, AB 1119, AB 1179;
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Cannabis: AB 384;
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Commodities: AB 519;
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Water: AB 377;
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Wildfire: AB 926;
Passed Appropriations Committee: Senate
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Agricultural Employment: SB 355, SB 338, SB 606;
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Climate Change: SB 27;
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Commodities: SB 253;
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Natural Resources: SB 45;
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Taxation: SB 240;
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Transportation: SB 287;
Held Appropriations Committee: Senate
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Cannabis: SB 59;
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Packaging: SB 54.
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This Week in SLO County Agriculture |
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In This Issue:
- State Government News: Agri-Pulse - Newsom Budget Update Pushes California Further Toward Organic Farming, Regenerative Practices;
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Community News: Atascadero News - The Great Cannabis Debate;
- Business Member Spotlight: Cal West Rain Inc;
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Labor News: AgNet West - Farmers Have Rights to Refuse Property Access in Certain Instances;
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Livestock News: California Cattlemen - Virtual Workshop: Reducing Wildfire Risk & Preparing for the Threat of Wildfire;
- Vineyard & Winery News: 38th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival;
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Produce News: AgNet West - Agriculture Facing more Transportation issues with Trucking Challenges;
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Wildfire News: Cal Matters - To Achieve Forest Health, We Need to Change our Relationship with Fire;
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Water News: Vegetables West - Ag Order 4.0 Finalized: Implication for Nitrogen Management of Central Coast Vegetables;
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Environmental News: Agri-Pulse - State Approves Malibu's Pesticide Ban;
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Trade News: Reuters - U.S., Canada, Flag Concerns Over Investment with Mexico; and
- Wisdom From the Farm & Ranch.
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May 21st Most Read Stories:
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Executive Director Report
Here are a few things we worked on this week:
- Held a SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Committee meeting;
- Monitored May 18 County Board of Supervisors meeting;
- Participated in the SLO County Farmworker Task Force weekly meeting;
- Gave an update at the SLO County Cattlemen’s Association board meeting;
- Discussed local ag issues with County Agriculture Commissioner/Sealer Marty Settevendemie;
- Had an interview on SLO-native Jamie Lewis’ CONSUMED: a podcast;
- Met with USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service staff regarding the 2022 Census of Ag; and
- Attended California Farm Bureau Extension session – Pesticide Compliance 101.
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Get Your Message in Front of Over 1400 San Luis Obispo Countians!
Our weekly E-News is sent out every Friday to our membership. If you're interested in an effective, low-cost advertising campaign ($150 a month), please give us a call or send an email to SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Director Brent Burchett. |
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State Government News: Agri-Pulse - Newsom Budget Update Pushes California Further Toward Organic Farming, Regenerative Practices
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California to end its mask mandate - sort of | CalMatters
June 15 will be a big day for California. That's when the state will ease its mask mandate to allow fully vaccinated people to forgo face coverings in most places, Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state's health and human services secretary, said Monday.
Read more
calmatters.org
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Newsom budget update pushes California further toward...
Gov. Gavin Newsom has rarely been directly involved in agricultural policies, with the exception of two areas: CDFA's Healthy Soils Program (HSP) and restricting the use of conventional pesticides. The May Revision of the governor's budget...
Read more
www.agri-pulse.com
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County Government News: SLO County 2021-22 Budget Proposal Released |
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San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors received an initial presentation on the 2021-22 Proposed Budget this week. SLO County Farm Bureau will continue to analyze the specifics in coming weeks ahead of the Supervisors' budget hearings beginning June 14.
- Read the Staff Report with context on the County's budget situation here.
- Review the powerpoint presentation on the budget here.
- To see read through the entire FY 2021-22 Recommended Budget Book, click here.
Of interest to agriculture (and to our entire SLO County economy), two of the top 10 principal taxpayers in our county are wineries. Farm Bureau members E.&J. Gallo Winery and Treasury Wine Estates have a combined taxable assessed value of $185.7 million. Agriculture matters to SLO County's economy!
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Community News: Atascadero News - The Great Cannabis Debate; Part 1
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These caps are being sold for a cash donation of $25 each with 100% of the proceeds going to the Benedetti Family. Poor Richard's press is asking that all orders be sent via email to LucaCap@prpco.com so that they can effectively track orders.
When ordering, please be sure to specify which cap you are ordering. Currently, they are producing 3 styles
- The "Dad" cap lower profile, solid cloth, adjustable.
- The "Trucker" solid front, mesh back, adjustable snapback closure.
- Flexfit caps coming in SM-Med or LG-XLG
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California to end its mask mandate - sort of | CalMatters
June 15 will be a big day for California. That's when the state will ease its mask mandate to allow fully vaccinated people to forgo face coverings in most places, Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state's health and human services secretary, said Monday.
Read more
calmatters.org
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California's next climate challenge: Replacing its last...
The twin reactors along California's Central Coast were nearing completion, and tens of thousands of people had gathered to protest. It was 1979, just months after a partial nuclear meltdown at Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island, and a young Jerry...
Read more
www.latimes.com
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The Great Cannabis Debate; Part One * Atascadero News
One of the most controversial topics currently discussed on the Central Coast seems to be the cultivation, use, and distribution of cannabis. Before discussing various viewpoints of the topic, we first need to know the background and timeline for ...
Read more
atascaderonews.com
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San Luis Obispo County FSA Newsletter
Producers in San Luis Obispo County are eligible to apply for 2021 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) benefits on native pasture. LFP provides compensation if you suffer grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned...
Read more
content.govdelivery.com
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Business Member Spotlight:
Cal West Rain Inc.
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In 1989, Cal-West Rain was formed because a San Joaquin Valley farming company saw the need to have both an irrigation AND a pump company as a single supplier. Prior to that time, most operated as separate entities, irrigation or pumps, not both under one roof.
Thinking the idea had real merit, the grower approached our co-founders Larry Isheim and Jim Martin to help start the company. Larry’s expertise in design, installation and service of agricultural irrigation systems, combined with Jim’s expertise in pumps and well development.
After more than three decades, the founding formula for Cal-West Rain still remains, providing high-quality irrigation design and installation as well as complete service in pump design and installation from a single source. Established in the fall of 1989 with one office in Kerman, Cal-West Rain has added additional locations in Paso Robles, Hanford and Bakersfield. We feel our growth and success is driven by our Values, Vision and Mission.
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2324 Tuley Road | Paso Robles, CA 93446
Monday - Friday 7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Saturday 7:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
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Thank You Farm Bureau Members |
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New Business Support Member
Heredia Farm Labor
Renewing Business Support Member
C & M Nursery
Renewing Members
Vicki Silva, California Mid State Fair, William Weitkamp, Mark Wheeler
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Labor News: AgNet West - Farmers Have Rights to Refuse Property Access in Certain Instances
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Free webinar!
Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Regulation Revisions for Employers
Thursday, May 27 from 9:00-10:30 am -- Register Here
As the vaccinated population increases and with revised guidelines from the CDC, Cal/OSHA will be hearing proposed revisions to the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards on May 20th. These long-awaited changes address exemptions for vaccinated employees; physical distancing, masking, and quarantining; training on vaccine information; wages and paid sick leave; and other issues related to COVID-19. Join us for expert analyses of the real-life implications for agricultural employers.
Presenters include: Dan Leiner, area manager with Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Branch;
and Lisa Baiocchi, senior associate at the Prince Firm.
To register for the webinar, click here.
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Farmers Have Rights to Refuse Property Access in Certain ...
In light of recent developments, farmers are being encouraged to understand their rights when it comes to refusing property access. Secretary for the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, Julie Su recently announced on Twitter her...
Read more
agnetwest.com
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Cal-OSHA delays updating COVID mask and vaccine status...
Cal-OSHA'S board heard hours of testimony on Thursday, ahead of possible workplace COVID-19 rule changes. "One of the problems that we have in California is how to adapt an emergency temporary standard, to a fluid situation," said Ken Smith of...
Read more
www.ktvu.com
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Livestock News: California Cattlemen - Virtual Workshop: Reducing Wildfire Risk & Preparing For the Threat of Wildfire
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Virtual Workshop: Reducing Wildfire Risk & Preparing for ...
Join us on Wednesday, May 26 for a virtual workshop from 7:00-9:00AM to learn about reducing wildfire risk & preparing for the threat of wildfire. This event is free and open to all, but registration is required. Click the button below to...
Read more
calcattlemen.org
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Private gathering produces beef industry marching orders
A recent closed-door meeting of beef producers may have yielded the rarest of all things in the industry: unity. In a sector known for its infighting and public mudslinging, six groups were able to produce a list of action items that will be...
Read more
www.agri-pulse.com
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Vineyard & Winery News: 38th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival |
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Do old vines really make the best wines?
ld vines have a strange effect on winemakers. They exert an emotional pull close to enchantment - a kind of sylvan magic that becomes more powerfully bewitching the older the vine is...
Read more
www.theguardian.com
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Lesser-known wines deserve some love, too
The wine industry is a huge part of California agriculture. According to the Wine Institute, there are 5,900 wine grape growers in the Golden State, cultivating the crop on 635,000 acres. The growers harvest almost 4...
Read more
www.morningagclips.com
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CALIFORNIA AND PORTUGAL TO DISCUSS ADAPTATION OF CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE TO WINEGROWING
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
8:00 AM (PDT) - 9:30 AM (PDT) - California
To register for the FREE webinar, click here.
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107: How Grazing Sheep Can Benefit Your Vineyard
Using sheep to graze vineyards has many benefits including lowering the carbon footprint, fewer tractor passes, and reduced herbicide use. Kelsey Brewer, Ph.D. Candidate at the University of California at Davis has been researching how these...
Read more
www.vineyardteam.org
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Indigenous North American grapevines, not the standard...
Matthew Niess believes the future of California wine lies with native California grapes. This might sound self-evident, but for the $40 billion wine industry, Niess' idea is a serious provocation. Grapes native to California, or to any part of...
Read more
www.sfchronicle.com
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Produce News: AgNet West - Agriculture Facing More Transportation Issues With Trucking Challenges
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Food Safety Message Heard 'Loud and Clear' by Leafy...
“We are hearing the FDA loud and clear, and we are working on it,” said California Leafy Greens Marketing Association (LGMA) Chairman, Dan Sutton. “We do want to prevent this. We do want to protect our consumers. We do want to protect public...
Read more
agnetwest.com
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Acting Commissioner Janet Woodcock grilled on FDA food...
House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT) and House Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food, and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chair Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), have sent a letter to Food...
Read more
www.foodsafetynews.com
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High Berry Demand Extends to Transplants
Fueled by increased demand, California farmers have devoted more acreage to strawberries this year. But limiting factors such as availability of transplants and suitable land to grow the crop will temper planting growth in the state—and how quickly farmers can react to spikes in sales.
agalert.com
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Agriculture Facing More Transportation Issues with...
Agricultural producers are facing more transportation issues as it relates to trucking challenges. The cost of shipping has been steadily increasing over the past year. Additionally, there are reports of overall trucking shortages compounding the ...
Read more
agnetwest.com
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Wildfire News: Cal Matters - To Achieve Forest Health, We Need to Change our Relationship with Fire
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Los Osos neighbors band together in preparation for fire ...
In Los Osos, neighbors have come together to prepare for fire season, using a wood chipper to dispose of organic materials that could easily be fuel for a wildfire. "I can't tell you what the volume is, but a whole lot of stacks, a whole lot...
Read more
www.ksby.com
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It's California wildfire season. But firefighters say...
As another wildfire season looms over California, the U.S. Forest Service is running short of the most experienced and elite firefighters in the country - the forestry crews known as hotshots, who travel the nation putting out wildfires,...
Read more
www.latimes.com
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To achieve forest health, we need to change our...
Land managers agree. Policymakers agree. The science is unequivocal. If we don't get more beneficial fire on the ground in California, we're going to lose it all to wildfire. Yet last year, when wildfires scorched more than 4 million acres and...
Read more
calmatters.org
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Opinion: Salinas Riverbed fires pose imminent threat to...
It isn't a crime to be poor, jobless, mentally ill or addicted to alcohol or other drugs. However, for too many years we have permitted the greed of the various addiction for profit industries to spend billions of dollars marketing their products ...
Read more
pasoroblesdailynews.com
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Water News: Vegetables West - Ag Order 4.0 Finalized: Implication for Nitrogen Management of Central Coast Vegetables
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To Move Toward Sustainability, the EPC Water District is Funding 30 New Groundwater Level Monitoring Wells
The move will more than double the number of monitoring wells in the entire Paso Robles Subbasin and provide a more accurate picture of the region’s water levels.
May 19, 2021 (Creston, Calif.) – The Estrella-El Pomar-Creston Water District (EPCWD) is proud to announce it has begun the all-important work of creating a groundwater level monitoring network. Initially, the District has begun work to add 30 new groundwater level monitoring sites, using existing wells, throughout the 37,000-acre district.
The campaign marks a significant effort in the basin to move toward groundwater sustainability in the Paso Robles Subbasin.
The Paso Robles Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), as submitted to the state, includes only 22 Representative Monitoring Site (RMS) wells. For such a large subbasin, 22 monitoring wells are widely considered inadequate. Moreover, many of the monitoring wells are old or ill placed. For instance, four of the 22 RMS wells in the Paso Robles Subbasin are currently located at the abandoned El Paso de Robles Youth Correctional Facility.
To read the full article, click here.
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How unprepared is California for 2021's drought? |...
In summary With most of the state gripped by extreme dryness, some conditions are better, some worse, than the last record-breaking drought. Over-pumping of wells hasn't stopped. But urban residents haven't lapsed back into water-wasting...
Read more
calmatters.org
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Winter flooding of ag fields a hopeful solution for...
When droughts strike California, people who rely on shallow domestic wells for their drinking, cooking and washing water are among the first to feel the pain. Aquifers have become depleted from decades of overuse. Drilling deeper is...
Read more
www.morningagclips.com
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LOS OSOS GROUNDWATER BASIN - BASIN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
***NOTICE OF UPCOMING MEETING***
From the Basin Management Committee:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Los Osos Groundwater Basin, Basin Management Committee Board of Directors will hold a Regular Board Meeting at 1:30 P.M. on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Based on the threat of COVID-19 as reflected in the Proclamations of Emergency issued by both the Governor of the State of California and the San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Director, as well as the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20 issued on March 17, 2020 relating to the convening of public meetings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be conducted as a phone-in/web-based meeting only. There will be no physical meeting location for this BMC Meeting. Members of the public can participate via phone or by logging into the web-based meeting.
For the agenda and the Zoom link, click here.
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It's Time to Expose the Many Myths About Almonds and...
"When almonds are exported, the water used to grow them stays here," farming advocate Kristi Diener says. I read many negative comments regarding growing almonds in California, about the water they use, and the fact that they are something our...
Read more
gvwire.com
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Ag Order 4.0 Finalized: Implications for Nitrogen...
On April 15th, the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (CCRWQCB) finalized and approved Ag Order 4.0. The new rulings affect several aspects of agricultural production such as buffer areas...
Read more
vegetableswest.com
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Environmental News: Agri-Pulse - State Approves Malibu's Pesticide Ban
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Environmental Crimes Discovered at Illegal Cannabis Grow ...
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) with assistance from Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Deputies served a search warrant related to environmental crimes associated with illegal cannabis cultivation on April 30.
Read more
goldrushcam.com
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Can California's power grid handle another hot summer?
In August of 2020, California saw something it hadn't seen in decades: rolling power shutoffs. This was not due to fire safety, it was from a shortage of electricity. As we approach another summer, the question remains: is the state prepared for...
Read more
www.kcra.com
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Budget additions could fund statewide pesticide...
A push to require farmers to give public notice of certain pesticide applications in the Shafter area has stalled but a statewide effort is gaining traction with $10 million in funding designated for it in the governor's recent budget revision.
Read more
www.bakersfield.com
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State approves Malibu's pesticide ban
The city of Malibu has banned the use of all pesticides, with few exceptions. The California Coastal Commission on Thursday granted special approval for the regulation, since state law does not otherwise allow local governments to regulate...
Read more
www.agri-pulse.com
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Biden EPA Reveals Prior Approval of Monsanto's Roundup...
In a federal court filing yesterday the Biden Administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) effectively admitted grave errors in EPA's 2020 interim registration of glyphosate, best known as the active...
Read more
yubanet.com
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Trade News: Reuters - U.S., Canada, Flag Concerns Over Investment with Mexico
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U.S., Canada, Flag Concerns Over Investment with Mexico
The United States and Canada urged Mexico to respect foreign investments during trade discussions on Monday, officials said, while Washington also raised issues over Mexican farm produce.
reuters.com
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Food services industry share of the food dollar...
In 2019, restaurants and other eating places claimed 38.5 cents of the average U.S. food dollar, continuing a steady climb since 2009, when the food services industry's share was 29.6 cents. Farm production was the only other industry with a...
Read more
www.ers.usda.gov
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Wisdom From the Farm & Ranch |
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Growing Up Rural - Julie Jensen
Growing up rural, means a lot of things.
And for the people raised up by it, their gratitude it brings.
It meant you got looked after, by neighbors, teacher, and coach.
Chances are you had extended family there, and you spent time with them the most.
It meant you couldn't get away with trouble, because chatter would get back to your parents.
It meant trips to the city were far between, and always the reason was errands.
It meant class sizes were small, and students not there were missed.
It meant gossip spread like grass-fires, especially by those you kissed.
It meant band members weren't nerds, but supported by a high student count.
Your school had a dress code, where respect for self abound.
It meant no swearing in public, town bylaws with curfews.
Sports teams were a way of life, and filled the local news.
It meant you were probably labelled and as unfair as that was...
With Fresh air and open spaces, it forged peace to keep you tough.
It meant shops were closed on Sunday, but church parking lots were full.
It represented a day of rest, but you helped when calves needed pull.
It meant softball was a family tradition, and the town showed up for games.
Gopher holes were in outfields, and missed catches was their blame.
It meant that graduation day, was a community affair;
Baby photos were showcased, and the commencement lead with prayer.
It meant that crops and cattle, were built on generations in profession.
Work ethics and morals were common sense , and marriage upon a father's blessin'.
It meant gas stations were the local hot spot, and slurpee machines a staple.
Everyone knew where the rodeo grounds was, and ol' timers told many a fable.
It meant parades with tractors, horses, and candy to.
Manure and wrappers filled the street, but cleaned up that day by noon.
It meant that new comers were welcomed, but took years to settle in.
Your address was always by so and so's place, and your reputation was your kin.
It meant pick up trucks with flat beds, and stained up Wrangler jeans.
Gravel Dirt Roads that crossed rail tracks, and a helping of gram's baked beans.
It meant slow and simple, but hard long hours of work.
Swinging bales and fixing fence; though hot, you kept your shirt.
It means you are not common, but special in every way.
For to be raised in rural setting, it'll forever hold your fame.
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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 some assistance with membership, 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 San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau
Platinum Members
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