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San Luis Obispo County Agriculture News

November 14, 2022

www.slofarmbureau.org

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SLO City Council Discusses Possibility of Recycled Water for Agriculture

Edna Valley farmers continue to engage with the City of San Luis Obispo on potential recycled water use for agriculture. On November 15, the SLO City Council will receive an update on the Recycled Water Maximization Study and provide input regarding the future expanded use of the City’s recycled water supplies. SLO County Farm Bureau will make comments to the Council.


View the November 15 SLO City Council meeting agenda and find Item 7 here. Read the staff report here and the 2022 Recycled Water Maximization Study here.


The City Council voted unanimously on March 21, 2017 to adopt the 2017 Recycled Water Master Plan, and at the behest of Edna farmers, authorized "staff to negotiate an agreement for delivery of recycled water outside the City limits consistent with the findings and policies identified in the General Plan." No agreement has been reached in the past five years. Local farm leaders continue to work with the City to find a way to beneficially use the excess recycled water the City lets drain down the San Luis Obispo Creek into the ocean. 


From page 19 of the report: “The City’s recycled water supplies have been decreasing since the recycled water program came online in 2006, with substantial decreases beginning in alignment with the 2012-2015 drought. Today, the City’s total wastewater influent is approximately 2.88 MGD, or 3,200 acre-feet per year. Of this 3,200 acre-foot total, 1,800 acre-feet of water is required to be discharged to San Luis Obispo Creek each year, leaving approximately 1,400 acre-feet for use for recycled water delivery. The City’s recycled water program uses approximately 300 acre-feet per year for landscape irrigation, with demand expected to grow to 600 acre feet by 2030 as the City continues to expand. When accounting for all of the City’s commitments to deliver recycled water, approximately 1,100 acre-feet of surplus recycled water was produced in 2022, with projected availability decreasing to 800 acre-feet by 2030. Recycled water availability for Calendar Year 2022 can be seen in Table 3 below.”

This Week In SLO County Agriculture

In This Week's Issue:

  • Community: Young Farmers and Ranchers Free Industry Tour on Saturday, November 19
  • Local Government: How SLO County's Election Office Processes Vote-By-Mail Ballots
  • State Government: California Election Results: Who Won? Which Propositions Passed?
  • Federal Government: State of: 2022 Midterm Elections
  • Business Member Spotlight: Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC
  • Ag Economics: Holloway's Christmas Tree Farm Faced a Few Obstacles this Year as They Prepare to Open Their Doors
  • USDA: USDA Expands Outreach on Crop Insurance to Underserved Producers
  • Featured Member Benefit: Caterpillar
  • Environmental: Should California Warn residents when Pesticides are Sprayed Near Homes? How to Weigh In
  • Produce: SLO County Farm Bureau Member Ryan Talley Elected to Western Growers Board
  • Labor: California Farm Bureau Runs Radio Ads for Farmworkers About New Card Check Union Law
  • Wildfire: California Wildfires and Drought: Where are We?
  • Livestock: September Pork Exports Continue Upward Trend, Pace Cools for Beef
  • Vineyard & Wine: IGGPRA Issues in Winemaking Seminar on November 16
  • Water: Ag Order 4.0 Recordkeeping Seminars in English and Spanish- December 12th, 15th 

November 7 Most-Read

1.   SLO County Planning Commission recommends denial of Paso basin ordinance

2. UCCE San Luis Obispo County Weather Network

3. SLO city to hold groundwater contamination meeting

4. Cal Poly Center for Sustainability November Events & Opportunities

5. Oso Flaco Lake remediation project will target 'persistent and pernicious' DDT pollution

6. SLO County redistricting lawsuit has a new judge. Here’s who will hear case

7.  Ag Alert From the Fields Article Featuring Tom Ikeda

8.  Nearly $800 Million in USDA Payment Assistance to Help Keep Farmers Farming

9.  Local winery named ‘American Winery of the Year’

10.  Policy Brief: Drought and California’s Agriculture

Executive Director Report

Here are a few things we worked on this week:

  • Met with Supervisor Debbie Arnold and Planning & Building staff to discuss the Paso Basin Land Use Management Area Planting Ordinance;
  • Participated in the SLO County Agricultural Liaison Advisory Board meeting;
  • Met with REACH Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Julie Sinton Pruniski to discuss efforts to grow the local agricultural technology business sector;
  • Attended the SLO County Farmworker Outreach Taskforce meeting;
  • Wrote a column about agriculture for the December issue of Central Coast Journal (Read the November column on page 10 here);
  • Chaired the SLO Chamber of Commerce Legislative Action Committee meeting;
  • Gave our weekly agriculture update on 98.1 KJUG’s Tom & Becky Show (Thursday’s around 9:05am);
  • Reviewed the City of SLO Recycled Water Maximization Study to be discussed at the November 15 City Council meeting (Agenda Item 7)

Upcoming Events:

  • Friday, November 18 at 6pm - Adelaida Farm Center meeting and dinner at Adelaida Schoolhouse (RSVP to Brandon Wiebe at (805) 238-9661 or email apachecat2002@yahoo.com)
  • Saturday, November 19 at 9am - SLO County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers - Industry Tour of La Panza Ranch Olive Oil Processing (Everyone is welcome, Register here)
  • Monday, December 12, at 10am - Central Coast Regional Water Board workshop on Ag Order 4.0 recordkeeping (more info here)

Join Us in Monterey for California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in December

Community: Young Farmers and Ranchers Free Industry Tour on Saturday, November 19

Donate Online Here
Register Here

Local Government: How SLO County's Election Office Processes Vote-By-Mail Ballots

General Election 2022: Preliminary results for Central Coast races

KCBX News has some unofficial preliminary results for the November 8 general election from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Monterey County elections offices. Full unofficial numbers are available at each county's respective election results page, linked below. This article was originally published on November 8 at 9:30p.m.

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How SLO County's Election Office Processes Vote-By-Mail Ballots

San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano talks about the 2022 vote count.


She said it looks like turnout for this election will be lower than normal.

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Bruce Gibson widens lead in District 2 race as SLO County releases new vote counts

Incumbent Bruce Gibson has expanded his lead over challenger Bruce Jones in the critical District 2 supervisor race, newly released ballot totals show. Three days after Election Day, the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder's Office released its first ballot count update since the end of Tuesday night's count.

Read More

State Government: California Election Results: Who Won? Which Propositions Passed?

State Government Report from California Farm Bureau’s Farm Bureau at Work

November 11, 2022


Water

  • State Water Resources Control Board, Department of Fish and Wildlife has Funding Available for Drought Related Projects: The State Water Resources Control Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and USDA staff will hold a webinar this Tuesday, November 15th from 2:00 to 4:00 to provide information about funding opportunities for farmers and ranchers impacted by drought. USDA and CDFW staff will present information about available funding sources and how to obtain funding, as well as answer questions. The webinar may be of most interest to farmers and ranchers in the Scott and Shasta River watersheds.

California Election Results: Who Won? Which Propositions Passed?

A roundup of key contests: Click on the tabs below to see up-to-the-minute returns in the races for U.S. Senate, governor, attorney general and secretary of state. There's more detail on these races below. And here's the link to the secretary of state's official results website, including a breakdown of the closest races across California.

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California's Newsom wins 2nd term, is White House run next?

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Democrat Gavin Newsom easily won a second term as California's governor on Tuesday, beating a little-known Republican state senator by mostly ignoring him while campaigning against the policies of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, two leading Republicans who also won reelection and like Newsom may run for president.

Read More

Federal Government: State of: 2022 Midterm Elections

California Farm Bureau's Federal Policy News- November 10, 2022


  • Midterm Election Results Still Unclear, Both Parties See Surprises
  • California Farm Bureau Comments on USEPA PFAS Proposed Rule
  • Costa Introduces Farm Bill Marker Legislation to Increase Market Access for Farmers
  • USDA Launches Loan Assistance Tool
  • 2022 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Begin Next Week
  • Reminder - American Farm Bureau Fall 2022 Drought Survey Now Open

Tight California races may determine US House control

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A string of too-early-to-call California U.S. House races remains in play and might end up determining whether Republicans seize control or Democrats hang on to power. With millions of votes still uncounted Wednesday...

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Republicans have edge in tight race to control the House

As Democrats clinched a Senate majority Saturday night, Republicans hope to save the U.S. House in an election that was expected to favor the GOP heavily. Predictions of a "red wave" largely haven't metastasized as Democrats have hung on in many competitive seats.

Read More

State of: 2022 Midterm Elections

One week after the 2022 midterm elections, it may feel like we are living in a déjà vu moment because the outcome is very similar to the prequel: a divided country anchored in narrow partisan and split control of Congress.

Read More

Business Member Spotlight:

Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC

Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC is one of the foremost agronomic solutions providers in the United States. Helena markets and sells inputs that improve agricultural productivity for greater customer returns. This includes seed and seed treatments, fertilizer and application services, crop protectants, financial services and precision ag services. Helena also has its own line of products through Helena Products Group, which includes adjuvants, crop protection products, fertilizers, crop production products and seed treatments.


Helena’s theme of People…Products…Knowledge… reinforces the company’s commitment to helping customers succeed through knowledgeable and dedicated people, useful and unique products and the latest proven technologies.


Helena’s overriding goal is to help its customers succeed. This is achieved with a unique combination of dedicated and knowledgeable people, unique and useful products and the latest technical knowledge. The company defines its own success through the success of its customers.

Helena's SLO County Contact:

Paul W. Crout, CCA, PCA

Senior Product Manager | Agronomist


croutp@helenaagri.com


Get to know Templeton's Paul Crout in this interview from California Ag Today, by clicking here.

www.helenaagri.com

PHONE: 1-805-928-7000

Ag Economics: Holloway's Christmas Tree Farm Faced a Few Obstacles this Year as They Prepare to Open Their Doors

Holloway's Christmas Tree Farm Faced a Few Obstacles this Year as They Prepare to Open Their Doors

There's no one answer to what makes a Christmas tree the right one to take home. "We definitely buy a real tree Christmas tree. We love everything about a real Christmas tree," said Mandy Gailey who lives in Morro Bay. Whether it's an artificial or real tree, this year's Christmas tree could cost you more.

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U.S. farm production to increase in 2023 as economy cools

The U.S. economy will slow in the new year, constrained by sharply higher interest rates, at the same time that farmers and ranchers expand production, projected the Agriculture Department on Monday. Prices for most commodities - including corn, soybeans, wheat and hogs - would decline somewhat from this year's elevated levels but remain comparatively high.

Read More

Trade Your Crop Byproducts for Electricity

California ag producers pay the most for electricity compared to those in any other state. With production costs already at an all-time high, one renewable energy company says it can offer relief by converting your biomass waste into electricity.

Read More

USDA: USDA Expands Outreach on Crop Insurance to Underserved Producers

New NRCS website is now available

PUBLISHED ON WASHINGTON - The new NRCS Website is now available to the public. To find Soil information, once on the NRCS Website, click on Conservation Basics, then click Soil and then click Soil Science or Soil Science content can be accessed directly via .

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USDA Expands Outreach on Crop Insurance to Underserved Producers

PUBLISHED ON WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently invested about $3.3 million in two new partnerships that will train and equip the next generation of crop insurance agents, adjusters and outreach educators about crop insurance options.

Read More

Thank You Farm Bureau Members

New Agricultural Members

CAPCA Central Coast and Cavalli Estates

Renewing Agricultural Members

Carl Evers, Thomas Shelley, Wyatt Mello, SLO County Cattlewomen, Integrity Wine Company LLC, Judy Lewis, Phelan Land Company II LLC, Andy Thulin, Nolan Twisselman, Bill Struble, James Maino, Teresa Brander, and Gary Ketcham

Renewing Business Support Members

Cal-Coast Machinery

Renewing Associate Members

Delta Liquid Energy, Harvest Travel, Food Bank Coalition Of Slo Co,

and Joe Sabol

SLO County Farm Bureau Business Support Member List

Featured Member Benefit:

Caterpillar

SAVE UP TO $5,000 ON CAT EXCAVATORS, SKID STEERS, WHEEL LOADERS AND MORE


Eligible California Farm Bureau members* can save up to $5,000 on the purchase or lease of eligible Cat® wheel loaders, small and medium dozers, backhoe loaders, compact track loaders, skid steer loaders, telehandlers, mini hydraulic excavators and excavators. Also, receive an additional $250 credit on select work tool attachments purchased with new Cat machines (Promotion excludes Buckets, Forks, Thumbs, and Coupler attachments). These discounts can be combined with any current retail discount, promotion, rebates or offers available through Caterpillar or its dealers, with the exception of the Cat NCBA membership incentive.


For a complete list of eligible Cat equipment discounts, click HERE!


*Must be a valid member of a participating state Farm Bureau for at least 30 days to be eligible for discount. Members must present a discount certificate at time of purchase or lease quote to receive the discount. No limit on discount certificates available to members, but one certificate must be presented for each machine purchase or lease.


If you have questions or need help obtaining the certificate, please call (916) 561-5500 or visit your local FB office. Learn more at Cat.com/FarmBureau and get your discount certificate today!

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Environmental: Should California Warn residents when Pesticides are Sprayed Near Homes? How to Weigh In

Should California Warn residents when Pesticides are Sprayed Near Homes? How to Weigh In

State officials are seeking public input on a pilot program that requires local agriculture operations to alert nearby communities when they plan to spray hazardous pesticides. This week, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation is hosting three workshops...

Read More

Ahead of election, Morro Bay's mayoral candidates reflect on city's renewable energy future

The November general election is tomorrow, and residents of Morro Bay are considering two candidates for mayor. Renewable energy has become one of the main topics in the campaign, as the city faces multiple large-scale projects that could transform the town.

Read More

Produce: SLO County Farm Bureau Member Ryan Talley Elected to Western Growers Board

SLO County Farm Bureau Member Ryan Talley Elected to Western Growers Board

Western Growers is pleased to announce the results of the 2023-2024 Western Growers Board of Directors elections. The following members have been elected by the membership to serve a two-year term starting in November 2022 at the 96th Western Growers Annual Meeting: D-1 All Arizona except Yuma County Steve Martori, Martori Farms ...

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Decertification Action Necessary to Maintain Integrity of California LGMA

The California Leafy Green Marketing Agreement (LGMA) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture recently had to take a decertification action against a member company. California LGMA CEO Tim York said the entire program is built on trust, which is based on transparency and compliance.

Read More

Rising demand for California blueberries

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Data from RaboResearch Food and Agribusiness shows demand for blueberries is growing in both the U.S. and around the world. Experts expect that demand to get even higher as blueberries gain popularity in China and other regions. According to the Fresno County Farm Bureau, blueberry plantings in California totaled between 8,700 [...]

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Labor: California Farm Bureau Runs Radio Ads for Farmworkers About New Card Check Union Law

Farmers hope the lame duck session can change the immigration system

subscribe to The NPR Politics Podcast podcast Plans to overhaul the immigration system have stalled yet again. So farmers and other groups are looking to the lame duck session and hoping that more modest proposals can find bipartisan support. ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: This election cycle has highlighted the growing divide in American politics over immigration.

Read More

DOL Updates H-2A Visa Program for Farmworkers

​The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued new regulations amending the H-2A agricultural guestworker visa program, making changes to how prevailing wages are formulated, modernizing how the application and certification process is conducted, and improving standards for employment conditions. The final rule-stemming from a proposed rule by the Trump ...

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Labor Shortages Stunt CA Ag Growth

An ag labor bill sits in the senate waiting for action after being passed through the House of Representatives earlier this year.


The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would significantly improve California's ag labor shortages, and bolster food production in the state.

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California Farm Bureau Runs Radio Ads for Farmworkers About New Card Check Union Law


On Monday Entravision, a major provider of Spanish language radio/TV and social media communications in California, began running a flight of morning drive-time 30-second radio ads designed to warn farm employees about the change in the Agricultural Labor Relations Act brought about by AB 2183 (Stone) that will could result in new card-check organizing activity by labor unions in agriculture.  


The ads are intended to inform farmworkers that signing an authorization card or petition could result in a union being granted representation status (obliging those employees to pay 3% of their wages if they are unionized by the United Farm Workers, for example) by the Ag Labor Relations Board with no secret ballot election as was previously guaranteed by the ALRA. This flight of ads will run through December 11, 15, or 18 depending on availability and price of airtime in various markets. 


Here is a fact sheet on AB 2183 from California Farm Bureau. Here is the English language version of the message:

 

Attention, farmworkers! Starting next year, you may no longer have the right to vote on whether you want a labor union to come between you and your employer. Signing a union card or petition can lead to a union stealing three percent of your wages. Don’t let them! California Farm Bureau & Farm Employers Labor Service sponsored this message.


Wildfire: California Wildfires and Drought: Where are We?

California Wildfires and Drought: Where are We?

November is historically one of California's worst months for deadly, wind driven mega wildfires. This year, there has been far less large runaway wildfires statewide, rainy conditions are to thank.

Read More

Moody's: California Utilities Reduced Liability Following Catastrophic Wildfires

A new report shows California utilities have noticeably reduced their liability following catastrophic wildfires in the past that have been blamed on the utilities and have driven several massive lawsuits and financial challenges.

Read More

Livestock: September Pork Exports Continue Upward Trend, Pace Cools for Beef

They defied California and drained an important salmon stream. Their fine: $50 per farmer

For eight straight days this summer, farmers in far Northern California drained almost all of the water out of a river in defiance of the state's drought regulations. The move infuriated environmentalists and salmon-dependent Native American tribes downstream. California now knows the cost of the farmers' blatant defiance: Less than $50 per farmer.

Read More

September Pork Exports Continue Upward Trend, Pace Cools for Beef

PUBLISHED ON Growth in Japan, Korea and Caribbean bolsters September pork exports WASHINGTON - U.S. pork exports topped year-ago totals for the second consecutive month in September, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

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Vineyard & Wine: IGGPRA Issues in Winemaking Seminar on November 16

This Paso Robles winery is Wine Enthusiast's 2022 American Winery of the Year

Paso Robles winemaker Austin Hope was named 2018 Wine Industry Person of the Year by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. jjohnston@thetribunenews.com A Paso Robles winery is Wine Enthusiast magazine's 2022 American Winery of the Year. Hope Family Wines of Paso Robles was honored as part of the publication's annual Wine Star Awards.

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How worried should the West be about these wine-grape pests?

Trains, planes and automobiles carrying this potentially invasive passenger across the country could pose a threat to California's agriculture industry this year. The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive plant hopper from Asia, which was first discovered on U.S. soil in Pennsylvania in 2014.

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IGGPRA Nov 16 Seminar

Current Issues in Winemaking Our November Seminar will focus on what it takes to get grapes from the vineyard, through the winery and into consumers' glasses. Our speakers will discuss winery-grower interactions and challenges in today's economic climate. This seminar will be beneficial for both growers and winemakers.

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Water: Ag Order 4.0 Recordkeeping Seminars in English and Spanish- December 12th, 15th

How can California boost its water supply?

Over and over again, drought launches California into a familiar scramble to provide enough water. Cities and towns call for conservation and brace for shortages. Growers fallow fields and ranchers sell cows. And thousands of people discover that they can't squeeze another drop from their wells.

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Permit to reopen Cambria's Water Reclamation Facility remains continually delayed

It's been more than two years since Cambria applied to turn its emergency water system into a more permanent fixture, but there's been little progress since then. According to Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) board member Harry Farmer, the permit application was submitted to the county in July 2020.

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City of San Luis Obispo Looking to purify contaminated well water

From chemicals to seawater intrusion, agencies across the Central Coast are dealing with a variety of groundwater issues. City of San Luis Obispo water resource officials are taking steps to flush out groundwater that has been contaminated with dry cleaning chemicals. Recent studies have narrowed down that problem area.

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Arroyo Grande Subbasin Final GSP

Arroyo Grande Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan Please visit The final Arroyo Grande Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) is now complete.


https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/agbasin to view/download the Final GSP.


Thank you to everyone who has participated in the development of the Arroyo Grande Subbasin GSP and for your continued interest in your community's water resources.

Read More

Ag Order 4.0 Workshops- English and Spanish

California Water Board is hosting a recordkeeping workshop for Ag Order 4.0. Thee will be a Spanish and English Workshop. The flyer in Spanish can be found here.

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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