Annual Hugh Pitts Memorial Turkey Donation Underway | |
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For many years around Thanksgiving, longtime Farm Bureau board member and community servant, Hugh Pitts, donated a pallet of turkeys to the SLO County Food Bank. It was one of the many selfless acts of service Hugh led before his untimely passing in 2018, and SLO County Farm Bureau continues the tradition in Hugh's honor.
Thanks to your generous support, San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau and the Pismo Oceano Vegetable Exchange (POVE) were able to donate $6,000 and over 4,300 pounds of locally grown produce to the SLO Food Bank in 2022.
If you would like to contribute to this effort you can:
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Give with a credit card online by clicking here or call our office at 805-543-3654; or
- Drop off cash, check (payable to SLO County Farm Bureau) or pay with a credit card in-person at our office.
If you have questions or would like to donate commodities to the cause, please call Farm Bureau at 805-543-3654.
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This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
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This summer is expected to be hot and challenging, making it crucial to stay ready for evacuations in the event of wildfires, floods, or earthquakes. Wildfires can happen at anytime and can catch residents off-guard.
Ensure your safety by taking these steps:
- Evacuate promptly whenever a fire or disaster approaches.
- Discuss a meeting spot with loved ones in case returning home is not possible.
- Assemble an emergency supply kit with essential items.
- Familiarize yourself with Red Flag Warnings and how to access weather reports.
Need help with creating your 5-minute plan? For ideas to prepare for any disaster, visit firefightersonyourside.org. Message provided by PG&E Emergency Preparedness Outreach Campaign.
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Calendar- Upcoming Events & Deadlines:
- November 17- Registration closes for CA Farm Bureau Annual Meeting (Contact the office if interested in attending)
- November 23-24- Office Closed for Thanksgiving
- November 28- SLO County Farm Bureau Board Meeting at 5pm at Office (4875 Morabito Pl. in SLO). All members welcome to attend, please RSVP to office at 805-543-3654.
- December 1-6- Office Closed for CA Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Reno, NV
- December 25- Jan 1- Office Closed for Christmas and New Year's Holidays
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Community: SLO County Farm Bureau Member, Holloway's Christmas Tree Farm, Featured in California Bountiful Magazine | |
Visit to Christmas Tree Farm Makes a Fun Outing for All Ages | |
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Holloway’s Christmas Tree Farm in Nipomo.
Each year since its opening in 1962, the San Luis Obispo County tourist destination hosts thousands of visitors who come to the farm to sip hot chocolate, drive pedal cars, pet farm animals and search for the perfect Christmas tree.
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Presented by Nationwide®, the California FFA and the California Farm Bureau®, the Golden Owl Award honors California ag educators for their tremendous contributions to helping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Nominees have an opportunity to win great cash prizes and the title of California Agricultural Educator of the Year. | | | |  |
Free Eye Exams and Glasses Offered by SLO Noor Foundation Eye Clinic on Nov. 10-11 | SLO Noor Foundation and CAPSLO, in partnership with VSP Eyes of Hope, are having their Annual VSP Mobile Clinic Event! This event aims to provide individuals without eye insurance access to a comprehensive eye exam and immediate eyeglasses - all free of charge! |
PRWCA November Vit Tech: Irrigating for the Future | As climate change progresses, the resulting increase in the volatile weather patterns and frequency of drought in the Western United States impacts water use restrictions, and in turn, grape vineyards irrigation practices. Join us for our next Vit Tech Seminar on Tuesday, November 28 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. | | | |
Local Government: San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Meets on November 7 | |
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SLO County Board of Supervisors Meeting November 7
The SLO County Board of Supervisors meets tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 9:00am. The agenda can be found here and additional item documents here. The meeting can be viewed live here at the time of the meeting.
Items of Interest to Agriculture:
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1 Introduction of an ordinance implementing the County Fee Schedule "A" for Calendar Year 2024 and Fee Schedule "B" for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Hearing date set fo November 28, 2023.
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17 Review of the FY 2024-25 Budget Goals and Policies, Budget Balancing Strategies and Approaches, and Board Priorities, and provide direction to staff as necessary, including authorizing the County Administrative Officer to implement any mid-year budget balancing strategies, including but not limited to a ‘hiring chill’.
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13 Submittal of a resolution acknowledging October 1-7, 2023 as "National 4-H Week.”
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21 Request to receive direction from the Board on options to amend the scope or phasing of the Bob Jones Pathway Gap Closure Project to continue progress in order to meet the grant funding timeline for the Bob Jones Pathway from the Octagon Barn to Ontario Road Project, Avila.
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Local group sparks recall attempt against Bruce Gibson | Second District Supervisor Bruce Gibson is less than a year into his fifth four-year term. He's weathered a vote recount process, and now he's facing... | | | | |
OCSD needs new legal counsel, new general manager | After four years as general manager of the Oceano Community Services District (OCSD), Will Clemens, is heading for an early retirement due to what he... | | | |
State Government: CFBF's Farm Bureau at Work Highlights Concerns for Current Fire Hazard Severity Maps | |
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This Week in California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work State Government Report
November 3, 2023
Forestry and Wildfire
California Farm Bureau submitted comments to Cal Fire, in regard to the State Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity maps, joining a coalition of state and local business associations that share similar concerns. The comments state that:
“The FHSZ Maps do not consider any hazard-reducing mitigation efforts made by property owners, which can substantially reduce actual “risk” levels. Rather, the FHSZ Maps assume the property will remain in its natural state for decades. Over time, this means that the maps may significantly overstate the actual wildfire hazards for areas that are subsequently developed and/or protected by wildfire mitigation measures and design features.”
Farm Bureau wants to ensure that the maps are not used by regulators, insurers, or others as an indicator of fire risk, as opposed to a static view of fire hazard. This is important as the California Department of Insurance looks to incorporate new catastrophe models into property insurance rating plans, and insurers look to include different sources of data to make determinations on insurability and policy costs. Because Farm Bureau members are at the forefront of making substantial investments to create defensible space, we highlighted the need to ensure the maps are accurate. The comments to Cal Fire state:
“Our members remain very concerned that there is no mechanism to change a property’s hazard designation until the next map cycle, which can take many years. As development continues after a cycle update (with the corresponding changes to grading, road improvements, fuel setback zones, etc.), or to correct newly identified errors, the FHSZ maps quickly become outdated and grow increasingly inaccurate over time.”
Inaccurate Cal Fire maps have repercussions in that other regulators tier off of the Cal Fire data, as do legislative proposals to restrict housing development, farming (as evident with recent permit rejections for new wineries) or other commercial activities in certain areas due to ill perceived fire hazards resulting from inaccurate maps.
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Federal Government: Federal Reserve Decides Not to Increase Interest Rates | |
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This Week in California Farm Bureau's Federal Policy News
October 26, 2023
- California Ag Groups Join Together for Disaster Assistance Letter
- ERP Funding for 2022 Announced
- President Embarks on “Rural Tour”
- CAFB Submits Comments on Chumash National Marine Sanctuary Proposed Rule
- USDA Publishes New Standards for Organic Livestock and Poultry Production
- $1.77 Billion Distributed for Climate-Smart Ag
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Federal Reserve decides not to increase interest rates | The cost of borrowing has not been this high in decades, but the Federal Reserve says high interest rates help lower inflation. | | | | |
Extreme weather has triggered over $3 billion in insurance payouts to California farmers since 2001 | The Federal Crop Insurance Program, funded in large part by taxpayer money, pays farmers when their crop yields decline in an effort to keep the agricultural sector economically stable. | | | |
Business Member Spotlight:
Community Bank of Santa Maria
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At the heart of why Community Bank of Santa Maria was formed, is the explanation of what makes us different.
Community Bank of Santa Maria was organized by Jim Glines and Bill Hares; two career bankers who started their professional relationship and long term friendship at Bank of Santa Maria. When Bank of Santa Maria was acquired by a larger regional bank, it didn't take long for Jim and Bill to realize the needs of their community were not being met. They decided to start a new bank; one whose sole purpose was to meet the needs of the community with an emphasis on local decision making.
Recognizing that it would require community members to uphold their vision, Jim and Bill sought out Santa Maria Valley residents to become board members. They recruited leaders and influencers with local interests and a sincere concern for the community. With the board in place, Jim and Bill went to work recruiting bank staff that possessed and emulated the same qualities as the bank's Board of Directors.
Today, Community Bank of Santa Maria's Board of Directors and staff are comprised of folks who are community members first, and bankers second. They live, work and play where our customers do. They see our customers on our little league fields, at our schools, and in our churches. They share an interest in the same fundraising events, and are dedicated supporters of the same local nonprofit charities. This translates to a unique experience that only a community bank can offer. Prompt decision making by folks that know you and know your community is a hallmark.
Whether you're an investor, an employee, or a customer, Community Bank of Santa Maria offers the same thing: the unique experience of being part of a true community. A community where everyone involved works together to create something beneficial for all.
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Environmental: Offshore Wind Off the Coast of Morro Bay? Residents Have Mixed Feelings | |
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Pressured by lawsuits, EPA toughens pesticide rules to protect endangered species
Driven by tight court deadlines, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is radically remaking its approach to regulating pesticides, giving weight to their risk to endangered species.
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Offshore wind off the coast of Morro Bay? Residents have mixed feelings | San Luis Obispo County officials held a public information session on Wednesday about an offshore wind energy project that, if approved, would be placed off the coast of Morro Bay. | | | | |
California Farmers Plant Hedgerows to Conserve Water, Improve Soil Health | Hedgerows improve water retention in the soil and create natural habitats for beneficial birds and other pest predators. Farmers said they add aesthetic value, too. | | | |
Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
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Renewing Platinum Agriculture Member
Justin Vineyard
Renewing Business Support Agricultural Members
Helena Agri-Enterprises (Paul Crout) and Sunbelt Vineyards
Renewing Agricultural Members
Dean Wineman, Dan Wixom, Kobara & Sons, Michael Riley, Rick Machado, Burt Fugate, Steven Carter, Mark Switzer, Joseph Cavaletto, Phelan Land Company II LLC, Teresa Brander, James Maino, Integrity Wine Company, LLC, Bill Struble, William Harington, Tom Bordonaro, Sarah Kramer, and Eileen Giannini
Renewing Associate Member
Tyler Addison
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Featured Member Benefit:
Caterpillar
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Preparing Your Farm or Ranch for Winter!
Temperatures are dropping, which means it is time to get your equipment ready for colder weather. Learn how you can keep your equipment in the best shape this winter.
Visit cat.com/FarmBureau to see how you can save up to $2,750 on CAT machines and up to $250 on select CAT attachments to keep your farm or ranch running this winter.
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Labor: Register Now for Webinar on California's New General Industry Workplace Violence Prevention Law on Nov. 8 | |
Upcoming AgSafe Training on November 14 in SLO | | |
OSHA Announces Most Frequently Cited Workplace Safety Standards for FY2023 - Western Growers Association | OSHA indicated that citations related to fall protection topped their most frequently cited workplace safety violation list. | | | | |
Supervisor's Handbook on Labor Relations Available Now from FELS | |
Do You Know What to Do When the Union Files
a Card Check Petition?
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She was killed in a carrot field. With her body nearby, workers say, they were told to keep picking | Rosa Miriam Sanchez's death at Grimmway Farms has prompted questions about the driver and contractors, and why workers returned to picking carrots as her body lay nearby. | | | | |
Extreme Heat Pushes More Farmworkers to Harvest at Night, Creating New Risks - Inside Climate News | American farmworkers are increasingly at risk of heat-related illness and death as climate change drives temperatures around the world to record highs. That's pushing more and more workers to harvest crops at night to avoid extreme heat, according to recent reports, which is creating a host of new risks that experts say need to be [...] | | | | |
Pregnant farmworkers in California are eligible for paid time off - but many don't know it exists | Because of the risk of pesticide exposure, pregnant farmworkers in California have access to state funding in order to take time off. A new initiative is trying to get the word out. | | | |
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California’s NEW General Industry Workplace Violence Prevention Law
Please join Rachel L. Conn and Megan S. Shaked from Conn Maciel Carey’s Cal/OSHA and California Employment Law Practices for a webinar on the new California workplace violence prevention legislation that will impact virtually every employer in the state of California.
Participants will learn:
- The intersection between this new Workplace Violence legislation and Cal/OSHA’s ongoing workplace violence rulemaking
- The requirements of the Workplace Violence Prevention law
- Landmines awaiting employers as they move into compliance with the new law
- Strategies for developing compliant workplace violence prevention programs
When? November 8, 10 AM
Where? Your laptop, desktop, phone, tablet or favorite device!
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Wildfire: 4 More Insurers are Leaving California After Allstate and Stae Farm Cut Back Due to Wildfire Risk | |
Could teen arrested in relation to Lizzie Fire face adult charges? | Police say surveillance footage from San Luis Obispo High School led to the arrest of a teenager in connection with a suspected arson fire. | | | | |
4 more insurers are leaving California after Allstate and State Farm cut back due to wildfire risk | Moves follow a large withdrawal of companies from Florida, whose CFO called them "the Bud Light of the insurance industry." | | | |
Livestock: Cattle Market Volatility Increasing Risk for Farmers, May Lead to Record Beef Prices | |
Cattle Inventory Swing Could Increase Consumer Prices in 2024 and Beyond | Nelson: Replacement heifers are basically the "planting intentions" of the cattle business. So, when we have less of those replacement heifers being held back to produce calves, we ultimately have a smaller inventory. We've been going through this for a couple of years now, but now as this happens, we're looking at 2024 at the earliest before we can even consider starting to replace this cattle herd. | | | | |
Cattle Market Volatility Increasing Risk for Farmers, May Lead to Record Beef Prices | This Market Intel will examine the factors contributing to volatility in the cattle markets and its impacts on cattle farmers and consumers. | | | |
Vineyard and Wine: Paso Robles' Daou Vineyards Bought by Global Wine Corporation for $900 Million | |
Paso Robles' Daou Vineyards bought by global wine corporation for $900 million | An Australian company purchased the Daou wine brand in Paso Robles, California, including wineries and a tasting room in San Luis Obispo County. | | | | |
Will market pressures downsize vineyard acreage? | The president of a leading California winegrape marketing association says growers in the state need to remove 50,000 acres of winegrapes to balance supply with decreasing market demand. | | | | |
Tickets Now Available for November's Seminar! | Did you know grapevine trunk disease is the primary cause of grapevine decline in the Paso Robles area? Join us to hear the most up-to-date information on how to identify and manage this issue thanks to recent advances in the management of this disease. | | | |
Water: Supervisors Approve New Study for Paso Basin Water-Blending Project | |
Supervisors approve new study for Paso basin water-blending project | The ongoing search for a solution to groundwater sustainability in the Paso Robles Basin received new life following the San Luis Obispo County Board of... | | |
Priorities for California's Water | California has made great strides in preparing for a drier, hotter future, but it remains a challenge to harness the bounty of wet years while also reducing flood risk. How did California's water sector manage the unusually wet 2023 water year-and what lessons can we glean for the future? | | | | |
Noll Inc. wants the regional water board to take accountability for wrongfully accusing it of contaminating groundwater | In the last four years, the Nolls have spent almost half a million dollars on consultants, investigatory reports, water bottles and filtration systems, well testing,... | | |
Another wet winter looms. California needs to get serious about water management | California's reservoirs are more full than usual thanks to last winter's heavy rain and snow storms. The state could see a repeat. | | | |
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. | | | | |
