San Luis Obispo County Agriculture News
October 22, 2021
Paso Basin Planting Ordinance Draft Released
On Friday, October 22, San Luis Obispo County Planning & Building Department released the draft "Paso Basin Land Use Planting Ordinance." Comments are due by November 24, 2021. This proposed ordinance is currently undergoing an Environmental Impact Review. SLO County Farm Bureau will provide analysis and comments in coming weeks.  
   
The draft includes two parts - ordinance amendments and General Plan amendments - that would require approval from the County Department of Planning & Building (Department) to plant new or expanded commercial crops irrigated from groundwater wells within the Paso Basin Land Use Management Area. An exemption is allowed for plantings with an estimated total water demand of 25 acre-feet per year (AFY) per site, including existing crops, with site defined as contiguous parcels under common ownership upon the ordinance effective date. The ordinance would not apply to dryland crops, existing crops, or non-commercial crops. The County Board of Supervisors directed the Department to prepare this ordinance on April 6, 2021 and approved funding for ordinance development on June 22, 2021.  
 
Written comments may be submitted to via email to khensley@co.slo.ca.us or mailed to: 
Department of Planning and Building 
ATTN: Planting Ordinance/Kylie Hensley 
976 Osos Street, Room 300 
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 
 
More information about the ordinance milestones and environmental review is available at the project website.
This Week In SLO County Agriculture
This Issue Includes: 
  • Community News: SLO County Farm Bureau - Hugh Pitts Memorial Thanksgiving Turkey Donation To Food Bank;
  • County Government News: San Luis Obispo County To Hold Second Redistricting Hearing Oct 26th, 2021;
  • State Government News: The Hill - Newsom Issues Executive Order To Address Supply Chain Congestion;
  • Federal Government News: American Farm Bureau - Six Shifts Defining The Future Of Food;
  • Business Member Spotlight: Crop Insurance Services by AMS;
  • Featured Member Benefit: California Grown;
  • Labor News: Successful Farming - Farmworker Safety Agency Is Needed In California, Says Report;
  • Wildfire News: AgAlert - Lara To Boost Wildfire Insurance Coverage;
  • Water News: ABC News - Farmers Propose Solutions To Drought Conditions In The Western United States;
  • Environmental News: The Tribune - Coastal Commission Approves New SLO County Conservation District, Forest Project;
  • Vineyard & Wine News: Wine Business - Riboli Family May Buy Former Rabbit Ridge Vineyard And Residential Estate In Paso Robles;
  • Avocado News: Coastal View - California Avocados Were Slimmer Pickings In 2021;
  • Produce News: Reuters - U.S. Blocking Imports Of Tomatoes From Mexican Farm Over Forced Labor Allegations;
  • Livestock News: AgAlert - Bill Signed To Help Livestock Rescues;
  • Taxation News: SLO County Farm Bureau - Farm Bureau, Assessor Bordonaro Stop Prop 19 'Death Tax';
  • Agriculture Tourism: The Tribune - How Should Paso Robles Handle Vacation Rentals? City Weighs Future Of Ordinance; and
  • Wisdom From The Farm & Ranch.
Community News: SLO County Farm Bureau - Hugh Pitts Memorial Thanksgiving Turkey Donation To Food Bank
Hugh Pitts Memorial Thanksgiving Turkey Donation to Food Bank

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 is continuing the tradition in Hugh's honor.

Our neighbors are having to turn to the Food Bank more than ever due to COVID-19, and we can help make sure everyone has plenty to eat this Thanksgiving. In partnership with Pismo Oceano Vegetable Exchange and Ikeda Brothers, our Farm Bureau is raising money to donate over 2,000 pounds of turkey to the SLO County Food Bank.

If you have questions or would like to donate commodities to the cause, please call Farm Bureau at 805-543-3654.

If you would like to contribute to this effort you can:
  1. Give with a credit card online by clicking here or call our office at 805-543-3654; or
  2. Drop off cash, check (payable to SLO County Farm Bureau) or pay with a credit card in-person at our office.
The Food Bank is always in need of monetary donations, so a donation directly to the SLO County Food Bank is also a great way to support our community.
How do weather balloons work? SLO County students get...

For farmers and ranchers, the weather is of infinite importance. I know of no other group of folks that has more situational awareness of the atmosphere and the weather it brings. Many measure rainfall, meticulously track air temperatures -...

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www.sanluisobispo.com
SLO County will allow dozens of new oil wells at Arroyo...

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 on Tuesday to allow dozens of new oil wells to be built at the Arroyo Grande oil field over the next three years. Supervisor Bruce Gibson voted against the motion.

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www.sanluisobispo.com
Move over, Hawaii: California is revolutionizing coffee...

Farmer and agronomist Jay Ruskey defines fringe as being "on the edge, but still connected." To tailor and apply the term to his burgeoning Southern California network of coffee farms, he aptly decided to change the spelling to FRINJ...

Read more
napavalleyregister.com
SLO County Farm Bureau 2022 Sportsmen Raffle Calendar On Sale Now -Only 30 left at the office!
County Government News: San Luis Obispo County To Hold Second Redistricting Hearing Oct 26th, 2021
San Luis Obispo County to Hold Second Redistricting...

San Luis Obispo County to Hold Second Redistricting Hearing on October 26th, 2021 at 6:00pm. The San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors will hold its second public hearing to solicit input on how to adjust the County’s supervisorial district boundaries

Read more
www.slocounty.ca.gov
SLO County Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures Monthly Update - October 2021
State Government News: The Hill - Newsom Issues Executive Order To Address Supply Chain Congestion
Newsom issues executive order to address supply chain...

California Gov. Gavin Newsom Gavin Newsom California regulator proposes ban on oil drilling near schools, hospitals, homes Biden says he would tap National Guard to help with supply chain issues Equilibrium/Sustainability - Presented by Southern...

Read more
thehill.com
In-N-Out Burger clashes with San Francisco over vaccine...

Popular California burger chain In-N-Out is refusing to comply with San Francisco's mandate that restaurants check vaccine cards before allowing customers to dine indoors - a move that resulted in a temporary shutdown of the city's only location.

Read more
www.washingtonpost.com
Federal Government News: American Farm Bureau - Six Shifts Defining The Future Of Food
Six Shifts Defining the Future of Food

What will food look like in the future? We can look to the language consumers use online to point to what they expect from our food system going forward. We are in a trial-and-error phase of culture when it comes to food.

Read more
www.fb.org
Voluntary Carbon Markets Hold Promise for Farmers and...

A lot of work remains on the establishment of private voluntary carbon markets for farmers and ranchers. The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture recently hosted a hearing on the topic. Committee chairman David Scott said voluntary carbon markets...

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www.fb.org
Business Member Spotlight:
Crop Insurance Services by AMS
Since 1995, we’ve approached agriculture insurance with a timeless perspective: Grower first. Because we treat our customers like people – not numbers – we’ve developed a unique understanding of the challenges and needs facing America’s farming communities. It’s this simple yet timeless principle that drives everything we do at Crop Insurance Services by AMS.

As a market leader in the agriculture insurance industry, Crop Insurance Services by AMS proudly provides risk management solutions for America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers.

Our only focus is on providing agriculture insurance solutions for America’s farmers, ranchers, and supporting ag-related businesses. Since our beginning in 1995, we’ve approached our business and the insurance industry differently. These foundational differences have driven our past success and will continue to propel us forward.
865 Aerovista Pl Suite #140 | San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 439 - 3334 amsins.com
Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Thank You Farm Bureau Members
New Business Support Member
 
New Agriculture Member
Angelou LLC
 
Renewing Business Support Member
Carlos Castaneda
 
Renewing Members
William Greenough, Dewayne Rowlett, Mainini Family Ltd, Michael Reddell, Michael Noble, Delta Liquid Energy
Featured Member Benefit: California Grown
Are your products labeled California Grown? Farm Bureau members in California can now have access to a 50% discount on California Grown branding and licensing for their agricultural commodities. The purpose of the California Grown brand is to increase awareness and consumption of California agricultural products among California consumers. California Farm Bureau, a California Grown member, is partnering with California Grown to further promote the brand and as a result, Farm Bureau members have access to a significant discount. IF you are interested in the program and are looking for more information about the California Grown branding, please go to the California Grown website at www.californiagrown.org or phone (916) 441-5302.

*Some limitations may apply.
Labor News: Successful Farming - Farmworker Safety Agency Is Needed In California, Says Report
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Labor believe “Long COVID” may qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), possibly triggering requirements for employers to make reasonable accommodations for such individuals. How do you need to deal with “COVID Long-Haulers?” How do you engage in the ADA-required interactive process, manage reasonable accommodations (or make sure you know what a “reasonable accommodation” is?) and how does California Family Rights Act/federal Family and Medical Leave Act job-protected leave, California Supplemental Paid Sick Leave, AB 1522 paid sick leave, vacation benefits, and even your leave of absence policies fit into this? Erica Rosasco of McKague Rosasco will walk you through this new thicket of requirements for California agricultural employers. Register here.
FELS.net - Asking Applicants for Vax Status? Not So...

Robin Shea, Constangy, Brooks, Smith, and Prophete, LLP I'm not sure the ADA will let you do that. There has been a lot in the news lately about job applicants who include their COVID-19 vaccination status on their resumes, employers who ask...

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www.fels.net
Gap between H-2A positions certified and H-2A visas...

The H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Program attracts foreign farmworkers on temporary work visas to fulfill short-term labor contracts. All positions to be filled with H-2A workers are first certified by the Department of Labor, then U.S....

Read more
www.ers.usda.gov
Legislative Update: Broadening of Cal/OSHA Citation...

October 13, 2021 Governor Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 606 [SB 606], strengthening the authority of Cal/OSHA, an entity familiar to most employers. As background, after the creation of federal OSHA in 1971...

Read more
www.mckaguerosasco.com
Farmworker safety agency is needed in California, says...

The pandemic "simply became another life-threatening hazard" among many facing indigenous farmworkers in California, said a report released on Monday. Based on surveys and interviews of more than 300 workers, the report called for the creation of ...

Read more
www.agriculture.com
Advertise With San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau
Get Your Message in Front of Over 1600 San Luis Obispo Countians!

Our weekly E-News is sent out every Friday to our membership and local leaders. 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.
Wildfire News: AgAlert - Lara To Boost Wildfire Insurance Coverage
'Bomb cyclone' spreads flood fears in California fire zones

In the burned-out town of Greenville, deep on a Plumas County mountainside, the storms now battering Northern California are another trauma in a year of heartbreak. "Be careful what you wish for," Plumas County Supervisor Kevin Goss said...

Read more
www.latimes.com
Lara to boost wildfire insurance coverage

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is implementing a series of changes to help farmers and ranchers struggling to insure their properties after several years of devastating wildfires. Lara said he will boost the coverage limit of the...

Read more
www.agalert.com
Water News: ABC News - Farmers Propose Solutions To Drought Conditions In The Western United States
PASO BASIN COOPERATIVE COMMITTEE
***NOTICE OF UPCOMING MEETING***
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Paso Basin Cooperative Committee will hold a Regular Meeting at 4:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 27, 2021. Due to the continuing increase of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and in accordance with AB 361, which amends Government Code §54953 to allow local legislative bodies to hold virtual meetings after September 30, 2021, if certain criteria is met, the Paso Basin Cooperative Committee meeting for October 27, 2021 will be a virtual meeting held via Zoom webinar. Members of the public can participate via phone or by logging into the web-based meeting. Click here to view the Agenda Packet

To join the meeting from you computer, tablet or smartphone, click here. please go to:

You can also dial in using your phone:
Dial +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 944 8880 7820
Passcode: 438088
For additional information on the Paso Basin, please visit the County's SGMA web page.
Drought and climate extremes are pushing Californians to ...

The phrase "whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting over" routinely pops up in western water policy discussions-and Karla Nemeth is not a fan. The director of the Department of Water Resources (DWR) said...

Read more
www.agri-pulse.com
Satellites reveal the secrets of water-guzzling farms in ...

In a new push to stop further depletion of California's shrinking aquifers, state regulators are turning to technology once used to count Soviet missile silos during the Cold War: satellites. Historically, California's farmers could pump as much...

Read more
www.npr.org
Virginia investor spends big on Kern farmland with...

In a sizable series of transactions that speaks to looming uncertainties in local ag, a Wasco farming family recently sold 2,400 acres in west Bakersfield - and with them, options to buy 45,000 acre-feet of water banked by the Semitropic Water...

Read more
www.bakersfield.com
California's Drought Sparks Innovation in Santa Barbara...

Hope Ranch's Water Supplier Floats Idea of Offshore Desal Dry times call for innovative measures, and with California facing its driest year in nearly a century, the privately held water company that supplies Santa Barbara's Hope Ranch community...

Read more
www.independent.com
Farmers propose solutions to drought conditions in the...

The comprehensive 27-page testimony by the Family Farm Alliance covered everything from key concerns from members of the alliance, to what can be done to mitigate future droughts.

Read more
www.kdrv.com
Environmental News: The Tribune - Coastal Commission Approves New SLO County Conservation District, Forest Project
State Water Efficiency & Enhancement Program

State Water Efficiency & Enhancement Program The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) provides financial assistance in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California...

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www.cdfa.ca.gov
Farm groups tee up debate over pesticide notifications

Ahead of public workshops next month, a coalition of farm groups has submitted comments on a proposed statewide system for notifications of pesticide applications. The Ag Council led a group of 18 organizations in a letter to the Department of...

Read more
www.agri-pulse.com
Rain is coming to SLO County! Here's how much you'll see ...

It's time to break out your umbrella and those dusty rainboots. San Luis Obispo County residents will likely see a couple inches of rain fall over the weekend - the first measurable rainfall of this rainy season.

Read more
www.sanluisobispo.com
Coastal Commission approves new SLO County conservation...

Recent actions by the California Coastal Commission could have long-lasting effects on North Coast forests and nearby communities. At their Oct. 14 meeting, commissioners certified a new resource conservation district and public works plan that...

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www.sanluisobispo.com
Vineyard & Wine News: Wine Business - Riboli Family May Buy Former Rabbit Ridge Vineyard And Residential Estate In Paso Robles
Harvest Wine Weekend

Harvest Wine Weekend was 3 fun-filled warm days complete with grape stomps, barrel tastings, winemaker dinners, unique parties, festive tastings, BBQs, and more! Thanks for joining us in celebrating this year's harvest! Don't see yourself?...

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pasowine.com
Riboli Family May Buy Former Rabbit Ridge Vineyard and...

A wine company has offered to buy one of the Paso Robles properties once leased by Rabbit Ridge Winery's founder and winemaker Erich Russell if there is sufficient water to grow grapes.

Read more
www.winebusiness.com
Shipping Alcohol DtC-Retailers' Trials and Tribulations...

Retailers engaged in direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of beverage alcohol have faced unexpected setbacks in the last few months. -Alex Koral, Regulatory General Counsel, Sovos ShipCompliant Primarily, Idaho and Nevada, separately determined to...

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wineindustryadvisor.com
Napa County considers limiting house size in ag preserve

Napa County is sparking some initial controversy as it tries to ensure vineyards and wineries, not mansions, dominate the view in wine country. On the table is a one-acre limit for each new home in the agricultural preserve. That footprint would...

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napavalleyregister.com
Avocado News: Coastal View - California Avocados Were Slimmer Pickings In 2021
2021 Statewide Avocado Acreage and Condition Analysis...

The California Avocado Commission gathers critical yield forecasting data to make informed budgeting and marketing decisions by partnering with Land IQ to conduct an annual acreage survey. Data from this survey is then compiled in a database for...

Read more
www.californiaavocadogrower...
California avocados were slimmer pickings in 2021

For most California avocado growers, the 2021 season is in the rearview mirror, and due to supply fluctuations from Mexico, the 2021 avocado market was a roller coaster ride of price swings.

Read more
www.coastalview.com
Produce News: Reuters - U.S. Blocking Imports Of Tomatoes From Mexican Farm Over Forced Labor Allegations
FDA pesticide report shows majority of food samples...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued its annual Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program Report for the 2019 fiscal year. The results show the levels do not pose a concern for public health. According to the FDA, the 2019 report...

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www.foodsafetynews.com
U.S. blocking imports of tomatoes from Mexican farm over ...

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Thursday it will bar imports of fresh tomatoes produced by Mexican tomato grower Horticula Tom following accusations it said it had received about the use of ...

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www.reuters.com
Livestock News: AgAlert - Bill Signed To Help Livestock Rescues
Animal agriculture and alternative meats: advancing...

A UC Davis review highlights technological innovations across livestock sectors and alternative meat options, broadening conversations about sustainable Impossible burgers, steak, almond milk, 2% milk

Read more
theaggie.org
Bill signed to help livestock rescues

Gov. Gavin Newsom emptied his inbox of bills by the Oct. 10 deadline, signing measures to help farmers and ranchers rescue livestock in wildfires and also approving legislation potentially impacting oversight of farm employers. A statewide Ag...

Read more
www.agalert.com
New Tool Helps Ranchers Estimate Assistance Covered...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a new online tool available as part of the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP). Announced last week, the new ELAP Feed Transportation Producer Tool helps...

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agnetwest.com
NCBA continues to push for transparency

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the introduction of the Cattle Contract Library Act, led by Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX). The bipartisan bill would establish a...

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www.morningagclips.com
House Agriculture advances cattle market transparency bill

What they're saying: The bipartisan bill, led by Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), was applauded by some lawmakers as a positive first step in increasing transparency and competition in cattle markets. "A contract library...

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www.politico.com
Taxation News: SLO County Farm Bureau - Farm Bureau, Assessor Bordonaro Stop Prop 19 'Death Tax'
FARM BUREAU, ASSESSOR BORDONARO STOP PROP 19 'DEATH TAX'

Farm and ranch families can once again pass along their land to the next generation, thanks to work by Farm Bureau and our very own San Luis Obispo County Assessor Tom Bordonaro. For those that don't know, our agriculture community doesn't get...

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www.slofarmbureau.org
Family-owned businesses in Stanislaus County and...

Small business owners and farmers in California need a break. Placing another burden on them after the major economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is no way to repair our infrastructure and economy...

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www.modbee.com
Impact of changing capital gains taxation at death...

A proposal to change the way capital gains are taxed at death would affect family farm estates differently according to the size of the farm.

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www.ers.usda.gov
Agriculture Tourism: The Tribune - How Should Paso Robles Handle Vacation Rentals? City Weighs Future Of Ordinance
How should Paso Robles handle vacation rentals? City...

After two years, the city of Paso Robles is deciding how it should proceed with its vacation rental ordinance - whether to make it permanent as is or continue with temporary rules that allow for some changes.

Read more
www.sanluisobispo.com
California Agritourism - Farm Trails Organizations ...

Many farmers and ranchers list marketing their agritourism operation as one of their biggest challenges. Groups that support agritourism in their region, such as farm trail organizations, play a critical role in promoting local farmers and...

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ucanr.edu
Wisdom From The Farm & Ranch
Claude Dallas
Ian Tyson

In a land the Spanish once had called the Northern Mystery,
Where rivers run and disappear the mustang still is free.
By the Devil's wash and coyote hole in the wild Owyhee Range
Somewhere in the sage tonight the wind calls out his name.
Aye, aye, aye.

Come gather 'round me buckaroos and a story I will tell
Of the fugitive Claude Dallas who just broke out of jail.
You might think this tale is history from before the West was won,
But the events that I'll describe took place in nineteen eighty-one.

He was born out in Virginia, left home when school was through;
In the deserts of Nevada he became a buckaroo,
And he learned the ways of cattle, and he learned to sit a horse,
And he always packed a pistol, and he practiced deadly force.

Then Claude he became a trapper, and he dreamed of the bygone days,
And he studied bobcat logic and their wild and silent ways
In the bloody runs near Paradise, in monitors down south
Trapping cats and coyotes, living hand to mouth.
Aye, aye, aye.

Then Claude took to livin' all alone out many miles from town,
A friend--Jim Stevens--brought supplies and he stayed to hang around.
That day two wardens--Pogue and Elms--rode into check Claude out,
They were seeking violations and to see what Claude's about.

Now Claude had hung some venison, he had a bobcat pelt or two,
Pogue claimed they were out of season, he said "Dallas, you're all through."
But Dallas would not leave his camp. He refused to go to town.
As the wind howled thought the bull-camp they stared each other down.

Its hard to say what happened next, perhaps we'll never know,
They were gonna take Claude in to jail, and he vowed he'd never go.
Jim Stevens heard the gunfire, and when he turned around
Bill Pogue was falling backwards, Conley Elms he fell face down.
Aye, aye, aye.

Jim Stevens walked on over; there was a gun near Bill Pogue's hand.
It was hard to say who drawn his first, but Claude had made his stand.
Claude said "I am justified Jim, they were gonna cut me down,
And a man's got a right to hang some meat
When he's livin' this far from town."

It took eighteen men and fifteen months to finally run Claude down.
In the sage outside of Paradise they drove him to the ground.
Convicted up in Idaho--manslaughter by decree--
Thirty years at maximum, but soon Claude would break free.

There's two sides two this story, there may be no right or wrong,
The lawman and the renegade have graced a thousand songs.
The story is an old one. Conclusion's hard to draw,
But Claude's out in the sage tonight he may be the last outlaw.
Aye, aye, aye.

In a land the Spanish once had called the Northern Mystery,
Where rivers run and disappear the mustang still is free.
By the Devil's wash and the coyote hole in the wild Owyhee Range
Somewhere in the sage tonight the wind calls out his name.
Aye, aye, aye
Farm Bureau Membership Matters
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.
Thank You San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau
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