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The results are in, and the winners of Farm Supply Company's 18th Annual Great Pumpkin Contest held are...
Heaviest Pumpkin Category:
- Heaviest: Janeen Moore @ 725lbs,
- 1st Runner Up: Randy Pharr @ 657lbs, and
- 2nd Runner Up: Ty Evans @ 498lbs
Heaviest 12 & Under Age Category:
- Charles Hartzel at 449lbs
Most Beautiful Category:
Most Unusual Category:
Pictured at right, Farm Bureau member Ken Dewar gets quizzed about SLO County agriculture facts by Cal Poly Ag Leadership students who set up educational booths at Mission Plaza during the event.
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Farm Bureau Takes State Water Board to Court on Central Coast Regional Water Board's Ag Order 4.0 | |
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On September 20, 2023, the State Water Board adopted an order on the petitions seeking State Board review of the Central Coast Regional Water Board’s Ag Order 4.0. Ag Order 4.0 was adopted by the Central Coast Regional Board in 2021 and was petitioned to the State Board for review by agricultural groups, including California Farm Bureau (CAFB), as well as environmental groups.
Pictured at right, CAFB Senior Counsel Kari Fisher testifies on behalf of Farm Bureau members during the State Water Board's hearing on Ag Order 4.0. For more background, see a recent article from Agri-Pulse here.
In short, agriculture was able to get some "wins" from the State Water Board. The State Board ruled the Central Coast Regional Water Board will not be able to enforce applied nitrogen limits and targets, but they will be allowed to require growers to report them for the limited purposes of requiring additional education. Had the State Board not intervened, the Central Coast Regional Water Board's Ag Order 4.0 would have imposed the first-ever numeric nitrogen application limits.
The adopted order has some precedential requirements for all irrigated lands programs and also calls for another expert panel to review nitrogen requirements. CAFB and various other agricultural groups filed a lawsuit on October 9, 2023, seeking clarification on the adopted order’s precedential requirements on the ability to extend TMDL time compliance dates with a time schedule and the required contents of a proper economic analysis.
For the latest Ag Order compliance information, growers should plan on attending Central Coast Water Quality Preservation, Inc's meeting on November 29 at 10am in Santa Maria. Details are here.
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This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
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Calendar- Upcoming Events & Deadlines:
- October 24 - SLO County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
- November 3 – First Application Cutoff Period for USDA NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
- 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: Calling All Supporters of SLO County 4-H | |
Pioneer Day parade winners announced | Float theme for 2023 was 'Hip, Hip, Hooray for the Pioneer Spirit' - The 93rd Annual Paso Robles Pioneer Day Parade has announced the winners [...] | | | |  |
Calling All Supporters of SLO County 4-H | |
Local Government: Paso Basin Cooperative Committee Meets October 25 | |
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Paso Basin Cooperative Committee Meets October 25
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Paso Basin Cooperative Committee will hold a Regular Meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the Paso Robles Council Chambers, 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
See the full meeting packet here. Substantial agenda items include:
- 9. Report from EPC GSA Regarding Extraction Reporting Methodology
- 10. Status of Fall 2023 Groundwater Level Measurements
- 11. Update on Contract for Preparation of Water Year 2023 Annual Report
- 12. Discuss Potential Public Outreach Initiatives and Consider Directing PBCC Staff to Develop an Outreach Strategy for Future Consideration by the PBCC
- 13. Report on SGMA GSP Round 1 Grant Implementation
- 14. Report on Technical Advisory Committees
- 16. Review and Recommend Individual GSAs Approve MOA Amendment No. 2
- 17. Discuss and Provide Direction on the Development of a Budget Framework for the PBCC
- 18. Recommend the County Issue the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Cost of Service Rate Study Request for Proposals
- 19. Recommend Approval of the Expanded Monitoring Network
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20. Recommend County Award Contract to Selected Consultant for the Blended Irrigation Water Supply Project
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State Government: End of Legislative Session Brings Changes for Farmers | |
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This Week in California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work State Government Report
October 20, 2023
Insurance: The California Department of Insurance, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), and Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), conducted a live wildfire demonstration to show the effectiveness of research-based wildfire mitigation actions, including maintaining a noncombustible five-foot buffer around a home – Zone 0 – to help reduce its risk of ignition.
Embers, not the main fire front, are the leading cause of home ignitions during a wildfire. The live fire demonstration featured a side-by-side look at fire behavior impacts on mitigated vs. unmitigated structures.
“Firefighters can’t do it alone – everyone has a part to play in making California safer from wildfires, including insurance companies,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “California is the first state in the nation to require insurance companies to incorporate our new Safer from Wildfires framework into the price of insurance – so we reduce wildfire risk and incentivize people to harden their homes. If you do the work, you should get the reward, and today’s demonstration highlights the difference these actions make in reducing fire risk.”
Read More in this week's Farm Bureau at Work.
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End of legislative session brings changes for farmers | |
A number of new state laws are set to impact California farmers in the coming months after Gov. Gavin Newsom ended the legislative year Saturday by signing a flurry of bills.
“Each legislative session is a whirlwind, full of twists and turns, last-minute changes, high-impact decisions and careful negotiations, and this year was no different,” said California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson.
The Farm Bureau sponsored three bills signed by Newsom within the past couple of months. Those bills relate to regulations around using drones for aerial ...
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California Trucking Association sues to block Advanced Clean Fleets rule | The California Trucking Association has filed suit in federal court, seeking to block the California Advanced Clean Fleets rule. | | |
Staying on Top of Truck and Bus Rule Requirements | Paul Sousa from Western United Dairies explained that one of their members had a recent issue related to Truck and Bus Rule compliance... | | | |
Federal Government: For CA Storm Victims, IRS Postpones Tax-Filing and Tax-Payment Deadline to Nov. 16 | |
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This Week in California Farm Bureau's Federal Policy News
October 19, 2023
- House Still Frozen Over Vacated Speakership
- Senator Padilla Appointed to Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
- USDA Extends Deadline for Emergency Conservation Program Applications for California Producers
- IRS postpones Tax-Filing and Tax-Payment Deadline to Nov. 16 for California Storm Victims
- USDA Expands Crop Insurance for Specialty and Organic Crops
- USDA Extends Milk Loss Program Assistance Deadline to Oct. 30
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For California storm victims, IRS postpones tax-filing and tax-payment deadline to Nov. 16 | IR-2023-189, Oct. 16, 2023 - The Internal Revenue Service today further postponed tax deadlines for most California taxpayers to Nov. 16, 2023. In the wake of last winter's natural disasters, the normal spring due dates had previously been postponed to Oct. 16. | | | | |
USDA FAS State Fact Sheets Show Trade Wins for All 50 States | New tool lets you see how recent trade wins are helping agricultural producers, businesses, and industries in your state succeed. | | | | |
House speaker race widens to 9 Republicans vying for nomination | After Rep. Jim Jordan ended his unsuccessful bid, a new field of candidates has flooded the race. Most of them are now backing a pledge aimed at ensuring a House floor vote ends in an elected speaker. | | | |
California Farm Bureau News: CFBF Legal Services Division In Brief October Update | | |
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October 2023 CFBF Legal Services Update | |
Business Member Spotlight:
Coastal Vineyard Services
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VINEYARDS ARE OUR PASSION
Coastal Vineyard Services is a complete management company offering a variety of client services from vineyard design and installation to full scale annual management. Our team has been growing premium wine grapes on the Central Coast for over 30 years. We specialize in customized sustainable growing techniques that maximize efficiency and quality in the vineyard. We are experts in farming vineyards of all sizes, producing varieties for luxury and value price brands.
Certifications:
- Pest Control Advisor (PCA)
- Federal and State licensed Farm Labor Contractor (FLC)
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Management Services:
- FLC
- Vineyard Budget and Analysis
- Cultivation
- Vineyard Hand Work
- Irrigation
- Frost Protection
- Harvest
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Design and Installation Services:
- Location Scouting
- Site Analysis
- Land Preparation
- Infrastructure Layout and Implementation
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Environmental: Plastic Use in Agriculture Must Be Reduced, According To New Research | |
Plastic Use in Agriculture Must Be Reduced, According To New Research | Plastic use in agriculture must be reduced in order to mitigate pollution and prevent toxic chemicals from leaching into the soil | | | | |
How some SLO County residents are working to stop - or at least slow down - offshore wind | San Luis Obispo County residents are uniting in an effort to block development of floating wind farms off the California Central Coast. | | | |
Produce: SLO County Farm Bureau Member Daryn Miller Running for California Avocado Commission Seat | |
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SLO County Farm Bureau Member Daryn Miller Running for California Avocado Commission Seat
On September 25, California Avocado Commission 2023 General Election ballots were mailed to commercial producers and handlers of record. California avocado growers are highly encouraged to submit the ballots to the California Department of Food and Agriculture using the postage paid envelope provided. The ballots are due October 25. Miller is a candidate for District 5.
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Return of lethal citrus disease in California requires partnership between growers and government | California recently issued a quarantine order in Ventura County after Huanlongbing, a devastating citrus disease, was discovered. | | | | |
Bill introduced to promote mechanization in agriculture | Among its priorities, the bill proposes creating a Specialty Crop Mechanization and Automation Research and Development Program within the USDA to support specialty crop mechanization and automation projects. | | | |
| UC Cooperative Extension is hosting a pomegranate and citrus extension meeting on October 31 at 8am
This event will be held both in-person at the University of California Davis and via Zoom. This event will feature short talks for half a day from faculty from the University of California and University of Florida. Talk topics are related to ongoing research and outlooks on pomegranate production in California and Florida as well as HLB tolerant citrus. Topics covered include efforts to mitigate blackheart and other fruit rot pathogens, the economics of pomegranate production, and HLB tolerant citrus selections. Register and learn more here. | | |
Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
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Renewing Agricultural Members
Wyatt Mello, Daniel Lacouague, Andreas Koch, Rowland Twisselman, North Point Ranches, Craig Sunada, Michael Strouss, Rodney Stine, Diana Boam, Gina Hambly (Hambly Farms), Dale Guerra, Lacey Livestock, Carl Grieb, Ronald Hodel, and Ryan Tannehill (Central Coast Barns & Buildings Inc.)
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Featured Member Benefit:
Caterpillar: Fall Shopping and Savings
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Caterpillar: Fall Shopping and Savings
When using your CA Farm Bureau member benefit to save up to $2,750 on equipment purchases, make sure to get the latest Cat clothes, bags and accessories for Fall at 👉 https://bit.ly/3DwLd9h
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Labor: FELS Announces Workplace Violence Plan Rule Webinar, Nov. 8, 10 AM | |
Legislative Update: California Prohibits Employer Probes into Cannabis Use During Hiring Process | Amongst the slough of bills signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom this season is one to add to the list of employer no-nos during the hiring process. This d | | | | |
California Farm Labor Contractor Association - Ag Labor Forum | The 13th annual Ag Labor Forum is coming to the central coast for 2023! The forum provides vital resources and crucial updated information to help employers, managers, HR, and other key team members understand the critical regulatory requirements and challenges facing our industry. | | | | |
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California's SB 848 Creates new "Reproductive Loss" Leave | California's SB 848 Creates new "Reproductive Loss" Leave Starting January 1, 2024, California employers with five or more employees will be required to provide qualifying employees with five days of leave following a 'reproductive loss.' | | | |
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FELS Announces Workplace Violence Plan Rule Webinar, Nov. 8, 10 AM
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.
With SB 553 (Workplace Violence Prevention) beginning to go into effect in January 2024, employers need to work quickly to understand their new compliance obligations and begin to develop and prepare to implement the onerous new requirements. This program will be a deep dive into the new requirements, the ways various employment laws can be triggered while implementing a workplace violence prevention program, and tips and strategies for employers.
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
Conn Maciel Carey is a boutique law firm focused on OSHA and Workplace Safety and Labor & Employment. Conn Maciel Carey is one of only three Chambers USA “Band 1” rated firms for OSHA Law. The firm is in its tenth year of operation, and has grown in size and geographic reach to more than thirty people, including twenty-two attorneys, with offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, Washington DC, Columbus, Ohio, Chicago, Illinois, Detroit, Michigan, and attorneys working remotely in New York, North Carolina, and Virginia.
You can register for this webinar at FELS' webinars page.
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Wildfire: Joint-Operated Cal Fire and County Sheriff Dispatch Center Begins Construction in Templeton | |
Joint-Operated Cal Fire and County Sheriff Dispatch Center Begins Construction in Templeton | SLO County broke ground on Oct. 9 and began work on a new co-located 24-hour dispatch center that will be shared between the Sheriff's Office... | | | | |
PG&E's plan to bury power lines and prevent wildfires faces opposition because of high rates | Pacific Gas & Electric wants to bury power lines in some of its most at-risk areas to prevent destructive blazes like the 2018 Paradise fire that killed 85 people. | | | |
Livestock: California Weighs Ending Climate Credits for Cow Poop | |
California Weighs Ending Climate Credits for Cow Poop | California grants climate credits for fuel made from cow manure, but there's a paradox: It encourages collection of methane yet promotes natural gas. | | | | |
The SLO Horse Emergency Evacuation Team works to save animals during disasters | Susan McElhinney has a rather unusual side gig. "[Our group] is a local all-volunteer organization founded to aid the evacuation of large animals in case... | | | | |
SLO County chicken enthusiasts share pro tips for keeping backyard birds as healthy pets | While a dog, cat, or fish might seem like the safe and traditional options when looking to add a new member to the family, a... | | | |
Vineyard and Wine: What to Expect During Paso Robles Harvest Wine Month | |
The ancient ways of natural wine are finding new fans | Natural wine is gaining a following in the U.S. even as overall wine sales drop. Natural wine has no definition, but it's usually made with organic grapes and fermented naturally, with no additives. | | | | |
12th Annual Paso Robles Garagiste Festival | Find out why we were named Best Wine Festival in the country by USA Today! Taste over 200 ultra-premium wines from over 60 hard-to-find micro-wineries from Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, Napa and Sonoma. | | | | |
What to Expect During Paso Robles Harvest Wine Month * Paso Robles Press | Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889. | | | |
Water: Commentary: Farmers Need Support in Rollout of Groundwater Law | |
Commentary: Farmers Need Support in Rollout of Groundwater Law | A Public Policy Institute of California report last month warned of historic challenges for the state’s leading agricultural region under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. | | |
Groundwater Recharge Legislation Takes Effect January 1, 2024 | Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 659 as a means for improving groundwater recharge efforts. The legislation known as... | | | | |
Updates on California Water Law: New Legislation and Regulation | Legislation Related to Surface Water Rights SB 389: State Board Authority to Investigate Water Rights The Water Code has historically given the State Board broad oversight of appropriative rights to... | | |
Groundwater court disputes will consider environmental justice in new law signed by Gavin Newsom | AB 779 was inspired by a fight in Southern California's Cuyama Valley between small farmers and the nation's largest carrot grower | | | |
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. | | | | |
