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San Luis Obispo County Agriculture News

January 12, 2026

www.slofarmbureau.org

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THE NUMBERS ARE IN!

Templeton Feed & Grain; Stronger Together.


We have an exciting update in regards to The Grain Revival that we volunteered at back in 2025 alongside the SLO County Cattleman and SLO County Cattlewomen!

Fundraiser Final Numbers,

Templeton Feed & Grain; Stronger Together.

A Message from The Ponderosa:


The planning of the "One Town, One Table" dinner & "The Grain Revival" proved to be monumental tasks, but, Templetons' own Stronger Together Committee made quick work when showing what happens as like minded community leaders come together with one purpose. To help its neighbors in need. A simple thank you can not convey the gratitude from the Jermin family, Ponderosa and Templeton as a whole. Thank you,


Templeton Forever, Forever Templeton


Read the Full Report Here

SLO Ponderosa - A SLO County Non-Profit Helping HomeSteads

This Week In SLO County Agriculture

SLO County Farm Bureau Calendar of Events:


  • January 12th - SLO Farm Bureau Women Monthly Meeting
  • January 13th - SLO Young Farmers and Ranchers Meeting at the SLO Farm Bureau Office
  • January 27th - SLO Farm Bureau Monthly Board Meeting. Meeting starts at 5:00pm at the SLO Farm Bureau Office. Please RSVP to Paul at pclark@slofarmbureau.org if you plan on attending.

Upcoming Event Information:

SLO YF&R will be meeting at the SLO Farm Bureau Office at 5:30pm on Tuesday, January 13th for quick social.


Meeting to start at 6:00pm. We will provide light snacks and drinks.


This will be our first meeting of the year and will be used as a meet and greet, as well as an informational meeting to talk about the new year, and new goals of SLO YF&R. 


The address is:

4875 Morabito Pl, San Luis Obispo .


If you have any questions please reach out to Jesslyn at jblank@slofarmbureau.org!

Our Members Make Us Strong

At SLO County Farm Bureau, our members are the heart of everything we do. From family farms to local ag businesses, each of you plays a vital role in strengthening our agricultural community. We want to celebrate the work you’re doing and share your story with others!


If you’d like to be featured in an upcoming edition of our e-newsletter, we’d love to hear from you. Just reach out to us—we’re excited to highlight the people who make SLO County agriculture thrive.


Please reach out to Jesslyn at jblank@slofarmbureau.org to be featured!

Scholarship Information for Local Students

Scholarship opportunities for agriculture students in San Luis Obispo County are available now. If you have a student pursuing a degree in agriculture, animal science, agribusiness, or a related field, be sure to check out the scholarships offered through the SLO County Farm Bureau and local partners.


  • SLO County Farm Bureau Women Scholarship
  • SLO County Cattlewomen Scholarship
  • AG Awareness Foundation Scholarship
  • Community Foundation of SLO Scholarships
  • AG Awareness Foundation Scholarship


Find More Information Here!

State News

California DMV Ceases Issuing Nondomiciled CLPs/CDLs

There is significant confusion about the current state of commercial driver’s licenses for non-domiciled persons in California and whether commercial driver’s licenses are being canceled. The California Department of Motor Vehicles says the extension given is valid, and the U.S. Department of Transportation is arguing otherwise. 

Federal News

2026 Could See the End of the Farm Bill Era of American Agriculture Policy

WASHINGTON (THE CONVERSATION) - With Congress back in session, legislators will take up a set of issues they haven't comprehensively addressed since 2018 - the...

Agricultural

CDFA Awards Nearly $27 Million to Support Greenhouse Gas Mitigation and Water Quality Improvement Through Dairy Plus Program

The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) and California Dairy Research Foundation have announced the award of $26.8 million in federal grant funding through the Dairy Plus Program for 23 on-farm methane emission reduction and water quality improvement projects across California. 

A Study Is Retracted, Renewing Concerns About the Weedkiller Roundup

Explore the controversy surrounding glyphosate and Roundup in agriculture and the recent retraction of a key study.

A Message From PG&E:

Stay alert! Did you know the past 5 years were the most destructive wildfire seasons in California history. This is a reminder that wildfires can happen at any time. Stay prepared! Be ready to evacuate early, and make sure you have a 5-minute plan to get out safely and quickly.

Visit firefightersonyourside.org for more safety tips.


#WildfireSafety #DisasterPrep #CBODirect #EvacuateEarly 

Labor

FELS Webinars: Is 2026 Your Year for H-2A? and 2026 Employers Survival Guide - Farm Employers Labor Service

Is 2026 YOUR Year for H-2A? January 20, 2026, 2 PM: Join FELS COO Bryan Little, FELS H-2A partner Worker and Farmer Labor Association CEO Enrique Gastellum and UC Berkeley Assistant Professor of Ag Extension Ali Hill will discuss the impact of recent changes to the Adverse Effect Wage (AEWR) H-2A program changes reducing the [...]

SB 294 Workplace "Right-to-Know" Templates Available - Farm Employers Labor Service

Under California's new "Workplace Know Your Rights Act" (SB 294, Reyes, D-Colton), employers must a "right-to-know" notice to their employees by February 1, 2026. SB 294 sought to ensure that employees are better informed about labor protections, immigration-related rights, and workplace-based constitutional protections. Employers must distribute the notice to current employees by February 1, 2026, [...]

Produce

Searching for an Outside-the-Box Policy Fix for Crop Farmers

The current farm downturn is stretching into its fourth year. Farmers, economists and others are increasingly split over whether repeated cycles of ad-hoc aid is enough. There are growing questions over whether policymakers should look at ways to confront overproduction or crop demand as well.

Check Out Your Local Farmers Market!

North County Farmers Market Schedule:


Monday - Baywood 2:00pm- 4:30pm


Tuesday - Paso Robles 9:30am-12:00pm


Wednesday - Atascadero 3:00pm-5:00pm during the winter time change



Saturdays - Templeton 9:00am-12:30pm


More Information Here!

Business Member Spotlight

Mission

To educate our clients to be their resource for all types of electrical and communication needs, using the latest technology with classic, time honored solutions.

 

About Classic Electric & Consulting Corp

Classic Electric & Consulting Corp. was formed in January 2011. Toby Mitchell saw the need for education and honesty in the electrical and green industry. C.E.C. is dedicated to excellence, and our expert staff has many years of experience in the electrical field, providing the finest quality and value.


805-619-7795

consulting@cec805.com

720 S. Frontage Rd - Ste. 107

Nipomo, CA 93444


Learn More Here

Thank You Farm Bureau Members

New Associate Members

Louise Oganesian

Renewing Associate Members

Patricia Knudson

Jeanne Helphenstine

Steven Soto

Joseph Balint

Renewing Agriculture Members

Las Tablas Ranch

Tony Costa

Vineyard Professional Services Inc

Donald Campbell

New Platinum Members

Classic Electric and Consulting, Corp.

Livestock

Beef Cattle Herd Health


UC Cooperative Extension in collaboration with UC Davis Veterinary Medicine offers free online webinars. The sessions cover topics important to cattle health and management and include lots of visuals. Webinars are held live and participants have the opportunity to ask clarification questions on topics presented or with personal ranch questions or scenarios. This site includes future events, recordings of past webinars, and follow up resources on important cattle herd health topics.


The webinars are cohosted by University of California Cooperative Extension advisors Tracy Schohr, Grace Woodmansee, Andrea Warner, and specialist Dr. Gabriele Maier.


2026 Webinar Series


This year's session will be on Tuesday nights in January! 


To register for the 2026 series please click here. 


  • January 6, 2026 - Estimating Worm Burden for Improved Deworming Strategies
  • January 13, 2026 - Defending Against Bovine Viral Diarrhea with Dr. Bret McNabb
  • January 20, 2026 – Linking Rangeland Forage Production to Cattle Nutrition
  • January 27, 2026 - Treating Cattle Abscesses & Open Wounds


CDFA Lifts Statewide Ban on California Poultry and Dairy Cattle Exhibitions at Fairs and Shows

The California Farm Bureau Federation advocates for California farmers, ranchers, and family farms, promoting sustainable agriculture and education.

Commissioner Sid Miller Sounds Urgent Alarm: Additional Screwworm Case Detected Just 215 Miles From Texas Border

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued a stark warning to livestock producers in Texas and nationwide after Mexican authorities confirmed an additional New...

Brazil Surpasses US as Top Beef Producer, Eases Global Supply Squeeze

Brazil surpassed the United States as the world's top beef producer last year, according to market estimates,

Vineyard and Wine

Remembering Wine Legends Lost in 2025

January 9, 2026 - Thinking back on the number of winemakers and wine industry legends who bid adieu to this earthly life during 2025, gave me pause. They are disappearing at a rapid rate, signaling a true changing of the guard that coincides rather fortuitously with the sea change occurring in the wine industry.

Water

State Abruptly Ends Year-Long Silent Treatment for Kings County Water Managers

The state Water Resources Control Board has ended its silent treatment of Kings County groundwater managers after one year.

California Water Tracker

Explore California drought and water issues, including reservoir levels, water shortages reported, and water restrictions.

SLO County Farm Bureau Members Community Discounts:


  • Talley Farm Box - SLO Farm Bureau Members Receive $15.00 off your first Talley Farms Box with Code: SLOFB 
  • JUSTIN Winery - SLO Farm Bureau Members Receive 20% off sitewide using code SLOFB20 
  • CAMBRIA Hotel-Templeton - SLO Farm Bureau Members Receive discounted booking rate

Agricultural & Equipment Discounts

• Grainger

– Special Farm Bureau pricing on industrial/ag supplies

– Free standard ground shipping

• Case IH

– $200–$500 off eligible tractors, hay tools, balers, windrowers

• John Deere (Platinum 1 Rewards Tier)

– Commercial mowers: $200–$1,700 off

– Residential mowers: $50–$150 off

– Utility vehicles: $100–$250 off

– Tractors: $150–$250 off

– Compact construction equipment: $550–$1,400 off

• O’Reilly Auto Parts

– 5%–20% off parts & supplies

– FREE local delivery at many locations


Supplies, Home & Business Discounts

• Dunn-Edwards Paints / Kelly-Moore Paints

– Up to 30% off paint & coatings

• A4 Promotions & Incentives

– Up to 20% off select promotional & branded items

– 50% discount on licensing for CA Grown branding


Health & Emergency Services

• AirMedCare Network

– Discounted air ambulance membership coverage

• Prescription Discount Program

– Up to 75% off medications at 68,000+ pharmacies

• RespondR Emergency Alert Program

– 50% off membership for Farm Bureau members

Travel, Vehicles & Lodging

Car Rentals:

• Avis — Up to 35% off base rental rates

• Budget — Up to 35% off base rental rates

• Budget Truck Rental — 20% off truck rentals & mileage

• Ford— $500 Cash Reward on select vehicles for active Farm Bureau Members


Hotels:

• Choice Hotels — 20% off Best Available Rate

• Wyndham Hotels & Resorts — Up to 20% off lodging


Family Travel & Entertainment:

• Great Wolf Lodge — Up to 30% off resort stays

• Theme Parks & Attractions — Discounted tickets to select attractions


Energy & Utilities

• AmeriGas Propane

– $0.05 per gallon discount

– FREE service check

– No Run-Out Guarantee

– 24-hour emergency service


Business, Labor & Financial Services

• Farm Bureau Bank

– Member banking services: loans, credit cards, savings, business accounts

• Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS®)

– $100 off annual enrollment

– 20% off FELS products, seminars & publications


Insurance

• Nationwide

– Exclusive member access to discounted insurance programs:

– Home, Auto, Farm/Ranch

– Business & Workers Comp

– Pet, Powersports, Life

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.

Thank You Platinum Members

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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.

 
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