This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
SLO Farm Bureau County Supervisor Candidate Forum
MARCH 31, 2026 5:00pm-6:30pm
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San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau will host a County Supervisor Candidate Forum for District 2 and 4 on Tuesday, March 31st from 5:00pm-6:30pm. The event will be held at the Farm Bureau office located at 4875 Morabito Place, San Luis Obispo.
The discussion will focus on the issues San Luis Obispo County farmers and ranchers face. There will be in-person seating available on a first-come, first serve basis.
The forum will be livestreamed on our website and we will also have a link to watch it in the future.
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Our fundraising committee got together to start planning our displays for the California Mid-State Fair last week, all wearing green of course 💚☘️
We are so excited to display our Top 10 Commodities and the history of our farm bureau at this years fair! Make sure to keep an eye out when you’re visiting the fair this summer!
The 2026 California Mid-State Fair is scheduled to run for 12 days from Wednesday, July 15, through Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Paso Robles Event Center. A special pre-fair concert featuring Chris Stapleton is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
If you have any old small farm equipment or tools that may work for displays please reach out to Jesslyn at jblank@slofarmbureau.org or call our office at 805-543-3654!
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Our Winter 2025 Magazine was mailed to all active SLO County Farm Bureau Members!
If your not a current member, need to renew, or want to know about your membership status, please contact our office at 805-543-3654 or email Jesslyn at jblank@slofarmbureau.org
You can become a SLO Farm Bureau Member online here!
If you believe in local agriculture, belong to Farm Bureau!
We cannot defend our San Luis Obispo County farmers, ranchers and agriculture businesses without your suppport.
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Do you know a student pursuing higher education in San Luis Obispo County, especially one with an interest in agriculture, leadership, or community involvement? You can find many 2026 scholarship opportunities available through our Farm Bureau partner organizations! These scholarships are designed to support local students as they work toward their educational goals.
Deadlines vary, and are coming up soon, so be sure to share this opportunity and encourage students to apply. Learn more and view all available scholarships from the link below.
Partner Scholarships
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Join us on April 23rd, 2026 at Mighty Cap Mushrooms for an unforgettable evening starting at 4:30pm with a tour of the mushroom farm.
Indulge in local wine tastings from End Of The Day and a special chef inspired cuisine by the wonderful John McDevitt.
You can purchase tickets by calling our office at 805-543-3654 or by emailing jblank@slofarmbureau.org.
Tickets are $150.00 and include a farm tour, wine, and dinner with dessert!
We are looking forward to this event and hope to see you there! Please feel free to share with family and friends, it will be a wonderful evening!
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2026 AG PASS PROGRAM DETAILS
In order to obtain an Ag Pass Card, applicants meeting the eligibility criteria must attend a 4-hour in-person training. Current card holders seeking to renew must attend a 1-hour online renewal training. To register for upcoming trainings or receive emails regarding future trainings, please fill out an Ag Pass Interest Form.
In-Person Training (4 hour)*
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, 5-9PM, CalFire Training Center (Behind Cuesta College)
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Thursday, April 16th, 2026, 5-9PM, CalFire Training Center (Behind Cuesta College)
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Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, 5-9PM, Paso Robles Emergency Operations Center 900 Park Street, Paso Robles - Public Safety Center Conference Room (EOC)
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Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, 5-9PM, Paso Robles Emergency Operations Center 900 Park Street, Paso Robles - Public Safety Center Conference Room (EOC)
More Information Here
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Do you have your Ag Pass yet? If not, it is important you get it.
Managed by County Ag, the program provides vetted commercial farmers and ranchers with emergency access to restricted areas during disasters, such as wildfires (like last summer's Gifford Fire). Ag Pass access during disasters allows for the care of livestock, protection of infrastructure, and to maintain irrigation to prevent major economic losses.
Individuals who do not have a valid Ag Pass in advance might not be allowed access to their property during disasters due to lack of resource availability (the vetting process and training requirements are very important before people are allowed into areas with potentially dangerous conditions). It is very important that qualified agricultural partners become valid Ag Pass holders before a disaster.
County Agriculture and CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo Unit are co-hosting four upcoming trainings for qualified partners to get their pass. Note: If there are not enough sign ups across all dates, training might be consolidated into one training, probably on the April 23 date.
For more details, qualification criteria and to sign up for the trainings, please visit the website here.
We appreciate the County Of SLO Emergency Services for letting us share this information!
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Longtime SLO County Farm Bureau Member
Passes Away
Leonard “Carl” Grieb
July 1928 – March 2026
Leonard “Carl” Grieb a native of Arroyo Grande and lifetime resident of the Central Coast passed away March 3, 2026, at the age of 97, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was looking forward to being reunited with his bride of 75 years, Barbara, who passed away in May 2025.
Carl was born July 27, 1928 to Fred and Gertrude (Haven) Grieb and was the 8th of 9 children, all of whom have proceeded him in death.
Carl graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1947 and he married the love of his life, Barbara Lucille Decker, February 12, 1950. They have 3 daughters, Wynetta (Kevin) McClain and Margie (Scott) Runels of Oregon and Connie (Stan) Willems of Arroyo Grande. They have 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Continue Reading Here
A Celebration of Life and BBQ will be held April 11th, 11:00am at Grace Bible Church, 100 Rodeo Drive, Arroyo Grande.
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CDFA Awards $450,000 for 2026 Pet Lover's Spay and Neuter Grant Program | SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has awarded a total of $450,000 in funding from the Pet Lover's Spay and... | | | |
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Ag Alert - Iran War Strands
California Farm Exports
| The U.S.-Iran conflict is disrupting California agriculture, stranding valuable nut exports, and driving up fuel, fertilizer, and shipping costs for farmers. | | | |
U.S.-China Trade Conflict Harms California Farming Communities | DAVIS, Calif. -- California agriculture has spent decades building export markets around the world, particularly in Asia. But new research published by the University of California... | | | |
| | California Farm Bureau Honors State Treasurer With Champion of Agriculture Award | SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In recognition of her long record of advocacy for California farmers, ranchers and rural communities, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma has been honored with the Champion of Agriculture Award.... | | | |
| | USDA Grant Program Aims to Combat Emerging Agricultural Threats | KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announces the launch of a new competitive grants program aimed... | | | | California Farm Bureau presents the Farm Bureau Extension: Continuing Education Series. Get ready for another year of high-quality Continuing Education designed to keep California agriculture informed, compliant, and ahead of the curve. Our 2026 CE Webinar Series will feature monthly one-hour virtual sessions (9:30–10:30 a.m.) offering DPR and CCA credits, delivered by leading experts. | | |
Next Session Date:
April 9 — Advances in UAV Agriculture - Exploration of drone technology and its expanding role in modern farming
Subject matter experts will share information immediately applicable to your business operations and advance your professional development. CE certificates will be sent for each webinar attended after the successful completion of a simple quiz on the material.
Learn More Here
| | Grants Available - AgWest Farm Credit | | |
The New Producer Grant is open to individual producers only; non-profit organizations are not eligible. Non-profits are encouraged to explore AgWest's Rural Community Grant program.
Producer Grant Information
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Financial Support for
Inspiring Opportunities
Partnering with our communities to provide the financial support they need to thrive is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also part of our purpose.
AgWest offers a variety of competitive grant opportunities to help organizations and producers take their programs to the next level.
Learn More
About Grants
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This program provides grants to non-profit organizations for projects that improve rural communities within Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Rural Community Grant Information
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| | Glyphosate's Environmental Benefits | How the controversial herbicide saves wildlife and where it still falls short | | | |
Conservation Easements that Strengthen Western Agriculture
In recent months, federal leaders have increasingly framed American agriculture not only as an economic engine, but as a pillar of national security. For farmers and ranchers across the West, that recognition reflects a long-standing reality: the ability to reliably produce food, fiber, and energy crops at home supports economic stability, geopolitical resilience, and the vitality of rural communities.
Conservation investments — when thoughtfully structured — can play a decisive role in advancing that mission
Read More
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| | Beekeeping Workshop -- Register Today! | ORLAND, Calif. -- This three-day workshop on April 1 and 8 at 5:00-7:00pm and April 11 at 9:00am-11:00am promotes safe beekeeping practices, healthy hive management,... | | | | | | |
California continues to be at risk from unpredictable wildfires. Don’t let your family be caught off guard. Have a 5-minute plan to avoid being trapped in the event of an evacuation.
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| | Farmworkers Lament Loss of Hours and Pay | SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Araceli Aceves Cortés used to get by working in the fields and orchards of the Sacramento Valley. For 60 hours a week,... | | | |
| | Dream of Running a Market Garden? Start Here! | ONLINE - A classic ATTRA publication received a major update from Agriculture Specialist Gabriella Soto-Velez. Market Gardening: A Start Up Guide provides a comprehensive look... | | | | Check Out Your Local Farmers Market! | |
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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!
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The Limoneira Company was founded in Ventura County, California in 1893. Its founders were pioneers of spirit and vision that helped lay the foundations of a thriving California citrus industry. Their dedication and innovation in the agricultural industry helped found and develop many institutions that still exist (Sunkist Growers, Fruit Growers Supply and Diamond Walnut).
The formation of Limoneira Company had its beginnings when Nathan W. Blanchard and Wallace L. Hardison purchased 413 acres of land from J.K. Gries in 1893.
The company was named Limoneira, meaning lemon lands in Portuguese. The primary crops were lemons, Valencia oranges, and walnuts at that time.
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Limoneira Company entered the new century with a growing work force and prosperity. The employment of C.C. Teague as the first General Manager in 1901 had a lasting impact on the development and success of the company. Teague’s leadership and innovation set the standards for farming practices. C.C. Teague went on to become Chairman of Sunkist and founded many organizations including Diamond Walnut.
Today, Limoneira has grown to become one of the premier integrated agribusinesses in the world. Limoneira is a dedicated sustainability company with 11,100 acres of rich agricultural lands, real estate properties, and water rights in California, Arizona, Chile and Argentina.
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– Quality You Can Trust –
Our rich history provides us with the knowledge to apply modern technology practices to produce premium lemons. To ensure that Limoneira fruit meets proper quality controls, the Company’s packinghouse randomly tests a percentage of the fruit that is proven to be an accurate representation of the entire harvest. The fruit passes several inspections.
Learn More Here!
| | Thank You Farm Bureau Members | | |
Renewing Business Support Members
Andros Engineering Corporation
Renewing Agriculture Members
Grieb Ranch
Robert Cheesebrough
Bejo Seeds Inc
Renewing Associate Members
Les Goodwin
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USDA Announces Proposed Delay of Effective Date of Grower Payment Systems Final Rule | WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) took action to delay the effective date of the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement... | | | |
In the Cattle Markets: Beef Production Now and Later | LAKEWOOD, Colo. -- The last two "In the Cattle Markets" articles have discussed the dynamics of beef trade and beef demand as we head into... | | | |
Beef Quality Soaring Higher | WOOSTER, Ohio - The 2025 U.S. annual average share for Prime carcasses set a new high watermark at 11.9% of fed cattle. While not a... | | | |
California’s wine grape crush is the smallest in decades
California vintners are surprised by a 2025 preliminary wine grape crush estimate of over 2.6 million tons, which exceeded wine professionals’ expectations. But the crush was still the state’s smallest since the 2.4 million tons produced in 1999, and the downsizing will help the industry begin to correct a chronic oversupply of grapes.
The state Department of Food and Agriculture reports that last year’s overall crush likely reached 2.76 million tons when including table and raisin grapes that were crushed for concentrate as well as wine. That represents a 6.2% drop from the 2024 crush of 2.94 million tons.
Read More Here
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Tailgate | Mothballing Roundtable - April 8th | Mothballing a vineyard is a strategic decision to reduce costs during times of low grape demand or market uncertainty, while preserving long-term vineyard health and potential. This roundtable invites growers to share their experiences with mothballing-why they chose this route, what they hope to achieve, and what practices are (or aren't) working. | | | |
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Introduces a New Look for America's Best-Selling Paso Robles Cabernet | J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines announced today a refreshed look and package for its J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon—America’s #1-selling Paso Robles-grown Cabernet. | | | |
Organically Grown Wine Conference | WILLAMETTE VALLEY, Ore. -- Join us for two immersive days of connection, education, and tasting at the 2026 Organically Grown Wine Conference-a gathering at the... | | | |
Willow Creek's Magical Paso Robles Terroir: Steep, Rocky, and Full of Limestone | Paso Robles remains at the top of my go-to list when looking for developing stories, exciting new wines and wineries, creative winemakers, and positive | | | |
PRESS RELEASE: Department of Interior announces $540 million in funding for San Joaquin Valley canal repairs, and Shasta Dam planning, preconstruction activities | Interior Announces $889 Million Investment in Western Water Infrastructure Through President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill From the Department of the Interior: The Department of the Interior today announced $889 million in investments for critical water infrastructure projects across the West made possible by President Donald J. Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. | | | |
COURTHOUSE NEWS: California environmentalists, water contractors join forces in support of water bill | The bill, which would provide $300 million a year for infrastructure repairs, is set for its first committee on Wednesday. By Alan Riquelmy, Courthouse News Service A coalition of California lawmakers and stakeholders often at odds declared Tuesday that water, instead of being for fighting, was for friendship. | | | |
EDWARD RING: The many benefits of dredging the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
The salmon decline in the delta has been attributed to the impact of water withdrawals into the California Aqueduct and the Delta Mendota Canal. But something else happened at the same time as the pumps began operating; dredging in most channels in the delta virtually ceased. For the last 50 years, especially in the south delta, silt has been accumulating. This has harmed an aquatic environment that, for the century prior to the 1970s, had a thriving salmon population that was not adversely affected by dredging.
Read More
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SLO County Farm Bureau Members Community Discounts:
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Talley Farm Box - SLO Farm Bureau Members Receive $15.00 off your first Talley Farms Box with Code: SLOFB
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JUSTIN Winery - SLO Farm Bureau Members Receive 20% off sitewide using code SLOFB20
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CAMBRIA Hotel-Templeton - SLO Farm Bureau Members Receive discounted booking rate
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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
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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 | | | | |
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 | | Thank You Business Support 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. | | | | |
