This Week In SLO County Agriculture | | | | |
San Luis Obispo County offers several scholarship opportunities for students pursuing agricultural education in 2026.
These awards help support academic goals in farming, animal science, sustainability, agribusiness, and related fields. Some local scholarships include:
- SLO County Farm Bureau Women Scholarship
- SLO County Cattlewomen Scholarship
- North County Farmers Market Scholarship
- Community Foundation of SLO Scholarships
- Ag Awareness Foundation Scholarship
- Championing Agriculture Scholarship - AgWest Farm Credit
- SLO Sheriffs Rodeo Scholarship
Learn More and
Find Applications Online
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| | Templeton Historical Museum fundraiser features ranch branding, chili competition | The Templeton Historical Museum Society will host its annual fundraising event, “Some Like it Hot,” on March 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | | | |
| | Paso Robles Olive & Lavender Festival set for May 9, 2026 | The popular Paso Robles Olive & Lavender Festival returns to Paso Robles City Park on Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a full day celebrating California-grown olive and lavender artisans. | | | |
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Spring Family Field Day at La Lomita Ranch April 4th, 2026 | 11 AM - 3 PM.
Get ready for a fun-filled, springtime celebration at the breathtaking La Lomita Ranch! Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for a day of laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories set against a stunning countryside backdrop. Scroll through the photos to view the amazing menu and photos from last year's fun!
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We are Thrilled to Announce our First
Farm-Inspired Winemaker Dinner of 2026!
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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. All proceeds support SLO County Farm Bureau!
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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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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Cal Poly Rodeo women lead national fall season standings - Mustang News | |
Cal Poly Rodeo’s women’s team currently leads the national standings with more points from the fall season than other schools.
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association will announce the national title winner at the College National Finals Rodeo at the end of the spring season.
Cal Poly Rodeo Women’s Team earned the highest number of points, 2,120.5, from the fall season, according to the NIRA’s West Coast region standings. Cuesta College earned the second highest with 718 points.
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Jesslyn is a proud
Cal Poly Rodeo Alumni!
| Jesslyn served as one of the Graduate Assistant Coach's for the Cal Poly Rodeo Team during the 2022-2023 season. In this role, she was involved in the team's operations, contributing to the program's "Learn by Doing" philosophy in the rodeo arena and out. She completed her graduate internship report on her experiences with the team in 2023 while achieving her Masters Degree in Agricultural Education! | |
Templeton Feed & Grain shares updated Main Street rebuilding plans | The owners of a Templeton business destroyed by fire on the Fourth of July are hopeful to be operating back at their original location on Main Street by the end of the year. | | | |
Represented at no cost by Pacific Legal Foundation, Ruda, Knauer, and Zarnegar filed a lawsuit arguing that the City can't make housing more affordable by making it more expensive to build-and that it can't fine property owners for problems they didn't create. | | | |
Dave Roberts Says California Farmers Are Being Squeezed From Every Direction | Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Dave Roberts of R7 Enterprises, a diversified grower in Woodlake | | | |
Reminder: California FSA Disaster Webinar March 10 | Stay informed with California Farm Bureau advocacy updates. Latest news on agricultural policy, legislation, and farm advocacy initiatives. | | | |
California Farm Bureau Celebrates Bipartisan Committee Passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 | SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass commented on the House Agriculture Committee's bipartisan passage of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National... | | | |
USDA Sets Spring Crop Insurance Prices | Crop insurance is a vital part of the overall farm safety net, and Chad Smith has the numbers on what that safety net will look like in 2026. Smith: As spring planting gears up across the country, the Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency has determined crop insurance price s for 2026. | | | |
Farm Bill Passes House Ag Committee | WASHINGTON - H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, has passed the House Committee on Agriculture with bipartisan support. Otherwise known... | | | |
Crude Oil Up Nearly $13 This Morning | Monday, March 9, 2026 | Analyst said crude oil is leading grains higher and bearish fundamentals "might be out the window temporarily." | | | | 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. 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. | | |
Next Session Date:
March 12, 2026 — Wine grape IPM decisions in a challenging market (1 Hour)
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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Farmers Impacted by Fuel and Fertilizer Volatility | American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on potential fuel and fertilizer supply issues following military action in Iran. "We are hearing a groundswell of concern from farmers facing increased volatility in fertilizer and fuel prices, as well as some reports of companies freezing fertilizer sales, at a critical time with planting season coming into full swing. | | | |
Economists Urge Farmers to Consider Adding ECO and SCO Crop Insurance Policies | Economists at the University of Illinois say the scenarios they have run show strong benefits in a lot of cases for farmers to lower their individual Revenue Protection coverage but add on ECO and SCO policies. That works in a lot of cases, but not for everyone. | | | |
Six Generations of Farming: Cannon Michael on California Water and Agriculture | Bowles Farming Company CEO Cannon Michael discusses California water shortages, farm innovation, automation, and the future of agriculture in | | | | | | |
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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| | Survey Finds Raids Impacted California Farm Production | SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A new statewide survey has shed light on the impact during the past year of immigration enforcement on farms and farmworkers in... | | | |
AFBF Calls for Intervention to Prevent Food Supply Shocks | U.S. farmers are bracing for a system shock resulting from the disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the impact on fertilizer availability and prices. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today urged President Trump to intervene in a letter that lays out several recommendations. | | | |
California Avocado Commission Celebrates Female California Growers' Impact on the Industry in Recognition of International Women's Day and the International Year of the Woman Farmer | FULLERTON, Calif. - Recognizing the growing impact of women in agriculture worldwide, the United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman... | | | |
Reminder: Specialty Crop Assistance Acreage Reporting Due March 13 | As a reminder, a March 13 deadline is quickly approaching for reporting acreage under the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program. The program is set to distribute $1 billion in economic assistance for specialty crops, sugar and other commodities. | | | |
| | U.S. Organic Marketplace Achieved Significant Growth in 2025 | WASHINGTON - U.S. sales of certified organic products accelerated in 2025 reaching $76.6 billion with an annual growth rate of 6.8% according to the 2026... | | | | 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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We're on a mission to change the conversation around ranching. Illuminating the ways in which grazing—when done intentionally, and done right—can be a practice that benefits our grasslands and enhances our soils, rather than one that exploits our land and degenerates it. At Old Creek Ranch we use our animals as a tool in managing the land, and in turn, create quality meat that enhances the health and wellbeing of both our local ecosystem and our bodies.
Our animals are grassfed from start to finish.
We value you're health and wellbeing
just as much as that of our land and natural ecosystem, and that's why we've committed ourselves to a practice that is free from pesticides,
herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, hormones, or GMO's, and we plan on keeping it that way!
Always!
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OLD CREEK RANCH IS A SMALL, HOLISTICALLY MANAGED CATTLE OPERATION ON THE CENTRAL COAST OF CALIFORNIA, PRODUCING 100% GRASS-FED BEEF THAT IS GOOD FOR YOU AND BETTER FOR THE PLANET.
For local and non-local customers:
You can buy directly from our online storefront and arrange pick up from the ranch. Come by and purchase, pick up an order or just visit.
Bulk orders:
We are taking orders for whole, half & quarter beef.
Availability is limited!
oldcreekranch@gmail.com
805-748-0235
Learn More Here!
| | Thank You Farm Bureau Members | | |
Renewing Business Support Members
Old Creek Ranch
Renewing Agriculture Members
Byrd Farming Partners
Yokoyama Land Company
Oliver Mikkelsen
carolyn Kruse
James Righetti
Shayden Castro
Carson DiCicco
Renewing Associate Members
Jim Wheeler
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| | American Egg Board Commends USDA SNAP Updates | CHICAGO - The American Egg Board (AEB) commends the U. S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement of new staple food requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition... | | | |
| | Experts Urge Livestock Producers to Be Proactive in New World Screwworm Preparation | New World screwworm flies are approaching the U.S.-Mexico border, prompting experts to urge livestock owners to prepare proactive management and prevention plans. Entomologists recommend surveillance, facility maintenance, veterinary relationships, and sterile fly techniques to combat potential infestation. | | | |
Mid-State Fair opens entries for home brewing, winemaking competitions | Events invite Central Coast residents to submit beer, cider, perry, and wine - The California Mid-State Fair announced the return of its 2026 Central Coast [...] | | | |
McPrice Myers Wines Launches Student Tasting Program to Support and Inspire the Next Generation of Wine Enthusiasts | Press Release - College and University Students Can Now Enjoy the Full Tasting Flight for Just $10 with a Valid Student ID | | | |
Changing Lives Through Education: | Vineyard Team is proud to announce that applications are open for the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship, a community-powered program that supports the children of California's vineyard and winery workers. Applications are accepted through March 31, 2026. | | | |
| | Reps. Garamendi, Peters Introduce Legislation to Combat Drought, Build Local Water Infrastructure | WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52), Rep. | | | | | | |
Meadows Rising: Restoring California’s
Mountain Heartlands
California’s 18,000 mountain meadows are more than beautiful landscapes — they are the green hearts of the Sierra, keeping our water clean, reducing flood and fire risks, storing carbon, and providing vital wildlife habitat. They are also sacred cultural sites for Indigenous peoples. But most of these meadows are in poor health, threatening the watersheds we all depend on. The Sierra Meadows Partnership is leading the charge to restore and protect these emerald jewels. With support from California’s Wildlife Conservation Board, we’ve already restored thousands of acres and built 70+ partnerships across 20 counties. And we’re just getting started. Restoring mountain meadows is one of the most important actions we can take for climate resilience, biodiversity, and water security.
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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. | | | | |
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