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Many of our members are out enjoying calving and branding season here on the Central Coast—and we love to see it! Make sure to tag us on our social media so that we can share your photos as well.
Our membership manager, Jesslyn, is pictured above , giving some attention to a new bull calf that was born over the weekend. Her family has a small herd of Angus-Cross cattle and each year they enjoying welcoming new calves to the world and then selling them to local 4H and FFA students to show at the Mid-State Fair!
The SLO County Farm Bureau Team
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This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
Community: Save The Date - SLO Farm Bureau Winemaker Dinner Fundraiser March 27th | |
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Join us for our first Winemaker Dinner Fundraiser of the year on March 27th at the beautiful Opolo Vineyard! Enjoy a chef-curated, farm-to-table dinner by Chef John McDevitt, featuring a 4-course meal with passed hors d'oeuvres, a fresh salad, lightly smoked & grilled beef shoulder tenders, and a delicious dessert featuring California strawberries. Limited seating – RSVP now!
Please RSVP to Jesslyn by calling 805-543-3654 or by emailing jblank@slofarmbureau.org
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Passing of Two Former UCCE Colleagues, Mary Bianchi and Bill Weitkamp - Please see information about the services below: | |
State transportation agency considering Bob Jones Trail completion | On January 14, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors approved $5 million to fund the construction of the Bob Jones Gap Closure Project. | | | |
Templeton museum announces blacksmithing battle and chili cook-off | Proceeds will benefit the Templeton Historical Museum - The Templeton Historical Museum has announced its first annual blacksmithing battle and chili cook-off, set to take [...] | | | |
Pioneer Museum to host 1940s-themed USO night | Event to honor the historical decade - The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum will host a 1940s-themed United Service Organizations (USO) night to honor the historical [...] | | | |
The Garford Electric Weeder brings electric weeding technology to salad, brassica, and vegetable crop applications. It has been developed from a collaboration between the UK manufacturer of technologically advanced mechanical weed control products Garford Farm Machinery, and the UK electrical weed control manufacturer RootWave. | | | |
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PRESS RELEASE: STUDY SHOWS 64% INCREASE IN REGULATORY COSTS
FOR LETTUCE FARMERS
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SALINAS – Rising costs of regulatory compliance for lettuce growers indicate a 63.7% increase in the past seven years in a study commissioned by Monterey County Farm Bureau prepared by CalPoly San Luis Obispo professors Lynn Hamilton, Ph.D., and Michael McCullough, Ph.D.
This new study updated their regulatory costs study from 2017 with additional regulatory program requirements implemented in the intervening years.
Increased regulatory compliance requirements through 2024 bring lettuce grower total costs of regulation to $1,600 per acre, an increase of 63.7% from the 2017 study and a 1366% increase since 2006 (date of the original study).
This indicates that regulatory costs are now 12.6% of total production costs, while farmgate values for lettuce increased only 0.37% from 2017 to 2024.
Increased regulatory compliance mandates since 2017 come from the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, Irrigated Lands Program, equipment emissions regulations, and minimum wage and workplace mandates.
Costs of regulatory compliance expenditures were studied for food safety practices and inspection audits, air quality, water quality, crop protection reporting, labor health and safety, and labor wages. Most significant cost increases were in labor health insurance requirements and water quality compliance, while food safety costs remained relatively steady.
While regulatory costs continue to dramatically increase, the farmgate value of crops has only marginally increased to cover the additional costs.
The study “Two Decades of Change: Evolving Costs of Regulatory Compliance in the Produce Industry” was formally released by CalPoly San Luis Obispo today (copy attached to this press release).
Monterey County Farm Bureau, founded in 1917, represents family farmers and ranchers in the interest of promoting and protecting agriculture throughout Monterey County, CA. We strive to improve the ability of those engaged in production agriculture to provide a reliable source of food and fiber through reasonable stewardship of our local resources.
Courtesy of Monterey County Farm Bureau Executive Director, Norm Groot.
Please see story below!
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Local Government: Atascadero Chamber Seeks Nominations for Annual Community Awards | |
Planning commission approves 5 sites for overnight safe parking pilot program | San Luis Obispo County's Planning Commission unanimously approved five locations within city limits for a proposed overnight safe parking pilot program for the homeless. | | | |
CHP warns San Luis Obispo County residents of Amber Alert scam | The California Highway Patrol is warning residents of San Luis Obispo County about a new phone scam involving individuals posing as Amber Alert representatives. | | | |
Atascadero Chamber seeks nominations for annual community awards | Nominations must be submitted by Feb. 10 - The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its annual awards, including Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Community Organiza... | | | |
UCANR Adds New Advisors/Specialists All Over California | As California faces new challenges, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has been hiring UC Cooperative Extension experts with different skills to help Californians across the state, including residents in urban areas. Recently hired UC Cooperative Extension specialists, advisors and coordinators bring expertise in youth development, pest management, healthy families, soil health, urban water ... | | | |
California rushes billions in aid for LA fire recovery: 'The first of many steps' | California passed two bills to expedite LA wildfire recovery funds as part of an extended special session called by Gov. Gavin Newsom in response to Palisades and Eaton fires. | | | |
USDA Secretary Nominee Says Politics Shouldn't Influence California Wildfire Response | WASHINGTON -- Efforts by the U.S. Forest Service to fight wildfires in California shouldn't be influenced by politics, President Donald Trump's nominee to head the... | | | |
Advocacy in Action - From Sacramento to D.C | |
For a full roundup of California Farm Bureau's current
advocacy efforts, click the button below:
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Federal Government: Richard Fordyce Appointed Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation | |
President Trump Overturns Electric Vehicle Mandate - Labor and Immigration | President Trump signed several executive orders, including one on the Biden electric vehicle 'mandate' and the former president's Green New | | | |
Richard Fordyce Appointed Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation | Richard Fordyce has been appointed as the Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, marking his return to the USDA. Fordyce, a ... | | | |
Hayes Announces Committee Assignments for the 119th Congress | WASHINGTON -- Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) announced she will continue to serve on the House Committees of Education and Workforce and Agriculture for the 119th Congress.... | | | |
What federal changes to DEI policies could mean for businesses | The federal government is now joining a growing list of companies that have pulled back on DEI initiatives. | | | |
Environmental: Pres. Trump Issues Executive Order Pausing Leasing, Permitting on Offshore Wind Sites in Federal Waters | |
Assemblymember calls on Vistra to stop Morro Bay battery storage proposal amidst Moss Landing incident | "We can never have a fire like that again," Assemblymember Dawn Addis said about the Moss Landing battery power plant fire. | | | |
Pres. Trump issues executive order pausing leasing, permitting on offshore wind sites in federal waters | During his campaign, President Donald Trump spoke about ending the offshore wind industry if he returned to the White House. The Morro Bay Wind Energy Lease Area is part of that. | | | |
Nipomo battery storage facility near Highway 101 will soon be completed | A new battery energy storage facility in Nipomo, about 1,000 feet from Highway 101, will soon be completed. | | | |
Locals react to Assembly Bill 303 which aims to place battery project approval at the local level | The current law allows energy storage companies to get approval at the state level, bypassing local jurisdiction, as Vistra is actively working to do with their BESS proposal in Moro Bay. | | | |
Produce: USDA Reminds Producers to Apply for Assistance to Cover Food Safety Certification Expenses | |
Interim Rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks Announced | USDA announced the publication of an interim rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks. The | | | |
Bee Sweet Citrus donates fruit to support wildfire victims | The Fowler, Calif.-based grower-packer-shipper has contributed to the American Red Cross to help provide meals and snacks for affected families in Southern California. | | | |
Egg Prices Continue to Climb | COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, continue to drive egg prices to record highs across the U.S., said Texas A&M... | | | |
USDA Reminds Producers to Apply for Assistance to Cover Food Safety Certification Expenses | The USDA reminds specialty crop producers to apply for assistance to cover food safety certification expenses by January 31, 2024. The ...... | | | |
Labor: Mass Deportations Could Possibly Cause an Increase in Produce Prices in California | |
Mass deportations could possibly cause an increase in produce prices in California | Undocumented California farm workers are at risk of being deported, potentially leaving fruits and vegetables to be unharvested. | | | |
'Trump's Coming': California Farmworker Groups Rattled by Threatening Postcards | KQED | A postcard sent to a Half Moon Bay nonprofit told workers to pack their bags. Similar messages were sent to United Farm Workers offices. | | | |
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Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
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New Platinum Level Members
Grabow Well Drilling Inc
New Agricultural Members
Emma Gray
Renewing Business Support Members
Solterra Strategies
Renewing Agriculture Members
Steven Victor
Tom Lyles
Silva Ranch
Grey Ranch
Nick Guriel
John Jones
Renewing Business Support Associate Members
Dibuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers LLC
Renewing Associate Members
Tom Keffury
Joseph Balint
Jackie Crabb
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Featured Member Benefit:
Budget Truck Rentals
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Welcome Farm Bureau members!
Pack up and save with your partner discount.
And make the move to your next home a smooth ride with:
- Reliable, easy-to-drive trucks
- Variety of sizes up to 26'
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Boxes and moving supplies*
- Towing equipment available*
Your partner discount code will automatically apply to this reservation.
*Some items including but not limited to boxes and supplies, where available, will incur additional charges*
Learn More Here!
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Livestock: Sorting through the LA Wildfires with CCA Fire Subcommittee Chair Anthony Stornetta | |
In the Cattle Markets: Headcounts Aren't Everything: Understanding the Full Impact of Cattle Inventories | LAKEWOOD, Colo. -- The January 31 USDA Cattle Inventory Report may be the most anticipated report of the year, especially since the July Inventory Report... | | | |
NCBA Announces 2025-2026 Policy Committee Leaders | WASHINGTON -- Today, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) announced the appointment of key cattle industry leaders to serve on the association's policy committees. The... | | | |
Sorting through the LA Wildfires with CCA Fire Subcommittee Chair Anthony Stornetta - California Cattlemen's Association | Sorting Pen: The California Cattleman Podcast Season 5, Episode 2 There are many questions following the tragic wildfires in Los Angeles. How did the wildfires in Los Angeles get to this point? Could more have been done prior to prevent this level of catastrophe? Where does CCA | | | |
Vineyard and Wine: Digital Option Key to Success of Future Wine Labeling Regulations | |
Wine column: Tasting at Grosso Kresser Vineyard, the 'new kid on the block' | It's always exciting to discover new wines and a new place to taste them, which is exactly what I experienced on a recent overnight [...] | | | |
Digital Option Key to Success of Future Wine Labeling Regulations | SACRAMENTO -- Wine Institute released the following statement from President & CEO Robert P. Koch in response to new proposed rules from the Alcohol and... | | | |
Water: Tulare County Farm Bureau Donates $10K to Kings County Farm Bureau Legal Fund | |
Tulare County Farm Bureau donates $10K to Kings County Farm Bureau legal fund | The donations will help support the farm bureau's legal fight against the California State Water Resources Control Board. | | | |
DAN WALTERS: Trump jumps back into California's water wars with a pro-farmer decree | By Dan Walters, Cal Matters It would be impossible to overstate the complexity of water supply management in California. Hundreds of federal, state and local agencies decree who or what is supplied with water, when and how much will be delivered, and the prices recipients must pay. | | | |
Trump orders more Central Valley water deliveries - claiming it would help LA fires | Citing the LA fires, Trump directed agencies to "immediately take actions to override" water operations and environmental rules. But the water mostly serves Central Valley farms. | | | |
DAILY DIGEST, 1/21: Trump issues Executive Order: "Put people over fish" in California | “President Donald Trump wasted little time in his second term restarting California’s water wars. Monday, mere hours after taking his oath, Trump issued a memorandum calling on the Interior and Commerce Departments to restore water management policies that boosted water supplies for the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. | | | |
Fire: California Rushes Billions in aid for LA Fire Recovery: 'The first of many steps' | |
Santa Maria Air Tanker Base opens in its offseason, to help with fires in Southern California | The Santa Maria Air Tanker Base has reopened to help host the air tankers and other aircraft being sent to aid in the Southern California wildfires. | | | |
California rushes billions in aid for LA fire recovery: 'The first of many steps' | California passed two bills to expedite LA wildfire recovery funds as part of an extended special session called by Gov. Gavin Newsom in response to Palisades and Eaton fires. | | | |
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. | | | | |
