Join us Tomorrow from 1:00pm – 2:00pm on Protecting What Matters! | | | |
Paul Clark & Jesslyn Blank – San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau
- Paso Robles Ground Water Basin & Fallowed Land Registry update.
- Proposed ½ cent SLOCOG sales tax ballot initiative + other important issues facing our AG Community.
- Benefits of Farm Bureau membership and upcoming events.
Now you can enjoy past shows of Protecting What Matters on our website.
Tomorrow’s show can be heard live on KPRL, 1230 AM & 99.3 FM or you can listen online at KPRL Live Stream. We’d very much like to hear from you during the show, (805) 238-5775 (KPRL), but if you’d rather email your comments and questions, please send to info@blazenbear.com.
| | This Week In SLO County Agriculture | | |
Hosted at SLO Farm Bureau:
🚨 Business Owners: Is Your Business Really Ready — to Grow, Scale, or Sell?
Join us for The Clear Path to Build a Business Worth Keeping — or Selling
Brought to you by the Central Coast Value Network
📅 Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 🕒 3–5 PM
📍 San Luis Obispo Farm Bureau
🎟️ $50 — or just $25 with code VPSave50
💡 In this session, you'll walk away with:
✅ A clear understanding of how to increase the value of your business
✅ An introduction to the Clear Path Value Accelerator program
✅ Tools to align business value with personal wealth goals
✅ Insights from a panel of experts in valuation, financial planning, HR, and operations
Space is limited — reserve your spot today!
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Mid-State Fair opens 2026 commercial competitions | Early bird registration open for all competitions - The California Mid-State Fair announced the return of its 2026 Commercial Competitions, including the Central Coast Olive [...] | | | |
Rep. Panetta, others reintroduce bill to help organic agriculture grow | According to the 2024 Monterey County Crop and Livestock Report, there were 73,551 total acres of land used for organic farming in Monterey County by 177 producers with reported gross sales of $884,921,000. Organic production commodity groups in the county include citrus and tree fruit, table and wine grapes, strawberries and other berries and fruits, broccoli, carrot, celery, lettuce, spinach, as well as livestock. | | | |
California Agriculture Is Becoming a Portfolio of Bets, Not a Single Industry - My Job Depends on Ag Magazine | California agriculture is most often discussed as if it moves more or less together. Droughts hurt everyone. Strong export demand lifted boats across commodities. Policy shifts created pain or opportunity broadly. That way of talking about California agriculture no longer fits reality. In 2026, California agriculture looks less like a single industry and more like [...] | | | |
Jeff Aiello Warns California's Wolf and Water Policies Are Failing Agriculture | Emmy-winning filmmaker Jeff Aiello joins AgNet News Hour to discuss wolves, forest mismanagement, water policy, and why California agriculture | | | | Oppose Mountain Lion Listing in Central Coast/Southern California | | SLO County Farm Bureau, along with many other county Farm Bureaus, have signed on to this letter. | |
Farmers Appreciate EPA's Science-Based Approach | American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on EPA finalizing the registration of dicamba products. "Farmers appreciate the decision by Administrator Lee Zeldin and the EPA to release a new registration and updated label for dicamba, an important herbicide that allows farmers to grow safe and healthy food and fiber. | | | |
EPA Advances Farmers' Right to Repair Their Own Equipment | WASHINGTON - Today [Feb. 2, 2026], the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advanced American farmers and equipment owners' lawful right to repair their farm and... | | | |
Remittances to Mexico fall by $3 billion; things won't get better in 2026, experts warn | 2025 wasn't a banner year for Mexican families whose economic stability hinges on money a relative working in the United States sends to them. | | | | Announcement to Farm Bureau Members | | |
· March 12 — Wine grape IPM decisions in a challenging market (1 hr Other)
· April 9 — Advances in UAV Agriculture - Exploration of drone technology and its expanding role in modern farming (0.5 L/R & 0.5 Other)
· May 7 — Emerging Pest Management Tools - A deep dive into pheromone-based solutions with specialists from Suterra (1 hr Other)
· June 11 — Nobel's Orchard Essentials (1 hr Other)
· July 9 — Rodent Management Innovations - Integrated approaches to managing ground squirrels from UC experts (0.5 L/R & 0.5 Other)
· August 6 — Regulatory Refreshers - Annual Updates on laws, regulations, and pesticide use around schools and sensitive sites (1 hr L/R)
· September 10 — SPM Program Updates - Insights from the Sustainable Pest Management team (0.5 L/R & 0.5 Other)
· October 8 — Safe Pesticide Use Around Schools (1 hr L/R)
November 12 — Safe Pesticide Use Around Bees (1 hr L/R)
Learn More Here
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California Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants | MADISON, Wis. -- Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 California Leopold Conservation Award®. The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go... | | | |
Ag Leaders Issue a Dire Warning: Agriculture Could Face Widespread Collapse | A group of farm leaders sent a letter to congressional leaders on Tuesday calling for a series of actions to address the state of the farm economy. The farm leaders also criticized the effect some of the Trump administration's policies are having on farmers and the long-term competitiveness of agriculture. | | | | | | 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. | | |
| | Congress Must Address Farm Labor Crisis | The shortage of a skilled and reliable workforce is the single greatest threat to agriculture. That was the message American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall delivered to leaders of Congress today, describing the challenges facing more than 5 million Farm Bureau members across the country. | | | |
| | New Legislation Aims to Boost Farmworker Pay and Support Agricultural Employers | SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- State Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, and state Sen. Melissa Hurtado, D-Bakersfield, have introduced legislation to create a tax credit for agricultural employers to help cover the cost... | | | |
Citrus Growers Assess Risk of New Vein Clearing Virus | SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A new citrus disease that so far remains confined to residential trees has industry leaders taking what they describe as a measured... | | | |
330 Million-Pound Forecast for California Avocado Harvest | FULLERTON, Calif. - The California Avocado Commission announced its annual early-season crop forecast, projecting 330 million pounds of California avocados. This estimate includes 310 million... | | | | 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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Why Coast Pipe?
Located in Paso Robles, the heart of wine country and agriculture, we are here to provide reputable products and services to accommodate all of your needs. Our yard is stocked with a large selection of fencing material & accessories with new shipments arriving daily. New steel orders available next day and a knowledgeable staff to help with your customized roofing needs. Delivery is available and we can arrange trucking for any size order. Please call for a quote and be sure to ask about specials and bulk pricing. We look forward to providing excellent customer service and satisfaction.
About:
Bill and Peter, owners of Rothco Feed Service, purchased Coast Pipe in 2005 to expand their presence on the central coast.
Coast Pipe started out selling used oil field pipe, rod and cable. It has transformed into a building materials company that carries everything from fencing material to erosion control.
Coast Pipe seeks to be the leader in customer service and product availability for fencing businesses, contractors and home owners.
Since 2005 Coast Pipe strives to be a supporter of the local communities and the central coast while being located in Paso Robles, California.
Contact:
3050 Ramada Drive
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Phone: (800)376.8426
E-mail: info@coastpipe.com
Learn More Here!
| | Thank You Farm Bureau Members | | |
New Business Support Members
Coast Pipe
Renewing Business Support Members
Valley Pacific Petroleum Services Inc 4
Renewing Agriculture Members
Chad Pankey
Eleanor Truocchio
New Agricultural Members
Mission Bank
Renewing Associate Members
Lark Carter
Greg Wyatt
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Trump Announces Plan to Boost Imports of Beef Trimmings from Argentina | In a proclamation Friday, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would lower the tariff rate quota to increase imports of lean beef trimmings and all of the increased quota would come from Argentina. | | | |
USDA Shifts Fly Dispersal Efforts to U.S. Border - California Ag Network | The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing a shift in its 100 million per week sterile fly dispersal efforts to stop the northern spread of New World screwworm (NWS). USDA will reallocate aircraft and sterile insects to reinforce coverage along the U.S.-Mexico border. | | | |
| | Robert Hall Winery Marks One-Year Anniversary Of Regenerative 'One Block Challenge' As Paso Robles Leads Regenerative Viticulture Movement | The initiative, launched by RVF in partnership with Robert Hall in 2025, invites grape growers to dedicate one vineyard block for at least one year to regenerative practices, enabling growers to test regenerative practices to learn farming practices and outcomes. Robert Hall Winery, owned by O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, is part of a growing group of Paso Robles AVA leaders-including Tablas Creek, MAHA Estate, Booker, and Halter Ranch-that are driving the adoption of sustainable, climate-resilient farming practices in the region. | | | | Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority Update | | |
The Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority has announced the dates, times and locations for the in-person and virtual Stakeholder Workshops as outlined below. Please consider completing the Stakeholder Feedback Form (see below to download or complete online) to be received by February 13.
Notice of Upcoming PRAGA Stakeholder Workshops
The Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority (PRAGA) is holding two stakeholder workshops on February 10th and 11th to discuss and receive stakeholder feedback on the following two topics:
· Improving stakeholder representation on PRAGA.
· Review of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget and direction on funding mechanism.
At the December 1, 2025 PRAGA special Board meeting, the Board discussed these topics and directed staff to present options at the February 18, 2026, special PRAGA Board meeting. Staff has outlined options and key considerations and is requesting stakeholder input.
A Stakeholder Feedback Form is available to submit feedback ahead of the workshop. Following the workshops, staff will summarize feedback and present it to the PRAGA Board at the February 18, 2026 special meeting.
Options to submit feedback form:
1. Complete the online form.
2. Complete the PDF form and email it to info@PasoRoblesAGA.org.
3. Mail the form to PO Box 82, Paso Robles, CA 93447
PRAGA Stakeholder Feedback Form.pdf
All written feedback should be submitted by February 13th.
Timeline
January 22 Notice Of Stakeholder Workshops
February 4 Written Feedback Submission Deadline
February 10 Stakeholder Workshop (in-person)
February 11 Stakeholder Workshop (online)
February 18 PRAGA Board Special Meeting
PRAGA Background
PRAGA was formed in April 2025 as a joint powers agreement among the four basin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (City, County, Estrella-El Pomar-Creston Water District, and Shandon San Juan Water District) to provide regional coordination and fund the implementation of the basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). The GSP outlines a path to achieving groundwater sustainability in the basin, as required by State legislation known as the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), and adequate funding the GSP is critical to the basin’s success and avoids State intervention.
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| | County supervisors review Paso Robles groundwater overdraft efforts | Agricultural users account for approximately 90 percent of groundwater use in the basin - The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors received an update [...] | | | | |
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 | | 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. | | | | |
