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San Luis Obispo County Agriculture News

May 5, 2025

www.slofarmbureau.org

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The SLO County Farm Bureau Women had a great time last week at the 3 Speckled Hens Antique Show in Paso Robles. They set up a booth to sell goods that helps with future Farm Bureau Women Scholarships.


This is a wonderful group of ladies who meet monthly with guest speakers. If you have interest in joining the SLO County Farm Bureau Women Group, reach out to Jeanne Myers at r4mranch@aol.com !



-The SLO County Farm Bureau Team


This Week In SLO County Agriculture

In This Week's Issue:

  • Upcoming Community Events: YF&R Meeting on May 13th at Molnar Cattle LLC
  • Community: Celebrate Mother's Day Weekend at Olive and Lavender Festival
  •  Local Government: Residents urge SLO County Supervisors to Adopt 2-Year m=Moratorium on BESS Projects
  • State Government: Despite Tariffs, California Continues Trade Engagement
  • Federal Government: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Demands Mexico Cooperate
  • Agricultural: FFAR Announces Grant Opportunity to Advance Crop and Animal Systems
  • Environmental: Farmers are Making Bank Harvesting a New Crop: Solar Energy
  • Produce: USDA to Issue $1.3 Billion to Specialty Crop Producers
  • Labor: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Impact on Agricultural Industry 
  • Business Member Spotlight: G3 Enterprises Inc
  • Thank You Farm Bureau Members
  • Featured Member Benefit: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Livestock:  In the Cattle Markets: Prices Continue to Pop 
  • Vineyard and Wine: Booker Vineyard Names Molly Lonborg Senior Winemaker
  • Water: Five Cities Residents Advised to Boil Water After Bacteria Found in Water System
  • Farm Bureau Membership Matters

April 28 Most-Read

  1. The Great AGVenture
  2. State water official says more work needed as SGMA evolves
  3. No water in wine country: How SLO County residents survive when their wells go dry
  4. Disaster preparedness course offered in Atascadero
  5. 'Everyone here is the backbone': Local farmworkers rally for living wage
  6. Vineyard Professional Real Estate adds new broker in Paso Robles
  7. AG ALERT: Annual report shows major declines in farmland values
  8. Trump Administration Challenging California Governor’s Lawsuit Against Tariff Regime
  9. Local strawberry growers voice concerns over impact of tariffs, trade wars
  10. Travel Paso to host industry event at Paso Robles Inn

SLO County Farm Bureau Calendar of Events:

  • May 12th - SLO Farm Bureau Women's Meeting - at the Moro Grange. Guest Speakers are Fallon Molnar of Molnar Cattle LLC and Megan Shanley of Shanley Farms
  • May 13th - SLO Young Farmers and Ranchers Meeting at Molnar Cattle LLC. Tour starts at 6:00pm. Please RSVP Here!
  • May 16th - Adelaida Farm Center Meeting at the Adelaida School House - Social at 6pm - Dinner at 6:30pm
  • May 23rd-25th - Best Of The West Antique Equipment Show at the Historic Santa Margarita Ranch. Please use this link to Volunteer Here at our Farm Bureau booth!
  • May 27th - SLO Farm Bureau Monthly Board Meeting at 5:00pm at the SLO Farm Bureau Office - Please RSVP by emailing pclark@slofarmbureau.org or by calling 805-549-3654

Upcoming Community Events: SLO Young Farmers and Ranchers Meeting

Our Young Farmers and Ranchers will be touring the Molnar Cattle Ranch in May! We are so excited to learn more about the ranch and there Beef By The Beach Program! Please use the link below to RSVP!

RSVP Here!

 

We need YOU! Every year the SLO County Farm Bureau has a booth at the Best Of The West Antique Equipment Show. We BBQ and serve our famous Tri-Tip Sandwiches, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and Chili!


We need help at our booth with food prep, serving, and selling. It is a great family fun event and a wonderful way to connect with our community. We would love to have you join us. Please check out the link below and fill it out if you can volunteer. The hours marked are very flexible. Please reach out to Jesslyn at jblank@slofarmbureau.org if you have any questions about the event or volunteering! We will provide you with lunch and free admission into the event!


Volunteer Here!

Community: Celebrate Mother's Day Weekend at Olive and Lavender Festival

Must! Charities names Cara Wright as director of development and community engagement

Wright said she looks forward to contributing to the group's long-term strategy and mission - Must! Charities has appointed Cara Wright as its new director [...]

Read More

Wildflower Experience returns to Central Coast this May

Clinics, live music, and wellness activities highlight the weekend - The Wildflower Experience will return to the Central Coast from May 2-4, 2025, bringing a [...]

Read More

Templeton opens vendor applications for July 4 celebration

Chamber invites businesses and groups to apply for booth space - Vendor applications are now open for the annual Fourth of July Parade and Park [...]

Read More

Library invites public to celebrate three decades of service

Public cake reception to be held May 13 - The Paso Robles City Library will mark 30 years at its current location at 1000 Spring [...]

Read More

'2-Fer Tuesday' deal returns for 2025 California Mid-State Fair

Buy one adult or youth season pass, get a second - The California Mid-State Fair will bring back its "2-Fer Tuesday" promotion for the 2025 [...]

Read More

Celebrate Mother's Day Weekend at Olive and Lavender Festival

Event aims to showcase Paso Robles' agricultural heritage - The fourth annual joint Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival will take place on Saturday, May [...]

Read More

Paso Robles Police Department swears in four new officers

Swearing-in ceremony marks department's continued growth and expansion - The Paso Robles Police Department recently held a swearing-in ceremony for four new police officers and [...]

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Local students earn 11 medals at California SkillsUSA Conference

Gold medalists to represent Paso Robles in Atlanta this June - Paso Robles High School's SkillsUSA Chapter 211 earned 11 medals at the 58th annual [...]

Read More

Local Government: Residents urge SLO County Supervisors to Adopt 2-Year m=Moratorium on BESS Projects

Residents urge SLO County Supervisors to Adopt 2-Year m=Moratorium on BESS Projects

Many residents from Morro Bay and nearby communities voiced their concerns Tuesday morning at the SLO County Board of Supervisors meeting regarding BESS projects and fires like those at Moss Landing.

Read More

Atascadero invites public to fire hazard map workshop

Workshop set for May 7 at Atascadero City Hall - The City of Atascadero will host a public workshop to review and gather feedback on the updated State Fire Hazard Severity Zone and local Wildland U...

Read More

Free event encourages dialogue on political and social division

Braver Angels will host a free two-hour event titled Polarization is Hurting Us All: Let's Have a Conversation on Sunday, May 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, located at...

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Templeton Unified encourages community to give input on Measure D bond plans

On Wednesday night, Templeton parents attended an information session to learn about how the district plans to use Measure D bond funds.

Read More

State Government: Despite Tariffs, California Continues Trade Engagement

California high-speed rail leader pushes state to support private investment

The new chief executive of California's embattled high-speed rail project says it is time to get serious about how to pay for it.

Read More

US House votes to block California's nation-leading vehicle emissions rules

The U.S. House voted Thursday to block California from enforcing first-in-the-nation rules phasing out the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035.

Read More

Despite Tariffs, California Continues Trade Engagement

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) hosted more than 20 buyers from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South Korea and...

Read More

As federal government pares back ocean protections, California weighs expanding them

As the federal government rolls back fishing restrictions in the Pacific Remote Islands, California is reviewing its network of marine protected areas.

Read More

Here's how much California's population grew in 2024 after a COVID-era dip

California's population climbed above 39.5 million in 2024, marking the second year of growth following a string of declines during the coronavirus pandemic.

Read More

Federal Government: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Demands Mexico Cooperate

White House marks 100 days of Trump's second term with economic policy focus

Amid ongoing trade negotiations and economic concerns, White House officials emphasize the importance of "trust" in Trump as he marks 100 days in office.

Read More

Farm Bureau Calls for Clarity in WOTUS

The American Farm Bureau Federation today asked for changes to the "Waters of the United States" rule to bring it in line with the Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court ruling, which called for more clarity in water regulations. AFBF submitted comments in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's request for recommendations.

Read More

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Demands Mexico Cooperate

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins sent a letter to her counterpart in Mexico demanding Mexico eliminate restrictions on USDA aircraft and waive...

Read More

Secretary Rollins Announces New State Directors for FSA, Rural Development

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced the latest slate of presidential appointments for key Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development...

Read More

UC ANR Policy Institute Launched to Inform Policymaking, Implementation

DAVIS, Calif. -- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has formally launched the new UC ANR Policy Institute, envisioned as a "one-stop shop" for...

Read More

EPA Allows for Nationwide Year-Round E15

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing an emergency fuel waiver allowing the sale of E15 gasoline - gasoline blended with 15% ethanol...

Read More

Agricultural: FFAR Announces Grant Opportunity to Advance Crop and Animal Systems

Estate Tax Cliff Threatens Family Farms

The cost of inheriting the family farm will increase dramatically at the end of the year if Congress doesn't take steps to extend the elevated estate tax exemption. American Farm Bureau economists analyzed the estate tax cliff in a Market Intel this week.

Read More

Year-Round E15 Helps Drivers and Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on EPA's emergency fuel waiver allowing the sale of E15 gasoline during the summer season. "Farm Bureau appreciates EPA's decision to keep ethanol blended gasoline available nationwide through the summer season.

Read More

You can learn now when California farmers are spraying pesticides near your home. Here's how.

First-in-the-nation "Spray Days" system sends California residents emails and texts, shows maps

Read More

Successful Farm Transitions: Free Webinar, May 15th

The American Society of Agricultural Consultants (ASAC) will present its next webinar, "Common Traits of Highly Successful Farm Transitions."

Read More

What a Tire Gauge Can Tell You About Farm Efficiency

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A single $20 tool could be your farm's secret weapon for cutting fuel costs, reducing tire wear and field performance. That was...

Read More

FFAR Announces Grant Opportunity to Advance Crop and Animal Systems

WASHINGTON - The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) launched the Crop-Animal Systems Research Request for Applications (RFA), which will support innovative and transformative research into the...

Read More

Agri-Tourism or "Farm-to-Fitness" Initiatives

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- The importance of health in the agriculture industry is evolving beyond growing nutritious food and rearing livestock to incorporate immersive experiences...

Read More

How Bitcoin Price Volatility Is Reshaping Global Agriculture and Farm Finance

SAN JOSE, Calif. --While Bitcoin might seem like a concern for tech-savvy traders, its global economic influence is now touching even the most traditional industries-including...

Read More

Please read below:

 Update: Coyotes Removal from Fish and Game Code

Environmental: Farmers are Making Bank Harvesting a New Crop: Solar Energy

Firebreak maintenance continues with Salinas River grazing project

Grazing services will be provided by The Goat Girls LLC and funded through grants - The City of Paso Robles will resume its use of [...]

Read More

Farmers are Making Bank Harvesting a New Crop: Solar Energy

In California's water-stressed Central Valley, farmers are fallowing land and going solar, providing financial stability and saving water.

Read More

House Republicans vote to remove California fish from endangered species list

House Republicans vote to repeal a decision that placed a California fish, longfin smelt, on the endangered species list. Democrats and environmentalists condemned the action.

Read More

CAL FIRE announces Wildfire Preparedness Week ahead of fire season

CAL FIRE is gearing up for fire season with Wildfire Preparedness Week, bringing together local agencies and communities.

Read More

Tick season is here: Here's how you can protect yourself

San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department epidemiologist Jessie Burmester says this time of year is especially known for ticks.

Read More

Cool start to the workweek but a big warm up is headed our way

The lingering low pressure will finally clear out and will be replaced by a significant ridge of high pressure in time for the weekend.

Read More

Produce: USDA to Issue $1.3 Billion to Specialty Crop Producers

USDA to Issue $1.3 Billion to Specialty Crop Producers

COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today [April 29, 2025] announced a second round of payments coming this week for specialty...

Read More

Coffee Prices on the Rise

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - With her purple-and-pink hair swaying, Reneé Colón stands on a stepladder in the rented corner of a warehouse, pouring Brazilian coffee...

Read More

Guatemala to Export Avocados to US Despite Tariffs and Delays

SAN MIGUEL DUEÑAS, Guatemala (AP) -- Standing outside a massive new avocado packing plant recently and with the U.S. ambassador in attendance, Guatemala President Bernardo...

Read More

What to Know About Processed and Ultra-Processed Food

DAVIS, Calif. -- Take a stroll down the middle aisles of any American grocery store, and you'll be surrounded by rows of brightly colored packaged...

Read More

IDFA: Rigorous Milk and Dairy Safety Testing Continues

WASHINGTON - Roberta Wagner, senior vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs at the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), issued the following statement clarifying a...

Read More

Avocados Becoming Popular with Consumers - Avocado AgNet West

The USDA's latest look at avocados reveals trends that point towards growing consumer interest. USDA Economist Cathryn Webber: "The CAC ......

Read More

Organic Community Making Voice Heard

The National Organic Program brought the organic community together by having over 1300 businesses and organizations sign a letter to ........

Read More

California Colored Potato Crop on Schedule - Specialty Crops AgNet West

The California colored potato crop is on schedule with acreage similar to last year, expected to supply fresh potatoes through mid-July. The

Read More

Produce Safety Rule Compliance for Large Farms Begins - AgNet West

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act's Produce Safety Rule compliance for large farms has begun, with small farms facing compliance by .....

Read More

Labor: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Impact on Agricultural Industry 

Planning for Immigration Enforcement At Your Farm

ITHACA, N.Y. - Join Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development on Tuesday, May 20th at 12 PM EDT for our next Virtual Office Hour: Planning for Immigration...

Read More

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Impact on Agricultural Industry - Economy AgNet West

The conversation discusses the potential impact of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on the agricultural industry. Specifically, it addresses ..

Read More

US job market shows resilience with 177,000 new jobs, federal cuts continue

Despite economic uncertainty and recent tariffs, U.S. workers saw wages rise, with hourly earnings up 3.8% and weekly earnings up 4.1% year-over-year in April.

Read More

Business Member Spotlight: G3 Enterprises

G3 Enterprises

Agricultural Hauling In San Luis Obispo, CA


Looking for reliable ag transportation solutions in San Luis Obispo and the surrounding areas? Look no further than G3's Ag Transportation Team. With decades of experience in the agriculture and logistics industry and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing growers, farmers, wineries, and processors, G3's Ag Transportation team is committed to delivering flexible and efficient solutions that help you maximize efficiency and drive harvest success.



From the rolling hills of San Luis Obispo County to the picturesque cities of Paso Robles, Atascadero, and Arroyo Grande, G3's Ag Transportation team serves the entire San Luis Obispo region with passion and agility. With a large fleet of trailers and the latest technology and proactive maintenance, G3's Ag Transportation team can transport a wide range of ag commodities, including wine grapes, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, olives, citrus, tomatoes, onions, carrots, and more. And with multiple sizes of macro bins and shuttle drop programs, G3's Ag Transportation team can customize solutions that meet your unique needs and budget.



Contact them at :

Email: g3.info@g3enterprises.com

Phone: (800) 321-8747


Learn More Here!

Thank You Farm Bureau Members

New Agricultural Members

Narges Moosavi Mahvelati

Eric Steiger

Renewing Agriculture Members

Warren Lilly

Jennifer Browder

Layne Laboratories, Inc

Bill Schwoerer

Paul Viborg

Stewart Jenkins

Renewing Business Support Members

Oxbo

Renewing Associate Members

Samata Management Inc

South County Chambers of Commerce

Walkin T Ranch

Rob McKee

Wicks Roofing Inc

SLO County Farm Bureau Business Support Member List

Featured Member Benefit: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk


Voted The Worlds Best Seaside Park!


Stretch your entertainment dollars at major amusement parks and attractions with a variety of discounts. For website links, discounts codes and coupons, call the member help desk at (800) 698-FARM.


Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Purchase your tickets online to receive $8.00 off on Good-Any-Day tickets at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Available February-October.


Learn More Here!

Livestock: In the Cattle Markets: Prices Continue to Pop

Hay/Alfalfa Market Report - Commodities AgNet West

Nick Foglio from Foglio Commodities talking about the early markets in alfalfa. Over the last couple weeks getting the feed market starting to

Read More

Upheaval in Washington Hinders Campaign Against Bird Flu

Determined to cut costs and manage communications, the Trump administration is moving too slowly to contain the virus, experts say.

Read More

In the Cattle Markets: Prices Continue to Pop

LAKEWOOD, Colo. -- Pop as in a champagne cork not a balloon! There have certainly been some fluctuations in prices, especially in the futures market,...

Read More

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Strengthen Local Meat Processing Infrastructure

A reintroduced bill aims to help small .....reintroduced the Strengthening Local Processing Act, a bipartisan initiative designed to bolster

Read More

Dairy Industry to Remove Artificial Colors from School Lunch Products

IDFA has announced a new voluntary initiative to eliminate artificial colors from dairy products .....Dairy in Schools Commitment," milk, ...

Read More

Vineyard and Wine : Booker Vineyard Names Molly Lonborg Senior Winemaker

Orange County Wine Society opens entries for wine competition

All California wineries, regardless of size, are invited to submit wines - The Orange County Wine Society, in partnership with the OC Fair, is accepting [...]

Read More

Paso wineries support California Winemasters Cystic Fibrosis Gala

The 36th Annual Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters will be held this May 17th at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. Since its [...]

Read More

California State Fair Names Winners of 2025 Commercial Wine Competition

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California State Fair is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 California Commercial Wine Competition. As one of the nation's...

Read More

Booker Vineyard Names Molly Lonborg Senior Winemaker

New senior winemaker brings 15 years of local experience - Booker Vineyard has named Molly Lonborg as senior winemaker, placing her in charge of daily [...]

Read More

Ag Alert - From the Fields: Joe Valente, San Joaquin County winegrape grower

With the overall market and contracts, people are trying to figure out if people are just drinking less, if people don’t want to spend the money and is the younger generation not as much into alcohol. Hopefully, it’s a cycle that’s short-lived and we move on, but we’ll get through it.

Read More

Water: Five Cities Residents Advised to Boil Water After Bacteria Found in Water System

Five Cities Residents Advised to Boil Water After Bacteria Found in Water System

Residents in the Five Cities area should boil their water before drinking or food preparation after bacteria was found in the drinking water distribution system, according to SLO County Public Works.

Read More

State will deliver more water to Southern California this year via State Water Project

California announced that the State Water Project will deliver 50% of full water allotments this year, up from 40% last month. Runoff from ample snowpack is boosting reservoirs.

Read More

California river where dams were removed to supply most water in years

The Bureau of Reclamation is projecting adequate water supplies for the Klamath Basin along the California-Oregon border after a "biblical" winter.

Read More

Water Supply Allocations Increase for Some Central Valley Farmers - AgNet West

Continuing to focus on maximizing California's water supplies, the ....has announced another increase in water supply allocations for the ....

Read More

Adapting California Agriculture: Water Shortages, Solar, and Food Production - California Farm Water Coalition

California's agricultural landscape is transforming due to water supply challenges and the push for renewable energy. With projections of 500,000 to 1 million acres fallowed in the San Joaquin Valley by 2040, driven by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and decades of environmental water policies curtailing water supplies, farmers face tough choices: grow crops, convert land to solar, or try to do both.

Read More

GRIST: How California's farmers can recharge the aquifers they've drained

By Frida Garza, Grist This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist's weekly newsletter here. In parts of California's Central Valley, so much groundwater has been pumped out of the ground to deal with the region's persistent drought that the land is starting to sink in.

Read More

MSN - California’s biggest reservoir reaches capacity for third straight year

California’s largest reservoir, Lake Shasta, reached capacity this week, marking the third straight year it has filled or nearly filled with water.


The run of big water years at the reservoir reflects the unusual string of wet winters the state has experienced, and it bodes well for water supplies this year across California.

Read More

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.

Join or Renew Your San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Membership

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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