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As we approach the middle of March, the Central Coast of California is preparing for a significant shift in weather patterns. After a period of warm conditions, we can anticipate a series of storms bringing substantial rain and cooler temperatures to our region. These weather conditions may impact farming activities, including fieldwork and irrigation schedules.
Be like Jeanne (pictured above) and enjoy the upcoming rain!
-The SLO County Farm Bureau Team
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This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
Upcoming Events: March 11th - SLO Young Farmers and Ranchers Meeting at Hope Family Wines | |
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Attention SLO Young Farmers and Ranchers! Join us for our next meeting at the Hope Family Wines production facility on March 11th where we will learn about there new state of the art bottling line and warehouse followed by a wine tasting!
Reminder - you don’t have to be a member to join us! Please RSVP and reach out to Jesslyn with any questions!
RSVP HERE!
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Join us for our next SLO Farm Bureau Fundraiser! A winemaker dinner at Opolo Vineyard on April 3rd. Social Hour starts at 4:45pm with passed Hors Devours! Dinner to be served by 6:00pm. Expect a fabulous meal by Chef John McDevitt made with locally sourced produced along with some great Opolo Wines.
Please RSVP to Jesslyn by calling the Farm Bureau office at 805-543-3654 or by emailing jblank@slofarmbureau.org!
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Mark your calendar on March 27th for the 16th Annual Dinner and Fundraiser for COLLAB!
5:00pm Social Hour & Open Bar
6:15pm Filet Mignon Dinner & Wine
Auctions to be held after dinner!
You can purchase your tickets HERE!
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Local Scholarship Opportunities: SLO County Foundation for Agricultural Awareness & Farm Bureau Women | |
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San Luis Obispo County Foundation for Agricultural Awareness Scholarship:
Applications for the San Luis Obispo County Foundation for Agricultural Awareness must be postmarked by April 18, 2025, or received by hand delivery to the Farm Bureau office by April 25, 2025.
For a PDF file of the application : CLICK HERE!
Farm Bureau Women Scholarship:
The San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Women is an active committee that has a historic past. It is the only Farm Bureau Women group remaining in the California Farm Bureau structure. We are so proud of the work they have done to support agriculture and the future of agriculture. Each year the Farm Bureau Women Committee offers scholarships to several deserving students of $1000 each. Applications must be postmarked or otherwise delivered to the Farm Bureau Office no later than March 31, 2025.
For a PDF file of the application: CLICK HERE!
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Community: Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Announces Additional Date, Plus a New Event This Year | |
Enjoy one more great day ahead of a series of rain chances | After a sunny and warm weekend, the pattern is changing and several storms will bring inches of rain to the region. | | | |
SpaceX rocket loaded with NASA telescope to launch from Vandenberg, sonic boom expected | NASA's SPHEREx and PUNCH missions are scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base Saturday evening, and locals can expect to hear a sonic boom. | | | |
Community members embrace longer days as daylight saving time begins | Here on the Central Coast, community members say they're ready to spring forward along with their clocks. | | | |
Santa Maria Elks Rodeo announces additional date, plus a new event this year | As people gear up for the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade, organizers announced on Friday that this year's event will look a little different. | | | |
Six new 'community-focused' businesses are set to move into SLO Ranch Farms | SLO Ranch Farms is welcoming 6 new businesses to their Eatery. KSBY went to check in with some of the business owners about what community members can expect. | | | |
At Her Table finishes off annual Women's Week with jam-packed festival | Atascadero was buzzing with excitement on Sunday as the annual At Her Table Women's Week Festival filled the Sunken Gardens with food, vendors, and music. | | | |
Local Government: City Council Moves Forward with Joint Powers Agreement for Groundwater Management | |
City Council moves forward with Joint Powers Agreement for groundwater management * Paso Robles Press | Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889. | | | |
Paso Robles receives over $380,000 in grant funding from Caltrans for pedestrian safety | Caltrans recently awarded the City of Paso Robles with $380,530 from its Highway Safety Improvement Project or HSIP grant. | | | |
State Government: CDFA Awards $750,000 to Increase Healthy Food Access to WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Recipients | |
California bill would ban private firefighters from using hydrants, cites public good | (The Center Square) - California lawmakers have introduced a bill to ban private firefighters, like those who saved many buildings in the Palisades and Eaton fires, from using public hydrants, | | | |
CDFA Awards $750,000 to Increase Healthy Food Access to WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Recipients | SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) has selected seven projects to receive a total of... | | | |
Federal Government: Farm Bureau Appreciates Mexico & Canada Tariff Delay | |
Agricultural Sector Responds to Tariff Implementation - Tariffs AgNet West | The U.S. agricultural sector has expressed strong concerns following the President's decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and ....... | | | |
Trump delays some tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods amid consumer price concerns | President Trump is now delaying some tariffs that he placed on both Mexican and Canadian goods until April 2, amid concerns about rising consumer prices. | | | |
Farm Bureau Appreciates Mexico & Canada Tariff Delay | American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump's decision to delay tariffs on Mexico and Canada until April 2, 2025. "Farm Bureau appreciates President Trump for delaying tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada for another month. | | | |
Agricultural: Congress Urged to Support American Growers - Field & Row Crops | |
Chipotle donates $2M to support sustainable ag | The company has unveiled a short film to highlight sustainable agriculture practices and says it will donate a portion of Tractor Beverage sales in March to support farmers. | | | |
Congress Urged to Support American Growers - Field & Row Crops AgNet West | The International Fresh Produce Association is urging Congress to support American growers through bipartisan action to enhance food security | | | |
NFU Announces Launch of $25M Farmers Capital Fund to Drive Agricultural Innovation | OKLAHOMA CITY -- National Farmers Union announced the launch of the Farmers Capital Fund, a $25 million investment initiative dedicated to supporting early- and growth-stage... | | | |
Ag Alert - Purge of federal support jolts agriculture | |
“We have been constantly assessing the impacts because these actions touch so many areas of the federal government that farmers and ranchers interact with,” said Erin Huston, natural resources and land consultant for the California Farm Bureau. “We are concerned about the impacts to both agriculture and the rural communities agriculture serves.”
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Environmental: Silent and Deadly, Barn Owls Become Farmers' Best Friends in California Pest control | |
Silent and deadly, barn owls become farmers' best friends in California pest control | Davis launched The Owl Box Company, selling owl boxes to help farmers control pests naturally | | | |
Produce: Study Highlights Growth Opportunities for Natural and Organic Products | |
Study highlights growth opportunities for natural and organic products | The Acosta Group study shows 59% of shoppers think it's important that their groceries and household products are natural or organic. | | | |
Martori Farms expanding melon operations in California | The company says it is set to acquire the assets of V.H. Azhderian and Co., which has operated in several key locations during its more than 100-year history. | | | |
Rollins Expresses Optimism About Administration's Efforts to Expand Market Access for Producers | Brooke Rollins, USDA Secretary of Agriculture, expressed optimism about the Trump administration's efforts to expand market access for ....... | | | |
Supply of Organic Mandarins from California Robust - Citrus AgNet West | The supply of organic mandarins from California is robust, with Tango mandarins being particularly large and of good quality. Demand is ...... | | | |
Labor: Tax Credit Proposed To Offset Cost of Farmworker Overtime | |
Nearly 6,000 USDA workers fired by Trump ordered back to work for now | The U.S. Department of Agriculture must temporarily reinstate nearly 6,000 probationary employees fired since Feb. 13, according to a ruling by the Merit Systems Protection Board. | | | |
Tax credit proposed to offset cost of farmworker overtime | “California farmers are incredibly resilient, but it is no secret that agriculture faces significant economic challenges,” said Shannon Douglass, president of the California Farm Bureau, which sponsored the bill. “Research has shown that placing the burden of overtime wages on farmers came at the expense of both farming operations and the families of farm employees.” | | | |
EFI streamlines certification program | The workforce development and certification organization said it has responded to market feedback with a new approach to its training and auditing processes. | | | |
Ag Supervisor Development Program - April 1-2, 2025 in Salinas | The 12-hour certificate program is held over two days and is conducted entirely in Spanish. Our expert bilingual instructors have over 45 years' experience in agricultural safety compliance, risk management, employment law/regulations, leadership development, and employee relations. | | | |
California lawmaker seeks to expand protections for temporary migrant workers | Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San José) introduced Assembly Bill 1362, which would require that all foreign labor recruiters register with the state. | | | |
California farmers should get a tax break for overtime paid to their workers | Opinion | Opinion of The Fresno Bee Editorial Board: State Sen. Shannon Grove's bill looks to expand working hours for farm workers while giving growers a financial break. | | | |
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Why JB Dewar?
At JB Dewar, we take pride as the premier Central Coast-based expert provider of fuel and automotive products.
With over 90 years – and four generations – of family-run service, we’re honored to deliver value reaching far beyond a product line that sets the standard for excellence. We’re also an ally – a partner ready, willing and able to promote our customers’ long-term success. Since our 1933 founding by John B. Dewar, we’ve forged a tradition of family, community, and value, providing the highest quality products to the agriculture, farming, trucking, construction, energy, and repair shop industries.
From fuels, lubricants and filters to coolants, equipment and cleaners, JB Dewar carries only the finest quality petroleum industry products from trusted manufacturers. Whether you’re troubleshooting, maximizing efficiency or simply restocking, we have a vast array of petroleum and specialty products to meet your needs.
JB Dewar offers technical service assistance to address your fuel, storage and dispensing related concerns. We perform equipment installation, repair and inspection, equipment/exchange upgrades, fuel/lube transfers and more.
Learn More Here!
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Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
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Renewing Agriculture Members
Clint Kuhnle
Ken MacIntyre
Renewing Associate Members
Salud Carbajal
New Associate Members
The Community Alliance with Family Farms
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Featured Member Benefit: Ag Alert | |
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Keeping farmers and ranchers informed.
Ag Alert is the weekly newspaper of the California Farm Bureau Federation, reaching Farm Bureau agricultural and collegiate members. Agricultural members are owners and decision makers on California farms and ranches.
Learn More Here!
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Livestock: USDA Unveils Blueprint to Combat the Avian Influenza Outbreak | |
California Mid-State Fair cancels poultry and dairy cattle shows due to statewide ban | State officials say the ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions is in place to minimize the danger of exposing people and non-infected cows and birds to the bird flu. | | | |
USDA Unveils Blueprint to Combat the Avian Influenza Outbreak - AgNet West | USDA) has unveiled a blueprint to combat the avian influenza outbreak, which has affected 166 million birds since 2022, primarily egg-laying | | | |
How Templeton farmers are avoiding a bird flu outbreak | No reported bird flu cases have happened in San Luis Obispo County. Templeton farmers shared how they've kept their animals and products safe. | | | |
Pork Producers Urge Lawmakers to Change California Prop 12 Mandates | National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Lori Stevermer testified before the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Livestock, | | | |
Vineyard and Wine: Regenerative Ag Event with Secretary Ross on March 24th | |
Vina Robles launches 'Sunday Funday' music series with DJs, wine | Guests can enjoy live music, wine tastings, and food pairings - Vina Robles is launching a new Sunday Funday music series throughout March, featuring live [...] | | | |
Regenerative Ag Event with Secretary Ross | CDFA Secretary Karen Ross will speak about the new CDFA definition of Regenerative Agriculture, followed by a panel discussion and SLO Farm Bureau BBQ lunch. RSVP required. Date: Monday, March 24th Time: 10am - 1pm Location: Robert Hall Winery 3443 Mill Rd. Paso Robles, CA 93446 | | | |
California wineries could be crushed by Trump's tariffs on Canada | Canada represents the largest export market for California wine. When President Trump announced tariffs this week, many vintners faced a financial nightmare. | | | |
Ancient Peaks Winery donates $50,000 to Dream Big Darling | Funds were raised through sales of the winery's specialty One Stone wines in 2024 - Ancient Peaks Winery delivered a $50,000 donation to Dream Big [...] | | | |
Hope Family Wines debuts new Paso Robles cabernet franc | Hope Family Wines has released the 2023 vintage of Quest, marking its transition to a wine made entirely from Paso Robles-grown cabernet franc. Known [...] | | | |
Water: Two More Storms Lining up for California, West with Rain and Snow Next Week | |
DAILY DIGEST, 3/7: Two more storms lining up with rain and snow next week; 9 graphics that visualize EPA's climate change indicators for snow; Army Corps knew Trump order would waste California water, memo shows; Low salmon numbers prompt shutdown of fishing for a third straight year; and more ... | cmtoc_table_of_contents] Several news sources featured in the Daily Digest may limit the number of articles you can access without a subscription. However, gift articles and open-access links are provided when available. For more open access California water news articles, explore the main page at MavensNotebook.com. In California water news today ... | | | |
GUEST COMMENTARY: How customers pay for imported water needs to change | Guest commentary by Tom Kennedy, Kennedy Water Consulting California's statewide water system is an engineering marvel and is a key reason the Golden State prospered over the last century. Absent the sophisticated mechanisms to capture water and move it to population centers, none of our major cities would exist as they do today. | | | |
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. | | | | |