Support Local Flower Growers This Valentine's Day |
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Perhaps no agriculture sector took a hit during the pandemic as much as the cut flower industry. Check out this interesting read from AgAlert this week explaining the nuances of the global flower trade and what factors contribute to a profitable Valentine's Day holiday for Central Coast growers.
Did you know cut flowers are San Luis Obispo County's 8th highest valued agriculture commodity? In 2019, SLO County growers sold nearly $27 million of flowers. The amount of flowers grown in the County declined from 2018 to 2019, falling from 64 acres and 6.3 million square feet of greenhouse production to 48 acres and 6.1 million square feet.
Pictured above, Cal Poly student employees at the Poly Plant Shop have been hard at work creating arrangements for this Valentine's Day weekend. It's also been a busy week for longtime SLO County Farm Bureau member Debbie Deis of D & D Floral Design in Los Osos. To try and get a last-minute order, call Debbie at 805-528-4230.
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This Week in SLO County Agriculture |
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In This Issue:
- Community News: SLO Tribune - Will the Mid-State Fair Happen This Year?
- State Government News: AgriPulse - Newsom Defends Record on Farmworker Vaccinations
- County Government News: Feb. 9 Supervisors Mtg. Recap
- Federal Government News: House Ag Democrats Advance Ag Stimulus Package as GOP Attacks Minority Farmer Debt Relief
- COVID-19 News: County Proceeds to 65+ Age Category
- Business Member Spotlight: Whiteford Ag
- Livestock News: Settrini Educates Dietitians About Beef
- Labor News: New California Employment Laws for 2021
- Produce News: Talley to Serve Second Year as Chairman of Western Growers Association Board
- Vineyard & Winery News: Preliminary Grape Crush Report for 2020
- Water News: Ag Order 4.0 Grower Survey Request
- Environmental News: AgriPulse - 'If We Force Carbon Capture, We May Have Other Issues'
- Agronomic Resources: UC Ag Experts Talk on Citrus Mites
- Wisdom From the Farm & Ranch
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Feb. 5 Most Read Stories:
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SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Director Report
A few things we worked on this week included:
- Worked with Rep. Salud Carbajal staff and the California Farm Bureau federal policy team to get clarification regarding CFAP payments counting as taxable income;
- Discussed Prop 19 guidance from the State Board of Equalization regarding Prop 19’s applicability to farms and ranches;
- Attended SLO Food System Coalition Quarterly Meeting;
- Participated in weekly SLO County Farmworker Task Force and COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force meetings;
- Gave a report to SLO County Cattlemen’s Association;
- Reviewed vaccine logistics information with local growers and farm labor contractors;
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Gave an update to the Board of Directors of the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business – SLO County (COLAB) regarding the County’s new proposed land use ordinance requiring a CEQA review for new plantings in the Paso Basin;
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Participated in the SLO Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee; and
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Met with a local farmer at City Farm SLO.
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Thank you Justin Vineyard & Wines for being a SLO County Farm Bureau Platinum Member and supporting our local agriculture industry! |
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Community News: SLO Tribune - Will the Mid-State Fair Happen This Year?
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Will the Mid-State Fair happen this year? Here's what a...
After a disappointing 2020, California Mid-State Fair organizers are figuring out how to hold a safe 2021 event during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic - which could involve significantly decreasing the daily capacity and modifying or dropping...
Read more
www.sanluisobispo.com
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Calendar - February 2021 | Center for Sustainability
Agriculture for Tomorrow A College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) Program Preparing leaders in sustainability through education, research, outreach...
Read more
cfs.calpoly.edu
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Join the Team | City Farm SLO
We are Hiring an Assistant Director! City Farm SLO is a licensed non-profit that manages a 19-acre urban farm in San Luis Obispo...
Read more
www.cityfarmslo.org
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Super Bowl champion Bear Pascoe now a pro rodeo cowboy,...
Former New York Giants tight end and Super Bowl XLVI champion Bear Pascoe is now retired and living in Morro Bay, where he spends time on his family's ranch...
Read more
keyt.com
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State Government News: AgriPulse - Newsom Defends Record on Farmworker Vaccinations
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Newsom defends record on farmworker vaccinations
Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to the Fresno fairgrounds on Wednesday to announce the eventual launch of a mass...
Read more
www.agri-pulse.com
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California high-speed rail asks Newsom to release $4.1...
The California High-Speed Rail Authority is asking Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislators to release about $4.1 billion in state...
Read more
www.fresnobee.com
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California Farm Bureau's Friday Review- Feb. 12
Read this week's legislative and government affairs news from California Farm Bureau featuring updates on Air Quality, Climate Change, Commodities, Crop Protection, Endangered Species, Nutrition, Pollinators, Taxation, Transportation and Conservation.
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County Government News: Feb. 9 Supervisors Mtg. Recap |
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SLO County Agricultural Preserve Review Committee Will Meet February 26, 2021 at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom. To access the full agenda click here. The following agenda items pertain to agriculture:
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CON2020-00024 - Proposal by Wyatt Wicks and Rodney Wiebe to amend and replace an existing Agricultural Preserve, …The subject parcel (resulting Parcel 1 of the Lot Line Adjustment) is approximately 516.0 acres in size. The property is located at 2770 Gillis Canyon Road, approximately 3.5 miles southeast of Shandon in the Shandon-Carrizo Sub-area of the North County Planning Area. (a portion of APN 017-261-022)
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CON2020-00025 - Proposal by Rodney Wiebe to amend and replace an existing Agricultural Preserve… The subject parcel (resulting Parcel 2 of the Lot Line Adjustment) is approximately 654.8 acres in size. The property is located at 2770 Gillis Canyon Road, approximately 3.5 miles southeast of Shandon in the Shandon-Carrizo Sub-area of the North County Planning Area. (APN 017-271-033 and a portion of APN 017-261-022)
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DRC2019-00049 - Request for Agricultural Preserve Review Committee Compatible Use Review for Canna Organic - Cannabis Activities Minor Use Permit (APN 090-051-042)
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DRC2020-00013 - Request for Agricultural Preserve Review Committee Compatible Use Review for C-Four SM Partners, LLC - Cannabis Activities Minor Use Permit (APN 037-391-049)
SLO County Board of Supervisors met February 9. To access the full agenda documents and a recording of the meeting click here. Of interest to agriculture:
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Supervisors pulled Agenda Item 23 from the agenda and it will be considered at a later date. This item was “Submittal of a resolution approving and authorizing the Chairperson to execute Amendment No. 18 (the Water Management Amendment) to Water Supply Contract between the State of California Department of Water Resources and San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
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Supervisors approved a resolution proclaiming February 2021 as "National Meat Month" in San Luis Obispo County, and recognized the 2020 Cattlewoman of the Year Lesa John .
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County Planning & Building Loses Assistant Director Fitzroy
The City of Arroyo Grande is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Fitzroy as its new Community Development Director...
Read more
www.arroyogrande.org
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Federal Government News: House Ag Democrats Advance Ag Stimulus Package as GOP Attacks Minority Farmer Debt Relief |
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From Army to Agriculture: USDA Supports Military...
Retired U.S. Army Major Joseph Labarbera's focus has always been clear - service to country. After 22 years of military service...
Read more
www.farmers.gov
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House Ag Democrats advance ag stimulus package as GOP...
The package, which was approved on a party-line 25-23 vote during a seven-hour virtual meeting with members scattered across the country, will be folded into a broader $1.9 trillion stimulus bill backed by President Joe Biden.
Read more
www.agweek.com
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COVID-19 News: County Proceeds to 65+ Age Category |
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Feb. 11, 2021 - County Public Health Updates
San Luis Obispo County residents age 65 and older are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine. The County Public Health Department is providing the vaccine by appointment only to eligible residents and health care workers. To make an appointment:
Additionally, you can find local updates on COVID-19 vaccines here:
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COVID-19 Resources for Workers in Spanish
Dignity Health held an informative Virtual COVID-19 Vaccine Discussion in Spanish on Feb. 3. To watch a recording of the webinar click here. The password is: Cuj6?0p*
Click here for more COVID-19 resources in Spanish from Dignity Health.
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COVID-19 Resources for Workers in Mixteco
Herencia Indígena facilitates communication between health care providers and indigenous communities throughout the Central Coast. Do you have workers that speak Mixteco? These videos can be used to explain the COVID-19 resources available to farm workers. Click here to view the videos
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City of Coachella considers adopting controversial 'hero ...
Even as several California cities face pushback for requiring businesses to provide so-called "hero pay" to grocery employees and ...
Read more
www.desertsun.com
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Latino workers, groups blast California officials over...
Yaneth Gutierrez, 34, an agricultural worker who picks produce in California's Central Valley, had to take two days off when she fell ill...
Read more
www.nbcnews.com
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These 2 health care giants will run California's vaccine ...
Several months after Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente provided free help to Gov. Gavin Newsom's...
Read more
www.sanluisobispo.com
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Business Member Spotlight:
Whiteford Ag
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Whiteford Ag is owned and operated by 6th generation Santa Margarita native Connor Whiteford. Whiteford Ag is a Central Coast agricultural service company to help with your moving, spraying and brush removal needs. Armed with innovative ideas, deep community roots, and a devotion to rural California, Connor Whiteford and his family deliver exceptional results with a strong work ethic and sincere customer service.
Whiteford Ag is committed to supporting your legacy, and promoting the vision for your land, company, and family's future. Reach out today to start talking about how we can better assist you.
We want all of our customers to experience the exceptional level of professionalism when working with Whiteford Ag. All of our services exist to make your life easier and stress-free. You can trust us to provide you with the best service, on and off the farm. Infused in the foundation of our company, experience stress-free planning with the highest quality customer service. Get in touch to learn more.
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Santa Margarita, CA 93453
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Thank You Farm Bureau Members |
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New Members:
Renewing Members:
Dana Byrd, Anthony Riboli, North Point Ranches, Total Telco Specialists Inc., Ball Tagawa Growers, Byrd Farming Partners, William Cochrane, Cees Dobbe, Joanna Vaughn, Samata Management Inc., Todd Fisher, Tim Boatman
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Livestock News: Settrini Educates Dietitians About Beef |
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CBC Dietetic Internship Nutrition Communication Training ...
Like Cattle ranchers all over the United States, Celeste Settrini starts her day early. On a typical morning she and her brother/business partner will have an "office meeting" in the truck on the way to their cow-calf ranch in...
Read more
news.calbeef.org
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February 12, 2021
For the 2021 and subsequent crop years, NAP forage producers with the intended use of grazing who elect to use independent assessments or other approved alternative loss percentage methods to establish their loss are no longer required to file a CCC-576 Notice of Loss with FSA. However, a CCC-576 Application for Payment form must be submitted to FSA no later than 60 calendar days after the coverage period ends.
Producers that elect to have the grazing loss determined using similar mechanically harvested units still must timely file a CCC-576 Notice of Loss within 15 days of the disaster event or damage to the crop first becomes apparent or within 15 days of harvest.
Call the FSA office in Templeton at 805-434-0396 Ext. 2 to learn more.
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Labor News: New California Employment Laws for 2021 |
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Just What I Wanted - More COVID-19 Guidance: EEOC Publishes Guidance for Employers on ADA and Vaccinations
The EEOC published a long-awaited guidance relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and its application to the COVID-19 Vaccine. The guidance is available here. Below are the highlights and key takeaways. Remember the State may also weigh in on this down the road, so as with everything COVID-19 related, stay tuned for updates.
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H-2A Program Demand Strong, Despite COVID-19
Recently released H-2A program data reveals some interesting impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic...
Read more
www.fb.org
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New California Employment Laws for 2021
Western Growers Corporate Counsel Even with an unprecedented legislative session that saw a two-month pause in activity and hundreds of bills set aside...
Read more
www.wga.com
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California Farm Labor Contractors Association Webinars Feb. 16 & Feb. 23 |
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COVID-19 Vaccines & Testing for Farmworkers (Webinar)
Tuesday, February 16 from 9:00-10:30 AM
Click here to register for FREE
The supply of COVID-19 vaccines is still limited and distribution continues to be a challenge. With agricultural workers classified in a higher priority level, there are some successes and many challenges to secure vaccines for farmworkers. Our panel of experts will provide a better understanding of the vaccine; how to communicate with workers to dispel myths and address concerns; how to implement effective testing protocols; and how to work with local agencies to access vaccination services. The panel will also explore legal considerations for employers and answer your questions.
Presenters
- Dr. Cora Hoover, California Department of Public Health
- Dr. Alexi Haack, California Department of Food and Agriculture
- Alfredo Pedroza, Napa County District 4 Supervisor
- Erica Rosasco, McKague Rosasco LLP
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Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Regulation Update (Webinar)
Tuesday, February 23 from 9:00-10:15AM
Click here to register for FREE
Presentado en ingles con interpretación simultánea al español
What have we learned since the implementation of Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Prevention Program §3205 -in effect since November 30, 2020? Learn about the updated guidance from Cal/OSHA's FAQs and best practices; extension of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA); and a better understanding of the requirements and impacts for ag employers.
Presenters
- Erica Rosasco, McKague Rosasco LLP
- Michael C. Alvarez, Division of Occupational Safety and Health.
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FELS COVID-19 News - February 9, 2021
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Cal/OSHA Issues COVID-19-Related Citations: On February 4, the agency issued multiple COVID-19-related Injury and Illness Prevention plan, Respiratory Protection plan and other regulatory violations to 13 employers, most of which were state government agencies or health care systems. The largest proposed penalty was levied against San Quentin State Prison for $421,800.
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CDPH Issues Revised Vaccine Guidelines: On February 4, the California Department of Public Health has issued revised guidelines for priorities for recipients of the COVID-19 vaccination. Under the new guidelines, all "tiers" of persons in Phase 1A (healthcare workers and related personnel, generally) remain the first priority. The order of priority in Phase 1B has been revised somewhat to place access to vaccines for persons 65 years and older ahead of a few specifically identified "sector populations:" Education and childcare, Emergency Services, and Food and Agriculture.
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Federal OSHA Issues COVID-19 Guidelines, Begins Work on a Federal Reg: On January 29, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued guidance for employers to better identify workplace hazards that could lead to COVID-19 workplace exposures. The guidance was issued in response to President Biden's January 21 Executive Order directing OSHA to issue updated COVID-19 guidelines.
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Fauchi Endorses Double-Masking: CDC infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci on January 25 endorsed the practice of "double-masking," saying is "likely does" help protect against recently-emerging mutant strains of COVID-19. No regulatory agency has recommended or required it yet.
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Produce News: Talley to Serve Second Year as Chairman of Western Growers Association Board |
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Talley to Serve Second Year as Chairman of Western Growers |
Ryan Talley is very much looking forward to the unprecedented move of serving a second year as the Western Growers Chairman of the Board...
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Past Chairmen Weigh in on Talley's 2nd Year
Several past chairmen of the Western Grower Board of Directors who are still serving the association as members of the board wholeheartedly support the decision to extend...
Read more
www.wga.com
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New costs for California fruit growers add up
Fruit growers can expect to see a continued rise in costs due to water, labor, pests, food safety and trade. That is according to Fresno State Assistant Professor Serhat Asci, in a webinar for the World Ag Expo on Tuesday. Fruit production...
Read more
www.agri-pulse.com
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Mexican avocado imports break U.S. records
It's a green victory for Avocados From Mexico. After six years of successful advertising in the big game, the company decided against airing a commercial...
Read more
theproducenews.com
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Vineyard & Winery News: Preliminary Grape Crush Report for 2020 |
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What Role Can Vineyards Play in Conserving California's...
At Gamble Family Vineyards in Napa, California, the beavers are becoming a problem...
Read more
civileats.com
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Water News: Ag Order 4.0 Grower Survey Request |
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Crop Farmers: Fill Out This Survey to Help Ag Groups Combat the Regional Water Board's Ag Order 4.0
Grower Shipper Association of Central California, Grower Shipper Association of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, Monterey County Farm Bureau, California Farm Bureau Federation, Western Growers Association and Western Plant Health Association are working closely with their members and other agricultural associations to prepare comments in response to the Revised Draft Ag Order.
To better respond to some of the proposed changes, these agricultural organizations in cooperation with others are reaching out to you that are directly impacted by the Revised Draft Ag Order to obtain input regarding options presented in the Revised Draft Ag Order.
Most notably, we are seeking direct input from you to see if they would likely or not likely select groundwater compliance pathways by participating in a Third-Party cooperative program that offers cooperative trend monitoring as well as a program that assists with meeting other nitrate related requirements.
Please fill out the survey here. |
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SLO Valley Groundwater Sustainability Commission Meets Feb. 17
The public is invited to join the next virtual Groundwater Sustainability Commission (GSC) meeting on February 17, 2021 from 3:30pm-5:30pm via Go to Meeting. GSC meetings are a great opportunity for interested parties to receive updates on the development of the SLO Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), to ask questions, and/or to share public comment.
Key topics for this meeting will include:
- Integrated Model Calibration and Preliminary Results
- Presentation on the availability of the City of SLO’s Recycled Water
- Discussion of Projects and Management Actions being considered to bring the SLO Basin into sustainability
Learn more about this public meeting or register here.
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Regulatory Changes On the Horizon for California State...
On December 17, 2020, the Sacramento County Superior Court issued a ruling limiting the ability of the California State Water Resources Control Board ...
Read more
www.nossaman.com
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State Water Board - Notice to Water Rights Holders |
The Annual Water Diversion and Use Reports for the 2020 reporting year are now available through the Report Management System.
During the week of February 15, 2021, the Division of Water Rights will be mailing reporting reminder letters with user ID and password information to current primary owners and agents of water rights.
All water right holders are required to submit an online report of water diversion and use detailing their 2020 water use (even if no water was diverted or used during 2020). See information on how to report your water use information below, as well as how to contact us with questions.
How do I report my 2020 water use?
- Login and password information will be mailed to Primary Owners and Agents during the week of February 15, 2021. If you have login and password information from last year, you may use this information to log in again this year.
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Go to https://rms.waterboards.ca.gov to log in to your account.
- Submit your report by:
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April 1, 2021 for licenses, permits, registrations, and stockponds.
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July 1, 2021 for statements of water diversion and use and groundwater recordations.
Who should I contact if I have questions or need to update ownership or address information?
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Environmental News: AgriPulse - 'If We Force Carbon Capture, We May Have Other Issues'
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'If we force carbon capture, we may have other issues,'...
UC Davis Professor William Horwath told the Assembly Ag Committee this week that while carbon sequestration offers many benefits, keeping ag land in production is one of the best ways to tackle ...
Read more
www.agri-pulse.com
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How carbon may become another crop for farmers
Folded arms and furrowed browsamong frustrated farmers greeted former Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC) at a National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) meeting in the mid-2010s. Inglis was then a rarity among Republican legislators. He made his case for...
Read more
www.agriculture.com
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Agronomic Resources: UC Ag Experts Talk on Citrus Mites |
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Learn How to Stop Mites in Citrus at Feb. 17 Webinar
David Haviland, UCCE Farm Advisor will discuss integrated pest management for five different species of mites that cause economic damage to citrus, including proper identification, monitoring, and tools for management...
Read more
ucanr.zoom.us
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UC Ag Experts Talk: Current Challenges for Avocado Weed...
Sonia Rios discussed identification and control of most commonly found weeds in orchards and challenges avocado growers face - biology and life cycles of...
Read more
www.youtube.com
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Advertise with SLO County Farm Bureau |
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Get Your Message in Front of Over 1000 San Luis Obispo Countians!
Our weekly E-News is sent out every Friday to our membership. If you're interested in an effective, low-cost advertising campaign ($150 a month) please give us a call or send an email to SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Director Brent Burchett.
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Wisdom From the Farm & Ranch |
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A Tribute To The Stockman - H.W. Mumford
Behold the Stockman! Artist and Artisan
He may be polished, or a diamond in the rough, but always a gem.
Whose devotion to his animals is second only to his love of God and family.
Whose gripping affection is tempered only by his inborn sense
of the true proportion of things.
Who cheerfully braves personal discomfort
to make sure his livestock suffer not.
To him there is rhythm in the clatter of the horse's hoof,
music in the bleating of the sheep and in the lowing of the herd.
His approaching footsteps call forth the affectionate whinny of recognition.
His calm, well-modulated voice inspires confidence and wins affection.
His coming to greeted with demonstrations of pleasure,
and his going with evident disappointment.
Who sees something more in cows than the drudgery of milking,
more in swine than the grunt and squeal, more in the horse than
the patient servant, and more in sheep than the golden hoof.
Herdsman, shepherd, groom-yes, and more.
Broad-minded, big-hearted whole-souled;
whose life and character linger long after
the cordial greeting is stilled and the
hearty handshake is but a memory;
whose silent influence forever lives.
May his kind multiply and replenish the earth.
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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 some assistance with membership, 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 San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau
Platinum Members
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