SLO Country Magazine
Moving Feasts
Local business entrepreneurs find many ways to use SLO county ag products. Mobile food trucks and "Cottage Food Operations" are just two ideas. Read about two food truck owners and other stories. View a 16-minute video of Anna Andriese baking fresh ciabatta bread for her truck sandwiches.
Ag Update E-Newsletter -- Ag News You Need to Know!
Keep up with news and information about agriculture on the Central Coast ... [Click to subscribe]
Legislative News
SLO County Ranchers Can Now Apply for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program
Ranchers with grazing losses on or after October 1, 2011 can apply for disaster relief. Read details and who to contact locally. Read USDA Fact Sheet here.
Also, immediate sign ups are open for emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) ground in SLO County. Read the details here. Fill out a Drought Questionnaire here if your farm or ranch has been affected.
Asian Citrus Psyllid a Threat to SLO County Citrus
The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) recently was found near Arroyo Grande. Read SLO Ag Dept. news release here and updates here. Videos on the two website links below tell you more about the problem and how to identify this destructive pest.
1) California Department of Food and Agriculture videos
2) Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program
Tie-Down Exemption Extended to April 30, 2014
Read the latest CHP information about the process needed for any motor carrier wishing to participate in the agricultural haulers' exemption.
Board of Supervisors
Click here for a copy of the current Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda.
To print out a copy of the "Board Appearance Request Form," click here.
Take Action!
Do You Receive Notes From Farm Bureau?
Call or email us today to stay informed!
Membership Benefits
NEW Ag Equipment Discounts
Farm Bureau members can save $300-$500 on Case-IH equipment, including Farmall Compact tractors, large square balers, round balers, self-propelled windrowers, disk mower conditioners and more.
There is no limit to the number of discounts a member may use, as long as it's no more than one per unit acquired. Read the details here.
Receive a Bigger Discount
Farm Bureau Voting Members receive a bigger discount on a personal auto policy -- 12.5%. To find out more, Click here.
State Fund offers a discount and special programs to Farm Bureau members. Read more.
Farm Bureau offers low-cost, durable signs needed for agricultural operations. For a sample of available signs, Click here.
"No Trespassing Sign" Now Comes in Two Sizes & Two Versions
A new 24x 16-inch metal No Trespass sign in English and Spanish with the penal code number listed sells for $13 (members) & $13.50 (non-members). Orders for this sign must be pre-paid.
A 16x13-inch metal No Trespassing sign in English and Spanish without the penal code number sells for $8 (members) & $8.50 (non-members).
On the Calendar 
Executive Director Job
Executive Director Job Listing
Read the job description details and qualifications here.
SLO Farm Bureau Moves
Our Temporary Office is Open at 3599 Sueldo Street #100, SLO 93401
The San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau office is open in a temporary location while a new office is built across from the San Luis Obispo Airport. Read about the move here; download a pdf map of the new location. View photos of the move and new location. All phone numbers and e-mail addresses remain the same.
Membership Benefits
First Data Credit Card Processing
Farm Bureau members looking for new, easy ways to interact with customers at farmers markets, tasting rooms and other locations now have access to a variety of First Data marketing services. Read more here.
What are some benefits of your SLO County Farm Bureau membership? Read about them here. Find a current list with Farm Bureau benefits here.
Membership News
Join SLO County Farm Bureau
It's easy to join San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau and receive the benefits of membership. Read how your membership keeps you informed on local and state ag issues. Join online today! Click here.
How to Become a Business Member
For a Business Membership application, please click here. For questions, call the SLO County Farm Bureau, (805) 543-3654.
Renew Your SLO County Farm Bureau Membership
Renew your membership online today! Click here.
Welcome New SLO County Farm Bureau Members!
Agricultural Members --
John George, Kevin Kohnen, Las Piletas Ranch LLC, Still Waters Vineyards, Roger Yount.
Associate Members -- Steve Angello, Gary Britton, Patrick Mullen, Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce.
Collegiate Members -- Shane Gillard, Anna Gomes.
New Collegiate Membership Offered CFBF invites students between 16 and 25, enrolled in a post-high school education program such as community college, four-year university or trade school, to join Farm Bureau for $25 a year. Gift memberships are available. Learn more.
SLO Co. Ag Department
2013 County Crop Report -- Up 11% From 2012
Wine grapes came out as top crop, with strawberries close behind in 2013 production. Read the news release and statistics by crop here. Published copies of the report will be available in June.
Firewood Buyers Beware!
The SLO County Ag Department encourages residents to purchase firewood from local sources to lessen chances of bringing harmful insects and plant diseases into the county. Read more.
Freddy of the Year
Congratulations Janet Andrews!
Janet Andrews, a native of San Luis Obispo, is being honored for her outstanding service and contributions to agriculture through her work with Farm Bureau as well as in the community. Read more. Watch a video as SLO Farm Bureau President Carlos Castañeda presents Janet Andrews with her award.
2013 Ag of the Year
Congratulations, Dr. Joe Sabol
At Cattlemen and Farmers' Day during July's Mid-State Fair, lifelong educator Dr. Joe Sabol was honored as Agriculturalist of the Year. During his 40-year career at Cal Poly, his passion for agriculture has inspired thousands of students, as well as adults in the Ag Leadership Program. In retirement, he continues to teach through his work with California Rare Fruit Growers, the Great AGventure and other activities. Read more.
Events
Candidates Night North Coast
7 p.m. Monday, April 21, at Santa Rosa Parish Hall, 1174 Main Street, Cambria. Debates between candidates for 2nd District Board of Supervisors seat plus local speaker on ag issues.
6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, Avila Room at Trilogy, 1640 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo.
A 4th District Candidates Forum is moderated by Congressman Katcho Achadjiam. View event flyer.
52nd Annual Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Ag Tour -- South County
Wednesday, May 7 -- Enjoy a full day of touring ag businesses and historical sites in South County. $70 per person includes air-conditioned transportation, lunch, wine tasting and goodie bag. For reservations, call (805) 238-0506. View flyer here.
Winemaker Dinner
6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant, 891 Price Street, Pismo Beach. SLO County Farm Bureau invites you to a fabulous winemaker dinner, featuring guest vintner Dana Merrill of Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery. Tickets, $150 per person, are sold at the Farm Bureau office, by calling (805) 543-3654, or watch for a postcard in the mail.
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SLO County Young Farmers & Ranchers 2nd Annual Barn Dance
6-10 p.m. Friday, May 30, Trinity Hall, 6565 Edna Road, San Luis Obispo. Foot-stompin' fun starts with a barbecue dinner and silent auction. Monte Mills and The Lucky Horseshow Band keep the hall hoppin'. Tickets are $30 per adult and $20 per student. Purchase them at SLO Co. Farm Bureau office; (805) 543-3654. View the flyer.
Tours
"Everything Ireland" August 2-16
The charm and character of Ireland, as well its agricultural operations, are on display during this study tour. Click here for an 
invitation. Find a complete itinerary here. And download a tour sign-up form here.
Workshops
Free Rodent Control Clinics
Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-noon in SLO; 2-4p.m. in Paso Robles -- UCCE Master Gardners, SLO Ag Dept. and Farm Supply team to present Rodent Control Clinics, targeting squirrel infestations. View clinic details here.
California Bountiful
CFBF Magazine
California Bountiful Magazine features articles about horses, oysters, agriculturalists, gardening, recipes, books and more. Link here.
Farm Safety & Workers
Farm Shop May Have Hidden Hazards
As one of the most dangerous places on your farm, the farm shop can have unexpected hazards. Find out what they are and how to avoid them here.
Use Care When Working Near a PTO
Power take-off units (PTOs) offer versatility to farmers but come with risks because of the shaft rotating at an extremely high speed. Read how to operate safefly and share with others.
Can Insurance Be More User-Friendly?
Insurance is complex and not always easy to understand. Nationwide is working on changes to make policies easier to understand. Read more here.
Important Employee Issues
Learn about the latest topics for employers and employees -- healthcare, legislation, Cal OSHA, scams, studies, surveys, unemployment insurance, workers' comp, Form I-9, medical marijuana and much more. Read the August 2013 newsletter; read September 2013.
Farm Team
FARM PAC
California Farm Bureau Federation encourages Farm Bureau voting members to stay engaged in the political process, even in a non-election year. Read more.
