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
Emergency CRP Haying and Grazing Approved
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.
2013 Year in Review
A large and important group of issues were addressed in 2013 and continue into 2014. Read about Farm Bureau's work on water, land use and more here.
Asian Citrus Psyllid a Threat to California Citrus
The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) has been found in Santa Maria and other areas in California. The following website links tell you more about the problem and how to identify this destructive pest. Click on the three listings to view the videos.
1) California Department of Food and Agriculture videos
2) Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program
3)
KSBY--Ag Officials Spray for Citrus Pest
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.
Workshops
Cal Poly Professional Compost Training --
March 24-28
Four days of certificate training and a one-day workshop are offered. Sign up for one or both sessions. View information here and website registration here.
Vertebrate Pest Control Workshop -- March 26
SLO County Ag Department and UCCE provide information on control and legal use of rodenticides. The free workshop offers continuing education units. Find registration info here.
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.
General Motors Discount on Cars and Trucks
Farm Bureau members can receive a $500 discount on purchase, lease or fleet purchase of General Motors cars and trucks. An extra $1,000 is offered on new trucks through April 1, 2014. Read specific details 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.
Student Scholarships
Application Deadlines Nearing
Five scholarships are available for those San Luis Obispo County students who qualify. Find the link to the descriptions and applications here.
SLO Co. Ag Department
2012 County Crop Report -- New Record Value
An increase of nearly 18% in gross values over 2011 was reported. Published copies of the report are available; call (805) 781-5910 or download the pdf here. Also -- See a USDA Farms, Land in Farms, and Livestock Operations 2012 Summary here.
2012 County Crop Report Plus -- Economic Study
Read how SLO County agriculture contributes $1.87 billion to the overall economy with direct and indirect output, provides 20,645 jobs and contributes economic stability to our county. Download the pdf.
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
2nd Annual WiVi Symposium & Tradeshow
Wednesday-Thursday, March 19-20, Paso Robles Event Center. An educational support tool for the local wine industry; view details.
Cattlemen's Western Art Show and Sale
Friday-Sunday, April 4-6, Paso Robles Event Center. Fifty western artists exhibit all new, original art at this annual show. Featured artist is Barron Postmus, whose work "Gem Lake" is pictured. Find complete details here.
13th Annual CCGGA Open House
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, Nipomo and Arroyo Grand. The Central Coast Greenhouse Growers Association hosts an event to raise funds for scholarships with plantsales, education center and nursery tours. Read a news release; an event map with nurseries on the tour will be posted here.
Events Recap
Holiday Open House Photos
Click here for a photo collage of this event at the Farm Bureau's temporary location.
"Ag Truck Rule" Workshop Photos
Cynthia Cory, CFBF Director of Environmental Affairs, gave this workshop in San Luis Obispo. View photos here.
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.
California Bountiful
CFBF Magazine
California Bountiful Magazine features articles about bonsai, 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.
How Can You Save on Farm Insurance?
The long-term success of your farm or ranch is about profitability and protecting assets with the right insurance and risk-management tools. Read how to control costs and risks 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.
