SLO Country Magazine
Drought (Again)
San Luis Obispo County has a long history of scarce rainfall. Read how our current drought affects all residents, but especially those in agriculture. And did you know there's a local worm farm? Learn all about the production of vermicompost.
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
EPA's Proposed New Water Rule -- Your Comments Are Needed NOW!
Will farmers need a permit to plant a new crop? to replace a fence? Joy Fitzhugh, SLO Co. Farm Bureau Legistlative Analyst, summarizes the EPA proposals, how they may affect you and how you can comment by October 20 here. California Farm Bureau Federation encourages agriculturalists to speak out at "Urge Congress to Stop Expansion of the Clean Water Act" here. You can also submit comments directly to the EPA here.
WORKSHOP -- Water Security in Chorro Valley
Tuesday, July 29, 6-8 p.m. at SLO Sportmen's Assn 3270 Gilardi Rd, San Luis Obispo
A public workshop addresses water rights, conservation and other issues in Chorro Valley. View the workshop flyer and RSVP information here.
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
2015 FSA County Committee Elections
A USDA bulletin discusses the importance to farmers and ranchers of the Farm Service Agency County Committees, who can hold office and the election process. Read more.
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 
SLO Farm Bureau Moves
4875 Morabito Place, San Luis Obispo 93401
Find and print a map to the new San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau location here.
Meet New Exec. Director
Lynn Diehl Named New Executive Director
The San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau welcomes Lynn Diehl, beginning May 5, 2014. Read more.
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 --
Lawrence Honerkamp, Kit Kuyper, Dana Putnam, Susan Warren, Brent Wellington.
Associate Members -- Sue Brigham, Patti Jackson, Charlotte Meade, Michael Van Muysen.
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.
Equipment Theft
Rural Theft Losses for a Year Total More Than $200,000
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office Rural Crime Unit offers tips to prevent theft here. Since June 2013, losses from metal shops and outbuildings in rural areas are estimated to be more than $200,000.
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.
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
The Great AGventure South --Photo Collage
Fall's annual Great AGventure added a South County event in May. Read about it and see photos here.
Entry Deadline September 30 -- Amateur photographers, Farm Bureau members, can win cash prizes with ag-related images in five categories! Find out all the details 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 an airplane hangar with cold beer, cool Asian vegetables, water-wise tips, recipes and more. Link here.
Farm Safety & Workers
Take Care to Prevent Back Injuries
Back injuries rank high on the list of reasons for lost time in the workplace. Read tips to prevent back injuries and share them with employees.
Why Farm-Certified Insurance Agents Work Hard for You
What do farmers and ranchers want most from their insurance agent? Someone they can trust, one who understands the business of farming and one who helps them protect their operations. Read how Farm Certified agents do this.
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.
