SLO Country Magazine
Ag Films Play in SLO During March
Recent films that explore the many challenges and successes of agriculture are featured in conjunction with the SLO International Film Festival. Read about the films and other magazine articles here and order film festival tickets here!
Ag Update E-Newsletter -- Ag News You Need to Know!
Keep up with the latest news and information about agriculture on the Central Coast on your mobile device or computer... [Click to subscribe]
Legislative News
Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Update
What is the latest action taken by the SLO County Board of Supervisors on the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin? What about the Water Export Ordinance? And what is "Scrap the GRAP" all about? Read details here.
Mills Family Honored for Conservation Efforts
The 2015 Conservationist of the Year Award, presented by the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District, went to Mike Mills and the Mills family, who grow broccoli near Oso Flaco Lake. Read more.
FSA Conservation Stewardship Program Extended to March 13
An updated edition of the Farmers' Guide to the Conservation Stewardship Program is available to help farmers sign up for the program. Click here.
Asian Citrus Psyllids Found in SLO City Citrus
Additional Asian Citrus Psyllids found in the city of SLO have put into effect quarantine measures. Read a SLO Ag Dept. news release 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
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.
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 
"Farmland" at Film Fest
"Farmland" at San Luis Obispo International Film Festival
Friday, March 13
SLO County Farm Bureau and Farm Credit West sponsor this documentary about the lives of farmers and ranchers in their 20s--the next generation of agriculturalists--from award-winning director James Moll. Click here for information about the film. Tickets for "Farmland," other ag-related films and a fun pre-screening reception can be ordered on the SLOIFF website (click here) or at the festival office, 1007 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo (corner of Osos and Monterey streets). Office hours vary, so it's best to call first, (805) 546-3456.
SLO Farm Bureau
4875 Morabito Place, San Luis Obispo 93401
Phone: (805) 543-3654
Fax: (805) 543-3697
(numbers remain the same)
View and print a map to the new San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau location here.
Workshops & Meetings
PG&E Office Hours at SLO County Farm Bureau
8:30 a.m.-noon, Thursday, March 19, SLO County Farm Bureau, 4875 Morabito Place, San Luis Obispo
A local PG&E Customer Service Representative will hold open-door office hours for Farm Bureau members to address any PG&E-related issues, including rates, energy efficiency rebates and incentives, etc. Read details here.
How to Control Ground Squirrels
8:30-11 a.m., Tuesday, March 24, American Legion Hall, 805 S. Main Street, Templeton
The free workshop for commercial agricultural business owners includes four speakers and covers a range of topics. Find class and registration details here.
Development of TMDLs for Salts in the Santa Maria River Watershed
10 a.m.-noon, Thursday, March 19
City of Santa Maria Library
421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria
This kick-off workshop provides background on the Central Coast Water Board's mandates and water-quality impairments and invites public comment. Read details here.
Events
Cattlemen's Western Art Show & Sale
Friday-Sunday, March 27-29
Celebrating 25 years this annual event, presented by SLO County Cattlemen's Association, showcases more than 50 western artists, with Ernie Morris as the featured artist. Find complete information about the show here.
14th Annual CCGGA Open House
9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, April 18, Edwards Barn & other locations
The Central Coast Greenhouse Growers Association (CCGGA) opens their hothouses to the public one day a year for demonstrations, exciting finds and excellent bargains! Read details here.
The Great AGventure South
Friday, May 15
The second year of the southern event, held in partnership with Arroyo Grande High School's FFA, is a day filled with agriculture education for fourth graders. For details about the event and how you can help, click 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.
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 & Returning SLO County Farm Bureau Members!
Agricultural Members--
Robert Jansen, Timothy Kensinger, Wayne Lamb, Adalberto Razo Perez, Lee Rincker, Rotta Ranch, Terry Speizer, Kelly Strupp, Suterra LLC.
Associate Members -- John Evans, Rudolph Hamm, Martha Jauregui, Jeanette McClure, Paul Nunley, Elizabeth Ramos, George Ross, Caitlin Spencer.
Business Members -- Valley Pacific Petroleum.
Collegiate Members -- Sierra Bryant, Gina Grieb, Ariana Joven, Josh Mendez, Riley Nilsen, Patrick Pinkard.
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.
YF&R
Young Farmers & Ranchers Photo Collage of Activities
During the past year, YF&R members have taught an Ag in the Classroom session and built raised garden beds for the Boys & Girls Club, met with the CA Secretary of Agriculture and attended a trap shooting social. Their 2015 Barn Dance is scheduled for early May. See photos here.
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. Download a pdf.
Freddy of the Year
Paul Clark, honored for his outstanding service and contributions to agriculture and Farm Bureau, received the "Freddy" at the 92nd Annual Meeting of Members. A Past President, Clark has served with distinction on numerous committees, representing the agriculture community with thoughtfulness and a deep knowledge of issues and goals. Read more.
2014 Ag of the Year
At Cattlemen and Farmers' Day during July's Mid-State Fair, rancher and role model Dale Evenson was honored for his service to agriculture and the community. Read more about this SLO County native.
California Bountiful
California Bountiful Magazine features a young entrepreneur, a coffee grower and a group of conservation-minded farmers who are raising the bar. Add recipes, book reviews and more--and you have a great issue! Link here.
Farm Safety & Workers
Take Care When Working in Your Shop This Winter
Many accidents happen in the farm shop. Read the types of potential hazards to be aware of and ways to prevent accidents and injuries to share with employees.
Keep Your OSHA 300 Log Up to Date
Farm employers should be familiar with the OSHA recordkeeping requirements relating to workplace safety, injury and illness. State Fund has developed a bulletin on the 300 Log to help make the task easier. Read more.
Simple Steps Tackle Chemical Concerns
The large amount and variety of chemicals commonly stored on farms brings two major concerns: they can be dangerous and they are costly. Nationwide offers tips to help guard against both concerns here.
A New Generation Called to Feed the World
A 2014 report by the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Food & Ag Council found that demand for new talent in the food and agriculture industries is outpacing the available candidates entering the workforce from academic programs. Read more.
Electrical Safety Basics
Most employees injured by electricity are not electricians. Help all your employees understand basic electricity to avoid injuries--and even death. More here.
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.
