SLO Country Magazine
Berry Time!
What goes into growing fresh, local strawberries? How do you start a farm? And where can you find help for your backyard garden questions? Read all about it here.
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
New State Septic System Policy?
A new policy governs individual septic tanks and leach fields, which are used by more than 25,000 people in rural SLO County. The State Water Resources Control Board has set up a "tier" system; which tier are you in? Learn more.
If you filed a statement of water diversion and use in 2010 for a well, it does not matter how much water you pump, you must have accurate measurements to report. Read the details here.
Two Different Diesel Truck Requirements Now in Effect
You need to be aware of two DIFFERENT Air Resources Board diesel truck requirements and reporting deadlines. Read details.
Ag Cluster Amendments & Draft EIR Updates
Read here about these two topics in an article by Joy Fitzhugh, SLO County Farm Bureau Legislative Analyst.
What Have We Done for You Lately?
Farm Bureau works hard on behalf of our farmers and ranchers, and plenty of issues merit our attention. Read about some of them here.
Click here for a copy of the current Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda
Take Action!
Do You Receive Notes From Farm Bureau?
Call or email us today to stay informed!
Membership Benefits
Farm Bureau members receive a $500 discount on the purchase or lease of new 2011 or 2012 individual or fleet cars and trucks. Learn more.
Connect to your online account from several web-enabled devices. Learn more.
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.
On the Calendar 
May 2012
» 05/18/2012
Adelaida Farm Center
» 05/22/2012
Board of Directors' Meeting
June 2012
» 06/07/2012
Edna Farm Center Meeting
» 06/11/2012
Farm Bureau Women meeting
» 06/14/2012
Wine Maker Dinner Fundraiser by SLO Co. Farm Bureau
Edna Valley Farm Center SLO Farm Centers meet regularly to bring ag news directly to you. Check the website calendar for meeting dates and times. Pictured are Lark Carter (left), Lori Gill and Tom Ikeda. Photo by Joe Sabol.
Theft Alert
Two Tractors Stolen from Gonzales
1) 2011 John Deere 6430 (see photo) with PAR logo and "PAR 3855" written on the hood stolen 4/30/12 near Gonzales.
2) 2002 John Deere 6400 with "#8" on both sides of the hood.
Read the details here. Please contact Monterey County Sheriff Det. Javier Galvan at (831) 755-3811 with any information; refer to MCSO report #02526-12.
Tractor Stolen from Santa Ynez 2006 New Holland TC 30100 stolen 4/12-4/19. Read the details here. If you see the tractor, call Det. John H. McCarthy, Santa Barbara County Sheriff's office, (805) 781-4576.
Membership News
It's easy to join San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau and receive the benefits of membership. Join online today! Click here.
How to Become a Business Member
For a Business Membership, please 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 -- Jill Heely, Wendy Spradlin, United Agribusiness League.
Associate Members -- Kimberly Babcock, Cy Cavaletto, Doug DeAlmeida, Tiffany Flaten, Bill Lawhead, Danilu Ramirez.
Collegiate Members -- Katerina Flores, Allisen Hansen, Rory Johnsen, Ashleigh Lombardi, Natalie Madson, Robert Meyer, Justin Rominger, Simon Roth.
Welcome!
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
2011 County Crop Values Increase 3% -- #1 Is Strawberries
For the first time, strawberries were the top crop, with wine grapes coming in second. Read a media release here and seven pages of 2011 statistics here. Hard copies of the report are available in June.
Has an Asian Citrus Pest Arrived in SLO?
SLO County Ag Department staff are on the lookout for the Asian Citrus Psyllid, the insect that can transmit Citrus Greening Diesease (CGD), fatal to citrus trees. Recent detection of CGD in L.A. County has heightened monitoring. Read more.
Ag Workshops
Rangeland Management and Creeks Tour -- Monday, May 21 - 1-4:30 p.m. at JWJ Ranch, Morro Bay. RSVP for the free seminar by May 14; for details, click here.
Irrigation and Nutrient Management -- June TBA. Learn field techniques to meet Ag Order requirements. Watch for more information here.
Freddy of the Year
Kathy “Kate” Arnold Loftus has deep ties to San Luis Obispo County (fifth generation) and is recognized for her numerous contributions to agriculture and the community. Read more.
Ag of the Year
Second-generation farmer and winemaker Justin Smith of Paso Robles recently received Wine Spectator's 2010 Wine of the Year Award. Read more.
Ag License Plates
CA Agriculture License Plates to Hit the Road
Pre-orders of the new license plate have met the minimum amount for them to be produced. Read more here.
Events
Mark Your Calendar for These 2012 Events
* Wine Maker Dinner -- 6-9 p.m., Thursday, June 14, Opolo Vineyards, Paso Robles. Join SLO County Farm Bureau for an evening of food, friendship and fundraising. Whole roast lamb dinner features Opolo wine. For the flier, click here. For tickets, $100 per person, call (805) 543-3654.
* Cattlemen & Farmers' Day at Mid-State Fair -- Thursday, July 19
* 90th Annual SLO County Farm Bureau Meeting of Members --
Tuesday, September 25, Madonna Inn.
* Savor the Central Coast -- September 27-30, Santa Margarita Ranch
* The Great AGventure -- Wednesday, October 3, Paso Robles Event Center
Tours
Ten-Day Heritage of America -- May 18-27
Highlights include New York City, Philadelphia, Amish Country, Gettsbury, Shenandoah Valley, Monticello, Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, Smithsonian and Washington, D.C. Read more.
Six-Day Branson Musical Getaway -- September 21-26
Highlights include Twelve Irish Tenors, Stone Hill Winery, Titantic Museum, SIX, Clay Cooper, Ride the Hucks, The Hughes Brothers, Doug Gabriel Show, Hits of the '60s and Dutton Family Theatre. View the brochure here.
New Zealand Study Tour -- January 11-26, 2013
An in-depth agriculture tour visits cities, towns, farms and people. Destinations include Auckland, Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, Christchurch, Milford Sound, Queenstown and more. View the complete brochure here.
California Bountiful
CFBF Magazine
California Country Magazine is now California Bountiful. Lilacs, citrus, mushrooms, peaches, seed and more entertain and inform in the April/May issue. Read more.
Farm Safety & Workers
How Do You Identify Suspicious Food Activity?
Read about the different behaviors that may be considered suspicious in the food and agricultural sector. Learn about how to report tips and leads to the Joint Regional Intelligence Center here.
Tips When Storing & Using Ag Chemicals
Proper handling and storage of materials, training of employees and periodic reviews are important safety concerns. Read more.
Are You Ready to Ride?
More than 16 million people use all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for work and play. Learn safety tips and how to insure your ATVs here.
Current Employee Issues
This eight-page article covers a variety of employee issues including meal periods, heat illness, employee handbooks, CDC research on imported foods, and CA Labor Commission issue. Read more.
Farm Team
FARM PAC
What lies ahead in this election year? Read more.