SLO Country Magazine
When Dairy Was Queen in SLO
The dairy industry, developed in SLO County in the late 1800s, flourished for many years and helped build and populate the area. Read about dairy's history and one of the county's last dairymen.
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
Help Exempt SLO County From New Ag Equipment Regulations!
Please write to the California Air Resources Board to exempt SLO County farmers and ranchers from being forced to retrofit or replace older mobile ag equipment. Find details and a sample letter here.
Asian Citrus Psyllid Currently 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
VIDEO -- How the Drought is Affecting Cattle Ranchers
View this KSBY story that features Susan Cochrane, a member of SLO Farm Bureau and SLO CattleWomen.
2013 Begins With a Lot of Activity
SLO Farm Bureau continually works on many issues for our members. Read more about some of them here.
* Ag. Cluster Ordinance Amendment
* Irrigated Ag. Order
* Paso Robles Groundwater Basin
* Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
* State Responsibility Area (SRA) Fees
* Steelhead Recovery Plan
SRA Fee Workshop November 2012
Have You Done Your Second Groundwater Test Yet?
The deadline for a second round of testing is June 1. FGL Analytical Chemists can help you with groundwater monitoring for Ag Waiver Order compliance; read more. These two documents give you background information: Monday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 19.
Improve Your Irrigation System Efficiency
Whether you're updating a SIP certification, starting an orchard or working as a seasonal famer, contact the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District to help you with irrigation scheduling and nutrient managing, water quality analysis, distribution uniformity, pump efficiency and equipment recommendations. Learn more.
Ground-Water Monitoring for Pesticides Continues
CA Department of Pesticide Regula-tion takes samples in SLO County from June- September. Learn more about the process here.
Eastern SLO County Eligible for Diesel Engine Grants Through May 22
SLO County Air Pollution Control District has grant funds available to replace old diesel ag engines, per a July 20 EPA regulation. View details and a map of the affected area here.
Tie-Down Exemption Extended to April 30, 2013
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
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.
New Health Net Mobile
Connect to your online account from several web-enabled devices. Learn more.
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.
On the Calendar 
May 2013
» 05/28/2013
Board of Directors meeting
June 2013
» 06/10/2013
Farm Bureau Women Meeting
» 06/15/2013
Adelaida Farm Center Meeting
Membership Benefits
FREE WORKSHOP Health Care Reform --
8-10 a.m., Thursday, May 23, at J Lohr Paso Robles Wine Center
Health care reform starts in eight months. Now is the time to learn how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) affects you. As a SLO County Farm Bureau member, you may attend this free workshop presented by Farm Bureau and Morris & Garritano Insurance. RSVP by May 21 to (805) 543-3654; limited space, so call today! View a workshop flyer here. Read about the presenters.
CALSTAR Air Medical Rescue
This nonprofit air medical service offers peace of mind to those who work or vacation in hard-to-reach areas. Read more.
What are some benefits of your SLO County Farm Bureau membership? Read about them here. Find more benefits here.
Membership News
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 --
Calvin Cherry, Rolfe Grant, Danielle Huber, Tom Lyles, Umpqua Bank, Jim Wortner.
Associate Members -- Paul Burkhardt, Domitila Diaz, Michael Frederick Paving Corporation, Duane Hanna, Raelynn Hendricks, Megan Maxwell Smith.
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
2012 County Crop Report Statistics Released -- A New Record Value
An increase of nearly 18% in gross values over 2011 was reported. Read a news release here and crop statistics here. Published copies of the report will be available in June; call (805) 781-5910. Also -- See a USDA Farms, Land in Farms, and Livestock Operations 2012 Summary here.
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
Claudia “Jo” Bello, a 4th-generation native of San Luis Obispo County, is being honored for her outstanding service and contributions to agriculture through her work with Farm Bureau. Read more.
Ag of the Year
Congratulations Haruo and Rose Hayashi!
At the recent Cattlemen and Farmers' Day at Mid-State Fair, Arroyo Grande residents Haruo and Rose Hayashi were honored as the 2012 Agriculturalists of the Year. Haruo is a second-generation vegetable farmer, affiliated with Pismo Oceano Vegetable Exchange (POVE). Read more.
Events
Barn Dance -- Presented by SLO County Young Farmers & Ranchers 
6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 22, SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, SLO
Kick up your boots and join in a fun night of dining, silent auction and dancing to Monte Mills and the Lucky Horseshoe Band. $30 per ticket; $20 per student. View the event flier for details.
View a photo collage from the YF&R volunteer day at the Boys & Girls Club of Oceano here.
California Mid-State Fair Cattlemen and Farmers' Day 
Thursday, July 18, Paso Robles Event Center
Mark the date on your calendar and watch for an advance ticket order form here and in the July Ag Update e-newsletter.
11th Annual Great AGventure 
Wednesday, October 2, Paso Robles Event Center
Fourth graders from all over SLO County learn about where their food and fiber come from. The SLO Agriculture Education Committee relies on generous donors to make this day possible. Learn about how you can help here. Read more about the Great AGventure here.
Tours
Branson Musical Holiday --
November 14-18
Pick up a brochure with all the details at the SLO County Farm Bureau office (805-543-3654).
California Bountiful
CFBF Magazine
California Bountiful Magazine features food, chefs, recipes, gardens, insect pix, asparagus, etc. Read more.
Farm Safety & Workers
Take Care When Handling Ag Chemicals
For crop pests and diseases, herbicides and insecticides are often in use. Click here for tips about safe handling and share with others on your farm and ranch.
Block Your Home's Drafts
Pick up tips for fixing several kinds of drafty spots in you home. Read more.
Important Employee Issues
Learn about the latest topics for employers and employees. Read about the release of new Form I-9; new FMLA posting required; California's UI trust fund gap; handling the final paycheck for a quitting employee; your rights when Cal/OSHA inspects.
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.
