AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE 2013

***Fresno Agribusiness Management Conference 2013* *is Oct. 31***

Leading Economist To Address Agribusiness Management Conference

Top economists will join with academic and business experts to discuss the economic outlook, global trade agreements, California’s water supply, immigration policy reform and other key issues at the 32nd Annual Agribusiness Management Conference to be held October 31, in Fresno.

Sponsored by Fresno State’s Center for Agricultural Business (CAB), Bank of America, Wells Fargo and the Zenith Insurance Company, the event will occur in partnership with supporting farm businesses, agencies and organizations. It will be held at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center downtown.

“Our markets are subject to the trends in the general economy and the global economy as well,” according to CAB Director Dr. Mechel Paggi. “The conference will feature expert speakers who will address these issues, and participants will be provided with supporting information and outlooks on specific commodities.”

Paggi will open the half-day event with an 8:00 a.m. The official greeting will be by the new President of Fresno State, Dr. Joseph Castro.

Following the opening remarks, at 8:15 a.m. Terry Barr, chief economist for CoBank, a national cooperative bank that is part of the farm credit system, will offer insights on upcoming economic challenges and opportunities in an address titled “Economic Outlook: Traversing the Minefield.”

Adding to the economic outlook will be a presentation by John Wainio, economist with the USDA Economic Research Service, who will discuss new developments in the global trade outlook in his presentation, “New Trade Agreements: Prospects for California Agriculture.”

Following a break, a panel will address the future of California’s water supply. Panelists include Ronald Jacobsma, general manager, Friant Water Authority; Jim Beck, Kern County Water Agency; and Thomas Birmingham, general manager, Westlands Water District. The panel will be moderated by David Zoldoske, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Irrigation Technology at Fresno State.

Wrapping up the morning sessions will be a discussion of the current state of immigration reform policy and its importance to California and the Central Valley. Offering a perspective on the progress in federal legislation will be Monte Lake, of CJ Lake, LLC. Mr. Lake is a prominent Washington, DC lawyer who has provided counsel on labor and other issues facing agricultural interests in California for more than 30 years.

Following Lake, Craig Reglbrugge, co-chair of the Agricultural Coalition for Immigration Reform, will discuss the group’s view on prospective changes to existing policies. The panel will wrap up with remarks from Fresno County Sheriff, Margret Mims, who will speak on the importance of immigration reform from the perspective of law enforcement community.

To conclude the event, Beacon Economics’ Jock O’Connell, one of California’s foremost authorities on world trade, global economic trends, and the internationalization of the Golden State’s economy, will offer his insights on the future in his presentation, “Imagining California in 2023: Economic Issues and Outlook.”

The conference is designed for farmers, farm managers, attorneys, appraisers, insurance personnel, processors, accountants, and others involved in California’s agribusiness industry.

Early registration fee is $100. Late or walk-in is $125. For more information, call 559.278.4405 or visit the CAB website at www.csufcab.com.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:26-07:00September 30th, 2013|

California Minimum Wage Increase

Governor Brown Signs Bill

To Increase Minimum Wage

In case you missed it……

Governor Brown has signed AB 10 by Assembly member Luis Alejo (D-Salinas), which will raise the minimum wage in California from $8.00 per hour to $10.00 per hour. AB 10 will raise California’s minimum wage in two one-dollar increments, from $8 per hour today to $9 per hour, effective July 1, 2014and to $10 per hour, effective January 1, 2016.

Currently, California ranks 8^th in the country in minimum wage behind Nevada ($8.25), Connecticut ($8.25), Illinois ($8.25), District of Columbia ($8.25), Vermont (8.60), Oregon ($8.95) and the highest – the state of Washington ($9.19). In 2016, California could become the highest; however, Vermont, Oregon and Washington are all tied to inflationary increases and could very well be higher than $10 in 2016.

Nearly all farmworkers make more than minimum wage already, but this could add more of a burden to farmers’ overall payroll.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:26-07:00September 30th, 2013|

Winegrape Demand Is Down

Current Crimp in Winegrape Demand

By Patrick Cavanaugh, Editor

While winegrape harvest in the Central San Joaquin Valley is proceeding for another two weeks, local winery giants such as Constellation Brands and The Wine Group are not buying any more grapes that are not contracted throughout California, noted Nat DiBuduo, President of the Fresno-based Allied Grape Growers.

“While the vast majority of winegrapes have been purchased at a good price, there have been a lot of bulk wine imports which are tying up tank space, so demand is losing strength,” DiBuduo said.

Nat DiBuduo

Constellation Wines

“The competition is not only your neighbors’ fruit, but also the global market,” noted DiBuduo.

Even in the north coast, demand is weak because there is still wine in the tanks from last year’s big crop. Wineries there are fulfilling contracts, but it has been tough for some varieties such as Red Zinfandel and Merlot.

Furthermore, north coast wineries have not expanded their capacity to meet the growing wine demand.

“Because of these capacity issues, many wineries are turning away any grapes from vineyards with any virus issues,” noted DiBuduo. “Many old grapevines have plant viruses which may hurt production. Many old Zinfandels have had viruses for years and have always been purchased by wineries, but for some reason, several operations are turning away the grapes this year.”

Some grape varieties are not being harvested because there is no demand. Yet, demand is still good for varieties such as Cabernet, White Zinfandel and Chardonnay, even though Chardonnay is still in excess for some wineries.

“Prices for many varietals are significant for tonnage that is in excess of the contract,” noted DiBuduo. “It’s very significant for some growers who are leaving grapes on the vine, hoping to get a buyer,” he added. “It’s all relative to what part of the state the grower is in and the varieties he is farming. There could be a winery that will buy the grapes at the right price for them.”

This volatile season is in part due to a low Thompson Seedless price from $225 to $300 per ton, with the average under $250. “Many growers decided not to go green this year and are holding out for a raisin price,” said DiBuduo. “Because of the unstableness of the season, I predict that there could be as much as 15,000 acres of Thompson pulled after this season. I know that the bulldozers are booked up.”

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:26-07:00September 30th, 2013|

NEW DELTA PROTECTION COMMISSION CHAIR

Larry Ruhstaller-New Delta Protection Commission Chair

Announced TODAY by the State of California Natural Resources Agency, Larry Ruhstaller, a Member of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, has been chosen to serve as Chair of the Delta Protection Commission effective Tuesday, Oct. 1. Mary N. Piepho, Supervisor for Contra Costa County, was elected to serve as Vice Chair.


Larry Ruhstaller, New Delta Protection Commission Chair

Ruhstaller has served as the representative for San Joaquin County on the Commission since 2007. When elected at the September 26th meeting of the Commission, the new Chair accepted stating, “the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is one of the state’s most precious natural resources. Decisions made by the Delta Protection Commission can greatly affect the environmental, economic and agricultural health of our region. I am honored to be selected as Chair by my peers, and look forward to an exciting and productive year.”

Don Nottoli, a Member of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, stepped down as Commission Chair after completing 2 consecutive terms. Nottoli will continue to serve as a Commission Member. The Commission Chair also serves on the Delta Stewardship Council board.

The Delta Protection Commission, created under the 1992 Delta Protection Act, is a State Commission comprised of 15 members representing Delta cities and counties, reclamation districts and water agencies, and State agencies. The Commission provides a forum for Delta residents to engage in decisions regarding actions to recognize and enhance the unique cultural, recreation, and agricultural resources of the Delta.

The Delta Protection Commission meets every other month at locations throughout the Delta. Meeting notices and other information about the Commission is available at http://www.delta.ca.gov.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:26-07:00September 30th, 2013|

STOPPING METAL THEFT

Legislation Aims to Fight Metal Theft

Copper wiring stripped from irrigation pumps, disappearing brass fixtures, stolen steel pipes—for farmers and ranchers, the chronic theft of metals continues to be a costly problem with no end in sight, according to the California Farm Bureau Federation.

In an effort to tighten regulations and make the resale of stolen metal more difficult, farm groups and law enforcement organizations supported two bills passed by the state Legislature before its adjournment earlier this month. One bill would aid law enforcement in fighting this crime; the other would clamp down on illegal recyclers that buy stolen metal.

Supporters have been encouraging Gov. Brown to sign the measures.

“We have worked for a number of years on metal theft and despite our efforts, there are still really high rates, so we are trying to focus on giving law enforcement more resources so they can address the problem,” said Noelle Cremers, California Farm Bureau Federation director of natural resources and commodities. “There are stringent laws on the books to prevent metal theft and this will help provide resources to make sure that those laws are enforced.”

It is no secret that California farmers, ranchers, water districts, government agencies, businesses and individuals have spent hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars to replace stolen metal.

Nic Marchini, a diversified farmer in Merced County whose crops include radicchio and almonds, said he has been hit repeatedly by metal thieves who have vandalized his irrigation pumps.

“Metal theft has gotten worse over the last year,” Marchini said. “The most common metal that they are taking is copper from the irrigation pumps. That seems to be the metal of choice for now. We’ve probably had copper ripped off from over 30 wells multiple times in the last 12 months, equating to over $40,000 in damage, at least.”

Typically, he said, when the copper has been stripped from his pumps, his neighbors have been hit too. “They hit an area real hard and then move on,” Marchini said.

To combat metal theft on a larger scale, Farm Bureau sponsored Assembly Bill 909 by Assemblymember Adam Gray, D-Merced. The bill would create a Metal Theft Task Force Program in the state Department of Justice.

When funded, the program would provide grants to local law enforcement agencies and district attorneys to focus on metal theft and recycling crimes. AB 909 won approval by the Senate 39-0 and the Assembly 77-1.

Richard Wright, president of the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force and a brand inspector with the California Department of Food and Agriculture Bureau of Livestock Identification, said AB 909 would be beneficial for agencies.

“Some counties don’t have the manpower and are not able to check the compliance of recyclers unless they get some information from an investigation, so hopefully this additional funding will allow them the manpower and create a more level playing field,” Wright said.

Fresno County Sheriff’s Ag Task Force Detective Kirby Alstrom confirmed that metal theft remains a problem on farms and ranches, noting that the problem tends to worsen when the price of metals rises.

“When prices climb back up, which they probably will, it will be a major problem again,” Alstrom said. “Metal theft is not really an easy thing to do; it takes some effort. So, if there is another way (thieves) can go that takes less effort on their part, that is where they are going to go.”

In another tactic to slow metal thefts, Farm Bureau and other rural crime-prevention groups support Senate Bill 485 by Ron Calderon, D-Montebello, which intends to slow the proliferation of illegal recyclers. The legislation would ensure that recyclers and junk dealers comply with current law and are properly permitted to operate their businesses.

SB 485 would require junk dealers to prove they are properly permitted to operate prior to obtaining a weighmaster certificate from county agricultural commissioners. The legislation also allows an additional $500 fee to be charged to cover the costs of these inspections.

The bill was approved by the Assembly 77-1 and the Senate 36-0. Gov. Brown has until Oct. 13 to sign or veto bills sent to him by the Legislature this year.

Source: Christine Souza, California Farm Bureau Federation.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:26-07:00September 28th, 2013|

RAISIN GROWERS STILL WAITING FOR PRICE

Fresno County Raisin grower gets the job done.

Raisin Harvest Continues Under Perfect Conditons

Fresno County raisin grower Joel Mendoza picks up his crop in the typical cigarette roll and puts them in the box. It’s the important step of getting the dried grapes out of the field and into more a more protective area.

Raisin growers are still patiently waiting for a 2013 price to be called.

The Raisin Bargaining Association Board of Directors voted unanimously to support another season free from volume regulation managed by the Raisin Administrative Committee. This would be the 4^th consecutive season of 100% free tonnage for the industry.

The Board of Directors recognizes the changes occurring in California agriculture and is confident the vast majority of the raisin industry is supportive of this concept and prepared to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate this marketing policy.

The Board of Directors also made it very clear that the Association has been in preliminary discussions with signatory packers but no offers have been put on the table.

Any prices being mentioned at this point in time are simply speculation. The field price for Natural Seedless raisins is $1,900 per ton. The Board is preparing to negotiate for the new raisin crop on that basis.

While price is the critical element in the negotiations, terms and conditions will be very important as RBA must continue to work with our processors to make certain financing remains viable for the increased value of our raisins.

Payment terms will be an important area of negotiation as we must be prepared to take the necessary steps to protect the $590 million farm gate revenue that has been established this past year.

Finally, members need to be prepared for a 2013 field price agreement that may be announced later than the past few seasons. There will be an adequate inventory as of August 1^st to meet sales requirements through October which may influence our ability to reach any agreement.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:26-07:00September 28th, 2013|

EARLY HLB DETECTION SOUGHT

Researchers Get Closer to Early Detection

Of HLB-Infected Citrus Trees

By Patrick Cavanaugh, Editor

Using Volatile Organic Compound sniffers with a suitcase-size gas chromatograph, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as DNA sequencing of known huanglongbing (HLB)-infected citrus trees, scientists are getting closer to a very early diagnosis that could help with early detection and possible cures of the disease.

It’s all happening while quarantines expand in the Central San Joaquin Valley after the HLB vector, the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), has been found on sticky traps or live in trees. None of the collected ACPs have tested positive for HLB. Still, the only known tree that has been positively infected with HLB was a lone tree in a neighborhood in Hacienda Heights, near Los Angeles, in March 2012.

“We are just verifying how accurate these early detection techniques are, and it is being done by scientists at UC Davis and UC Riverside,” noted Beth Grafton Cardwell, director of Lindcove Research and Education Center, and research entomologist at UC Riverside.

The Citrus Research Board focusing on a pre-systematic detection platform is funding all the work. The tested plant tissue is from the infamous Hacienda Heights tree, the only known tree in California ever to be infected with HLB. That tree was eventually destroyed, but not USDA researchers took many samples.

Scientists are collecting material from trees and testing with different antibodies and small RNA to determine if these early detection systems really do work,” Mary Lou Pole, Vice President Science and Technology Citrus Research Board, based in Visalia. “We have found some samples to be suspect-positive, but the only way to confirm this is through the USDA’s PCR test, and of course it comes up negative. And of course that’s the whole point of early diagnostics, and that’s to pick it up before the PCR test.”

Some homeowners have actually taken out about five trees, in total, after they were suspect with the early diagnostics due to early Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) detection.

“The PCR test can only be positive if it tests tissue where the bacteria is, which could be hit or miss, so we are hoping to find a way to early-detect an infected tree with other methods,” said Pole.

“Some other diagnostics include host plant response proteins, which are secreted by bacteria that move systemically throughout the tree,” Pole explained. “So, instead of looking for the bacteria, we are looking for a signature of molecules associated with the bacteria that is moving through the plant.”

“We are getting close to finding a good way to detect early, and information should be coming in near future,” said Carolyn Slupsky, UC Davis Food Science Technology Associate Professor and Nutritionist. “We want to know the metabolic pathways, the changes in the plant, before the plant starts to yellow,” she said.

“Plants are always producing metabolites, and an HLB infected tree will give off a certain pattern of metabolites that can be detected by chemical analysis using magnetic resonance spectroscopy,” Slupsky said.

“We are also working on understanding when the pathogen infects the tree. Ultimately, we want to find a way to kill the bacterial pathogen that causes HLB,” Slupsky said.

Diagnostic tools are being developed that should help in the early detection.

Cristina Davis, professor in the UC Davis Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Abhaya Dandekar, professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, collected samples of VOCs emitted from HLB-infected trees in Florida every month for a year in order to “train” the mobile sensor to recognize the “smell” of HLB.

“The idea is to extract a group of compounds that create the signature for the presence of HLB,” Dandekar said. A software program develops an algorithm that lets the machine know it is detecting HLB. Davis is working with Applied Nanotech, Inc., in Texas to commercialize this artificial nose.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:27-07:00September 28th, 2013|

A NEW PEST, BAGRADA BUG IS NOW IN FRESNO COUNTY

Bagrada Bug Enters Fresno County

The Bagrada Bug, which was discovered in Los Angeles County in 2008 and is now prevalent in all southern California counties, plus Monterey County, has recently been found in Fresno County. According to the University of California this pest has a wide host range of vegetables and ornamentals.

And there is a low threshold for damage because one adult per 10 foot row of seedlings or transplants will cause a stand loss. It’s important to identify the adult Bagrada Bug and closely monitor it during the early 5-6 leaf stage of plants.

There are many different registered control products that are effective for the pest.

Cultural control could include

· consider removing weed hosts

· ensure transplants from nursery materials bug free

· cultivate to destroy bugs, and eggs in soil

· shred and disc crop immediately after harvest

· rotate to non-host crop when possible

The video at the link below describes the Bagrada Bug in more detail. It is by Surendra Dara, a UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor based in Santa Barbara County.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSj3AZoJIRM

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:27-07:00September 28th, 2013|

CALIFORNIA RANGELAND TRUST IN FORWARD-LOOKING PARTNERSHIP WITH RETAILER

California Rangeland Trust Partners with Whole Foods for Donation

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross released the following post about California Rangeland Trust:

As we work together to embrace a future that will require a substantial increase in food production while using fewer natural resources, it is critical that we look for new ways to emphasize the importance of sustainability, which we define as an agricultural production system that meets the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

That’s why I applaud California Rangeland Trust for its partnership with Whole Foods. The retailer has committed to donating five percent of its net sales on September 25th from its stores in Northern California and Reno to the Trust.

I like this partnership because it underscores the importance of ecosystemservices, which are the multiple benefits we gain from farming and ranching, including crop and livestock production. This means that, in addition to valuable open space and wildlife habitat, the management decisions and conservation practices of farmers and ranchers enhance environmental quality, provide recreational opportunities, and offer social benefits.

Ecosystem services match up very well with the work of the California Rangeland Trust -conserving the open space, natural habitat and stewardship provided by California’s ranching families. The Trust has protected more than 275,000 acres of productive grazing lands across the state through the use of conservation easements.

California’s ranching heritage is important to our landscape, our economy and our environment. Ranchlands help to sustain us and feed us, and we’ll benefit from their protection for many years to come. I hope we’ll see more partnerships like this in the future, giving consumers an opportunity to see the connection between food and agriculture and enabling them to do something on its behalf.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:27-07:00September 27th, 2013|

CHAFFEE ZOO VALLEY FARM EXHIBIT

Valley Farm Exhibit Opens At Chaffee Zoo

The entrance to the exhibit designed by Heather Davis, with Chaffee Zoo.

By Patrick Cavanaugh, Editor

Today, local agricultural leaders gathered at Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo to enjoy the official opening of the new Valley Farm Exhibit at the former Small Wonder’s area of the zoo.

The area has been transformed into a representative view of local agriculture including fruit trees, rows crops, a chicken coop and new farm animals.

For years to come, the exhibit will be an interactive opportunity for thousands of kids and adults to see the importance of agriculture in the valley. The crop part are of the exhibit was administrated by California State University, Fresno’s (CSUF) Jordan School of Agriculture, along with the Ag One Foundation at CSUF, the Fresno County Farm Bureau and Bennett & Bennett Irrigation.

Current crops in the exhibit are corn, alfalfa, cotton, vegetables, stone fruit, figs, olives, citrus trees and grapes. There are also eggs from the hens in the exhibit. “All of the crops as well as eggs will eventually become feed for zoo animals,” said Terri Mejorado, director of marketing for Chaffe Zoo.

“This is a public outreach for the Plant Science Department at Fresno State to assist the Chaffe Zoo in enhancing their petting zoo of the Valley Farm area,” said Bruce Roberts, professor at the CSUF Plant Science Department, and the advisor of the Food Science Club.

The crowd listens to Scott Barton, Chaffee Zoo Director.

“We’re involved in planting the crops that represent our regional agriculture, and visitors can see what the animals feed on and what’s grown here. Our students will maintain the crops, including year-round replanting. We are also educating the important zoo docents, so that they can answer questions about the crops grown here,” said Roberts.

The Fresno County Farm Bureau was very involved in the planning of the project and planting of the crops. “Fresno County, if viewed as a state, would be #2 in the nation in agricultural production value. Of course, #1 would be California,” said Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen.

Crops Growing at the Valley Farm Exhibit.

“When you talk about agriculture being the economic engine, it’s important to know that every dollar generated on the farm typically generates $3.50 in the local economy,” said Jacobsen. “When you talk about Fresno County, which alone generates $6.6 billion, and then add in Kings, Tulare, Madera and Merced Counties, we are talking about an economic impact of more than $60 billion. Kids in the middle of the urban environment need to understand what we do and how we do it.”

“There is a reason why we do things in a certain way. We have the most advanced technology in the world right here in our own back yard, and it’s important to showcase that at the Valley Farm,” said Jacobsen. “This is a great educational opportunity, and we are pleased to be part of it.”

Visitors to the Valley Farm will learn about growing techniques used in the Central Valley and how agriculture utilizes assets efficiently, such as water, to produce our crops.

“We get to share our agriculture with 640,000 guests, and we’re excited about it,” said Scott Barton, CEO and Director of the Chaffee Zoo. “A lot of people in California do not “get” agriculture and that we grow more than 400 different crops in Fresno County, and we are going to be very happy to tell that story.”

Barton noted that this has been a real partnership with our agriculture community.

CSUF President Joseph Castro

Joseph Castro, CSUF President knows, first hand, the importance of agriculture to Fresno, the Central Valley, the state, the nation and the world. “This exhibit is a great opportunity to introduce to families up and down the valley, how important agriculture is to all of us. The university is very excited about our partnership with the zoo.

The major driver and sponsor of the exhibit is the Fresno-based Gar & Esther Tootelian Charitable Foundation. Karen Musson, managing partner with Gar Tootelian, Inc., noted “that this is one of the most exciting projects that I have ever worked on, and what makes it truly exciting are the partners that came to the table.”

“The whole idea of the Family Farm came from friends who noted that food arrives at the zoo every day for the animals—fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. And we produce all that in the Central Valley, and that was the inspiration of the Valley Farm.

Teachers will bring students to the zoo during the school year, and there are plans for a summertime farm camp.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:27-07:00September 27th, 2013|

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