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Farm Labor Shortage

Farm Labor Tight But Manageable

Bryan Little, Director of Labor Affairs, California Farm Bureau Federation( CFBF) in Sacramento, noted that labor is short, about the same as it was last season.

He said that between 60 and 70 percent of the farmers who voluntarily enter data on the CFBF website cited that they were experiencing about a 30 percent shortage of farm labor.

“Growers are getting by again this year, however they have been helped by weather conditions that have spread out the harvest season of several crops, including raisins,” Little said.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:25-07:00October 1st, 2013|

ACP TREATMENTS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT

No Time for ACP Complacency

Beth Grafton-Cardwell

“With frequent news reports on Asian Citrus Psyllid trappings and observations of live adults and nymphs on trees, the citrus industry needs to be more vigilant in keeping this pest suppressed,” noted Beth Grafton-Cardwell, UC Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of Entomology at UC Riverside.

“It’s so important that, when psyllids are found on a sticky card or live in a tree, we do not give up on treating the pest,” Grafton-Cardwell told California AG Today. “We need to keep this pest suppressed and locally eradicated,” she emphasized.

“Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, will eventually start spreading, and we must keep the population suppressed in order to keep our citrus industry viable,” Grafton-Cardwell said.

Work is being done at UC Davis and UC Riverside to develop tools that will determine if a tree is infected with HLB well before the USDA PCR Test can detect a positive.

For more information on this early detection, go to: http://californiaagtoday.blogspot.com/2013/09/early-hlb-detection-sought.html

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:25-07:00October 1st, 2013|

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN TO AFFECT AGRICULTURE

Shutdown on Agriculture

Some expected impacts of today’s federal government shutdown on agriculture are:

Up to 1 million U.S. federal workers may face furloughs without pay beginning October 1 (tomorrow).
Most federal agency workers will be furloughed.
Federal workers could face penalties if they tried to do any work during the furlough.
The FDA said it would continue “limited activities” only related to drug approval applications.
Meat inspectors for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, considered necessary to national safety, would stay on job.
The United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Public Policy Conference, in progress in Washington, DC, has had to relocate or cancel events. Participants’ visits to Congressional offices have been cancelled or are pending cancellation.
An Oct. 2 seminar at the University of California, Davis by research entomologist Jay Evans of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) Beltsville Bee Research Laboratory has been cancelled.
Some Department of the Interior-Bureau of Land Management services and programs that will cease are:

Endangered Species Act and cultural clearances
Range management restoration
Work on resource management plans, including those driven by court deadlines
Monitoring of grazing allotments

The U.S. Agriculture Department will cease its statistical reports leaving traders and food producers in the dark about most activities in the world’s largest farm exporter. (Reuters)
USDA may be forced to delay the release of its monthly crop estimates, due on October 11, which often cause swings worth billions of dollars in the price of corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton.(Reuters)
The department’s public face, the usda.gov website, has already been shut down:

“Due to the lapse in federal government funding, this website is not available.

We sincerely regret this inconvenience.

After funding has been restored, please allow some time for this website to

become available again.

For information about available government services, visit usa.gov

To view U.S. Department of Agriculture Agency Contingency plans, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/contingency-plans”

USDA’s NASS (National Agricultural Statistics Service) statistics and other agricultural economic and statistical reports and projections will be discontinued.
The Economic Research Service, which provides analysis and forecasts, would be shuttered and its public Website would be taken offline, said USDA. Agricultural research stations also would close, and reports from USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service attaches around the world would be suspended.
The Bureau of Reclamation’s contingency plans are to keep minimal services and programs operational for emergency purposes and/or excepted activity with non-appropriated or non-lapsing funding, such as:

Dam Safety Program
Reservoir Operations/Water Delivery
Emergency Management
Operations & Maintenance
Water Rights
Water Treatment

Bureau of Reclamation’s routine reporting, inspections, and planning will cease.
EPA will be nearly totally shutdown, retaining a few essential employees.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:26-07:00October 1st, 2013|

ACP FOUND IN FRESNO COUNTY

Update on ACP Finds Announced Today

First Psyllid Reportedly Trapped

in Fresno County

Three distinct Asian Citrus Psyllids were discovered TODAY in traps along the citrus belt in Strathmore and in Ducor in Tulare County, plus a third northeast of Dinuba just over the Fresno County line.

“It represents what could be the first ever ACP trapped in Fresno County,” said Sylvie Robillard, Fresno County Liaison for ACP, who is an advocate for growers to help them meet the mandates necessary when an ACP is discovered.

“No one really knows what it means yet,” noted Robillard. “The one in Fresno could be a hitchhiker from a passing citrus truck.”

Delimitation traps are going along with a major increase in visual surveys. And soon there should be a mandated spray program 800 meters around the tree where the trapped Psyllids were found.

“We should be giving the growers a call this week to notify them about the need to spray,” said Robillard. “There will be an official map of the trapped area, and CDFA will determine if a quarantine is needed.”

If infected with Huanglongbing (HLB) disease, Psyllids after feeding on a citrus tree will kill the tree. Only one tree has ever been infected with HLB in California. That was in 2012 in a Hacienda Heights neighborhood in Los Angeles County.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:26-07:00October 1st, 2013|

NEWS ON MORE PSYLLIDS FOUND IN TULARE COUNTY

LATE MONDAY BREAKING NEWS

New Psyllids Found in Tulare County

The Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner’s office has announced TODAY that two additional Asian citrus psyllids (ACP) have been detected on traps north of Eckert Field near Strathmore and northeast of Ducor. The latest interceptions were confirmed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) this morning. Maps and current information will soon be available on the Agricultural Commissioner’s website: http://agcomm.co.tulare.ca.us/default/.

CDFA staff continues to utilize traps and surveys of our county in order to determine the extent of these infestations. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) and CDFA will work collaboratively to determine what steps are taken next.

“I heard about the two suspected trap finds on Sunday, but did not receive the locations until TODAY. It seems like time stands still when you are waiting for this type of bad news,” said Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner Marilyn Kinoshita.

The Asian citrus psyllid is an invasive species of grave concern because it can carry the disease huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening. All citrus and closely related species are susceptible hosts for both the insect and the disease. There is no cure once a tree becomes infected. The diseased tree will decline in health, producing bitter, misshapen fruit until it dies. To date, HLB has been detected on just one residential property in the Hacienda Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Kinoshita points out that every resident of Tulare County plays a vital role in assuring that ACP is not spread from other parts of the state. “One of my neighbors brought over a plastic bag containing citrus fruit and leaves, which showed signs of scale infestation”. She said she wanted to be cautious and not cause harm for our local citrus producers.

Residents in the area who think they may have seen the pest are urged to call CDFA’s Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899 or the Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:26-07:00October 1st, 2013|

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|

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About Patrick Cavanaugh

Fresno Agribusiness Management Conference 2013 is Oct. 31

Leading Economist To Address Agribusiness Management Conference

Current Crimp in Winegrape Demand

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

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