AG CRIME ALERT!

AG CRIME ALERT!

The Kings County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crime Task Force is currently investigating a theft of over 500 bee hives taken from the area of Quail Avenue and Highway 41 in Kettlemen City.

The incident was reported to patrol on 03-08-14 (Saturday) during the evening after the owner returned to remove them from the orchard.

The boxes were last seen on Friday by the local farmer. It appears that two large trucks were used along with two forklifts based on tire impressions located at the scene.

The boxes were single stacked with solid blue pallets on the bottom. The boxes are a mixture of white and gray in color with the numbers 35-25 stamped into them.

If you have any information or similar cases please contact the Sheriff’s Office, case number 14K005692.

OFFICE OF SHERIFF COUNTY OF KINGS CONTACT INFO:

PHONE (559) 584-1431 FAX: (559) 584-4738

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:50-07:00March 12th, 2014|

Drought Assistance Open House for Farmers, Ranchers and Farmworkers

As California faces one of the driest years ever recorded, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be holding an informational session on drought resources for farmers, ranchers and farmworkers in Cloverdale.

This session will provide information on a variety of state and federal government programs designed to assist farmers with water conservation, crop insurance, and other on-farm management tools. Information on farmworker assistance programs will also be available.

While deadlines for some federal assistance programs have already passed for the 2014 crop year, there are many programs still available to those involved in agriculture.

Cloverdale event information:

March 17, 2014 – 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Cloverdale/Sonoma County) – Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds

Several state/federal government entities will be represented at this event, including: USDA Farm Service Agency; USDA Risk Management Agency; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; USDA Rural Development; the California Employment Development Department; and other community resources.

CDFA continues to support California’s drought response. The department has developed a web page as an information clearinghouse on assistance programs for farmers, ranchers and farmworkers; will continue to work with California food banks to address drought-related impacts; and is working with the University of California to develop a real-time assessment of drought impacts in farming and ranching communities.

Additionally, CDFA continues to work as part of Governor Brown’s Drought Task Force to coordinate drought response efforts with other state agencies.

For more information concerning drought resources for California farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers, please visit – www.cdfa.ca.gov/drought

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:50-07:00March 12th, 2014|

United Fresh to Honor Outstanding Women in the Produce Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. – United Fresh Produce Association is now accepting nominations to help select an honoree to speak at the annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce, Thursday, June 12 at the United Fresh 2014 convention in Chicago.

Each year, United Fresh recognizes the contributions of all women working in the produce industry and honors one outstanding female industry leader at this reception.

“This event is a great time to celebrate the contributions so many women make to the produce industry,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “Each year, we have the opportunity to be inspired by the personal career paths of different leaders who serve as role models to us all, men and women alike.”

“It was an amazing experience to be awarded this honor last year,” said Lisa McNeece, 2013 Women in Produce Honoree and vice president of foodservice and industrial sales for Grimmway Enterprises Inc. “I encourage the produce industry to participate in the nomination process and recognize the many outstanding women who contribute to our industry.”

Nomination forms may be downloaded online at http://www.unitedfreshshow.org/WIP and must be received by Thursday, March 27.

Past Women in Produce Honorees include:

Tonya Antle, Tanimura & Antle
Frieda Rapoport Caplan, Frieda’s Inc.
Margaret D’Arrigo, Taylor Farms, Inc.
Jan DeLyser, California Avocado Commission
Lorri Koster, Mann Packing Company
Lisa McNeece, Grimmway Farms
Kathleen Nave, California Table Grape Commission
Heather Shavey, Costco Wholesale
Rosemary Talley, Talley Farms

For more information on the Reception Honoring Women in Produce, please contact United Fresh Political Affairs Manager Angela Tiwari at 202-303-3416 or atiwari@unitedfresh.org or visit the United Fresh 2014 website.

Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.

United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:51-07:00March 12th, 2014|

California Water Alliance: SWRCB Water

SUMMARY

California State Water Resources Control Board

Water Rights Prioritization Proposal

March 2014

SUMMARY

California State Water Resources Control Board (“SWRCB”), in response to a Temporary Urgency Change Petition filed by the CVP and SWP operators, issued an order that had the effect of undermining water rights and contracts, regardless of historic priority, under SWCRB control for “health & safety” purposes. The current proposal would cause State Water Project (SWP) and Central Valley Project (CVP) agricultural surface water deliveries to cease until 2015. Areas in need of “health & safety” water for the next year are undefined and not one evidentiary hearing has occurred.

Further, an official SWRCB decision was scheduled for March 12, 2014. A formal request for a delay of decision until March 21, 2014 was submitted by Senator Feinstein, Senator Boxer, Congressman Garamendi, and Congressman Costa on March 5, 2014. SWRCB’s response was received on March 10, 2014, but with no clarity as to when they will implement further orders or hold hearings.

STATE WATER RESOURCE CONTROL BOARD

The State Water Board’s mission is to preserve, enhance and restore the quality of California’s water resources, and ensure their proper allocation and efficient use for the benefit of present and future generations. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Boards) protect water quality and administers surface water rights.

Felecia Marcus; Chair – Appointed in May 2012 by Gov. Jerry Brown
Frances Spivy-Weber; Vice-Chair – Reappointed in March 2013 by Gov. Jerry Brown
Steven Moore; Member – Appointed in May 2012 by Gov. Jerry Brown
Tam M. Doduc; Member – Reappointed in March 2013 by Gov. Jerry Brown
Dorene D’Adamo; Member – Appointed in March 2013 by Gov. Jerry Brown
Tom Howard; Executive Director – Appointed in August 2010 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

AREA of IMPACT

Area of impact includes 3,750,000 irrigated acres.
State Water Project Service Area includes Greater Los Angeles Area, Greater San Diego Area, Greater San Francisco Area, Santa Clara Valley, Inland Empire, Central Coast, Sacramento Valley, and San Joaquin Valley.
Central Valley Project Service Area spans 400 miles from the Cascade Mountains near Redding to the Tehachapi Mountains near Los Angeles. CVP manages 9 million acre feet of water for California cities, businesses, farms, and wildlife refuges. Including 1 million households daily water needs, 1/3 California’s farmland, 11 power generating facilities, and over 420,000 acres of fish & wildlife refuge annually.
Impacted Counties: Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Fresno, Kern, Kings, San Joaquin, Merced, Madera, Stanislaus, Alameda, Santa Clara, Tulare, Shasta, Trinity, Tehama, Colusa, Butte, Glenn, Sutter, Yuba, Yolo, Sacramento, Mariposa.

PROJECTED ECONOMIC IMPACTS

40-80% unemployment in impacted SWP & CVP service areas.
700,000-800,000 acres of farmland fallowed. Equivalent of 1,100 square miles or the Greater Los Angeles & San Diego areas combined.
Estimated $2.5 billion direct loss to California farm economy.
Estimated additional $5 billion loss to state economy from reduced related economic activity. Related industries include, but are not limited to, processing, transportation, wholesale, retail, cargo shipping via ports of Oakland, Stockton, Los Angeles, & Long Beach.
Increased consumer level food and milk prices estimated at $10 – $15 per trip to the market, and 10% – 15% increase in fruit, vegetables, beef and poultry prices in the short-term.
Increased utility costs, including energy & water. Projections based on 2007-2009 drought data where consumers paid $1.7 billion more in energy bills.

ECOLOGICAL IMPACT

Habitat for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds will be reduced by up to 550,000 acres.
Water for refuges are expected to be reduced or eliminated impacting up to 230 species of wildlife.
Depleted aquifers due to over reliance on groundwater, and inability to annually recharge aquifers with surface water.

LEGAL IMPACT

Water rights within impacted SWP & CVP service areas, including historic pre-1914, are being undermined, fundamentally changing California state law.
Reassessment of all property values with effected water rights, changing all tax assessment & revenues in all impacted counties. Estimated reduction of property values, on average, by approximately 50%.

SOURCES

http://www.news10.net/story/news/local/california/2014/02/22/drought-will-impact-food-prices/5723079/

http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nightly-news/54502245#54502245

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-h-gleick/the-costs-of-californias_b_4747043.html

http://m.westernfarmpress.com/markets/average-california-farm-real-estate-value-7200-acre

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:51-07:00March 12th, 2014|

Paul Wenger, Harry Cline, Mark and Ross Borba to Be Honored

Wenger, Cline and Borbas to be Honored at Outlook 2014 Conference

California Agriculture – Thriving Through Change is the theme of the Outlook 2014 Agribusiness Conference scheduled for Thursday, March 20th at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Fresno. California Farm Bureau President, Paul Wenger, long time agriculture editor, Harry Cline, and third generation westside farmers, Mark and Ross Borba, will be honored during a special luncheon at the conference recognizing their accomplishments.

“CalASFMRA is pleased to be able to recognize these individuals who have played and continue to play such an important role in California agriculture” said Conference Chair, Mark Peterson, ARA, AFM, AAC, from Clovis. “We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments with the large audience of agribusiness professionals who will be attending next week’s conference in Fresno.” Paul Wenger will receive the California Distinguished Agriculturalist Award, Harry Cline will receive a Special Recognition Award and the Borba’s will receive the 2014 President’s Award.

The Outlook 2014 program agenda will offer updates on select California agricultural commodities including citrus, nuts, dairy, table grapes and tree fruit. The state’s water situation and the US debt and fiscal outlook will also be addressed during conference sessions as will rural land value trends for California and Nevada. The widely acclaimed CalASFMRA Trends in Agricultural Land and Lease Values publication for 2014 is set to be released at the Outlook event.

Outlook 2014 is open to the public and pre-registration is requested. Registration is available at www.calasfmra.com or from CalASFMRA at (209) 368-3672.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:51-07:00March 11th, 2014|

Milk Price Changes for April 2014

The minimum price of milk is the price that dairy processors must pay for milk used to produce dairy products.

National commodity prices, primarily Grade AA butter, cheddar cheese, nonfat dry milk, and dry whey are significant factors in determining the minimum milk price.

Compared to last month, the national commodity prices for western dry whey and nonfat dry milk increased, while cheddar cheese and Grade AA butter decreased.

CDFA reports:

whole milk decreased four and three tenths cents per gallon
reduced fat milk decreased four and six tenths cents per gallon
lowfat milk decreased four and nine tenths cents per gallon
skim milk decreased four and one tenth of a cent per gallon

The Dairy Marketing and Milk Pooling Branches are involved with the economic and fiscal regulation and oversight of the dairy industry.

Activities and responsibilities of the Dairy Marketing Branch include oversight of the production and marketing of milk and dairy products which includes the regulation of minimum milk farm prices and dairy trade practices in the marketplace.

Activities and responsibilities of the Milk Pooling Branch include the administration of the Milk Pooling Act which provides standards for distributing monthly statewide market milk revenues to all California dairy producers.

The Branch also administers the Milk Producers Security Trust Fund which provides a resolution for defaulted payments to dairy farmers from milk buyers.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:51-07:00March 10th, 2014|

Protecting Farmland in the Coyote Valley

Excerpted with permission from Sustainable Agriculture Education (SAGE).

Five years ago, the Coyote Valley, one of the last large swaths of agricultural land in the region, seemed destined to be plowed under and paved over for more housing.

Today, there is a viable option to choose a very different future for the Valley that would include protected open space, public trails and recreation, and expanded farming to serve demand for locally grown vegetables, fruits, and ethnic specialty produce.

This alternative vision emerges from a partnership between the Santa Clara Open Space Authority and the nonprofit organization Sustainable Agriculture Education (SAGE).

The proposal could save significant portions of the 7,500-acre Valley from development and foster increased agricultural viability for current farmers as well as a new generation of farmers growing high-demand and high-value crops.

The Authority approved a management plan for the Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve earlier this year for resource conservation and stewardship, and development of multi-use trails and other recreation amenities.

The partnership with SAGE to promote local-serving agriculture that also enhances conservation of natural resources on nearby Valley parcels was a natural fit.

SAGE develops urban edge Agricultural Parks and agricultural resource areas, in the Greater Bay Area and beyond, that support local food systems.

SAGE applied for and in September, won a State Dept. of Food and Agriculture grant for $252,000 to help revitalize diversified specialty crop agriculture in the Coyote Valley.

“The Open Space Authority is excited to work with SAGE to help revitalize the rich agricultural heritage of the Coyote Valley and contribute to local community health,” said Authority General Manager Andrea Mackenzie. “The Coyote Valley helps maintain the region’s clean air and fresh drinking water, offers families great outdoor recreation opportunities, and, through this partnership, will support local production of healthy crops such as fruits and vegetables for local consumption.

During the first three years, the Authority and SAGE will work to leverage the grant funding to raise more public and philanthropic funding to be invested in farmland protection and a new type of diversified, sustainable agriculture in the Coyote Valley.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:51-07:00March 10th, 2014|

Ag Council Annual Meeting

Ag Council Meet “Sow Seeds of Success” At 95th Annual Meeting

Stormy weather was a welcome travel inconvenience for the more than 160 cooperative leaders and farmer members who made their way to Huntington Beach, Calif. this past week for the 95^th Annual Meeting of the Agricultural Council of California (Ag Council) that was held in conjunction with CoBank’s Pacific West Customer meeting.

“Financially the Ag Council has never been stronger,” said Rich Hudgins, 2014 chair of Ag Council and president and CEO of the California Canning Peach Association. “2013 has been a very good year for our organization with a dramatic increase in our membership base. In the words of Henry Ford, ‘Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; and working together is success.’ Farmer-owned cooperatives are the perfect example of the power of working together toward a common goal.”

California’s historic drought was a key topic during the Ag Council Annual Meeting, and was a primary focus of the organization’s advocacy work during the past year, according to Ag Council President Emily Rooney in remarks she made during her annual address.

“Given the state’s water crisis and the many pending regulations surrounding ground water, the top issues facing our membership heading into the coming year are related to water—both quality and quantity,” she said during her annual address. “Proposed increases in several fees associated with water use have the potential to be very challenging to our members’ food production businesses.”

In addition to water, Rooney also said that recent surveys conducted by Ag Council ranked air quality, cap and trade, and labor regulations as challenges that will figure prominently in the group’s advocacy efforts in 2014.

Ag Council represents more than 15,000 California farmers who are affiliated with the organization’s 33 coop and agricultural industry association members. Allied members of Ag Council represent a diverse array of businesses and associations that support the state’s $44.7 billion agricultural industry.

California’s historic drought has meant that Ag Council is also focusing a significant amount of its legislative efforts on water issues, said Tricia Geringer, vice president of Ag Council while addressing members during the group’s Delegate Body Meeting.

“The only silver lining to the fact that we are facing the driest year on record since the state first began keeping track in 1885, is that water shortages are touching every California resident personally,” said Geringer. “That means, as in the words of Governor Jerry Brown during his remarks to our members at the World Ag Expo in February, ‘the drought seems to have been a wake-up call to people regarding how critical water is to our state’s prosperity.’”

“Nearly one-third of legislators were freshman members in 2013, so our work in familiarizing law makers with the agricultural industry and its importance in California’s economy is a constant priority,” added Geringer.

More information about Ag Council’s advocacy efforts can be found in the 2013 Impact Report, which the organization released during the 95^th Annual Meeting. The full report can be accessed at the Ag Council web site (www.agcouncil.org).

The Ag Council Annual Dinner on March 2, featured keynote speaker Senator George Runner (Ret.), and current member of the State Board of Equalization. “This is a tough state to do business in,” said Runner during his remarks. “You are overtaxed and overregulated, so I have a great deal of gratitude for those of you who establish a business and stay in California.” Runner discussed his efforts in tax reform and his interest in seeing California taxpayers receive a fair benefit for the taxes they pay.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:51-07:00March 8th, 2014|

Scholarships Available for the 2014 – 2015 School Year

Source: The Fresno County Farm Bureau

Proteus offers academic scholarships

Proteus is now accepting applications for its Standard and William Maguy Scholarships for the 2014-15 academic year.

The $500 Standard Scholarship is open to full-time college students or those planning to enroll as full-time students for the 2014-2015 school year, who are low-income status, farmworkers, dependent of a farmworker, or who have been served by a Proteus program in the past two years.

This scholarship program targets new or continuing students enrolled in two or four-year colleges, or accredited post -secondary institute.

The $1,000 William Maguy Scholarship is open to full-time students who have completed at least two years at a university or community college.

This scholarship will be given to a person who exemplifies the larger-than-life quality of Proteus’s former CEO, William Maguy, who focused on empowering and serving people.

Those interested in applying should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate their community involvement in organizations that serve others.

All applicants’ primary residence must be in, Kern, Kings, Fresno, or Tulare counties. The deadline to apply for the Standard Scholarship is April 2, 2014, and the deadline to apply for the William M. Maguy Scholarship is April 30, 2014.

For more information, or to download the application at http://www.proteusinc.org/.

Charles P. Lake Rain for Rent Scholarship now available

Twenty scholarships in the amount of $1,500 will be awarded to students to help them pursue a career in agriculture, engineering or construction management.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, April 18, and must be submitted to the Fresno County Farm Bureau, 1274 W. Hedges Ave., Fresno, 93728. To read/print the Charles P. Lake/Rain for Rent Scholarship Brochure, please visit, www.rainforrent.com/company/scholarship.aspx.

Scholarship applicants must have completed their freshman year at an approved college/university and must be currently enrolled for the next school year.

Junior college students who are registered as sophomores and fall within the requirements may apply.

To obtain a scholarship application, please contact Katie Rodgers at 559-237-0263 or info@fcfb.org.

Farm Grown scholarships available for 2014 high school graduates

The Gar and Esther Tootelian Charitable Foundation Farm Grown scholarship applications are now available for graduating high school seniors.

The successful candidate will be awarded $1,000 each year and an honorable mention finalist will receive $500.

Candidates must be high school seniors graduating in 2014 who will pursue a degree in an agriculturally-related field.

Applicants must be in good standing and go to school in Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Merced, Madera, Mariposa or Kern counties.

For more information and to apply, click here. The deadline to apply is April 1.

Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship available

The Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Program awards California’s most promising students with scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000.

This year, they will award more than $34,000 in scholarships to deserving California students.

College students and graduating high school seniors who exhibit academic excellence, leadership potential, civic engagement and a strong sense of personal commitment to continuing education are eligible to apply.

The deadline is March 7. For more information, or to apply, visit www.bigfun.org.

Central Valley Chapter California Women for Agriculture Scholarship available

The Central Valley CWA is pleased to announce the call for 2014 scholarship applications.

Scholarships are offered to high school and college students studying for careers in agriculture-related fields.

The applications must be received by mail on or before March 28, 2014. No hand-deliveries or email applications will be accepted.

For more information, or to download the application, click here.

San Joaquin Valley Quilters’ Guild Scholarships available

The San Joaquin Valley Quilters’ Guild is pleased to offer one $500 scholarships to students interested in fiber related arts.

Qualified applicants include those focusing on fiber as an art medium or those with skills in costume or clothing design or textiles and textile conservation.

High school seniors and college students may apply.

Preference will be given to students enrolled at least halftime in a Fresno County college or university.

Application, two recommendations and a photo of the applicant must be postmarked by April 1 to receive consideration for this year’s scholarship.

Email the 4-H program coordinator at evillalobos@ucanr.edu for a scanned copy of the application.

Fresno-Kings County Cattlewomen’s Association Scholarship available

The Fresno-Kings County Cattlewomen’s (FKCCW) Association is offering a scholarship.

Applications and information are available online at http://www.fkccw.com/.

4-H Scholarships available

There are a number of scholarships available to 4-H members and alumni.

Visit http://ucanr.org/scholarships for more information about Fresno County 4-H, California 4-H or other scholarships.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:51-07:00March 7th, 2014|

AG CRIME ALERT!

Ag Crime Alert:

The Sutter County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a commercial burglary to Davis Machine Shop and Meridian Store Supply located in the City of Meridian on 03-06-14. The suspects cut into both buildings, gained access and removed equipment.

The alarm to one of the buildings was activated at approximately 0215 hours. Found along the outside of the north perimeter fence line were three blue Miller 350P welders. For an unknown reason, the suspects left those welders behind.

Taken in the burglary were two blue Miller 350P welders, valued at $5,300.00 each and two blue electric Miller 875 plasma cutters, valued at 3,600.00 each.

If you have any information, please contact the Sutter County Sheriff’s Department at (530) 822-7300.

Davis Machine Shop, Inc., provides custom manufacturing and repair services for the agricultural and industrial industries, including: pumping plant system design and installation, fabrication, welding or crane services, a full stock of steel and a variety of pumps.

Meridian Store Supply provides: Agricultural Hardware, U Joints-Hoes-Shovels, Tillage Tools-Irrigation Supplies, Nuts & Bolts-Pipe Fittings and Hand Tools-Ellis Paint-Hyd Hoses Made.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:51-07:00March 7th, 2014|

About Patrick Cavanaugh

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

California Ag News…
At Your Fingertips!

About Patrick Cavanaugh

SUMMARY

California State Water Resources Control Board

Water Rights Prioritization Proposal

March 2014

Wenger, Cline and Borbas to be Honored at Outlook 2014 Conference

Ag Council Meet “Sow Seeds of Success” At 95th Annual Meeting

Ag Crime Alert:

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

California Ag News… At Your Fingertips!

California Ag News…
At Your Fingertips!