Ag Day at the State Capitol

WHAT: On Wednesday, March 19, The California Department of Food and Agriculture will partner with the California Women for Agriculture and the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom to host the annual California Ag Day. This year’s theme is, “Common Ground: Celebration, Innovation, Education.”

Exhibits will include advances in aquaculture and a demonstration of robotics featuring an electronic milking cow named Buttercup.

Ag Day will recognize the centennial anniversary of the University of California’s Office of Agriculture and Natural Resources, which has helped stimulate a culture of innovation in California agriculture during its 100-year history of bringing knowledge from academic research laboratories to farmers and ranchers throughout California.

The event will also include the announcement of a new partnership between CA Grown and Visit California – celebrating the collaboration between farmers and chefs to make California a culinary destination for millions.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 19, 2014

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ~ Legislators and staff tour booths

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ~ Open to the public

WHO: CDFA Secretary Karen Ross

California Women for Agriculture President Lynn Figone

California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Executive Director Judy Culbertson

University of California Office of Agriculture and Natural Resources President Barbara Allen-Diaz

Visit California President and CEO Carolyn Beteta

California Farm Bureau Federation First Vice-President Kenny Watkins

WHERE: California State Capitol Building, west steps.

WHY: Ag Day is an annual event to recognize California’s agricultural community by showcasing the numerous commodities that are produced in our state.

It is also a day for the agricultural community to show its appreciation by bringing together state legislators, government leaders and the public for agricultural education and healthy treats.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:09-07:00March 18th, 2014|

Temporary Experimental Variances are Available for Tractor-Mounted Platforms

Cal/OSHA has consistently taken the position, according to the Monterey County Farm Bureau, that use of tractor-mounted platforms to transport workers violates Cal/OSHA safety standards.

These devices are widely used in the state, particularly in the southern Central Valley and on the Central Coast.

Current Cal/OSHA safety standards prohibit “riders on agricultural equipment other than persons required for instruction or assistance in machine operation.”

On February 24, the agency released a memorandum describing how agricultural employers who wish to use tractor mounted personnel platforms to reduce employee fatigue may write to Cal/OSHA to apply for a variance from this standard.

The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board grants permanent variances, but the employer must show that the proposed variance would provide safety equal to or better than the existing standard.

Information about applying for a permanent variance is available at the Board’s website.

Cal/OSHA grants temporary experimental variances (TEVs), which allow employers to “participate in an experiment . . . designed to demonstrate or validate new and improved techniques to safeguard the health or safety of workers.”

A TEV will allow you to gather the information necessary for the Board to evaluate a permanent variance application.

Generally, TEVs granted by the agency are valid for one year, and are envisioned to presage an employer application for a permanent variance.

Both permanent variances and temporary variances are granted to employers individually; an employer who has not been granted either type of variance may not use tractor transportation platforms because another employer has been granted a variance.

To apply for a TEV, you must send a signed letter to:

Juliann Sum, Acting Cal/OSHA chief

1515 Clay Street

Oakland, CA 94612

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:49-07:00March 14th, 2014|

Governor’s Office Creates Drought Toolkit

Source: Matt Williams in Water News

The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) has created a new toolkit for local governments that provides guidance for coordinating on drought response and meeting the governor’s call for a 20% reduction in water use.

The document, available here, contains a list of regional contacts for the Office of Emergency Services, State Water Board and other water-related state agencies; templates for a proclamation declaring a local drought emergency or a resolution calling for voluntary water conservation; web links to drought information and resources for local governments; and water-related curricula for grades K-12.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration is encouraging local governments to enact water use reduction plans at their facilities, share well data, pursue emergency drinking water grants if necessary, and update local ordinances to encourage water conservation.

The tools were designed with city and counties in mind, and are appropriate for use by water districts, officials said.

OPR has launched a Local Drought Clearinghouse to ensure local governments can quickly access the toolkit and other resources.

For more information, contact Debbie Davis, local drought liaison, at (916) 327-0068 or drought.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:50-07:00March 13th, 2014|

GRAY ALLEN RECEIVES CALIFORNIA CULTIVATOR AWARD

Gray Allen, left, receiving the award from Rich Hudgins, Chair of Ag Council and President and CEO of the California Canning Peach Association.

The Agricultural Council of California (Ag Council) held a joint meeting with CoBank last week where more than 160 farmer cooperative leaders and members met in Huntington Beach, Calif.

A highlight of the Ag Council’s 95^th Annual Meeting was the presentation of the prestigious 2014 California Cultivator Award (formerly the Cooperative Leader Award) to Gray Allen, a public relations consultant who has dedicated his career to cooperatives, and more recently has been serving as a member of the Placer County Water Agency.

“Gray’s lifelong dedication to promoting and advancing the cooperative business model through his public relations work for first, Ag Council, then with California Canners and Growers, and now as a consultant to our coop makes him an ideal candidate for this award,” said Susan Brauner who nominated Allen for the Cultivator Award and serves as director of public affairs for Blue Diamond Growers. “He has been working tirelessly as an advocate for coops and farmer-owned businesses for 55 years, and continues to do so to the present day.”

Raised in New Orleans and educated in North Carolina and Arizona, Allen began his career in public relations in 1959, working with agricultural cooperatives in North Carolina and Arizona before moving to Sacramento in 1966 to accept a position with the Agricultural Council of California. From 1973 to 1983, he worked with California Canners and Growers, and from 1983 to 1989, with National Semiconductor Corporation in Santa Clara. In 1989, he started his consulting business based in Roseville, Calif.

“I am humbled to be receiving this award,” said Allen after being presented with the Cultivator Award by Rich Hudgins, current chairman of Ag Council and president and CEO of the California Canning Peach Association. “Farmers working together cooperatively to ensure their economic well-being has been a leading factor in the remarkable success of the American food industry. I am awed by what has been achieved and humbled by having witnessed it up close and personal.”

Since 1993, Ag Council has given this prestigious award to individuals who have served the agricultural cooperative industry with steadfast commitment and loyalty. Historically, award winners have been lifetime servants to cooperatives, either as growers or in management.

In recent years, Ag Council has opened the selection process to include more contemporary achievements. This special award is given to individuals who clearly have made significant contributions to agricultural cooperatives, or have demonstrated leadership and personal commitment to the industry. These contributions can be in areas such as proven leadership and dedication, innovation and/or environmental stewardship.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:50-07:00March 13th, 2014|

New Water Supply for Monterey Peninsula

California American Water is concerned about the communities on the Monterey Peninsula; they are hard at work, developing new water sources with the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project.

A three-part solution will supply water to all the communities on the Monterey Peninsula, protecting the natural resources of the Carmel River and providing future protection from drought.

A desalination plant located in Marina, will provide water for residents on the Monterey Peninsula.
Expanded underground water storage will keep excess winter water underground. This reserve will act as an additional source for our communities.
A replenished groundwater supply with highly treated recycled water will make even more water available for residents and businesses.

The need to develop a sustainable, drought-proof water supply for the Monterey Peninsula is as urgent as ever.

Because of state and court-ordered reductions to the community’s primary sources of water, the Carmel River and the Seaside Aquifer, a new water project for the Peninsula must be permitted and constructed without further delay.

The existing supply is being ramped down over the next decade to less than half of what is today.

Stay Connected: Keep updated on what’s going on by visiting www.watersupplyproject.org for the latest news and information.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:50-07:00March 13th, 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|

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|

JCAST Students Claim Back-to-Back State Championships at Discussion Meet

Source: Eddie Hughes; Fresno State News and Fresno County Farm Bureau

Fresno State senior Levy Randolph of Hemet earned the individual state championship in the California Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Collegiate Discussion Meet on March 1 in Visalia.

Randolph, an Agricultural Education major, was one of eight students who represented Fresno State’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at the meet. Randolph now advances to compete in February 2015 at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference in Nashville.

The discussion meet competition was designed for young members of the farm bureau to participate in a progressive and collaborative discussion. Participants are judged on content, cooperative attitude, presentation and knowledge of the pre-determined speaking topics.

Competitors discuss pressing issues of the agriculture industry and strive to cultivate solutions from their 20-minute discussion.

This was Fresno State’s fourth team championship all-time and Randolph will be the fifth Bulldog to represent California at the national competition.

Randolph’s winnings included an expense-paid trip to the national competition and a cash prize of $1,250.

Joining Randolph in the final round of competition was Fresno State Agricultural Communications major Jodi Raley of Tollhouse. Raley earned a $500 cash prize. Audra Roland, an Agricultural Business major from Tollhouse, made it to the semifinals.

Dr. Steven Rocca, professor of Agricultural Education and Communications, has coached the competition since 2006. “Our students’ hard work and dedication led to the overall team win,” Rocca said. “We are thrilled that one of our students earned the state championship, enabling our team to become back-to-back champs. The skills these students learn will be valuable tools in their future as our agricultural leaders.”

Additional members of the team include: Ana Lopez, an Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary major from Tulare; Victor Evans, an Agricultural Education-Teacher Preparation major from Fresno; Kyle Mendes, an Agricultural Education-Teacher Preparation major from Modesto; Rachel Wright, an Agricultural Communications major from Tollhouse; and Mallory Harrison an Agricultural Communications major from Bakersfield.

The Young Farmers and Ranchers are active agriculturalists, ages 18 to 35. Members develop leadership skills through community service, service-learning and maintaining active involvement in their county farm bureaus.

The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (JCAST) offers education needed to be a leader in agriculture and related sciences. They offer programs in the traditional areas of agriculture, including animal science, plant science, agricultural education, viticulture and agricultural business.

JCAST also offers excellent programs in areas uniquely related to agriculture, including industrial technology, food science and nutrition, enology, child development, family science and fashion merchandising.

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

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