Issuu

Placer County Farm Bureau

Spring 2018

Farm News Inaugural issue

Supporting agriculture for over one century Meet Placer County’s future farmers

Come along on a tour of Wiswell farm

Page 12

Page 10

This issue is sponsored by:

A Message from your

Bees need groceries too

Farm Bureau President By Steve Pilz

Placer County farm bureau president

Lack of flowers makes pollinators sick, hungry

reetings... As a mandarin farmer, I am more comfortable picking from the big ol’ heritage mandarin trees my grandfather planted or out standing in my field than writing a message as this years president. Great organizations deserve vision. With a driven new Director who shares our county farm bureaus similar vision as well as my own as a grower in Penryn. Placer County has such a great variety of organizations in the encouragement of all levels of Agriculture. The enthusiastic youth learning from their farming elders in 4H or FFA or the great teachers from the local schools, colleges and

pring is the best time of year for honeybees! My name is John Miller, and I keep honeybees for a living. My family began keeping bees in California over a century ago, and we’ve been in Placer County since 1974. Sadly, bees are having a tough time. One of their biggest problems is a lack of adequate and diverse forage. You see, when a bee alights from a beehive she is grocery shopping, but too often, in areas of intense agricultural activity, water scarcity, or urban growth, grocery shopping for bees gets tough. Not enough flowers equals sick and hungry bees. Bees gather pollen and nectar; the pollen is a dietary protein while the nectar is a carbohydrate. It’s a simple diet, beneficial to both the plants visited by honeybees and the honeybee colony. Bees and plants have helped each other for millions of years. At our honey house property, we plant a variety of California-sourced seeds from Kamprath Seeds, located in Manteca. Seeding is done in October, prior to winter rains. Come Spring, our property erupts in a diverse forage buffet for honeybees, as well as butterflies, native bees, beneficial insects, and birds that eat insect pests. We have also learned that deep-rooted forage plants also penetrate the soil, opening it up so rainfall can better soak in, minimizing runoff. We also know some plants, like legumes, impart nitrogen back into the soil, enriching the earth. I serve on a non-profit called Project Apis m. (PAm), named after the western honeybee, the global champion in

Larvae Nectar

Foragers

2 Nectar carries pass

their load to receiver bees to store as honey.

4 Nurse bees use the honey Pollen

1 Forager bees collect nectar and pollen.

3 Pollen collectors pack

their pollen into cells to form bee bread.

See president Page 15

Receivers

and bee bread to feed the colony. They also transform pollen into royal jelly, which they feed to larvae and to the queen, drones, and older worker bees.

Longhorn is longtime supporter of local farms

Nurses Drones Queen

We are strong supporters of FFA, 4-H, Farm Bureau and other avenues of reaching out to the community. A family owned business that started in Loomis in the 1990s then moved to Newcastle and incorporated our business. The steer on the roof is the heart of who we are. He is our mascot. It’s always been a part of my family and me. It’s a great learning aspect of be-

crop pollination and honey production. PAm has an educational website where I go for information on forage projects. The Seeds For Bees program is run by Billy Synk, who lives in Sacramento. Visit the web site, and learn how anyone can have a forage project for bees and other beneficiaries. Birds, bees, butterflies, and even bats do important pollination work, and we can help these animals (and the earth) with forage projects. (See above diagram.)

See Longhorn Page 15

A Message from your

Agriculture Commissioner Joshua Huntsinger Agriculture Commissioner

Inside this issue

t is an honor and privilege to be able to participate in the first modern Placer County Farm Bureau Newsletter! I congratulate Placer County Farm Bureau on all of the great work they are doing on behalf of the county’s farmers and ranchers, and wish them great success with this new effort! There are many different ways in which the county’s agricultural producers interact with my office. For many, we are the regulatory agency that oversees pesticide use, plant quarantines, organic standards, and farmers markets. For others, it is more often through the efforts of the county’s PlacerGROWN Agricultural Marketing program.

Farm Bureau Executive Director’s message . . . . . . . . . . NID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supervisors’ Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Echo Valley Feed: A Gem In Placer County . . . . . . . . . . . PRCD Update Elisa Noble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annual Dinner highlights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inch’s Tooling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Farm Bureau: Gary Sack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vineyard Family Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Placer Farm Supply: Tradition since 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . Message from Doug LaMalfa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mountain Mandarin Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hillcrest Produce (Pilz): Roots Grow Deep In Penryn. . . .

3 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 9

Q&A with Bob Wiswell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-H and UCCE Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meet Young Farmers and Ranchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compassionate Planet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FFA news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agricultural Banking and Lending. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nationwide and Drones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PlacerGrown Get In the Know about them . . . . . . . . . . PCFB’s Mount Pleasant Hall celebrates 100 years. . . . Oest Cattle Ranch: Family Tradition Prevails In Ag . . . Farm Bureau membership application. . . . . . . . . . . . . Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mandarin Festival’s Gary Gilligan recipes . . . . . . . . . .

10 11 12 13 13 14 14 14 15 16 16 17 19

And for some, it is through work with the county’s Planning Department as we navigate the complex regulatory environment associated with opening an on-farm winery or brewery. As my staff and I work with you in these various capacities, I feel very fortunate to work in (and for!) a community that strongly supports agriculture. Back in 1994, our county Board of Supervisors approved a new County General Plan that spelled out the future of Placer County as related to land use patterns and growth. This plan is chock-full of language that reflects the Board’s intention to ensure that agriculture remains a strong part of the county, and is protected and encouraged through policies that encourage economic viability, the preservation of farmland, and policies to protect farmers from nuisance complaints. We also have a community that comes out to support our farmers by shopping at our local farmers markets, wineries, and on-farm breweries. We See Commissioner Page 15

Farm News Placer County Farm Bureau

| Spring 2018

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Spring 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

a warm welcome from your executive director Lara w. Lopez Placer COunty Farm Bureau Executive Director

Bridging the Gap, part I My experiences in Placer County were finely threaded through the Farm Bureau organization and Placer County long before accepting the Executive Director position. My involvement in our youth leadership and public speaking project within the Placer County 4-H program continues to give me a valuable respect for tradition. It is now my duty to be a changemaker for agriculture. My experiences with not only youth but farmers alike have taught me that the agricultural community needs to bridge the gap between the young and the old. Our young farmers and ranchers need our help. We must increase exposure to agriculture by bridging our younger generations to the wisdom and tradition of our farmers’ experiences. In turn, our farmers and ranchers must embrace today’s science and technology offered. We must expose, influence and engage. The youth need our farmers and ranchers to accept their passion and drive and differences must be worked through. We will bridge the gap between our farmers who deserve to retire and hand their knowledge down to eager young people ready to change the world. This is agriculture. This is a leadership. This is our future. Invest in it. Those of you growing or raising a commodity can mentor youth in agriculture and can influence someone and change their lives (and your own) by getting involved with local youth organizations such as FFA, 4-H and Young Farmers and Ranchers that get young people involved in agriculture and leadership. Placer County Farm Bureau’s traditional grassroots legacy is thriving and working with other organizations in full force; forward moving into a promise of tradition yet strong advocacy for the members of our organization and stewards of the land, investors in and leaders of the future. The Placer County Farm Bureau offers a yearly scholarship; 2018’s recipients will be notified soon. In 2017, the Farm Bureau raised a record amount of money at our Harvest Hoedown to pay thousands of dollars in Agricultural scholarships, created outreach through youth paid internships, supported Ag In the Classroom, and provided financial, promotional, fire victims relief and yearly community support to the Gold Country Fairgrounds Livestock Auction, Auburn Pro Rodeo, FFA and 4-H. Upcoming outreach and events can be found on our website: wwwPlacerCFB.com Join us today! Keep Ag in the fight. The Placer County Farm Bureau is a 501 (c) 5 non-profit corporation that was established in 1912 to find solutions for “…the farm, the farm home, and the rural community.” Today, over 100 years later, the Placer County Farm Bureau is still serving as the voice of local agriculture, by championing the industry’s success through education, outreach, and political action. There are over 1,200 farms and ranches in Placer County today. The total gross value for Placer County’s agricultural products in 2016 was $65,206,000. The top five agricultural crops in Placer County: rice ($12,635,000), other livestock (chickens, turkeys, goats, swine) ($10,765,000) cattle & calves ($8,330,000), nursery stock ($8,154,000), and Walnuts ($5,629,000). The Placer County Farm Bureau Board of Directors work very hard as commodity producers and investors. The board consists of 12 district representatives throughout Placer County. Our goal is to have our commodities represented and members who are involved in your districts water rights, labor shortage, and changes relayed by our county’s Agricultural Commission. It is my job to keep members and the community educated about local agricultural happenings. It is a true pleasure to be the face of the Placer County Farm Bureau. I want to thank everyone who has made this first newspaper come to fruition. I’d like anyone involved in our local agricultural community to involve themselves in educational Farm Bureau activities such as this newspaper. The only way we are going to win in the fight to sustain healthy and economically sustainable agriculture is by working together. Every farmer and rancher, whether hobby or commercial, has a different reason for needing the services the Placer County Farm Bureau provides. We are your resource for all of agriculture within Placer County. wwwPlacerCFB.com. Join us today! Keep Ag in the fight.

Farm News 3

Placer County Farm Bureau: Your Agricultural Advocate

Placer County Farm Bureau is hard at work to support our member’s interest in Placer County and beyond. Here is what we have done:

■ Held an extremely successful Harvest Hoedown at Mount Pleasant Hall in Lincoln on February 17 where our members and guests gathered to support local agriculture and fund our Youth in Ag scholarships and outreach. ■ Participated in California Farm Bureau Sacramento Conference and had multiple legislative visits to discuss and communicate Placer Counties needs pertaining to agriculture ■ Hosted a Legislative training with LaMalfa and Nielson’s office where our Ag Commissioner Josh Huntsinger ran the training for over 20 people

■ Had largest turnout for our Annual Dinner in over a decade on February 17th at our very own Mount Pleasant Hall in Lincoln. ■ Co-hosted Ag Day with Echo Valley Feed and Placer County Resource Conservation District ■ Created the ability for our members to renew their membership on-line ■ Official Bareback Sponsor for the Auburn Pro Rodeo April 28 & 29th ■ Created advertising for our Agricultural Business members ■ Attend all monthly Ag Commission meetings ■ Attended and spoke at the Parks & Recreation City and County Dinner at Mount Pleasant Hall

NID

Connecting the dots

The direct link between snowflakes and irrigated ag land

Just think: the winter snowflakes that fall high up in an alpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada could be the exact water droplets that provide sustenance to a juicy tomato growing a hundred miles away on a Placer County farm during summer. Sierra snowmelt is the water supply for the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) and, ultimately, its customers. Whether orchards with trees chock-full of fruit, farms growing plump vegetables or pastureland with grazing livestock; agriculture customers get their water from a pristine source high up in the mountains. That’s the way it’s been since 1921, when Nevada County voters approved a ballot measure to form a district specifically to provide water for agriculture. The original 202,000-acre district expanded into Placer County with 66,500 acres in 1926. Water began to flow to farms in 1927. The cost of ag water – 10 cents per day. Now - like then - customers who depend on untreated “raw” water to irrigate their property get the same source water collected from a high mountain watershed, stored for a period of time in NID’s reservoirs and then released into a 420-mile long canal system that flows past individual properties. As the water flows by, farmers and ranchers tap the water to irrigate their pastures, orchards and farms. Today, the District has about 5,400 raw water customers who irrigate more than 31,000 acres in Placer and Nevada counties. Most purchase their water on a seasonal basis, usually from Apr. 15 through Oct. 15, while some irrigation customers purchase both summer and winter water for year-around service. Here’s how it works: every year, the District’s reservoirs refill and recharge through cold winter storms that dump snow in the mountains and frigid temperatures that keep snowpack until late spring when it melts and flows into storage. Once flowing into the foothills, the primary conveyance to get irrigation water from Combie Reservoir to farms and ranches in western Placer County is the Combie Phase 1 Canal and Bear River Siphon. NID currently is engaged in a multi-million-dollar project to significantly improve the infrastructure by installing dual pipelines within the existing canal in Nevada County and

adding an aerial siphon parallel to the Bear River Siphon. What’s in store for the future? The

delivery system works well, but there is growing concern about water supply. At issue is that warming temperatures

See NID Page 13

only

per year

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Add on our new Fly-U-Home Program, for recuperation transport, which provides air medical transportation bedside-to-bedside, within the 48 contiguous US states and is activated by you or your doctor. Recuperation transport allows you to be near your support system and your primary doctor, saving you money on extended travel expenses. Our dispatch center will take care of the logistics, providing you peace of mind. Additional benefits include transport of mortal remains, 24/7 Medical Services Hotline...providing access to medical referrals, consultation and prescription assistance.

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Farm News Placer County Farm Bureau

| Spring 2018

Spotlight on business

Supervisor’s corner

How Echo Valley got its start S

everal years ago the Board of Jack Supervisors was tasked with deciding the future of the Placer Duran County Fairgrounds in Roseville District 1 and we faced some tough quessupervisor tions. The operation of the facility was financially infeasible for the long term, but it was clear that with a bit of creativity and ingenuity, and funding, it could potentially be a great resource for our region. While many local fairs have morphed into carnivals with a focus on rides, games and corn dogs, the Placer County Fair in Roseville is one of a handful in California that focus largely on local agriculture. With the unfortunate waning of public interest in agriculture we saw for many years, the venue struggled financially and it was challenging to stay on top of needed improvements. Because Placer County owns the land, it was up to us to determine the best way forward. The Fairgrounds Revitalization Committee (FRC) was formed to analyze how the facility could continue to operate in a way that allowed it to thrive in the future. Agriculture is a huge part of Placer County’s history and it remains a vital part of our community today. The FRC worked hard to create a vision for the fairgrounds that balanced the need to update facilities and operations to meet the needs of current community priorities while allowing opportunities to showcase and promote our agricultural resources, as well. With Placer Valley Tourism serving as the operator of the facility, the first steps have been taken toward making the fairgrounds, renamed @theGrounds, a versatile space for the community. Since July 2017 the facility has undergone some major improvements, including the unveiling of newly-renovated Jones and Johnson halls, which provide space for events that showcase current trends in local agriculture, such as farm-to-fork dinners, farmers markets and local wine and beer events. Additionally the property saw the renovation and update to four barns, one with a concrete floor, for livestock and agriculture activities. Providing opportunities for engaging and educating the public on the role of Placer County’s agricultural history and economy is a top operational priority of the fairgrounds site. I am proud of the work that has been done to make @ theGrounds a sustainable facility that will help expand knowledge of and involvement in farming and agriculture in the future.

Robert Weygandt District 2 supervisor

am so pleased to greet you from this first issue of the Placer County Farm Bureau’s new quarterly newspaper. Farming and agriculture have always been central to our way of life in Placer County and they remain so today. Living on the same ranch in rural Lincoln where I grew up, they’re part of my

See Supes corner Page 6

Placer County Farm Bureau

Time to get irrigation ready as rain season comes to an end By Elisa Noble, Executive Director

Farm News Spring 2018

Supporting agriculture for over one century Contact us

Placer County Farm Bureau, 10120 Ophir Road, Newcastle, CA 95658 916-663-2929 www.PlacerCFB.com Executive Director Lara Lopez, 916-663-2929, director@placercfb.com Farm News is published by The Placer County Farm Bureau quarterly at 10120 Ophir Road, Newcastle, CA 95658. Postage paid at Auburn, CA 95604.

(USPS 036-860)

“

history, too, and are very close to my heart. Preserving agricultural lands and opportunities are a high priority for Placer County and we are taking extraordinary steps to protect them. While there continues to be tremendous growth in western Placer County, through our Placer Legacy Program and partnerships with other land conservation organizations and willing landowners, we have already ensured the permanent conservation of thousands of acres of agricultural lands in balance to that growth. We are also on the verge of a first-of-its kind agreement - the Placer County Conservation Program – that will streamline permitting for development projects while setting aside up to 47,000 acres of open space and agricultural lands in western Placer County for permanent conservation. Although potentially restricted, virtually all lands protected under the PCCP will require an agricultural activity.

Designed and printed by Gold Country Media.

Echo Valley Ranch, Inc is unique in that they started as a family-run business and have kept that atmosphere alive for nearly 45 years. As a business owner, Greg Kimler is involved with the business daily and is always eager to show his community pride and encourage the same from his employees. Greg’s father Gene Kimler started People might be surprised at Echo Valley is a hay business in Grass how involved we are in our Valley on the original Echo Valley Ranch. community. We are fortunate “Because we had livestock, we had hay to have enough staff to spread out and large trucks; it was just natural to start and attend horse and agriculture hauling and selling hay because it fit in events, festivals, social events, and with our ranch livestock operation.” Greg we put on our own events. We are Kimler said. That was about 1970. As the a fun loving group who believe in business grew, Greg learned to drive truck, old fashioned work ethics –honesty, and haul hay from his father and both were integrity, hard work, and support the sometimes on the road. community in which you live and “My father always had a large scale at work.” our ranch and to this day we still weigh our hay and are certified weigh masters,” he said. “That way the public knows how much they are really getting for dollar. The scale also allows us to weigh cars and trucks for DMV along with the occasional elephant. (Yes, we did weigh Suzie, the elephant.)” As an added customer convenience they recently added propane. Customers can bring in their bottles for refill and purchase a filled bottle and they can also refill your camper or motor home as well. Echo Valley employees are taught to acknowledge everyone who comes in and to never say no. If they don’t have it, they will find it for you. Kimler encourages his product representatives to come in frequently to teach the crew about the current trends and information on the fee and supplies. “People might be surprised at how involved we are in our community. We are fortunate to have enough staff to spread out and attend horse and agriculture events, festivals, social events, and we put on our own events. We are a fun loving group who believe in old fashioned work ethics –honesty, integrity, hard work, and support the community in which you live and work.” Everyone at Echo Valley Ranch, Inc. is proud to serve you and we encourage you to support your local hometown business.

It’s that time of year again, when the rain ends and the irrigation water turns on! Get your irrigation system ready for another year by cleaning out filters and sprinkler nozzles, and repairing any leaks or damage. Know your soil type and how much water your particular crop needs to grow. That way, you can determine exactly when to irrigate and exactly how much water to apply. Placer Resource Conservation District (RCD) is available to provide free site visits and advice on managing your property. We can provide information on irrigation, erosion control, forestry and fire prevention, livestock grazing, living with wildlife, weed control, and other issues related to land management. Placer RCD is a non-regulatory special district guided by a Board of local landowners, and our mission is to conserve agriculture and natural resources in Placer County. We each have a responsibility to properly manage the natural resources and animals on our property. Remember that in Placer County everything runs downhill! What each of us does on our own property impacts the health of the entire watershed. The creeks, drainages, trees, vegetation, soil, insects, wildlife, domestic animals, livestock, and horses all play a role. Your management can help ensure that natural resources are conserved and agriculture can continue to thrive. Contact us as info@placercountyrcd.org, or visit www.placerrcd.org.

Spring 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

2018 Annual dinner highlights

Farm News 5

Placer County Farm Bureau Board of Directors 2018 Roster Officers & Directors

Steve Pilz (President). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penryn Shannon Spears-Browning (Vice President) .Auburn Scott Cisneros (Treasurer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roseville Joe Fischer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auburn John Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newcastle Jarol Moore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auburn Loren Oest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auburn Wayne Vineyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lincoln Connie Watson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auburn Bob Wiswell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lincoln Dan Wiswell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lincoln Lara Lopez (Executive Director) . . . . . . . . . . Newcastle

Wayne & Barbara Vineyard with Lara lopez (center)

Mary and Phil Kattenhorn; and Loren and Becky Oest

Connie watson and lara lopez

Board of supervisor RObert Weygandt presents a special recognition to Vineyard family farm

Becky, Loren and Darryl Oest received a special recognition with Jim Holmes

Betsy Vargas received special recognition

Lara Lopez, Ashley countryman, congressman Doug LaMalfa, and LONGHORN owner Phil Kattenhorn

Supervisor Jim Holmes and Joanne Neft with Joshua Huntsinger standing in back.

Board of supervisor RObert Weygandt presents a special recognition to Vargas

Shaun Crook Annual dinner guest speaker CFBF 2nd Vice President 2018

Mt. Pleasant Hall is all set for the annual dinner

Lara Lopez with Shasta County Farm Bureauâ€™s Erin Johnson

John miller, oest family, assemblyman kevin kiley, vineyard family, Betsy vargas, Carol schieber

Farm News Placer County Farm Bureau

| Spring 2018

Supervisor’s corner Supes corner: Weygandt, Continued from page 4

Agriculture is our heritage but it’s also our legacy - and its future is bright in Placer County. Today we are home to more than 1,200 small farms, with plenty of room for more. Vibrant local 4-H programs are growing the next generation of farmers and ranchers. And with organizations like the UC Cooperative Extension offering training and resources for even brand-new farmers, there’s opportunity for everyone here to be a part of it. As the farm-to-fork movement grows and puts an ever-brighter spotlight on the richness and quality of our PlacerGROWN agricultural bounty, there’s more good news for Placer farms, orchards, ranches and wineries with every passing day. I look forward to reading all about it right here.

lacer County is known for its rich history and one of the most important aspects of that Jim history is the contribution local Holmes farmers have made to the agricultural industry. District 3 supervisor Although most people first came to Placer County to make their fortune in gold mining, it wasn’t long before rich, fertile soil was discovered and our agriculture industry was booming. The fruit industry took hold in areas around Loomis, Newcastle and Penryn - with plums, peaches, pears, oranges and mandarins -and the region became known as “the fruit basket of the nation.” When disease struck the pear crop in the mid twentieth century, killing trees throughout the region in just a few days, enterprising farmers replaced them with different fruit trees, including large numbers of mandarin trees. Soon the county was known for its delicious mandarins, too. My own family, settlers who arrived in Placer County in 1864, had pear orchards in Ophir that were struck by the blight. As all successful farmers and ranchers do when confronted with changing conditions beyond their control, they quickly adapted and began growing peaches, apples and cherries. Agriculture has sustained the Holmes family and many other farming families in Placer County for more than 150 years. It is important to me and the Board of Supervisors to preserve our agricultural heritage and to encourage young farmers to continue providing healthy agricultural bounty.

I Kirk Uhler District 4 supervisor

t’s an exciting time for food and farms in Placer County. The farm-to-fork movement is thriving and we are fortunate - at the dinner table and in the marketplace - to be located at its epicenter. It’s a tremendous opportunity for our ‘agripreneurs’ and Placer County is doing everything possible to help them take full ad-

vantage. Those of us who shop our wonderful PlacerGROWN farmers’ markets are happily taking part in a trend that continues to reshape agriculture in Placer County: the growth of agritourism. Our urban neighbors increasingly want more than just a taste of what we grow. They want to pick the apple, meet the vintner, spend a night on the farm. Our farmers have wisely adapted to meet this new demand and we’ve been proud to support them through the marketing and outreach efforts of our PlacerGROWN campaign. We want to help connect them with more customers. But we must strike a balance between welcoming our visitors and maintaining the rural character of our communities that attracts us in the first place. Placer County continues to take a leading role in shaping regulation of this emerging industry. Rustic event venues like a barn are charming precisely because they lack the conveniences of, say, a convention center. We’ll always need to protect health and safety, but they’re apples and oranges, and we need rules that respect the differences. We also need rules that respect our neighbors. With more visitors comes the possibility of more noise and traffic, so our local ordinances need to limit those impacts without imposing hurdles to agritourism development. There will be challenges along with the opportunities, but working together with our agricultural community, I’m confident that we can have our kale and eat it, too. See Supes corner Page 8

Find more about the Placer County Farm Bureau at

www.placercfb.com

Inch’s Tooling and Machining crafted this sign for the Placer County farm Bureau.

Spotlight on business

Inch’s Tooling: From rocket parts to farm implements I

nch’s Tooling and Machining was established in1973. The Inchaurregui family, including Sergio, Connie and their children Rick, Tammie, Dino, Rocco, and Rory have been involved in some capacity with the business for the last 45 years. Sergio worked at Aerojet as a machinist and actually worked on some of the rocket parts that went to the moon for the first time. The family moved to Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico, in 1968 where Sergio was a plant superintendent, setting up the plant and training all of the personnel. (Rory was born there.) We came back to California in 1972 and Sergio went to work in the steel industry, automating their roll shop. Judson Steel wanted him to start doing machine work for them, thus Inch’s Tooling and Machining became a reality in 1973. The children are all talented and knowledgeable metal and computer experts. Inch’s Tooling and Machining is now a registered disabled veteran, minority small business. Throughout the years, we have had the pleasure of working with the State of California, federal and local agencies, City of Austin, Texas, fire departments, the California CHP and other law enforcement agencies, large and small companies, and the general public doing production and custom machining, fabricating, welding, and powder coating. We strive to get it right the first time for our customer’s needs. Our family and the business moved to Placer County in 1978 and have been involved with 4-H, FFA, and the Farm Bureau for many years. What a great educational learning experience. We have met many wonderful people that care about preserving the land, water, crops, animals, foods, and future education for our up and coming youth. We are proud to call them our friends to this day. Inch’s is a proud supporter and agricultural business member of Placer County Farm Bureau.

Farm Bureau — working for you

eriodically, Farm Bureau members say, “I don’t know what to tell people, when they ask, ‘Why Gary Sack should I join Farm Bureau?’” California I understand. Farm Bureau is Farm Bureau involved in so many issues, it is hard federation to know where to start? Do you talk about our work locally or statewide on water issues — protecting your water rights? Seeking more water storage facilities? Seeking a repeal of the damaging Waters of the U.S. rule? Or, our work on labor issues? Improving the registration system for organic farmers? Or, do you first tell them that we are your resource to complying with complex labor laws, and that we provide workshops and information on SGMA (the State Groundwater Management Act)? Perhaps you generalize and say that Farm Bureau works to keep farmers and ranchers in business, by watching hundreds of bills in the state legislature, and Congress, in addition to involvement in local issues. Farm Bureau is always working for you. Just last month farmers from around the state made more than 100 legislative office visits to discuss the impact of bills that are important to them. If you farm for a living, just one bad bill can cost you thousands of dollars annually. Maybe you can simply ask the person what are their biggest farm concerns? Chances are, Farm Bureau is already working on them. For more than 100 years Placer County Farm Bureau has been working to keep agriculture strong in Placer County.

Spring 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

Farm News 7

The Vineyard Family: A Placer County Legacy T

he Vineyard Family has been an active member of the Placer County Farm agricultural community for several decades. The family operates a farm in Lincoln, CA, that produces rice and beef. Barbara Vineyard proudly proclaims of her family that, “the Vineyard Family Farm is who we are.” They became Placer County Farm Bureau members in 1942, but Barbara’s parents were also active Farm Bureau members in Grange, CA before that. Her husband, Wayne Vineyard, was awarded the 2017 Placer County fair blue ribbon as well as the 2002 Farmer of the Year. Wayne was also on the Ag Commission and was a nominee for the State Agricultural Farmer of the Year. He stays busy as a member of the Placer County Fair Board as well. Barbara Vineyard is an avid traveler with a love for elephants. She has fascinating collectibles from around the world, her most recent being from Kenya. She believes that the Farm Bureau can offer much to the agricultural community, specifically, “a lot of checks and balances from the state and local government. It keeps us all informed of everything going on and informed of what’s going on in the government that affect farmers and ranchers.” When questioned about her views on the most pressing issues in Lincoln, Barbara responded, “First, continued water. Above ground water storage. Without it we won’t have water. There is some type of climate change and we have got to change the way we store it to continue to farm or even exist. Water is an essential resource for everyone. This is a number one issue. We are in 2 different water districts which is to our advantage. Both are thinking ahead by building water storage. We don’t want outsiders telling us what we can and cannot do with our water. We need all the facts of this issue. A lot of people that run our government don’t base their decisions on facts. Second, no increased taxes. Some are necessary but not to wipe us out financially. Third, regulations on our crops regarding the chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides that we have that other places don’t have. This is causing us to fall short in the markets. For example, we only have one we can use and other states have 5, costing us more money to protect our crops”. Barbara also believes that another issue is influencing water supply in Lincoln. She said, “the state water board is not approving the 1 main source to store water. So many people that are in those positions (appointed) don’t know what is best for all of us.” Aside from helping run her family business, Barbara Vineyard is also heavily involved in the youth development program, 4-H. She was awarded the 4-H leader of the Year and was a 4-H Diamond Star Advisor when she was a leader in Orange County. Barbara was also chair of the north region for the Nevada State Camp Conference. On the topic of the future of California agriculture, Barbara believes that it will become more difficult for the agricultural community due to urban sprawl, and increasing demand for water. She also thinks that future generations of farmers in California are at a disadvantage. She believes that, “It’s almost impossible unless

Wayne Vineyard on his Mule he won at CFBF Annual Conference.

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Summer Blooming Bulbs Are Here!

Farmers never retire, they just get put out to pasture.”

they inherit it. There are a lot of families that don’t have the generational heritage to do that with all the regulations.” She believes that the best way the Farm Bureau can serve the agricultural community is through education and regularly presenting updated information. Barbara is also involved in maintaining the historical Mount Vernon Hall, an activity her grandmother was also part of. She says, “My grandma ran the hall prior to me. The Falkner’s helped plan and build the hall and are still working to keep the hall relevant today. At the 2018 Country Store event they were selling tickets, working the quilt, BBQing the hot dogs, helping with the gift baskets, whatever needed to be done to help celebrate 100 of Mount Pleasant Hall.” If anybody is interested in renting Mount Pleasant Hall, they can receive a $100 discount as an active Farm Bureau Member. They can contact Barbara Vineyard at 916-645-2569 to secure a reservation. The agricultural community has been heavily influenced by the Vineyard Family and they have been influenced by others in the community as well. The Placer County agricultural community maintains a legacy, and as Barbara says, “farmers never retire, they just get put out to pasture.” She would like to recognize agricultural influencers we recently lost: Allen Bradford Stonesifer, Alex Ferreria, Tony Aguilar, and Jerry Van Ryan and Barbara Johnson.

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Farm News Placer County Farm Bureau

| Spring 2018

Supervisor’s corner Supes corner, Continued from page 6

s a proud member of the Farm Bureau, I am often asked how I, as a non-producer, benefit from my Jennifer membership. I value my memberMontgomery ship for many reasons, and as the District 5 elected representative for the 5th supervisor District I appreciate that the Farm Bureau helps the ranching and farming communities that still exist in my district. On a larger scale, the Farm Bureau helps us all recognize the value of protecting rural, agricultural lands and our heritage - and that’s more important now than ever. District 5 ranges from the Foothills to the High Sierra -- encompassing row crops, orchards, ranching and vineyards, among many other agricultural assets. Where the farms end, however, the forest begins. Timber is the main agricultural product in District 5 – but just as important as the timber harvest itself, is the prudent management of our forests and protection of the water resources it provides. That makes the forest vital to all of agriculture in Placer County, too. Our forestlands also support Placer’s important and growing industry focused around outdoor recreation. Our forests draw visitors from all over the world; especially our California neighbors who fish, hunt and explore them as we have for generations. Our forests have been stressed by our recent years of drought, bark beetle and increased fire risk. But our forest communities are resourceful and resilient. In them, and in our Farm Bureau members, I see mirrored the values of the pioneering families who settled Placer County long ago: the farmers and ranchers who use, love, protect and cherish our natural lands. As we work to preserve this land and way of life for future generations, I could ask for no better partners.

Spotlight on business

Ready to meet farmers, ranchers needs: Placer Farm Supply T

radition is a wonderful thing, someOne place that hasn’t lost thing to be cherished for sure. Some sight of what our farmers and might call it a window into the past, and ranchers did to help carve maybe even a look into our very soul. out a wonderful America, with Problem is, as times have changed through values that matter, is the Placer the decades, “tradition” can be an elusive Farm Supply store in Newcastle.” thing. Hard to hang on to or sometimes difficult to remember “the good ole days.” Today, with a strip mall on virtually every corner, and big box stores lining every shopping mall, it’s all too easy to forget the past and hurry up into the future. One place that hasn’t lost sight of what our farmers and ranchers did to help carve out a wonderful America, with values that matter, is the Placer Farm Supply store in Newcastle, California. When Placer Farm Supply first opened its doors in 1950, it happened to sit squarely in the heart of the world renowned, fertile “49’er Fruit Express Trail.” Proud to be located in that same prime location today, Placer Farm Supply, working in concert with the Placer County Farm Bureau, has always stood ready to meet the needs of the agricultural community in Placer County and beyond. Back in the day, plums, peaches, and pears were the crops of choice in Placer County, as rail cars packed to the brim with ice, made the long, arduous trek east to satisfy the nation’s hunger for California’s precious fruit. At the same time, large herds of fat cattle roamed the grassy, rolling hillsides of Placer County. Now in much of Placer County, succulent and sweet Mandarin Oranges rule the roost as the premier crop. These days, with laser-like precision, Placer Farm Supply is stocked full of products to manage your crops or your cattle. Shelves are loaded with every herbicide you will need to combat those pesky weeds. Turn a corner and there is gear and tools - and even protective clothing - to apply all the right chemicals. There is a huge selection of PVC parts, fertilizer, seed and medicinal treatments for cow/calf, dog or Jamb or goat, or even your chicken. Not long ago, Placer Farm Supply added a new dimension to the mix. The store now features an amazing “western boutique”. In one corner there is a stunning array of beautifully made men and women western shirts, stout Carhartt jackets, and sassy jeans with just enough bling- bling to make every gal look great. But wait... there’s more! There is exquisite jewelry, stylish western boots and purses, fragrances, candles, serving trays, western pottery and even “baby” Wranglers. Horse lovers will also discover Placer Farm Supply is an oasis, with everything from bridles, saddle blankets and spurs, as well as the perfect feed and nutrients to keep those horses healthy. Out in the “yard” Placer Farm Supply is plum-full of ranch gates, dog kennels, feeders, water tanks, rolls of barbed wire, PVC pipe, fence posts and shavings to keep your horse cozy. If it’s a bale of “good” hay or a sack of grain you are looking for, Placer Farm Supply has it at a reasonable price. Visit Placer Farm Supply at 10120 Ophir Road, Newcastle. (916) 663-3741, placerfs®footllill.net, www.placerfarmsupply.com.

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Agriculture plays high importance in local economy By Congressman Doug LaMalfa

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s a fourth generation rice farmer, a This year, we’ve already seen a business owner, and life-long resident lot happen in Washington that of Northern California, I understand the will impact rural economies in importance of agriculture to our local Northern California. Most recently, economy. During my time in Congress, it meaningful forestry reforms were has been my mission to serve as a strong signed into law, including my bill voice for the North State’s agriculture and – the Electricity Reliability and resources-based economy. Forest Protection Act. This year, we’ve already seen a lot happen in Washington that will impact rural economies in Northern California. Most recently, meaningful forestry reforms were signed into law, including my bill – the Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act. This legislation allows utility companies to more efficiently remove hazardous trees and other vegetation near a transmission line to reduce the risk of wildfires. This is a common-sense bipartisan bill that has received strong support from both sides of the aisle. Now, utility companies can rapidly remove hazardous trees by receiving pre-approval from the Forest Service to manage transmission line right of ways and remove trees that are or could become hazards. Furthermore, if a utility requests authorization to remove a tree and is denied by the Forest Service, the Forest Service is responsible for any firefighting costs that result from the failure to remove the tree. We’re also making progress on the Farm Bill. After holding 113 hearings since 2015, I expect the next steps to be taken later this month. The Farm Bill covers a very broad range of policies, including commodity programs, crop insurance, farm credit, rural development, foreign food assistance, nutrition, conservation, and more. Some of my top priorities in this process include maintaining a safety net for farmers, streamlining the application process for conservation programs, implementing provisions that encourage proper management of our national, state, and private forests, and many more. The goal is to wrap this up by September of this year, and I fully expect that to happen. We’re still in the early stages of 2018, but a lot has already happened in Congress that directly impacts our local communities. I look forward to continuing my work with the Placer County Farm Bureau in order to best serve the interests of the North State.

Spring 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

Farm News 9

Long family tradition at Pilz Produce S teve and Lisa Pilz run Pilz Produce at Hillcrest located in beautiful Penryn California. Steve and Lisa are committed to honoring their families and the effort that has been put into their land to grow the farm into what it is today and we work to preserve this space for their family to live and grow on in the future. We strive for high quality and great flavor in our mandarins, heirloom tomatoes and other seasonal fruits and vegetables. And, just like in the old days, we personally sell our produce at our farm by order and at the Auburn and Roseville Certified Farmers markets. We also sell to some direct to retail accounts including Tahoe Food Hub. Edmund and Marie Pilz began farming at Hillcrest Orchard in 1927. Edmund planted many varieties of fruit trees over the years. In the late 1950’s he began budding mandarin trees, helping restart the commercial citrus of Placer County. Edmund planted hundreds of Satsuma Mandarins on the sunny southern slope facing the Loomis Basin. Several years later came the Navel Oranges. Edmund and Marie farmed the property for many years. When old enough Steve began to come and help on the farm. Steve loved working side by side with his grandfather. Steve came back to the farm when his grandfather wrote him a multiple page letter informing him that Edmund had gotten a “really good” offer on the home and orchard. Edmund had been thinking that at 50+ years of farming he was tired, which Steve completely understands after only 35 years of steady farming. Steve had visions of bulldozers running over the trees, pushing all that hard work into a pile and burning….memories down to ash. So, Steve called his grandfather and asked if he would consider Steve learning how to run the operation from him. He said he would think about it for a few days as he had concerns about working with family. Steve got the call back from

his grandfather asking if Steve would be willing to sharecrop. And so, Steve began farming for a living! Lisa joined the farm in 2002 bringing with her, her love of flowers, heirloom tomatoes and vegetables. Over the years we revised the farm name to Pilz Produce at Hillcrest. Why do you farm is an often-asked question. For us it is the love of our land, pride of a high quality and flavorful product, and the customers who appreciate us and what we do. Steve remembers handing samples of mandarins out to a 3-year-old girl holding her hand out to take that sample. Then the squishy face of citrus flavor, tight eyes and furrowed brow. Steve could hear the sucking sound of the juice. Then her eyes opened, a smile came across her face and her hand came out for another sample. That was a proud moment as a farmer. Many times, we catch ourselves stopping our chores to watch the dance of the Starlings in the sky as the hawk swoops and attempts an interception for its harvest. These are some of the little things that bring joy and happiness to these farmers. Sometimes there are struggles. Mother Nature, being still in control, brings heatwaves, freezes, not enough water and pests. This are all things we deal with as they come. As a farm we are very community oriented. This year Steve steps into the presidency of Placer County Farm Bureau. His goal this year is to bring togetherness and communication between of all of Placer County Agricultural organizations. As of this writing the snow pack with again be a critical issue. Hoping the spring brings a March Miracle and we get more snow in the Sierra’s. I wish you all good health and prosperity.

Mountain Mandarin Festival Celebrates 25 Tasty Years W

hen organizers in the tiny foothills town of Newcastle, California held their first Mountain Mandarin Festival 25 years ago they never imagined that it would grow to the three-day event that now attracts 30-35,000 people from throughout the West Coast. In fact it quickly outgrew the tiny town center and is now held at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in neighboring Auburn. Proceeds continue benefit Newcastle Area Business Association and other community projects. The Mountain Mandarin Festival has now raised more than $500,000 for the community including awarding five scholarships each year through the Association. Visitors to the Mandarin Festival are greeted with an abundance of the tasty citrus from fresh fruit samples to market products featuring the locally grown mandarins. Jams and jellies, infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars, BBQ sauces and body care products are all available for purchase. Visitors are delighted to discover that the food vendors offer everything from mandarin pizza to mandarin glazed wings, mandarin donuts and mandarin pulled pork just to name a few. The annual event has expanded to include a cooking stage with chef demonstrations and a popular recipe contest. Vendors offer mandarin products, gifts, holiday items, home décor, jewelry and handcrafts. The atmosphere is lively with music, magic, street entertainers, dance, kids activities and a free train ride around the grounds. But meeting all the local growers and tasting their fresh mandarins is the highlight of the Festival. The original Newcastle Mandarin Festival was started by Joanne Neft on behalf of the Newcastle Area Business Association. The group wanted to highlight a unique, locally grown, agricultural product with a celebration that would contribute to the economy of the area. Mandarins have been grown in the foothills surrounding Newcastle since the late 1800s. The first commercial mandarin endeavors were started in the 1950s by Frank Aguilar, Ed Pilz and Harold Struble, and there are now over 80 growers in Placer County. The first year of the Festival, there were approximately 1,500 visitors and a handful of mandarin growers. When the festival began to impact the ability of the Newcastle downtown merchants to conduct business and parking became more and more difficult, the festival was moved to the Gold Country Fairgrounds. Today the Mountain Mandarin Festival is a three-day affair, boasts more than 250 vendors in five buildings, provides live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and you can expect to find thousands of those orange mesh bags filled with tasty mandarin oranges ready to take home.

Farm News Placer County Farm Bureau

Q&A

| Spring 2018

Question and answer

Farm News goes one-on-one with BOB WISWELL Q: When did you start farming? Bob: 1864. My great-great grandpa started the farm. I am the 5th generation with the 6th being Dan and grandson and granddaughter is 7th and in 4H. Q: Tell me how long your family has been with PCFB? Was it in 1912? When did you start with them? Bob: My dad and grand dad started back when I was little. I used to go when I was really young. This ranch, all through the years, has had sheep — some cattle too — but mainly sheep. We raise white face suffix cross. Dan runs everything. Wiswell ranch is our name. We partner on cattle. Dan owns all the sheep. I don’t help with the sheep anymore. I grew up in a sheep camp. We currently have thousands. Q: You’ve all stayed stewards of the land. There’s this huge gap where youth are not interested in agriculture. What is it that makes your family stay in this? Bob: If you go to town to work, it’s

8-5 and come home. Agriculture is 7 days a week. It’s seasonal and you have time off but it’s so rewarding. Dans wife works out of the home. It’s a swimming pool business that has been in the family for 50 years. People that are in ag have to work a sideline (business) to serve the economy. Usually the wife would have a job downtown. My wife worked the ranch full time, but when the kids got older, she went back to work in town. Q: What is the biggest misconception with this job? Bob: Being in ag and livestock, especially sheep, they don’t care for our ways of ranching. Latest laws and regulations especially wolves, mountain lions, coyotes, the traps we need to use are a must to keep our herds safe. We have sightings all the time and they very prevalent. New families that move into the country, from the cities have dogs that love to go after livestock animals. People don’t understand ranching. My granddaughter has her own flock. ... My grandpa was President of the

Cal Wool corporation in the late 40’s and quite well known for his sheep. If they see you with a gun for protection against varmints that harm our sheep, people get all nervous. Q: What does it mean when the sheep stomp their feet? Bob: It’s a defense, especially if they have a little one. You should see them when a dog comes around. Q: Do you every sell your sheep? Bob: When I was a kid, we used a goat so the sheep will follow it. They get lost and if a horse, mule or goat was with them, they’ll follow. I check fences, equipment, stuff around the ranch is my job, while Dan does other ranch things. Q: What do you think that the Farm Bureau has brought to your family, or to farms and ranches? Bob: It brings a voice in legislation. Help us to be heard about ranchers. Q: What are your top 3 concerns of government? Bob: Rules and regulations are strangling us. The list goes on and on. Water is another issue. We have another ranch in Sutter County, where we irrigate all the time. There’s new regulations coming that they want us to report all discharge and it’s time consuming. My family history is way back on being in the Farm Bureau. My great grandfather, O.P. (Oliver Perry) Richardson, toured the original site. The house burned in 1800’s. My great, great grandma married a Wiswell. In Placer County history, from Missouri, there’s a book on all who was born here. All of the family was born here on the ranch grounds except dad and his sisters born in Lincoln. They are all buried at the Manzanita cemetery. 10 - 12 children. Four died as infants. All

our family is here. This is the most beautiful time of the year here in March, the creek goes right through our property. When I was a kid we’d take the sheep to the mountains up near Forest Hill on foot. They’d put them on train cars up there. We always went right through downtown Auburn on Sundays because there was no one in town to bother. There were a lot of people with sheep. We went all the way up to 8000 ft. up to Soda Springs on foot. They come in at night. I was head of the state sheep committee for a while and helped with that. I was a Shrine member. Five buddies in school, then college, have been friends this entire time, right here, but some have passed and it’s hard. Weddings are fun. Out of the 5, 3 of us are left. I’m the flunky gopher on the ranch. I put about 80 miles a day on my pick up. I run irrigation, fence repairs, help with the kids, anything to help Dan. When my oldest daughter turned 16 — bam! — she had her license to drive. We needed her here on the ranch to be able to drive. I drove tractor for hay or whatever when I was little to help on the ranch. Fishing, that’s another love, but there’s not much time for. The grandkids have 4-H, baseball, soccer. They are busy. Sometimes you gotta get dirty working on a ranch. I’ve even been in a suit while having to work on the ranch. There needs to be more education on what really happens on a ranch. It is a real learning experience. Well-known sheep herders drink a lot of wine and eat garlic. Q: Can someone contact you about your sheep/beef? Bob: No ... really, too many rules and regulations for selling anything straight from the ranch.

Spring 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

13-year-old busy in 4-H activities

y name is Myah Davidson and at only 13 years old, I have been able to accomplish so much. All of my achievements have been made possible by the influence of 4-H and the help of local businesses such as Placer County Farm Supply, Echo Valley Ranch, and Placer County Farm Bureau, of which my family are Ag Business Members. In my 4-H Club, I hold the office of Vice President, and it is my 6th year of 4-H as of this year. I am also a Junior Ambassador for the Placer County 4-H Program. One of my favorite activities that I participate in is raising and showing hogs. On the weekends that I am not working with my animals, I help out at my family’s business, Shooters All Season Paintball, in Nicolaus, California. 4-H has taught me public speaking and communication skills. Another 4-H activity I enjoy participating in is community service. This is now my 5th year showing hogs in 4-H, and I have worked incredibly hard to get this far. I have received help and advice all the way from Tinsman Showpigs in Farmland, Indiana, to Ottenwalter Showpigs in Colusa, California. My support and encouragement has come from my parents, family friends, and 4-H leaders. In my first year of showing pigs, I had an incredible experience. When I was nine years old and completely terrified of pigs, I won Supreme Grand Champion. From then on I realized how fun and fulfilling pigs can be to show. At the 2017 Placer County Fair, my sister McKenna and I donated our pig to the Placer County 4-H camp, which had flooded only a few months previously. In total, we raised about $9,100 thanks to the kindness and generosity of the Vineyard family, who purchased the pig, to help repair the damages that were made to the camp. Now, I have started my own breeding program where I raise the pigs to take to shows. My program consists of several high-end gilts from both Tinsman and Ottenwalter Showpigs. My dad and I currently artificially inseminate (A.I.) the high-end gilts to national winning boars such as Wedding Night, Wedding Blues, Cowboy Swag, and Straight Survivor from Ottenwalter Showpigs. I now go to my two county fairs, state fair, year- round jackpots, and I will be attending a national show this year. Through 4-H, I have developed many skills. One skill in particular that I have developed is public speaking. When I first started giving presentations, I had speech anxiety, and I would actually cry during a presentation. After a few years of the Public Speaking Project, which is a spectacular project led by Mrs. Lara Lopez, and practice speaking in front of my club, I was able to overcome my fear. Now, I am able to stand in front of my club as Vice President, and give full reports without being afraid. It is also easier to give presentations and speeches at school. Public speaking has also helped me to be more confident, which ties in with pig showmanship. Having confidence in what I do has really helped me to succeed and achieve my goals. Another hobby that 4-H has taught me to participate in is community service. Community service is something that I absolutely love to do. I am part of the Presidential Service Award Project, led by Beverly Brentwood. In the project, you volunteer a certain amount of service hours, and then you receive a president’s award. It is so amazing how one person can impact their commu-

Farm News 11

Taking action to make 4-H even better Shannon Kane Community education Specialist Placer County 4-H

P nity so greatly. A few of my favorite events that I have been able to participate in are the Crab feed, Gold Country Rodeo, and Feed my Starving Children. One additional service project that I especially enjoy is painting and repairing buildings at the Gold Country Fair. This particular activity not only benefits everyone in Placer County, but it directly impacts everyone in 4-H who uses the fairground facility. There are also a few events that help the environment more directly, such as picking up trash on the side of the road, or helping to grow a garden. Without 4-H, I wouldn’t have been able to find my spark, raising animals. I have learned that I want to become a veterinarian, because I will be able to work with and help animals in need. I have also learned that you don’t always win. I would like to thank my mom for teaching me to be grateful for the things that I have, and although winning is so, so sweet, when I lose, and suffer some humility, it makes the next win that much sweeter. I would like to thank my dad for encouraging me to continue in my interests and not letting me give up when things get hard. I have been able to learn the value of hard work, because without working for what you want, you don’t appreciate anything in life.

lacer County 4-H provides a community for approximately 600 youth members. With the help of 150 adult volunteers, the Placer County 4-H program provides opportunity to develop life skills and leadership, including public speaking and team building, to youths aged 5-19 years old. Currently, we have 12 community club programs in addition to a wide range of countywide projects and outreach programs that serve schools and communities in the greater Placer County area. “To Make the Best Better” is not just a slogan to Placer County 4-H; we take action! During the 2017-2018 program year, young people and families in the community have engaged in both annually recurring and new opportunities, such as a Fair Workshop and a New Family Orientation, both designed to help newer families in 4-H receive information and support. We also hosted our first annual Placer County Youth Leadership conference, where 40 attending young people learned how to get involved in new leadership opportunities, skills that foster strong leadership abilities, and how to prepare for future internships and employment. We rely on partnerships with community leaders to help engage our youth and support Placer County’s 4-H Program. As the largest youth development organization in the Nation, we continue to look for the best ways to encourage our youth to grow and be successful throughout their lives. 4-H welcomes all young people! If you are interested in learning more about becoming a youth member or an adult volunteer leader, please contact us at (530) 889-7386.

6 Placer High FFA Chapter students among those who earn Golden State Degrees Placer High FFA Chapter had 6 students earn their Golden State Degrees, the highest honor students can earn in the FFA Organization at the state level. Only 5% of students statewide earn this prestigious degree. The students earn this award based on their combined efforts in community service, leadership, and the hours and income from their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects. The State Degree Award recipients are: Courtney Anderson, Coleen Francis, Alec Hayden, Josie Hernandez, Jessy Rich, and Seth Robinson. Placer FFA’s Shawna Viscuso also won a regional proficiency award in the area of Veterinary Science for her Ag placement project working at the Loomis Basin Vet Clinic. Ariel Achilles-Placer FFA’s Chapter President, placed 5th in the Regional employability skills contest, Jessica

Hobbs-Chapter Reporter, earned 4th in the regional scrapbook contest, and Aspen Edwards-Chapter Secretary, earned 5th in the development of our chapter Program of Activities.

The FFA Organization is the largest professional youth leadership organization in the United States that reaches from the state of Alaska to the US Virgin Islands and from the state of Maine to Hawaii.

The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by providing premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Farm News Placer County Farm Bureau

| Spring 2018

Young Farmers & Ranchers Alert

As today’s farmers age, young ag leaders sought for county jumping back into working with local agriculture associations and raising cattle. Currently, I am working as a substitute teacher and working toward obtaining my teaching credential to become an Agriculture Teacher. Agriculture has played a huge role in my life, and advocating for this industry has always been a passion of mine. I’m excited to continue to showcase the importance of agriculture and to support the next generation of agriculturists with the YF&R!

id you know that the average age of a farmer is 58 years old? Many Farmers and Ranchers are near retirement, and more needs to be done to not only recruit additional young folks into farming and ranching, but also grow future leaders that will lookout for the best interest of agriculture. The Placer County Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee’s mission is to implement a program that will encourage farmers and ranchers and other agricultural enthusiasts, ages 18 to 40 to develop future agriculture leaders within Placer County and the state of California. The Placer County Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee (YF&R) is a sub committee put on through the Placer County Farm Bureau, made up of YF&R members and the Placer County YF&R Executive Committee. We are very excited to encourage and grow the minds of our community through classroom education, community outreach, and political advocacy. As we are starting out this year, we will be at monthly events in our community to share our knowledge about agriculture, as well as showing our support to the local farms and ranches in Placer and Nevada County. There are so many fields that one can go into to continue their love for agriculture, and we are striving to help those that help us. We will be having monthly meetings, and encourage you to attend. We welcome professionals from the agriculture industry to help us teach and enlighten us to all the different aspects of agriculture. We look forward to working with and learning from local agriculturalists! Our goal for this first year is to raise $2,000 to put toward 145 add-ons at the Placer County, Nevada County, and Gold Country Fairs! Visit our Facebook for updates or to find out how to help us with this goal! If you are a farmer, rancher, or an advocate for agriculture and would like to be involved, please contact the Placer County Farm Bureau Executive Director, Lara Lopez at 916-663-2929 or email us at placeryfr@gmail.com. The Placer County Young Farmers & Ranchers Executive Committee is made up of 4 young ladies: Rachel Sznaider, Laura Kenworthy, Alexis Anderson, and Kaylyn Hart. We share the same passion for agriculture and are determined to keep agriculture thriving for the generations to come.

Kaylyn Hart

Meet your Placer County YF&R Executive Committee: Rachel Sznaider Hi, my name is Rachel Sznaider and I am 24 years old. I grew up in Placer County riding horses, competing in equestrian events, and participating in both 4-H and FFA, where I raised market lambs and hogs throughout my childhood. At a young age, I knew I had a passion for agriculture, but could not decide where to focus it in because agriculture is very diverse and has so many opportunities to give. It wasn’t until I went away to college that I decided to focus in Agricultural Business. I graduated from Chico State with my Bachelors degree in Agricultural Business and I am so happy that I chose this route. This degree is so flexible and allows me to shine in many aspects of the Agricultural Industry. Throughout my college experience, I interned for Nationwide Agribusiness as a field representative in the Risk Management department and as a Farm Underwriter in Underwriting department.

After college, I was hired on full time as a farm underwriter and enjoy learning new things every day about other peoples farms and ranches. I hope by creating the Placer County Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee it supports youth in agriculture, educates others about the agriculture industry and why it is so import for future generations, as well as to develop future leaders that advocate for agriculture.

Lexie Anderson Hi y’all! My name is Lexie Anderson. I was born and raised in Placer County and it’s agricultural community. I discovered my passion for the agriculture industry through my involvement in 4-H, FFA and the Placer-Nevada Cattlewomen. I raised and exhibited cattle, pigs and sheep at our local fairs as well as jackpots throughout the state. I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Tech University where I studied Animal Science with a concentration in Animal Business and minored in Agribusiness Management. I moved back to Placer County last fall and have enjoyed

I am Kaylyn Hart and I am 28 years old. I am third generation in my family of ranching. Although we have many other family members (Cavitt, Way, Avery) that trail back that had agriculture it all started with my grandpa (Ken Hart). After my grandpa left the navy and attended some schooling he married my grandma (Jean Hart). They started out with some acreage in Roseville and began raising bronze turkeys, dairy cows and delivered products to Crystal. Both my grandparents worked very hard for their family between taking care of the ranch, egg deliveries, milking twice a day and raising two boys. They eventually moved their ranch to Lincoln when Roseville was growing and started raising Foster Farm turkeys and beef cattle. They put in a lot of time into the community, Ag in the classroom, and the Placer County Farm Bureau. My father (Warren Hart) helped with the ranch and also cowboy’d until he moved back to the Lincoln ranch full time to help the family. After 30 years of working with NID my father retired and was lucky enough to continue doing what he enjoyed; raising cattle. And this is where i come in i have lived in the Lincoln area on my families turkey and cattle ranch all my life. I attended Lincoln High School and was highly involved in my FFA chapter; attending state conference and participating on our officer team as well as showing sheep. After high school I continued helping on my family’s ranch and attended a trade school and got my degree in medical assisting. I am currently working at Placer Farm Supply and day work for neighbors. As well as growing up and working in the agricultural field I am currently involved in Tahoe Cattlemen’s Association, Farm Bureau and my sons 4-H club and run the Mt. Pleasant Pygmy Goat group project. I am excited to help continue the growth of the young minds and keep agriculture growing and thriving for the years to come.

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Spring 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

FFA News

Farm Bill Discussions Will Affect All Californians

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water and soil health, and those programs should remain a priority,” he said. “The new farm bill should also enhance programs to expand access to developing foreign markets. Those programs lead to jobs in rural California but also in urban settings such as ports, marketing firms and export companies.” Discussions of farm-bill issues will likely continue for the next several months, Johansson said, adding that Farm Bureau “will remain active in advocating for farm and nutrition programs that will serve Californians for years to come.” The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 40,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 5.5 million Farm Bureau members.

For example, he said, as farmers throughout the state struggle to hire enough people to harvest crops, CFBF will seek increased research into technology to mechanize farming tasks. “Agricultural innovation benefits not only farmers and their employees, but also people who work at California technology companies and universities seeking to make mechanization more practical,” Johansson said. “The farm bill also encourages development of new food and agricultural products that create new opportunities throughout the economy.” Johansson said Farm Bureau will seek continued and enhanced commitment to farm bill programs that promote environmental stewardship. “Current farm bill programs have helped farmers, ranchers and foresters promote air,

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Noting that programs in new federal farm legislation have the potential to benefit everyone in California, the leader of the California Farm Bureau Federation welcomed today’s release of draft legislation by the House Agriculture Committee. The release marks a key milestone in updating the multi-year farm bill that expires Sept. 30. “Although it’s known as the farm bill, the legislation truly touches on everyone— first of all, because everyone eats, but also because of the conservation, research, trade and other programs it contains,” CFBF President Jamie Johansson said. “Representing farmers and ranchers in the nation’s No. 1 farm state, Farm Bureau will advocate for programs of particular importance to California’s diverse agricultural landscape.”

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Nid Continued from Page 3 are shifting snow to rain throughout the Sierra, and the average snowline is rising. In fact, acreage of snowpack is likely to shrink by 48 percent by 2080, according to UCLA scientist Daniel Walton. That shift means the mountain snowpack that NID has relied upon as its primary water source for customers may at some point no longer be sufficient. As an example of the trend, in January 2018 at Bowman Lake, the total amount of precipitation was 36.28 inches, which is 96 percent of average. Yet, there were only was 13.3 inches of snow, well below normal. Even though the a snowpack survey on March 28 found the water content of the snowpack was 65 percent of average, NID officials remained confident about water supply for this summer. That’s because of “carry-over” water from a historic winter 2017, when snowpack exceeded any amount ever seen. So even when snowpack was 65 percent of average, NID’s 10 reservoirs had

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92 percent of capacity, which was 137 percent of average for the date. Going forward, absent knowing any winter is going to be like, carry-over storage will be a vital, known water supply for the next year. And because a winter could come up dry, maintaining as much carry-over as possible is important to water supply reliability. While facing challenges, NID is confident given the vast watershed that provides its water as well as expert managing of its water system, the District which started sending water to farms nearly 100 years ago will continue to support our vital agricultural industry. “Securing water for future generations is vital for the survival of agriculture in Placer County. NID is committed to furthering that goal,” said Will Morebeck, NID Board President. “We look forward to working with the Placer County Farm Bureau to achieve our similar objectives to keep agriculture thriving.”

Farm News 13

Compassion Planet program enlists many in gardening By Colleen Eleanor The timing of Placer Farm Bureau’s support in sharing our garden is remarkable, as our Garden goals have recently expanded in its mission towards sustainability and education. Currently, the trainees work with Master and Horticultural volunteers in the garden from prepping and amending soil to floral and local produce. The Trainees plant, water, maintain, help with composting, weeding and harvesting their production. One of our second year trainee graduates has recently come back to volunteer as well. We are growing; in volunteer groups eager to mentor and an overall desire from locals seeking quality produce and local floral options. This is where our expansion is headed. We want to produce more, yet maintain the quality of our garden’s product and adhere to the program goals. The CP program also has a nutritional component woven into the program. As you know, the Sacramento Region has an expansive role in the Farm to Fork culture and specifically, Placer County’s growing region. This last fall, our community stepped forward in a big serve day expanding the garden’s presence with added picnic and seating areas, all made out of donated pallets and supplies. We have since updated irrigation, created a weekly Garden Team and a monthly Community day where we all come together to help facilitate this program ultimately become a local boutique produce destination where the trainees can experience the relationships that literally grow our of their gardening efforts. This spring, small and large groups resume their interest in the garden to share the mission and serve together with us. It has ignited many individuals and organizations to join to the garden team, boutique and the thrift store; which in turn, supports the Compassion Planet mission in bringing in new at risk youth trainee cohorts to our program, helping them transition into the next chapter of their young adult lives. Colleen Eleanor is an agricultural member and resident of Newcastle.

Farm News Placer County Farm Bureau

| Spring 2018

How to Finance a Small Farm through SBA 7(a) By Scott Cisneros PCFB Treasurer

Drone insurance liability coverage now offered The following information is provided by Nationwide, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S. “As the use of drones has increased, we realized there was a gap in coverage,” says Brent Van Roekel, senior underwriting director, Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company. “Commercial insurance policies have typically excluded liability coverage for aircraft. To keep up with the technology and with customers’ needs, we needed to address that issue. We want to make sure our commercial agribusiness customers, such as co-ops, are covered appropriately.” Drones are an issue some insurance companies haven’t wanted to tackle. “Some insurance companies indicated they’re not interested in covering drones mostly because of the privacy aspects you might potentially have,” he said. “We recognize that potential exists but, based on the quality of our customers, we feel it’s a smaller risk. We see the use of drones as becoming essential for the ag economy, so we need to be able to provide a solution.” Nationwide Agribusiness began writing coverage for commercial agribusiness customers using drones at the end of 2013. “It’s not a separate policy,” Van Roekel explained. “It’s an endorsement we add to the policy we’re already providing for those customers.” Nationwide Agribusiness is not charging for this added coverage. “Since our customers are mainly using drones for crop scouting, we see this as an extension of their agronomy operation. Our feeling is this is a coverage ag operations need to fully protect that part of their business,” Van Roekel said. “We essentially built it into the agronomy piece of the coverage and are not charging an additional premium.” As agribusinesses move toward bigger and more expensive equipment and drone usage expands into areas like fertilizer and chemical application, the price structure could change. “As with all our coverages, our drone coverage will change as the industry and our customers’ operations change,” Van Roekel said. “We’re trying to stay contemporary to our customers’ needs.” Nationwide Agribusiness officially rolled out drone coverage for its commercial agribusiness customers in March 2014. Coverage in all states was made available by 2015. To learn more, visit nationwide.com/ cfbf. Products underwritten by Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company, Farmland Mutual Insurance Company, Allied Property and Casualty Insurance Company and AMCO Insurance Company. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2018 Nationwide.

The cost of borrowed capital is a significant part of most growers’ budgets. Producers should shop for loans just as they look for the best price for fertilizer, seed, and all other production inputs. Deregulation in the banking industry has increased competition, which has caused more precise pricing of loans. This means that banks are competing with each other for good loans by offering lower interest rates, lower loan fees, or other services. More than ever it is important to compare loans carefully. Nothing is more important when working with a lender than being prepared. About the worst thing you can do is go into a banker’s office and as, “How much can I borrow?” This shows the banker that you do not have a budget or any clear understanding of your cash needs. Your overall business plan along with several other documents can serve as explanation of your borrowing needs and repayment ability.

Loan Proceeds for Farm Enterprises May be Used for ■ The purchase of land, buildings, and land improvements (fencing, irrigation

systems, construction of dikes, silos, barns, hog and dairy facilities, etc. ■ Construction, renovation, or improvement (including water systems) of farm buildings other than residences; ■ The purchase of farm machinery and equipment; ■ The purchase of seed and the acquisition of animals; ■ Operating expenses directly related to the farming operation, excluding personal or family living expenses; and ■ The refinancing of debt related to

the farming operation, excluding personal or family debt, provided the refinancing meets SBA requirements for refinancing. Note: The acquisition of land in excess of the farming operation’s needs is not an eligible use of proceeds. In addition, Applicant must not use loan proceeds to purchase vacant or row crop land for possible future use, future construction, or to lease to third parties. Beginning farmers are often precluded from loans because they do not have enough risk-bearing ability or experience. Risk-bearing ability translates into collateral or equity. That’s where the SBA can be of assistance. Lenders like to use SBA programs because of the guarantee. That makes them more willing to lend to a borrower when there is a short fall of collateral and time in business. A lender wants to have some recourse if something goes wrong. When a lender provides financing for your farming operation, it is essentially a business partnership. The lender wants you to put some money or assets up front. The SBA guarantee may eliminate the most common way to meet the collateral requirement, to have a co-signer for the loan who can provide the required collateral.

Spring 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

Farm News 15

100-year-old building home to bureau’s annual dinner, community meetings MOUNT PLEASANT HALL as we know it today was built in 1917 and was dedicated on September 17th of that year. A former hall that was for the Mt. Pleasant Literary Association was torn down in 1910. The Mt. Pleasant Farm Bureau was mentioned in a newspaper article in Feb, 1917 that they needed a place to meet. Much of the building material and the land was donated. The Mt. Pleasant Hall Association was formed to run the Hall. Later the Hall Association deeded it over to Mt. Pleasant Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau could get insurance better than the Association. The two groups were many of the same people. Later the California Farm Bureau determined that local Farm Bureau Centers could not own property and it was turned over to Placer County Farm Bureau. Since the early 6o’s the Vineyard family has been managing the hall along with a group of dedicated volunteers, most of which are Farm Bureau members. Lila Vineyard ran the Hall until she turned over the reins in about 2002 to her daughter in law Barbara. The hall is rented for weddings, anniversaries, local fund raisers, memorials and other community events. The rent pays for day to day expenses such as electricity, propane for heat and cooking, garbage and

normal supplies. Fund raisers are necessary for upkeep and repairs. Mt. Pleasant Community Women and Thermalands Sportsmen meet regularly as does the Lincoln Area MAC. Many of the hall supporters keep working for the hall so that it is available

commissioner Continued from Page 1 celebrate agriculture very publicly at a wide variety of events including the Mountain Mandarin Festival and the Farm Bureau Hoe Down. As I look forward to the rest of 2018, I am most excited about the opportunities that my staff and I will have to work with the county’s farmers and ranchers and help them to grow their crops and succeed! It is truly a privilege to work with such a great group of people and to serve those who put food onto all of our plates!

Longhorn Continued from Page 1 ing in the business world. We like being in this business as a great tool to service the community. I feel we are an asset, helping the larger faceless corporations who need us. I like having the connection with our customers and interaction with them. We hear about how Aunt Sue is doing, or that Mary had her baby. We love the real community connection. We love the full service contribution to the public that is hard to find these days. We strive to stay personable in this highly completive atmosphere. People like to see what they are buying and that they have a choice in what they can buy. We are a growing business. We have expanded our cooler size to 50 head. The older cooler was 15 head. We are thinking about what our community needs. Expanding our capacity of meat helps our customers choose from a wider variety during busier times. This also helps to ensure freshness and quality. Placer County Farm Bureau helps us with advertising, promotions and word of mouth. Having this Farm News will help the community know more about us. We draw from the fairs, from 4-H, FFA, and other livestock businesses. Our customers look forward to those meats. Our working goal is to open another location in this area and to get a USDA harvest plant for inspections for businesses. I want to bring this in so that we can service all of the local producers meats without having to take them 100+ miles away to get their meat livestock processed. This would be set up for the locals that need the inspection for resale, not effecting the normal cycle of commerce. Filling the gap that is currently missing here in Placer County. This in turn will help local ranchers to up their production and cut their costs.

for the local youth. Mt. Pleasant 4-H has always met at the hall rent free. They meet monthly and some project meetings also use the hall. A few years ago Boy Scout troupe 185 asked if they could meet there also. They meet weekly. The Lincoln FFA has been having their annual dinner and awards program at the hall, and they too are not charged rent. The youth groups that meet are expected to do some help such as clean-up, work at fund raisers etc.

The main fund raiser for the Hall is a long standing tradition “Country Store” Held on the 1st Saturday in March every 2 years, it is a family event that includes, dinner, homemade pies and cakes, carnival type games, bazaar, plants, silent auction, and a large entertaining Live Auction where anything from a dozen eggs to a cord of wood, wine, jams, honey and hand made items are sold. There is also a quilt that is raffled off. On March 3rd 2018 Country Store was a huge success and a celebration of our 100th birthday.

president Continued from Page 1 UC extension offices. We should be really excited for the youth, their future and ours in this unique county. Even some elected officials have stated their support of Ag. Thank you! Guess we all like to eat, right? The weather and micro climates, on the west side of this county, allows some of us to be able to grow food, almost year around... I am hopeful that I can encourage people to patronize local farmers, markets, restaurants and businesses. Showing this community a strong support of buying local! I am so pleased that the Farm Bureau’s dedicated, intelligent executive director and the diversified and growing board of directors, work hard to be local advocates, for this county’s diversified commodities. We have recently been gathering ideas and trying to reconnect the various agricultural aspects to show a united front to help us keep our farms sustainable, cause, as farmers, most of us love the land we grow on, and want to keep on farming! That’s where there needs to be someone, off the farm, in those offices, making the “real” connections, who can meet with the governmental represenitives to advocate for those of us working those long hours on the farm. Being a member in Placer Co Farm Bureau is a great way to help those advocates keep working at the local, state and national levels. For our benefit! Thanks for being part of this great Placer County! Join us by keeping Ag in the fight. May you all have a year of safe journeys and good health...

Farm News Placer County Farm Bureau

| Spring 2018

Membership Application *Members receive quarterly issues of the Placer County Farm Bureau “Farm News” agricultural publication, weekly California Farm Bureau’s Ag Alert or California Bountiful, and eligibility for many cost saving benefits. *Members can also take advantage of group insurance discounts (farm, home, auto, pet) of up to 25% with Nationwide. Enjoy discounts with many local merchants, growers, events and our own Mount Pleasant Hall rental. For all member benefits, please visit www.placercfb.com. ❑ Collegiate Membership (16 – 24) is for those who are in college and support agriculture. Membership is priced for our youth who are benefiting agriculture across the state. Additionally, Collegiate members are eligible for Scholarships sponsored by Placer County Farm Bureau. ($25 annually) ❑ Associate Membership is for those who support local agriculture but are not involved with it directly. Membership includes a subscription to the Placer County Farm Bureau quarterly newspaper, discounts, and 6 issues of California Bountiful filled with useful information on food production, and home gardening. ($90 annually) ❑ Agricultural Membership is for individuals who stewards of the land, farmers or ranchers. This also includes commercial, small farms, investors or anyone representing a local organization work in agribusiness, and/or are a rural landowner. ($150 annually) ❑ Business Membership is for a sole proprietor or corporate business and provides additional member benefits that encourage company growth. Members are part of our business referral network. Promote online and social media. Receive a discount in our Placer County Farm Bureau newspaper and at every event we represent. ($250 annually)

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Oest Legacy in North Auburn By Loren Oest

My name is Loren Oest, and I am a Director and the Second VP of the Placer County Farm Bureau. A good portion of you know me or my family, where I’m from, and what I do, but for those who don’t, I, along with my father, Daryl Oest, operate a fifth-generation family cow/calf operation of approximately 350 head in North Auburn. What can be said about the Oest family that hasn’t already been said? One thing for sure is that when it comes to preservation of the land and its value, the Oests don’t accept that it’s “just land” to be built on, we see it for its potential and for what it can provide and produce, not just in the present, but also in the future. For this reason, our land has been placed in an Agriculture/Open Lands Only Easement forever, with all development rights removed thanks to the knowledge and assistance of the great folks of Placer Land Trust and its slew of private investors. Some funding was also donated by Placer County. This vision and value has been upheld since our land was first settled and began producing in 1859 by Peter Oest, an immigrant from Germany. Although it’s seen its share of the plow, the Oest family discovered in the late 1800’s that the rocky fragmented ground it sits on is much better suited to provide grass and other forages for cattle, which is aided by an ingenious flood irrigation system. Various ditches and low spots allow water to be reused to nourish the lush clover fields and grass lands that now make up prime grazing ground for our family’s herd of predominately Angus Hereford Cross cattle. The Oests never hesitate to assist their neighbors and fellow industry men, even if it means helping them during difficult calving situations in the rain and cold. These folks have done the same for us. To all of us it’s just part of an unwritten code within the industry to help one another out. As a Director of the Placer County Farm Bureau, I’m here to serve our members to the best of my ability. The ins and outs of daily ranching and land preservation it takes in today’s day and age has been a learning experience for me. I attended college to acquire basic knowledge of animal husbandry and business that I’d need to one day run our operation, but nothing has taught me more than experience and the school of hard knocks, so to speak, when it comes to preserving our land and operation in an ever changing and sometimes anti-agriculture climate. I can use these experiences and many others I’ve lived through working and learning alongside two generations of great men and ranchers to better serve our Farm Bureau and its members. I want to do something for our members, of which a good portion have been like family to me longer than I can remember, and for an industry that’s in my blood and has done so much for myself and my family. By being involved in decisions regarding agriculture and its future in Placer County, I think that our current Board of Directors can accomplish very much for agriculture and its people in general. History has always been important to me because it teaches us so much about ourselves and the lessons of the past. One thing history has taught us is division gets us nowhere or moves us in the wrong direction. One of the things I’d like to accomplish by listening to others is how to solve the division of many producers and their view of one another. Whether they are a larger commercial guy selling to a large broker abroad or a guy or gal selling at a local farmers market or store front, neither of us is better when we are doing the same job. We already have the most important things in common: love of the land and the effort and sacrifice it takes to reach our ultimate goal, feeding people.

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Ag days 2018

Spring 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

In memory

Alex Ferreira (1926 - 2017)

The Ferreira family is celebrating Alex’s life on August 20, 2017 at the Lincoln Gladding McBean Park Pavilion, starting at 2:00pm. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Placer Land Trust and or the Sutter Care at Horne Hospice, and Wildlife Heritage Foundation. Published in The Sacramento Bee on Aug. 6, 2017

Born on January 7, 1926, she passed away on January 24, 2018 at Sunrise of Rocklin where she lived for the past seven years. Survived by daugl·rter Leslie Templin of Sacramento, dear friend and caretaker Jason Rashid, grandchildren Sarah and Kevin Clem of Carmichael, Rebecca Templin and Carlos Calderon of Folsom, Yanal EI-Bdour of Sacramento, and great-grandchildren Amy & William Clem. Preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Clifton Johnson, daughter Shelley Torvestad, and parents Judith Smith Morrison and Augustus Jackson Morrison. Barbara was born in Oakland, CA and grew up in a house in East Sacramento’s “Fabulous Forties”. She graduated from Sacramento High School, and Sacramento Junior College. In 1946, she married Cl if Johnson at the First Baptist Church of Sacramento where they met, and moved from a life in the city to a life in the country where she was a sheep rancher alongside her husband on the Johnson Ranch. Barbara was a long-time member and supporter of the First Presbyterian Church of Roseville, was one of the first members of Polaris Mariners, and was active in the Presbyterian Women’s Association. She also served as the first female president of the Placer County Farm Bureau & was ~ great supporter of the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom.

A Memorial/Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018 at the Mount Pleasant Grange Hall in Lincoln, more details will be published closer to the date. Published in Auburn Journal on Feb. 4, 2018

Allen Bradford Stonesifer (1920 - 2018) Born in Berkeley Ca. 1920 to Gwendolyn Suttle Stonesifer and Clarence Stonesifer, both 3rd generation Californians. He met his future wife, Marian Wagner while both at San Juan High School. Attended U.C.

Patrick Lee Coughran Lifelong Placer County resident, Pat Coughran passed away on January 20, 2018 while undergoing treatment for the flu. He was raised in Loomis, Calif. and graduated from Placer High School, class of 1959, where he was “famous·· for his candy apple red ‘55 Chevy. The family had small acreage on Horseshoe Bar Road and he grew up participating in 4H and FFA. Like most kids at the time, he worked at the local fruit sheds. He attended California College of Chiropractic in Los Angeles, Calif., returning to Placer County and opening a practice in Roseville, Calif., in the mid ‘60s. He retired in 1999 and the last few years of his practice, he was an appointed Medical Legal Examiner for State Compensation Appeals Board. He moved to Ophir, Calif., in 1976 when he purchased property and began raising cattle on an old ranch that rad been homesteaded in 1906. Pat married in 1977 and together he and his wife, Sharon refurbished the old ranch and the house.

Barbara Morrison Johnson (1926 - 2018)

staff at Sierra Ridge Memory Care in Auburn and at Bristol Hospice, who all took such wonderful care of Jerry .

Friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, February 24th at 11:OOam at Centerpoint Community Church, 515 Sunrise Ave, Roseville. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, 2300 River Plaza Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833- or visit LearnAboutAg.org/giving to donate in her name.

Alex Ferreira, lifelong Placer County resident, dairyman, rancher and elected official passed away peacefully at the age of91 , at his home in Lincoln on July 18, 2017. Following his wishes, family members laid Alex to rest at the Newcastle Cemetery on July 21, 2017. After graduating from Lincoln High, Alex served in United States Army in WWII in the pacific. Alex’s deep rural roots can be traced back to his birth on AprilS, 1926 at horne in Ophir; to his nearby family ranch on Wise Road. His remarkable 60 year legacy of community service included positions with the Nevada County Water District, the Placer County Water Agency, Wildlife Heritage Foundation and 24 years as a Placer County Supervisor.

Farm News 17

Davis then he went to work for Southern Pacific R.R. where he served our nation for the war effort and domestic services. His younger brother Bill was a MIA sold ier in early 1940’s. Allen continued with S.P. until early retirement as one of 3 t~ r minal superintendents of the largest terminal west of the Rockies. He then lived his dream becoming a cattle rancher on his beloved property in Lincoln, Ca. Allen was a member of Roseville chapter Free Masons, Toastmasters International, and active board member of Calif. Farm Bureau where he championed for conservation of our precious natural resources in his beloved home state. He is survived by wife Marian of 77 years, son James Pierce (Linda), David Stonesifer (partner Larry), sisters Virginia Steele (Dave), Jeanne Swinehart (Bruce), brother-in-law Glenn Ward, and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Preceded in death by son John Stonesifer, sister Joanne Ward and brother Richard Stonesifer. Services to he held Mar 22 11 :OOam. The Lutheran Church Of The Resurrection, 6365 Douglas Blvd. Granite Bay, Ca. Reception following. Published in Sacramento Bee March 8 to 10, 2018

Active as an Ophir 4H beef leader for several years, he was also president of the Junior Livestock Auction Committee for the Gold Country Fair for many years. After stepping aside as President, he continued working with the committee until the time of his death. In his younger years, he loved hunting with his brother, both locally and out of state. After retirement, he spent time fishing with his buddy for bass and salmon. He is survived by Sharon, his wife of 40 years and children Steve Carey, wife Jeanie, Diane Taber and Ashley Countryman, husband Darren, four grandchildren and brother George Coughran of Redding, Calif., as well as many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Feed the Hungry, an organization that supports feeding the needy people of the Auburn area as well as the Junior Livestock Auction by purchasing fair animals to supply meat for the Salvation Army food closet. He will be so missed by family and friends. Published in Auburn Journal on Jan. 28, 2018

Find more about the Placer County Farm Bureau at

www.placercfb.com

Jerry Van Rein 3/7/1942-1/14/2018 With great sadness, Jerry’s family shares the news of his passing. Jerry was a longtime instructor and head of the Agriculture Department at Sierra College, always teaching and encouraging many area students to become involved in agriculture. A champion in promoting the cattle and agriculture industries, Jerry was a dedicated and longtime board member and Secretary of the Tahoe Cattlemen’s Association. He was very involved in many of TCA’s events throughout the last 30+ years. Jerry was instrumental in the former Cattlemen’s Day events at the Lincoln Rodeo Grounds and a regular at the TCA Classic Steer & Heifer Show. His encouragement and enthusiasm touched many people throughout his life. Jerry is survived by his wife Susan (Harada) Van Rein, son Jay (wife Lorena and son Mateo) Van Rein, daughter Jody Van Rein, sisters Sue (Ben) Doane, Sandi (Dennis) Roberts and Sally Plunkett, and their families, as well as many nieces, nephews students and friends. Special thanks to the kind and loving

Anthony P. “Tony” Aguilar (1956- 2017) On Tuesday, May 2 at 3:44P.M. the world became a little poorer place when Tony Aguilar left it. Tony was born in Auburn on January 18 at the Highland Hospital in 1956. When his parents took him home it _ was to Highland Orchard in Penryn. So, he was known as the Highland Guy. As a child Tony loved where he lived and would spend his days happily tra iling his dad, Tony Senior, through the orchard and around the ranch. He would wear his dad’s work hats as they worked in the orchard because he always wanted to be like his dad. He began to be formed as a little branch from a great tree. He graduated from Saint Rose Grammar School in Roseville and was a graduate of Del Oro High School in Loomis. After high school Tony went to work for Yamasaki Landscaping where he worked for three years. It was there that he developed quality landscaping skills which gave him the confidence to open his own company so Aguilar Landscaping was formed. He was known for his quality work and dependable services. In 1993 Tony was married and in 1994 his daughter Alicia was born and joined her older sister Amanda. At this time Joanne Neft had arrived in Placer County and the agricultural community began to be revived. The Mandarin became the future of the Ag Community. So because of his love for Highland Orchard and his entrepreneurial spirit Tony began to plant a mandarin orchard at Highland . The orchard was planted in stages and grew and flourished. Tony began to realize a need for a greater development at the ranch and the vision for the present day packing shed began the shed was built, the customer base was formed. Today Highland Orchard grows and sells award winning mandarins throughout the area. In 2010 Anthony and Mary Cummins were married and Tony became a loving grandfather to Beau and Dallas. Tony will be remembered for many things. Among them his love for his family, especially his daughters Alicia and Amanda, his positive approach to life and his ready smile, his excellent work ethic and his dependability. As Tony leaves this earth his wife Mary, his daughters Alicia and Amanda and his mother Noreen Aguilar grieve terribly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 13th at St. Teresa’s of Avila in Auburn at 11:00 A.M. Donations may be made to the Highland Orchard Scholarship Fund at Del Oro High School or to the Auburn Salvation Army. Funeral Home Chapel of the Hills 1331 Lincoln Way Auburn, CA 95603 (530) 885-3773 Published in The Sacramento Bee from May 10 to May 12, 2017

Farm News Placer County Farm Bureau

| Spring 2018

Grazing with Gary

What goes where Centerpieces and candles

Glassware

Flowers or bowls of fruit work well as a centerpiece. Make sure the centerpiece doesn’t stand so tall that guests can’t see over it.

Usually one wine glass is used along with a water goblet. If the table setting is uncrowded, there is room to arrange glassware in any way you like, such as in a straight line parallel with the edge of the table or a diagonal line angled toward the table’s edge.

Candles, if meant to be merely ornamental, are placed on either side of the centerpiece. Or, place one candle above each place setting if they will be used as the only source of light. At an informal meal, all flatware is laid on the table at one time. At the host’s option the dessert utensils may be brought to the table on the dessert plate.

Addressing the lost art of table setting By Gary Gilligan

elcome to Grazing with Gary. You might know me from my recipes in the Auburn Journal, or from my old restaurant, or my family or from the Mandarin Festival. Well I received my AA from Diablo Valley College in Hotel and Restaurant Manager and the received my BS from Cal Poly Pomona in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Management. I am the Executive Director of Placer County’s largest Ag Festival, the Mountain Mandarin Festival, which can host up to 30,000 guest the weekend before Thanksgiving. Well, today we are going to address Dining Etiquette. Who still sits down at the kitchen table for meals? Who still uses a Dining room for formal diners? Well, I think we need to address the lost art of setting a table. This is not about the paper plate and plastic utensils. This is a little 101 to remind us what a table should look like and teach the young kids that we use to use Silver that got polished before being used, China that was handed down from generation to generation and had to be hand washed. And lets not forget the Crystal glasses with the gold rim that if you put in the dishwasher the gold was gone when you took them out.

General Table Setting Guidelines The lower edges of the utensils should be aligned with the bottom rim of the plate, about one (1) inch up from the edge of the table. To avoid hiding a utensil under the rim of a plate or bowl, lay it approximately one (1) inch away from the plate’s side. To eliminate fingerprints on the handle, hold flatware by the “waist,” the area between the handle and the eating end of the utensil. Elbow room requires a minimum of 15 inches between place settings, or approximately 24 inches from the center of one place setting to the middle of the next. Butter should be waiting on butter plates, the glasses filled with water, and the wine ready to be served before the guests are seated. The water glass should be placed approximately one (1) inch from the tip of the dinner knife. Place knives with blades facing the plate.

The following is a standard table setting for a threecourse meal. Note the basic “outside-in” rule. The piece of flatware that will be used last is placed directly next to the plate you are using.

Forks Both forks are placed on the left of the plate. The fork furthest from the plate is for salad. The fork next to the plate is for the dinner. (Please Note: At more formal meals where the salad is served after the main course, the order of placement is reversed.) Fork tines may be placed downward, in the continental style, or upward, in the American style.

Dinner Plate

Do not place over three pieces of flatware on either side of the plate at one time (except forks if an oyster fork is used). When an uneven number of people are seated, the odd-numbered place settings are laid opposite the middle of the even-numbered place settings.

The Plan Try to plan the table setting to match your menu. When bread and butter are served, add a butter plate to the table. Use separate salad plates if serving your main course with gravy.

The dinner plate is placed on the table when the main course is served and is not on the table when the guests sit down. Large plates, such as the dinner plate and luncheon plate, are laid about one (1) inch in from the edge of the table.

Salad Plate The salad plate is placed to the left of the forks.

Depending upon the occasion, you may want to use a “formal” table setting or an “informal” table setting. Most of us will infrequently use a formal setting.

Small plates, such as the salad plate, fish plate, and dessert plate, are laid about two (2) inches in from the edge of the table.

Tablecloths and place mats (table linens)

Dinner Knife

Although a formal dinner requires a tablecloth, at informal dinners a tablecloth is optional. A bare table with place mats is the alternative.

The dinner knife is placed on the right side, and directly next to and one (1) inch away from, the plate. The blade should face the plate. If the main course requires a steak knife, it may be substituted for the dinner knife.

Dinnerware, flatware, glassware If you don’t have enough good china and flatware to create place settings for your guests, you have three alternatives. 1. The first is to visit your local party supply store. Most have an extensive collection of formal tableware for rent. 2. The create a second setting at a smaller tawith your everyday dinnerware, or use borrowed dishes and place settings.

second is to table ble

3. The third choice, for casual dinners, is to mix and match.

Spoons The soup spoon is on the far right of the outside knife. Bread Plate with Butter Knife A small bread plate is placed above the forks, above and to the left of the service plate. The butter spreader is laid on the bread-and-butter plate.

Water Goblets The water glass is placed in a position closest to the hand, approximately 1 inch above the tip of the dinner knife.

Wine Glasses At least one wine glass should sit to the right and possibly above the water glass.

Napkins Place the napkin in the place setting’s center, or left of the last fork.

Coffee Cups Place a cup and saucer to the right of the place setting. The coffee spoon goes to the right of the saucer. Place approximately one (1) inch beyond the outermost piece of flatware. The top edge of the saucer is aligned with the top rim of the plate or bowl. Cup handles are faced in the four o’clock position for easy access.

Dessert Spoon and Fork At an informal meal, when two utensils are provided for dessert, the utensils are laid on the table or presented on the dessert plate. The dessert spoon (or dessert knife) is laid on the table above the dinner plate in a horizontal position, handle facing right. The dessert fork is laid beneath the dessert spoon (or dessert knife), handle facing left. The dessert utensils may also be presented on the dessert plate in the same way as formal service.

Salt and Pepper Since more people use salt than pepper (and most people are right-handed), the salt shaker is placed to the right of the pepper shaker, in a position closer to the right hand. The placement of the pepper shaker is to the left of the salt shaker, and for added definition it is angled slightly above the salt shaker. They are placed above the cover or between two place settings. Because salt is finer than pepper, the lid of the salt shaker is punctured with smaller, more numerous holes than a pepper shaker.

Spring 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

Farm News 19

Grazing with Gary Individual Beef Wellingtons Mushroom Pate: 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 tablespoons, divided ¼ cup minced shallots 1 pound cremini mushrooms (baby bella), coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage, plus more for garnish ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground pepper 3 tablespoons dry sherry ½ cup walnuts, toasted 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring, until starting to lightly brown, about 30 seconds. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until their liquid is almost evaporated, 4 to 5 minutes. Add sage, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more. Add sherry, scraping up any browned bits, and cook until the liquid evaporates, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a food processor. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, walnuts and Parmesan and pulse until very finely chopped, about 30 seconds. Wellingtons: 8 beef fillet mignons

2 large zucchini (1 pound total), diced large

Ground black pepper

1 bay leaf

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 tablespoon fresh marjoram or oregano leaves

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

1 cup white wine

1 egg

2 Tbs Tomato paste

1 package Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets (2 sheets)

2 to 3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

½ c. crumbled gorgonzola cheese

Directions

Thaw the pastry sheets at room temperature for 40 minutes or until they’re easy to handle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Season the beef with the black pepper. Heat the oil in a 12inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 10 minutes, turning the beef over once during cooking. Remove the beef to a plate. Cover the plate and refrigerate for 1 hour or until the beef is cold. Unfold the pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheets into 2 (14-inch) squares. Trim the edges to form 2 (13-inch) squares. Cut each square into 4 squares, making 8 squares in all. Place 1 tablespoon Gorgonzola in the center of each pastry square. Divide the mushroom mixture among the pastry squares. Top each with 1 fillet mignon. Fold 2 opposite pastry corners over the beef, overlapping slightly, and press to seal. Brush with the egg. Repeat with the remaining pastry corners. Place the Wellingtons seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate the Welling-

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil and bake until soften, 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

tons and the remaining egg for 1 hour. Heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Brush the Wellingtons with the remaining egg. Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the temperature of the beef is 117 degrees F. Serve immediately.

Eggplant Ratatouille Ingredients 4 cups diced tomatoes

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 large eggplant (1 pound), cut into 1-inch pieces Coarse salt and ground pepper 2 large yellow onions (1 pound total), diced large 1 head garlic, cloves smashed and peeled 2 bell peppers (any color), seeded and diced large

2. Meanwhile, in a colander, toss eggplant with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Let sit 20 minutes, then squeeze out excess liquid. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 4 tablespoons oil over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until onions and garlic are soft, 5 minutes. Add peppers and cook, stirring, until crisp-tender, 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Add tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, wine, tomato paste, bay leaf, and marjoram to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover, and cook at a gentle simmer until vegetables are tender but not mushy, 15 minutes. Season to taste with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving.

530.823.0275

Farm News Placer County Farm Bureau

| Spring 2018

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