Farm bureau farm news fall 2018

Placer County Farm Bureau

FALL 2018

FARM NEWS HARVEST ISSUE

Supporting agriculture for over one century

THIS ISSUE IS SPONSORED BY:

Meet Placer County’s future farmers

Q&A: Farm Bureau on location

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PAGE 10

Pioneers in mandarin farming Aguilar family has been growing the trees since 1950s

WE MOVED!

Agriculture Commissioner JOSHUA HUNTSINGER AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER

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cross Placer County, dark-green mandarin trees are dotted with vibrant orange citrus fruit during the Winter season. The region started planting them in the late 1950’s, after a disease devastated the thousands of pear trees that previously occupied the orchards. At the time, mandarins were a relatively unknown crop to the locals. Taking a gamble on growing this crop was risky at first and it took a few years of giving out free samples before these petite, easy-to-peel, sweet treats became a holiday staple in local homes.

The Frank Aguilar family in Penryn was one such family to try. On their property were already several mandarin trees planted in the 1880’s by the Welsh. They weren’t alone though. Other local families- the Pilz, Struble, Poirier, Madison’s were also pioneers at growing these mandarins.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR

Many others have followed until currently, there are over 80 families growing mandarins in Placer County. Placer County mandarins taste

better because of our combination of location, climate, soil and water that creates unique flavor and characterSEE AGUILAR PAGE 14

VISIT OUR NEW OFFICE Placer County Farm Bureau, 11601 Blocker Drive, Ste. 215, Auburn

Summer is in full swing, and the Placer County Agriculture Department is in the midst of its busy season! My staff is mostly out in the field this time of year conducting inspections and working with our farmers and ranchers to ensure that everyone can get their crops to market while continuing to meet all of the many regulatory requirements that we must live with.

I am constantly in awe of the amazing system California has in place to protect our agricultural industry and environment from invasive species, from U.S. Customs and Border Protection at our international ports and airports all the way down to the county’s local insect detection traps. Locally, the Placer County Agriculture Department’s pest prevention efforts are conducted through our pest detection, high-risk pest exclusion, nursery cleanliness, and pest eradication programs. Everything we do is in close consultation with our partners at the California Department of Food and Agriculture and USDA’s Animal Health and Safety Inspection Service to ensure that we are conducting our activities in a uniform and scientifically-based manner.

One of the county’s most visible pest prevention activities is our pest detection program. Seasonal staff place and monitor SEE AG COMMISSIONER PAGE 19

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Farm Bureau Executive Director’s message. . . . . . . . . . 3 Bee viruses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Farm Bureau membership application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Supervisors’ Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Rallying on steps of Capitol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Not giving up the fight for ag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Growing divide among Americans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Tips to improve and protect soil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Make voices heard, end California’s water grab. . . . . . . 6 Placer County father-daughter winery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Planning for irrigated water deliveries for 50 years. . . . 9 Q&A with Echo Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Generations of farmers adapt to changing ag. . . . . . . 11 Young Farmers and Ranchers donate to youth. . . . . . . 11 Future Farmers shine in Placer County. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Homeless issue tackled by 4-Hers at conference. . . . . 13 Carrying on two time honored traditions . . . . . . . . . . . 14 What’s been happening at Gold Country Fairgrounds. . 15 PlacerGrown Get In the Know about them . . . . . . . . . . 16 Do you have ranch insurance?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 This year’s Placer Conservator recipients. . . . . . . . . . . 17 How to manage a small farm through USDA . . . . . . . . 17 Grazing with Gary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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FARM NEWS Placer County Farm Bureau

| FALL 2018

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FALL 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 II On one side of this bridge we have a generation of land loving, strong, stoic, talented farmers and ranchers who are unwilling to consider the possibility of growth. Nobody enjoys change and they are painful. How many times in history have changes been pleasant?

On the other side of this vast agricultural bridge; I have encountered young individuals, who don’t want to listen to anything they are hearing handed down to them and more importantly they are not opening their eyes to the importance of the wisdom they are being given.

This is a gift. The information you sponge up will never be again. It should be passed on. We can write all day about the current status of WHAT we have but how about telling people what to do when HUMANS need instruction? It is the W.H.Y in the solution. We Have Youth. It is exciting to me that our most powerful vessel is within our reach to influence and mentor.

What happens when you decide to stop reporting on what is currently happening and look through the eyes of someone who is 15 or 25 years of age. Will they have oranges or fresh beef in their market? Will they have safe food to eat? Will they know how to get that food or where it came from? If greater emphasis is placed on agricultural education and trades, possibly more young people will be allowed to make the important decision of whether or not to come home and work the farm. Knowing that your community of knowledgeable farmers and stewards of the land will embrace you warmly when you come home to the farming/ranching troops. Why not take some serious pride in being a farmer. The farmers and ranchers I know, young and old are the most sensitive and intelligent people on the planet.

If you are interested in continuing to keep food on a plate in your own home and for your future generations then please pay attention to what I’m going to say you. All organizations must work together now to make agriculture work. If we do not agree that is fine and dandy.

Listen to the other side, maybe you find something out you never knew. Even if we disagree on how to get to the result… knowing where you stand in the line-up is important. We can make a decision which betters all of agriculture no matter what.

My challenge to you is to reach out to one individual who needs you assistance and knowledge in farming or your specialty. If you are a love of good, healthy food then I encourage you to join the Placer County Farm Bureau www.

PlacerCFB.com and meet the finest farmers and ranchers in California. Bridge the gap young to old. Youth and knowledge. We all need to eat.

MEET THE STAFF

Leann D. Admin Support Welcome Leann! She is the administrative support to Placer County Farm Bureau. She has background in administrative work along with warm customer service skills, and loves agriculture at all levels.

Leann is looking forward to growing our membership base for Placer County Farm Bureau. Along with helping to bring the younger farmers into the Farm Bureau by using her contacts to help with fundraising events throughout the county.

This delightful woman lives in Placer County with her husband and children. Enrolled in 4-H as a project leader, and county council treasurer she also enjoys gardening, kayaking or the occasional water balloon fight in the driveway.

The board and I warmly welcome Leann to the Bureau team!

FARM NEWS 3

Placer County Farm Bureau: YOUR AGRICULTURAL ADVOCATE ■ Placer County Fair Auctioneer Sponsor 2017-2018 ■ Placer County Fair with Hydration Station and joint membership drive ■ Promotion of Young Farmers & Ranchers T-Shirts and social media ■ Placer County Fair Junior Livestock Auction purchase of livestock.

■ Placer County Fair 4-H Donation animal contribution ■ Placer County promo and spotlight in 2018 Nov/Dec CFBF California Bountiful magazine.

■ Gold Country Fairgrounds 2018 Agventure to promote youth in agriculture with ■ Gold Country Fair JLA Auctioneer Sponsor ■ Gold Country Fair Membership drive and Hydration Station at GCF.

■ Gold Country Fair Awards Sponsorship ■ Relocation of the Placer County Farm Bureau office to 11601 Blocker Drive Ste. 215, Auburn CA, 95603.

■ Scholarships to 7 well deserving Ag youth. We gave many more scholarships in 2018 than in previous years.

■ Fall Harvest Edition 2018 Farm News September 17th release date.

■ 2018 Annual Fall Harvest Hoedown October 20th www. PCFBHOEDOWN.COM ■ Supported additional Farm Bureau events to bring valuable info back to members.

■ Placer County Executive Director & staff attended the Water Rally at the State Capital.

Viruses and Bees PART I

BY JOHN R. MILLER OF MILLER HONEY

First of all, congratulations on the Inaugural Issue of the Placer County Farm Bureau News released this past spring.

It is an honor to contribute to a newspaper supporting agriculture for over a century.

In the Spring issue, we read about the importance of forage for beneficial pollinators. We are now well into summer. This time of year, beekeepers focus on hive health issues, as we prepare for the rigors of the upcoming pollination season.

Pollination work starts early in

Bees with varroa mite infestation.

California with the mid-February almond bloom. The almond pollinating season is the biggest paid-pollination event on earth; and it happens in the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys.

The California almond crop dominates

global almond production; and the 2018 crop is a record crop; almost 2.5 billion pounds of almonds for a hungry planet.

Honeybees are essential to the almond SEE BEE VIRUS PAGE 16

MembershipAPPLICATION ➡ 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)

➡

We encourage you to join online at: www.placercfb.com Name:___________________________________

Company Name:____________________________ Mailing Address: ___________________________ _______________________________________ Phone:___________________________________ Email:___________________________________ ❏ Visa ❏ Master Card ❏ American Express _______________________________________ Expiration date ___________ Check #___________

FARM NEWS Placer County Farm Bureau

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| FALL 2018

Rallying on the steps of State Capitol

SUPERVISOR’S CORNER

BY SHANNON DOUGLASS CFBF FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

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rowing up in rural Lincoln on a dairy farm, I was blessed with the opportunity to really experience ROBERT WEYGANDT firsthand all that our area has to offer.

From the invaluable experience as a DISTRICT 2 young boy of fishing in Doty Ravine, SUPERVISOR to the unique adventures of driving our family’s tractor to Lincoln High School for my classmates to use in the homecoming parade, my childhood was filled with rich memories here.

Over the years, I’ve seen Placer County grow immensely, keeping its unique and rare charm while budding into an up-and-coming destination for both the young and old. There is a rich, deep history that is rooted beneath the surface of our area. It’s something that you will discover connects nearly everyone who lives here. Some of our families have been here for more than 150 years, continuing on the tradition of farming and cultivating the land in a time when it is more vital than ever. Others are new to our community, and just starting their journeys of enjoying all that it has to offer. Whether you are a new resident or your family has been here for generations, you can still soak in the rich and beautiful landscape of Placer County.

We can spend our time fondly looking back at the deep sense of community and intimacy Placer County has maintained for generations, but we must be sure to look forward with vision at where our incredible area can still go. As growth SEE SUPERVISORS CORNER PAGE 6

Not giving up the fight for ag

BY KEN MITCHELL CFBF DISTRICT 12

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ello, I’m Ken Mitchell. I’m your district director to the State Farm Bureau board.

What that means is I represent four counties, El Dorado, Amador, Placer and Sacramento. All of our counties are part of the CA Farm Bureau and together we work hard on issues that affect the livelihood of our farmers and ranchers.

Those issues range from labor, environment and taxation just to name a few. I’ve been involved in Farm Bureau over 25 years, starting as a young farmer and rancher. I thought back then farm bureau just represented the big landowner/the big farmer. I found just the opposite, farm bureau fights to protect your private property rights, whether your big or small. FB has embarked on that challenge for 100 yrs and as we look forward to another 100 more, though many of the issues are the same , many are different and multi faceted.

Many changes have occurred over that time, loosing cal farm insurance, state fund leaving the partnership, new nationwide model and the loss of heath net program has put membership even more important. Those entities deferred the actually cost of what a FB membership really is to our members. I know I pay those dues too, many of my friends in trade organizations pay much more. The value of our membership is in the issues that most of us don’t see as our talented CFBF staff are fighting them early in the process.

I’ve been in discussions with members angry over not winning an issue like the overtime bill, negotiating something else instead of standing our ground or endorsing a candidate such as Diane Feinstein.

First off if you think we can win, your nuts as last I check it’s a purple state, willing to fight to the death and get nothing over an issue as well as fighting with a state senator for decades and get nothing. Much of farming as we know it, is just getting by to fight another day, whether it’s the weather, markets, water and regulations just to name a few.

FB fights to play another day as we know many of our operations are multi generational,

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ast week I was one of over 1,500 farmers rallying on the steps of California’s capital building, advocating for our farmers and our basic need for water. Being surrounded by passionate agriculturalists was exciting, despite the frustrating reason for which we needed to engage. Bus after bus arrived full of farmers from north and south who dropped their other responsibilities during a busy harvest to come and rally. Many of those who attended came are not at immediate risk under the proposed change, but they came to fight for their fellow farmers knowing that we are all in this together.

Knowing that what happens south will likely come north next. The energy of a crowd of farmers wanting to work together for change was exciting. If you haven’t taken a look at some photos or video of the event please check them out.

I’m very honored to serve the members of California Farm Bureau. Over the last year I have been fortunate to travel across our state visiting our members and Farm Bureaus. Quite literally I’ve traveled from Del Norte to Imperial county. From organic egg farms in the north to strawberry farms in the south and so much in between representing the tremendous diversity of California farmers. Many of our members have unique challenges, yet the threads of commonality are the same. At the end of the day we are all working to keep agriculture alive and thriving for the next generation.

That next generation is at the root of all that we do. My son is still in elementary school but already wants to be a farmer too. He loves all things farming but has a special place in his heart for dairy cattle. As his mom, what I want more than anything is for him to realize that opportunity. And I want every future farmer in California to get that chance to chase their farm dreams. Giving them that chance is why we need your help today, because the regulatory environment in California makes their future look uncertain.

Not everyone can make the trip to Sacramento for a rally, but we all can do something. That includes the simplest task – being a member. But it can include sending a quick Farm Team email, which you can do in under 2 minutes. If email isn’t your thing, you can pick up the phone and call your elected officials or print off a letter and send it off in the mail. And for those of you who are close enough, show up at their offices or at a town hall and talk to our elected officials about the challenges you face on your farm.

We have a great opportunity to show up in person as a group during Leaders Conference in Sacramento every spring. If you haven’t attended before, consider this your personal invitation to join us. We have amazing staff who will assist and experienced members to walk the halls with you. We just need you to come join us.

Engaging in politics may not be your thing, and that’s ok too we still need you.

Can you help with a membership committee? We could use your help in asking your friends and neighbors to join Farm Bureau. That one new person you bring to join our team matters.

We need your help in sharing the everyday stories of agriculture. That may be on social media or maybe in person. Don’t be afraid to talk about being a farmer or working with farmers. With farmers making up less than 2% of the population, farmers need as many friends as we can get. Those educational days and that booth at the fair, they help too!

We need to make our voices heard, and Farm Bureau needs YOU in order to be successful. I challenge you to respond to that next Farm Team Action Alert, ask that neighbor to join Farm Bureau, and to join us for Leaders Conference. Lets make our voices heard together. Farm Bureau needs you, our next generation of California agriculture depends on it.

Placer County Farm Bureau

FARM NEWS FALL HARVEST 2018

Supporting agriculture for over one century CONTACT US

Placer County Farm Bureau, 11601 Blocker Drive Ste 215, Auburn CA 95603 Executive Director 916-663-2929 Membership line 530-745-4005 www.PlacerCFB.com director@placercfb.com Executive Director: Lara Lopez

SEE KEN MITCHELL PAGE 14

Farm News is published by The Placer County Farm Bureau quarterly at 11601 Blocker Drive Ste 215, Auburn CA 95603. Postage paid at Auburn, CA 95604.

Designed and printed by Gold Country Media.

(USPS 036-860)

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

OCTOBER 20

PCFBHOEDOWN.COM OR 916-663-2929

FALL 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

FARM NEWS 5

A growing divide among Americans — politically and personally

BY LOREN OEST Hello fellow Farm Bureau members.

I choose to serve and in light of recent events do to wildfires that have cost people their homes and lives and just as important our fellow farmers or ranchers who have lost vast amounts of winter feed or crops all over our state.

I have chosen to not pen a full article this time because with irrigation this summer at Oest Ranch and a longer than normal shipping season and as we are now going into weaning and vaccinating fall calves before sale time. So other obligations has kept me from dedicating the time it deserves.

I have came across this from a friend and fellow westerner and he gave his blessing to use it but prefers to remain anonymous.

“I think this speaks to the heart and root of all we face that ultimately effects us all in these times.

While the Farm to Fork Farmers Market, local grown movement is a great thing and will always have a niche in this world and is part of the future it is not something that can and will sustain us all and those that believe that are most selfish in that thought. Commercial farming and ranching will always be a bigger part of the equation especially as the population grows ultimately covering up the land once used for growing food.

Here is my friend and fellow westerners piece that I cannot commend enough for the thought and time put into this.

(I didn’t write this, but please share it) “For some time now, I believe most Americans have observed a growing divide in this country, both political and personal.

It doesn’t take a military genius to understand how effective the tactic of divide and conquer is. The divide that I think is less obvious to most observers is the one in agriculture. Nothing I’m about to say is intended to offend or attack either side, but is merely my observations.

“There’s a growing divide between the American public and those in the AG industry that provide our food. The public’s lack of a basic understanding of what it takes to raise and provide their food and the resources that sustain their daily lives is a very real problem and adds to the level of challenges and frustration many of these producers face on a daily basis. Because not only are many of the producers urban counterparts uninformed, in many cases it is worse, they are misinformed.

This ought to be a symbiotic relationship, but the “conservation” movement has been allowed to be hijacked by well-intentioned do gooders (environmentalists and animal rights activists) who are detached from the land (and reality, for many) as well as the consequences of their experiments. No where is this more observable than here in the West.

“The policies that have been instituted because of their well-intended but misguided ideas have led to a sharp decrease in sustainable harvesting of renewable resources and has replaced it with a disastrous sharp increase in catastrophic

fires. You cannot increase both fine and course fuels and not expect a sharp rise in catastrophic wildfires. To those who think this is a man made climate change issue, I ask you, how can a catastrophic wildfire happen where the fuel load for such an event does not exist? The financial cost to these rural communities and the families that live in them is difficult to truly quantify. The cost to the taxpayers on the other hand, is much easier to quantify. In 2017 it cost “We the People” over 2 billion dollars to suppress wildfires, (yes, you read that right) and that does not include all of the opportunity costs and loss of resources associated with these fires. The fact is the AG producers need the consumers just as much as the opposite is equally true.

What are the consequences of biting the hand that feeds you? (in this case quite literally) This is a growing divide that I believe needs to be and can be addressed for the benefit of all. If it is not, what do you think is going to happen?

“For me it is also equally disturbing to see the growing divide between those in AG industry who know what their Rights are and are deeply offended by and are actively trying to prevent bureaucracies, environmental and the Johnny Q public from treading all over them and those who passively comply. Without property Rights what do we have? How long can a society last that lacks a basic understanding of justice and the importance of preserving property rights? If the producers Rights can be violated, then what will prevent that from happening to you and I?

“I think most of us realize the first step is to acknowledge there is a problem. The second is to figure out what is causing it, and the third is the formulation of a plan that will address the underlying cause. I think the primary problem is caused by a lack of understanding by the average urban dweller who is removed by 2-3 generations on average from anything resembling AG. “I truly believe that anyone who is into the preservation of wide open spaces, is into logging and ranching, they just don’t know it yet.....

“If they are pro wildlife, they are into logging and ranching, they just don’t know it yet.....

“If they are into renewable resources, they are into logging and ranching, they just don’t know it yet.....

“If they are into hunting and recreation, they are into logging and ranching, they just don’t know it yet......

“If they are into natural, locally sourced food, they are into logging and ranching, they just don’t know it yet. I think you get the idea.

“The simple fact is that farmers and ranchers live the most natural agrarian lifestyle that one can in a modern society... and most of their city dwelling opposition live in an environment that has been modified for the exclusive benefit of humans.

How long do you think those cities would last without mining, logging, farming and ranching? The AG industry is roughly 2% of the nation’s population and the average age of those producers is a little over 60.

How long do you think that can that last?”

Tips to improve and protect soil when the rain comes this fall

BY ELISA NOBLE

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he onset of Fall brings cooler weather and, hopefully, rain! The fall and winter months are a great time to work on property improvements that can help conserve natural resources.

Placer Resource Conservation District (RCD) is available to provide free advice on managing your property. We can provide information on irrigation, erosion control, forestry and fuels reduction, 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.

As the rain starts falling, we encourage you to make sure culverts and crossings are free of debris so they don’t get clogged. We want to facilitate as much water as possible soaking into the ground – to recharge groundwater, help plants grow, and increase the moisture content

Elisa Noble, of Placer Resource Conservation District, can help with property management questions.

of the soil. So, please minimize the areas you pave – instead, use gravel, mulch, or vegetative cover. You want to be sure to cover bare ground, so that soil doesn’t erode off when it rains, or when people and livestock walk over it. There are a number of native grasses and types of vegetation that can be easily grown to cover bare soil. Depending on what types you choose, the vegetation can also provide wildlife and pollinator food and habitat, or feed for livestock. Planting seed just before the first fall rain is an easy way to grow vegetative cover.

You also want to ensure that livestock manure is not running off of your property – this is when it can become pollution.

Proper manure management is an important part of raising livestock or horses. Not only can you reduce the threat of polluting creeks and soil, you can use processed manure as a way to add nutrients to your garden or pasture.

When it comes to forestry and fire prevention, the cooler fall and winter months

is when you want to trim and cut trees.

By doing these tasks in cool weather the fresh cut trees aren’t as susceptible to pests and diseases as they would be in warmer weather.

Take the time to cut trees and branches that are close to your house or could fall and be a hazard near roads or utility lines.

Ensure you have 100-feet of defensible space around your house. Branches that are large enough can be cut up and used for firewood. Smaller branches and brush can be run through a chipper to create mulch.

The Placer County Chipper Program is available to chip your materials for $40/ hour. Leaves, pine needles, and any invasive plants such as blackberries should be properly burned, according to the Placer Air District guidelines.

Please contact Placer RCD with any property management questions at elisa@ placercountyrcd.org. Thank you for doing your part in keeping Placer’s working landscapes healthy!

Highland Orchard, LLC Anthony M. DeMattei, Grower

AWARD Winning Mandarins 2018 Season coming soon

(916) 628-1034

2160 Aguilar Lane, Penryn, CA 95663 www.highlandorchardmandarins.com

Specializing in Ranch, Farm, and Ag Real Estate Call Bruce Renfrew at (916) 741-0584 Visit: www.californiaoutdoorproperties.com BRE #01995642

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FARM NEWS Placer County Farm Bureau

| FALL 2018

Make your voices heard — end California’s water grab

SUPERVISOR’S CORNER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

is inevitable and more and more families choose to settle here, we need to be thoughtful about land uses and preserving the agricultural legacy that has been here for generations. Our County has great potential for the future, and I believe we all play a vital role in its ability to succeed.

I’m very excited to watch and participate in Placer County’s future. With time, cultivation, and intentional planning, we will continue to provide that “small-town charm,” while being relevant and pragmatic for future generations.

I encourage you to take some time to walk the shops of our quaint downtowns and chat with business owners, and then visit one of the many local farms, wineries or breweries to truly experience Placer life. You will be pleasantly surprised and impressed at what incredible people live and work here. In addition, you will most likely develop your own passion for thoughtfully considering how we can best navigate the future of agriculture and growth in Placer County!

I

n my role as a Placer County Supervisor I have the honor of JIM attending a number of community HOLMES events all year long, but one of my very favorite events is the annual DISTRICT 3 Placer County Ag Tour. This event SUPERVISOR is a great way to meet new people and get a closer look at agricultural industries we might not be familiar with. The 2018 Placer County Ag Tour was certainly no exception.

As you may know the topic of this year’s Ag Tour was Growing Rice and Supporting Wildlife in Placer County. We have all heard of the potential for conflict between wildlife and agricultural operations, so it was good to learn more about the mutually beneficial relationship between rice farming and wildlife.

In the western portion of Placer County there are somewhere around 11,000 acres of land planted with rice fields. Much of this land is ideal habitat for migratory birds, and is in fact located in the Pacific flyway. I was pleased to learn just how many of our rice farmers are taking steps to modify their growing and production methods in order to reduce air pollution and improve habitat for wildlife. Abandoning the long-standing practice of burning rice fields has gone a long way to making the land more accessible and healthy for wildlife.

In addition to contributing to the preservation of valuable wildlife habitat, Placer County’s rice industry contributes to our region’s thriving economy. People I talk to in the community are often surprised to learn that the Sacramento Valley produces some of highest quality rice grown in the world. They are amazed to learn that Placer County rice is exported around the world. This success, paired with the efforts being made by our rice farmers, is just one more reason to be proud of Placer County’s thriving agriculture industry. We are all so fortunate to live in such a productive and fertile area, and to be surrounded by farmers and ranchers who are dedicated to taking care of the land they work.

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reserving land for open space and agricultural use has long been a priority for Placer County, so much so JENNIFER that in 2000 we developed a program MONTGOMERY devoted to it: Placer Legacy.

DISTRICT 5 Through Placer Legacy, we work SUPERVISOR with willing sellers to buy land outright for conservation, or to buy easements – popular with farmers and ranchers – to ensure its continued use for agriculture.

Habitat protection, providing open space for recreation and preserving our rural and agricultural heritage benefit everyone in Placer County, but a recent legislative curveball challenged us to use this program more creatively in support of our farmers.

Our irrigation water users will remember the unfortunate news last year that the state’s Proposition 218 measure compelled Placer County Water Agency to dramatically increase its water rates. For many years, PCWA had been able to offer water rates that supported this vital industry. Prop 218 removed their ability to do so, requiring them to charge rates in proportion to the cost. Suddenly, the lowest rate for high volumes of irrigation water went from $28 per acre foot to $42.

For larger agricultural operations, this was an unsustainable change. Many were considering fallowing their land. It would have been an unacceptable loss for all of us.

While the county has no ability to affect rates, we do have a program in place intended to prevent the loss of our agricultural lands. Working with stakeholders, we came up a new incentive plan to help farmers and ranchers.

Funded through our Placer Legacy program, this two-year pilot program offers up to $240,000 in incentives ($120,000 each irrigation year) to a trial group of large water users in western Placer to keep their lands in production. Eligible customers will receive these incentives as a $12-per-acre-foot credit on their water bill from PCWA, capped at the highest amount of water each participant has received within the last five years.

We are still in the early stages of this pilot effort and we continue to look at additional, longer-term solutions to help all of our farmers and ranchers affected by rate increases. I believe this program offers a huge win in the overall acreage preserved for the cost. As with all of our investments through the Placer Legacy program, the benefits of agriculture preservation belong to all of us.

BY DOUG LAMALFA

CALIFORNIA DISTRICT 1 CONGRESSMAN

O

ver the years, California’s state government has developed a nasty habit of attempting to take or reallocate every gallon of water they think they can get away with from those of us who depend on it. This is one of many serious problems flowing from Sacramento at the moment. It’s one that we’ve been fighting against for years, a fight that we must vigilantly continue.

Let’s take a look at what the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has been up to, and why their latest actions could be devastating for many California communities. The board announced it is considering a Substitute Environmental Document (SED) in an attempt to update Doug LaMalfa the Water Quality Control Plan to require 40% of unimpaired flows from the San Joaquin River’s three tributary rivers – the Stanislaus River, Tuolumne River, and Merced River – under the belief that it will help the struggling salmon population. On that same day, the Board released a preliminary plan for re-allocating more of the Sacramento River’s flows to fish, calling for an increase of unimpeded flows of 45 to 65 percent.

This flawed approach is based on questionable scientific assumptions that higher flows will help fish while previous increases have proven to be ineffective – yet they’re attempting to move forward with this plan despite the dire economic consequences that are sure to follow. Many scientists actually dispute that a large increase in river flows would have a noticeable impact on salmon population. The increasing salinity of the delta is believed to be harmful to the fish, but increased flows haven’t been shown to fix that.

Such a dramatic increase in the amount of water currently being released for environmental purposes will take a devastating toll on the farmers, workers, and farming towns who rely heavily on it. The SWRCB characterizes the impact as “significant but unavoidable,” and while they’re correct that the impact would be significant, it’s most certainly avoidable.

The most direct and immediate affects would be felt by farmers, farm workers, and entire Valley towns, but the consequences would inevitably reach business owners, manufacturers, and nearly every family and individual in California.

Countless jobs, retirement plans, and many peoples’ next meals – they all depend on California Agriculture. So why would we place the future of a multi-billion dollar industry in the hands of appointed bureaucrats?

I’m a lifelong farmer, and I come from a family of farmers that has been a part of California’s agriculture industry for 87 years. There are hundreds of other family-owned farms in California that grow the finest, highest quality, and safest food in the world. 90% of certain specialty crops, vegetables, etc. come from here. It’s imperative that we all work together to protect our agriculture economy and the livelihoods that are dependent upon it.

I attended the water rally on the steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento, and I was proud to join hundreds of people with dirt under their fingernails who made their voices heard and stood up against this dubious water grab. It’s not every day that you see farmers from the North State and people from San Francisco on the same side of an issue, but that’s just how bad this plan is. It should come as no surprise, either, as this plan could cut San Franciscans to just 20 gallons of water use, per person, per day.

Sure, the immediate impacts of this proposal would be felt largely by those in the Bay Delta, at least initially, but make no mistake, Northern California is next. We’re all in this together. Now we must ensure that those responsible for these decisions are held accountable.

In California, we expect our elected leaders to be good stewards of our resources and to protect our water rights. We don’t expect that power to fall into the hands of unelected bureaucrats, hand-picked by Governor Brown and accountable to no one.

While the rally in Sacramento was a success, we can’t let it stop there – because the Water Board won’t either. Governor Brown has long pushed for his pet project, the twin delta tunnels, which would divert much-needed water to facilities further south and leave many rural communities without enough water for irrigation or recreation. Some towns may soon be forced to pump more groundwater in order to have enough drinking water.

The state’s plan falls under the guise of rehabilitating native fish species, but curiously, the amount of flows that would be needed to replenish the Delta if the tunnels become operational is the exact same amount that the state proposes to take from the San Joaquin River. Sacramento doesn’t care about salmon habitat as they say they do.

If they did, they’d focus on restoration projects that have already proven to be effective in increasing salmon and steelhead populations, such as those already implemented on the Stanislaus River. They’re concerned only with their own fundamental beliefs and are dead set on infringing on Central Valley and North State water rights – and are doing whatever it takes to make that happen.

In August, I joined many of my colleagues in the California congressional delegation in sending a letter to the State Water Resources Control Board demanding they not move forward with implementation of the Draft Water Quality Control Plan. We made very clear our intent to fight the proposal with every tool at our disposal, including legislative, administrative, and judicial countermeasures. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman has also joined our side in publicly combating the state’s plan.

The SWRCB has since announced they’ve delayed a final vote on the measure due to the outpouring of opposition to their updated plan. The vote is now set to take place in November. While that can be considered a temporary victory in the short term, this is far from over in the long term.

Regulators will not suddenly stop coming for our water. It’s our responsibility to continue fighting for our livelihood, our economy, and our future. Just as we were on the steps of the State Capitol, we must remain united and ensure accountability. Unelected bureaucrats are attempting to force decisions that are in direct conflict with our best interests, and we must make our voices heard. We cannot allow this effort to go unchecked.

FALL 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

FARM NEWS 7

8

FARM NEWS Placer County Farm Bureau

| FALL 2018

A Placer County Father and Daughter Winery

BY TEENA WILKINS PCFB PLACER COUNTY AG BUSINESS MEMBER AND WINERY OWNER AND LOCAL VINTNER

F

rom moving earth to filling grape lugs over a nearly 50-year span, Gabe Mendez built a reputation in Placer County of looking at the landscape, appreciating the opportunities and developing business in the right place at the right time.

He moved his family from the San Fernando Valley suburbs of Los Angeles to the Sierra Foothills in 1970. His parents, who were Spanish immigrants, who had raised he and his brothers in the San Fernando Valley, a growing Los Angeles suburb, when there was still land enough to raise chickens, goats, honey bees and grow enough fruit to make wine for the family; a strong Spanish tradition.

However, his mother’s ability to keep providing a convivial and pastoral life for her family and the families he and his brothers were then growing, had all but completely diminished by the late 60’s, so after his father’s death in 1968, he packed up his family and moved to rural North Auburn.

For 28 years he and his son Gabe Jr. (Vince), built an earthmoving and excavating business, but Gabe’s true passion for moving earth was with the heart of a farmer, so after convincing the youngest of his 3 daughter’s, Teena Wilkins, to make his dream her dream, they started Viña Castellano winery, in 1999.

Historically in California, there have been quite a few Father/Daughter winery teams. Teena, who likes to joke she was pregnant and not thinking correctly when the project was first pitched to her, decided that there was indeed a much need wine revival needed in the Placer County region of the Sierra Foothills, and decided that she was up for the challenge.

After 10 years of laboring alongside her very persuasive, motivating, and encouraging father, Gabe succumbed to 12 year fight against prostate cancer, and like many Californian women before her, Teena took the lead role at their growing winery, Viña Castellano, which specializes in growing estate Spanish varietal grapes and producing old world style wines with a new world twist.

Over her 18 years as the managing partner of the small estate vineyard and winery, Teena has been an instrumental partner developing a winetrail and a small industry in an area that was once the “fruit basket” of California.

She joined a generation of daughters of winery founders who, albeit somewhat uncommonly, stepped into their Father’s workboots.

Wilkins believes that strong fathers, do indeed make strong daughters.

Isabelle Simi is her ideal, as she took over her father Giuseppes role at Simi

The late Gabe Mendez and daughter Teena Mendez 1974.

“

Many of Italy’s best-known wineries are run by families with 20-something heirs, both women and men.” winery at just 18, when he died of complications from the flu.

However, as the mother of two boys, Chance and Cooper and the grandmother of a 2 year old granddaughter, Sophia, she prefers to spread the idea, that strong families, make strong children.

Viña Castellano Estate Vineyard and Winery is part of the growing Placer County Wine Trail, home to 20 boutique winery and tasting rooms. And Washington, women are taking over the reins at wineries—and increasingly, they’re the daughters of the winery owners or founders.

In the vineyards, in the fermentation rooms, in the business offices of their family wineries, or on the road selling and promoting their wines, the next generation can be found forging businesses ahead into a new era.

Daughters have been working alongside fathers in the European wine industry for centuries, according to our European editors, Rome-based Monica Larner and Bordeaux-based Roger Voss.

“Many of Italy’s best-known wineries are run by families with 20-something

heirs, both women and men,” Larner says.

In France, Austria, and Portugal, reports Voss, “Strong father is being followed by equally strong daughter.”

California also has a history of daughters running the show. Take, for instance, Isabelle Simi, who at just 18 years old took over Simi Winery after her father, Giuseppe, died suddenly of the flu.

More recently, during the wine revival of the 1970s, ’80s and into the ’90s, couples went into the winery business together, evolving the vineyard version of the mom-and-pop shop.

California wine industry daughters traditionally worked on the business side of operations, but that too is changing. Women now make up half of the enrollment at the University of California at Davis’s Department of Viticulture and Enology.

“We caught up with a number of father/daughter wine industry teams for a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of what it’s like when the business is a family affair.,” said Steve Heimoff.

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FALL 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

FARM NEWS 9

Planning for irrigated water deliveries during the next 50 years A

s farmers and ranchers continue to be excellent stewards of the land and find ways to conserve water, water-related challenges loom, including water availability, a growing population and climate change. To ensure ample irrigation water is available well into the future, Nevada Irrigation District (NID) is updating its Raw Water Master Plan (RWMP).

Primary tasks during the update process will be to understand the water supply availability, detail water demands, and then work together as a community to find solutions to ensure a reliable, sustainable supply for the future.

NID Board President William Morebeck said he is proud of the Board’s decision to begin the process. “The update to the Raw Water Master Plan is crucial; it will identify our community’s future water needs and develop alternatives to meet those needs for the next 50 years.”

NID collects water on more than 70,000 acres of high mountain watershed and owns and operates an extensive reservoir and canal system and network of water treatment plants. Raw water is the natural resource from the environment — rivers, reservoirs, groundwater — that has not been treated. About 90 percent of the deliveries by NID is raw water that flows into local farms, orchards and pastureland, as well as lakes and parks in western Nevada and Placer counties. The other 10 percent of the supply is directed to NID treatment plants and then into homes and businesses.

The raw water serves nearly 6,000 agricultural customers with an average irrigated acreage of 25,860 acres. Most of these customers purchase water seasonally, from mid-April through mid-October, and the water is mainly used for irrigated pasture, vineyards, orchards and family gardens.

Crops within the District’s service area vary due to topographical, geological, climatic and soil condition differences.

The largest crops by acreage are irrigated pasture, grass and alfalfa hay, wine grapes, nursery stock, apples, rice, plums and citrus.

The District’s Bear River distribution and storage system supplies Placer County with its raw water to support agriculture endeavors. These include the county’s top five ag commodities of rice ($12.6 million); other livestock - chickens, fish, goats, turkeys and swine - ($10.8 million); cattle and calves ($8.3 million); nursery stock ($8.2 million); and walnuts ($5.6 million). The total value of the top five in Placer County was $45.5 million in 2016.

The RWMP update process The RWMP update process will be thorough, and take about 24 months to complete. Key to this is a public input process guided by a professional facilitator, who is being selected now.

Once the facilitator is in place, the process will include the establishment of an advisory group representing different

Call

Orr Creek Reservoir is located just north of Auburn on about 30 acres of NID-owned property. The reservoir is part of the District’s raw water delivery system

segments of our community. These members will help develop alternatives to meet future water needs. Also, NID employees will provide guidance and expertise on technical issues and public outreach, respectively. The NID Board of Directors will discuss and select alternatives, and ultimately approve the plan update.

The RWMP meeting process will gear up toward the end of this year with the initial focus on analyses of the water supply and demand within the District.

All meetings held by the advisory committee and any subgroups will be open to the public and recorded. Check out www. nidwater.com for updates and to access the recorded meetings.

Challenges in the future NID’s water supply system is a “store and release” system that depend on reservoirs to retain snowmelt and seasonal rains for release during dry irrigation seasons.

Careful reservoir management and oper-

Mike Lutzker,

ation is essential to capture the maximum amount of runoff, minimize spillage and, also, ensure there is sufficient area available to accommodate flows from spring snowmelt and storm events.

Climate change and related drought conditions are increasingly at the forefront of water resource management decisions in the District and around the state. Dryer, warmer conditions in the Sierra mean diminishing snowpack, the primary source of NID water. Typically, late spring snowmelt has helped to fill the District’s reservoirs, and stored until high water demand during the dry months of summer.

This year was a good example of what seems to be the “new normal.” At the end of this year’s rainy season, total precipitation at Bowman Lake was 68.63 inches, which was very close to the average total of 69.64 inches. However, while the total precipitation was close to average, the amount that fell as snow was well below average. The April 1 snow water content was 21.98 inches; only 66 percent of av-

erage. The runoff from the snowmelt was about 75 percent of average.

Still, this summer NID reservoir levels have been at good levels, thanks to carry-over water from the prior year and careful management of the system. At the end of-June, the District’s storage was at 250,800 acre-feet, which was 93 percent of capacity and 113 percent of average for the date (an acre-foot is about 326,000 gallons, or enough water to cover an acre of land 1-foot deep).

It’s a complicated process to make sure there’s the ideal balance of water in the reservoirs, requiring daily monitoring, knowledge of the system’s capabilities, customer demand patterns and utilization of hydrographic and customer data. Reservoir releases are monitored daily along with flows in the canals to ensure that we are being responsive to customer demand, but not being wasteful. Keep track of reservoir storage and water levels on NID’s River and Lake Data webpage.

Board President Morebeck stressed NID is committed to its mission to provide a dependable, quality water supply while being good stewards of the area watersheds.

“The raw water that NID provides is crucial to maintain and secure the future of agriculture – agricultural production is $65,206,000 in Placer County and $20,877,900 in Nevada County,” Morebeck said. “And during the process to update the NID Raw Water Master Plan, I look forward to working with members of the community in the efforts to protect our community’s future environment, our agriculture and our water of life.”

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10

FARM NEWS Placer County Farm Bureau

Q&A QUESTION AND ANSWER

| FALL 2018

Farm News goes one-on-one with ECHO VALLEY RANCH, INC.’S GREG KIMLER

PCFB: Your centrally located business in Placer county plays an intricate roll for the agricultural community. When did your business open?

he now carries on for him (as he looked lovingly at a picture of Gene in the management office.)

GREG: It all started out as Echo Valley Ranch in Nevada County. This was a small cattle ranch in 1972 and was the full source of income. The need of the public grew. As we got more cattle we needed to bring in hay from Nevada to feed during the Fall harvest and Winter and word spread throughout Nevada and Placer County that we were bringing hay in.

PCFB: You appear to take great pride in tradition. Please tell us more about your fathers’ legacy and Echo Valley Ranch.

Owner, Greg Kimler was moved as he spoke about his father and the tradition

PCFB: Many people in Placer County come to Echo Valley Ranch for their

GREG: My dad Gene Kimler started getting calls on Sunday selling hay out of our big barn and by 1976 Echo Valley Ranch was bringing in 3 semi-trucks of hay form Nevada per week.

Beating Big Box Store Prices for Years while supporting our community!!!

Emme Gottlieb with Res. Grand Champion Market Hog at this year’s Gold Country Fair with Connie Watson and Greg Kimler of Echo Valley Ranch, Inc. Photo courtesy simply-portraits.com

ranch, home, pet and garden needs.

When did you begin selling additional products?

GREG: The retail side started in 1976. In 1980 Dad rented a building on Auburn Ravine Rd. in Auburn, CA and began selling hay to the public. In 1996 my dad started to decline in health and I came back.

PCFB: What sets Echo Valley Feed apart from online and local competitors and why do you do still prosper?

• Dog and Cat Food • Baby Chicks • Hay & Feed • Shelters

• Pet Supplies • Poultry Supplies • Livestock Supplies • Fencing & Gates

Echo Valley Ranch, Inc. Your Downtown Feed store and a Whole Lot More!

205 Nevada Street, Auburn 530-823-1482 www.EchoRanch.com

GREG: Connie Watson, our general manager was hired in 1993. In times when the business was struggling Connie and I strategized goals, ideas, and how to make Echo Valley Feed work. We were able to grow from a four-employee operation to an over a forty-employee operation. We are extremely aggressive.

PCFB: How do you continue with your business model and stay healthy during turbulent agricultural times in California?

Valley Feed, Inc.

PCFB: With a change in our demographics, how has it effected business?

GREG: We have had to change our entire outlook on how to market to keep our customers. To be able to compete with the big box stores and the Internet we have made a connection with our customers. We remain engaged the community and our prices are competitive with the larger store if not better. We do offer a 5% discount for Farm Bureau members. We have petting zoos, bake sales, and community local farmers are able to come in and sell their goods. We strive to provide a formula for everyone to succeed quality healthy products for animals.

PCFB: You have spoken highly about management and staff here at Echo Valley Feed, would you like to elaborate?

GREG: We don’t wait for an opportunity.

We are extremely involved with the local community, 4-H, FFA and YF&R. We make decisions quickly and do not wait for opportunity to find us. We have a great network. We walk the walk, we just don’t talk the talk.

GREG: We are value old school, hard working, strong work ethic, self-motivated, volunteers in the community, and we have quality employees. We could not do it without our employees. We are proud to say that many of our employees who start with us begin to become leaders in our community.

PCFB: Have there been changes in agriculture that have affected your business?

PCFB: Is there anything else you want to share with our readers?

GREG: Placer County has changed a lot since the 1970’s. There were more large scale commercial farms in the county.

Most of our customers are owners of small scale ranches, farmers and pet owners. People come from out of town and out of state to purchase from Echo

GREG: Some unknown facts about Echo Valley Feed is that we are a certified weighmaster. We weigh vehicles for DMV and we even weighed Suzie the elephant.

Echo Valley Feed is located at 205 Nevada Street, Auburn, CA 95603. Phone: 530-823-1482. Website: echoranch.com.

FALL 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

FARM NEWS 11

4-H

5 Generations of California Farmers Adapt to the Ever-Changing Climate of Ag W hat does it mean to be a farmer in California? I guess this is a question that would be answered differently by different people. A person that lives in the city and has never been to a farm may presume that the face of farming in California is that of the giant mega farms. According to the 2017 State Agriculture Overview, California is comprised of many different types of farms including over 40,000 small and micro farms that showed profits of less than $20,000 a year. With the ever changing landscape of California and the way Californian’s live, the idea of farming is seeing a changing perspective of what it is to be a farmer.

Let’s take a look at one family that has adapted to what it looks like to be a farmer in California over the last 90 years. Ashtan Stefani, age 10 and Joseph Stefani, age 9 are now the face of the 5th generation of farmers in the Stefani family. This family story of agriculture started in 1930 with the purchase of a dairy farm in Dairy Valley, which it was known as at the time. The city of Dairy Valley was established in 1956 when it had more than 400 dairies and over 100,000 cows. At the time of incorporation, the city had only 3,439 residents.

Unfortunately only a few years later Agriculture became increasingly unprofitable in the area and pressure to develop land increased. The Stefani family operation was able to continue for another 10 years but the farm was sold in 1973 to make way for tract houses. This affluent area near Los Angeles is known as Cerritos today.

This could have been the end of farming and agriculture in the Stefani family but the grandson of the original Dairy owner, Steven Stefani III took what he learned growing up on the dairy and moved to Placer County. This love of farming was not lost on Steven as he and his wife Barbara participated in a small farming operation at their house here in Placer County. Steven Stefani had three sons who were very active in 4H and FFA programs. Steven Stefani IV, Jonathan Stefani and Daniel Stefani became the fourth generation of farmers and the second in Placer County. They raised sheep and rabbits. Steven Stefani IV (or “Tom” as everyone knew him) went on to get a Degree in Agriculture and Land Management from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Following in his great grandfather’s footsteps, Jonathan Stefani decided to try his hands at farming and took his college degree in Computer Science and headed to the dirt. Jonathan has a passion for sustainable farming that he is determined to make a profit at. His endeavor became “Stefani Family Farm”, a tribute to all of the generations before him. Stefani Family Farm is currently growing cut flowers, vegetables and raising animals, selling from their pop up farm stand and to florists, event organizers and wedding couples. Again a generation with obstacles to overcome.

As the 5th generation family farmers, Ashtan and

Joseph are participating heavily in the Ophir 4H club with their projects, including Swine, Poultry and Jr Master Gardening. They work side by side with their dad in preparing beds, planting seeds, hooking up water lines, harvesting flowers and produce and selling. They are currently raising hogs and ducks to show and sell at the fair as well as on farm sales to the general public throughout the year.

The newest generations of Stefani Family Farmers now are facing new obstacles in the current farming environment. Some of the obstacles include regulation that is written for much bigger farms but impacts smaller ones.

“Following the rules can be extremely expensive, $1,000 application fee for a farm that makes over $100,000 would be no big deal but to us it’s all we may make”, said Jonathan Stefani. “We are transitioning to cut flowers because they are less regulated and that makes my life much easier,” Jonathan went on to say. Also increasing costs and access to water has really hurt the bottom line in farms across the state and the Stefani Family Farm is no exception.

One big advantage the small farmer has today is that people in California see the value in produce and flowers that are grown locally. More people are shopping at farmers markets and farm stands than ever before. These sales help the bottom line, especially in small farms such as the Stefani’s. Farm stands and farmers markets also help the consumer make a connection with the person who is growing their food. Hopefully these connections between agriculture and the consumer will be what

Young Farmers, Ranchers donate to youth programs

BY PLACER COUNTY YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS, 2018-2019 COMMITTEE

T

his first Placer County 2017-2018 year has been a great start for the Placer County Farm Young Farmers and Ranchers.

We all started the year with the goal of giving back to our community such as PCFB has done. Young Farmers & Ranchers

UC Cooperative Extension Placer Nevada

Farming/ranching/gardening information for the Sierra Nevada foothills

Horticulture and Small Farms (commercial)

Farm Advisor City Fake: cefake@ucanr.edu ueanr.edu/sites/placerneadasmallfarms/ (530) 889-7385

Livestock and Natural Resources (commercial)

Farm Advisior Dan Macon: dmacon@ucanr.edu ucanr/edu/sites/livestock (530) 889-7385

Master Gardeners of Placer County (home use) pcmg.ucanr.org (530) 889-7388

of Placer County Farm Bureau has generously donated monetary “add-ons” at Placer County, Nevada County and Gold Country fairs.

We had a great time interacting with the kids at Gold Country, Placer, and Nevada County fair and learning about each of the animals struggles and triumphs. Seeing the next generation of young farmers and ranchers taking care and raising their animals is a great thing to see.

Back in April we had the privilege of attending Lincoln High Schools open house at the farm. We had such a great time donating and serving members of the community and watching all the Future Farmers of America teach and educate the young kids that wondered around the farm with their families. We would like to invite you to join us for meetings and field trips to the local agriculture business in the Placer County. If you are interested in joining us please email: placeryfr@gmail.com or call 916-663-2929.

We look forward to seeing you at the many events we and the Placer County Farm Bureau are planning.

■ Farm and Barn Tour 10/7/2018 at Mandarin Hill Orchard 10 am to 2 pm ■ PCFB Hoedown 10/20/2018 at Mt. Pleasant Hall

propels the future of farming in Placer County and helps insure future generations who also choose to head to the dirt.

SEPTEMBER PLANTING TIPS FALL IS THE BEST TIME FOR WILDFLOWERS

Planting native wildflower seed is a perfect fall activity. Ideally wait until the first rains are imminent and then sow those seeds. Just broadcast the seeds and lightly rake into the soil.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR CHRYSANTHEMUMS!

“Mums” as we know them, are fall perennials. Pinch and trim the growth all summer to keep the stems from getting too leggy, then give them a good feeding and enjoy the blooms!

When most other flowering plants are getting ready to snooze

Mums are just about to burst forth!

for the winter,

HERE COME THE BULBS! AUTUMN IS BULB PLANTING TIME! MOST “FOOL PROOF AND EASY” PLANTS TO GROW! Dig holes about as deep as 2.5 -3 times the diameter of the bulb, enrich the soil, plant lots of bulbs for a splash of color in a sunny location and watch them grow & enjoy!

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DATE

Auburn Fall Home Show

Sep. 28th - Sep. 30th in the Sierra Building All Classes are in cooperation with the El Dorado County Master Food Preservers

LET OUR FRIENDLY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF HELP YOU WITH ALL OF GARDENING NEEDS

EISLEY NURSERY Growers of Quality Plants in Auburn for over 85 years

380 Nevada Street • Auburn CA Phone: 530-885-5163 Open Mon-Sat: 8-5:30 Sun 9-5

12

FARM NEWS Placer County Farm Bureau

| FALL 2018

FFA ORGANIZATION

Future Farmers shine in Placer County

BY SHANNON SPEARS VICE PRESIDENT

The FFA Organization officially began in 1928 when 33 young men from 18 different states met up during the American Royal Stock Show in Kansas City, Missouri to discuss their passion for agriculture and an understanding of the need to stay progressive as the needs of their communities changed.

This organization is still going strong 90 years later with a membership across the nation of nearly 650,000 students.

The FFA Organization is known as the largest youth leadership organization in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The FFA Mission: FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

FFA Vision: Students whose lives are impacted by FFA and agricultural education will achieve academic and personal growth, strengthen American agriculture and provide leadership to build healthy local communities, a strong nation and a sustainable world.

Currently in Placer County there are three strong agriculture programs: Del Oro High School, Lincoln High School, and Placer High School-with Foresthill High School working hard to establish a chartered FFA and Agriculture program this year!

Placer FFA 2018-2019 Chapter Officer Team Includes: President-Josie Hernandez, Vice President-Maddie Kerns, Secretary-Corryn Garcia, Treasurer-Jack Chapman, Reporter-Leylu Grace, Sentinel-Mikayla Gonzales, Historians Caylee Smith & Cody Anderson

The Placer FFA Chapter-Home of the Hillmen Officially chartered on November 15th, 1929, making this the oldest standing agriculture program in Placer County.

Current Advisor and Agriculture Teacher- Shannon Spears Past Advisors and Agriculture Teachers- Jack Pchelkin, Joe Rosa, Kyle Schaad, Richard Darrach, Michael Pahl, Ken Martin, Patti Beard, Kurt Wurst, Frank Benito (anyone missing, please contact Mrs. Spears to update our advisor site).

Current Courses Offered- Introduction to Agriculture Science, Sustainable Ag Biology*, Chemistry in Agriscience*,

2017-2018 Chapter Officer Team Includes: President-Ariel Achilles, Vice President-Abigail Vaughan, Secretary-Aspen Edwards, Treasurer-Courtney Anderson, Reporter-Jessica Hobbs, Sentinel-Cody Anderson

Del Oro FFA students

Ag Communications and Leadership All of our Agriculture courses are college prep, two of them allow students to earn dual credit: Sustainable Agricultural Biology and Chemistry in Agriscience.

Placer High School was one of the top 50 high schools in California to earn their official FFA charter back in 1929.

We also had one of the first state FFA officers, Walden Denny, treasurer, then later ran again to become president.

Agriculture courses have always been a part of Placer High School and have changed as student demands and community needs have shifted.

As a school surrounded by homes, there isn’t room to expand with a school farm facility, but because of this, we do have a very successful community outreach program, a great greenhouse program that supports student learning and provides supervised experience projects in the horticulture, plant science, natural resource, and environmental sciences, and has enabled us to work towards establishing a farm to school program; where the produce grown in our gardens by our students will supply our high school cafeteria with fresh, locally grown food to serve our student body.

The fun fact about agriculture classes and the FFA, it is no longer about “cows and plows” but instead, helps students make informed choices about global agriculture an industry that provides over 22 million careers nationwide.

The Placer High School Agriculture program currently offers a career pathway in Sustainable Agriculture which allows students to learn and excel in areas of plant science, animal science, and natural resources with a focus on both college and career readiness.

A highlight of our program is our partnership with Sierra College, and our newly established courses that are dual credit, meaning students who take these courses are also receiving college credit… for FREE. This allows students the opportunity to work towards employability certificates, completion of their associates degree, or transfer to a four year university with several of their classes already completed!!

For more information about the Placer FFA and our agriculture program, please consider visiting our website: http://placerffa.weebly.com.

FALL 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

FARM NEWS 13

2018 CALIFORNIA FOCUS CONFERENCE

Homeless issue tackled by 4-Hers at state conference

BY LLEYTON RUTZ Should we convert open land in California to address the homelessness problem? That’s a real issue for many farmers, ranchers, developers and residents in California, but not one usually left to teenagers to answer. It was one of the debated topics at the 2018 California Focus Conference. The topic is very important to all Placer Farm Bureau members.

California Focus is a multiple day leadership conference for 4-Hers across the state and it’s close by. Seventy-six participants, representing 19 counties made the Sacramento Holiday Inn near the State Capitol home base during the June conference. My brother, Kyle, and I were fortunate to represent Placer County 4-H. The State Capitol was a great location because everything we learned focused on understanding how state government worked. What’s better to learn something than to experience it in a mock format?

We arrived on a Friday afternoon and the leaders immediately divided us up into two large caucuses – the Grizzly Bears and the Golden Eagles.

Our days were spent discussing important issues that all Californians face. We elected a ballot of officials just as voters do in California. We learned the process it takes for a bill to become a law.

We discussed the problem of homelessness in our state. A suggested solution to it was turning open land into forms of housing. Establishing state law is one reason it is important to stay politically active

4-Hers pictured with Senator Ted Gaines.

especially in your local district. To keep it fun we came up with cheers and chants to show our spirit as teams.

A tour of the capitol and the Appellate Court helped give us a full look at what the legislature does when they are in session.

One of my favorite parts of California Focus was meeting with the legislators who represent Placer County. Senator Ted Gaines is our state senator and Kevin Kiley is our Assemblyman.

We met with both of them in their State Capitol offices. If you ever thought it was hard to get a state representative’s attention then think again. There are many ways to reach them and they seemed genuinely interested in what we had to say. We spoke with each of their staff in advance to schedule the meeting. We came prepared to the meeting including knowing about current bills they authored

and the issues that are most important to them and their constituents.

We appreciated they took time to meet with us. We talked to them about 4-H in Placer County and the charity we lead, BrickDreams that helps children who are victims of domestic violence. We shared our ideas on how we can improve our state.

My idea was to establish a license program for pet owners. Before a license would be given, the pet owner would learn how to properly care for animals and treat them fairly. When we visited with Senator Gaines the 4-Hers from Siskiyou County joined us. Even though they are located close to the Oregon border, they are represented by Senator Gaines too. He represents a very large district in California. The Siskiyou County team’s top issue was a major wildfire that caused evacuations for some of their friends and

families. They knew already there would be a lot of work to rebuild from it.

I think the biggest thing I learned was that there are a lot of great ideas that our representatives have that never become a law. Even though the conference is done our learning and work continues through a service learning project. It is part of the program too in order to challenge youth to step-up and make a difference. I hope more Placer County 4-Hers will step-up themselves next summer and take the opportunity to experience California Focus.

I’m very glad I attended.

RUN FOR THE MANDARINS - 5K FUN RUN Join us on Sunday November 18, 2018 for the first annual Mountain Mandarin Festival 5K Fun Run. This race is for everyone, from serious competitors to casual joggers. Bring your kids, your cousins, your spouse and your friends for a cool and delicious autumn morning run through the neighborhoods of Auburn.

Hot chocolate and mandarin cider will be served as the warm up to race and all finishers earn a commemorative medal and a bag of mandarins.

Race starts at 8:30 a.m at the Mandarin Festival/Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn.

Race Fee $25 early registration, $35 after September 30.

Proceeds from this race benefit local youth athletics.

For More Information Click the Link on MandarinFestival.com

Mandarin Hill O R C H A R D S

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FARM NEWS Placer County Farm Bureau

| FALL 2018

Carrying on Two Time Honored Historical Traditions at Highland Orchards, Penryn

BY ANTHONY DEMATTEI

Keeping your farm insurance coverage current The following information is provided by Nationwide, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S. Running a farm or ranch, you see seasons come and go. Along with that natural rhythm of change, there are also the constant yet less-predictable changes in your business – volatility in commodity prices, construction expenses, labor costs and other factors. There are also those occasions when your life changes in some way – marriage, divorce, a death in the family or a new source of income. For each new set of circumstances, your needs also change.

Avoiding surprises You’ve done the responsible thing, insuring your business and property. But when there are new family members in the picture, or the value of your possessions rises or falls, the insurance coverage you’re carrying may not fit the new reality.

“We recommend farmers ask their agents for an insurance review at least once a year,” says Jerry Hillard, an AVP of Agribusiness Regional Sales in Des Moines. “A lot can change on a farm that could impact your coverage needs, things you may not even think about until it’s too late.”

Keeping current Anything new that happens should be reviewed. Major life changes (as mentioned above) can alter your succession/ estate planning needs. Also consider building costs for repairs or new construction, or any major new purchases.

If you’ve bought a new diamond ring for your spouse or a new shotgun for yourself, you’ll want to review your farm insurance coverages with your agent.

Nationwide has developed the On Your Side® Farm Certification for agents, who use their additional training in farm loss control to help ensure you have exactly the right protection you need. Find a Farm Certified agent by using the agent locator at www.farmagentfinder.com.

“Your insurance agent should be a trusted member of your team,” Hillard points out. “The more your agent knows, the better he or she is able to help protect you, your family and your farm.”

Life is full of surprises. Your insurance coverage shouldn’t be. 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

My name is Anthony Demattei my family has been farming in California since the late 1800’s. I have had a passion for farming since I was in grammar school. I grew up in San Jose and spent as much time as I could on our families’ home ranch in the Willow Glen area. I studied AG Business at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and after graduation I went to work for our families business in Yuba City. My Great Grandfather Angelo Danna and his six sons started Danna & Danna Inc. They grew, packed and shipped Honeydew melons along with Prunes, Walnuts, Persimmons, Wheat, Sunflower Seeds and winter squash for fresh market and for Gerber’s to make baby food.

I have been farming in Yuba City since 1989, I have raised Honeydew Melons, Prunes, Walnuts, persimmons, wheat, and Olives for Olive oil which are sold to California Olive Ranch.

In October of 2017 I was very fortunate to have Mrs. Aguilar sell me her family’s mandarin ranch in Penryn. It reminded

me of our home and ranch in San Jose the minute I drove up the driveway. The name of the Ranch is Highland Orchard which dates as far back as 1911. Though I have lived in Placer County since 1996 the Penryn and Newcastle area along with the Mandarin Trail and Mandarin was very unfamiliar to me. I was aware they are grown here but not to the magnitude that I have come to learn. The citrus industry is new to me a grower and I have learned many things about the citrus industry in Placer County.

I jumped head first into the mandarin harvesting and packing business. Mrs. Aguilar and I hit it off extremely well since the first day we met. After we made the deal she made me aware that mandarin season was going to start soon and she suggested I should be there every day. I could not have agreed more. I told her I had a week or so left on Walnut Harvesting and then I would be there as much as possible. My first day It was right to the field to watch harvest and then to the packing line and learn how they sorted and sized there fruit for packaging.

MITCHELL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 quilting or giving up is not an option.

Sailing this ship for another 100 year will require not only pin point accuracy on our targets , but a laser focus on what we’re shooting at. We will look at issues that get us where we need to go , we can’t hit all the issues for all of our members, they are just too vast Those issues that protect our manufacturing base ;our land, water and air will be most important. A battle ship can’t spin on a dime and neither does FB. The hopes and prosperity of our organization differs very little from the day my great great grandfather came to Red Dog mining camp just outside of Auburn in 1846. He looked at the vast opportunity of the West, a place to create a future, it exists today, just a little more interesting.

More important today, your membership dollars, your time and participation help in a united front protecting our livelihoods. In the end, if you don’t, who will?

It’s a pleasure to serve our district, of which has the most members the state of California.

AGUILAR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 istics.

The kick-off of the mandarin season is the annual Mountain Mandarin Festival held in Auburn, the county seat, on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Shortly after that comes Orchard Days, promoted by the Mountain Mandarin Growers Association, celebrated on the first and third weekends in December. This event allows the public to visit various participating orchards and view the mandarin harvest process from stem to mouth.

The warm days and cool nights make Placer County the ideal area to grow this seedless citrus variety which is only handpicked after fully ripened on the tree.

Sometimes it takes several pickings on our trees to make certain each of the mandarins has the proper sugar content.

Many varieties of mandarins are grown here in Placer County, but the Owari Satsuma variety offers beside their undeniably delicious flavor, a high dose of Vitamin C and synephrine, per a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Synephrine is a natural decongestant that helps relieve cold and allergy symptoms.

According to this study, Placer County Owari Satsuma mandarins have a concentration up to six times higher than values previously determined from other orange juices. Other regions of California also grow Satsuma mandarins, but don’t be fooled by them. Most growers can, and will, show you the difference ... a difference you can taste and see.

Placer County has been known for growing the highest quality produce for hundreds of years. Welsh settlers came to Placer in the 1800’s and began farming.

Much of their influence is still seen today. Cities like Orangevale and Citrus Heights, streets named English Colony and Citrus Colony, palm tree-lined roads, all done by past citrus farmers. Oranges and grapes were grown extensively in the areas between Lincoln, Auburn, and Roseville until a freeze at the turn of the 20th century. Some of the mandarin trees going back the 1800s are still alive and well and setting crops each year. Pears, plums, and peaches replaced those crops and Placer County became known as 11the fruit basket of America” shipping fresh produce East by rail. Penryn at one time had a three-story agricultural college. One of the largest in California.

After the freeze and following collapse in the economy it was dismantled for its

lumber.

The 1940’s brought the California Central Valley Project sending water to the dry central valley. The CVP is a series of dams and canals collecting water from the Sierra Nevada Watershed and delivers it for mostly agricultural use in the San Joaquin Valley.

This influx of water delivery introduced much of the large-scale farming of today.

The warmer weather could ripen produce earlier and Eastern markets became full severely discounting Placers fruit. Most Placer County farms were small and could not compete with the lower valley large farms causing most families to stop farming and pursue other opportunities.

Placer Counties high real estate values brought about many farms being sold to developers and homes soon began dotting the landscape. Some of these newly purchased homes are now again small family farms only now raising different commodities.

The climate of Placer County with both mild summers and mild winters provides ideal growing seasons. Summer highs of about 20 days per year of 100plus degrees and winter lows mostly in the high 30s, throw in rolling hills and you have a near perfect region to grow, well almost anything. Warm days with cool nights cause the plants carbohydrates to convert to sugars making for the

best fruit and vegetables. Freezing weather may come and the economy may drop but with the premier growing conditions here agriculture will always be a major player.

Rice, timber, and grazing are the largest crops in the county, but mandarins are the jewel crop.

The sweetness combined with the health benefits hold it in the spotlight. Add to its production the thousands of visitors coming here for the festival and orchard tours that also visit the many local wineries and farmers markets, mandarins supply a total family getaway. Visitors come from Nevada, Oregon, and the Bay area to buy their favorite holiday treats. Over the years mandarins have been made into jams, cookies and cake, candy, wine and beer, soap, cosmetics, and it’s in honey and olive oil.

Mandarins have a long history here in Placer County and I foresee for many years to come. Children and even some grandchildren of those original growers are now assuming control of the orchards to continue their operation. The relatively new growers who moved here and grow mandarins, their children are working the orchards. New and better ideas are being put into place to improve the rural lifestyle that makes Placer County a great place to live, work and grow mandarins.

FALL 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

FARM NEWS 15

What has been happening at the Gold Country Fairgrounds

BY DON ALES Every large facility needs improving. When times are tough this is the first to get scratched off the list. We know it is imperative that we continue to improve so that the quality of our events can improve as well. Here are some of our larger improvements made over the last year.

Main Stage at the Fair This is one of our centerpieces at the fairgrounds.

Three years ago I had a vision of taking on this project through the Gold Country Fair Heritage Foundation.

Once we had the funding, $75,000, that was generated through naming rights and private donations made to the Gold County Heritage Foundation all we had to do is design and build this project before the 2017 Fair.

Our design idea was to use barn wood for the stage knowing that this would be a subtle way of reminding people of our rich agricultural history. Well, authentic barn wood was not economically feasible for this project.

We ended up purchasing wood planks of various sizes and hand burned them mimic barn wood. We also used wine staves that were heated and formed into a design that completed the backdrop.

This project finished just three days before the 2017 Gold Country Fair and the result was amazing. The Barefoot Wine and Bubbly Stage is now a beautiful centerpiece to the fair. This stage has helped bring new events to the fairgrounds and sparked a new event from the Heritage Foundation called Gold Country Music Series. This is a four-part event that spans over 4 months highlighting our talented musicians around the greater Sacramento region. This project has been so successful we also added on a VIP area next to the stage that has encouraged larger sponsors and an improved experience.

Horse Barn: We remodeled the horse barn, in partnership with The Western States Trail Foundation, Action Coalition for Equestrians, Gold Country Fair Heritage Foundation, and the Gold Country Fairgrounds & Event Center. This much-needed improvement included new wood rafters, new fans, upgraded led lighting and improved air movers.

Auburn Host Lions Building: In partnership with AHL and the Gold Country Fair Heritage Foundation we updated the look of the Auburn Host Lions Building. Using repurposed redwood that was rescued from a diseased tree that was originally planted as a memorial for the Moran family.

The redwood was milled then installed on the walls as a beautiful surface that works perfectly in the space. We were elated with this project that turned a difficult situation into a positive outcome for the Moran family.

Clubhouse Bathroom: We know that this isn’t the most interesting improvement, but this is the first bathroom renovation in over 20 years. This is also very important to the overall experience of attending an event at the fairgrounds. We added new partitions, new flooring, hands-free sinks, and toweling, upgraded the lighting to LEd, added a water mixing station, added changing areas to the men’s and women’s restroom and a fresh coat of paint inside and out.

Wave Technology Building: We now have fiber optics throughout our fairgrounds which greatly increases the speed of our internet and improves the purchasing experience of people attending our events.

Here are a few smaller improvements that have made a positive financial impact on the fair. These environmen-

Photo courtesy Auburn Journal/Gus Thomson

tal improvements are also in line with our goal of reducing the fairgrounds impact on the environment.

Water on Timers: All sprinklers have been converted to timers and irrigational water reducing water expense and improving efficiencies by 25%! Armory Building: All lights have been retrofitted to LED improving the lighting and reducing our lighting costs by close to 40%!

Future plans for improvements: The above improvements have has such a positive impact on the fair we felt it necessary to communicate with you some of our future plans.

■ Pole Barn Structure will be completed prior to Fair 2018 to meet the Cal Fire safety requirements. Total cost $30,000!

■ Placer Building/Maureen Dobbas Building: Complete renovation to celebrate our 130 Anniversary in 2019.

■ All new electrical upgrades to achieve current Cal Fire codes in both Swine Barns.

■ Review the cost of a new stage in the Sierra Building and convert the venue to dinner theatre as well as plays.

■ Ag Garden: Develop and plant a community garden for local groups and educational opportunities for our high school ag program.

■ Parking Lot resurfacing.

Gold Country Fair

The Gold Country Fair remains to be the driving economic force for the Gold Country Fairgrounds and Event Center. This single event makes it possible for 100s of events to take place in Auburn bringing tens of thousands of new visitors every year to our city. These visitors stay overnight, eat at our restaurants and shop in our stores.

“I know when there is an event at the fairgrounds be-

cause I see a large increase in business on the days they have events. This is one reason why we support the fairgrounds.”

Reese Browning, Old Town Pizza To keep the Fair relevant we have goals in place. For example, changing 20% of the Fair every year with a goal of complete turnover in five years. Improve the overall personal experience and bringing in new attractions to keep us relevant. Searching for new food vendors and establish a Culinary Committee to improve our food choices for all fair patrons. Have a JLA Appreciation Dinner and establish a goal of SOOK in sales.

What is our Economic Impact?

Excluding the tens of thousands of visitors, we help bring to Auburn here are just a few to mention.

■ We hire 4-5 Livestock Clerks for the Gold Country Fair.

■ We hired our 2017 Livestock Clerk Supervisor to work full time in our office.

■ We had the privilege of a French Intern this year that developed building plans and our online ticket sales.

■ We also hired a livestock clerk to support our marketing.

Future Vision It is important that we look at the overall usage and assets of our Fairgrounds and see how we can continue to make a positive impact on the local economy as well as the experience of our visitors.

■ Restaurant Row: local restaurants working out of our concession stands on a permanent basis.

■ Renting bikes and preparing picnic baskets.

■ Artwork to be included in the art walk and be a destination ■ Farmers Market ■ Museum for Native Sons of the Golden West ■ Bus or Trolley to move people ■ Horse and Carriage Rides ■ Ice Skating Rink

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16

FARM NEWS Placer County Farm Bureau

| FALL 2018

BEES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 crop. Almost 2.5 million hives are placed in almond orchards prior to the bloom. After the bloom ends in March, those hives disperse across the entire country.

In about 1980 [no one knows] a parasitic mite native to the Asian honeybee was discovered in America. This mite, known as Varroa destructor has spread around the world, plaguing our western honeybee, and other non-native bees. In California, two sub-species of bumble bee are now extinct thanks to this terrible pest.

It’s fairly easy to kill a bug. We have lots of natural and synthetic pesticides to control crop pests. It’s really difficult to kill a bug on a bug. Killing a Varroa without killing the bee is difficult. This Varroa is the central challenge to beekeepers world-wide.

The materials available to control Varroa are limited.

We have a few organic acids, such a formic acid, and very few pesticides, such as Api-Var Life to control mites.

Mites adapt to the materials applied, and developed resistance to earlier products.

The best bee breeders in the world [many located in the Sacramento Valley] seek hygienic traits in honeybee breeding programs – but these traits take many years to develop. Miller Honey Farm has long been a member of the California Bee Breeders Assn. purchasing our queen lines from respected bee breeders.

Varroa destructor is a tick. It punctures the exoskeleton of the honeybee, feeding on the lipids in the bee. Very little cell repair occurs in the insect kingdom.

Wounds are open and Varroa transmits viruses into the bee. Similar to tick bites in humans, these ticks make bees sick. Uncontrolled, a Varroa infestation will kill a hive within a year. When a hive dies, the beekeeper has to replace that hive by dividing other hives or purchasing bees from another beekeeper. Losses can be staggering – losses of up to 50% of the live hives in an outfit. Beekeeping is very, very difficult.

In the June 11, 2018 issue of Scientific Reports, an international team of researchers reported a discovery of 27 previously unknown viruses in bees. These viruses were discovered in 12 bee species in 9 countries around the world. “Populations of bees around the world are declining, and viruses are known to contribute to these

Healthy bee with tick.

declines,” said David Galbraith, research scientist at Bristol Myers Squibb and a recent Penn State Graduate.

“Despite the importance of bees as pollinators of flowering plants in agriculture and natural landscapes and the importance of viruses to bee health, our understanding of bee viruses is surprisingly limited.”

Beekeepers must learn to think differently about Varroa control.

Currently, the largest set of field trials in history are taking place in a number of beekeeping operations, around the world. Miller Honey Farm participates with groups like the Bee Informed Project, which now houses the largest archive of bee samples on earth at the University of Maryland. Our own experiences with field trials are cautiously optimistic. Our trial group in 2016 perished. Every hive died. Our more recent trials

are more successful; but not yet commercially successful or available.

It will take years to control Varroa. In 2019, I turn my life’s work, beekeeping, to new owners.

I am confident that during their career; Varroa will be controlled.

Beekeeping is Agriculture. Our bees have a great impact on fruits, vegetables, berries, vine crops, and tree nuts than any beneficial insect. Our bees are responsible directly or indirectly for 30% of everything we eat. I feel that responsibility as the gatekeeper of our food supply.

I’m confident that with better understanding and focused research, our bees will be healthy and ready for the rigors of the 2019 pollinating season, beginning in six months.

We are preparing the bees for the important tasks in February, beginning in August.

FALL 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

FARM NEWS 17

Do you have ranch insurance?

T

here was once a beautiful ranch that had been established as a fruit farm for 80 years. It had a beautiful red barn [building coverage] set amidst rolling acres of fruit trees and berry vines [trees, vines, stakes, netting].

It was watered from a deep well with portable irrigation equipment [specifically scheduled]. The owner’s personal residence [dwelling] had views of their farm acreage to the west and the mountains to the east. In addition to their farming operation [farm liability], the family had other occupations and interests. He was a freelance photographer [camera coverage], she had a consulting practice that she operated from the home [professional occupancy], and their children played golf [equipment scheduled].

They decided to plant many more acres of berries and expand their operations. The seasons were plentiful and the employees [Workers’ Compensation] could not harvest all of the bounty. With their increased harvest [product coverage], they expanded into U-Pick Operations [coverage endorsement] and opened a roadside stand [coverage endorsement]. As customers enjoyed their premises, the ranch started offering “agritainment” activities including harvest festivals and mazes [specifically described]. With more guests on the premises, they increased their focus on safety and became known as a beautiful place to spend a few hours with family and friends.

What is your Ranch’s story?

Agriculture is art and science. You produce something of value and create an experience for you, your family, your team and the community. How do you protect what you are building? A consultative insurance broker can walk alongside you and become a trusted member of your team. The partnership can help you with regulatory changes, controlling workers’ compensation costs, cyber security, employee safety education, and managing your exposures. At Warren G. Bender Co., we have the insurance markets and risk management resources for Farms and Ranches. We welcome the opportunity to have a conversation with you.

Contact Lisa Bracero, CPCU, AFIS, Account Executive, Warren G. Bender Co., direct at 916-3805314 or lbracero@wgbender.com.

And the 2018 Placer Conservator goes to...

Placer Land Trust (PLT) is thrilled to announce that Daryl & Sue Oest will be awarded the 2018 Placer Conservator Award! It has been an honor to work with Daryl, Sue, and their family over the years as we have been permanently protecting their 950-acre ranch through five different projects. The Oests are a pioneering Placer County family that has been farming and ranching in the Auburn area since 1859.

They were inducted into the California Agricultural Heritage Club in 2011 for more than 150 years of farm and ranch productivity through Oest Ranch.

Thanks to their conservation efforts, Daryl and Sue’s ranching legacy will live

on for generations to come.

The Oests will receive their award at our annual Placer Conservator event. This festive evening is open to everyone and includes dinner, awards, a live auction, and more. Join the fun on Thursday, November 15 at The Ridge Golf Club and Events Center.

Ticket sales and additional information will be posted on our website by mid-September; current PLT members will receive invitations in the mail.

We are currently looking for sponsors for this event. For more information on sponsorship levels and benefits, check out our website here, or contact Kara Walker at 530-887-9222 or kara.walker@placerlandtrust.org.

How to Finance a Small Farm through USDA

BY TREASURER, SCOTT CISNEROS 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. There are many government loan programs that you should be aware of, USDA has a fantastic website and many options available.

By providing access to credit, FSA’s Farm Loan Programs offer opportunities to family-sized farmers and ranchers to: ■ Start, improve, expand, transition, market, and strengthen family farming and ranching operations ■ Beginning farmers, racial and ethnic minority farmers and women producers

■ Value-added, direct sale, organic, and specialty crop operations ■ Young People actively involved in agricultural youth organizations needing financial assistance for income-producing, educational, agricultural projects ■ Urban farmers and roof-top producers ■ Operations using alternative farming methods such as hydroponics, aeroponics, vertical farming, and freight container farming https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/Farm-LoanPrograms/pdfs/fsa_br_01_web_booklet. pdf https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/ farm-operating-loans/index https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/ farm-ownership-loans/index https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/ microloans/index

18

FARM NEWS Placer County Farm Bureau

| FALL 2018

GRAZING WITH GARY

Mind your manners: Brush up on table and party etiquette W

ell after last issue talking about the proper table setting let’s look at Manners.

With the Holiday’s coming up soon time to refresh the family on what we should be doing.

Thanks, Gary Gilligan

Manners 101 Where are your manners?

Gone the way of hoop skirts and high tea? Beyond the reflexive “please” and “thank you” (just like Mom taught us), politeness sometimes seems like a low (and slow) priority in a fast-paced, 4G world.

Contrary to what you may think, we’re not, as a culture, getting ruder. In fact, experts agree that we’re more conscious of respecting others than ever before. Interesting when you consider why etiquette was invented in the first place: In the Middle Ages, a code of conduct was a way to limit violence among competing warriors. (Look at that—a “no spitting at the table” rule works!)

Later, in the Victorian era, according to Benet Davetian, Ph.D., author of Civility: A Cultural History complex rules of propriety were used as a means of differentiating among the classes. (Not so nice, right?)

When the let-it-all-hangout 1960s rolled around, many of the old social graces broke down.

And now modern technology has introduced a slew of additional opportunities for rudeness (which we take full advantage of !).

But, explains Diane Gottsman of the Protocol School of Texas, “today manners are less about faux pas than being mindful of how you treat people around you.”

So the rules aren’t as cutand-dried as they once were.

If you’re like most people, you have questions. That’s why Real Simple rallied the experts for updated advice on everything from bread plates to bcc.

MANNERS AT THE TABLE Elbow Placement Elbows on the table are fine when you’re not eating. What you don’t want to do is use your elbow as a fulcrum for bringing food to your mouth. Wrists on the table are always OK.

Using the Right Fork Work from the outside in: salad fork to dessert fork.

Using the Right Bread Plate Think BMW. Your bread plate is on your left; meal plate, in the middle; water, on the right.

MANNERS FOR PARTIES

to participate, pull her in when there’s a lull.

RSVP’ing

Ditching and Switching Crowds

Always do it, and do it on time. Websites like Evite have technology that allows the host to see who has read the invitation (and at what time).

In other words, a snubbed or delayed RSVP comes off as ungrateful and careless.

Instead of pulling the bathroom ploy, get used to saying, “It’s been lovely chatting with you.

Please excuse me.” There’s nothing wrong with moving on to speak with others. That’s the purpose of a party—to socialize.

Bringing Others

Connecting People

Whoever is listed on the envelope is invited. If your baby’s name isn’t included, he’s not invited. If it says “The Smith Family,” then everyone living under that roof is welcome.

Introduce the two parties and explain what they have in common. Then say, “I’m going to leave you two to chat. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Special Food Needs

If there are fewer than a dozen people in attendance, you should say good-bye to the host. If there are more than that, you can slip out and send a text or an e-mail later saying, “What a great party! Thank you so much for having us.”

For the first time around the table, dishes should be passed counterclockwise so that the right hand is free for serving. (Sorry, southpaws.)

If you’re asked to pass salt or pepper, pass both.

Leaving Promptly

Reaching

For large parties, you’re on your own. Don’t mention dietary needs to your host. For small dinner parties, let the host know as soon as possible. If you adhere to an especially tricky-to-accommodate diet, ask if you can bring a dish.

And be sure to add, “I can’t wait to be there.”

Arrival Time For a dinner party, show up 10 to 15 minutes after the scheduled time. Never show up early, because the host may not be ready. Any later than 15 minutes and you need to let the host know.

Mingling To join a new conversation at a cocktail party, catch someone’s eye, smile, and enter the clique on a break. And if you see someone who wants

Saying Good-Bye

Don’t be the last guest unless you’re a close friend. The evening is over when any one of the following is true: The music is off, the lights are on, the drinks are stoppered, or the food is cleaned up.

Kicking Out Guests When it’s getting late, you can say, “I have an early morning tomorrow, and I’m going to have to start cleaning.” Or be blunt yet kind: “I’m so happy you came and stayed until the end. But if you’ll excuse me now, I’m going to have to turn in.”

Digging In Wait until everyone has been served or the host gives you the green light.

If there’s a large number of people or a buffet, you can begin eating when you get your food. At weddings and in other situations where there’s preset food, wait until the host gives you the OK to start.

Passing Food

If you can get the item you need without fully extending your arm, go for it. Otherwise ask to have it passed.

Leaving the Table When you need to step away, say, “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.”

No one needs to know the details.

Leave your napkin loosely on the table to the left of your plate, not on your seat.

The Longhorn Meat Company crew would like to thank the community for all of your support.

2018

BEShT of t e BEST

BY THE READERS OF THE

We will continue to process meat the old fashioned way.

Voted Best Butcher 18 years in a row!

We offer a wide variety of retail, exotic meats & custom meat processing!

13131 Lincoln Way • Auburn 530.823.0275

Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6

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FALL 2018 | Placer County Farm Bureau

FARM NEWS 19

GRAZING WITH GARY

H

appy Fall, there is so much going on with Agriculture and we are lucky to live where so much produce is grown right here in our own Backyards. Our Recipes for this season celebrate the largest Ag Events in our area, Loomis Eggplant Festival and Mountain Mandarin Festival.

This eggplant recipe was the most popular item on my restaurant menu and the mandarin recipe is a fun outside the box recipe.

SCATURRO’S EGGPLANT PARM Ingredients 1 Eggplant 1.5 tbsps - Salt ½ cup - Olive oil 1 cup Flour 8 ounces - Ricotta Cheese 6 ounces - Shredded Mozzarella Cheese 1/2 cup - Grated Parmesan Cheese 1 Tbs. Granulated Garlic

Scaturro’s Eggplant Parm

1 Egg, beaten 12 slices pepperoni diced 1/2 cup - Chopped fresh Basil 4 cups - Spaghetti Sauce

Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Slice the eggplant into 3/4 to 1-inchthick slices. Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant slices with salt. Place the slices in a colander and place a dish underneath to capture the liquid that will drain out.

Allow the eggplant to sit for 30 minutes.

Rinse the eggplant in cold water until all salt is removed.

In a medium-to-large-sized mixing bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella cheese, garlic and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

Add the egg, Pepperoni and basil, and mix until well blended.

In a large skillet, heat ½ cup of oil.

Flour both sides of the eggplant and place one layer of eggplant in the pan and brown each side. Fry all of the eggplant slices.

In a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, pour 1.5 cups of marinara sauce, spread evenly in the pan. Layer the eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Layer a portion of the Cheese mixture on top. Repeat layering process until all of the eggplant and cheese mixture is used. Pour remaining sauce on top of layers and sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.

Bake in a 350 degrees F oven for 30-45 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling.

SMOKED SALMON WITH MANDARIN/ BLACK BEAN SALSA 1st placer winner Barbara Janosko Ingredients 1 ½ Pound Salmon Filet

Smoked Salmon with Mandarin/Black Bean Salsa

Brine

Rub

Mandarin Black Bean Salsa

1/3 cup kosher salt

1 tsp garlic power

1 lemon

1 tsp basil

2 Tbs Worchestershire Sauce

1 tsp rosemary

3 springs Rosemary

1 tsp paprika

6 Mandarins

½ tsp cayenne pepper

¼ cup fresh basil leaves

2 tsp mandarin zest

1tsp garlic power

Directions: The following day, remove salmon and discard brine. Rinse the salmon and dry with paper towels. Mix the rub together and run into the skinless side of the salmon. Refrigerate until ready to smoke.

Smoke in an electric smoker for approximately 1 ½ hours or until the fish is 140 degrees.

1 cup black beans cooked 4 mandarins segmented and cut in half 2 cloves garlic 1 fresh jalapeno roasted and chopped 1 Tbs olive oil Zest from 2 mandarins ½ tsp salt 1/3 cup shallots finely diced 1 can roasted green chilies 1 Tbs balsamic vinegar ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed Combine all of the salsa ingredients except chees. Let set for several hours to meld the flavors. Add the cheese just before serving.

critical that nurseries remain free of pest infestations so that they don’t inadvertently spread pests as they sell plants to customers throughout the region.

While we’re able to prevent the spread of many pests through our exclusion and detection programs, some still manage to slip through the cracks.

In those cases, we fall back on our pest eradication program. As part of this program, our staff employ cultural, biological or chemical treatment methods as needed to ensure pests are eradicated.

Placer County’s invasive pest programs are truly a place where an “ounce of prevention” is far better (and less expensive) than a “pound of cure.” Recent examples of detrimental pest infestations remind us

of just how critical it is to prevent their spread. For example, the recent infestation of European Grapevine Moth in Napa and several surrounding counties cost around $100 million to eradicate, not accounting for the significant crop losses suffered by the wine grape industry.

Closer to home, the state and county spent approximately $100,000 in eradication costs after someone inadvertently transported Asian Citrus Psyllid into Placer County on potted citrus trees from Southern California.

Through our pest programs and public outreach efforts, our department works every day to keep Placer County free of invasive pests so that our farmers and ranchers will continue to thrive.

Enough water to cover salmon

Directions:

Juice the mandarins and the lemon into a bowl large enough to hold the salmon. Add the remaining ingredients and mix. Add salmon to the brine and leave overnight.

AG COMMISSIONER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 over 1,700 traps throughout the county as part of this program to detect the presence of a variety of invasive insects, including Gypsy Moth, Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Oriental Fruit Fly, Japanese Beetle, Asian Citrus Psyllid and Glassy-winged Sharpshooter. Each of these insects requires a specific trap type and placement protocol to ensure the highest likelihood of detection. All traps are serviced every two weeks, and most are relocated at least once every six weeks. If a pest is found, more traps are placed around the area and, in certain cases, quarantine regulations may also be enacted to prevent the spread of the insect.

Another pest prevention activity we perform is our high-risk pest exclusion

program. As part of this program, Agriculture Department staff visit parcel sort facilities, like UPS and FedEx, to inspect packages that contain plant material.

Our inspectors ensure shipments have the proper certifications and also visually inspect packages to ensure they are free of pest insects, diseases and weeds. If a pest is found or a shipment doesn’t have the proper certifications, it must be seized and destroyed to ensure that any potential pest risk is eliminated.

Our department also inspects commercial plant nurseries. Nurseries pose a significant opportunity to spread harmful pests because they often contain high concentrations of similar plant species that are sold to numerous customers. It is

20

FARM NEWS Placer County Farm Bureau

| FALL 2018

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