August 2025

California's redistricting plan will officially target five Republican seats, Democratic leader confirms By: Ashley Zavala, KCRA3

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ACRAMENTO, Calif.- California's Democratic leaders are expected to release new, proposed Congressional district maps on Friday that target five Republican-held seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

San Jose Rep. Zoe Lofgren, the chair of the California Democratic Congressional delegation, confirmed the number of seats in an interview with KCRA 3 when asked about the possibility that the new maps could remove more than five Republicans.

"We first looked at whether this was viable, if we were going to comply with the Voting Rights Act, which is very important, and we're not willing to proceed without complying with the Voting Rights Act," Lofgren said.

"And we discovered, yes, indeed. You could actually have five less Republicanleaning seats in this state."

Lofgren said the five seats are meant to void the likely gains in Texas, which has redrawn its Congressional districts to remove five Democrats from the state's representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

A spokesman for Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas on Monday said the California Legislature is aiming to publicly release the draft maps on Friday.

A draft plan that circulated among California's Democratic House members earlier this week drew more Democratic-leaning areas into districts represented

by Republican Reps. Ken Calvert, Darrell Issa, Kevin Kiley, David Valadao and Doug LaMalfa.

To counter Texas, Gov. Gavin Newsom and California's Democratic lawmakers at the national and state level have been formulating a plan to ask voters in a statewide special election in November to approve new Congressional district maps drawn by the Democratic-led California Legislature if Texas or other states move forward with new politically motivated maps. If approved by voters, California's new map would apply to elections in 2026, 2028 and 2030.

California's Secretary of State has said in order to make a November 4th special election possible, lawmakers need to finalize the ballot by August 22. This means voters will have

about a week to review and publicly comment on the maps before the legislature votes to send them to the ballot.

California voters in 2008 and 2010 took the power away from politicians and established an independent, citizen-led redistricting commission, which Lofgren, Newsom and other state Democratic leaders have said they support.

When asked if the ballot initiative would empower California lawmakers to continue drawing or editing the maps into elections up to See 'Redistricting' Page 4

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In my column last month, I mentioned we had some changes occurring in our office in terms of staffing.

We took a moment to say goodbye to Denelle as she left for San Joaquin Farm Bureau, but have not let that stop our office in terms of work. Following her departure we held a wellattended mixer at Blaker Brewing, held many vital internal meetings and quickly hired Denelle’s replacement.

We’ve elected to make some adjustments to our roles during this time.

Cassandra Valdez, a Merced local, will begin with take on the role of Membership & Communications Coordinator. This role will cover all things membership both in retention and recruitment. Member mixers, trade shows and general outreach will fall under her umbrella. As the title alludes, Cassandra will cover communications including the newspaper and e-news.

Her experience in teaching agriculture in the classroom fits right in with our plans to alter our ag education initiatives, allowing us to use her knowledge to actively engage teachers in

Merced County Farm News • August 12, 2025

this endeavor. She will also work for East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition (ESJ) Grower Representative.

She comes to us with social media, communications and event experience and we are incredibly excited to have her.

Over the past four years, there is a good chance you have interacted with Alexxis Rudich from our office. Alexxis joined our organization in 2021 with the primary focus of aiding growers in complying with the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program through ESJ. Formally with Merced County 4-H, it became a no brainer for me to hire her when the opportunity presented itself. Alexxis has shown great strides in growth and has given back to MCFB in her time here. Our executive team and myself knew we needed to elevate Alexxis and I can happily state that she accepted our offering of a promotion to Programs and Events Director. She will take on organizing our Annual Meeting, AgriBee, CE Courses and more. She will remain on the ESJ Grower

Relations team as well.

For those of you that have been with us for years, please don’t worry - Lorraine is still here as we have not let her leave. She will still keep our books, aid with events and continue her role as the organization’s historian.

These changes allow me to continue my role in providing

a voice at various meetings and events, providing advocacy for the folks that are putting food the table.

Wherever you are in your season, I hope things are going well. Please reach out when the need arises and we hope to see you at an event soon.

Merced County Farm News • July 18, 2025

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ugust is upon us and that brings with it the full swing of harvest, more long summer days and the beginning of a new school year. Your County Farm Bureau has been busy representing local agriculture and always fighting for issues that will benefit our local agriculture community. Our federal government continues to work at a whirlwind pace while our state government seems to fight the Trump administration at every possible opportunity. The latest is the fight over Texas redistricting, yes, an independent state halfway across the country.

Our feckless governor is posturing himself as a toughguy, conveniently ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. The upcoming California Gubernatorial race is becoming increasingly interesting as two of the leading Democrat candidates backed out.

As I am writing this article most almond harvests are in full swing, silage corn harvest has begun and vegetable and sweet-potato harvest is moving along. It is a busy time of year for most of us involved in agriculture.

August also marks the beginning of the school year, things are busy! Your local farm bureau has been busy as well. Last month Merced County Farm Bureau hosted our first ever Member Mixer at Blaker Brewing Tarmac

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in Atwater at Castle. This worded letter to the moves forward and calls for was a well-attended event Trump administration a special election to change that gave our members an asking the President our independent redistricting opportunity to socialize to stop an independent committee. I really wish that and meet other members states attempt to comply this Governor cared about and board members. Thank with the law, threating agriculture as much as he you to all that attended and to redistrict California in does about playing tough and took part in this fun event. I retaliation. One problem, his own political career. would also like to welcome this is a clear violation California gets to choose our newest staff member of Californias own state its new governor next year.

Cassandra Valdez, who constitution, apparently this In this last month two of starts August 25th and will doesn’t matter to Governor the leading candidates on serve as our Membership Newsome or AG Bonta. the democrat side have and Communications Article XXI of California’s withdrawn from the running.

Coordinator. If you get a constitution states “In the Both former Vice-President chance swing by and say hi. year following the year in Kamala Harris and current Unless you have been which the national census is Lieutenant Governor Eleni living under a rock you taken under the direction of Kounalakis have decided have seen what has been Congress at the beginning not to run for Governor happening in Washington of each decade, the Citizens of California. It is still a D.C. and our elected state Redistricting Commission crowded field with plenty of officials’ reaction. It makes described in Section 2 shuffling yet to come. you question what the shall adjust the boundary Your board of directors did politicians in Sacramento’s lines of the congressional, not hold a board meeting in real priorities are. The latest State Senatorial, Assembly, July but will restart again in “fight” has been over the state and Board of Equalization August. We wish everyone a of Texas’s plan to redistrict districts (also known safe and bountiful harvest. If congressional districts midas “redistricting”) in we can be of any help to you decade. A little background, conformance with the on your operation, please do the justice department has following standards and not hesitate to reach out to raised concerns with the process set forth in Section any of your office staff or any state of Texas over the 2021 2.[1] “ We will have to stay of your directors. Until next redistricting, stating that tuned to see if our governor month! redistricting was based on race, a violation of 14th amendment of the United States Constitution, this has led to Texas’s attempt to redraw From small farms to large commercial operations, the INSURICA Agriculture the congressional Experts have grown up in agricultural boundaries. This communities. really angered We’ve designed insurance programs our Governor to provide broad and flexible and it resulted coverage for both your personal and in him sending business needs. off a strongly Tom Murphy | 209.353.2700 | tmurphy@INSURICA.com | INSURICA.com

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Redistricting

continued from page 1 2030, Lofgren said the maps finalized this month would be for a one-time emergency.

"If the voters decide to adopt these maps, that would be it until the next census," Lofgren told KCRA 3. "I think we all agree that after the next census, the commission will go back to doing this job. This is a response to an emergency."

Lofgren would not speak to what the new districts could look like, noting she did not want to step on Assembly Speaker Rivas' announcement that legislators would release new maps this week. She did say not all districts in California would be redrawn.

In an interview with KCRA 3 on Tuesday, Sacramento County's Democratic Rep. Ami Bera appeared prepared for some of the Democratic-leaning voters in his area to be drawn into the districts of LaMalfa and Kiley.

"If you want to make other districts more competitive for Doug LaMalfa and Kevin

Merced County Farm News • August 12, 2025 Kiley, you're going to have to take some of the Democratic voters we represent," Bera said.

Assembly Republican Minority Leader James Gallagher told KCRA 3 on Friday he had been hearing Rep. LaMalfa's rural inland Northern California district could also be drawn into parts of coastal Marin County.

Gallagher raised concerns that rural Californians could be without proper representation under this scenario.

Lofgren would not say if this were true or if this is likely to happen, pointing to next week's map release.

"If you take a look at how you might match what Texas is doing, we have to be openminded," Lofgren said in response. She noted her own experience of representing San Jose and noted the independent redistricting commission drew in more rural areas into her district after the last census.

"Now, half my district is pretty rural; it's agricultural.

And it's been a treat for me to get to know those people, and I love them," she said.

Merced County Farm News • July 18, 2025

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Democrats retreat on climate: ‘It’s one of the more disappointing turnabouts’ By: Jeremy B. White and Camille von Kaenel, Politico

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ACRAMENTO, California — Donald Trump is coming for California’s signature climate policies — and so is California.

Stung by the party’s sweeping losses in November and desperate to win back working-class voters, the Democratic Party is in retreat on climate change.

Nowhere is that retrenchment more jarring than in the nation’s most populous state, a longtime bastion of progressive politics on the environment.

In the past two weeks alone, California Democrats have retrenched on environmental reviews for construction projects, a cap on oil industry profits and clean fuel mandates.

Elected officials are warning that ambitious laws and mandates are driving up the state’s onerous cost of living, echoing longstanding Republican arguments and frustrating some allies who say Democrats are capitulating to political pressure.

“California was the vocal climate leader during the first Trump administration,” said Chris Chavez, deputy policy director for the Coalition for Clean Air. “It’s questionable whether or not that leadership is still there.”

California leaders are still positioning themselves as the vanguard of the resistance to the president’s environmental rollbacks, and polls still consistently find voters believe addressing

climate change is worth the cost. Gov. Gavin Newsom has sued to block Trump’s removal of California’s permission to enforce its clean car standards and vowed to extend a landmark cap-and-trade program imperiled by Trump.

But they’re in a far different position than during Trump’s first term, when they were signing deals with automakers to keep the state’s emissions rules afloat — and even two years ago, when they were taking on oil companies by threatening to cap their profits. It’s a reversal that is dismaying to climate activists, an outspoken part of the Democratic Party’s base. And it’s a trade-off — freighted with significant and potentially long-lasting policy implications — that party leaders are making in an effort to regain political strength.

“We’ve got some challenges, and so it just requires some new considerations,” Newsom told reporters last week, after his administration proposed steering clear of the oil-profits cap as a way to keep refineries open. “It’s not rolling back anything — that’s actually marching forward in a way that is thoughtful and considered.”

Other parts of the country are pulling back on climate policies in the name of affordability, too. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is delaying plans for a carbon-trading system and slowing enforcement of the state’s rules for clean cars and trucks, which follow California’s. Maryland Gov.

Wes Moore is similarly pausing on carbon trading.

And in Congress, some 36 Democrats — including two from California — signed on to the effort to overturn California’s vehicle rules.

But California, as the state with the strongest suite of climate policies and a decadeslong reputation of stalwart environmentalism, is now becoming an unlikely leader in Democrats’ pivot as they try to respond to costof-living concerns that they fret may have cost them the election.

“This is part of the Democrats’ doing some soul-searching and really trying to figure out what they stand for,” said Marie Liu, a climate-focused lobbyist and a former top environmental adviser to legislative Democrats.

Housing reviews, fuel standards, plastic rules targeted Newsom and other Democrats last week infuriated environmentalists by punching exemptions for housing developments and other projects like health clinics and highspeed rail into a decadesold law requiring a wide range of projects to clear environmental reviews.

A separate push in the state Senate to dilute the state’s stringent fuel rules drew a rebuke from the head of California’s powerful Air Resources Board, who called it “irresponsible” in the face of a federal onslaught.

And Newsom in March ordered his recycling regulator to rewrite plastic waste reduction rules to lessen costs for

businesses, which upset the state lawmakers and environmental groups who originally negotiated the waste reduction deal but energized business groups opposing similar rules in New York.

The backtracking reflects a pervasive sense that once-popular climate policies are exacting a political price by pushing up energy and housing costs, draining support from both Democratic candidates and climate policies themselves.

“For a lot of Democrats, the 2024 election was a reality check about the importance of cost-of-living issues and affordability for Californians,” said Mark Baldassare, survey director at the Public Policy Institute of California.

“That’s given policymakers some pause about what is actually workable in terms of environmental policy.”

From Sacramento to Washington Newsom and allies are retrenching in Sacramento as Republicans in Washington take aim at core California climate planks, like its longstanding ability to set tougher pollution limits.

Yet even on Capitol Hill, Democrats who typically decry Trump’s agenda have sided with Republicans who call California’s policies unsustainable. Rep. Lou Correa, who has said the 2024 election showed Democrats must heed cost-strained voters, and Rep. George Whitesides, who flipped a commuterheavy Los Angeles district See 'Climate' Page 8

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Merced County Farm News • August 12, 2025

Who leads the California governor’s race? New poll finds crowded field By: Ethan Varian, The Mercuary News

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new poll finds Democratic former congresswoman Katie Porter is leading a crowded field in the 2026 California governor’s race, after former Vice President Kamala Harris announced last month she would not seek the state’s highest office.

But with Harris out of the race and possibly eyeing another presidential campaign, a significant segment of likely voters remains undecided about who should replace Gov. Gavin Newsom at the end of his second term.

Porter, a favorite among progressives, leads with 18% of voters, up from 12% in April, according to the poll by Emerson College.

She represented Orange County in the U.S. House of Representatives until this year, forgoing a reelection bid in what became a failed attempt to claim Dianne Feinstein’s seat in the Senate.

The poll comes as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, the first woman elected to the office, announced Friday she is dropping out of the race and launching a campaign for state treasurer. She had just 3% support in the poll.

“At this moment, I believe I can make the greatest impact by focusing on California’s financial future,” Kounalakis said in a statement.

Conservative political commentator Steve Hilton, the leading Republican candidate, came in second with 12%. He’s followed

by Republican Riverside

County Sheriff Chad Bianco at 7%, former Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at 5% and billionaire Los Angeles real estate developer Rick Caruso, a Republican-turnedDemocrat who has yet to officially jump into the race, at 4%.

The poll, taken earlier this month, found 38% of likely voters were undecided, down from 54% in April. The poll surveyed an overall sample of 1,000 active registered voters in California between Aug. 4-5, with a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College, said that while the early results are good news for Porter, who lost to Adam Schiff in her bid for U.S. Senate last year, he expected the numbers to move significantly between now and Election Day. California will hold a gubernatorial primary election, including candidates from all parties, on June 2, 2026.

“If I were running one of the campaigns in the low single digits, I’d say we have a lot of room to grow,” he said.

In a fundraising email Friday, the Porter campaign

said the poll showed she is the “clear Democratic frontrunner, with a 13-point lead over the next closest Democrat.”

On the social media platform X, meanwhile, the Hilton campaign sought to frame the results as confirming a “two-horse race for California governor: Katie Porter v. Steve Hilton.”

The state’s last Republican governor was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who held the position from 2003 to 2011.

The top two vote-getters from the June primary will face off in the general election on November 3, 2026. Newsom, a likely contender for president in 2028, is termed out.

Pitney said the departure of Kounalakis may free up donors, who would have backed the former real estate developer, to support more conservative candidates.

“She had a reputation as a more centrist, businessSee 'Govenor Race' Page 9

Merced County Farm News • July 18, 2025

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New pest management challenges in tomatoes

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C IPM does not have many management guidelines for curly top, a virus disease that is transmitted by beet leafhoppers. Nonetheless, systemic insecticides applied early in the cropping season can significantly reduce the incidence of the disease.

Examples include Verimark (cyantraniliprole), Admire/ Wrangler (imidacloprid), Platinum (thiamethoxam), and Venom (dinotefuran).

Note that Admire, Platinum, and Venom are all in the neonicotinoid class of insecticides (IRAC Group 4A) with new DPR regulations on rate and timing that significantly reduce their potential use in tomatoes. What hasn’t worked that well are the foliar applied insecticides that might be used for stink bug management, such as Danitol (fenpropathrin) + imidacloprid tankmix.

Regardless, if DPR is going to throttle the use of neonics in tomatoes, alternatives need to be evaluated. My colleague Tom Turini, Farm Advisor in Fresno County, and I conducted insecticide trials to evaluate Beet Curly Top Virus management programs compared to the standard method that relies heavily on the use of neonicotinoid insecticides.

We evaluated 10 different

materials, most applied twice as a foliar spray 2 and 4 weeks after transplanting.

And for the second year in a row, curly top pressure has been so low that there is no difference between the untreated control areas in the field and those that received various foliar insecticides.

Such are the challenges of trying to conduct on-farm research, where success is at the mercy of natural insect and disease pressure.

Weeds are much more reliable – they almost always show up, even with the best of herbicide programs.

One such weed that’s been getting a lot of attention in processing tomatoes is broomrape. Broomrape is a parasitic weed that has a wide host range, but prefers tomatoes, and is not something you want in your fields. To date, it’s only been found in Yolo and San Joaquin Counties. One herbicide that shows good suppression of broomrape is Matrix (rimsulfuron) when it is applied through the buried drip, which is offlabel but allowed under a special local needs permit in counties where it has been found. Anecdotally, growers report that this method of application also reduces field bindweed. If true, this would be a fantastic new management tool, as field

bindweed may infest every tomato field in the state.

To test this observation, I evaluated chemigated Matrix in replicated, large field trials in Merced and Yolo counties this season. Unfortunately, the data so far do not indicate any significant suppression of field bindweed, though drone imaging is planned for late August to confirm field observations.

Another new Fusarium disease is showing up in commercial fields, which looks like TSWV because it causes leaf chlorosis, bronzing, and speckling about 45 days after transplanting.

It’s not new, but rather an old disease with a new name.

Symptomatic plants will test negative using the Agdia strip test kit, and do not develop the fruit symptoms of TSWV. Instead, there will be a stem rot at the soil line, but the roots remain healthy. This is being called Stem Rot and Vine Decline and is most likely caused by Fusarium noneumartii (pronounced NON-youmar-ti-i). This is the same disease that used to be called Fusarium Foot Rot caused by Fusarium solani but

has now been renamed.

However, Fusarium crown and root rot, caused by other Fusarium species such as F. falciforme are still around, and to make matters worse, co-infections are common, so it’s possible for the plants to be diagnosed with all kinds of Fusarium problems. If you are confused you are in good company. “Fusarium taxonomy is a hot mess right now”, comments UC Davis Plant Pathologist Cassandra Swett. Management of this disease is very limited – fungicides are mostly ineffective. There are differences in variety tolerance, however, with HM0371 and SVTM9032 particularly susceptible.

Other things to be aware of: resistance breaking root knot nematode is common now in Merced County.

More on that later, but it is not a trivial problem as it has significant yield impacts.

Fusarium stem rot, likely caused by Fusarium noneumartii, an old Fusarium with a new name. Note the leaves with bronzing that appear similar to TSW symptoms, a dark canker at the soil line, but healthy roots.

Page 8 stations urge voters to put pressure on their elected continued from page 5 officials.

Catherine Reheis-Boyd, last cycle, voted to block Newsom’s order phasing out president and CEO of the Western States Petroleum the sale of new entirely gasAssociation, said she was powered vehicles by 2035. heartened by regulators’ Climate change has recent recommendations dominated Sacramento’s to pause a refinery profit agenda in recent years. margin cap and streamline Newsom spent substantial permitting for in-state crude political capital in 2022 to oil production. muscle through a sweeping “I had no idea that it set of environmental laws, would sort of come to reviving efforts that had fruition this year, but I am formerly succumbed to encouraged by it,” she said. resistance from the oil Republicans have industry and its union allies. pummeled Newsom and Newsom followed up by Democrats over the state pushing to cap industry gas tax’s annual increase profits. and a tightening of the Not in 2025. state’s fuel standards.

“Affordability” has become the watchword for Democrats To some GOP leaders in California, Democrats’ recent who saw inflation woes backtracking validates years drive votes to Republicans of Republican warnings across the 2024 ballot. In a about cost-inflating climate poll presented to Assembly policies.

Democrats during a caucus ”Of course Democrats meeting, cost of living led are on the defensive and voters’ stated priorities. scrambling on climate Climate change sat in last policies — they’re losing,” place.

Yet Liu warned Democrats Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones said in a statement. were learning the wrong “Californians love the lesson by focusing narrowly environment and rightly on immediate concerns like expect clean air, clean water, gas prices at the expense of and clean streets. What a larger effort to shift from they don’t love are out-offossil fuels. touch policies that destroy “It’s easy to focus on the livelihoods in the name of very short-term responses climate change.” but not take the longerState laws explicitly term view,” Liu said, which direct California to move would require “not just away from fossil fuels, playing around on ten cents which would mean putting a gallon, but looking at the the state’s historically large actual transition to cleaner and politically powerful oil alternatives.” industry out of business.

Oil industry pressure Yet the threat of In-state oil producers have plummeting production maintained political pressure on Democrats, spending more — with two refineries announcing their plans than $15 million over the last two years on a sustained to close within the past year — has rattled elected campaign of mailers and officials, who fear plunging advertisements blaming the capacity could lead to a state’s climate policies for price spike. The California high prices. Signs at gas

Climate

Merced County Farm News • August 12, 2025 Energy Commission’s plan to keep refineries operating specifically seeks to avoid that scenario.

“We always knew this was going to be a really tough time, where we’ve made enough progress that refineries have to make tough business decisions but you still have a majority of Californians relying on gasoline,” said Daniel Barad, western states policy senior manager for the Union of Concerned Scientists. “You have to do things in this midtransition point that’s going to make your stomach hurt a bit but is going to stabilize gas prices in the near term.”

Cap-and-trade clash The shifting dynamics are spilling into the debate over the state’s landmark cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas emissions, which both state lawmakers and Newsom have endorsed extending beyond its 2030 expiration date. But Newsom upset environmentalists — and cheered business groups — by declining to endorse fixes to the program aimed at further reducing emissions.

The politics have moved markedly since California reauthorized the program in 2017. At the time, thenRepublican Assembly leader Chad Mayes persuaded a handful of fellow Republicans to vote for it, arguing it was a more market-

friendly option. He lost his job as a result.

Mayes said progressive Democrats explicitly told him at the time that they wanted a more aggressive set of rules in part because they would push up oil prices, hastening a shift to alternative energy.

Now, he said, Democrats are responding to the “very clear signal voters are sending to their elected officials” that “it’s just too much right now.”

“If you’re going to talk about affordability then you have to be honest about the policies you’ve put in place and what those costs are,” said Mayes, who left the Republican Party in 2019 and now oversees climate policy for a lobbying firm whose clients include renewable energy companies. “It’s appropriate for people to take a second look and say: ‘How expensive are we going to allow our energy costs to be?’”

But to many climate activists, that kind of calculation reads more like a surrender.

“It’s one of the more disappointing turnabouts,” said Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court, whose group has advocated tougher oil industry rules.

“We have backed down, and we may not be flying a white handkerchief, but it’s pretty close to white.”

Merced County Farm News • July 18, 2025

Govenor race

continued from page 6 friendly Democrat,” he said.

The poll also found that Newsom leads California’s possible contenders in a Democratic presidential primary with 23%. He’s followed by former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg at 17%, former Vice President Kamala Harris at 11% and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 9%.

On the Republican side, 40% support Vice President

JD Vance, 10% support Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and 9% support Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Newsom holds a 44% job approval rating, with 38% disapproving, according to the poll.

On Friday, the governor hosted Texas Democrats who fled that state in an effort to block redistricting efforts there aimed at electing more Republicans to Congress in next year’s midterm elections. To counter

Page 9 Republicans in Texas, Newsom has floated putting a measure on the statewide ballot allowing California to update its congressional map to benefit Democrats.

The Emerson poll found 33% support Newsom’s proposal, while 25% oppose and 42% are unsure.

“Support to redraw the state’s congressional map ahead of the midterm elections is strongest among Democrats by a 23-point margin, 42% to 19%, and opposed by an eight-point

margin among Republicans, 36% to 28%,” Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said in a statement. “A majority of independent voters are unsure, while 25% oppose and 23% support.”

The poll also found the economy remains the top issue for 30% of California voters, though down from 40% in April. Next came housing affordability at 19%, immigration at 15%, threats to democracy at 13% and health care at 8%.

Long-shot ballot initiative could have huge effect on California insurance By: Levi Sumagaysay, CalMatters

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proposed ballot initiative would drastically change the way property insurance is regulated in California by repealing a law voters passed almost four decades ago.

Proposition 103 has regulated home, auto and other types of property and casualty insurance in the state since 1988. It requires insurance companies to seek approval from an elected insurance commissioner to raise their premiums, and allows members of the public to object to rate increases.

The initiative — which experts are calling a long shot — would throw most of that out. It would impose stricter limits on the rate-approval process starting in 2027; the commissioner would be appointed by the governor instead of elected; and the public would no longer be able to intervene in rate filings.

The independent insurance agent who submitted the

proposed measure, Elizabeth Hammack, wrote that she “has seen first-hand the dysfunction” that Prop.

103 has “wreaked upon our state.” Hammack did not immediately respond to CalMatters’ request for an interview.

Denni Ritter, a vice president for American Property Casualty Insurance Association, said the insurance industry group was not involved in drafting the measure and is “reserving judgment” while reviewing it.

To qualify for the November 2026 ballot, the initiative effort would need to collect more than half a million signatures by April.

If the initiative qualifies for next year’s ballot and is approved by voters, it could also throw a wrench into Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s plan to try to fix the state’s insurance market as insurers have refused to renew policies or write new ones as wildfire risk has grown.

Lara crafted his plan around the confines of

current insurance law while giving the insurance industry certain concessions, such as allowing them to use catastrophe modeling and to factor in their reinsurance costs when setting their rates.

In exchange, the insurance department asks that insurers retain or increase their

policies in areas considered at high risk for wildfires. The plan’s implementation began this year.

“Prop. 103 guarantees consumers’ right to hold all parties in the ratemaking See 'Ballot Initiative' Page 18

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Merced County Farm News • August 12, 2025

New law demands California HighSpeed Rail show the money By: Emily Erwin, KSEE 24

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RESNO, Calif. (KSEE) — Promised to voters more than 15 years ago, the California HighSpeed Rail project is over budget, behind schedule, and now, by law, must finally explain exactly how it plans to finish the job and pay for it.

Freshman Assemblyman David Tangipa, author of AB 377, celebrated a victory Wednesday when Governor Gavin Newsom signed his bill requiring the California High-Speed Rail Authority to submit a locked-in funding plan for the entire project— no more vague projections, no more moving targets.

“We are 400% over the estimated cost,” Tangipa said. “That doesn’t happen in the private sector… [you would] not only be fired, but be blacklisted from work. But

you can, if you work for the government.”

AB 377 requires the California High-Speed Rail Authority to produce a comprehensive and legally binding funding framework that outlines how the project will be completed, what it will cost and how the funding will be secured.

If the agency fails to stick to its plan, Tangipa said, it could trigger legal consequences that could bring the project to a halt.

“We need a fine line,” Tangipa said. “ You either build the high-speed rail and you get it done and you create a plan in place, or you have an offload plan and you make sure that the Central Valley isn’t left with a modern-day Stonehenge.”

Voters originally approved the high-speed rail project in 2008. Tangipa was 12 then.

“Now it’s expected to be

done by the time I’m 50,” Tangipa said. “Even my kids potentially aren’t going to ride on it… the project is already obsolete for the technology that it was already approved for.”

The Central Valley segment, between Merced and Bakersfield, is the only part under construction. But Tangipa argued even that has been mismanaged. He said contractors have been paid millions in delay fees, sometimes up to $5 million a month, because state planners didn’t know the location of easements or utility lines before breaking ground.

AB 377 passed with surprising ease in a legislature dominated by Democrats. Tangipa said that’s a sign lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are beginning to recognize the flaws in the project.

“This was on the

legislature and the governor, and I’m grateful for both of them,” he said. “ I think he may try to use this bill as one that, to argue with the federal administration on, ‘look at what we’re doing.”

The Trump Administration officially pulled $4 billion in federal funding for the project in July.

Tangipa is open to the idea of private companies taking over the high-speed rail project. He said the Central Valley cities left holding the bag need clarity to make long-term development decisions. “ We cannot have this arbitrary ‘is it gonna get done, is it not?” Tangipa said. “That’s not good governance.”

Now that AB 377 is law, the clock is ticking and the penalties are clear for the California High-Speed Rail Authority.

Los Banos FFA’s Owen Baffunno Named National Finalist in FFA By: Addison Melden, Los Banos FFA

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huge congratulations to Owen Baffunno, who has been named a National Finalist in the Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship category of the FFA Proficiency Awards.

Baffunno will represent Los Banos FFA this November at the National FFA Convention, where he will take part in an interview highlighting his impressive

agricultural projects.

Proficiency Awards celebrate students who build real-world skills through their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs).

Owen’s SAE—Southpaw Pumpkins and Gourds— showcases his dedication to entrepreneurship, agricultural know-how, and community impact.

On just 1/8-acre at his family home, Baffunno grows 24 varieties of pumpkins and eight types of gourds, managing every aspect of the

business himself. What began heart for service, Baffunno is as an 8th grade idea rooted in a prime example of what FFA his family’s love for fall has is all about and what a true grown into a thriving small passion for agriculture looks business. like.

But Baffunno did not stop at business success—he made it a mission to “Grow and Give Back.”

Each year, 10% of his profits go to local non-profits, totaling $1,342 donated over four years.

With creativity, Owen Baffunno pictured with his pumpkins dedication, and a

Merced County Farm News • July 18, 2025

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MCFB Hosts First Member Mixer at Blaker Brewing – The Tarmac

On July 24th, the Merced County Farm Bureau (MCFB) hosted its inaugural Member Mixer at Blaker Brewing – The Tarmac, bringing together over fifty members for a relaxed and enjoyable evening. Attendees had the opportunity to unwind with a beer, catch up with friends, connect with MCFB directors and staff, and meet potential new members in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

It was a pleasure to see so many familiar faces— members who regularly visit our office—as well as to connect with new individuals interested in becoming part of the MCFB community.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Denelle Garcia, who dedicated countless hours to planning this event as her final project with MCFB. Her hard work and attention to detail made the evening a true success. We also extend our

appreciation to our MCFB directors who attended and helped make the evening special.

The feedback from the evening was overwhelmingly positive, with many guests expressing how much they enjoyed the event and enthusiastically asking us to “do this again.”

We’re excited to announce our upcoming Fall Member Mixer at Vista Ranch! Bring the whole family out for an

evening of fun, community, and fall festivities.

The Merced County Young Farmers and Ranchers will be hosting activities for the kids, and costumes are encouraged—so come dressed in your fall best!

Our event will take place alongside Vista Ranch’s Harvest Nights, featuring wood-fired pizzas and drinks available for purchase.

We look forward to seeing you there! Details below.

Member Mixer Attendees catching up with friends, MCFB diretors and staff

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Merced County Farm News • August 12, 2025

Gustine FFA Tractor and Truck Pull: Uniting Our Community, One Year at a Time This year, Gustine FFA By: Oscar Vergara Vazquez, Gustine FFA didn't just accomplish a 40th

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orty years have passed since the founding fathers of one of the most cherished traditions in Gustine devised the best way to gather resources for our FFA chapter while uniting our community and the entire Central Valley with what is still known as The Gustine FFA Truck and Tractor Pulls.

Held each year on July 3rd, this event draws a crowd that grows larger with each passing year, motivating local families, businesses, and even visitors from neighboring communities to see in person what our chapter has to offer when determined not only to entertain, but positively impact people through the excitement of the engines and delicious meals. But more than just an event, the Tractor Pulls have become a legacy to the spirit of collaboration, dedication, and mutual support that defines the Gustine FFA chapter and the entire community. This event shows what words alone aren’t able to prove until you see the glory in person.

celebration but also broke the record of money gathered through sponsorship from businesses and families, who made it possible for our officers to collect over $20,000. This support is mutual as it comes to our chapter as money but transforms into opportunities for our FFA members through leadership conferences, judging and speaking competitions, and educational resources that ensure the effective preparation of the Future Farmers of America.

This year’s record-breaking achievement is a reflection of not only the hard work and commitment of FFA members and officers but also the generosity and support of sponsors, volunteers, and the community that continues to rally behind the chapter’s efforts.

Of course, no celebration is complete without great food and the tireless work of Gustine FFA’s Ag Boosters.

The event also offered a wide range of food and refreshments. Whether it was linguica or a variety

of candies and drinks, the Ag Boosters were on hand, selling everything, keeping the crowd hydrated and energized throughout the day.

As the temperature soared, these volunteers ensured that no one left hungry or thirsty, and they played an important role in keeping the event running smoothly.

Though founded in a different era, the importance is still vital for our nation, as its influence isn't limited to tractors but awareness towards farmers and agriculturalists who once sustained and continue to sustain our country. Gustine FFA Chapter recognizes every agriculturist as the foundation of our nation and proudly invites them to participate in this event every year, where they can show the whole audience their passion for these agricultural machines and their endless ways to make people happy.

Behind the scenes, the work is relentless. Months in advance, Gustine FFA officers had the responsibility of organizing sponsor outreach to setting up the event grounds. FFA officers and members dedicate countless hours to making sure every detail is perfect.

Setting up barriers, hanging banners for

the sponsors, creating the sponsor book, and making sure the event space is ready to host all attendees is no small feat. The sense of teamwork and shared purpose is evident in every task, whether it’s the hours spent gathering donations or the physical labor needed to transform the grounds into an action-packed arena for trucks and tractors.

When the day of the event finally arrives, the support and passion of our community cannot only be seen but also felt in the atmosphere where spectators of all ages flock to the venue, eager to see the competition and support the FFA chapter.

Officers and members work at the front booth, welcoming attendees, checking them in, and providing information about the event. We also receive support from determined volunteers who pitch in wherever they can to help ensure everything runs smoothly, including some people who help every year.

As the final pull ended and the winners were celebrated, the sense of accomplishment was seen through the excitement of the crowd and the competitors. Our 2025 FFA Sweetheart, Madeline Alves, was introduced and had the honor of announcing the winner of the 50/50 raffle.

She shares, "I had a great time with friends and family.

I love seeing how much hard work the Ag teachers and officers put in each year to put on such a fun event for See 'Tractor Pull" Page 13

Merced County Farm News • July 18, 2025

Tractor Pull

continued from page 12 us all. I appreciate all of you who came out to support and was grateful to be there to represent!"

At the close of the event, the Gustine FFA chapter expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all those who helped make this year’s Tractor Pull a recordbreaking success. “It’s always a good feeling to see how supportive our community is of this great tradition, and our FFA Program as a whole,” shares Carson Bell, Chapter

and Sectional president, who happens to be the grandson of one of the founding fathers of the event, Stephen Bell.

Gustine FFA’s reporter, Oscar Vergara, shares, “It’s a tradition that has constantly united Gustine and community members from here and beyond to celebrate our mutual support of the Gustine FFA chapter. The funds we raise today give back through opportunities that enhance the present and ensure the future of agriculture in the Central Valley.”

As the sun set on another

Page 13 successful Tractor Pull, the community’s bond was stronger than ever. The Gustine FFA Tractor Pull is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of the

enduring connection between Gustine and its agricultural roots, and a reminder of the incredible things that can be accomplished when a community works together.

Gustine FFA Chapter Officer Team at Tractor and Truck Pulls

New EPA guidance issued to prevent vehicle shutdowns from diesel exhaust By: Noah Wicks, Agri-Pulse exhaust fluid. Often, vehicles

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he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging machinery manufacturers to update their equipment to prevent shutdowns when diesel exhaust fluid runs out, Administrator Lee Zeldin said Monday.

Zeldin announced during a visit to the Iowa State Fair that EPA was issuing new guidance pressing equipment manufacturers to ensure vehicles already in use can receive software changes to prevent “sudden and severe power loss” from lack of diesel exhaust fluid.

EPA regulations already require that new diesel onroad trucks must be engineered to avoid power loss caused by a lack of diesel

experiencing diesel exhaust fluid problems are reduced within hours to going as slowly as five miles per hour, according to a press release.

Such power reductions

were likely meant to ensure compliance with the agency’s Tier 4 Emission standards.

"It is unacceptable that farmers, truckers, construction workers, and many other small businesses

continually experience failures of diesel-powered equipment when they need it most—costing millions of dollars in lost productivity,” Zeldin said.

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Merced County Farm News • August 12, 2025

Merced County Young Farmers & Ranchers Learn, Lead, and Look Ahead

Merced County Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) has had a busy and inspiring summer! On June 29, we hosted a Floral Workshop Fundraiser in collaboration with member Shania Wolf of Homegrown Flower Farm.

Participants enjoyed creating beautiful arrangements while supporting our group’s activities—and thanks to the event’s success, we’re already planning more workshops in the future.

In July, YF&R members

gathered for an Industry Speaker Night featuring the Public Information Officer from Merced County Mosquito Abatement. The presentation highlighted the important relationship between mosquito abatement and agricultural producers, particularly in protecting public health. Members left with a greater appreciation for this often-overlooked partnership that plays a vital role in our community.

Also in July, three of our

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

More than 50% of the ESJ budget goes towards monitoring and testing for pyrethroids. This cost will continue to go up as exceedances remain an issue.

Talk to your PCA about other products to minimize using pyrethroids and follow the management practices listed below.

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

WHAT IS OUR BIGGEST CONCERN

HOW TO HELP PREVENT PYRETHROID EXCEEDANCES

Manage spray drift Check wind and rain conditions before spraying End of row shut off when spraying close to waterbodies Maintain setbacks Calibrate equipment regularly

If exceedances continue, the biggest concern is that pyrethroids will be taken away. We hope to minimize these exceedances to keep this product as a useful tool.

Even small amounts of pyrethroids can lead to exceedances. Small changes in practices can make a big difference

members attended California YF&R’s Summer Leaders’ Meeting at the California Farm Bureau Headquarters in Sacramento. This annual event offered leadership training, networking opportunities, and fresh ideas to help us further our involvement and impact as YF&R members at the local and state levels.

Looking ahead, YF&R is planning several exciting meetings and activities over the coming months. We’re

especially excited to co-host a Fresno State Football Game and Tailgate, and we invite all YF&R and Farm Bureau members to join us for this fun-filled event.

Merced County YF&R is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 who is involved in or passionate about agriculture. New faces are always welcome—come connect, learn, and be part of the action!

Merced County Farm News • July 18, 2025

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Gather Agriculture named in Top 10 for American Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Competition By: Alexxis Rudich, Editor

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ather Agriculture, a pioneering force in AI-powered agricultural robotics, has been named one of the Top 10 finalists in the prestigious Ag Innovation Challenge hosted by the American Farm Bureau. This recognition highlights the company's growing impact on the future of farming through its simplified, scalable technology designed to empower both farms and farmworkers.

Founded in Merced, California, Gather is reimagining how farms operate by building robotic tools that prioritize ease

of use, affordability, and efficiency. Their flagship product, the Gather Rover, is a semi-autonomous field transport tool designed to move harvested crops quickly and safely—reducing postharvest losses and improving conditions for farmworkers.

Taking an "iPod, not iPhone" approach to innovation, Gather focuses on functionality and accessibility. The Rover is compact, easy to operate, and requires minimal training, making it ideal for large commercial farms and smaller operations alike.

In 2025, Gather began commercial deployment of its Rovers across California, Tennessee, and Arkansas,

with realized revenue between $100,000–$150,000.

One early adopter, HMC Farms—a leading California table grape grower—has already integrated the Rover into daily operations. Drew Ketelsen, VP and Farm Manager at HMC, shared, “My favorite part is how simple it is. It gets the job done.”

To date, Gather has generated $78,591 in early sales and built a strong customer pipeline across large farms, small operations, and academic institutions.

Their work is not only about improving harvest efficiency but also enabling food system resiliency through regional economic development,

Free Cover Crop Seed!

Project Apis m.'s Seeds for Bees program -supported by the Almond Board of California - is now open. Growers can receive $2,500 in free seed for first-year participants and $1,500 in free seed for second-year participants. Cover crops and resident vegetation can provide enhanced agronomic and ecosystem benefits to California almond orchards.

170,000+ acres of almond orchards are recognized bee-friendly, representing 86% of all bee-friendly certified U.S. farms.

Potential Cover Crop Benefits: Improved soil quality Enhanced natural pest management Increased pollinator forage Improved water holding capacity

The application period for the 2025 Seeds for Bees program will be open from April 1 to August 31, 2025. Scan the QR code and apply today!

reduced waste, and enhanced farmworker safety.

Backing their vision is Elemental Excelerator, a leading climate tech investor, which provided Gather’s first major investment with a $350,000 check.

With strong momentum and recognition at a national level, Gather Agriculture is well on its way to transforming the field— literally.

Merced County Farm Bureau wishes Gather Agriculture the best of luck as they continue in the competition! To learn more about Gather Agriculture, visit their website at gather. ag.

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Merced County Farm News • August 12, 2025

Building Bonds & Legacy: El Capitan FFA’s Officer Retreat

By: Adazila Torres-Duarte, El Capitan FFA Chapter Reporter

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n July 27, 2025, the El Capitan FFA officers and advisors gathered in Truckee for their anticipated annual officer retreat. The three day event set the stage for success in our upcoming school year by focusing on leadership development, team building, and goals guiding the 20252026 school year. The newly elected officers for the 20252026 school year include President Emma Nuno, Vice President of Growing Leader Matthew Diaz, Vice President of Strengthening Agriculture Eduardo Diego-Robles, Vice President of Building Communities Valexis Vang, Secretary Danica Roden, Treasurer Bailey Chambers, Reporter Adazila TorresDuarte, and Sentinel Anthony Perez-Gomez!

The El Capitan’s FFA officers are supported by a wonderful team of advisors: Mrs. Kaylyn Davenport, Mrs. Michaela Pignone, Mr. Daniel Fishman, Mr. Jeff Clark, Mr. Dillon Guillen, Ms. Hernandez, Ms. Kamesch, and student teacher Mr. Mejia! These advisors play a crucial role in mentoring the offi cers, helping them navigate challenges, and guiding them as they work to make the upcoming year a huge success.

El Capitan’s Officer Retreat was a great way for FFA officers to socialize with advisors and get to know their fellow teammates.

Throughout the retreat, officers participated in various team building

activities, many of them designed by fellow officers to explore each other’s strengths, gain a deeper sense of teamwork and communication that will benefit the chapter in the year upcoming.

The retreat was packed with activities aimed at strengthening both individual leadership skills and group cohesion. The officers and advisors went river rafting at Truckee River Raft, not only did they enjoy the fun experience but also learned to work together and communicated to keep their boat rowing forward.

They also participated in an exciting escape room which required teamwork, problem solving, and creative thinking to succeed. Other bonding activities include playing Jackbox and Werewolf, singing karaoke, preparing meals, and so many more exciting activities.

El Capitan’s Officer Retreat was a huge success, fi lled with team building, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Officers bonded through workshops, outdoor activities, and conversations that brought the team closer.

“We had a great time these past few days, looking forward to a great year!” said our Vice President of Strengthening Agriculture Eduardo DiegoRobles. “I had a blast with everyone! It’s going to be an amazing year,” said our Vice President of Building Communities

2025-2026 El Capital FFA Officer Team

Valexis Vang, following up.

This three day retreat brought more than just bonding or creating memories, it set the foundation for a year of leadership, member focus, leading with purpose, and chapter involvement throughout the 2025-2026 year. During the retreat, they set clear goals to ensure that every member has the opportunity to create their own legacy through handson experiences, leadership opportunities, and personal growth.

The El Capitan FFA officers are excited for the year ahead, even more energized by the retreat experience. “I also had so much fun these past few days. I’m so excited for the upcoming year, I know it’s

going to be an incredible one! Can’t wait for what the future holds!” said our Reporter Adazila TorresDuarte, reflecting the overall spirit of the retreat. They are committed to making the chapter more engaging and welcoming, focusing on increasing member involvement and leadership development. Their goal is to create an environment where every member’s potential is recognized, and where they can build lasting legacies of their own.

Our motto “Legacy Starts Here” is more than just words to us, but it is our mission.

With the stage set for growth, every officer is ready to lead the El Capitan FFA Chapter towards a year defined by not just purpose, but opportunity and legacy!

Merced County Farm News • July 18, 2025

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Are Trump’s tariffs driving up prices in California? What new numbers reveal

By David Lightman, The Sacramento Bee

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he tariffs President Donald Trump has imposed and threatened have not sent most prices up wildly — at least not yet — according to a new report from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“The effects of U.S. tariffs continue to filter through the economy, but not as fast as expected earlier,” said Sung Won Sohn, president of SS Economics in Los Angeles, on Tuesday.

That doesn’t mean tariffstoked price spirals aren’t coming. But it’s been four months since Trump declared “Liberation Day” and vowed to tax most foreign goods, a time when markets plunged largely on the prospect of higher prices.

“Trump to date has been correct in his early assessment that his tariff policy would not lead

to chaos and carnage as pundits predicted, including many economists,” said Mark Schniepp, director of the Santa Barbarabased California Economic Forecast.

“It’s still wait-and-see because of lagged effects,” Schniepp said. “But so far, there is no clear evidence that higher priced tariffed goods coming into the U.S. have had any impact on the general level of the Consumer Price Index.”

The cost of living has risen at a 2.7% annual pace through the end of July, the government said Tuesday.

While that’s a distance from the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, it’s still historically low.

Among the reasons for the slower-than-anticipated increases were adjustments by businesses and consumers.

Both camps remain wary that the tariffs will push prices further up in the immediate

future.

“We still face tariffed goods coming into the U.S. and especially as the holiday season ramps up,” Schniepp said. Consumers may substitute successfully enough to avoid tariff inflated priced goods but this circumstance remains a wait and see.”

At the corporate level, “businesses know consumers have been pushed to the edge already. They know consumers aren’t in the mood to digest the full cost of tariffs,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, which analyzes gasoline prices. Trump has imposed a patchwork of tariffs, in addition to delays and threats yet to materialize.

Some prices shot up There have been some bigger price increases. Most of last month’s increase was because of higher housingrelated prices.

That could become an

ongoing inflationary problem.

The UCLA Anderson Forecast found in its summer outlook that housing in California is “under pressure, with deportations reducing the construction workforce, rising input costs owing to tariffs and high interest rates constraining new home development.”

But cautious consumers are helping hold down prices of many goods and services.

Some of the areas most closely watched for tariff impact nationwide were largely unaffected. New car prices were unchanged.

Apparel prices were up 0.1%, though household furnishings costs jumped 0.7%.

Gasoline prices fell 2.2% last month, and De Haan saw a scenario where prices for a gallon of regular in California could go below $4 a gallon by the end of the year.

Gasoline prices — like most other items — are impacted by a hard-topredict variety of factors. De Haan listed a few that could impact oil prices: Could a breakthrough in U.S.-Russia talks this week matter to prices? Will OPEC cut or increase production? Will California refineries produce at a robust capacity?

The American Automobile Association said Tuesday that the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the state is $4.50, the highest in the U.S. To fall below $4, “a lot would have to go right,” said De Haan.

His analysis illustrated the highly uncertain nature of where tariff policy is leading.

“The full effect of tariffs has yet to be felt,” said Song.

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Ballot Initiative continued from page 9

process accountable,” said Molly Weedn, an external spokesperson for the insurance department, adding that Lara is “opposed to any effort to take away the rights consumers deserve.” As for how the measure would affect Lara’s plan, Weedn said “come back to us with that question if they collect the signatures.”

Consumer Watchdog, the Los Angeles-based advocacy group whose founder wrote Prop. 103 mostly to address rising auto insurance rates, said in a statement that the proposal does not seem to be a “serious” or well-funded campaign. The group also cited a report that found Prop.

103 has saved California drivers more than $150

C

alifornia Farm Bureau policy is clear – Williamson Act cancellation payment obligation support the integrity of the Williamson Act and our policy opposes efforts to remove it. Further, our policy encourages the long term protection of prime agricultural lands.

Reach out now to your Senator and let them know that the Williamson Act cancellation payment obligations are integral to the integrity of the Act, providing fairness to any size landowner who benefitted from a reduced property tax in exchange for keeping lands productive while in the Williamson Act. The payment ensures

Merced County Farm News • August 12, 2025 billion in auto insurance rates over the years, as well as a poll that found consumers blame insurance companies for rising premiums.

“We’re confident voters want more accountability from insurance companies,” Carmen Balber, the group’s executive director, told CalMatters. She said repealing Prop. 103 “would mean skyrocketing rates for home and auto insurance policy holders.”

Amy Bach, executive director of San Franciscobased consumer advocacy group United Policyholders, said that while Prop. 103 has “important consumer protections,” the intervenor process has resulted in approval delays — which insurers have long complained about — and political pressure that have

contributed to California’s problematic insurance market.

“I don’t give the ballot measure a high degree of success,” Bach said.

“People are not happy about escalating premiums.”

But Karl Susman, owner of an insurance agency in Los Angeles, said: “If you ask any homeowner in the state of California, are you happy with the current state of insurance? You know the answer is going to be no.

Now we actually will have an option to vote to change that.”

Another consumer advocacy group says Prop. 103 has helped keep California home and auto insurance rates lower than the national average. The state’s average annual homeowners insurance premium falls in

the middle of the pack among all U.S. states, according to an analysis by comparison website Bankrate.com.

Consumer Federation of America, a Washington, D.C.-based research and advocacy organization, “has studied state insurance markets for decades, and this initiative would institute the regulatory system used in states that have seen some of the most dramatic rate spikes around the country,” said Douglas Heller, director of insurance for the group.

Heller added that California is not alone in facing an insurance crisis, and that “removing oversight of the insurance companies at this moment would be like shutting down the fire department in the middle of a blaze.”

Protect Precious Farmland that solar developers are not skipping over brownfield locations that are just more costly to develop, in favor of using AB-1156 to pursue solar use easements on prime agricultural lands, without incurring any costs or mitigating the loss of those lands. Because AB-1156 expands solar use easements based on a new factor of “insufficient water supply” impacting “commercial viability” to include prime, lands of statewide importance, and farmland security zone lands for the first time, it is imperative that those terms are clearly defined.

After all, agave grows on as little as .1 acre feet of water per acre, so

much of the land being sought for solar can still be commercially viable for farming.

Write your legislator today and tell them to vote no on AB-1156 and protect agricultural land.

Merced County Farm News • July 18, 2025

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Merced County Farm News • August 12, 2025

Inside Farm Bureau: Legal successes deliver results for California farmers

By Shannon Douglass, President, California Farm Bureau

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t the California Farm Bureau, we know our members would rather focus on growing food than deal with red tape.

That’s why we invest in strong legal advocacy—to stand up for agriculture when laws and regulations create unnecessary hurdles.

Our legal advocacy efforts span a wide range of legal and regulatory issues that affect how agriculture operates in California. From utility rates and water policy to land-use regulations, pesticide rules and species protections, we advocate with one goal in mind: securing better outcomes for our members and county Farm Bureaus across the state.

With decades of combined legal experience and a deep commitment to agriculture, our in-house legal staff— including attorneys and support professionals, each with deep, personal commitments to agriculture and the mission of Farm Bureau—drafts legal briefs, testifies before regulatory bodies, provides legal analysis, attends hearings, and monitors legislative and agency actions. Through this work, we help shape practical, long-term solutions to the challenges farmers face every day.

Energy is one area where this work makes a clear impact. With power costs ranking among the highest operating expenses for farms and ranches, we engage in regulatory proceedings

that affect electricity rates, generation and delivery.

Farm Bureau’s team has built productive relationships with investor-owned utilities to help resolve issues and advocate for agriculture.

By closely monitoring rate changes, we can step in to mitigate rising costs that directly impact the viability of farming operations.

In June, for example, Farm Bureau was the only agricultural advocate that took part in negotiations with Southern California Edison during a recent rate case. This work led to a favorable settlement for agricultural ratepayers, and the agreement— pending approval by the California Public Utilities Commission—resulted in an overall 0.58% decrease for the agricultural rate class.

Of most significance, large agricultural customers originally faced an increase of almost 10%. Farm Bureau’s sustained efforts on this case resulted in those customers instead seeing a substantially lower 1.13% increase. This outcome changed what would have otherwise been a significant rate hike, delivering a meaningful win for members who rely on affordable, reliable energy.

Water remains the foundation of California agriculture, and we’re engaged on all fronts— availability, supply, rights and quality. Our issue experts work closely together and often join coalitions to defend agricultural water rights and promote sound, workable policy. Our recent legal

efforts include litigation tied to the federal “Waters of the United States,” or WOTUS, rule as well as the ongoing implementation of the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. To strengthen our support in this area, we recently increased staff capacity focused specifically on water law, ensuring we remain responsive as state and federal regulations grow increasingly complex.

Our efforts center around providing sustainable business solutions for farmers and ranchers, and we’re doing just that. Farm Bureau’s sustained efforts have helped farmers save money under California’s Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program, which governs nitrate levels in groundwater.

By advocating for a coalitionbased compliance model, we were successful in gaining a framework that significantly reduces costs for growers.

Through participation in a local water coalition, a farmer’s administrative fee is now just $1.50 per acre— compared to $37.40 per acre for the first 300 acres and $18.71 per acre thereafter under individual compliance.

Following litigation involving state regulations aimed at improving water quality and managing nitrates, we played a key role in the litigation and the convening of the original agricultural expert panel.

A second panel has been reconvened to help ensure that practical solutions reflect on-the-ground realities for farmers.

Because agricultural lands

are often subject to state and federal environmental protections, we weigh in on issues that could affect a farmer’s ability to operate.

Our team regularly submits comments and legal input on our members’ behalf to ensure agricultural activity is taken into account. Recent examples include our responses to the proposed listings of the monarch butterfly as threatened and the Suckley’s cuckoo bumble bee as endangered under the Endangered Species Act— cases where we ensured agricultural activity would be considered in the final decisions.

We also provide direct legal support to county Farm Bureaus. Farm Bureau staff assists with governance and operational matters, including bylaw interpretation, lease agreements, employment issues, contracts, intellectual property concerns, and compliance with campaign finance, tax and lobbying rules.

Our work focuses on these cases that impact large segments of California agriculture—addressing issues that affect entire commodities, counties and regions, instead of individual legal representation.

Through skilled advocacy, trusted relationships and a long-term commitment to agriculture, California Farm Bureau continues to deliver results for farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses across the state. I’m proud to highlight the work we do together to support our members.

Merced County Farm News • July 18, 2025

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Merced County Farm News • August 12, 2025

The Return of the Screw Worm

he New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into and feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, dogs, and even humans creating severe, sometimes fatal wounds.

Early signs include animals exhibiting irritated behavior, head shaking, foul odor, and visible maggots in wounds While eradicated in the U.S. by the 1960s through a revolutionary sterile‐ insect technique releasing sterilized male flies to suppress reproduction and similar efforts southward, the screwworm is now creeping north from Central America. NWS is endemic in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and countries in South America. For decades, the United States and Panama have collaborated through the Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG) to prevent the pest's northward movement.

We use a biological control technique (sterilized insects) to eradicate NWS fly populations. This approach eradicated NWS from the United States in 1966 and eliminated a small outbreak from the Florida Keys in 2017.

Keeping NWS out of the United States is crucial to protect our livestock industry, economy, and food supply chain. In May 2025, U.S. authorities suspended live animal imports including cattle, horses, and bison from Mexico. This decisive move aimed to halt the northward spread after cases were detected in states such as Veracruz and Oaxaca, hundreds of miles from the U.S. border.

Mexico had introduced pre-clearance inspections and treatment protocols earlier in the year, leading to a brief reopening in February. However, the renewed upward spread of screwworms prompted the USDA to reinstate the ban in May, with a warning that the suspension would remain month-by-month “until a significant window of containment is achieved” AVMAMSU Extension Service.

Mexican feeder cattle are a vital source for U.S. feedyards, especially in Texas and the Southwest. Imports previously accounted for around 5% of U.S. feedlot placements and nearly 18% in key southwestern states MSU Extension ServiceFarm Progress.

The border closure has created sharp shortages in

feeder cattle, driving up prices for U.S. producers and tightening supplies in feedlots and grazing systems.

Operators at facilities like Kirkland Feedyards in Texas have seen their Mexican cattle deliveries fall to just 10% of normal volume, impacting grazing plans, staff levels, and feed contracts.

One widespread concern is that this disrupts the broader cattle supply chain, elevating meat prices and straining downstream industries from

slaughterhouses to retail and consumers. Despite recent setbacks, there was cautious optimism. In July, the U.S. and Mexico agreed to gradually reopen the border for cattle imports starting July 7, supported by boosted deployment of sterile flies of over 100 million per week and no new northward spread reported. As of this writing, the Mexican border remains closed for the animal exports mentioned above.

Merced County Farm News • July 18, 2025

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Merced County Farm News • August 12, 2025