from the Director's Desk

Breanne Vandenberg

Our county experienced some of the worst flooding on record and, unfortunately, many are still dealing with the aftermath of that experience. We are aware large dairy herds had to be moved and are thankful for those that jumped in to help their neighbor when called. The way in which this community rallies around each other in times of crisis is something special and makes one proud to call it home. Our hearts go out to all that were displaced and/or dealing with the various forms of destruction during this time.

Unfortunately, I must follow the above with some additional bad news. Beginning with this edition, Merced County Farm News will be available in print every other month and digitally every month. Last year you may have noticed our paper and print quality improved. That improvement was due to switching to another printer, however that was not without cost. We have now received notice that their print prices will be increasing. The additional increase is not a price tag we can muster, nor can we raise our prices for such an increase. For this reason, we have opted for the hybrid option mentioned above. Our digital version can be mailed directly to your inbox courtesy of our Constant Contact list. If you are not receiving it or our weekly e-newsletter, please call our office so we can be sure to update your email. You are welcome to email us at info@ mercedfarmbureau.org. Our digital edition is also available on our website at www.mercedfarmbureau.org.

Please consider taking some time out of your morning and attend one of our Coffee Talks slated for February and March. Our keynote speakers will be Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira and Sheriff Vern Warnke (please note that Sheriff Warnke is unavailable for the March 7 event in Hilmar). We look forward to engaging in conversations with them as they work to keep you and your properties safe. Please review page 12 of the Farm News for dates, times, and locations. Additional dates and locations will be scheduled for our remaining districts after the harvest season.

Also on the horizon is our wellknown Annual Dinner. Hosted at the Merced Fairgrounds, you will hear from California Farm Bureau’s Director of Political Affairs Steven Fenaroli, have a wonderfully catered meal by Kelli Cochrane Catering, mix and mingle with old and new friends and more. We will be bringing back our live and dessert auctions as well as a fundraiser specific to our two 501(c)3 programs. Tickets can be purchased for $65 per ticket or $520 for a table of 8 by either logging onto our online store or by visiting our office.

Lastly, you may have caught the birth announcement of our son back in November. Tate is doing well and perfect in every way. We are adjusting to life in managing middle of the night feeds and taking double the time in getting out of the house, but it is nothing we would change. A huge thank you goes out to our staff and board during my leave as they handled numerous items and issues during my absence. I look forward to seeing you all in 2023!