June 2023

arm. You E F at. e W

June 2023 | Volume 116, Number 6

Merced County Farm News

Reforms to water rights could soon hit California farmers By: Brad Hooker, Agripulse

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he Legislature has been advancing a series of measures to overhaul aspects of the state’s century-old water right system.

Proponents argue the rules are archaic and inadequate for addressing climate change. Critics charge the bills would instead set California back on climate investments and disrupt progress in ending a decades-long water war.

The most debated legislation is Assembly Bill 460 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan of Orinda, who has often stood at odds with agriculture and water interests. The measure would increase the enforcement authority for the State Water Resources Control Board, enabling it to order an immediate

halt to diversions and fine violators up to $10,000 a day. Bauer-Kahan described AB 460 as a simple clarifying measure, arguing “all it does is say you’ve got to follow the law” and targets “people who want to take water that doesn't belong to them.” Yet she asserted the reforms would draw significant progress in combating climate change.

“Our future is really, really frightening,” said Bauer-Kahan, pointing to research showing the state’s snowpack could disappear within 24 years.

Asm. James Ramos of San Bernardino added that the “modest, common-sense reforms” prevent irreparable harm to tribal communities.

In policy committee hearings, State Water Contractors (SWC) contended the

bill would expand the agency’s authority without any checks and balances and allow it to establish new rules for legal diverters. SWC General Manager Jennifer Pierre said that creating such uncertainty over water rights would disrupt investments in climate resilience as well as commitments already in place for a set of voluntary agreements over freshwater flows for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

During floor debate last week, Asm. Vince Fong of Bakersfield warned the bill would “completely overhaul California’s water rights system” and put an end to family farms. Fong argued the new powers would allow the board to stop legal diversions and deny water users the right to challenge the board’s actions in court. Fellow Republican

Asm. Heath Flora of Ripon added that the board would have “absolute authority to be the judge and jury” over senior water rights established before 1914. Minority Leader James Gallagher worried that any interest group could draft a petition to halt a diversion, and he claimed the impacts would extend beyond agriculture to urban water districts. Gallagher also raised alarms over expanding the agency’s authority for issuing curtailments.

“Who makes the decision?” he said.

“It's not the elected people of the state.

It's an unelected water board that now gets to make that decision with limited information, on a short time period and with very little due process.”

See 'Water' Page 2

Pesticide use down, but pest numbers up By: Lee Allen, Western FarmPress

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he graph illustrating pesticide use in California commodity crops has again trended downward with the boss of the Department of Pesticide Regulation, Julie Henderson, promising: “We continue to support opportunities to expand alternatives to decrease the use of higher-risk pesticides for sustainable pest management across the state.”

In releasing its Pesticide Use Report for 2021, DPR confirmed earlier data showing a more than 10% statewide decline in pesticide use compared to the previous year.

In the latest annual reporting period, 191 million pounds of active ingredients — the chemicals that make pesticides work — were applied in California with 95 million acres treated — a decrease

INSIDE:

6-7 Rooted in Ag Recipients

of nearly 25 million pounds compared to 2020 numbers. Grapes were one of the crops treated with the most total pounds of pesticides and considered ‘commodities of interest.’

With an increase cited in use of lower-risk biopesticides and horticultural oil over the last ten year period, Henderson said, “We applaud growers for moving to safer and more sustainable pest management alternatives while decreasing overall pesticide use.”

Named department director in December 2021 after serving at the California Environmental Protection Agency, Henderson said her game plan called for “accelerating the transition to safer, more sustainable tools and practices for pest management” as part of DPR’s mission to protect human

16-17 Fair Highlights

health and the environment.

Jim Farrar, who directs the University of California’s Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, offered some thoughts on the latest usage numbers.

“The statistics reflect year-to-year changes as part of a fluctuating pattern, especially during drought years,” he said. “In drier times, there may be fewer pests or growers may be concerned about input and yield and production materials costs because of the drought, so we expect these fluctuations.

“Longer-term trends are the really important ones and they, too, are going in the right direction. We’ve seen these year-to-year fluctuations before for a combination of reasons, but we more See 'Pesticides' Page 10

20

Summer BBQ

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Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

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from the

Director's Desk Breanne Vandenberg

Water continued from page 1 The Assembly passed the measure by a three-vote margin, ordering it to the Senate.

Another bill that narrowly passed the Assembly last week was AB 1337. It would enable the water board to curtail pre-1914 water right holders without the governor declaring a drought emergency and without the standard practice of providing due notice ahead of an order.

Under AB 1337, the board could levy penalties for each day and for every acre-foot of water diverted.

“The scope of this bill is nothing radical,” said Asm. Buffy Wicks of Oakland during floor debate. “In times of shortage—made increasingly severe because of climate change—all water rights holders would fall under the same rules.”

As with AB 460, water districts argued that such extreme measures would erode any certainty with their investments and hinder their ability to deliver water. They worried about having a state agency, which has insufficient data on water use, step in to manage local water diversions on a regular basis.

“Increasing the frequency with which the state water board manages the system with antiquated tools is not modernization,” said Valerie Kincaid, an attorney representing several districts.

Fong blasted the measure last week, arguing it would enable the board to

he season is ramping up, and with it, weather that we typically do not see this time of year. Every year has different challenges, and this season has proven to be no different. It has been a year on the legislative front which you can see by the articles in this month’s Farm News. As you work at getting a crop turned over, we’re fighting on all fronts of labor, water and much more.

As Joe mentioned in his column, many times it feels as though the California Legislature doesn’t care or listen to the needs of agriculture.

I’ve been in countless meetings where members or their staff members are not engaged in the conversation or only act as if they are interested. It can be incredibly disheartening. Many of these conversations occur with members outside of the valley. It can be a large effort to link agriculture to their constituents even though they use ag products in some manner of their daily lives.

I say the above knowing that it doesn’t make anyone feel joyful about contacting their representatives. We own that task but encourage you to still reach out when the need arises. They need to hear from their constituents. We’ve had conversations with our newly elected officials and their staff on multiple occasions this year and all have been welcoming and helpful. The nature of the beast it what it is and I always tell folks that you will not agree on everything. No two people will agree on everything no matter if your background aligns.

This year alone we have engaged on a host of topics including water availability, flood impacts and flows, insurance, transportation, etc. The conversations have been a two-way street and both of us walk away with a little more knowledge than we had before. If you are interested in meeting with your elected officials, pick up the phone or write an email/note. It only takes a minute and hearing from their

constituents is what helps shape their outlook on various bills that impact you.

Outside of legislative oversight, MCFB is busy at work planning a few events. Our Summer BBQ is slated for Friday, July 28 at the Arnold Party Barn in Winton. This is our casual mixer for the year. Event tickets are $50 and include your drinks, heavy appetizer menu and entertainment. Social begins at 5:30pm and food will kick off at 7pm.

Tickets can be purchased through our office in person or online on our website.

We would love for you to join us!

FARM2U is coming back to full capacity this year. This event has been our flagship educational program over the years, educating third graders about the products grown in their backyards.

The event is months away in October but our staff has been hard at work reaching out to presenters. Help is always needed and there are many ways you can do so. If you are interested in participating in the day as a volunteer, please reach out to Denelle in our office.

aggressively curtail legal diversions, even during wet years.

“We don't need to rush and throw our entire water rights system out the window,” he said. “We need to take the time to get it right.”

Asm. Jim Patterson of Fresno, also a Republican, explained that the bill would undo decades of adjudications and other court decisions that have established the current framework of water rights.

“If you take it away, you're going to have really serious legal difficulties,” he said. “And if you think we have an unfair water distribution system, wait until this creates the kind of litigation that you haven't seen before.”

Wicks responded that “no one is losing their water rights here” and senior right holders will still be the last in line for curtailments. She expected the bill to gain several amendments in the Senate to ease the opposition.

Similar arguments played out on the other side of the Capitol over Senate Bill 389, a measure to investigate water right claims for upstream diversions, particularly for pre-1914 rights. Senator Ben Allen of Santa Monica said this would allow the board to ask diverters for proof of their rights, which would better inform the board’s drought actions.

GOP Sen. Shannon Grove of Bakersfield rose in opposition, alerting her colleagues that SB 389 would undermine due process for water right

holders and disrupt the reliability of water purchases. She called it draconian and undemocratic to place the burden of proof on the holders and presume they are guilty until proven innocent.

“I can't support a bill that unreasonably investigates growers and public agencies that need to buy water under consistent and measurable standards,” said Grove.

While several Democrats abstained from voting on the three water reform bills, Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil of Modesto was one of only two to raise her concerns on the floor. She described SB 389 as enabling a witch hunt by investigating pre-1914 claims, which often exist only in the form of a basic paper notice tacked to a tree long before a state system was in place.

“It turns into an avenue that can put lives, families, properties and our economy at risk,” said AlvaradoGil. “This is an attack on the way of life in our Central Valley. We’re the breadbasket of the world.”

Sen. Anna Caballero of Merced, also a Moderate Democrat, was frustrated that during droughts the responsibility often falls on agriculture for fallowing land.

“It doesn't become the responsibility of the golf courses to stop watering or for our parks to cut back as well,” said Caballero. “The reality of the situation is that the valley has been gray before this year because of the drought. And then you move to other communities

and they're green, they're flowering and they're beautiful.”

She called for first identifying new sources of water, such as from recycling and reuse projects and other technological solutions, before fighting over water rights.

Allen dismissed the concerns, responding that his bill “just gives the water board the ability to ask the same questions of the folks from 1913 as they can of the folks from 1915, which is to show some proof of the validity of their right.” He claimed that California is the only state to take a blanket, hands-off approach to a massive portion of water rights and argued his bill pushes back against the status quo to create a fair and equitable system.

In a discussion at the Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit West on Monday, Fong pointed out that the lawmakers authoring the three measures represent urban coastal districts and said they have not worked on policies in the water space before.

“These bills are existential threats to our water system in California,” he said.

“I don’t sugar coat it. This is a big deal.”

In a subsequent interview, Senate Agriculture Chair Melissa Hurtado of Bakersfield said she’s trying to work with the bill sponsors.

“I want to stress the importance of those bills and making sure that we either get the right amendments in there, or if we can, prevent them from moving forward,” said Hurtado.

Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

from the

the most enviable reservoirs and water delivery systems in the world. If only we could just get it all managed in a way that makes sense and provides stability for the future. Of course, our elected officials and the agency leaders whom they appoint will tell us that is exactly what they’re doing and working toward! Progress!

Environmental sustainability!

Cleaner air and water!

Reduction in the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases!

Promotion of “green energy!”

These are certainly all noble goals and endeavors to continue to work towards and I don’t deny their respective importance. We absolutely do have a responsibility to care for, protect and conserve our environment and resources and I don’t take that lightly.

Where we have gone wrong with all this in California on political and regulatory levels is that common sense, practicality, patience, sound and unadulterated science, and perhaps most importantly, COMPROMISE… have just about all completely gone out the window. Compounding matters is the fact that the different levels of governments…federal, state, counties and cities…are more often than not at odds with each other and fighting each other on many issues including but certainly not limited to environment and infrastructure. The most common negative denominator in this equation in my opinion is the State of California.

Our state’s “leadership” and their minion agencies seem to be constantly and tirelessly working to find new ways all the time to derail sound projects, ideas, and regulations that just make sense, and instead double down on ones that make very little sense and push hard to force impossible deadlines for certain objective goals, often requiring specific

President's Corner Joe Sansoni

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hat an interesting year 2023 has turned out to be so far! Of course, we say that almost every year. With this one just shy of halfway over, there’s still much to see play out, but so far we have been inundated with an unprecedented amount of rainfall, floods, delays in getting fields prepped and planted, and as I write this, starting out June with a bit of cooler weather and some light summer rain. Quite a departure from the “norm” of drier, hotter weather that we have gotten used to in the past several years. Aside from the floods and delayed field work, it’s kind of nice, but a challenge nonetheless to many if not most farmers. Good thing it’s California!

In most other states or regions, it would be too late if fields haven’t been planted by now.

My comment “Good thing it’s California” is kind of an ironic statement for us in the business of agriculture. It really is a great state. We have some of the best regional microclimates, the longest growing season, the most diverse set of crops grown, and some of

Page 3 results within those timelines that even the best engineers and scientists can’t possibly guarantee will happen. Some may want to ask me “Joe, which ideas, topics and projects are you specifically referring to?” to which I’d answer “Pretty much all of them! Pick any State-regulated subject area and insert it into this conversation and you’ll see that it probably applies!”

One of the most glaring areas where this issue comes to a head often is with the extreme environmentalism that has pervaded our State agencies and leaders, including the various regulatory boards and commissions. This includes our elected as well as appointed leaders.

I’m careful to use the term “extreme” here because there is a big difference between someone who truly cares for and stewards the environment around them and those who only claim to for the publicity. In fact, often the appointed leaders are far worse because it seems that once ensconced in their positions, they never seem to have to ever show any real level of accountability for the impacts of their ideologies in practice.

I have touched on this subject in past articles too, but it is fresh in my mind always as I observe the ever increasing amount of power and greed that oozes from all the State-created agencies and oversight committees. It’s also fresh in my mind as my family and I continue working to pick up the pieces from the flooding that hammered one of our ranches in January. Flooding that would have been prevented or at the very least significantly minimized by simply cleaning and maintaining the waterways in a manner that got the job done with the most minimal possible impact to the environment. A sound compromise between environmental stewardship and protection of human homes and property is required for work like that to be done in the best way possible, and in the best time of the year to do so. But our state agencies are apparently now being run by people who don’t care one bit about

the human element and economics, nor does the word compromise even exist in their vocabulary. Another example is the decades long failure to build new water storage systems and reservoirs, even after they have been approved and funded. The idea that more water storage in place during very wet years like this one would make drought years have a much less severe impact on our counties and economy, and the basic fact that “where there is water, there is life” is somehow lost on them.

Yet another is how potentially very effective alternatives to the Bay Delta Plan have been routinely rejected for decades in favor of throwing more water down the rivers, which also hasn’t been very effective at all. They don’t want to be wrong so they discredit new ideas that involve compromises and real progress. Environmental groups, State agencies, and in many cases judges who are partial to their cause work together to make sure that zero actual progress occurs…even when it’s desperately needed. They believe that a hands off approach is in line for nearly every situation. For goodness sake the County can’t even get permission to replace, widen or repair certain bridges because of “environmental and habitat concerns.” I guess it would be a waste of time to point out to these people that somehow the species they think they’re protecting from the reconstruction process somehow survived the original construction process. There’s an element of people and thinking at play here that is simply devoid of common sense and reason. In their minds it is progress but in practical reality it’s very regressive and more often than not, ultimately winds up leading to a net negative for the environment that they claim to care so much about. I sometimes wonder if they really do care about the things they claim to care about at all. Because if they did they’d be working with us and cooperating to find solutions instead of excuses.

Merced County Farm Bureau’s Mission Statement Merced County Farm Bureau is an independent, nongovernmental, grassroots organization that advocates for the men and women who provide food, fiber, and nursery products for our community, state, and nation.

Merced County Farm Bureau exists for the purpose of improving the ability of individuals engaged in production

agriculture to utilize California resources to produce food and fiber in the most profitable, efficient and responsible manner possible, guaranteeing our nation a domestic food supply.

Merced County Farm Bureau supports policies and legislation that promote and protect our Country’s number one industry agriculture for future generations and the security of our nation.

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Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

New Research Offers Clarity on Actual Water Use by Agriculture By: California Farm Bureau

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ecent scientific work by the California Bountiful Foundation, the 501(c)(3) science and research arm of the California Farm Bureau, has found that California farmers and ranchers use only 15% of the total water the state receives.

These findings, now available on the California Bountiful Foundation website under Research and Studies, offers a data-based analysis of water use of California agriculture, the largest food producing sector in the U.S. The data contradicts stereotypes often repeated on the share of water used for agriculture.

A policy brief and peer-reviewed scientific publications will follow to memorialize this work, said Dr. Amrith Gunasekara, director of science and research for the California Farm Bureau.

“We set out to understand how agriculture water is allocated, portrayed, and presented,” Dr. Gunasekara said.

“What we found out is that commonly

expressed beliefs over water use by farmers and ranchers are simply not supported by actual data on how much water California receives.”

The California Bountiful Foundation, in collaboration with the Governmental Affairs Division of the California Farm Bureau, has started to release policy briefs to educate policy makers and stakeholder groups.

“For an agricultural sector that leads the nation in food production and provides a diverse, nutritious, affordable and safe food supply, this data shows that California agriculture is highly efficient,” said California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson.

“We are working hard to educate our policy makers to bring understanding to California’s critical agricultural food production.”

More information on policy briefs can be found here. A recent commentary in the Ag Alert newspaper on the agriculture water-use findings may be found here.

Merced County Farm News Published monhtly by Merced County Farm Bureau Phone (209) 723-3001 Fax (209) 722-3814 646 S. Hwy 59, Merced CA 95341 Email: dflake@mercedfarmbureau.org

(USPS 339-500)

Entered as Second Class matter, Jan. 20, 1948 at the US Post Office in Merced, CA. Subscription is included in membership. Singles issues are 50 cents. Merced County Farm News is printed by Wesco Graphics, 410 E. Grant Line Road, Suite B, Tracy, CA 95376 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Merced County Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 1232, Merced, CA 95341; telephone (209) 723-3001; FAX (209) 722-3814. Merced County Farm Bureau does not assume responsibility for statements by advertisers or for products advertised in Merced County Farm News, nor does Farm Bureau assume responsibility for statements or expressions of opinion other than in editorials or in articles showing authorship by an officer, director or employee of the Merced County Farm Bureau or its affiliates.

Merced County Farm Bureau Staff

Mariposa County Farm Bureau Staff Danette Toso Executive Director

Breanne Vandenberg Executive Director Lorraine Passadori Program Director Board of Directors Denelle Flake Farm News Editor/Project Specialist Pres: Kelly Williams................ 376-2408 1st VP: Elnora George............ 376-2419 Alexxis Rudich Project Assistant/ESJ Grower Relations 2nd VP: Carla Kelly.................742-6862 Directors Abel Lopez...............................376-2208 Board of Directors Pres: Joe Sansoni...................761-9284 James Palmer......................... 374-3470 1st VP: David Barroso............652-6437 Walter Palmer Jr...................... 374-3470 2nd VP: Tim Lohman............. 988-3545 Trevor Lee Smith.....................769-9969 Sec/Treas: Dante Migliazzo...769-9525 Danette Toso...........................376-2304 Past Pres: Eric Harcksen....... 620-1953 Tony Toso.................................376-2304 Jordan Cory.....................765-401-4078 District 1 Matt Jasso...............................270-1981 Joe Maiorino............................564-6791 District 2 Mike Davis............................... 387-4151 Bob Vandenberg.................... 704-5568 District 3 Chad Perry............................... 675-4474 District 4 Jean Okuye..............................756-2421 Galen Miyamoto......................761-5366 District 5 Brent Chipponeri.....................652-3473 John Van Ruler........................648-3877 District 6 John Johnston........................ 489-8462 Bill Arnold................................761-0542 District 7 GIno Pedretti III.......................756-1612 Tom Roduner...........................769-9353 District 8 Julie Giampaoli...................... 201-8434 Joe Scoto.................................761-0489 Directors at Large Bob Giampaoli 769-4973 Louie Bandoni 761-0625 Michael Serrano 485-1935 Jesse Penick 678-8887 Tom Murphy 353-2700 Alan Sano 559-905-1240

Jay Mahil CFBF Director - District 9 David Macedo CFBF Field Representative Pierce Hanning Merced County YF&R Chair

Sarah Baskins YF&R State Committee - District 9

Stay Connected with MCFB Follow us on instagram @merced_farm_bureau Like us on Facebook Merced County Farm Bureau Join our mailing list by emailing info@mercedfarmbureau.org

Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

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2023 Gustine FFA Banquet By: Isabella Cortez, Gustine FFA Reporter

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n May 23, 2023, the Gustine FFA Chapter held their 85th Annual banquet at the AlGoman Community Center. Our hard working members received recognition for their many accomplishments throughout this school year. Awards were received, scholarships were given, and heart-felt speeches were shared. The night began with 4th place Sectional Creed Speaker, Isabella Cortez, who recited The FFA Creed, followed by Gustine’s first ever state qualifier Spanish FFA Creed speaker, Oscar Vergara. Gustine FFA then had the honor of hearing words of advice from the 2022-2023 California FFA State Sentinel, Morgan Oliveira,

whose message was that small steps can lead to great progress and to never give up. Four members were then recognized for their hard work and determination towards FFA. The Star Greenhand Award was given to Baylor Bloom and Emilia Galindo recognizing their accomplishments in their first year as an FFA member. The Star Chapter Farmer Award was given to a distinguished sophomore, Ayden Pacheco. The Workhorse Award is given to a member who was hardworking and dependable throughout their four years of highschool. This was awarded to Darian Nunes. A highly involved Gustine FFA individual was awarded the Honorary Chapter Degree award which symbolizes someone who provides exceptional service to agricultural education. This individual

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being Trinten Cordeiro. Afterwards eight freshmen were awarded the opportunity to attend the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis and a trip to Washington DC for demonstrating the most involvement towards Gustine FFA this year. The freshmen are, Baylor Bloom, Isabella Cortez, Emilia Galindo, Delaney Medeiros, Michelle Nunes, Josie Nunes, Nick Ventura, and Madeline Villnow. Now ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve been waiting for, the 2023-2024 Gustine FFA Chapter Officer Team. Drum roll please! Delaney Medeiros serving as Historian, Alfred Nunes serving as Sentinel, Isabella Cortez serving as reporter, Socorro Mendoza serving as Treasurer, Baylor Bloom serving as Secretary, Antonio Hermosillo serving as Vice President and Mikayla Silveira

serving as President. The Gustine FFA Chapter would like to thank the parents and community for supporting the organization and believing in the members’ ability to strive toward success. A huge congratulations to all the members who received recognition for their hard work and accomplishments. We look forward to the growth of our new Gustine FFA Chapter Officer team. In addition, the Gustine FFA Chapter would like to wish Austin Bell an exciting new year as the California State FFA President.

The Gustine FFA Chapter will miss this past 2023 graduating class and their dedication to serve the National FFA organization, Gustine High School, and community. May the graduating class go on to accomplish great things. Here’s to the 2022-2023 All-in year!

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Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

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Education Update 2023 Recipients Kelly McIntyre Second Grade, McSwain Elementary Lesson: Honey Bees Amy Whitfield First Grade, Pioneer Elementary Lesson: Dairy Growing up as a part of a ranching family I was able to understand first hand the importance of farming and dedication of farmers. As a teacher I try to make opportunities in my classroom for students to learn as much as possible about the community they live in and the people who help keep them fed and clothed. Living in the central valley is such a blessing and there is agriculture all around us, but kids don't look outside their car window. Most students do not understand where food comes from and assume that the grocery store is the only 'place' that is involved. Our one trip to the cheese factory helped students understand ALL of the different steps and people involved to make products like cheese and ice cream.

From farmers to milkers to truck drivers and factory workers.

I believe it is important to teach agriculture in the classroom because we are surrounded by it. A lot of kids don't know that the trees and fields surrounding our school and in our county are growing food to feed our country and community.

Now they have a deeper understanding of what is happening next door.

Stephanie Garcia Second Grade, McSwain Elementary Lesson: Honey Bees I believe it is important to teach agriculture in the classroom because students get to learn where food comes from and all of the effort that goes into it. It allows the students to understand the process and realize that it does not magically appear at the grocery store. They also learn how it impacts their community and world around them.

Stefanie Hoffman Second Grade, McSwain Elementary Lesson: Honey Bees It is important for our scholars to engage and learn about agriculture from a young age for many reasons. More specifically, it helps them gain perspective on their impact in the world and community. They begin to see the role that every creature and person has, big or small. In turn, it inspires learners to contribute to our environment in meaningful ways. Our learners will be the future policy makers, consumers, buyers and dreamers that will shape our future. Therefore, it is essential they have a solid foundation of agricultural understanding to ensure they leave a positive footprint in our would.

Cynthia Cassady Second Grade, McSwain Elementary Lesson: Honey Bees I believe that it is important to teach agriculture in the classroom, because students need to know the part that the agricultural community plays in their lives. Students need to understand where their food comes from and the hard work that goes into providing food for their community. In our rural community, my students are surrounded by agriculture. I want them to make the connection that these farms are where their food comes from. It is important for them to realize that without farms and farmers, they will not have food. I want them to understand that we need to save our farms and our agricultural land so that we can provide food for our families in the future.

Sergio De Alba Sixth Grade, R.M. Miano Elementary Lesson: Ag Science Club Nursery & Plant Sale I believe that it is important to teach agriculture in the classroom because educated students appreciate the importance of Ag in our community and in turn, understand their value to our nation’s success.

Jessica Coronado Fourth Grade, Joe Stefani Elementary Lesson: Central Valley Crops I believe that it is important to educate and teach about agriculture in the classroom because our students should know where our food comes from and the process it takes to bring nutritious foods to our plate. It is also a way to honor the farmers, the fieldworkers and their familiies that work diligently in our community. Furthermore, it is a learning opportunity for our students when they are exposed to science and the future variety of careers in the industry of agriculture.

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Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

Why Volunteer?

By: JoLynn Miller, UCANR Contributor: Russell Hill; Merced, Madera, and Mariposa County 4-H Youth Development Advisor History of Volunteering Volunteering is part of the fabric of our nation. From the very beginning, community members banded together to help each other out. One of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, started the first volunteer firehouse in 1736 and other efforts followed, often in support of the Revolutionary War. In the 1800s religious organizations fed the homeless and helped those less fortunate. Also, in the 1800s many well-known organizations were formed.

These include the YMCA, American Red Cross, and United Way. During the 1900s volunteering increased with organizations like Rotary, Lions Club, and Kiwanis. Many of these volunteer organizations were focused on helping people in need, but youth serving organizations also got their start in the early 1900s; organizations like 4-H, Camp Fire Girls, Boys and Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts.

Current Trends Nationally, and in California, volunteer rates increased during the 1970's, 80's, and 90's. Numbers hit a peak in the mid-2000s. Over the last ten years, those rates have remained steady or slightly dropped. In 2021, over 5.5 million formal volunteers contributed 379.2 million hours of service through organizations, with an estimated worth of $13.5 billion (Americorps.gov). This equates to roughly 18.3% of California residents who formally volunteered through organizations. Over 46.1% of residents report doing a favor for a neighbor which is a type of informal volunteering. Virtual volunteering increased prior to and during the pandemic. It allows community members to help organizations even when they are not in town. Things like accounting, writing newsletters, website design, or social media are all jobs volunteers can do virtually and on their own schedule.

Benefits to YOU Did you know you might live longer if you volunteer? The Mayo Clinic cites research that shows volunteering leads to improved physical and mental health.

In addition, in 2005 a longitudinal study showed folks that volunteer live longer than those that don't.

Volunteering could serve as a path to employment, not only for teens and young adults, but for those reentering the workforce after time away.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) states that volunteers have a 27% higher chance of finding a job after being out of work compared to those not volunteering. If a person does not have a high school diploma, volunteering could increase their chance of finding a job by 51%!

The CNCS reports that volunteers living in rural areas have a 55% higher chance of finding employment that nonvolunteers. While the research didn't investigate why this may be true, there could be a variety of reasons. Volunteers get experience and skill-building within the organization. When you volunteer, you build connections with others who can vouch for your reputation and work ethic. In depth volunteering can and should be placed on a resume with the supervisor or volunteer coordinator listed as a reference. In a recent study

by Worker et al (2020), California 4-H volunteers reported personal benefits of volunteering in five themes: Skill Development, Well-being, Sense of Gratification from Working with Youth and Adults, Social Development, and Deepening their Relationship with 4-H. This study describes the positive benefit volunteering with this organization had on the volunteers themselves.

Benefits to the Community Research suggests that communities with strong volunteerism rates are stronger and more resilient overall.

Community members who volunteer act as bridges bringing people together that may not have otherwise been connected. Local economy experiences positive effects when individuals receive professional development opportunities as part of their volunteer role. A 2012 report from the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) explained that an increased number and variety of nonprofit organizations in a community, along with positive community relationships, can help it to withstand unemployment in a recession.

The NCoC states “for individuals who held jobs in 2008, the odds of becoming unemployed were cut in half if they lived in a community with many nonprofit organizations rather than one with a few nonprofits, even if the two communities were otherwise similar.”

What Next?

Continue to volunteer! Help others see the benefits of volunteering

within 4-H and other organizations.

We appreciate what you bring to the organization, and we hope you see the benefit too! Merced County 4-H seek volunteers with a passion who want to

share with youth and give back to their community. Russell Hill, 209-385-7418 rdhill@ucanr.edu https://www.facebook. com/MercedCounty4H/ https:// merced4h.ucanr.edu/

Merced 4-H Volunteers, photo courtesy Jose Campos

Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

Page 9

UCCE Photography Exhibit Reception After viewing the exhibit on the members. fourth floor, guests viewed items from All digitized materials found in the Cooperative Extension collections in the UC Cooperative Extension Archival newly designated Library and Archives collections are available to the public n May 5th, the UC Merced instruction room on the second floor online.

Library held a reception for of the library. On display were annual Our findings aids are located in the UC Cooperative Extension reports from the 1910s-1930s written by Online Archive of California (OAC).

(UCCE) staff and community partners farm advisors and home demonstration For more information regarding to view the Library’s photography agents from Cooperative Extension, the California Agricultural Resources exhibit, A Century of Impact in Merced County, a 4-H scrapbook from Archive at UC Merced Library, please California's Counties: Highlights from Cooperative Extension, Mariposa contact Project Archivist Rebecca the University of California Cooperative County, livestock and land initiative Gourevitch at rgourevitch@ucmerced.

Archive. The group also examined documents by Cooperative Extension edu. archival documents from the California in Modoc County and photographs This project was made possible with Agricultural Resources Archive from various Cooperative Extension support from the National Endowment (CARA), and learned about each other’s offices including a panorama work related to agriculture and land Annual report of county agent J. F. Grass, Merced, California, 1921 for the Humanities: Democracy photograph featuring advisors at demands wisdom. Any views, management in the Central Valley.

Merced County, UC Cooperative Extension Records a statewide conference in 1924. findings, conclusions, or UC Merced, UC Cooperative Extension Archive The selection of archival recommendations expressed The exhibit photographs are materials on display included: in this program do not necessarily the content of the films.

The films are divided into five themes: farm advisor Emily Lin, Director of Strategic represent those of the National now published and can be viewed online demonstrations, crop trials, labor, home Initiatives, Archives & Special Endowment for the Humanities. A in Calisphere. demonstration agents, and California Collections, and Rebecca Gourevitch, Major Initiatives grant from the National The event ended with conversations 4-H. While there are thousands of California Agricultural Resources Historical Publications & Records around future use of these important photographs in CARA, the selection Archive (CARA) Project Archivist, Commission supported the development archival resources. The UC Merced of twenty images featured in the presented on the Cooperative Extension and digitization of the UC Cooperative Library looks forward to continued exhibit exemplifies the scope of work archival project which began in 2016 Extension Archive. collaboration with UC Cooperative conducted by farm advisors and home when an agreement was formalized with Extension partners and other community demonstration agents throughout UC Agriculture and Natural Resources the twentieth century to improve (UCANR) to archive, preserve, agricultural practices, support youth development, and promote broader civic digitize, and provide public access to the historical records of Cooperative engagement throughout California.

Extension in California. They detailed These include: preservation and digitization efforts and shared examples of how the archive is being utilized First Place

by UC Merced community Kylee Floriano members, 4th Grade, Plainsburg researchers, and educators. Clips of 16mm films that the Library digitized in partnership with MediaPreserve in Pennsylvania were also screened during the event.

Produced by UCCE personnel Second Place 4-H Camp, undated throughout Merced County, UC Cooperative Extension Records Selene Rojas California, the films UC Merced, UC Cooperative Extension Archive date from 1953 4th Grade, El Nido to 1979 and cover UCANR activities such as the 4-H youth development The reception was an opportunity program; food and nutrition education; for UCCE staff and campus affiliates wildland management; the agricultural involved in agricultural research to meet industry; animals; and adolescent health. and network while also learning more The reels were badly deteriorating and about these historical resources. needed immediate attention to preserve

By: Rebecca Gourevitch UC Merced Library

O

Congratulations to our winners

Page 10

Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

involves the variables that growers Pesticides continued from Sweet Potato Joe from page DPR 1 ultimately have to contend with, Releases Updates

page 1

the former Florence Cardoza oflikeknown the “Voice of Livingsand booster for over fifty years. great grandchildren. things weatheraschanges and water Merced in 1942. ton.” From 1946 to 1996, he anThis led to his being appointed His light on earth has dimmed, availability. have had High closely watch theAfter 10-15the year longer war, and during hisWhile drought nouncedconditions all the Livingston the third Area Commissioner but heaven is brighter as he has an impact in recent years, this year’s view.” life as a sweet potato farmer, he School football games, lending of Baseball. All of these years joined Florence, the true love of crops will his benefit fromvoice a plethora Explainingserved the ‘why’ as President of the Calistrong to theofcommuni- of being involved in baseball his life. liquid rather than a paucity. Expectations By: DPR Pure numbers show level of fornia Sweet Potato Council, and ty by also announcing everything in Livingston culminated in the So long to our Dad, coach, are that it will be a positive year occurrence without explanation and US Sweet Potato Council, where Livingston to community baseball field being neighbor and everyone’s friend. for farmersinwho will againfrom haveparades an Farrar says the “why” is required. he department recently added updates its Statewide Pesticide he was there a Director Hegrow. served on the renamed the “Joe F. Alvernaz Hetowill be deeply and painfully important radio tool toprograms. make things “Besides drought, may befor over 20 Application Notification System webpage to share the UC Davis years.

He was the first CaliforLivingston Elementary School Baseball Field,” something he missed, yet celebrated, honored several other things at play in the current The crops will love it — and so will Center for Regional Change’s independent evaluation of the the pests. Bumper water niaSome farmer to attend Board and thesupplies Mercedwill County was so proud of. and never forgotten. reduced figures. of the recent the National promote bumper growth of both crops notification pilot projects.

Four pilot projects were hosted by participating regulatory changes haveConvention, made Sweetmay Potato among Recreation Commission for many Joe was predeceased by his In lieu of flowers, the family and the pests that like to eat them. it more restrictive to use the higherCounty Agricultural Commissioners last year to test elements of notification other industry firsts. Joe seryears. Joe’s acting skills even parents, Joe and Mabel Alvernaz, requests that donationsa may be “All the moisture we’ve had, the risk products. ved And as I think some of it and to help inform development, design and implementation President of the Merced benefited the Livingston Littlesystembrothers, Arthur and the John Almade to Grace Nursing Homeofina rain and snowfall/melt will be a driving may be driven by particular products notification system.

County Farm Bureau, and was Theater Group, where he star- statewide vernaz, and sister, Mary Geyer.

Livingston or to the Joe F. Alforce along with increased humidity to developed to target for specialty crops The department also updated the website with aMemorial summaryFund of public on the Board Directors of the increased red in several productions, He was also predeceased by his vernaz to benefit promote insect activity and most or expanding options such asof programs feedback collected at the November 2022 public notification workshops.

Nisei Farmers League.

He fornotably as Elwood P. Dowd in oldest son, Joey Alvernaz, in youth baseball in Livingston. perhaps more crop diseases. I’m offering like pest mating disruption for tree nut Feedback during continues to inform the the med the California Sweet Potato “Harvey”.

1980received and by his wifethese of 64workshops years, Sweet Potato Joe was an early and candid prediction of growers.” of in the2007. statewide system. more pest activity this of season over began last atdevelopment Growers in Livingston, His love baseball an Florence, Farm Bureau President from Any discussion aboutCo-op pest control Visit cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pesticide_notification_network/ season’s levels,” Farrar said. procedures and products always along with several other local early age and became a life-long He is survived by five children, 1983-1986 and hired long-time

to Statewide Pesticide Notification Webpage

T

growers, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

His interests and community involvement were very diversefrom serving as a founding member of the Livingston Medical Group, to past-President of Livingston Rotary, to being

interest that manifested itself into a devotion to the sport for over eighty years. He organized the first kid’s hardball team in Merced County in the early 50’s. He was particularly fond of American Legion Baseball, serving as a coach, sponsor, announcer

Judy Blevins, James (Colette) Alvernaz, and Benjamin (Debbie) Alvernaz of Livingston; Cecelia (James) Simon of San Diego, and Susan (Randall) Wilson of Mariposa, a sister, Cecelia Luker of Atwater, 17 grandchildren and 13

staff member Lorraine Passadori when she showed up in her clown costume for the interview.

Agriculture lost a strong advocate that will truly be missed. We will continue to keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.

Pazin & Myers, Inc. 129 West 15th Street Merced, Ca 95340

Serving Merced and Mariposa Counties for over 35 years!

(209)725-2050

Meeting all of your residential, farming, commercial, and retail needs...

GASOLINE - DIESEL - QUALITY LUBRICANTS Merced county FarM news

saturday, noveMber 16, 2013, page 12

Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

Page 11

CDFA Awards $4.1 Million For Climate-Smart Dairy And Livestock Research Projects

S

By: CDFA

ACRAMENTO, June 7, 2023, The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) today announced the award of $4.1 million in grant funding to three research projects as part of the California Livestock Methane Measurement, Mitigation, and Thriving Environments Research Grant Program (CLIM³ATE-RP), funded by Budget Act of 2021 (SB 170, Chapter 240).

The research projects’ goals are threefold: 1. Verify the greenhouse gas and environmental co-benefits of climate-smart practices on California dairies 2. Evaluate alternative methane mitigation strategies, including those that address enteric methane 3. Advance manure recycling and innovative products development.

“This funding will help ensure that California continues to see emissions benefits from ongoing projects and achieve additional reductions from new practices that address enteric methane and turn manure into useful products,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “We are excited about these proposals from our grantees and look forward to seeing their innovative work.”

To verify the greenhouse gas and environmental co-benefits of climate-smart practices on California dairies, CDFA awarded $1.6 Million dollars to Bubbleology Research International for the project titled, “Evaluating the New, Smart, Climate-Friendly California Dairy: Measuring the Climate and Environmental Air Emissions Footprints of Improved Manure Management Practices.” This project aims to improve CDFA’s ability to assess the benefits and co-benefits of the Department’s greenhouse gas reduction incentive programs through more comprehensive greenhouse gas and air quality data from the dairy industry. The project will assemble this new data using a unique mobile air quality lab, airborne remote sensing, and data mining.

To evaluate enteric methane mitigation strategies, CDFA awarded $500,000 dollars to Mooteric LLC for a project titled, “Feeding Seaweed to Accelerate Enteric Methane Emissions Reductions in Central Valley Dairies.”

This project aims to conduct on-farm feeding trials to verify the methanemitigating benefits of seaweed-based feed additives within the regular feed rations of Central Valley dairy cows.

To advance manure recycling and innovative products development, CDFA awarded $2 Million dollars to FYTO for a project titled, “Aquatic Crop Production as a Nutrient-to-Feed Solution for California Dairies”. This project will demonstrate the installation of a commercial-scale, automated aquatic crop farm in Modesto, CA. When complete, the demonstration project will efficiently recycle manure effluents into valuable agricultural inputs. FYTO, academic, and dairy industry partners will jointly validate the environmental impact, economic feasibility, and product efficacy of aquatic crops grown on different effluent types as a high-protein dairy feed ingredient.

A list of awarded projects and additional information about this

program can be found at https://www. cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/research/.

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Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

FARM2U DAY

OCTOBER 5, 2023 d e d e e N s r e nte u l o V & s r e Present

SAVE THE DATE The 2023 FARM2U Day is scheduled for Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the Merced Fairgrounds. During this event thirdgraders from Merced County will participate in an educational day where they will have a chance to learn firsthand about agriculture and nutrition.

W e a r e c u r r e n t l y l o o k i n g f o r p r e s e n t e r s t o s h o w c a s e p l a nt s , animals and farm machinery and additional volunteers to assist with students and teachers who will be visiting during the event.

To participate please contact Merced County Farm Bureau PO Box 1232, Merced, CA 95341 Office: 209.723.3001 Fax: 209.722.3814 dflake@mercedfarmbureau.org

Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

Page 13

Merced County Farm Bureau Heritage Members Platinum Heritage Members

Gold Heritage Members Grimbleby Coleman CPAs

Holt Ag Solutions

Minturn Nut Company

Valley Pacific Petroleum Services Inc.

Turlock Irrigation District

Page 14

Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

Robert Eldin Bauer

September 7, 1952 - May 5, 2023 Published by Merced Sun Star on May 14, 2023

S

nelling, California - Robert Eldin Bauer of Snelling California, passed away on May 5th due to complications from a stroke and cardiac event he suffered in the fall of 2021. He was 70 years old.

Robert was born on September 7th 1952 to Charles and Shirley Bauer in Ceres. He grew up in the foothills of Snelling where he spent his childhood fishing, hunting, and working on his family's turkey farm alongside his siblings Debbie, Lisa, Bart, and Mark. Bobby (as his mother called him) attended Snelling Merced Falls Elementary School and graduated from

Merced High School in 1970.

After high school, Bob became a firefighter for the California Forestry Service and played baseball for Merced Community College. He eventually met his wife Aleta Kathleen Broddrick at a local party and quickly fell in love.

They were married in June of 1973 and attended college together before returning to Snelling and to the Bauer family poultry business in 1976.

Over many happy decades, Bob and Aleta ran a successful turkey ranch on Keyes Road, raised two children; Aaron and Tyler, and built a grand house on a hill that they filled with their family and friends. As a proud member of the Snelling Community, Robert served as a tireless volunteer fireman, helped facilitate numerous homecoming

banquets, community events, baseball games, and church services. He was a dedicated custodian of Snelling's history, welcomed his neighbors into his home, and was elected by his peers to serve on the Snelling School Board for 38 years.

Robert returned to higher education in his 40's and eventually graduated with a Masters Degree from Stanislaus State College. His research led to the discovery of a site made famous by the American naturalist John Muir. Bob worked as research director for Merced Community College and for various Merced community non-profits like Healthy House and United Way. Bob and Aleta attended Central Presbyterian Church in Merced for many years and were active members of small groups and large gatherings.

When Aleta was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2011, Bob devoted himself to his wife's care and comfort until her death in 2016. He found new love and new energy in the arms of Glenda Babbitt of Orland, California, a fellow farmer who had lost her husband to illness years before. Bob and Glenda married in 2017, with all four of their parents participating in the ceremony.

Bob is survived by his wife Glenda, his sons, and his four grandchildren, Eldin, Annaleigh, Barrett, and Abigail.

He will be remembered for his goofy charm, his steadfast loyalty and devotion to his friends and family, his deep faith, his curious mind, and his endless capacity to wonder, laugh, and love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Merced United Way.

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Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

Page 15

John "Jack" Jones

September 10, 1934 - April 24, 2023 Published by Merced Sun Star from Apr. nature; he liked to win all competitions 30 to May 10, 2023 and win, he did.

Jack started farming in 1954, his last crop planted was harvested in April, erced, California - John "Jack" 2023. Sixty-nine years of hard work and E. Jones passed peacefully dedication. Farming is not what he did, April 24, 2023 surrounded by it's who he was. For his first 50 years of family in Merced, CA. farming Jack would leave the ranch for Jack loved his life; he enjoyed every 3 good reasons, Horses, fishing and golf day of his 88 years. Jack never met a but for no longer than a weekend. Jack stranger that didn't become his friend and and his beloved wife Pat (Tricia) moved never forgot a face. Nobody knew if Jack to Merced in 2006 and only then did he was having a bad day, to say he, "held allow himself a proper vacation. Jack his cards close to his vest" would be an farmed every day, often eating lunch understatement. Jack was competitive by parked under a tree at the ranch.

M

Jack served on many boards during his long career, 25 years on Fresno County Mosquito Abatement, Merced County Farm Bureau, Fresno County Cotton Board. Member of the Dos Palos Co-op Gin and was awarded 4 bale cotton achievements, served as President of the Dos Palos Rotary Club, Merced Bass Club, Los Banos Bass Club and a member of the Merced Golf and Country Club since 2001, achieving hole-in-one 2015.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents Bertie Jones Howard & John Lewis Jones, Brother William "Billy"

Jones and Grandson Sean Blair Hodak.

Jack is survived by wife Patricia M. Jones, Sister Lavonne Bennett, Daughters Allyson Jones Hodak, Janet Jones Darnell (Jeff), Stepchildren David Lake (Paula), Kam Lake. Beloved Grand children Valerie Darnell Voglin (Spencer), Justin Darnell (Kendyl) Emily Hodak, Alana Hodak and Danielle Ristau (Nick). Six Great grandchildren, Jack, Owen, Bertie Belle, June Voglin, Charlotte & Donald Darnell.

Remembrances may be made to Salvation Army P.O. Box 191 Merced, CA 95341.

Ariz., Calif. may match planted cotton acres in '23 By: Todd Fitchette, Western FarmPress

J

une 7, 2023 - California’s cotton acreage this year could equal that of Arizona’s, a first for both states as an extended rainy season in California prevented much of the state’s highervalue Pima crop from being planted.

Total cotton acres in each of the two western states could shrink to under 100,000, a first for California in 100 years. The last time California produced less than 100,000 acres was 1923, when growers there harvested from 83,000 acres.

Preliminary numbers reported by the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association says about 79,000 acres of Pima and 20,000 acres of Upland cotton were planted earlier this season. Those numbers could fluctuate plus or minus 10%, according to the association.

Arizona farmers planted over 96,000 acres of cotton this year, according to the Arizona Cotton Growers Association. Of that, over 80,000 acres is Upland cotton.

California once boasted well over 1 million acres of cotton harvested annually. That happened across 24 seasons between 1951 and 1997, according to the USDA. The number peaked at over 1.6 million acres in 1979.

Arizona’s cotton acreage peaked in 1953 at 690,000 acres. The best each of the two states have done in the past 10 years is 302,000 in California and 174,000 in Arizona in 2017.

Rain and cold The lack of planted acres in California this year can be largely blamed on late-season rain and cool weather. Arizona’s acreage decline can be blamed on water availability. Pima has been the more popular type planted in California because of its higher grower returns. This year that was tough for California growers as rain and cool soil temperatures prevented some from planting the longer season crop.

Aaron Barcellos, who farms in the Los Banos area of California, said he

was able to get in just under half of his intended cotton acreage because of the extended winter weather and cool soil temperatures.

A significant roadblock in this year’s California cotton acreage is the flooding of the Tulare Lake region. Heavy runoff from rain and Sierra snowmelt will prevent much of the lake bottom region from being planted to crops this year, including cotton. Other crops typically grown in the lake bottom region include safflower and canning tomatoes.

Jimmy Hook, agricultural commissioner and sealer in Kings County, Calif., home to much of the Tulare Lake region, said his office does not track regions within the county for specific crops, “so we will not have acreages in the lake bottom devoted to cotton.” Nevertheless, Hook said that pesticide permit data suggests that just under 40,000 acres of the lake bottom region is permitted for cotton.

Kings County tends to lead California each year in the production of cotton,

accounting for anywhere from a third to one-half of the state’s total cotton crop, Hook said.

Southwest cotton trend California typically accounts for most of the U.S. Pima cotton crop – the extra-long staple crop grown solely from West Texas to California. Much of that fiber is marketed in high-end linens and clothing. Cotton industry leaders at the recent Arizona cotton industry meeting suggested that Pima production this year could come in under 300,000 bales, well short of earlier projections of 400,000 bales.

As California goes, so too will the remainder of the Pima acreage planted across the Southwest. Rick Neuenschwander, head of market and product development for the Southwest, Gowan Cotton Company, said heavy rain and hail in the past few weeks likely destroyed half of the Texas and New Mexico cotton crop. Some of that was planted to Pima.

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Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

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Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

Prescribed Burns

from the

Mariposa CFB Danette Toso

P

rescribed burns are fires that are intentionally ignited, managed, and controlled by a team of fire experts under specified weather conditions. They are used to restore health to ecosystems that depend on fire, such as native grasslands, forests, or wildlife habitats. These prescribed burns help tremendously with wildfire mitigation in the foothills and mountains by clearing overgrowth to create healthier forests and add

buffers between wildlands and communities. Controlled fires are rooted in indigenous forest management traditions.

They follow a written plan that establishes the criteria for starting, controlling, and extinguishing the fire.

The movement to expand prescribed fires in California was moved forward when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new law reducing the financial risks for burn bosses when fires escape control lines and require an emergency response. Senate Bill 322 changes current liability laws around prescribed burns by requiring a show of “gross negligence” before burn bosses and cultural fire practitioners can be found liable for burns gone wrong. The state previously required only “simple negligence” to hold individuals liable for burns. This stricter standard made it incredibly risky for cultural fire practitioners and burn bosses to commit to controlled burning. The burn bosses themselves could not get insurance coverage for the work that they were doing because of the liability if one of those fires got out of hand.

The Mariposa County Board of Supervisors recently approved a Memorandum of Understanding

with the Regents of the University of California Outlining a Standard Hold Harmless/Indemnification Clause for the Prescribed Burn Association Coordinator. Mariposa County allocated funds to cover activities associated with the University of California Cooperative Extension's (UCCE) Prescribed Burn Association Coordinator earlier this fiscal year 2022- 2023. The memorandum of understanding establishes a relationship between UCCE and Mariposa County regarding the activities of the Prescribed Burn Assistance program. By establishing an MOU, the Prescribed Burn Association program can continue with liability covered

under the MOU by the Regents of the University of California.

With the support of our county and state, Mariposa County ranchers can move forward more confidently with prescribed burns on their properties. The training offered by the Prescribed Burn Assistance program through the UCCE is for both adults and youth. My family and I are looking forward to participating in this valuable program very soon.

As we move deeper into fire season, I encourage farmers, ranchers and conservators to invite friends, neighbors and family members to join the collective voice of the Farm Bureau. Together, we can make our organization stronger than ever, one member at a time.

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Mariposa County Business Member Directory Businesses Supporting the Farm Bureau

To be included in the directory, join Mariposa County Farm Bureau as a business member by calling 742-5875.

AGRICULTURAL SUPPLIES

HARDWARE STORES

REAL ESTATE

Gallaway Feed and Supply..................374-3331 Mariposa Feed & Supply...................966-3326 Bootjack Equipment Rental & Feed.. 966-3545

Coast Hardware.................................. 966-2527 Foster Ace Hardware .........................966-2692

Cathey's Valley Real Estate................ 742-2121

ASSOCIATIONS 35-A District Agriculture Assn........... 966-2432 Mariposa Chamber of Commerce..... 966-2456 Mariposa County Farm Advisor......... 966-2417 Mariposa County Farm Bureau......... 742-5875

CONSTRUCTION Bucks Construction............................ 878-3702 Tobey Guenthart Construction.......... 374-3334

FINANCIAL SERVICES Inter-County Title Company................966-3653 Yosemite Bank....................................966-5444

MEDICAL Mariposa Physical Therapy................ 742-7242

MISCELLANEOUS Allison Sierra Inc................................966-4082 Happy Burger Diner ........................... 966-2719 Mariposa Friends of the Fairgrounds Foundation..................... 742-4680 Hugh A. Yamshon Ranch Mariposa Gun Works......................... 742-5444 Miners Roadhouse 14.......................966-2444 Pony Expresso....................................966-5053

SERVICES Chases Foothill Petroleun.................. 966-3314 Edward Lien & Toso Ag Appraisers...634-9484 Palmer Tractor ....................................374-3470 Ranch Fence, Inc................................ 966-5914 Valley Pacific Petroleum..................... 948-9412 Yosemite Glass & Window Inc...........966-3292

WINERIES Mount Bullion Vineyard...................... 377-8450 Rauch Ranch Vineyard & Winery.......742-7162

Support Farm Bureau Member Businesses

Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023

Page 19

Merced County Business Member Directory Businesses Supporting the Farm Bureau

To be included in the directory, join Merced County Farm Bureau as a business member by calling 723-3001.

REPAIRS & SERVICES AC King................................................722-3552 Arrowhead Field Repair......................658-5250 Atwater Radiator & Muffler, Inc.........358-2638 Car Plus...............................................722-3552 SS Blue ..............................................722-2583

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS

Allison Sierra, Inc...............................966-4082 Dias Construction, Inc........................634-9601 Mid Cal Pipeline & Utilities, INC........ 383-7473 M-Mig Construction, Inc..................... 724-9488

FARM EQUIPMENT

Garton Tractor, Inc..............................726-4600 Holt Ag Solutions................................723-2021 J M Equipment Co Inc ....................... 386-1797 Kirby Manufacturing.......................... 723-0778 Laird Mfg LLC...................................... 722-4145 N&S Tractor........................................383-5888

REAL ESTATE

Flanagan Realty.................. 723-4337 (Merced) Flanagan Realty.. (559) 665-1313 (Chowchilla) Powerhouse Realty Jed Kruppa Team .617-6727 Property Team.................................... 769-4698 Dick Templeton Property Team......... 761-4441 Valley Real Estate Sales, Inc.............854-1000

GROUPS & ORGANIZATIONS

Blue Diamond Growers............ (559) 474-2996 California Farmland Trust........ (916) 544-2712 California Sweet Potato Council........ 385-7403 California Women for Agriculture...... 723-5878 Central CA Irrigation District.............. 826-1421 Cortez Growers Association............... 632-3118 Dos Palos Co-op Gin........................... 387-4151 Farmers Rice Cooperative....... (916) 923-5100 Gustine Drainage District .................854-6782 Hilltop Ranch Inc.................................874-1875 Livingston Farmers Assoc.................. 394-7941 Merced Boosters................................ 761-0815 Merced Irrigation District................... 722-5761 Merced College Ag Division...............384-6250 Turlock Irrigation District....................883-8205 UCCE Merced...................................... 385-7403 Water & Land Solutions..................... 677-4700

FARM SERVICES

A-Bar Ag Enterprises .........................826-2636 Agri-Valley Consulting ........................ 769-2357 Caddy Shack Rodent Servc.....(559) 363-3315 Cal Ag Safety....................................... 351-0321 Cal Corn Growers Inc...............(559) 665-5775 Chipponeri Electric............................. 634-4616 Dutch Door Dairy................................ 648-2166 Farm Management Inc...................... 667-1011 Guerrero Farm Labor.........................492-0408

Horizon Farms, Inc.............................383-5225 J & F Fertilizer.....................................854-6325 La Follette Enterprises, Inc................632-1385 Mass Energy Works..................(530) 710-8545 Machado Feed Company...................658-5943 Maciel & Co........................................ 777-0911 Mid Valley Ag Service......................... 394-7981 Modern Dairy...................................... 722-7452 Modesto Dairy Supply........................669-6200 Silva & Sons Custom Spreading.......667-2566 Stone Family Spreading..................... 756-1491 The Pollination Connection...... (877) 970-BEES (2337)

FOOD PROCESSING

A V Thomas Produce.......................... 394-7514 Dallas Distributing Co........................394-2803 Del Rio Nut Company.........................394-7945 The Morning Star Company...............826-8000 Minturn Huller Co-op............... (559) 665-1185 Parreira Almond Processing Co.........826-1262 Sensient Natural Ingredients. (800) 558-9892 Yosemite Farms.................................. 383-3411

HARVESTING & HAULING

Baldes Hay Co.......................... (559) 718-9714 Bertuccio Hay......................................761-6247 Castillo Brothers Hay.......................... 392-3817 Diamond J Farms...............................564-0870 Minturn Huller Co-op............... (559) 665-1185 Northern Merced Hulling...................667-2308 Wallace & Son.................................... 382-0131

IRRIGATION, WELLS, & SEPTIC

Allison Sierra, Inc...............................966-4082 Agri-Valley Irrigation ..........................384-8494 Dickey's Pump Service ...................... 394-3112 Irrigation Design & Construction, LLC.387-4500 Pacific Southwest Irrigation...............460-0450 Precision Aqua....................................756-2025 Quality Well Drillers............................ 357-0675 Rain for Rent/Westside Pump.(559) 693-4315 Robal Inc.............................................826-4540 San Luis Pump Company...................383-0464 Shannon Pump Company..................723-3904

INSECT & WEED CONTROL

Environmental Spraying Service ......667-1038 Malm Ag Pest Management .............392-6905 Star Creek Land ................................ 704-1790

FARM SUPPLIES

Ag Flag ............................................... 357-3424 Cal Farm Service................................358-1554 Kellogs Supply ................................... 722-1501 Livingston True Value.........................394-7949 Hardware & Farm Supplies...............394-7949 Marfab................................................826-6700

Modesto Dairy Supply........................669-6200 Pacific Bay Equipment.............(800) 640-1227 Stanislaus Farm Supply..................... 723-0704

ORCHARD REMOVAL Custom Farm Services....................... 358-1759

FUEL SERVICES Amarants Propane Service ............... 358-2257 Hunt & Sons, Inc......................(916) 383-4868 Pazin & Myers Inc...............................725-2050 Western States Petroleum Assoc. ............ (661) 321-0884 Valley Pacific Petroleum..................... 948-9412 Van De Pol Petroleum .......................667-0236

INSURANCE Barlocker Insurance ..........................383-0220 Fluetsch & Busby Insurance ............. 722-1541 Rico, Pfitzer, Pires and Associates ...854-2000 Walter Mortensen Insurance ............ 353-2700 Western Valley Insurance .................826-5667 Winton Ireland Insurance .................394-7925

FINANCIAL SERVICES Alice B. Contreras CPA ......................722-6778 American Ag Credit ........384-1050/826-0320 Central Valley Community Bank........725-2820 Grimbleby Coleman CPAs.................. 527-4220 Trans County Title Company .............383-4660 Yosemite Farm Credit ........................ 383-1116

MISCELLANEOUS Berliner Cohen LLP............................ 385-0700 The Hat Source................................... 357-3424 Merced County Fair............................722-1506 P. B. Iyer, M.D......................................854-1120 Razzari Auto Center............................383-3673 Unwired Broadband.................(559) 336-4157

BUSSINESS SUPPORT FARMERS DCB Farming LLC J&J O'Banion Ranch, LLC Live Oak Farms Migliazzo Farms Nicholas Calf Ranch

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Merced County Farm News • June 17, 2023