San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau News- Spring 2023 Edition

San

Luis Obispo County FARM BUREAU NEWS

Spring 2023 Edition

County Farm Bureau of the Year

San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau recognized at state annual meeting

COUNTY FARM BUREAU NEWS 100 YEARS AND GROWING

Fromthe cover: For the second year in a row, San Luis Obispo County was honored at the California Farm Bureau (CAFB) Annual Meeting of Members. Pictured on the cover from left to right, CAFB 2nd Vice President Shaun Crook, CAFB 1st Vice President Shannon Douglass, SLO County Farm Bureau President Sarah Kramer, SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Director Brent Burchett, and CAFB President Jamie Johansson.

In this issue of SLO County Farm Bureau News, find “I Am Ag” profiles on [4] Jeannette McClure, Relationship Manager at Rabo AgriFinance; [6] Carson DiCicco, Viticulturist & Pest Control Advisor at Vina Quest; [7] Lochlan Buckingham, Account Manager at Laurel Ag & Water; [11]

Berenice Gomez, Hospitality Staff at Justin Vineyards & Winery; [12] Ryan Horwath, Head of Operations at Paso AG Consulting; [13] Dalton J. Taylor, General Manager at La Panza Ranch; [15] Bas van Eijk, Founder / Owner and Head-Grower at Cal Coast Orchids; and [22] Zach Merkel Grower Relations Manager at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines.

Also in this issue, [8] “Creating the Winning Plan” by Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, Principal at Full Cup Solutions; [14] “What Does SLO County Produce?” infographic by Catie Field, Deputy Executive Director at SLO County Farm Bureau; and [16] “A Banner Year for Farm Bureau,” [18] “Agriculturalist of the Year Tom Bordonaro,” and [21] “Paradise on Earth” by Brent Burchett. To all our Platinum and Business Support Members (listed on back cover), thank you!

SAN LUIS OBISPO

COUNTY FARM BUREAU

Officers, Board of Directors, & Staff

Sarah Kramer, President

Randy Diffenbaugh, Vice President

Wyatt Mello, Vice President

Matt Merrill, Secretary/Treasurer

Hilary Graves, Past President

Erin Amaral, Director

Jeff Buckingham, Director

Steve Carter, Director

Don Clark, Director

Paul Clark, Director

Chris Darway, Director

Steven Easterby, Director

Richard Gonzales, Director

Tom Ikeda, Director

Kurtis Kobara, Director

Clint Kuhnle, Director

Amanda Marsalisi, Director

Jeanne Myers, Director

Anna Negranti, Director

Danilu Ramirez, Director

Dan Sutton, Director

Grant Talley, Director

Jillian Taylor, Director

Lonnie Twisselman, Director

Clay White, Director

Charlie Whitney, Director

Brandon Wiebe, Director

Raymond Wiebe, Director

Bas van Eijk, Director

Brent Burchett, Executive Director bburchett@slofarmbureau.org

Catie Field, Deputy Executive Director cfield@slofarmbureau.org

Office: 805-543-3654 slofarmbureau.org

4875 Morabito Place, SLO, CA 93401

Twitter @SanLuisObispoFB

Instagram @slofarmbureau

Facebook @SLOCountyFarmBureau

JEANNETTE MCCLURE

Relationship Manager | Rabo AgriFinance

I Am Ag…

How are you involved in agriculture?

I was raised on my family’s 5th generation dairy farm in Point Reyes, CA. Growing up on a dairy instills love, appreciation, and respect for agriculture and our agriculturalists. I graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a degree in Agricultural Business Marketing and minors in Psychology and Dairy Foods Processing – my plan was to head back to the family farm and start a little cheese operation. Well, I got sidetracked and ended up in agricultural lending. Ten years later, and it looks like I’ve made a career out of it.

What’s the biggest challenge agriculture faces?

Water, labor, public policy, and public perception. Farming in California is not for the faint of heart. Ag is at the center of some of the most important issues facing our state today—water availability and monitoring, immigration, and increased government oversight and regulations— with a public that is more removed from agriculture than ever before. We are all so fortunate to benefit from the hard work that Farm Bureau is doing to help protect and promote the agricultural industry.

Why do you do what you do?

I get to help farmers farm. Agriculture requires a lot of capital, but I still haven’t met a farmer who likes spending time in the bank. Growing up in ag, I get to advocate for our customers from a place of deep understanding and appreciation. I love being a partner with our customers to help make financing their businesses as easy as possible.

What’s the most recent book you read?

I was recently selected to Class 52 of the California Ag Leadership Program. Through this program, we read one book every month. One of the recent books was Leadership and Self-Deception. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who interacts with other humans (i.e. everyone).

What are your hobbies?

I love anything outside. Running, hiking, and enjoying the beautiful wineries in SLO County are some of my favorite activities.

What are words you live by? Do something, even if it’s wrong. Basically, make a decision and own it, move forward, make progress, and keep going.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Huge thank you and shout-out to Brent and the SLO County Farm Bureau team for not only making such a major impact on SLO County agricultural issues, but also being a leader in the State.

CARSON DICICCO

Viticulturist & Pest Control Advisor | Vina Quest

I Am Ag…

How are you involved in agriculture?

I have mainly been involved in wine grape production, and currently I perform many of the duties of a Pest Control Advisor. I am originally from Watsonville, and I got to see many different agriculture operations growing up. I scouted vineyards out of the Healdsburg area during the summers while earning my bachelor’s degree in agriculture from California State University, Chico. After graduating, I started a full-time position working as a vineyard supervisor at Langtry Farms. After a few years, I moved down to Paso Robles and started working for Vina Quest. Currently, I consult for growers to monitor the various pest populations out in the vineyards. Then, I’ll write the recommendations as those different pests reach our treatment thresholds and evaluate the effectiveness of those treatments. I will typically scout the vineyards weekly and adjust our pest management plans depending on what I find out in the field. Other duties include taking and interpreting soil, nematode, pathogen, and petiole samples, as well as investigating the needs for the development and redevelopment of sites. I am

currently pursuing my Certified Crop Advisor license and once I become certified, I plan on taking a more active role in developing nutrient management programs for the various ranches that I check.

What’s the biggest challenge ag faces?

The agriculture industry has many big issues facing it right now. A lack of water is probably the biggest issue. This winter has provided some water, but our groundwater basins have a long way to go before they are filled. Other big issues right now are the lack of labor and the loss of some of our most effective tools for dealing with pests. This severely impacts our growers’ operations, and it really hinders their ability to be adaptable as different issues or tasks come up during the growing season. Technology is helping to close the gap but there are limitations on what it can do and how we can use it. In summary, we have fewer tools and less people which makes it increasingly difficult to keep up with the quality standards and demands of consumers.

Why do you do what you do?

I like the challenges and the fast pace of the in-season operations. This career and industry demand that we continue to increase our knowledge, which is something that I identify as one of my core values. As situations and problems change and become more complex, we must be creative to solve these issues. I feel very fortunate that I get to increase my knowledge by being able to work with experienced growers, industry leaders, and by participating in organizations like Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers.

What’s the most recent book you read? Lords of the Fly by Monte Burke. I highly recommend reading it even if you are not into sport fishing, record chasing, or fly-fishing.

What are words you live by?

One quote I try to live by is “carpe diem - seize the day.” When things get busy, it reminds me to stay focused on my goals and be as productive and efficient as I can be at work and outside of work too. It helps me take advantage of some the slow times that I have in my day and moves me towards my goals.

I Am Ag…

How are you involved in agriculture?

I grew up on our family beef cattle ranch between San Luis Obispo and Los Osos where both my sister and I loved to spend time with animals and be involved in agriculture. We participated heavily in 4H and FFA through the end of high school, competing in FFA mechanics and speaking contests as well as showing dairy cattle, beef cattle, and sheep along the way. I attended Cal Poly for Ag Systems Management where I had the pleasure of meeting many other wonderful, like-minded young people with a passion for agriculture. I worked through school at Farm Supply Company where I interacted with the Ag community by loading feed for local farmers and ranchers and working the irrigation counter. It paid off in more ways than one, as while at Farm Supply I loaded hay for a special Cal Poly Rodeo girl who ended up becoming my wife. During college I honed in on my passion for mechanics, and interned with several vineyard and harvesting companies. My first job after graduating was with Vineyard Professional Services as a mechanic keeping their fleet of grape harvesters, tractors, sprayers and quads operational. I then moved to the Los Angeles area for several years to work building residential fiber optic internet, but had to return to the Central Coast as it will always be home, and I needed to return to agriculture. I now work at Laurel Ag and Water, an irrigation design and construction company. The job allows me to help local growers build the best irrigation systems possible and each day is a new and exciting challenge to overcome.

What’s the biggest challenge agriculture faces?

One of the largest challenges agriculture faces is ag literacy and the misinformation regarding the agriculture industry - especially in the days of social media and the speed in which information travels. As a small example, I remember spending time at the Mid-State Fair reassuring guests that my dairy cow was in fact not starving and that the visibility of her ribs are due to the breed, and she is eating us out of house and home. It’s our job to provide not only fresh, easily digestible food, but information as well.

Why do you do what you do?

I currently work in irrigation sales, and I love it because I am at my best when I am helping others. This position allows me to help growers use water efficiently by using quality products, offering lower prices, and providing excellent service. Additionally, spending time around central coast farmland keeps me involved in the agriculture industry that I am so passionate about and makes every day exciting with new developments, problems to solve, and interesting people to meet.

What’s the most recent book you read?

The last book I read was The Meateater Guide to Wilderness Skills and Survival by Steven Rinella. Being in sales, there is a lot of windshield time for audio books. Next in the queue is Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

What are your hobbies?

My Hobbies include working on my 1980’s Toyota Truck, welding and fabrication of scrap metal art out of old horse shoe and mechanical parts, and wood working.

What are words you live by?

Some words I live by are “Don’t try to save 10 seconds now, do it right the first time”. There are numerous instances where I haven’t closed a gate when I thought I would be coming right back and then spent the next several hours cleaning up my mess with loose cows. I have found this applies to many things in life aside from cows, but that’s the one that seems to repeat itself. Another important quote is “assume positive intent.” This is a reminder to myself in my personal and professional life to be the best irrigation representative, friend, husband, son, and overall person I can be through positivity and empathy.

LOCHLAN BUCKINGHAM Account Manager

Laurel Ag & Water

CREATING THE WINNING PLAN

WITH CLEAR STRATEGY, COLLABORATION AND AN OPEN MIND COMPANIES CAN MAKE SMALL STEPS FOR BIG WINS

By Farm Bureau member Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, Principal,

Full Cup

Solutions

Today, California farmers and ranchers are faced with an abundance of challenges, from unpredictable weather to increased legislation and beyond. Yet despite the uncertainties ahead, one thing remains a constant in the agricultural community: the will to succeed and to collaborate.

In this dynamic environment, it’s more important than ever to create a business plan and strategy that’s built for the future. Setting an ultimate goal, focusing on specific priorities, creating a detailed action plan that’s regularly communicated and evaluating success consistently is critical in staying laser-focused on goals and cultivating the success of others. Plotting out a manageable, methodical path to those goals makes big wins attainable, regardless of the size or scope of your organization.

But that’s missing in a lot of companies today, many of whom act reactively rather than proactively. Without a clear understanding of shared goals and markers of success, time and resources are being wasted. A recent study by the Harvard Business Review stated that 95% of employees were reported to be unclear on their company’s goals and needs. Another study by Forbes revealed that disengaged employees are currently costing their employers a whopping 34% of their salary.

Creating a winning plan is the same recipe, whether in sports, business or beyond, and no one exemplifies this thinking in practice better than Dugan Kelly, one of the most accomplished champions in the sport of rodeo. A local cowboy and a first-generation roper, Dugan knows all about goal setting and creating what he calls a “winning spirit:” he is a seven-time NFR qualifier, a 2002 Olympic Gold Medalist (Cultural Olympics, Salt Lake City), a George Strait Winner and has achieved $1M in career winnings.

I had the pleasure of partnering with Dugan for a recent business strategy workshop, and was struck by how simply and effectively he communicated— and demonstrated—his own tips for success.

Dugan has used a similar goal-setting process since the age of 12, when he began roping. During an emotional speech, he spoke about the early days of his rodeo career, when he roped the dummy 100 times in a row every night before going to sleep. His mentor, the late California rodeo champion Mark Gomes, agreed to let him practice on live cattle once this goal had been met, thus launching his career. Dugan explained how he dreamed of becoming a champion, but focused each day on small, tangible goals which if practiced religiously, would eventually lead him to his ultimate goal. His quote of, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time,” resonated strongly with attendees.

Like me, Dugan is deeply invested in cultivating and motivating the talent of future generations. During our session, he demonstrated in practice all of the steps to success with my own nine-year old son, Cooper. Collaboration, Dugan said, means listening to people of all levels and perspectives (“You can learn something from everyone, but don’t learn everything from someone),” making sure everyone involved knows how their role impacts the overall plan and regular encouragement. Applying these practices, Dugan had virtually coached Cooper that summer as he learned to team rope, frequently reviewing video footage and providing feedback for small adjustments in technique.

With rope in hand, Cooper arrived on stage for a one-on-one session with the rodeo legend and was greeted with a warm handshake before they got to work. After a couple of practice loops, Dugan offered a few words of encouragement before he

DISENGAGED EMPLOYEES CURRENTLY COST THEIR EMPLOYERS A WHOPPING 34% OF THEIR SALARY.

Dugan Kelly

Rodeo champion Dugan Kelly attributes his successes in the ring and beyond to focusing on small, tangible goals and “enjoying the process” of getting there. Watch video highlights of Dugan’s incredible rodeo career by scanning the code at right.

Photo by Impulse Photography

recommended a slight adjustment, first explaining the adjustment in clear detail, then slowly showing him the correct way, and then watching him once more. Dugan mentioned how important focusing on small adjustments are with any beginner and how when you put people in the “right spot,” they almost can’t do it wrong. After roping the dummy four times in a row, Kelly handed the young boy his brand-new rope and set a clear long-term goal, saying, “When you can rope it 100 times in a row, you can come rope with me at my house.”

Surmounting the challenges ahead and engaging the next generation—on which the future of agriculture is relying—may seem daunting at times. But by setting clear and manageable goals, encouraging participation and collaboration at every level and congratulating employees openly on a job well done, we’ll ensure that the winning spirit

drives our business—and our teams—today and in the years to come.

Full Cup Solutions is a full-service consulting firm for agriculture and beverage industry businesses eager to build impactful and unconventional strategies for the future. For help in creating a winning plan for your business, contact Amanda at www.fullcupcolutions.com, connect@ fullcupsolutions.com or (805) 530-5533.

Dugan Kelly represents WSR Insurance with a focus on Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Programs, which include the lack of rainfall for cattle ranchers and crop insurance for vineyards. He continues to use the “Winning Spirit” as he approaches each clients individual needs. For more information, go to www.wsrins.com, dugank@wrsins.com or (805) 459-1941.

Dugan and I paired up to offer practical tips on how to succeed and inspire others, regardless of the size or scope of your organization.

Photo by Doug Henry

I Am Ag…

How are you involved in agriculture?

I grew up in the Salinas Valley where agriculture is a crucial part of the economy and community. I began working in crop fields and vineyards about 14 years ago, and occasionally worked as a rancher handling sheep and cattle. I eventually earned a degree in agriculture from California State University, Chico majoring in Crop Sciences. By working in vineyards and cellars, I’ve learned an appreciation of how much it takes to take a vine and develop it into wine. I’ve been in the wine industry for about 5 years, and I’ve seen all aspects of it. From driving tractors in the field, to sending fruit to the cellar, to processing and bottling wine, and finally presenting it to the consumer. I currently work in hospitality, which allows me to explain to our guests the long process it takes to get wine in their glass. During harvest season, I also work part-time with other local wineries in the vineyard or cellar.

What’s the biggest challenge agriculture faces?

I think one of the hardest struggles in the agriculture industry is connecting with the consumer. There is so much misunderstanding when it comes to how our crops shows up on their table. It’s not easy-peasy, it takes a lot of hard work, determination, and long days from hardworking people to get the finished product. Another major issue in agriculture is the lack of labor. We are seeing a decline of workers out in the field which makes day-today operations difficult for farmers.

Why do you do what you do?

I currently work in hospitality at a winery because I want to learn all aspects of the wine industry, including connecting with the consumer. I have experience farming and working in the cellar, but I also wanted to learn how to sell our product. To be successful, you need to learn all aspects of your trade. The reason I love working in winemaking is because it takes a balance

GOMEZ

Justin Vineyards & Winery

of art and science to make the right wine, two completely different skills needed to make the right product.

What’s the most recent book you read?

The last book I read was Wine Folly from Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack.

What are your hobbies?

My most prominent hobby is gardening; I enjoy growing my own vegetables. I also draw and paint in my spare time.

What are words you live by?

A quote I appreciate is: “Without labor nothing prospers” from Sophocles.

RYAN HORWATH Head of Operations | Paso AG Consulting

I Am Ag…

How are you involved in agriculture?

I am now involved in Agriculture as an AG consultant hoping to aid farmers and agribusiness with solutions to a variety of AG, mostly farm-related, issues. I have farmed in the Salinas Valley, Central Valley, and San Luis Obispo County region. Paso Robles is now home, although I’ve also spent time living in cities such as Gonzales, Greenfield and Avenal. I come from three generation of farmers in the area, and my entire career was spent as a grower in the field. Managing a large family farm meant that all farm related issues went through me, things like labor, water, fertilize, pesticide, equipment, weather issues, air quality, water quality, field pack, harvesting, facility pack, outside grower relations, transportation, ranch design, licensing, and food safety. I am an alumnus of Western Growers’ Future Volunteer Leaders second class.

What’s the biggest challenge agriculture faces?

Agriculture faces a variety of huge issues, here in California they are: overregulation, bad policy, labor, and water.

Why do you do what you do?

I began this type of consulting after 20 years in the field farming in both the Salinas and San Joaquin valleys. Many times, there were issues I faced on the ranch and no easy person to turn to and get an answer. I often had to work hard hunting for answers, losing time and money waiting for the wrong person or doing it myself. I thought offering a service that can guide any size grower or agriculture investor in the correct direction could be a huge help. My goal is to offer growers, owners, landowners and ranch managers something I always needed—another set of experienced eyes that can offer actual solutions. With the rise of new agricultural commodities, water challenges, environmental factors, and labor shortages, field experience can make all the difference. The point cannot be stressed enough that the tools and challenges faced in farming are always changing, but you need actual people in the field doing the work. No tech program or gadget will ever replace human insight and experience.

What is the most recent book you have read?

The Stand by Stephen King, I read it in high school, and after the last couple years thought it would be fun to read it again, LOL.

What are your hobbies?

Reading and spending time with my young family, we have two toddlers!

What are words you live by?

The Golden Rule: Always do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Anything else you want to add?

My company can implement crop solution programs that maximize your yields, minimize your cost per acre, and increase efficiency on your ranch site. Learn more about our services at pasoagconsulting. com or call 831-809-7986.

I Am Ag…

How are you involved in agriculture?

It started at a young age, from being strapped on the front of my parents while gathering cattle on a lease my family had in Carrizo Plains, to running around my family’s feed store in Santa Margarita as a young toddler. It wasn’t long before I was old enough to start helping gather cattle and drive tractor while shadowing my grandfather around the ranch in Pozo. Spending my adolescence around farming and ranching served as a catalyst for what I pursued in college and beyond. Today, I manage a cow/ calf operation, olive grove, olive oil processing/bottling facility, as well as various hay crops.

What’s the biggest challenge agriculture faces?

Ever-rising input and labor costs compounded with ongoing water resource and allocation issues are making it increasingly impossible to continue to farm and ranch in the golden state. President John F. Kennedy once said “For the farmer, is the only man in our economy who has to buy everything he buys at retail - sell everything he sells at wholesaleand pay the freight both ways.”

Why do you do what you do?

When I was given the opportunity to work in an industry that I love and one that most of my role models were involved with, I jumped on it. My job endlessly provides unique opportunities and challenges. No one day is ever like the other and I value that. The good days make it all worth while and the bad days keep me grounded.

What’s the most recent book you read?

Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell. Throughout the book, Gladwell looks at the ways we do harm by failing to understand one another.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy spending time in the outdoors with loved ones. Whether that be going for hikes, hunting various game, riding horses or roping. Over the past year, my wife and I have taken on the task of remodeling our first home. It has been fun and rewarding to see our home come to life.

What are words you live by?

“To those before us, to those amongst us, to those we’ll see on the other side. Lord let me not prove unworthy of my brothers.” - Jack Carr

DALTON J. TAYLOR General Manager | La Panza Ranch

WHAT DOES SLO COUNTY PRODUCE?

By Catie Field, SLO County Farm Bureau Deputy Executive Director

Share of Value by Commodity Share of Value by Commodity

I Am Ag…

How are you involved in agriculture?

I have been exposed to horticulture for the majority of my life, my grandfather and his brother and my great grandfather were all growers. Where my great grandfather grew under thin pieces of glass with bricks along the edges. My grandpa and his brother built the first greenhouse for their production of tomatoes and cucumbers. These are greenhouses that I don’t fit in since I am 6 feet 6. They grew from two crops to one big cucumber facility. My dad and almost all my family members helped out at the greenhouse a lot. My grandpa’s cousin slowly purchased more and more of the existing company from my grandpa and he started cultivating perennials first, Dianthus, and later jumped into the world of cut Cymbidiums. With my dad being an electrician in horticulture, he always took me everywhere so I could see at a young age what other growers do.

Almost 8 years ago I decided to make some major changes in life, and after doing an internship in the crop we currently grow in New Zealand, it sparked my interest that the value of knowledge is way higher abroad then staying in The Netherlands. Since I went to California a few times to visit my relatives and the idea of America, I thought back then it is now or never. After working for several growers in California and one adventure in Virginia, we somehow landed on the Central Coast. I worked for a large cut flower company, but my initial dream was always to start my own orchid enterprise in the USA. In 2017, I found the current greenhouse in Los Osos and that was the start of a company that now grows close to 4 million orchids per year, employs 40 great employees and is making California a lot prettier with our flowers.

What’s the biggest challenge agriculture faces?

It is unfortunate to say but I would say the regulatory climate in the state. We’re also noticing it will become more and more challenging to find people in agriculture that have management experience but can also do the hard work and jump in when needed. Office work is important, but supporting your team and employees in times of high stress is important as well.

Why do you do what you do?

I do what I do because I love working with nature and plants and believe that there are a lot of opportunities here in the USA. Besides that, imagine a world without flowers!

BAS VAN EIJK Founder / Owner, Head-Grower| Cal Coast Orchids

What’s the most recent book you’ve read?

The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

What are your hobbies?

Even though we grow millions of orchids per year, my hobby is actually gardening and growing my own vegetables. Besides that, I listen to a lot of music and read. If time allows, we love exploring San Luis Obispo County, it has been and is a blessing we can live here.

What are words you live by?

Always a tricky one, but I think “Be part of the solution.”

Who has been a mentor in your career?

It is hard for me to answer this question as there are so many people to be thankful for and have been very supportive of our plan to start Cal Coast Orchids. The best ones would always be the close family and friends here in the USA and also back in The Netherlands to keep us with our feet on the ground.

A BANNER YEAR FOR FARM BUREAU

By Brent Burchett, SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Director

For the second time in two years, San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau has been named 2022 County of the Year by California Farm Bureau. Thank you to our 700 member families and businesses who made this recognition possible. 2022 truly was a banner year for our Farm Bureau. This past year, we celebrated our 100th anniversary at the Alex Madonna Expo Center on September 10. Pictured at right, California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson addresses the crowd of 470 members and community leaders.

Amidst a divisive, partisan political environment, Farm Bureau led the local agriculture community’s engagement on policy issues affecting our farmers and ranchers. We continued to be a voice of consensus-building and agriculture advocacy on challenging issues like the Paso Basin Planting Ordinance, agritourism rules, Groundwater Sustainability Plan development, disaster relief assistance, and a multitude of other policies.

In partnership with our Central Coast county Farm Bureaus, California Farm Bureau, and ag industry organizations, we remain engaged on combating the Central Coast Regional Water Board’s Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program, known as Ag Order 4.0. We have a petition pending before the State Water Board, and are prepared to challenge Ag Order 4.0 in court after the required State Water Board petition process concludes.

Here are three areas where we’ve been putting your membership dollars to work:

#1 Educating Our Community About Ag

SLO County Farm Bureau is the voice of our local agriculture industry. Our media coverage the past few months has included:

• 35 stories in local media outlets like KSBY, Paso Robles Daily News, Central Coast Journal, SLO Tribune, Atascadero News, New Times SLO, and Edible SLO magazine.

• Thanks to a sponsorship by Farm Bureau member The Groves on 41, we have weekly

radio segments (Thursdays around 9:10am) on the #1 morning show in SLO County, KJUG 98.1’s “Tom & Becky Show,” and regular appearances on our local public radio station KCBX, and the “Dave Congalton’s Hometown Radio Show” on 96.5 FM.

#2 Engaging Elected Officials & Regulators

SLO County Farm Bureau meets regularly with all of our local, state and federal elected representatives and regulatory agencies. We work in a bi-partisan way to ensure decision-makers understand the plight of our agriculture community and our policy positions. The list of issues affecting agriculture is long, and as a grassroots organization, our members set our priorities. We can only provide effective representation when you are engaged with Farm Bureau. We always want to hear from you!

#3 Keeping Our Members Informed

Our weekly email newsletter to members is read by Congressmen, County Supervisors, and other elected officials. We are the source of information about emerging policy issues, upcoming government hearings, and local continuing education classes to keep you compliant.

If you are reading this and do not receive our weekly email, please visit slofarmbureau.org and go to the top right corner to add your email address. The pace of government action is rapid, and we depend on you to pay attention to our Farm Team alerts and other call-to-action requests to show government officials the strength of our $2.5 billion SLO County agriculture economy. The online petitions and email campaigns you respond to truly make a difference in the policymaking process.

When the flood disaster struck in January 2023, SLO County Farm Bureau stepped up to help our members navigate confusing federal assistance opportunities. Our work continues, and we are partnering with our local USDA Farm Service Agency and congressional offices to get needed relief to farmers, ranchers, and agriculture businesses.

AGRICULTURALIST OF THE YEAR TOM BORDONARO

BORDONARO

San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau has selected Paso Robles farmer and community leader Tom Bordonaro Jr. as the 2022 Agriculturalist of the Year.

The Agriculturalist of the Year award recognizes distinguished success in the agriculture industry and a lifetime of dedication to advancing San Luis Obispo County’s rich farming and ranching heritage. Through his community service to local youth and his advocacy as an elected official, few have done more for SLO County’s agriculture community than Tom Bordonaro.

Born in Fullerton, California, Tom is the son of Tom and Virginia Bordonaro, Sr. and has three siblings, Frank Bordonaro, John Peters, and the late Sandra Peters.

Tom Jr. moved to San Luis Obispo County in 1977 at the age of 18. The family was living in Carmel Valley, California when a family member’s car broke down in Atascadero. Tom Sr. drove down to help. He fell in love with the area and purchased land in Creston not long after.

Tom credits his upbringing for shaping him into the person he is today. “My father was a very hard worker in construction and farming, and he set a good example of how much a person can achieve by working hard, being honest, and treating people right,” Tom says. “My mom was an extraordinary, loving person who pulled the family together and taught lessons of service to others.”

His love of agriculture began at age five spending time at his best friend’s family cattle, hay and sheep ranch. At age nine, he began his lifelong involvement with 4-H and later with FFA showing cattle and hogs. Agriculture was the focus of his education, getting a bachelor’s degree in Ag. Management from Cal Poly in 1983, and a master’s in Ag. Economics from U.C. Davis in 1986.

Persistence and overcoming adversity define Tom Bordonaro. He has managed all aspects of the family farm, Bar TJ Ranch, raising cattle, hay and wine grapes since 1979, even after being paralyzed in a car accident at age 18. Whether in the halls of the State Capitol or in downtown San Luis Obispo, he has been a tenacious advocate for farmers, ranchers, business owners, taxpayers and property owners for the past 28 years.

Tom Bordonaro

Tom on stage during Cattlemen & Farmers Day at the California Mid-State Fair. Some of the Bordonaro family pictured from left to right, Marc, Tom, William, Martha, and Francesca.

His calling to serve in public office began in the 1994 Republican Primary for California State Assembly. Tom won the 33rd District primary and went on to serve a second term as State Assemblyman. He was appointed by two different Governors to serve as a Commissioner on the California Board of Prison Terms. Since 2003, SLO County voters have entrusted him as their County Assessor.

His leadership as an assessor extends beyond our county, serving in recent years as President and a member of the Executive and Legislative Committee of the California Assessors’ Association, President of the Central-Southern Assessors’ Association, and a member of the International Association of Assessing Officers.

In 2020, Prop 13’s longstanding property tax protections came under attack through two new initiatives on the ballot, Prop 15 and Prop 19. Tom was a statewide leader in explaining the harm they would cause to agriculture, taking to the airwaves, newspapers and social media to help to defeat Prop 15. After Prop 19’s narrow passage, Tom led the charge in Sacramento to educate lawmakers about provisions in Prop 19 that would have put the generational transfer of

family farms and ranches at risk. Tom’s work on that single issue will help California agriculture for years to come.

But making statewide impacts isn’t what keeps Tom Bordonaro motivated. His passion is working with youth organizations like Creston 4-H Club, the Grizzly Youth Academy Foundation, SLO County 4-H Volunteer Management Organization, and many others in our community to help develop future leaders.

For young people considering a career in agriculture he offers this advice: “Farming and ranching is hard work, with long hours and little pay, but it is the most noble and satisfying career one can choose. Being able to produce a product that is essential and provide it to the benefit of so many people is rewarding beyond description.”

Tom and his wife of 21 years, Martha, have four children, Francesca (30), Anthony (28), William (18) and Marc (18), and two grandchildren, Collin (7) and Reagan (6).

San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau has given the Agriculturalist of the Year award annually since 1988, making Bordonaro the 34th person to receive this honor.

PARADISE ON EARTH

By Brent Burchett, SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Director

“Lord, thank you for letting us live in a place as close to Paradise that exists on this Earth....”

That’s a prayer that stuck with me. I heard it about four years ago, just a few weeks on the job at SLO County Farm Bureau, when one of our board members led an invocation before dinner. It wouldn’t take long to understand what he meant.

Born and raised in Kentucky, never before had I been surrounded year-round by fields of strawberries, lettuce, broccoli, avocados and wine grapes stretching out as far as the eye can see. Few places on the planet produce crops like our Central Coast region. We have a dozen certified farmers markets and countless roadside stands in SLO County. We grow enough fresh produce here to feed every county resident with 7.5 pounds of vegetables a day. But I’ve come to see that living amongst such a bounty blinds us to appreciating just how special SLO County agriculture is.

We forget our local farms feed communities across the nation. If you ever drive by Pismo Oceano Vegetable Exchange (POVE) in Oceano, notice how the facility backs up to a railroad track. Tom Ikeda and other local Japanese-American farm families have marketed their crops through POVE for generations, and one of my favorite stories Tom tells is how, in the old days, railcars packed with ice would stop at POVE to be loaded with the latest harvest. As the train headed out, shippers were under pressure to find buyers for that produce as they went along, lest they be responsible for the cost of unsold produce once it reached the end of the line. Today, semitrailers drive POVE’s Napa cabbage, broccoli, Bok choy and other vegetables to markets in California and even the Eastern U.S.

As much as we love and work to support our smaller farms, having farms able to grow food at scale is important. Domestic food production is essential to our national security. Much of the U.S. has a limited window for growing produce. In Kentucky, for example, we count on California farms to keep our grocery shelves stocked outside the few months of the year we have local produce. Indoor agriculture technology is advancing, but today it’s hard to match the affordability and efficiency of outdoor-grown California produce.

SLO County is fortunate to have a diversity of

farms, from small-scale production by a single farmer selling through a field stand, to larger farms that employ 100 people. Perhaps it’s the same as any industry, but I get frustrated when I hear a farmer denigrate a farm that produces food differently than they do. Occasionally, that’s a farming operation dismissing a smaller one trying out some new crop or technique, but by and large, I hear consumers and smaller farms talking about “big ag” or “corporate farms.” No doubt, consolidation in any industry is bad, but it is largely a product of the regulatory burden California government places on farmers and ranchers. When a new, often well-intended but illinformed, law or regulation is passed, it’s our larger farms that are better able to comply and survive.

The decline of the small family farm both here in SLO County and across the nation is tragic, and it’s what motivates us at Farm Bureau to fight to make things better. These days, most Farm Bureau members cannot afford to rely solely on their farming income. About 25% of California Farm Bureau members gross under $10,000 from farm income each year, 45% are under $50,000, and about 55% are under $100,000. After expenses, most of our farmers and ranchers are lucky to break even. Many years, depending on market prices and weather volatility, the same can be said for larger farms. California agriculture is at risk.

Farmers and ranchers aren’t the only ones feeling the pain it’s a tough time for a lot of businesses. The public outreach our Farm Bureau does from interviews with local TV, newspaper, and radio outlets, to writing columns about agriculture in local magazines, speaking to civic groups and serving on Chamber of Commerce committees is time well spent because most folks are removed from the realities of producing food. Most may not appreciate the “clear and present danger” we face in agriculture. Farmland is being lost to urban development. Over 750,000 acres of California farmland was fallowed last year due to the drought. High land prices, input costs, labor shortages, and the ever-growing complexity of environmental regulations are a barrier to beginning farmers and fuel the decline of small family farms.

A San Luis Obispo County without a vibrant agriculture economy is no Paradise at all.

ZACH MERKEL Grower Relations Manager | J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

I Am Ag…

How are you involved in agriculture?

I really do not come from an agricultural background at all. I grew up in the Bay Area and applied to the Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture program on a bit of a whim with the idea being that I could always change my major if things didn’t work out. After my first day of classes my freshman year, I knew I had made the right choice and never really looked back. After my sophomore year, I was fortunate enough to be hired as a harvest intern for J. Lohr Vineyards, and almost 10 years later and a few positions in between, I reached my current position as Grower Relations Manager.

What’s the biggest challenge ag faces?

I believe the biggest challenge agriculture faces, particularly in California, is the ag-urban interface and the, at times, negative perception of agriculture in the urban centers of our state.

Why do you do what you do?

I am very lucky to be in a position in my company where I am able to work alongside our contract growers and manage a vineyard as well. I truly enjoy being able to work with a wide variety of different growers towards a common goal and seeing how there are always different ways to approach the same problem. Though I do feel that the industry in general can be over-romanticized, the fact that we are able to sum up and entire years’ worth of hard work and dedication into a bottle is still very special to me.

What’s the most recent book you’ve read? Never Finished by David Goggins. Great motivation for those New Year’s resolutions.

What are your hobbies?

My wife and I truly love to travel. Those who know me know that I am constantly planning or updating our next trip. I definitely follow the school of thought that the best time to plan your next vacation is when you are on your current one! I also love to ski, though I don’t l make it to the mountains as much as I’d like to. Additionally, my wife and I both enjoy Crossfit. Not only is it great physical exercise, but I have found that it is hard to worry about the day-to-day when you are singularly focused on trying to catch your breath.

What are words you live by?

Experience is something you get immediately after you need it.

Who has been a mentor in your career?

My boss at J. Lohr, Steve Carter. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without his help and guidance, and I know that many others feel the same way. Though his dedication and commitment to his profession are certainly inspiring, what I admire most is the respect and attention he gives to every person he interacts with.

Adler Belmont Group, Inc.

805-540-3900 | adlerbelmontgroup.com

Ag Box Company

805-489-0377 | agboxcompany.com

AgWest Farm Credit

805-434-3665 | agwestfc.com

American Riviera Bank

805-965-5942 | americanrivierabank.com

Astound Business Solutions

805-545-5100 | digitalwest.com

Bank of the Sierra

805-541-0400 | bankofthesierra.com

Bee Sweet Citrus

559-834-5345 | beesweetcitrus.com

Brazil Trust Real Estate

info@brazilpropertiesslo.com

Buttonwillow Warehouse Company

805-226-2953 | bwcag.com

Byron Grant/Century 21 Hometown Realty

805-441-2560 | byron-grant.com

C & M Nursery

805-929-1941

C & N Tractors

805-237-3855 | candntractors.com

Cal-Coast Machinery

805-925-0931 | jdccm.com

Cal West Rain, Inc.

805-226-8990 | calwestrain.com

Carmel & Naccasha LLP

805-546-8785 carnaclaw.com

Castañeda & Sons, Inc.

805-474-1743 | primex2@gmail.com

Central Coast Propane

805-237-1001 | centralcoastpropane.com

The Cliffs Hotel & Spa

805-773-5000 | cliffshotelandspa.com

Coastal Tractor

805-239-5772 | coastaltractor.com

Coastal Vineyard Services

805-439-3014 | coastalvineyardservices.com

Cogan Consulting and Compliance

805-635-5965 | cogancompliance.com

Community West Bank

805-597-3655 | communitywestbank.com

Crop Insurance Services by AMS

805-439-3334 | amsins.com

DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance

805-593-1400 | dibu.com

Eagle Energy Inc.

805-543-7090 | eagleenergyinc.com

E. & J. Gallo Winery

877-687-9463 | gallo.com

EC Loomis Insurance Associates

805-489-5595 | ecloomis.com

EDB Diversified, Inc.

Electricraft Inc.

805-544-8224 | electricraftinc.com

Farm Supply Company farmsupplycompany.com

Filipponi & Thompson Drilling, Inc.

805-466-1271 | ftdrilling.com

Glenn Burdette CPA

805-544-1441 | glennburdette.com

G3 Enterprises

800-321-8747 | g3enterprises.com

Greengate Ranch & Vineyard

805-459-9683 | greengateweddings.com

Helena Agri-Enterprises

805-928-7000 | helenaagri.com

Heredia Farm Labor

805-296-3307 | herediafarmlabor@gmail.com

Home Ranch Land Realty

805-423-7242 | homeranchlandrealty.com

Hotel Buena Vista SLO

805-549-9911 | hotelbuenavistaslo.com

JB Dewar Inc.

805-543-0180 | jbdewar.com

Jenny Heinzen Real Estate

805-260-0581 | jennyheinzen.com

JSC Agricultural Supply

661-616-6977 | info@jimssupply.com

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

805-238-6932 | justinwine.com

Kaweah Pump Inc.

559-747-0755 | kaweahpumpinc.com

Limoneira

805-525-5541 | limoneira.com

Layne Laboratories Inc.

805-474-1354 | laynelabs.com

Madonna Inn

805-543-3000 | madonnainn.com

McAbee Ag Consulting

805-591-0896 | mcagconsulting@outlook.com

Nationwide

877-669-6877 | nationwide.com/yourland

Negranti Construction

805-995-3357

Negranti-Higgins & Co. CPA

805-543-1987 | negranti-higgins.com

Nicks Telecom

805-441-3135

Olea Farm

805-610-2258 | oleafarm.com

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

800-743-5000 | pge.com

Pacific Premier Bank

888-388-5433 | ppbi.com

Paso Robles Ag Consulting

831-809-7986 | pasoagconsulting.com

Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

805-239-8463 | pasowine.com

Paso Robles Chevrolet

805-238-7800 | pasocc.com

Pismo Oceano Vegetable Exchange

805-489-5770 | pove.net

Poor Richard’s Press

805-543-6844 | prpco.com

Quinn Company

805-925-8611 | quinncompany.com

Rabo AgriFinance

raboag.com

The Rice Partnership

805-517-4122 | thericepartnership.com

Roadrunner Construction

805-238-2500 | roadrunnerpasorobles@gmail.com

Santa Maria Seeds

805-922-5757 | santamariaseeds.com

Simmons Law Firm

805-329-4800 | asimmonslawfirm.com

Simplot Grower Solutions

805-343-1312 | simplotgrowersolutions.com

Sinton Helicopters

805-238-4037 | sintonhelicopters.com

Solterra Strategies

805-286-6874 | solterrastrategies.com

Speedling

805-489-8500 | speedling.com

Sunbelt Vineyards

805-434-4100 | info@mesavineyard.com

Sunrise Olive Ranch, LLC

The Thom Group

805-546-6022 | thethomgroup.com

Tompkins Ranches LLC

Treasury Wine Estates

tweglobal.com

Valley Pacific Petroleum Services

800-266-3782 | vpps.net

Vine Shepherd Vineyard Management

805-689-2426| vineshepherd.us

Wayne Cooper Ag Services

805-235-5218 | waynecooperagservices.com

Westside Vineyards

310-502-4764 | Jminter16@gmail.com

Whiteford Ag

805-441-3085 | whitefordag.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY FARM BUREAU PLATINUM & BUSINESS SUPPORT MEMBERS