AG Harvest Tab 2014

HARVEST SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 2014

MILK PRICING

STATE DAIRY FARMERS FIGHT FOR FAIRNESS

ORGANIC

ELLIE AND CHARLEY’S NATURAL GARDEN

ALMONDS

NUT PASSES DAIRY AS TOP CROP

STEWART & JASPER

BUILDING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS

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HARVEST Fantozzi C O N T E N T S California dairy pricing.....................................................4 Stanislaus County top crops �����������������������������������5

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CSUS Ag Studies................................................................6 Ellie and Charley’s Natural Garden ���������������������8 Stewart & Jasper Orchards ���������������������������������10

Drought hits bees hard.............................................14 Publisher Advertising Manager Editor Cover & Ad Design Writing Advertisement

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Dairy prices hit record high California still at disadvantage

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BY ALYSSON AREDAS Turlock Journal

rices paid to California dairy producers for milk witnessed a record high in September, yet this record still fails to compete financially with prices paid in states under Federal Milk Marketing Orders.

With the current state pricing system, the value of milk produced in California is capped at a significantly lower level than prices paid in other states under federal orders.

“The California pricing system significantly undervalues dairy farmers,” said executive director of the 'California California Dairy ranks last Campaign Lynne nationwide in McBride.

“This the prices that leads to losses for dairy farmers dairy producers in receive in our state, especially with high costs of comparison production, feed to the cost of issues, and regulaproduction. We tory requirements to cannot afford to run a dairy.” continue selling Although there milk at these are different reguprices.' lated classes of milk, the class experienc— California Dairy ing the most damCampaign director age is dairy used for Lynne McBride cheese and whey protein powders, better known as Class 4b. In September, dairy producers under federal order were paid $24.60 per hundredweight, while California dairy farmers were paid $22.39 per hundredweight.

“Since 2011, dairy producers have lost approximately $100 per cow,” said McBride.

“When you look at an average herd size of 1,200 cows, that’s an extremely significant loss.”

Due to this disadvantage in pricing, a significant number of dairies have closed in recent years. Since 2007, approximately 500 dairies have closed down. In the first six months of 2014, 30 dairies have already closed their doors

as a result of the accumulated losses from prices received in previous years compared to production costs.

However, remaining California dairy farmers do not intend to continue at this disadvantage and are taking the necessary measures in hopes of joining California with other states under FMMO. Spearheaded by three major dairy cooperatives—California Dairies Inc., Land O’ Lakes, and Dairy Farmers of America—California is working on finalizing a FMMO proposal.

Under the United States Department of Agriculture, FMMO establish regulations that apply to dairy processors upon purchasing fresh milk from dairy farmers who supplying a designated marketing area. By joining FMMO, all California dairy farmers would be paid a uniform price for manufactured milk, including the milk used for cheese.

Once these dairy producers submit their FMMO proposal to the USDA, a formal hearing process will begin. During this time, dairy farmers throughout the state will have the opportunity to testify on the proposal. With this proposal, McBride hopes that there will be much greater transparency regarding how prices are set for different classes of milk.

“The more that dairy farmers in California learn about the federal order, the more they are in support of it,” said McBride. “This gives dairy farmers the chance to support and vote on this process and become engage in every stage moving forward. The success of this proposal rests on their involvement.”

The CDC is currently pledging its support of ongoing efforts by California dairy farmers as they go through the motions of becoming part of FMMO. According to McBride, this will be the first effort made by dairy producers throughout the state to begin reversing the significant losses that resulted from pricing inequities of recent years.

“California ranks last nationwide in the prices that dairy farmers receive in comparison to the cost of production,” said McBride. “We cannot afford to continue selling milk at these prices.”

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Almonds take top crops spot in 2013 Report unveils another record-breaking year Turlock Journal

tanislaus County’s Annual Crop and Livestock Report for 2013 revealed yet another record-breaking year for agricultural commodities, mainly in fruit and tree crops. The report, which was released in August, also marks the first year that the almond industry overtook milk production for the number one commodity spot.

The Stanislaus County’s Annual Crop and Livestock Report is a yearly account of the region’s agricultural production data. Compiled from a myriad of sources, the report incorporates data that has been accumulated from surveys filled out by producers, associations, and water districts.

Overall, the value of agricultural commodities produced last year in Stanislaus County increased 12 percent from 2012. The approximate $400 million increase is primarily a result of the increase in the production of almonds, walnuts, and milk. Almond acreage, yield, and price saw an increase, while walnuts and milk solely experienced an increase in price.

This is also the first year that the almond industry has overthrown the dairy business for the number one commodity spot. The nut’s production value increased $389 million from last year’s $736 million to successfully earn the title as the county’s first $1 billion dollar crop. With these numbers, it was also announced that Stanislaus County is now the

number one almond producer in the nation.

“We have the perfect climate for almonds here,” said Agricultural Commissioner Milton O’Haire, “they are not very hard to grow and the return on investments for almonds has always been very good.”

Milk’s unprecedented move down to the number two spot can likely be attributed to the industry’s decrease of dairies statewide.

However, Milton stated that although the county witnessed a number of dairies closing down, the decline is most likely a result of increased pricing.

Even though the dairy industry lost its title as the number one commodity for Stanislaus County, the industry still experienced an all time high, increasing to $804 million, up from a 2012 value of $740 million. With the exception of manure, all of the commodities in the livestock and poultry industry encountered a production increase, including eggs and wool.

When it comes to predicting what the crop report for 2014 will look like, O’Haire stated that he does not have all the information he needs to make a reasonable assumption, although he knows that the county will continue to have more acres and permanent crops come into production.

“If we do get water this year, of course that’s going to help overall,” O’Haire said, “but this is the third year of a drought, so we would expect our row crop numbers to drop even lower than they did this year, which is just the reality of the situation.”

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Area third graders learn about ag and food production at CSU Stanislaus at the annual AgEdventure Day.

Photo contributed

Small ag program provides huge opportunities

BY ALYSSON AREDAS

W

Turlock Journal

ith only about 70 students, it is easy to underestimate the impact that the Agricultural Studies Department at California State University, Stanislaus offers to its students and the community at large.

With an underlying mission dedicated to promoting the development of the agricultural industry throughout the state, the department offers more than just the average agricultural program to its students.

Department Chair Dr. Oluwarotimi Odeh says that the program’s primary focus is not

only to prepare students to be employed in their chosen disciplines once they graduate, but it also prepares them to be future employers and leaders as well.

“The program prepares students for a very productive and enriching career in the food and agriculture industry, particularly for students who want to stay here in the valley,” said Odeh.

Through its program, the Ag Studies Department at CSU Stanislaus encourages students to examine various approaches to agricultural production, distribution, and management in changing economic and environmental settings.

The Ag Studies Department offers one minor in Agricultural Studies and four concentrations, including Agricultural Biology, Agricultural Business and Economics, Permaculture, and a special concentration that is tailored to a student’s specific preparation.

“A lot of the students who go through the special concentration do it to become agricultural teachers at the high school level,” added Odeh.

The department offers a number of courses, including Professional Development in Agriculture, which gives Agricultural Studies majors an opportunity to develop leadership concepts and interpersonal skills through a

variety of formal instruction and events.

Students can also opt to take a class in Sustainable Agriculture, where they will study natural resource sustainability in agriculture by integrating theoretical aspects of agricultural sustainability with field-based exercises, or a class on Agriculture, Society, and the Natural World, which studies the sociology of agriculture.

The program is also unique in the sense that is requires every student to participate in at least one internship before they graduate.

Finding an internship is not a difficult task for these students, since the program has partners » SEE PROGRAM,

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PROGRAM

FROM PAGE 6

all across the state, including Hilmar Cheese and American AgCredit, which consistently provide internship opportunities to students.

“Most of the time, students go for more than one internship,” said Odeh, “and a majority of our internships are paid.”

Students involved in the program also are able to seek more growth and leadership opportunities through the Ag Ambassadors Club. Members of the club are an integral part of the Ag Studies program and participate in a number of events throughout the year, including the Ag Ambassador Conference and a Thanksgiving Food Drive.

“The Ag Ambassadors Club is a one-of-a-kind student organization on campus. All students in the department are members of the club by default. We have never had a student who was not interested simply because of all the opportunities that the club offers them,” said Odeh. “Their goal is to promote awareness of agriculture throughout society.”

Although the program is relatively small as of date, students do not plan to keep it that way. Buzzing with ideas, programs, and events that will continue to promote the agricultural economy throughout the state, these students will undoubtedly draw in more interest to their department.

“It’s an honor to be in a developing program like this,” said Ag Ambassador Treasurer Alexandria Agresti-Assali. “One day we want to look back and see how much it’s grown.”

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What is Organic?

California certified organic farmers Ellie and Charley Fernandez decided to no longer use chemicals or pesticides in their farming practices when their grandchildren began to visit their farm ten years ago.

ALYSSON AREDAS/The Journal

Organic farmer goes the extra mile to promote healthy eating

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BY ALYSSON AREDAS Turlock Journal

atterson resident Charley Fernandez has never been a fan of junk food. Instead, the organic farmer has always placed the utmost importance on his health and the health of others.

“I believe what is really important is not your 401K or your savings account, it’s the food you consume and essentially your health,” said Fernandez. “Don’t worry about the roads in Turlock, we’ll fix them. Worry about what you’re having for dinner.”

It is this mindset that Fernandez has carried with him all throughout his agricultural career and what ultimately prompted him to become an organic farmer alongside his wife Ellie. With produce grown at Ellie and Charley’s Natural Garden, Fernandez hopes to promote a similarly salubrious

lifestyle to his customers.

Although Fernandez has been a farmer for the majority of his life, it was not until he retired ‘Don’t worry in 1991 that he about the roads began to focus in Turlock, we’ll more on cultivatfix them. Worry ing the garden he has today. When about what the couple’s you’re having grandchildren for dinner.' initially began to — Charley visit their farm Fernandez 10 years ago, the producers made the business decision to become California certified organic farmers by no longer using chemicals or pesticides to grow their produce.

Under the Organic Foods Production Act, which was enacted under Title 21 of the 1990 Farm Bill, the United States

Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program sets national standards for producers in order to qualify as organic.

These regulations provide guidelines for certification, production, handling, and labeling of organic products through the USDA. Organic farmers must use farming practices that prohibit the use of conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. Any field from which harvested crops are labeled as organic must be certified as pesticide free for at least three years preceding cultivation.

Every week, Ellie and Charley have been at the Turlock Certified Farmers Market selling their organic produce. The couple offers organic fruit, including plums, » SEE ORGANIC,

PAGE 9

Certified organic foods are produced according to federal standards set by the USDA National Organic Program.

These standards were implemented in 2002 in the wake of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and continue to be interpreted and developed by the National Organic Standards Board, a federal advisory committee appointed by the secretary of agriculture. Organic standards address many factors: soil quality, animal raising, pest and weed control, and use of input materials.

The use of sewage sludge, bioengineering (GMOs), ionizing radiation, and most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers is prohibited from organic production. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals fed 100 percent organic feed and forage, given no antibiotics or growth hormones, and raised in conditions that follow their natural behaviors. As for the land — certified organic produce is grown on soil that has been free of prohibited substances for three years prior to harvest to ensure that the crops will not be contaminated.

Focused on the use of renewable resources and conservation of soil and water, organic farmers enhance and sustain the environment for future generations.

National organic standards also include regulations for organic processed products, including prohibiting artificial preservatives, flavors, and dyes.

Learn more at: http://www.ccof.org/ organic

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ORGANIC

FROM PAGE 8

apples, and persimmons, as well as organic vegetables, including kale, tomatoes, and Brussels sprouts.

Fernandez utilizes his time at the market by encouraging others to maintain their health and eat the right food, and even goes the extra mile for his customers by preparing simple recipes, including an organic Pac Choi Stir Fry Kit and organic salad mixes—all put together using his own produce.

When it comes to feedback, Fernandez reported that his customers both like the farm’s clean presentation and the fact that all of the organic produce is grown locally.

“We offer personal service alongside our organic produce,” said Fernandez. “We grow what we sell and we are here to offer any questions our customers might have.”

As a frequent visitor to Ellie and Charley’s booth at the market, Turlock resident Lin Yan offered nothing but positive things to say about the couple’s organic produce selection.

“I like their figs because I can’t find quality like this anywhere else,” said Yan. “Plus the fact that their produce is organic makes it that much better.”

Ellie and Charley’s Natural Garden is based in Patterson. For more information on what they have to offer, visit ellieandcharleysnaturalgarden.com.

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At Stewart & Jasper Orchards, Jim Jasper and Jason Jasper ensure the quality of their almonds by controlling every aspect of production, including hulling, shelling, and processing.

ALYSSON AREDAS/The Journal

Stewart & Jasper Orchards offers more than just almonds

BY ALYSSON AREDAS

A

Turlock Journal

s owner and president of Stewart & Jasper Orchards, Jim Jasper has always taken a more personable approach to the almond industry by creating strong, long-term relationships with everyone involved in his business—from his growers to his customers.

“I always say that the greatest asset a company can have is the people that it works with, so I like creating real, lasting relationships with people,” said Jim Jasper. “That is what has been our success all these years. We have to satisfy both our growers and our customers if we want to stay in business, so we will basically bend over backwards to whatever extent to satisfy them.”

However Jim Jas‘For a long per’s friendly practice time, we have should not strike the grown with the approximately 175 industry. The employees that work industry has for Stewart & Jasper doubled in the Orchards as unfamillast 10 to 12 iar, since the owner years and we’ve and president models doubled our his behavior after his capacity as well.' two predecessors, his — Jim Jasper father Lee Jasper and Romaine Stewart.

A partnership that originally started in the poultry business, Lee Jasper and Stewart planted their first almond orchard in the mid1950s. What started off as just one almond orchard quickly expanded into 2,200 acres—

representing an estimated 2 percent of the almond industry statewide.

Both his father and Stewart set the second generation Jasper up for a booming almond business on the west side of California’s Central valley that successfully controlled every aspect of production, including hulling, shelling, and processing. When Jim Jasper’s son Jason Jasper returned to work for Stewart & Jasper Orchards, he brought with him another aspect: retail.

With four locations in Newman, Modesto, Patterson, and Monterey, the operation does not just limit its inventory to almonds. Customers who visit these locations can browse from a selection of dried fruits, gourmet sauces, salad dressing, popcorn, and more—with over » SEE ALMONDS,

PAGE 11

The Stewart and Jasper almond hulling and shelling facility is fully solar powered after the installation of a $5 million project several years ago which has reduced the company’s $350,000 electricity bill to virtually nothing.

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ALMONDS

FROM PAGE 10

50 percent of the store’s inventory produced by Stewart & Jasper Orchards.

Additionally, customers are invited to taste over 20 wines at the Modesto location and over 16 wines at the Patterson location.

According to Jason Jasper, the business has approximately 300 different California wines to offer consumers.

“We are California farmers and we figured we should support California wine producers as well,” said Jason Jasper.

Jason Jasper added that he hopes to enhance the variety of wines in these two stores, and is looking to add more events, including monthly tastings. The work does not stop there for Jason Jasper, however, since he also has aspirations to enhance the business’s variety of products and flavor profiles.

“We want to continue with the exposure of what we are doing,” added Jason Jasper. “We want to get out there more and increase our online presence.”

As for now, Jim and Jason Jasper have continued to reflect the ideologies of their two predecessors, ensuring the quality of their almonds from the orchards to the consumer.

“For a long time, we have grown with the industry,” said Jim Jasper. “The industry has doubled in the last 10 to 12 years and we’ve doubled our capacity as well.”

Jim Jasper predicted that the business would continue to grow with the industry, as long as they continued to get an adequate amount of water to farm with. In the biggest challenge that Jim Jasper has ever faced in his time as owner and president of Stewart & Jasper Orchards, the drought has prompted the business to install highly efficient micro irrigation systems “We are extremely aware of the shortage and the cost of water, so we have never wasted water,” said Jim Jasper. “It’s the economical thing to do and we don’t have any other choice.”

The main office for Stewart & Jasper Orchards is located at 3500 Shiells Road in Newman. For more information, visit stewartandjasper.com or call 862-9600.

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ALYSSON AREDAS/The Journal

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Record highs forecast for walnut, tomato production

T

he 2014 California walnut production is forecast at a record 545,000 tons, up 11 percent from 2013's production of 492,000 tons. This forecast is based on the 2014 Walnut Objective Measurement Survey, officially conducted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service Aug. 1 through Aug. 22.

Despite a lack of chilling hours and a drought that has hit California, the 2014 walnut crop is forecast at a record level.

Growers used surface water where available and groundwater when necessary to provide adequate water supply to the trees.

Weather conditions during the growing season were mild thus benefitting the crop.

Crop quality is excellent with low disease and insect pressures. Overall, the 2014 crop is developing faster than last year and harvest is expected to start early.

The 2014 Walnut O.M. Survey utilized a total of 746 blocks with two sample trees per block. Survey data indicated an average nut set of 1,372 per tree, up 11 percent from 2013’s record low average of 1,239.

Percent of sound kernels in-shell was 98.7 percent statewide. In-shell weight per nut was 21.2 grams, and the average in shell suture measurement was 32.5 millimeters.

The in-shell cross-width measurement was 32.4 and the average length in-shell was 38.1 millimeters. All of the sizing measurements were above average levels.

Contracted production of California processing tomatoes is forecast at a record high 14.0 million tons, averaging 48.61 tons per acre, according to a survey conducted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The current forecasted production is 17.6 percent above the 2013 crop.

Harvest started the last week of June in the Southern growing areas and is expected to run through mid-October. The 2014 crop year has had low disease and pest pressure. The primary issue affecting yield has been availability of water. The extreme drought in California has forced growers to fallow land and cut back on the acreage for many crops, but the impact on tomato acreage appears to be limited. The projected harvested acreage of tomatoes is 288,000 acres, a 12.5 percent increase from 2013.

The shipping reports published by the Processing Tomato Advisory Board show that shipments through Aug, 23 are running 13.7 percent above that of 2013.

Watch.

TurlockJournal.com

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In recent years, bee populations worldwide have been decimated by pesticides, parasites and colony collapse disorder, a mysterious phenomenon in which worker bees suddenly disappear.

Journal file photo

Record drought saps California honey production

BY TERENCE CHEA Associated Press

LOS BANOS — California's record drought hasn't been sweet to honeybees, and it's creating a sticky situation for beekeepers and honey buyers.

The state is traditionally one of the country's largest honey producers, with abundant crops and wildflowers that provide the nectar that bees turn into honey. But the lack of rain

has ravaged native plants and forced farmers to scale back crop production, leaving fewer places for honeybees to forage.

The historic drought, now in its third year, is reducing supplies of California honey, raising prices for consumers and making it harder for beekeepers to earn a living.

"Our honey crop is severely impacted by the drought, and it does impact our bottom line as a business," said Gene Brandi, a bee-

keeper in Los Banos.

The state's deepening drought is having widespread impacts across the state. More than 80 percent of the state is under "extreme" or "exceptional" drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a drought emergency, and residents now face fines of up to $500 a day for wasting water.

The drought is just the latest blow to hon-

eybees, which pollinate about one third of U.S. agricultural crops. In recent years, bee populations worldwide have been decimated by pesticides, parasites and colony collapse disorder, a mysterious phenomenon in which worker bees suddenly disappear.

The drought is worsening a worldwide shortage of honey that has pushed prices to Âť SEE BEES,

PAGE 15

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BEES

good year, said Brandi, who is vice president making and buying enough honey to meet of the American Beekeeping Federation. the demands of its customers. Many varieties FROM PAGE 14 Besides selling honey, beekeepers earn such as honey made from sage and star-thistle their living from pollinating crops such as aren't available at all because it's too dry for all-time highs. Over the past eight years, the almonds, cotton, alfalfa and melons. But their flowers to produce nectar. farmers are renting fewer hives because the "They keep coming back wanting more, average retail price for honey has increased lack of irrigation water has forced them to tear and it's very painful to have to say, 'We 65 percent from $3.83 to $6.32 per pound, out orchards and leave fields unplanted. don't have it,'" said Helene Marshall, who according to the National Honey Board.

Like many beekeepers, Brandi is feeding runs the business with her husband SpenSince the drought began, California's honey his bees a lot more sugar syrup than usual cer. "There's increased demand because of crop has fallen sharply from 27.5 million to compensate for the lack of nectar. The pounds in 2010 to 10.9 million pounds last supplemental feed keeps the bees alive, but it increased awareness of how good it is for you, and there is less supply." year, according to the U.S. Department of is expensive and doesn't produce honey.

Spencer Marshall, who maintains hives Agriculture. And this year's crop is expected "Not only are you feeding as an expense, throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, said to be even worse. but you aren't gaining any income." said California was the country's leading honey Brandi's son Mike, who is also a beekeeper. this is by far the worst year for honey producished Size: Ext Size: Final File Name: producerxas recently as 2003, but it has since "If this would persist, you'd see higher food tion he's seen in five decades of beekeeping.

13’4”h 25’4”w beenCallouts: surpassed by North Dakota, Montana, costs, higher pollination Final Filefees Name: and unfortu- When the drought ends, "the bees may come tone South Dakota and Florida. In 2013, California nately higher prices for the commodity of back, but the beekeepers may not," Marshall Design Time Revisions: said. by: produced less than 10 percent of the country's honey."

Created Nico vinyl Amelia Barad-Humphries, who owns a $317 million honey crop. 8oz. Blackback billboard Many California beekeepers, including On a recent summer morning in Los Banos, Gene Brandi's brother, are taking their hives restaurant and floral business in Napa ValLive Size: Finished Size: Ext Size: Final File Name: swarms surrounded to states such as North Dakota where they can ley, said she's concerned about the drought's or _Fresno of 13’4”h x 25’4”wGene 12’h honeybees x 24’w Final File fields.

Name: impact on bees and honey supplies. She said Pantone Callouts:white helBrandi and his son Mike, wearing forage in clover and buckwheat 16241_02 Quantity : 1 sheby:eats a teaspoon of local honey every day Design Time Revisions: mets withSpecial mesh veils, as they cracked open The drought is hurting businesses such as Created Instructions : Nico Prepared for: and inserted packets of protein Live Size: Finished Size: Ext Tim Brown hives 8oz.

Blackback billboard vinyl keep her allergies in check and she relies on wooden Marshall's Farm Honey, which supplies raw toSize: CBS Outdoor _Fresno 13’4”h x 25’4”w 12’h x 24’w supplement to keep the insects healthy. honey to high-end restaurants, grocery stores bees to pollinate her backyard garden.

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Quantityand : farmers markets ThisNumber: year their colonies have only produced "We need honeybees for everything," she in Northern 16241_02 1 The Napa Valley business is having trouble said. "People should be paying attention." about 10 percent of the honey they make in a Account Executive: Special Instructions :

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Everyone smiles when you give CHEESE! We make gift giving simple and convenient.

• Gifts from $22.95-$129.95

• Local products • Quantity discounts • Custom orders welcomed • We ship • hilmarcheese.com/shopping • Call today 800.577.5772

You’re Invited...

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Plan to attend our annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, November 8.

Complimentary cheese, gourmet food and sweets samples, Santa, music, holiday activities & more...

Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center 9001 N. Lander Ave. Hilmar, CA 95324 209.656.1196 hilmarcheese.com Business hours: 7 am to 7 pm, Monday – Saturday; 7 am to 5 pm, Sunday

Sales: Dan DeJong (209) 380-2474 or dan@redbarneq.com Service: Nathan DeJong (209) 988-3591 or nathan@redbarneq.com Office is located at: 4124 Kiernan Ave, CA 95361 - (209) 545-2453 For Consignment & New Equipment WWW.REDBARNEQ.COM

www.facebook.com/RedBarnEq

LECTROBLAST ELECTROSTATIC SPRAYERS What fits your operation? Select the PTO-drive Model 1550 or increased performance PTO-drive Model 2250 or let a JD Engine-drive Model 2650 do the work!

Quality Engineered & Performance-Tuned!

Now is the time to order your sprayer!

Growers report: Superior coverage, less fill-ups, extreme air speed = faster ground speed than conventional sprayers!

Irrigation water penetration problems?

TILL LEVEL ROLL IN ONE PASS

After tilling, farmer uses soil moisture monitors & finds: 1. Tilling eliminates standing water.

2. Tilling increases moisture content & retention from 12 to 48 inches deep.

BEFORE

AFTER

THE solution to today’s no-burn restrictions & shredded pruning buildup. Fill holes, till in leaf buildup & organic material = rich, healthy & clean orchard floor! The only rotary tiller built heavy enough to stay in the ground in all conditions.

Tractors, Sprayers, Tillers, Compost Turners, Gopher Machines, Rock Pickers, Spreaders

Deutz-Fahr 420TB Orchard Tractor Cab height: 83” Hood height: 56” 99 HP Engine, 90 HP PTO Wet Main / PTO Clutch 20 Speed Trans Hydraulic Shuttle Available with carbon filtered AC cab & 40 Speed Hi/Lo Trannie True Low Profile – Your power source in today’s tightly planted orchards!