Farm & Ranch May 2021

Farm&Ranch MAY 2021

Leading the Way in Business Banking

For more than a century and a half, Bank of Stockton has been leading the way in business banking. We have helped generations of families and businesses prosper. As a local community bank, we are proud to have the business community count on us. Whether you need business loans, agricultural credit, commercial banking or cash management services, we are here to help you achieve your goals.

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Teresa Vines Assistant Vice President Community Branch Manager 209-669-4508 Greg Eisenhauer Vice President Business Banking Officer 209-669-4531

IN TURLOCK 134 S. Golden State Blvd.

MAY 2021

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C O N T E N T S HOBBY FARMING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 SUPPORTING LOCAL AG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 WORKING FARM DOGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 LAND PURCHASES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 USING DRONES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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TID CELEBRATES 50 YEARS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

PUBLISHER / OWNER Hank Vander Veen

AG TECHNOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

EDITOR

MUST HAVE EQUIPMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Kristina Hacker

SUSTAINABLE RANCHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

ART DIRECTOR

CATTLE & ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Harold L. George

EXPLORE A CAREER IN AG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

GRAPHIC ARTIST Sharon Hoffman SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro

LOCALLY OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE!

Beth Flanagan Karen Olsen Corey Rogers Melody Wann

Residential Commercial & Industrial Plumbing Services!

Charles Webber

To advertise in the next Farm & Ranch, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141

CALL NOW 209-581-0480 Our Services Include:

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©Copyright 2021. Farm & Ranch All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of Farm & Ranch is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in Farm & Ranch are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Farm & Ranch management or owner. Farm & Ranch assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.

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Making Money How to Support Local Agriculture with a Hobby Farm

A full-time farming operation isn’t the right move for many Americans with limited space or capital. Starting a hobby project, however, can help familiarize someone with the industry and lead to a profitable venture.

Whether you decide to harvest fruits and vegetables or raise animals, this part-time journey may eventually lead to an even more prosperous opportunity.

For those interested in growing foods but are hesitant because of a lack of land, consider investing in a hydroponic setup. The Sustainable Food Trust says that using this method means plants are grown in water or an inorganic fabricated substrate.

When searching for a building to house your hobby farm, look for places that offer natural light or low ceilings to hang lighting devices. Here are some other small investments you can make that can create a handsome secondary income.

RAISE CHICKENS

Your livestock farm doesn’t have to include expensive cattle or other large animals. Consider getting started with a smaller creature like broiler chickens.

The global pandemic that has upended daily life has exacted a toll on many industries. Businesses have been asked to close or temporarily scale back operations, while organizers of recreational gatherings have been tasked with reevaluating the practicality and safety of annual events.

Throughout the United States and Canada, autumn fairs, exhibitions and activities provide revenue for many people. But due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, many of these annual events have been postponed, adversely affecting local agricultural industries as a result. Governments in certain places have responded to the cancellations and offered assistance to local farmers and agricultural industries. For example, the Province of Ontario is providing nearly $1 million to assist organizations that had to cancel fall events due to the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to supporting such efforts, the general public can pitch in to help offset some of the financial losses accrued by local farms.

According to the experts at Hobby Farms, these chicks are typically ready for market in as little as six to nine weeks. The quick turnaround can be compared to the longer timeframe of egg-laying hens, which usually require about nine months before they’re ready for sale. The broiler chicken breed also takes up little room and can be raised on the pasture or small land area.

The quickest way to get started is by buying chicks. If they’re unavailable, consider incubating them from an egg.

One thing to keep in mind is that the small birds quickly become prey to cats or coyotes. When possible, try to invest in a sturdy coop to keep predators away.

CHECK FOR VIRTUAL EVENTS

Some fall fairs or livestock events have been moved to the digital realm.

That means competitors who were entering livestock or even home crafts into competitions can still participate.

Organizers may ask for videos or photos of entries and then a committee will vote on the winners. This is one way to keep entry fees and even cash prizes moving along.

GROW FLOWERS

A greenhouse or properly prepared bed can be a high growing ground for beautiful flowers. Ask an expert at your local nursery for plants that are in demand in your area and grow heartily in your location. With a little practice and a green thumb, bring your harvest to a farmer’s market or market to your region’s bouquet shops. Use your return on investment to purchase more bulbs and an exotic variety of blooms.

MAY 2021

SUPPORT LOCAL FARMS OR ORCHARDS

Fall is harvest season in many areas, 4

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making this a popular time of year to visit nearby farms and to purchase fruits and vegetables directly from the source. Many farms have implemented safety protocols that align with COVID-19 health recommendations to safely welcome visitors. Things may look a little differently at orchards and farms, but smaller crowds and wearing masks should not compromise the fun of picking your own foods.

EXPLORE FARM-TO-TABLE

Private individuals as well as restaurant owners can develop relationships with area agriculture producers to increase the availability of farm-to-table offerings. Restaurants can revamp menus to include a greater share of items sourced from nearby farms.

Individuals also can rely on produce stands and farmers’ markets to stock their pantries. Some farms may offer delivery and mail-order as well.

OFFER FINANCIAL SERVICES

Financial advisors can help farmers who are struggling with finances work through their options. Institutions may be able to extend the terms of loan repayments, refinance loans, restructure debt, or get credit extensions.

Lower interest rates have created some new opportunities farmers may not be aware of. Financial advisors can help farmers navigate an uncertain financial time. Farmers and agricultural organizations are facing greater challenges as fall fairs and other events are being canceled. The public can support agriculture in different ways to offset the financial losses stemming from the pandemic.

Finding a Farm Dog

While dogs are often considered family pets, hard-working canines are quality companions for farm and ranching operations.

These dogs are bred specifically for herding or guarding the property. Work dogs can play many roles on your property, including being a pest control solution.

If you’re considering adding a new four-legged friend and coworker to your business, consider finding a reputable breeder who uses socially acceptable ethics. If possible, try to adopt the canine as a puppy to help familiarize him with family members and those who will frequent the property. Due to their protective nature, farm dogs may

become aggressive when they feel someone is a threat.

family and its courts could have them as pets.

HERDING BREEDS

BOXER

According to the American Kennel Club, of the 196 registered breeds, 31 are herding group members. Here is a closer look at a few of the breeds that make excellent working dogs.

The boxer is an energetic breed with plenty to offer farm and ranch operations. They were initially bred in Germany in the late 1800s and were produced down from dogs used to run after, catch and hold down predators. In modern times, boxers are a versatile breed who are excellent companions for farmers, police officers, the military and guide dogs for the blind.

AKITA

The courageous breed originated in Japan in the 17th century. Early history shows that the dogs were hunters used to take on big game like deer and bears.

The dogs’ strength and dignity were so well regarded that only the imperial MAY 2021

GREAT DANE

Often called the “gentle giant,” the 5

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Great Dane is known as a loyal protector and for their tall stature.

Their size makes them exceptional guard dogs, as many predators or other threats find them intimidating.

The breed was originally created in Germany, and dogs were tasked with hunting wild boar alongside noblemen.

LEONBERGER

Interestingly, the Leonberger was bred to serve as a companion for European royalty in the 19th century.

However, since their inception, they prove to be excellent working dog candidates because of their prodigious strength.

Evaluating a Land Purchase

Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just breaking into the industry, deciding to invest in land is a serious decision.

Choosing the wrong plot or buying at an inopportune time can cripple your operation going forward. Find out what to look for in the market and how to get the best deal when considering extending your farmland.

When you don’t have the liquid capital to make a purchase of land in cash, governmental programs offer exceptional benefits for farmers.

Consider applying for an FSA Direct Farm Ownership loan. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, this opportunity offers up to 100% financing for:

• Enlarging family farms.

• Improving or expanding operations.

• Increasing agricultural productivity.

• Assisting with land tenure to save farmland for future generations.

You can find out more information by visiting with a Farm Loan Program staff member at your local lending institution.

purchasing a plot of land.

Form a thorough strategy to decide how much ground you require and the steps to make it profitable. Take inventory of your equipment to determine if a more significant operation will need more expensive machines to maintain, as they can be a considerable investment.

FINDING FARMLAND

BUYING THE LAND

After you have financial backing, finding suitable farmland is another significant decision. The Noble Research Institute suggests that farmers analyze factors like soil conditions, irrigation availability, the local climate and location before MAY 2021

Much like most property transactions, you should be prepared to negotiate when finding the best value.

You may consider hiring a real estate agent proficient in agricultural deals to give yourself an advantage.

Once you have a few pieces of land in 6

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mind, buyers often benefit from obtaining a property boundary survey.

An expert will ensure that the seller’s potential investment is legally owned to avoid problems with competing farmers in the area.

Ensuring the boundaries are ironclad alleviates the risk of adverse possession.

This legality is common in farming and means that if the land is occupied, effectively use and controlled by someone without ownership, that the law will eventually consider them to be the owner.

While an attorney can help resolve the issue, the costs can be a burden during an investment.

Lending in Your Community We’re committed to supporting the borrowing needs of the communities we serve.

Here are a few examples of projects we’ve recently financed for clients.

$4.3M

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$3.7M

Ag Production Term Loan & Line

Ag Production Line – Fruit Trees

Improved Ag Land

$1.3M

$2.2M

$400K

Improved Ag Land

Ag Production Line

Mike Garcia

Jeff Hushaw

Victoria Gaffney

Commercial Lending

Commercial Lending

Commercial Lending

343.7607

844.7544

343.7601

Call us about your next commercial financing need!

Improved Ag Land

Rafael Martinez Dianna Bettencourt

633.2859

633.2867

Commercial Lending

MAY 2021

Branch Manager Turlock

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www.ovcb.com

Julie Alves

Elisa Luna

Laura Weaver

Branch Manager Patterson

Branch Manager Oakdale

Branch Manager Escalon

856.1710

343.7632

343.7633

MAKE LONG-LASTING MEMORIES

2412 McHenry Ave., Modesto

(209) 238-3000 www.DirectAppliance.com

MAY 2021

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How farmers are using drones The farmers of yesteryear might not be too familiar with their surroundings if they were to visit a modern farm.

While the men and women who made their livings as farmers decades ago would no doubt still recognize certain farm features that have withstood the test of time, they might not understand the inner workings of the modern farm, particularly in regard to the role technology now plays within the agricultural sector.

Technology has changed agriculture in myriad ways. The methods farmers employ to produce food and improve the efficiency of their operations has changed as technology has evolved. One of the more noticeable changes that’s hard to miss on modern farms is the use of agricultural drones.

Drones have been around for decades. Sometimes referred to as “unmanned aerial vehicles,” or “UAVs,” drones can be utilized in ways that can save farmers money and protect the planet.

MONITOR CROPS

According to senseFly, the commercial drone subsidiary of Parrot Group, drones can help farmers effectively monitor their crops. With a drone flying overhead, farmers can spot and quickly identify issues affecting their crops before those issues escalate into something larger.

SOIL ANALYSIS

Another potential benefit of agricultural drones highlights their role in analyzing soil. Agricultural drones utilize complex mapping functions to gather data about the soil, including areas where it might be stressed. That enables farmers to develop accurate soil samples that can be used to guide decisions in regard to irrigation and fertilization.

REDUCE WASTE

SenseFly notes that data gathered by drones can help farmers determine the vigor of their crops at various stages of growth. Such information can prevent overfertilization and overwatering, thereby reducing waste and runoff, benefitting the planet as a result.

PLANNING

Drones can be used to collect data on crop growth and health at various times throughout the growing season. That can help farmers develop accurate predictions regarding harvest quality and crop yield, making it easier for them to plan ahead.

Agricultural drones are one of the many examples that illustrate how technology has changed and will continue to change the ways modern farmers conduct business.

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TID celebrates 50 years of New Don Pedro

BY ANGELINA MARTIN

During a dry year like this, the importance of water storage becomes all the more apparent. Turlock Irrigation District is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the area’s most critical piece of infrastructure, New Don Pedro, this year and is asking the community to share their memories of the reservoir.

Shortly after the original Don Pedro dam was built in 1923, the Turlock and Modesto irrigation districts realized that they needed much more space to store water. The original reservoir could only hold 289,000 acre feet, which was enough water for just a single irrigation season. New Don Pedro is a collaborative effort between TID and MID, and after its construction 50 years ago the 2,030,000 acre-foot reservoir now has enough water to accommodate several irrigation seasons.

This is especially important in recent

years, said TID External Affairs Department Manager Josh Weimer, as historically dry weather becomes increasingly frequent. TID experienced the four driest years on record during the 2012-2015 drought, the 2020-2021 Water Year has only brought 52 percent of average precipitation to the Tuolumne River Watershed.

In addition to providing water for approximately 200,000 acres of farmland and drinking water to MID and the City of Modesto, and soon for the cities of Turlock and Ceres, the power plant at Don Pedro generates 203 Megawatts of clean, affordable carbon-free hydroelectricity.

“TID is always looking for new technology to provide the best power and water service to our customers,” Weimer said. “Don Pedro is an example of that.”

The reservoir has served as a community watering hole of sorts over the

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decades, with its 160 miles of shoreline providing opportunities for fishing, boating and camping for visitors and locals alike. Regulated river flows are released from Don Pedro to benefit fisheries and maintain the health of the Tuolumne River. The reservoir and the optimized operation of the Don Pedro Project, which is constantly utilizing the best technology possible, allows for efficient water usage and provides flood control capabilities.

TID also utilizes technology like aerial snow surveys to predict how much water the area will have during a dry year, Weimer said, and is now taking advantage of the internet to allow farmers more options when it comes to keeping track of their irrigation season.

Development for the new online program began last December, and the new tools for farmers were rolled out in March. While TID has offered online

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water ordering to customers for a few years now, External Affairs Department Manager Josh Weimer said the organization wanted to improve the process and make it more mobile friendly, as well as provide other useful features to farmers.

“We came at it this offseason with that in mind: How can we enhance this offering to our customers not just to order water — although that’s the main function — but really to provide additional tools,” Weimer said.

In addition to requesting water easily from a desktop, tablet or mobile device, there are a variety of new online offerings for farmers to explore and utilize when it comes to their irrigation water, like viewing the water they’ve used so far and the water that’s available. Users can also group parcels of land together to make reporting and viewing them as one easier, and are able to produce summary reports with the click of a button.

“We have over 50 different crops here, so everyone has a different water need and everyone has different soil needs because each soil responds to water differently,” Weimer said. “It’s really unique to each grower...

We want to provide our growers with as much information as possible, and then they can make the decisions because they’re the experts. We’re the experts at getting water to them and they are the experts at growing all the product.”

As the lifeblood of local produce and one of the most popular recreation destinations in the state, countless community members have made memories at Don Pedro over the decades. TID is asking the community to share its memories of the reservoir by uploading content at www.DonPedro50th.org.

Celebrating 50 years of water and power Be part of our celebration by sharing your memories of Don Pedro at: DonPedro50th.org

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The Role of Technology in Agriculture

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YEARS STRONG

California’s Largest Community Bank Agricultural Lender!

Modern industry is driven by technology. Advancements in technology have changed how business is conducted, with some industries undergoing dramatic changes since the dawn of the 21st century.

While agriculture might not be the first industry people think of when reflecting on the changing nature of industry, The National Institute of Food and Agriculture notes that modern farms are vastly different than those from a few decades ago.

Farmers have long relied on technology to make their operations as efficient, productive and profitable as possible.

Precision agriculture, which refers to technological advances designed to propel agriculture into the modern, computerized and information-based world, is helping the agricultural sector become more profitable and efficient while also improving safety and making agriculture more eco-friendly. In addition, the NIFA notes that the modern agricultural industry employs technology such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and global positioning systems.

If it sounds complicated, that’s

because it is. For example, modern sensors can detect soil conditions, potentially producing hundreds of readings per second. These sensors help farmers know the best possible time to plant seeds so they can reach their full potential. That improves both the efficiency of modern farms as well as their output.

The NIFA also notes that agricultural technology has reduced waste. For instance, thanks to agricultural technology, farmers no longer have to apply water, fertilizers and pesticides uniformly across entire fields. Technology has shown that farmers can simply target specific areas or even treat individual plants differently. That saves time and allows farmers to use only minimal quantities of water, fertilizer and pesticides. In addition, according to the NIFA, employing agricultural technology in this fashion leads to higher crop productivity and reduces runoff of chemicals into rivers and groundwater, thereby reducing the farm’s impact on local ecosystems.

Modern farms are technological marvels where various technologies are being employed to produce crops more efficiently and safely than ever before.

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Operating Lines Equipment Loans and Leases Ag Real Estate Loans

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Seasoned bankers to serve you

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Call us to discuss solutions for your Ag operation Turlock: Gary Ericksen

Senior Vice President, Market Manager 209-664-5420 • gericksen@fmbonline.com

Modesto: Jared Steinwert

Senior Vice President, Modesto Market Manager 209-571-4019 • jasteinwert@fmbonline.com fmbonline.com ©2021 Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California. All rights reserved. MSR 8454 4/2021.

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Must-Have Equipment After a successful harvest, farmers use a portion of their profits to enhance their equipment inventory. When considering new machines or implements to invest in, consider your needs and struggles you noticed in the past.

Could you use help in harvesting quicker, or would you benefit from planting at a faster pace?

The needs for farmers will vary dramatically depending on the type of operation and its size.

Fortunately, for smaller farms, there is beneficial equipment available that’s scaled to meet small-scale agriculture projects’ needs.

UTV

A UTV or ATV makes traveling around tough terrain seamless and is more cost-efficient than driving a full-size pickup. While

you may not have the same cargo space, these lightweight vehicles are exceptional for analyzing your fence perimeter, tending to distant crops and checking in on livestock.

Consider a vehicle with a sizable cargo box so you can bring along the tools you need to complete jobs. Some may be equipped with a hitch that couples to a wagon or trailer for more room.

COMPACT TRACTOR

Suppose your farm requires more heavy-duty equipment than a UTV but isn’t extensive enough to compensate for a large tractor’s investment. In that case, a compact machine can be an excellent fit. Find one equipped with a quick hitch on the front and rear to accept multiple Category One implements.

With a compact tractor, you can attach things like front buckets, mowing blades, a mulch finisher or aerator to enhance your performance and profitability.

POST-HOLE DIGGER You will need to repair fence posts while tending to your farm.

Whether livestock or weather cause the damage, a post-hole digger takes care of the back-breaking labor. A post-hole digger is also a great companion for odd jobs around the property like building a pole barn, deck or shed as your equipment expands.

While you can typically borrow this equipment from a local rental outlet, ensuring one is on hand is great for quick fixes and to avoid an animal escaping due to a downed fence.

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Sustainable Ranching Cattle and the Environment

When it comes to protecting our wildlife while also incentivizing farmers to engage in more sustainable farming practices, there are many organizations focused on making a difference.

The World Wildlife Fund is one such group, as it developed the Sustainable Ranching Initiative in 2011. But what is this initiative and how does it specifically help our ranchers and farmers in their daily work lives?

The versatile project works with landowners, corporations, governmental agencies and industry groups to protect native grasslands. One of the primary benefactors is private ranchers who preserve open space and wildlife habitats.

The Northern Great Plains — a region spanning more than 180 million acres, five states and two Canadian provinces — is one of four remaining temperate grasslands globally. The WWF states that more than 94 million of these acres are privately managed and necessary for the re-emergence of bird species in a steep decline. Ensuring these grasslands are managed properly promotes cleaner streams, less fertilizer runoff, more plant pollinators and carbon in the soil.

Check out how the relationship between the Sustainable Ranching Initiative and American ranchers is impacting the preservation and recovery of grasslands.

1. The WWF’s goal is to reach no net loss of grasslands through restoration and decreased plow-up.

2. In 2014, the Great Plains lost more acres to conversion than the Brazilian Amazon.

3. Between 2009-2015, plow-ups resulted in 3.2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions being released into the atmosphere. This is the equivalent of 670 million extra cars on the road.

4. Trillions of gallons of water are filtered through the plains, providing drinking sources for millions of people and supporting healthy fisheries.

5. Each unplowed acre of water in the Great Plains can store thousands of gallons of water.

6. Pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food that is produced.

7. One of four species of the North American bumble bees is at risk for extinction.

8. Nearly 6,000 acres of potential Monarch and pollinator habitat is lost each day in the United States due to development.

9. Grassland songbirds have declined 80% since the 1960s, primarily due to habitat loss.

10. Between 2014-2015, the Great Plains lost 3.7 million acres to conversion.

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Ranchers across America manage profitable operations where wildlife and livestock co-exist. Those in charge of ensuring that the land is suitable for growth face challenges from an everchanging environment.

As the property is managed for longterm success, the local climate receives exceptional positive effects.

If you have a cattle or dude ranch in your area, try to support their future growth. One way owners supplement their income is by incorporating a unique agritourism program. The public is welcome to tour the property or partake in numerous activities like horseback riding, winery visits or an ultimate camping experience. Consider contributing to your local economy by taking a unique family vacation at the ranch or making financial donations.

With community support, ranchers can continue their efforts to enhance their operations and impact the ecosystem’s health.

CATTLE’S IMPACT

Those who raise cattle on their pastures must participate in numerous environmental practices to remain successful. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association offers these benefits of ranching: • Conducting soil samples.

• Rotation grazing.

• Water management systems.

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• Conservation tillage.

• Planting trees.

While caring for their livestock, ranchers positively impact the surrounding wildlife populations on private and public land. It is shown that their contributions to water improvement, and individual pastures and feed supplies directly increase the big game population on federal property.

CARBON SEQUESTRATION

Numerous practices required to run a farm or ranch efficiently can lead to the release of dangerous greenhouse gases. According to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, agriculture operations are responsible for 11% of global emissions.

Effectively managed ranches are efficient in limiting the severity by practicing carbon sequestration.

Carbon sequestration is defined as the long-term capture and storage of carbon from the atmosphere, typically as carbon dioxide. Experts at the Ohio State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources suggest that the number of cattle grazed per acre, fertilization and prior land use will affect how much carbon is stored.

Ranchers use rotational grazing methods to ensure their beef is fully grass-fed while promoting positive conditions in the soil.

Explore a Career in Agriculture Happy cows.

Fun Flavors.

The agricultural industry provides a variety of opportunities to professionals interested in this often misunderstood field.

According to the employment resource AGCareers.com, more than 250 career profiles are available to people interested in a career in agriculture. And while jobs in agriculture may not be as prevalent as they were a few centuries ago, when 72 percent of the workforce was employed in farm occupations in the United States, agriculture remains a booming industry that greatly affects the nation’s economy. Today, one in 12 American jobs is depends on agriculture, according to the career resource Payscale.

The following are some potential professions for those considering careers in agriculture.

AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS MANAGER

This person oversees the business operations of a farm by providing organization and leadership during the production process. He or she contacts creditors, selects seeds, buys new equipment, and ensures the distribution of product.

AGRICULTURAL LAWYER

Attorneys who specialize in agriculture deal with water and environmental issues, represent agricultural labor in disputes, ensure proper marketing techniques are followed, handle real estate and land use issues, and much more.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

These officers enforce local and regional laws that pertain to the treatment and care of animals. They patrol for distressed animals and ensure cruelty-free practices are adhered to.

• Grain buyer: Grain buyers build relationships with producers so they can purchase grain for their particular companies. They negotiate purchase agreements, source grain supplies and issue purchase orders.

POULTRY HATCHERY MANAGER

Hatchery managers oversee all of the aspects involved in poultry hatching.

These can include management of personnel, handling and sorting of eggs, maintenance of equipment, coordination of pick-ups and deliveries, and overseeing quality control.

SOIL SCIENTIST

Among the many tasks they might perform, scientists in the field of agriculture test soil samples for minerals and contaminants. By studying the soil, scientists can recommend which crops the land can support, how much livestock can feed in an area and the implications of agriculture on the area as it pertains to managing natural resources.

A career in agriculture presents many exciting opportunities in a number of different applications. It’s a vast industry that utilizes professionals with an array of skillsets.

MAY 2021 15

Stanislaus County’s freshest bottle of milk.

At Nutcher Milk Taste matters. We feed our cows a balance daily ration, that our nutritionist puts together. We pick ingredients that don’t change the flavor of the cow’s milk.

When we milk our cows, their milk comes out about 98 degrees and we chill it to 38 degrees within 5 minutes of leaving the cow, saving flavor and preventing bacteria growth. This is above and beyond the Grade A standard.

We pump the milk to the processing plant 20 feet away during milking. We then do antibiotic testing to ensure antibiotic free milk. We then pasteurize and homogenize, making it ready to go to the bottle.

From cow to bottle in just a few hours and it is only milk from our cows.

We offer Whole milk, 2%, Half and Half and Lactose free whole milk.

Fun flavors for young and old. Chocolate, Strawberry, Cotton Candy, Root beer, Orange cream, Mocha, Cold brew Coffee, Banana, Eggnog, Pumpkin spice, and always trying new ones.

2020 has been a unique year all around.

In May we ran a limited run of Horchata Flavor Milk. Then we celebrated our 5yr Anniversary in June with a Limited Edition Bottle and Birthday Cake Flavor Milk.

Keep a lookout for other fun flavors in the future.

We deliver directly to stores near you.

Truly Farm to Fridge for you.

Why glass bottle?

Our cows make great tasting milk, so we wanted a package that didn’t change the flavor.

Glass bottles keep the milk colder, there is no taste changing residue from glass.

We reuse the bottles over and over so no milk containers in the landfill.

A $2.00 deposit exchange for every bottle.

RETURN CLEAN BOTTLES TO ANY STORE THAT SELLS NUTCHER MILK FOR YOUR DEPOSIT BACK!!!!

nutchermilk.com

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Agriculture • Health • Home Auto • Commercial

Offices in Turlock & Los Banos • 209.634.9031 Lic#0649647

www.westernvalley.com MAY 2021 16

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