Crop Talk February 2021

Y U B A- S U T T E R FA R M B U R E A U

VO LU M E 1 5 N O 4

PRODUCER FOCUS

BRIDGE COFFEE COMPANY LLC TRACKING CHILLING IN FRUIT & NUT CROPS

VISIONS OF CALIFORNIA

CROP TALK | VOLUME 15 NO. 4 1

YO UR 2020 - 2021 YSFB BOARD OF DI RECTORS OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

Christine Ivory Sutter County

Mark Chesini Sutter County

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Brian Greathouse Sutter County

THIRD VICE PRESIDENT

Michael Denny Sutter County

DIRECTORS, SUTTER COUNTY

Manpreet Bains

Paul Basi

Satvinder Dallar

Cecil Davis

Kelli Evans

Megan Grima

Tammy Hoppin

Joe Lemenager

Rajeev Davit

James Marler

DIRECTORS, YUBA COUNTY

Sarb Atwal

Frank Hall

Kulwant Johl

Amar Sohal

Andrew Jansen

C F B F R E P R E S E N TAT I O N CFBF District 15 Board Director: David Barhydt

CFBF Northern Region Field Representative: Ned Coe

S TA F F CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU STATEWIDE ISSUES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Justine Dutra Executive Director

Laurie Johnson Program Coordinator

Lindsay Hyde BYS Coordinator and Outreach

Paul Basi

Ag Labor

Andy Jansen

Forestry & Public Lands

Sat Dallar

Marketing. Organics & Produce Food Safety

Allie Honig YSFB Support

YUBA-SUTTER FARM BUREAU

CROP TALK

is published monthly by the YubaSutter Farm Bureau, a non-profit trade organization whose mission is to represent Yuba-Sutter agriculture through public relations, education

and public policy advocacy in order to promote the economic viability of agriculture balanced with appropriate management of natural resources.

This magazine and the activities sponsored by the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau are paid for by the annual dues of its membership.

Articles published in Crop Talk may be reprinted without permission provided credit is given to the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau and a copy of the issue in which the reprint appears is forwarded to our office listed below.

Article suggestions are encouraged, and we also encourage our members to submit their own articles for review.

These should be mailed to our office.

Use of articles is at the sole discretion of the Crop Talk Editor.

YUBA-SUTTER FARM BUREAU 475 N. PALORA AVE., STE.A • YUBA CITY, CA 95991 • (530) 673-6550 • YSFB@YSFARMBUREAU.COM Cover photo by Bridge Coffee Co.

Tracking Chilling in Fruit and Nut Crops Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Farm Advisor, Colusa and Sutter/Yuba Counties “Is it a good chilling year?” That’s a common question this time of year for fruit and nut growers. (The answer is about the same, as of mid-January, as the last five years.) The amount of chilling a tree accumulates in a given winter influences bloom conditions. Less chilling can lead to an extended bloom; too little can cause bud death in some crops like apricot and sweet cherry.

‘Good chilling’ (more chilling than the minimum required) followed by a warm spring can produce a very short bloom season, or ‘snowball bloom’. In this column, I’ll very briefly review chilling and chilling models, where to see current conditions and where we stand this year.

Deciduous tree (and vine) crops break bud after a certain amount of cold weather (chilling) followed by a certain amount of warmer weather. It’s like a relay race. The chilling is the first leg of the race, the heat accumulation is the second leg, and bud break is the finish line. The length of each leg of the race depends on crop and variety. The weather during the race influences the runner’s speed. Good chilling weather speeds up the chilling leg, warmer weather can slow it down or even stop it. Cool weather on the warming leg slows the progress towards bloom. To get an idea of when the baton handoff occurs in the race to bloom, chilling models are used. These models are the product of decades of research and represent our understanding of how a part of nature works. (We’re making some progress...)

Prior to 1970, the most commonly used chilling model was based on hours under 45oF (1 hour below 45oF is a ‘chill hour’). The ‘Modified Chill Hour’ model measures chilling as 1 hour at or below 45oF. In California, chilling accumulation measurement traditionally begins on November 1 and ends on March 1. Annual chilling hours (CH) accumulation sums all the hours under 45oF (or hours ≤ 45oF) between those dates.

Research and experience has since showed that chilling, as the plant feels it, is more complicated than just hours under 45oF. Temperatures below freezing provide no chilling.

Temperatures between 32o and 54oF provide chilling along a sliding scale around an optimum of 45-47oF. A little chilling occurs at temperatures up to 60oF. The latest model developed is called the Dynamic Model. It is the most biologically accurate chilling models so far and measures chilling in units called chilling portions (CP). One chilling portion = 28 hours at 43 oF. So, the Dynamic Model accumulates fewer chilling units (called portions) compared to the old model—for example, a dormant season of 1500 CH may ‘equal’ 95 CP. To see current chilling levels, log onto http://fruitsandnuts.ucdavis.edu/ and click on “Weather Services” to view current and past chilling accumulations from around the state. The closest stations to Sutter and Yuba Counties are

Verona in south Sutter Co and Durham in Butte County.

What are the chilling requirements for crops in this area? Almond require around 25 CP, prunes need about 40 CPs, peaches 40-45 CP, Chandler walnut 45-50, and Kerman pistachios 54-58CP. Currently, CP accumulations are running about 46 CP in Durham and 47 in Verona. We are right on track, give or take a CP or two, with the chilling of the last five years. So far, it’s a good chilling year.

If you have questions about chilling, please give me a call at (530) 218-2359.

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In Agriculture, Mental Health Advocate Lesley Kelly Notes: “It’s Ok to Not Be Ok” With Michelle Bufkin , as seen in AgDaily griculture is a stressful field, no matter the year, but 2020 has certainly exacerbated those feeling.

Many point to three main stressors in this industry: finances, workload, and unpredictability, according to Lesley Kelly, who blogs under the name @highheelsandcanolafields, is a farmer in Saskatchewan, Canada, and co-founded The Do More Agriculture Foundation. “Throw in a pandemic along with the everyday stressors, and it can be a lot,” said Kelly.

The most important part of facing hard times is taking care of yourself. Self-care can have a negative connotation and tends to conjure up the idea of bubble baths and yoga — and while those can be effective, there’s so more to it.

“Knowing yourself and knowing your boundaries is important,” said Kelly. “It’s important to know how to prioritize yours needs while also trying to farm.”

Kelly explained that self-care looks different for herself, her husband, and her brother, and that is perfectly OK. They discovered their self-care by trial and error, and it can vary by the season. Selfcare for their family can be as simple as breathing exercises in the tractor, humor, journaling, or photography.

Another important part is taking in the small joys of life explains Kelly — a family supper, being with friends, watching a movie together, or going for a family walk.

It can be difficult to adjust to practicing self-care, but it really can be simple things that allow you to take a second to rest and relax, such as an extra long, hot shower during harvest or, simply, a fiveminute break.

“Just know it’s OK for you to also be a priority,” said Kelly. “The farm is a priority, but so are you.”

Self-care is important because you cannot pour from an empty cup. To be able to take care of others and the farm well, you have to take care of yourself. The Kellys refer to it as keeping their slip tank full — because without that, fueling or servicing other vehicles is impossible.

“Self-care is productive,” said Kelly. “It’s 2

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OK to not be OK. It’s OK to feel. It’s OK to have hard days. It’s OK to have slow days.

All of that is OK because you’re doing what you need to do to be OK.” Discussing farmer mental health The Do More Agriculture Foundation has resources that can help people discover self-care options for them. It also helps facilitate discussions surrounding mental health.

Mental health needs to be discussed — struggles, wins, hardships, successes. They all need to be discussed to help address the perceptions that surround mental health overall, but especially in agriculture.

“The most important resource to take advantage of for mental health is each other,” said Kelly. “No one knows what a farmer goes through better than another farmer. Lean on each other.”

This is easier said than done, because it can be hard to open up. She explained that whenever we see a burning combine we run and help, but discussing our hardships and challenges can be tough because our neighbors are also our competitors.

Having a group of supportive people to discuss hardships with is key in maintaining mental health.

“It can be a group on social media, it can be other farmers, it can be family or friends from a different town, or. other parents,” said Kelly. “It doesn’t matter as long as it is supportive.”

If someone you know is struggling there are a few key things to remember. First, there are two types of support that can be provided: emotional and practical.

Emotional is listening, providing empathy and reassurance, while practical is providing advice, information or problem solving. Knowing which type of support the person is looking for is important.

“These conversations are hard, awkward and uncomfortable, but I would rather have them than not,” said Kelly.

Recognizing the need What are the signs that someone is struggling and could use support? Kelly said she always looks to see if people are outside their normal or their routine — like if they are not eating or sleeping, or are showing up late to the farm.

“We know our family and friend’s normal, so it can be easy to spot the changes,” said Kelly.

“Sometimes before they even notice.”

Once a change is noticed, offering support is important; saying and showing that you care about the person. Tell them that you are there if they ever need to talk. Kelly said they might not reach out right then, but it will help the dialogue begin.

Offering support is great, but sometimes your loved one needs to or chooses to reach out to a professional. Kelly said it is critical to not take that personally and be grateful that they reached out to someone who can provide them with resources, tools, and tips to help them survive the hard time.

She also explained that sometimes people do not know what they need. Her advice is to ask to help with something specific — getting groceries, making doctors appointments, or picking up the kids.

“I ask if there is anything that is weighing them down today,” said Kelly. “Anything that’s a huge stress that you might not be able to get done.” Offering help with specific items can really take a weight off of someone while showing that you care and are there for them.

Agriculture is a tough field all the time, but especially so with COVID-19. Be sure that you are taking care of yourself and reaching out to those close to you.

“Remember, it’s OK to not be OK. It’s ok to not know what tomorrow brings,” said Kelly. “It’s our first global pandemic. We’ll figure it out day by day with the support of each other.”

Ag Crimes With Frank hall, Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau Director appy 2021! Yes, folks, it’s a new year for the grower and the crops that they produce. It’s also a new year for thieves to bring destroy to your bottom line. How do you stop this person from taken advantage of your bottom line you say: the answer is simple REPORT, REPORT, REPORT! Yes, you heard correct REPORT the crime no matter how small to your local sheriff or police department. They are paid by you the citizen, to serve you the citizen.

To report an Ag Crime means that your information will be used internally as a stat that will trigger a close patrol or a saturating detail organized by the sheriff or police department to catch these persons who steal from you, the grower. To contact the Sutter County Sheriff dial (530) 822-7307 and request a deputy to respond and take your report. Be patient for the arrival of the deputy, mean while you can also visit their website at www. suttersheriff.org and explore what they have to offer the public.

The Yuba County Sheriff’s Department has a new online reporting program, so if the crime is not in progress and you prefer to report it online than go to www.sheriff.co.yuba.ca.us and click on the Online Citizen Reporting tab and follow the instructions.

Once submitted and approved you will receive a case number. If you want a deputy to respond or the crime is in progress you can call (530) 749-7777 and press 5 for the dispatcher. Be patient for the arrival of the deputy. Make sure you have written down the serial number or VIN number down in a secure location.

HELP US HELP YOU! EVERY FARM BUREAU MEMBER COUNTS!

When you renew on time: We are able to receive additional premiums from CFBF for reaching our membership goal.

The additional money we receive goes toward our events, programs and donations that help the Yuba-Sutter agriculture community.

When the deputy arrives, it will be easy for them to take the information, write a complete report and locate your property.

On February 1, 2020 the Yuba Sutter Farm Bureau started the SmartWater CSI program. The Yuba and Sutter County Sheriff’s Department are both trained in detecting and extracting SmartWater samples that are sent off to the lab. At the print of this article the SmartWater CSI kits are not moving off the shelf as I had hoped. I was hoping to have all the kits sold and out in the field working to keep your equipment and personal property protected. Growers and community members take a look around you; what has been stolen or has the potential to be stolen from you? How much it will cost to replace a stolen tractor, ATV, kids bike, laptop, wedding ring or great grandma’s china set? The cost to replace it is expensive any of the named items. Think about purchasing a SmartWater CSI for $75.00 and marking your brand-new laptop worth $500 or more. One night while your family is out to dinner a thief breaks into your home and takes that laptop. You find it missing and REPORT IT to your local law enforcement agency. You tell the officer it was marked with SmartWater CSI and before you can get the report to turn into your insurance company that officer calls you with news that they recovered your laptop, utilizing the SmartWater CSI mark you previously placed on that laptop. That $75.00 was well worth the recovery and no increase in your insurance rates for the claim you were about to file.

2020 was a year that this committee was going to hold quarterly meetings in both counties allowing the growers/ranchers to meet and talk with the Sheriff’s Department Deputies regarding Ag crimes or other topics important to them. However, COVID 19 this has not been able to come to fruition. I, by the next article, will have an email address set up for you to send this committee comments and suggestions regarding to ag crimes in our community. The Ag Crimes committee is here for you, if you have fresh ideas, please call the office and leave your thoughts and we will do our best to follow up.

What did the Mama Cow say to the Baby Cow? It’s pasture bedtime.

Call us if you have questions 530-673-6550.

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Who and What is SAYLOVE AYLOVE is a grassroots citizen organization formed to care and support the Yuba-Sutter area while also serving as a vehicle for change. Its main purpose is to enhance the beauty and the environment within positive impact projects in which the communities we live. Through community outreach, community projects and visibility SAYLOVE strives to make positive changes to our area. It will be accomplished by anyone who would like to participate. It will be supported by local organizations, churches and businesses to support the beautification of our region.

As an example, SAYLOVE will meet these objectives by cleaning up road side debris that has been illegally dumped. You may also see volunteers cleaning up blighted lots or parks.

The main goal, however, is to solve problems and lead by example by being stewards of our community. When a problem is isolated, and action is taken, we can bring pride and accomplishment to our community. By being visible, sharing our efforts and making it a social event for all, we will bring positive awareness and bring about needed change.

This movement will not only establish pride for this area, but property values will increase and businesses looking to locate to this area will see a community that supports and cares about where they live. Outside tourist dollars will be more attainable when outsiders see a community that takes pride in their town.

I ask you all to support this grassroots movement and to participate in events —which right now are planned for the last Saturday of every month. We will need people, trailers and possibly tools to perform duties. There will be t-shirts given to each participant to be visible for all to see. Signs will be posted where we have worked. And at the end of the event we will all meet to socialize, recognize sponsors, have lunch, talk about our accomplishments and discuss where further action is needed.

The motto for SAYLOVE is a POSITIVE GROUP FOR A POSITIVE CHANGE (SUTTER AND YUBA LOVE) For more information please contact Jeff Stephens at 530-682-5348 or sutterandyubalove@gmail.com Like us on Facebook! @sutterandyubalove

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Officer Observations With Officer Andre Licon, Sutter County Sheriff ow! I am not even sure where to begin! First and fore-most, I want to thank the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau for allowing me to be a contributing member of their publications. My compositions are usually submitted at the eleventh hour and they are always patient and appreciative, when they receive them.

State of the union, State of the community, State of the world… In the past two weeks, I have been asked two questions by a surprisingly large number of people. The first, “What did/do you think of what transpired at the Capitol?” The second, “Do you think we are headed for a civil war?”

As to the first, I find it very interesting. I would venture a guess that for the majority of the voting population, the extent of their political activism is confined to voting, a bumper sticker or the occasional yard sign. Be it good or bad, I fall within those perimeters as well.

During 2020, the United States saw a degree of unrest that likely hasn’t been witnessed since the mid-1960s. Also, it is important to recognize the difference between a social agenda and a political agenda. The challenge for most, is when the underlying beliefs and theories of the two become intertwined. In many cases, the actions of the perceived activism (social, political or otherwise) reach a point where they take precedence over the cause which they believe they are championing. This has been the case in many metropolitan areas, and most recently in Washington D.C. Regardless of your social or political beliefs, there is a well-defined line that lies between being an activist and being a criminal.

This isn’t Appomattox, nor is it Fort Sumter…

When asked if I thought we are headed to a civil war, I flippantly responded by saying I believe most people lack the intestinal fortitude to do so. My opinion is based on the society we live in and the technological conveniences we have at our ready disposal. It is all too easy for an individual to be a keyboard warrior and envision themselves yelling “This is Sparta!”, from the safety and security of their 19” MacBook Air, Italian leather sofa and Starbucks latte in a sticker emblazoned Hydroflask. Do I think the average citizen is willing to take up arms against their fellow Americans and give up MacDonald’s fries, In-n-Out burgers, Amazon, Netflix, Cell phones, Social Media and personal comfort, because they are upset with the current sociopolitical situation? Nope, not for a second! Make no mistake, I am not advocating the decision either way, I merely don’t think it will happen in my lifetime. If the United States were to allow itself to fall into a true civil war, it would forever be the end of our nation as we know it, and likely end many aspects of western civilization as we know it.

There has been and will continue to be energized groups at both ends of political and social spectrums. Regardless of whether you agree with them, your right as well as theirs to have differing beliefs, is one of the greatest qualities of our fine nation.

In closing, give this some thought: If the opinion you want to express can’t be communicated to any member of our society in a polite and civilized fashion, it likely lacks the merit and substance for proper articulation.

6

CROP TALK | VOLUME 15 NO. 4

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BRIDGE COFFEE CO. With Timothy M. Styczynski

How did your farm/ranch/business get started? Is it a family operation? History?

How long have you been in business?

We started with a cottage food permit in 2015 and selling direct to customers and Farmer’s Markets. My wife and I are partners and our kids have been involved since the beginning, helping out at ages 13 & 15 at the start and throughout.

What is your main business?

Varieties/sizes sold?

We source exceptionally high quality specialty coffees from around the world and sell in retail and bulk quantities. The coffee we source comes from places like Ethiopia (the birthplace of coffee 800+ years ago), Sumatra, Brazil, Colombia, and Central America.

Our focus is on the wholesale B2B customer but we now also have a brickand-mortar retail location on Clark Ave in Yuba City, CA. Eventually, our plans are to expand and we will have more retail locations.

with dignity, and we respect the craft of specialty coffee. The coffee drinker is making a huge impact in the world.

While you are enjoying coffee roasted fresh for you by Bridge Coffee Co., you are also connected to the small farmholders around the world. You, yes you, are making it possible for them to survive and thrive!

Are there any special services that you offer: learning center, education, training, consulting, etc.?

What would you like people to know about you? Community involvement, etc.

Challenges?

All of the above. People who get into the retail coffee business get into it for the romantic notion of what the hospitality industry has to offer. This is true, hospitality is necessary for a wholeness in life but the realities of running a business are not what most expect.

Not only can we offer an exceptional product as a vendor, we can also provide practically a turn-key operation for a new business start-up. We are in the process of retrofitting a building we own in Marysville, CA for a regional training institute for the hospitality industry. It’s focus will be to help train up folks to take care of others with coffee used as the conduit.

I have been responsible for taking care of people my whole adult life. After turning 18, I joined a volunteer fire company and soon went to work on ambulances. I had a 27 year remarkable career in emergency services working on ambulances, helicopters and airplanes all over the world. I saw the value that we each bring to one another’s lives. I fell in love with coffee with a cup that changed my whole perspective of what great coffee can taste like. 20+ years ago, I began the journey to know all I could about this amazing commodity. I understand I will be unable to understand it all. However, the more I learn, the more I love about the connected community around coffee. For so many people, the very best we do begins with a cup of coffee. The daily impact we each have starts with a cup of coffee.

Who are your customers?

What do you want people to know about your operation/business?

Bridge Coffee Co.’s mission is to connect communities with great coffee and we do that with love, dignity, and respect.

We love what we do, we treat everyone 8

CROP TALK | VOLUME 15 NO. 4

The church I am with believes in a thriving community. We pray for businesses and community programs, and are involved

in the special events throughout the Yuba-Sutter region. This has also been important to me in business. Praying that our customers have thriving lives and can have a positive impact on those that they touch.

We at Bridge Coffee Co. have big giant hopes and dreams. I do not know if I will see them happen in my lifetime, but I am honored to be on the path to get us there.

Those challenges are worth the fight and effort.

What would you like people to know about your family?

My wife and I just celebrated our 25 year anniversary in December. She is a remarkable woman with an amazing capacity to get things done. In addition to being the co-owner of Bridge Coffee Co., she owns Trinity Tax & Bookkeeping in Weaverville, CA. And, she is the Finance Director for the City of Marysville. She is the current acting City Manager. Knowing that when we moved to the area we wanted to help make positive impacts in the community, I encouraged her to use her gifts and talents in City Hall.

She has done, and will continue to do a remarkable job.

Our daughter Abby is currently attending Sacramento State University. She is both creative and scientific at the same time. I have no doubt she will excel in whatever she decides to pursue.

Our son Christian is a senior at CORE Charter School as well as concurrently enrolled at Yuba College taking accounting classes. He wants to get a jump on understanding finances and has hopes for a career in investment.

Both of our children work for Bridge Coffee Co. as hourly employees.

They are hard working professionals and it’s wonderful to see them grow and develop into amazing young adults.

Why did you join Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau?

With my hope and passion for helping the producers who I work with and source our coffee from, I hope to have a greater

understanding of the agricultural work involved.

The support that I can give them will only be as strong as my knowledge and ability. Given that we live in our own producing area, I hope to learn, as well as share what I have experienced with the local farming community.

Any other questions you would like to share.

We hear terms like; “sustainability” and “buy responsibly” and “buy local” all the time these days. Does this mean what we are really telling people is that they are irresponsible, un sustaining, and lazy when it comes to their buying practices? Instead of the current narrative of what we hope to achieve, how can I help empower people to be the hero in

Visions of California

making those positive choices that have real impacts in the world? Maybe it is not the consumers fault at all? How do businesses like ours, that is in the middle between the farmer and the consumer, speak out on behalf of those involved?

What would the farming community really want the consumer to know? What do the wholesalers really need to understand?

Like I mentioned before, I may not be able to answer those questions in my lifetime, but I do have big giant hopes and dreams.

Annual Farm Bureau Photo Contest

Amateur photographers presented their images for the annual California Farm Bureau Photo Contest, themed “2020 Visions”, which encouraged participants to communicate their personal perspective of agriculture in California.

Kathy Brimmer, Yuba County, received an Honorable Mention in the 2020 CFBF Photo Contest. Brimmer said they have phenomenal sunsets on their hillside cattle ranch near Beale Air Force Base.

She and her husband, John, take their quads out late afternoons to check on the cows.

Tina, a black Angus, is a “really mellow, social girl” who always comes by to visit.

“We were out checking the cattle that day. The sun was setting, the grass nice and green. It just looked pretty and she was happy as a clam”, Brimmer said.

President’s Corner With Christine Ivory, President Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau I cannot believe we are already into the second month of 2021! As we anticipate bloom, I also look forward to getting back to some since of normalcy and hope that this year can be better than the last. 2020 was a difficult year and we said goodbye to some amazing friends and family, Past President Dave Burroughs will be missed along with several others. Our condolences to all that lost someone in a year like no other. Time is not promised so cherish what little you get and make the most of it.

In 2021, we are still facing many challenges but Farm Bureau is still here to promote and protect agriculture.

As we navigate differently through these next coming months, I assure you we are working toward a better future. Events and such might still have to be different but we will work through it.

Our meeting of members is this month, Monday February 22 and all are welcome to attend or attend virtually on zoom (provided in an email to all members soon). Please feel welcome to stop by or call the office anytime with questions or concerns.

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Month of February 2021 February comes from the Latin word februa, which means “to cleanse.” The month was named after the Roman Februalia, which was a month-long festival of purification and atonement

What do we celebrate in February? What is February famous for? It’s a leap year this year, so let’s celebrate all that this longer-than-usual February has to offer! Here’s the short list of holiday happenings.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Warm Brownie Pie

As seen in Farmer’s Almanac with Eats Cookbook

February 2 is Groundhog Day—the day we find out whether winter will last six more weeks or call it quits early. How did this quirky tradition get started? Find out February 12 is Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday. The 16th president of the United States was born in a one-room, 16x18-foot, log cabin with a dirt floor.

February 12 is also Chinese New Year. This year is the Year of the Ox. February 14 is always Valentine’s Day. Heads up, lovebirds!

Today, the holiday is celebrated with love, flowers, and chocolate, but how did this holiday get its start?

February 15 is Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday. How much do you know about this women’s right leader?

February 15 is National Flag of Canada Day! February 15 brings Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday also known as Washington’s Birthday that is celebrated on the third Monday in February. (George Washington’s actual birthday is February 22.)

February 16 is Mardi Gras (aka “Fat Tuesday” or Shrove Tuesday), which is the final feasting day before the Christian tradition of Lent begins on the following day, Ash Wednesday.

February’s Birth Flower

Even though so many roses are sold during February due to Valentine’s Day, the Violet and the Primrose are the symbolic flowers.

The violet signifies watchfulness, loyalty, and faithfulness.

Give a violet to someone to let them know that you’ll always be there for them.

The primrose lets someone know that you can’t live without them.

10 CROP TALK | VOLUME 15 NO. 4

Photo credit Becky Luigart Stayner

INSTRUCTIONS Use an all purpose flour dough, refrigerated or your favorite pie crust.

Roll the pastry into a 12-inch circle and line a 9-inch (not deepdish) pie plate with it. Pinch the overhanging pastry into an upstanding rim or trim to be flush with the side of the pan and crimp the edge with a fork. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. FILLING: INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter 1 1/3 cups chocolate chips, divided 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar 1/3 cup sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup chopped walnuts, preferably toasted INSTRUCTIONS: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of the chocolate chips and heat for a few seconds more, then remove from the heat. Tilt the pan to make the butter run over the chips. Set aside for 5 minutes. Whisk to smooth the chips.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugars, and vanilla and whisk until evenly blended. Add the melted chocolate and whisk to blend. Add the flour and salt and stir until combined. Add the nuts and the remaining ⅓ cup of chocolate chips. Scrape the filling into the piecrust and smooth the top.

Bake on the center oven rack for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a crust develops and the pie rises slightly. (A toothpick inserted into the center will not come out clean.)

Transfer to a cooling rack. Serve warm.

YIELD: Makes 8 to 10 servings.

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Visit JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau or call today to learn more!

(530) 399-0320 (1) Must be a valid member of Farm Bureau for 30 days. Certain rules and restrictions apply. MSRP discounts are in lieu of all other discounts. Cash discounts may not be used in conjunction with the Government Direct, CBD, Special Discount, MUD, CWP Associations/ Segment Program, or published Golf retail bonus programs. Offer subject to change without notice. (2)Must be a valid member of Farm Bureau for 30 days and have a valid email address to be eligible for John Deere Rewards benefits.

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Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau Business Members Directory Support these businesses and let them know you are a Farm Bureau member!

Call the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau at 673-6550 for information on becoming a Business Member.

AERIAL APPLICATION

CHEMICAL & FERTILIZER COMPANIES

Anderson’s Flying Service Robbins, (530) 738-4205

Grow West / Scott Evans (530) 671-3571

Farm Air Flying Service LLC John Messick • (530) 682-7160 Sutter Butte Dusters, Inc. P.O. Box 213, Live Oak (530) 695-2294 AGRICULTURAL ADVISING Agricultural Advisors 3995 E. Butte Rd., Live Oak • (530) 674-1255 APIARIES Strachan Apiaries, Inc. 2522 Tierra Buena Rd., Yuba City • (530) 674-3881 ASSOCIATIONS California Canning Peach Association 335 Teegarden Ave.,Yuba City • (530) 673-8526 City of Yuba City 1201 Civic Center Blvd., Yuba City • (530) 822-4762 Garden Highway Mutual Water Corporation Yuba City (530) 674-2837 Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corp.

Tharp Rd, Yuba City (530) 751-8555

Helena Agri Business Colusa Hwy Yuba City • (530) 674-3718 Wilbur Ellis 900 North George Washington Blvd, Yuba City 95993 (530) 673-0921 CONSTRUCTION

Gary Smith Yuba City • (530) 701-6731 Hilbers Inc 770 N. Walton, Yuba City • (530) 673-2947 CUSTOM FARMING Diamond B Ag Company Yuba City • (530) 237-7238 harpaul@diamondbco.net or (530) 751-6285 jaz@diamondbco.net Fiveway Farming Bruce Peacock • Sutter (530) 671-9519 John Behrend Custom Logging Dobbins, CA • (530) 692-2724 EQUIPMENT/VEHICLES Beeler Tractor Co. 887 E. Onstott Rd., Yuba City • (530) 673-3555 John L. Sullivan Dodge Harter Pkwy Yuba City (530) 742-6406

AUCTION SERVICE

N&S Tractor Yuba City (530) 923-7675

Bid Cal Inc. Chico (530) 345-0840

Valley Truck & Tractor 1549 Colusa Hwy., Yuba City • (530) 673-8283

AUTOMOTIVE & DIESEL

FARM LABOR SERVICES

Les Schwab Tire Center-Linda 5998 Lindhurst Ave, Linda • (530) 743-7818

Sunrise Ag Labor 436 Colusa Ave., Yuba City • (530) 822-7777

BANKING/FINANCIAL

FARM MANAGEMENT

Bank of Feather River 855 Harter Pkwy, Yuba City • (530) 790-2551

JS Johal & Sons, Inc. 5020 Garden Hwy, Yuba City • (530) 682-3600

Crippen and Associates 319 6th St. Suite #7, Marysville, CA 95901 • (530) 742-8201

FARMS, RANCHES & INDIVIDUALS

Farm Credit West 900 Tharp Rd., Yuba City • (530) 671-1420 Five Star Bank Zinfandel Dr, Rancho Cordova • (916) 306-1205 River Valley Community Bank 1629 Colusa Ave., Yuba City • (530) 821-2460 Suncrest Bank 700 Plumas Street., Yuba City • (530) 674-6207 Tenney & Company, CPA 1528 Starr Drive, Ste A, Yuba City, CA 95993 • (530) 674-4211 Umpqua Bank 777 Colusa Ave Yuba City • (530) 790-2080

12 CROP TALK | VOLUME 15 NO. 4

BGH LP 6394 Larkin Rd., Live Oak, CA 95953 Just Farms LP Gridley • (530) 846-3958

Lundberg Family Farms Mike Denny • (530) 538-3500 Premier Walnut Company Yuba City, Sarb Kandola • (530) 870-7906 Shaeffer Ranch LLC Clovis CA Tamita Farms S Butte Rd Sutter (530) 674-9378 Triple H Ranches Robbins (530) 666-1500

FARM SAFETY

PUMP & WELL

MVP Safety Professionals, LLC 1000 N. East St., Woodland (530) 665-4422 imuzio@mvpsafety.org

Nor Cal Pump & Well Service 1325 Barry Rd., Yuba City • (530) 674-5861

FUEL

REAL ESTATE

Lakeview Petroleum 317 4th St. Marysville, CA 95901 • (530) 742-7614 INSURANCE

Far Horizon Insurance 1130 Bridge St., Yuba City • (530) 674-1340 Fletcher & Associates 300 4th St. Marysville • (530) 741-0441 Huntley Bravos Zall Insurance Brokers 520 Olive St., Marysville, CA 95901 • (530) 743-9264

Oakview Insurance Services, Inc., Mariah Davis Yuba City • (530) 674-5054 Roberson & Sons Insurance Services Inc. Eric Roberson (530) 365-1009 Robert M. Galligan & Associates 419 6th St., Marysville • (530) 742-3243 Sanchez Insurance Inc. 440 N. Palora Ave, Yuba City • (530) 673-6277

Coldwell Banker Commercial Valley Brokers 1307 Franklin Road, Yuba City • (530) 673-6614 Edwards, Lien & Toso • Kyle Dalrymple kyle@eltappraisers.com • (530) 870-2732 Farm & Ranch Realty P.O. Box 564, Woodland • (530) 908-4689 Stromer Realty Company 591 Colusa Ave., Yuba City • (530) 671-2770 SERVICES - OTHER Country Butcher Adam & Katie Knapp • (530) 742-0284

Joel Giusti Yuba City • (530) 237-6951 Legacy By Design www.legacy-by-design.com • (530) 671-2100

NEB Transportation & Environmental Construction

LEGAL SERVICES

Pride Employment & Staffing Paul Basi (530) 661-3405

Law Office of Paulla Hyatt-McIntire 950 Tharp Rd., Ste. 701, Yuba City • (530) 674-9761

Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust, Lisa Lindman Yuba City • (530) 755-3568

The Law Offices of Robin C. Bevier PC 2479 Sunrise Blvd., Gold River CA (916) 858-0904

SOLAR & ENERGY

NURSERY

Guillaume Grapevine Nursery 21208 State Rte 113 • Knights Landing, CA 95645 530-735-6821 Sierra Gold Nurseries 5320 Garden Hwy., Yuba City • (530) 674-1145 PROCESSING & DRYING Catlett Warehouse 2138 Catlett Road, Pleasant Grove • (530) 674-2380 District 10 Dryers LLC 9000 Mathews Lane, Marysville • (530) 742-3116 Miki Orchard, Inc. 803 Boyer Rd., Marysville • (530) 743-4402 Mitchell Dryers, LLC 10139 Garden Hwy, Yuba City • (530) 671-3397

Sacramento Packing Inc. 833 Tudor Rd., Yuba City, CA 95991 • 530-671-4488 Van Dykes Rice Dryer 4036 Pleasant Grove Rd., Pleasant Grove • (916) 655-3171 Shoei Foods 1900 Feather River Blvd., Olivehurst • (530) 742-7866

ACIP ENERGY, LLC David Vincent Yuba City • (530) 777-2247 Alternative Energy Systems Hwy 99 Chico (530) 402-8095 SUPPLY

Bearing Belt Chain Company 829 5Th St Marysville (530) 743-9256 California Industrial Rubber Co., Inc 1690 Sierra Ave.,Yuba City • (530) 485-1487

Grange CoOp & Nursery Supply 1264 Stabler Ln. Yuba City • (530) 777-3551 Hust Brothers Inc. 710 3rd St., Marysville • (530) 743-1561 Sutter Orchard Supply 573 Bridge St., Yuba City • (530) 673-8068 TRUCKING Gee Agri Transport Inc. Yuba City • (530) 674-7443 D H Transportation Inc. Yuba City • (530) 674-5746 UTILITIES

Calpine 5029 S. Township Rd., Yuba City, CA 95993 • 530-821-2072

Stephens Ranch Garden Hwy, Yuba City Megan (530) 415-7733 or Jeff (530) 682-5348

Chico Electric 36 W Eaton Rd, Chico • (530) 891-1933

Sunsweet Growers 901 Walton Ave, Yuba City • (530) 751-5379

Meridian Farms Water Co. 1138 4th St., Meridian • (530) 696-2456

SunWest Foods, Inc. Yuba City • (530) 671-8888

WINERY

Taylor Brothers Farms 182 Wilkie Ave., Yuba City • (530) 671-1505

Cordi Winery 10401 Ingram Ln, Live Oak • (530) 695-1785

CROP TALK | VOLUME 15 NO. 4 13

YUBA-SUTTER FARM BUREAU 475 N. Palora Avenue, Suite A Yuba City, CA 95991

"KEEPING OUR DIRT ROADS SAFE"

SmartWater CSI on SALE now!

Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau is partnering with Yuba and Sutter County Sheriff Departments to assist and provide our community with SmartWater to help protect our assets from theft.

Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau members will be able to purchase SmartWater at a discount!

If you are interested in purchasing a SmartWater package, please visit my-site-101481107679.square.site/ Or give us a call at the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau Office at (530) 673-6550.

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