farmbureaunews
BOIR
tracking suspended as the consitutionality of CTA questioned
By Craig W. Anderson
IN 2021, Congress passed into law a nationwide mandate to track, prevent and prosecute money laundering schemes, financing of terrorism, serious tax fraud and threats to national security hidden in agriculture and other businesses. In all, 32 million businesses are mandated to file this report under penalty of possible fines and jail time.
The federal agencies involved are the Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN) which is a division of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The tracking documentation comes from the Beneficial Owner Information Report (BOIR) which reveals in detail who owns and operates a
large or small farm or associated agricultural business, how much money they generate and other private information necessary to prevent numerous criminal acts.
A Beneficial Owner is defined by the CTA as “people who directly or indirectly exercise ‘substantial control’ in the business or directly or indirectly own or control at least 25% of the business.”
This report is the centerpiece of this crime fighting system.
What this means for those farmers and ag associated businesses across the country and the SJFB members including feed and supply stores, crop marketers and the greater rural ag business community is that all must submit
See BOIR, page 9
WAFLA assists with labor stability
By Craig W. Anderson
THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) has amended regulations that affect temporary agricultural (H2A) and nonagricultural (H2B) nonimmigrant workers and their employers. The intention of the new mandates is to better ensure the integrity of the H2 programs and enhance protections for workers. This final rule became effective Jan. 17, 2025.
The effect H2A rules have on SJFB members and how employers can benefit from the ensuing labor stability was covered by Enrique Gastelum, CEO of the Workers And Farm Labor Association (WAFLA) and Bryan Little, FELS COO in a presentation at a recent SJFB board meeting.
“It was an interesting presentation,” said SJFB President Les Strojan. “The WAFLA program presents farmers who need good workers a way to get them. I understand some were hired from the program by local farmers who found they’re really good workers
See WAFLA, page 3
2 SJFB opposes these two projects
8 Keeping America's farms, families and crops healthy
12 California CattleWomen install new president and officers
The nonprofit Workers and Farm Labor Association provides an opportunity for employers to use the H-2A, or visiting ag worker, program to stabilize their workforce.
Vicky Boyd
SJFB 2024-25 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Acampo
Joe Salazar, Chair
Joe Petersen
Charlie Starr
Calla Nile Garden
Tim Weststeyn, Chair
Bruce Oosterkamp
David Phippen
Bryan Van Groningen
Collegeville
Chester Murphy, Chair
Kent Norman
Neil Norman Escalon
Caleb Gervase, Chair
Katie Veenstra
Paul Voortman
Lafayette
Richard Rodriguez, Chair
Stanton Lange
Daniel Meza
Alfred Nicolini
Linden
Nick Ferrari, Chair
Donald Drake
Jim Ferrari
Joe Ferrari
Steven Galvin
Roberts Union
Nick Mussi, Chair
Patrick Drury
David Strecker
Tracy
Joe Bacchetti, Chair
Phil Martin
Pete Reece, Jr.
Victor
Nick Bokides, Chair
Dave Simpson
Kelton Fleming
Officers
Les Strojan, President
James Chinchiolo, First Vice President
Herman Doornenbal Jr., Second Vice President
Directors at Large
Josh Barton
Phil Brumley
Jean Cabral, Emeritas
Jim Connolly
Karen Cultrera
Dennis Drake
Brad Goehring
Jack Hamm
Bob Hesseltine
Jim Larkin
Joe Luis
Steve Moore
Jerry Robinson
Jake Samuel
Paul Sanguinetti
Ken Vogel
Darrell Voortman
Andrew Watkins
Kenny Watkins
Advisory
Sara Bautista, Farm Service Agency
Sonya Miller, NRCS/USDA
Dr. Marit Arana-Anthony, SJ CWA
Kamal Bagri, Ag Commissioner
Sheriff Pat Withrow, Sheriff’s Dept
Michelle Leinfelder, UC Cooperative Extension
Staff
Andrew Genasci, Executive Director
Jessica Coit, Program Director
By Les Strojan, SJFB President
Food and fire from the PRESIDENT’S DESK
MANY PEOPLE TODAY believe they are entitled to a cradle to the grave support without any idea of where that comes from or how it is provided. This is the work of politicians and the media. We believe we are entitled to cheap food, safe housing, unlimited water, unlimited fire protection, unlimited medical care and pills, unlimited police service, etc. We don’t have to do anything to expect this
support and take no responsibility when we come up short on our expectations. Today I’ll look at food and fire. There is currently a rapidly deteriorating empathy for farmers. Groceries costs are one of the major problems the nation faces. Really, 10 cents of the loaf of bread you just bought made its way back to the farmer and that’s not net. Ronald Reagon said, “there must be some other overhead
from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
By Andrew Genasci
here somewhere.” People, third, fourth or fifth generation from the farm, have lost track of what it takes to grow food. Farm prices are too low, expenses are too high and the share of the average disposable income going to the farmer continues to decline.
My wife and I met a lady in a breakfast
SJFB opposes these two projects
2025 IS WELL UNDERWAY, and although it is a new year, some things are not really changing. We could still use a little more rain, input costs and inflation continue to go up and land use issues are still some of the big issues we are facing. Late last month we continued our work on two large projects that have been carrying on since well before last year. The draft Environmental Impact Report for the North San Joaquin Transmission Project, which looks to run yet another large transmission line across ag land between Lockeford and Lodi was released, and public comment meetings were held in mid-January. The Pacific Gateway Project also withdrew their previous application and submitted a new project application for their site south of Tracy. Both projects will have impacts
on agriculture and businesses in their area.
The North San Joaquin Transmission Project, which plans to run a 230kV line between the PG&E Lockeford substation and the Lodi Electric Utility Guild substation. The draft EIR was released by the CPUC, and to absolutely no one’s sur-
President, Les Strojan First Vice President, James Chinchiolo
prise, the project’s impact on local growers was deemed “insignificant.” Of course, they will be removing acres of productive walnut trees, cherry trees and grapevines for both the staging and construction of
Vice President, Herman Doornenbal Jr.
See Strojan, page 4
See Genasci, page 5
WAFLA
Continued from page 1
and were very positive about them.”
”WAFLA also handled the red tape that comes with worker programs and that, too, was a positive aspect,” Strojan said.
WAFLA provides an opportunity for employers to use the H2A program to stabilize their workforce.
Gastelum explained how the H2A visa work program functions to help farmers needing workers during “a proven labor shortage” caused by a variety of reasons, including diminishing U.S. workers “ready, able and willing,” an aging labor population, lower U.S. birth rates and decreasing immigration.
The nonprofit WALFA currently has H2A support of more than 300 contracts, more than 18,000 H2A workers and a working region primarily in California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
“We understand the unique state labor issues and have agriculture resource expe-
rience,” Gastelum said. “Our all-inclusive service caters to smaller farms that need trusted service partners.”
Agriculture has seasonal job needs of 10 months or less and, noted Gastelum, “International guestworkers get a legal pathway to work here and return home. It’s a highly regulated process covered by six government agencies.” Among them are the U.S. Department of Labor, California Employment Development Department and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is also involved.
The final H2A regulation covers the enforcement of contractual obligations for temporary agricultural workers such as core worker protections via efforts to actively recruit and hire U.S. workers; offer comparable or prevailing wages and benefits; no strikes or lockouts of U.S. workers; protection from retaliation, lay-off and housing, insurance and transportation.
“WAFLA is good for employers and employees and while it doesn’t work for
all of our members, we want to get this on member’s radar,” said SJFB Executive Director Andrew Genasci. “Labor’s been an issue, especially with cherries. If workers come early, they can split work on our cherries and then move on to Washington to work for a previously established employer. This sharing of H2A workers between contracts is definitely an asset."
He added, “This is more than just factfinding, this is a way to develop a stable workforce in an environment where it’s harder and harder to get that stability.” He also said agriculture is losing workforce numbers to other job sectors.
“The intent is not to replace workers but to augment the workforce when and if needed,” Genasci said.
The WAFLA program must recruit U.S. workers, have job orders that detail the length of the contract, hours offered, duties, wages and working conditions. There are additional elements that benefit both employer and employee, all of which helps create a stable workforce by taking
care of the assorted paperwork and compliance elements while leaving the farmer with time to farm.
Gastelum pointed out the overall H2A program benefits for those employers using the WAFLA program which include labor stability when needed during seasonal labor intensive jobs; reliable, motivated employees; and FICA tax savings; and developing a “highly productive” employee.”
Benefits for workers participating in the WAFLA program include: legal, safe migration in and out of the U.S.; earnings 5 to 13 times what they can earn in Mexico; and life-changing spending power in their home country.
WAFLA’s mission since its 2007 founding by the Washington Farm Bureau as a nonprofit representing agriculture, has been “providing labor solutions, advocating for fair and sustainable labor practices and championing the success of agricultural and seasonal industries,” according
Continued on next page
Continued from previous page
“This presentation explained the topic well and helped members determine if it fits their operation,” said SJFB Second Vice President Herman Doornenbal. “Perhaps the best thing about WAFLA is that it’s a private program, not government.”
He pointed out that “It’s a great tool for those who can use it and if it works for you, great!”
Best Practices loom large for WAFLA, among them: clear job descriptions, knowing the government players, planning for language barriers, knowing and complying with state and federal labor laws, and identifying tested and trusted service providers.
“WAFLA is experienced and one of the largest contractors operating,” Genasci said. “They’ve been around for a long time and provide a workforce option.”
For additional information WAFLA can be reached at wafla.org/h-2a/
Strojan
Continued from page 2
room at a motel in Fresno a couple of years ago. We were the only three in the room, so a conversation started. I expressed my shock that dams on the Klamath River were going to be removed. My concern was for the family farms that would be affected without the water needed to grow their crops. She shot right back “people are going to have to expect to stop eating, like you can’t expect to have milk to drink…..”
I had a real live one here. To try to relate to me, she said she had worked for the Forest Service and they rode horses on her job. Horses were the one thing of value in agriculture. Now I know from my own experience that there are places where horses can’t be replaced, but I told her horses were the least significant segment of agriculture today. She lost all hope for me. We left convinced she was not going
to change her mind until she got hungry.
The first and most consistent criticism for the LA fires was the fire hydrants, they need to be fixed so the water can come out.
Ignorantly, the hydrants were blamed not the people or programs we have. Water system capacities are measured against the peak daily draw. That is a factor of the day of the year when the most water is used based on historical data usually under normal conditions. Fire protection is judged by the amount of water and the duration of the flow at a single location. This is how the systems were designed, built and financed. The system at the first big fire provided four times its normal amount of water for 15 hours, way more than required under the state’s rules.
Based on media coverage, the people who should have known these limitations didn’t know, so overall plans for large fires were inadequate. Easier to blame the fire hydrant.
When major events like the fire take place, I like to look at our own backyard
to see how we would fare and what can we do to avoid problems. One thing jumped out about the Fourth of July in Stockton last year. That night the Sockton Fire Department received 356 fire calls. Mostly as the result of illegal fireworks. There is still video on the site. What if one of those fires burned down your neighbors house or a large portion of the city?
In general, the public needs to adjust their thinking. I wonder how many people in LA would have traded their burned down house for a fast train ride from Merced to walk the streets of Bakersfield. Your Farm Center meetings are coming right up. These are very important to the organization as they give the members the opportunity to provide needed input for our programs. The Farm Bureau is primarily made up of volunteers who give their time to try to make things better for farmers and the community. This makes us unusual and important. Please come to the Farm Center meetings; we’ll have our ears on.
Genasci
Continued from page 2
the new towers that will cut through the middle of ag properties along the way.
While the EIR does recognize the loss of farmland to the immediate footprint of the towers, it does not count the acres that fall under the lines where a landowner will have their few options of commodities that they can grow further constrained by height restrictions. Just ask the farmers who had crews from PG&E show up to remove their almond and walnut trees from below power lines over the years.
The Farm Bureau asked that options such as following existing transportation corridors, running the lines underground or reconfiguring existing 60kV and 115kV lines to hold the larger 23kV lines be considered, but those were all rejected. It seems that common sense answers are beyond acceptance at this point.
The Pacific Gateway Project is another development that has been on our radar for quite some time. You may remember an article about the project in our paper last year when we commented on the previously proposed project. Comments from your Farm Bureau, along with the outcry of opposition from residents and growers,
ON THE AGENDA
5 SJFB Board of Directors
11 Tracy Farm Center, Tracy Moose Lodge, 5:30 p.m.
18 Roberts Union Farm Center Meeting, Roberts Union Farm Center, 10 a.m.
27 Victor, Acampo, Lafayette (VAL) Farm Centers, Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, Jackson Hall, 5:30 p.m.
28 Spray Safe, Robert J. Cabral Ag Center, 9 a.m. March
4 Linden & Collegeville Farm Centers Dinner, SJFB Office, 5:30 p.m.
12 SJFB Board of Directors and Water Advisory Committee
25 SJFB Committee Meetings
26 SJFB Foundation for Ag Education: A Taste of San Joaquin, Robert J. Cabral Ag Center
were able to convince the backers of the project to go back to the drawing board.
While the new proposition is improved in that it now has moved closer to the intersection of SR 132 and I-580, nothing has changed about the other impacts of the project. Water supply and quality remain one of our main concerns.
The 1,577-acre project will rely on multiple ground water pumps, impacting nearby landowners and the hundreds of acres of newly paved ground will limit absorption of rainfall. This will decrease
groundwater recharge throughout the winter, further impacting local water supplies. On top of this, the project still does not address the infill of housing and services that it will encourage on the agriculture lands between the project and the city of Tracy.
While these are two large projects that we are working on, there are many smaller projects and applications that we examine and comment on every month. Preserving the agricultural heritage and lands of our county is one of our main goals. Sup-
porting projects that expand our ability to successfully farm and ranch here is also one of our goals. Finding the balance between the two is the job our Land Use Committee takes on every month.
As always, thank you for being a member of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau! Your membership allows us to continue our work on these issues and many others. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Farm Center meetings and at the SJFB Foundation for Ag Education Wine Tasting fundraiser!
G3 HAS BEEN HAULING CALIFORNIA’S HARVEST FOR OVER 40 YEARS
from the AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
By Joby Young, AFBF Executive Vice President
Finding solutions for farmers and ranchers in 2025
THIS PAST YEAR MARKED my second full year serving as executive vice president
Although our grassroots leaders have been key to the federation for more than
meetings as well as conferences and summits on behalf of Farm Bureau and enjoyed meeting many of the grassroots leaders knocking it out of the park. Through it all, I’ve had a front row seat to all that our staff and our farmer and rancher members have accomplished this year.
A big 2024 victory came in the 11th hour, as nearly 12,000 of our grassroots members engaged in calling on Congress to include much-needed support for farmers and ranchers in the year-end continuing resolution. This groundswell of grassroots engagement ensured aid would be delivered to farmers and rural communities impacted by hurricanes, wildfires and floods, as well as those struggling through these difficult economic times. This funding is a short-term solution to help farmers and ranchers stay afloat as we urge Congress to modernize the farm bill.
Importantly, we were also proud to join together with many of our friends across the industry, including the Farm Foundation, 4-H, Farm Credit, CoBank, Land O’Lakes and more, as the Farm Family Wellness Alliance, to bring Togetherall to our farm families. Togetherall is an online, completely anonymous peerto-peer support network that revolutionizes mental health and wellbeing services. If you’re not yet signed up for Togetherall, I encourage you to do so today.
As we gear up for 2025, let’s take a look at some of the key priorities, opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Farm bill
For the third consecutive year, the farm bill will be a top priority for Farm Bureau, and it should be a priority for every American. The farm bill is a critical
Continued on next page
We also saw the U.S. Supreme Court rule in favor of farmers and ranchers once Chevron deferdeference threw out the balance of power between the three branches of government. The Court’s ruling will allow that balance to be restored and should help reduce the regulatory back and forth farmers are often subject to.
tool to ensure our nation’s food and farm security. The legislation helps agriculture to meet new challenges, continue innovating and advance sustainability goals. While Congress passed an extension of the 2018 farm bill as part of the end-of-year Continuing Resolution, that bill is now seven years old—well past the lifespan of legislation that’s meant to be renewed every five years. We call on lawmakers to get to work as soon as possible in 2025 pass a new, bipartisan, modernized farm bill.
Taxes
The upcoming year will be a big one for taxes. Farmers and ranchers are headed for a tax cliff in 2025. Legislation passed in 2017 that gave agriculture some much-needed tax relief is set to expire this year, and there could be big consequences if it does. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allows for bonus depreciation of capital investments, lowered individual tax rates and doubled the
standard deduction, among many other beneficial provisions. All of which will disappear without Congressional action.
Ag labor
Time and time again, I hear from our members that meeting their labor needs remains one of their most pressing issues. There simply aren’t enough domestic workers to meet agriculture’s needs, and the H-2A visa program falls short, too. Not to mention the flawed wage calculation system that makes it difficult for many farmers to afford help. AFBF has long called for bipartisan, workable solutions to meet our labor challenges and we made progress in 2024 helping elected leaders understand how serious the situation is for farmers, but the clock ran out. We’ll redouble our efforts in 2025.
Trade
Trade will be another significant issue this year. While we saw a big win last year when a U.S.-Mexico-Canada dispute settlement panel sided with American corn growers, there’s more work to do when it comes to USMCA. This year is a review year for
the agreement, which means we could see a renegotiation with two of our top trading partners. Our farmers and ranchers deserve a fair deal when it comes to our neighbors north and south of the border.
We remain concerned that the U.S. is falling behind other ag exporting countries in forming new trade agreements. For the third fiscal year in a row, the U.S. has seen an ag trade deficit. Trade leaders must refocus on finding new markets and rebuilding relationships with former trading partners in order for the U.S. to be competitive in the global marketplace.
Modernizing dairy policy
Dairy policy has been a big topic throughout my time at Farm Bureau. We began work on reforming the Federal Milk Marketing Orders in 2019, and this year that work will finally come to fruition. We kept our boots on the ground throughout the entire months-long hearing process, and final results of that vote will be announced at some point in 2025. We stand ready help dairy farmers understand the changes and we are hopeful that our years
of work will result in fairer, more transparent milk pricing.
Clearly, there are many challenges and opportunities ahead in 2025. Last year, we saw just how effective we can be when the Farm Bureau family comes together to raise our unified voice. I’m confident we’ll succeed in advancing our priorities in 2025 as we work together to build a brighter future for farmers and ranchers, rural communities, and our nation as a whole.
By Cyndie Shearing, AFBF Director of Communications
FARMERS AND RANCHERS are leading the Visit us at www.sjfb.org or find us on Facebook. We are also on Instagram at SanJoaquinFarmBureau.
from the AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
By Zippy Duvall, AFBF President
Keeping America's farms, families and crops healthy
WE ARE ALREADY TWO WEEKS into the new year – a time of fresh starts and renewed commitments. With all the lists of resolutions and reflections, though, it can be easy to lose sight of the real progress and change that is made with small and steady practices every day. Let’s consider the resolutions on America’s farms and ranches – the way farmers resolve to do right and do better 365 days a year – and the real difference that has made for the well-being of our nation.
Keeping our families and crops healthy
The Make America Healthy Again, or MAHA, platform is generating a lot of interest in how our food is produced. Farmers and ranchers welcome a healthy discussion – we always have. I think we can all agree on the importance of promoting good health for our families and our nation. Sadly, there are few of us who have not been touched by cancer or other serious diseases, and we all want solutions. A commitment to health is a great way to start the year, and healthy meals start with healthy farms. But it’s also important to understand the long-term implications of some ideas being promoted lately. Any discussion around agriculture must first be grounded in sound science if we are going to ensure the affordability, security and sustainability of nutritious food for all Americans.
Our long history of science-based standards has served us well in navigating a sea of new ideas over the years. Take the
science and research when it comes to pesticides, for example, where thoughtful, demanding approval processes give farmers important tools to protect and nurture crops while also requiring these tools pass rigorous testing for safety, health and effectiveness. Did you know that only 1 in 10,000 pesticide discoveries actually makes it from the lab to the field? What’s more, with all the study, testing and review required, it takes around 11 years for a new pesticide to get approved for use. I’d say that’s a high, almost impossible, bar to pass. That’s why farmers are confident that they can safely use these products on their farms. And keep in mind, many farmers also live with their families on that same land where they are using pesticides. Farmers take our jobs seriously, and we take the health and safety of our families and yours seriously too.
And what about when those farm products get to your home? The U.S. Department of Agriculture releases a Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary to track pesticide residue on fresh fruits and vegetables – that’s in addition to the strict regulations in place from the Environmental Protection Agency. In 2023, USDA found that more than 99% of products tested not only met but exceeded EPA’s strict safety standards. That’s because farmers are following safety guidelines and using only what is necessary to protect crops and get them safely from the field to your table.
Keeping our soil healthy
Sustainability is also a big part of the healthy food conversation with lots of talk around shifting to an only organic approach to farming. Farm Bureau is 100% supportive of organic farming. But we must keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to advancing agriculture. We have a beautifully diverse landscape across this nation, and one of the great privileges of my job is getting to see agriculture in all parts of the country. I have seen first-hand what farmers all over this country know from practice: What works in one place isn’t practical or sometimes even possible in another – and that’s OK. It means we get diverse foods from diverse regions. We get seasonal produce like winter lettuce from Arizona and summer blueberries from New Jersey. That diversity is what gives resilience to our food production system.
American agriculture is the most efficient and sustainable across the globe because we use sound science, technology and innovation. Our overall greenhouse gas emissions are less than 10% of all industries. That’s no small feat, given that we are producing more than ever before to feed an ever-growing population. Protecting our crops through the safe use of pesticides and protecting our animals with medicines and vaccines help ensure that we can keep growing the food that fills Americans’ pantries.
Farmers and consumers benefit from the availability, choice and price options of both conventionally and organically grown products. Rejecting conventional farming altogether, however, would be harmful to food security and sustainability with no identifiable health benefit. Let’s remember that researchers have found no noticeable difference between organically and conventionally grown food when it comes to nutrition. Researchers have also looked at the environmental impact of this kind of shift, and they have found it would bring significant loss in yields, greater land use, and an increase in carbon emissions. For example, organic yields are roughly 20% less than conventional, and organic systems of meat and dairy production use 49% more land than conventional.
Keeping our food supply healthy, secure Wholly rejecting safe conventional practices and thoroughly tested products places our sustainability and our food security at risk. We can look back just a couple years to what happened in Sri Lanka to see the devastating impact this shift would have on our food system.
In 2021, the government of Sri Lanka banned certain farm supplies and practices, much like what some people are discussing today in the U.S. Production for their two key commodities, rice and tea, dropped significantly by 20% and 18%. This led the country to an increased dependence on imports and put their farmers on the brink of failure. Sri Lanka had to reverse the order later that year, but the damage was already done. The country was forced to import hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of food and then help devastated farmers recover. Organic farming still requires measures to protect crops from insects, weeds, disease and fungus. Mandating that all farming shifts to organic, though, would raise the cost of production, increase food costs for consumers, and set us back on sustainability gains. It’s important we keep in mind these tradeoffs and avoid mandates or restrictions that could lead to negative unintended outcomes for consumer food choice, price and security.
Farmers are always looking for ways to improve. This is a business that requires innovation and resolve. But it is also irresponsible to consider new ideas in isolation. That’s why farmers rely on agricultural researchers and scientists to innovate and thoroughly vet new ideas and practices.
If we are going to have meaningful discussion about improvements across agriculture, we must begin by recognizing how our steady commitments have yielded impressive results, and we must ensure farmers can continue to meet the diverse, nutritional needs of our nation. But we, as farmers, have a responsibility to help the public understand the tremendous advances in agriculture over the years. We should also welcome questions about how we grow the food that feeds America. Questions are just an invitation to tell our story and that’s a good thing.
BOIR
Continued from page 1
a Beneficial Owner Information Report.
These agencies and the report are bureaucratic crime stoppers and it is startling to explore how riddled agriculture is with financial and other crimes.
This system of reporting is “Just another government bureaucracy,” said SJFB President Les Strojan. “I don’t remember any farmers coming up with a partner noted in a BOIR to do illegal money activities.”
Whoever is involved in the business has to consider the consequences of failing to file or not having updated records which could result in criminal fines up to $10,000 and additional civil penalties of $500 per day, with the additional threat of up to two years in prison.
According to experts, enforcement crackdowns could have ripple effects
throughout the entire food, fiber and fuel supply chains.
Filing these reports, despite the importance of doing so, was ineffectively publicized, said SJFB Executive Director Andrew Genasci. “This sort of regulation adversely affects small family farms because it’s an umbrella program that treats everyone the same. It’s hard enough to keep up with California regulations, much less federal rules like this when poor public outreach from the government left many farmers without vital information.”
Despite the severe threats for noncompliance when the BOIR was supposed to be submitted by Jan. 1, 2025, only 2 million of the 32 million businesses –including farms and others in the ag sector – had been received by the program since 2023. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellin was prompted to complain about the massive non-compliance.
“This is a bureaucracy that will be very hard to enforce,” said SJFB Second Vice President Herman Doornenbal. “This
regulation was completely buried, very under-publicized. Regular farmers have enough to work through without this being added to an already large regulatory burden.”
Complying with the demand for filing BOIRs, submitting them was put on hold by a nationwide injunction from the U.S. District Court for the eastern district of Texas, which postponed the submission date of Jan. 1, 2025 indefinitely. Then a ruling from a Mississippi court reversed the injunction and the submission race was on until yet another court declared the unconstitutionality of the CTA and reinstated the injunction.
As of this writing the injunction is in place as the legal battle rages on while farms and agricultural businesses await a decision. Some experts feel the U.S. Supreme Court may have the final say. Meanwhile, when injunctions are in place, farmers, ranchers and ag businesses won’t have to file beneficial owners information. But they must remain alert to the chang-
ing legal climate for sending the requisite information to the CTA.
Small farms often are pressed for time and personnel to monitor ever-changing rules and regulations demanded by state and federal governments, with the CTA an added burden. Due to unclear guidance and minimal public awareness, the ag sector and businesses in general are concerned about complying with the new BOI requirements.
Strojan said, “With injunctions, the Supreme Court in our future, 32 million having to file BOIR reports, this seems to be very much a regulatory disaster in the making.”
Additional information is available at the Financial Crime Enforcement Network website and from SJFB and CAFB. The CAFB contributed to this story.
California CattleWomen install
new president and officers
DEBBIE COSTA FROM LODI is the new leader of California CattleWomen, Inc.
The California CattleWomen installed their 2025-2026 president in Reno, Nevada during the December 2024 California Cattlemen/CattleWomen Convention and Trade Show.
Costa has been a member of the San Joaquin-Stanislaus CattleWomen since 1992. She has served as the Unit’s secretary, treasurer, president and chair of numerous committees. She routinely contributes educational presentations at farm days and classrooms and volunteers at fundraising events. In 2004 she was honored as the Unit’s CowBelle of the Year.
In 2003, Costa attended her first California CattleWomen meeting as unit president, marking the beginning of her
ongoing commitment to the organization. Over the years, she has held several key roles, including serving as chair of both the Nominating and Fundraising Committees. Most recently, she contributed as the Central State director.
Costa’s leadership team will include Vice President Susan Cochrane, Second Vice President Promotion/Education Pat Abel, Second Vice President Unit Information Judy Church, Second Vice President Media Molly Watkins, Secretary Melody Lake and Treasurer Cherly Bauer.
Costa is fifth generation on a small family cow-calf ranch in Lodi. She has two adult children and four grandchildren. In her free time, she works in her yard and rides her horses.
The California CattleWomen have
Don't miss your Farm Center meeting!
February 11
Tracy Farm Center
Tracy Moose Lodge, 5:30 p.m.
February 18
Roberts Union Farm Center
Roberts Union Farm Center, 10 a.m.
February 27
Victor, Acampo, Lafayette (VAL) Farm Centers
Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, Jackson Hall, 5:30 p.m.
March 4
Linden & Collegeville Farm Centers SJFB Office, 5:30 p.m.
about 1,800 members. The organization began in 1951 as an auxiliary of the California Cattlemen.
Debbie Costa is 2025-2026 California CattleWomen president.
Attention San Joaquin County Agricultural Community:
Demonstrate your commitment to safe farming by participating in an innovative SPRAY SAFE program developed by fellow farmers and applicators to control drift and protect worker and public health. Please attend our 15th annual meeting marking San Joaquin County Agriculture ’s continued commitment to safe farming. Bring your supervisors and foremen! Great information for ALL!
Spanish translation provided.
RSVP by Tuesday, February 25, 2025 , by mailing to: SJFB, 3290 N Ad Art Rd, Stockton, CA 95215. This event is FREE of charge and includes a FREE, catered lunch , however sponsors are welcome.
February 28, 2025⧫ Robert J. Cabral Ag Center ⧫ Stockton
Continuing Education Hours provided, subject to DPR approval
8:30-9:00am Registration, Coffee & Donuts
9:00am Meeting Starts
12:30- 1:00pm Luncheon & Closing Remarks
Potential Topics (not finalized):
Regulatory Updates, Pesticide Safety & Bees PCA’s Guide to Food Safety, Investigation Protocol, Requirements for Early Entry for Field Workers
Registration
Please check all that apply: Farmer PCA Commercial Applicator Labor Contractor Labor
Company: ___________________________________________ Name: ________________________________
Email Address: _______________________________________
Others Attending: ______________________________________________________________________________
SJC AGNET TASK FORCE
By San Joaquin County Rural Crime Division
SJC crime for Nov/Dec
Tool/equipment/wire theft
In the 400 block of W Hwy 12, an unknown suspect stole approximately 245 feet of copper wire from electrical box. The total loss is valued at $3,300.
In the 23000 block of N Hwy 99 W Frontage Road, an unknown suspect stole 900 feet of copper wire from power line. The total loss is approximately $12,000.
In the 14000 block of E Mariposa Road, an unknown suspect cut and damaged aluminum wire to irrigation pump and electrical box. The total value to repair/replace is $500.
In the area of N Bruella Road and E Cattani Lane, an unknown suspect stole approximately 1,000 feet of copper wire from irrigation pump. The total loss is valued at $37,000.
In the 15000 block of S Jack Tone Road, an unknown suspect cut and stole wires and two batteries from feed wagon as well as stole keys to nearby tractor. The total loss is valued at $1,500.
In the area of eastbound I-580 and S Patterson Pass Road, an unknown suspect stole a 2021 259D3 Caterpillar skid steer from job site. The total loss is valued at $80,000.
In the 21000 block of N Ray Road, an unknown male and female stole a 2016 Kawasaki Mule. The total loss is valued
at $8,000.
In the 31000 block of S Tracy Blvd, an unknown suspect stole custom built single axle flatbed trailer and miscellaneous tools. The total loss is valued at $3,500.
In the area of S Woodsbro Road and W Hwy 4, an unknown suspect stolen fuel wagon with a fuel tank of red dye fuel. The total loss is $7,000.
Recovered property
In the 26000 block of N Nowell Road, a Ford F-150 work truck was stolen from a ranch and later recovered and returned to the victim. The total recovery valued at $45,000.
Commodity/livestock theft/other ag related cases
In the 20000 block of E Mehrten Road, two black angus heifers and one calf were reported missing, all livestock were located later and returned to owner. The total recovery value is $4,000.
Arrested persons
Morales, Byron arrested for grand theft of a vehicle (Ford F-150).
Please report any and all suspicious activity. For non-emergency reports 24 hours a day, you can call (209) 4684400. In the event of an emergency call 911.
Be sure to subscribe to the Friday Review e-newsletter to get the latest updates. To sign up, call the SJFB office at (209) 931-4931 or email staff@sjfb.org.
THANK YOU TO SAN JOAQUIN FARM BUREAU AG MEMBERS WHO “STEPPED UP”
Thank you to our San Joaquin Farm Bureau Agricultural Members who have stepped up. Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization whose purpose is to devote time and resources to promoting and protecting agriculture in our county, state, and nation. The “Step Up Plan” is designed for members to be able to pick their dues level based on their Annual Gross Income to increase their support of agriculture and help us increase our efforts in fighting for agriculture. Business Members also have a Step Up Plan. The Step Up Plan is outlined on our website. Contact our office at (209) 931-4931 to “Step Up” your membership today.
Acampo Farm Center
• Lamar Creekside Vineyards
• Mahil Farms
• Brent Newport
• Nestor Enterprises
• S&R Egg Ranch Co.
• Nuss Farms Inc.
Calla-Nile Farm Center
• 2Q Farming Inc
• Manuel Azevedo
• David Boersma
• Bourbeau Enterprises
• Brocchini Farms Inc
• Cardoza Bros
• Central Valley Welding Mechanical Inc
• Delta Growers Inc.
• Double O Farming Inc.
• Jenkins Poultry Farm
• Joseph Gomes
• David Kamper
• Eileen Kuil
• Ioppini Farms
• Edward Machado
• Phippen Bros
• Roorda Ranches Inc
• SJC Office of Education
• SKS Enterprise Inc
• John Van Duyn
• Bryan Van Groningen
• Van Till Farms
• Michael Weststeyn Farming
• Tim Weststeyn Collegeville Farm Center
• Nomellini Farms Inc
• Prins Dairy LP
• Paul Sanguinetti
• Les Strojan
• Grant Thompson
• Thompson Ranch
• Triple S Farming LLC Escalon Farm Center
• A&A Cattle Co
• Adrian Ranch
• Bert Ballatore
• Bavaro Farming Company Inc
• Lealon Brumley
• Phillip Brumley
• Gary De Vries
• Herman Doornenbal Jr
• Larry Fredricks
• G&E Te Velde Orchards MLLC
• Caleb Gervase
• River Bend Orchards
• Roche Bros Inc
• Stagnaro Farms Inc
• Vander Schaaf Dairy
• Veenstra Farming
• Paul Voortman
• Wagner Dairy
Lafayette Farm Center
• All State Packers
• Chardon Farms Inc
• Joe Cotta & Son
• Michael Devencenzi
• Peter Devencenzi
• Graffigna Fruit Co
• Richard Grenz
• Rob Kammerer
• Lange Twins Partnership
• Matthew Lauchland
• Joe Marchesotti Co., Inc.
• Lima Ranch
• Diego Olagaray
• Joe Olagaray
• Rodney Schatz
• Van Diemen Farms
• Bronson Van Wyck
• Watanabe Bros, Inc.
Linden Farm Center
• 5 Star Farm Management Inc
• A&A Dasso Farms
• Bella Vista Ranch
• Greg Busalacchi
• Camera Brothers
• D&L Farms Inc.
• Eilers Ranch LLC
• FFD Orchards
• Ferrari Farms Inc
• J&A Solari Inc.
• Jasbir S Gill Family Limited Partnership
• Lagorio Properties LP
• Lodi Farming Inc
• Panella Trucking LLC
• Peter Boysen Realty
• Precision Irrigation Mgt
• Purviance Drillers Inc
• R&A Miller Inc
• RDJ Farms Inc
• Waterloo Orchards Inc
• Richard Zolezzi
Roberts-Union Farm Center
• Cubiburu Livestock
• D&A Farms
• Mark Lewis
• El Dorado Farms Inc
• Marca Bella Farms, Inc
• Zuckerman-Heritage Inc
Tracy Farm Center
• California Masterplant
• GloriAnn Farms Inc
• Mizuno Farms Inc
• Michael Petz
• Greg Pombo
• Reece Farms
• Hal Robertson
• Thomsen Farms Inc
• Yamasaki Farms
Victor Farm Center
• John Kautz Farms
• Vink Custom Farming Inc.
business member
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
STEP UP BUSINESSES
$7,500 SUPPORT LEVEL
American Ag Credit
Jacob DeBoer 2345 E. Earhart Ave., Stockton, CA 95206
www.agloan.com (209) 944-7478
Nationwide Insurance
Find a Farm Certified Agent: www.nationwide.com/cfbf (800) 255-9913
ACCOUNTANTS
Bowman & Company
Gary R. Daniel (209) 473-1040
Croce, Sanguinetti & Vander Veen Inc.
Pauline Sanguinetti (209) 938-1010
ASSOCIATIONS
California Farmland Trust
Charlotte Mitchell (916) 544-2712
Lodi District Grape Growers Association
Amy Blagg (209) 339-8246
Lodi Woodbridge Winegrape Commission
Stuart Spencer (209) 367-4727
San Joaquin County Historical Society
Phillip Merlo (209) 331-2055
San Joaquin Valley Hay Growers
Rick Staas (209) 835-1662
ATTORNEYS
John Herrick Attorney at Law
John H. Herrick (209) 956-0150
Nomellini, Grilli & Mcdaniel Professional Law Corp.
Dante John Nomellini (209) 465-5883
AUCTIONS
Mulrooney Auctions Co.
James P. Mulrooney (209) 366-0600
AUTO PARTS/SERVICE
Clutch & Brake Xchange
James Hitchock (209) 466-9049
$1,500 SUPPORT LEVEL
Delicato Vineyards
Marie Mathews 12001 S Highway 99, Manteca, CA 95336-8499 www.delicato.com (209) 824-3600
Pacific Gas & Electric
Dylan George 4040 N W Lane, Stockton, CA 95204 www.pge.com (209) 932-6515
Ralph Hayes & Son Inc.
Eric Hayes 20177 S. MacArthus Dr., Tracy, CA 95304 www.hayesandson.com (209) 835-4914
CHEMICALS
Mid Valley Agricultural Services Inc. (209) 851-3200
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Kjeldsen, Sinnock & Neudeck
Christopher H. Neudeck (209) 946-0268 Offfice (209) 481-0316 Mobile
COMMODITY PACKING/ MKTG
A Sambado & Sons Inc.
Lawrence Sambado (209) 931-2568
Delta Packing Co of Lodi Inc. Annamarie Costamagna (209) 334-1023
M&R Co Reynolds Packing Co.
Jeremy Hjelmstad (209) 369-2725
Travaille And Phippen Dave Phippen (209) 599-6111
COMMUNICATIONS
unWired Broadband
Mark Peterson (559) 753-0386
CONTRACTORS/CONSTRUCTION
Ford Construction Co. (209) 333-1116
Tom Mayo Construction Tom D. Mayo (209) 943-6248
CONSULTING
Cal Ag Safety
Ann Curtoni Lial (209) 351-0321
Precessi Ag Services Inc.
Paul Precessi (209) 670-9072
$1,500 SUPPORT LEVEL CONT.
Travaille & Phippen
Dave Phippen 12700 E Graves Rd., Manteca, CA 95336 www.tapalmonds.com (209) 599-6111
$750 SUPPORT LEVEL A Sambado & Sons, Inc. (209) 931-2568
Anteris Agronomics LLC (209) 900-3270
Big Valley Tractor & Bobcat Central, Inc. (209) 762-6413
GAR Bennett LLC (559) 480-3029
CUSTOM HARVESTING
M2 Farming
Nick Mussi (209) 969-3333
CUSTOM PACKAGING
The Packagers LLC
Jason Ng 702) 863-9898
EDUCATION
San Joaquin Delta Community College (209) 954-5151
FARMS
A&B Koster
William M. Koster (209) 836-4690
Ag West Inc
Mike Berg (209) 888-5455
AM Farms
Paul Marchini (209) 462-1185
Bert Bacchetti Farms Inc.
Mark Bacchetti (209) 835-2224
HRM Farms Inc.
Glenn Burgin (209) 465-8413
IDC Farms Inc.
Mike Conrad (209) 894-6408
Lavagnino Orchards
Ruani Lavagnino (209) 931-6728
Lucadeira Farms
Richard Marcucci (209) 481-3641
Peterson Family Vineyards
James Peterson (209) 368-8102
Vaccarezza Bros (209) 887-3163
FARMS CONT.
Van Groningen & Sons Inc
Dan Van Groningen (209) 982-5248
Van Groningen Orchards
Mark Van Groningen (209) 599-4944
Van Laar Farms
James Van Laar (209) 599-3613
FARM HARDWARE & SUPPLY
BG Agri Sales & Service
Anthony Da Valle (209) 931-7650
Discount Ag Parts
Jim Allen (209) 239-5802
J. Milano Company
Gary Milano (209) 944-0902
PBM Supply & Manufacturing
Barry Jones (530) 345-1334
Stanislaus Farm Supply
Joey Gonsalves (209) 538-7070
Zylstra Auto & Hardware
Tim A. Zylstra (209) 887-3626
FERTILIZERS & SOIL AMENDMENTS
Brown Sand, Inc.
Robert Brown (209) 234-1500
Ralph Hayes & Son Inc.
Eric Hayes (209) 835-4914 F
San Joaquin Sulphur Company
Janet Chandler (209) 368-6676
$750 SUPPORT LEVEL CONT.
Kludt Oil & Propane (209) 368-0634 • (209) 466-8969
Mid Valley Agricultural Services Inc. (209) 851-3200
Morrill Industries (209) 838-2550
Outdoor Sportsman Inc (209) 957-4867
Van De Pol Enterprises (209) 944-9115
Van Groningen & Sons Inc. (209) 982-5248
V V Enterprises (209) 599-7776
FINANCIAL
American AgCredit
Marc Busalacchi (800) 659-FARM
Bank of Stockton
Jim Nemmers (209) 249-2201
Community West Bank
Nora Andrade (559) 323-3402
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Daniel Meza (209) 367-2349
Moss Adams LLP
Eric Krienert (209) 955-6100 UEL DISTRIBUTORS
FUEL DISTRIBUTORS
Campora Propane Services
Todd Spicer (209) 466-8611
George W Lowry Inc.
Richard A. Lowry (209) 545-0791
Kludt Oil & Propane
Aron Kludt (209) 368-0634, (209) 466-8969
Valley Pacific Petroleum Service, Inc.
Rob Goodman (209) 948-9412
Van De Pol Enterprises
Tom Van De Pol (209) 944-9115
Van Unen Miersma Propane Inc
Jerry Behlen (209) 823-1315
GRAIN/FEED/SEED
AL Gilbert Company Jay Gilbert (209) 847-1721
Baglietto Seeds (209) 466-0433
GRAIN/FEED/SEED CONT.
Escalon Feed & Supply
Ken Van Gorkum (209) 838-3326
M & M Feed Service
Terry Mulder (209) 531-3353
Phil O’Connell Grain Co.
Tim Grunsky (209) 465-5871
Triple P Feeds
Dallas C. Paul (209) 333-2808
V-V Enterprises
Dave C. Van Vliet (209) 599-7776
INSURANCE
Altamont Insurance Brokers
Dan Simonich (209) 835-6395
Big Valley Insurance
Bill R. Crawford (209) 835-5253 (209) 365-9600
Dan Van Vuren Insurance Agency Inc.
Dan Van Vuren (209) 484-5578
Sanguinetti & Company Insurance Brokers
Karen Sanguinetti (209) 954-1000
The Zenith
Sandy Fiack (559) 260-6499
Todd Garibaldi Insurance Agency
Todd R. Garibaldi (209) 334-3030
Wever Insurance
Don Wever (209) 599-2161
IRRIGATION/PUMPS/WELLS
Laurel Ag & Water
Brooke Marchy (209) 810-8021
GAR Bennett LLC
Ralph Rendon (559) 480-3029
Moorman’s Water Systems Inc.
Larry Moorman (209) 931-3210 REAL ESTATE
Pacific Southwest Irrigation Corp.
Jim Clare (209) 986-0099
Rain for Rent
Gregory McDevitt (209) 466-5602
LABORATORY/TESTING
Anteris Agronomics LLC
Kion Kashefi (209) 900-3270
Fruit Growers Laboratory, Inc.
Michael Ostrom (800) 440-7821
LABOR CONTRACTOR
Premium Employment Services
Jesse Alderete, III (800) 581-5540
LAND PREPARATION
G&F Ag Services, Inc.
Randy Fondse (209) 599-8911
Kromann & Company
Rodney P. Kromann, Jr. (209) 581-1775
Kuil Brothers Ag Service
Matthew D. Kuil (209) 599-4960
MACHINE SERVICES
Ag Industrial Manufacturing
Bob Ford (209) 369-1994
Tuff Boy Sales, inc
Martin Harris (209) 858-4131
MEDIA/RADIO
“105.9, the Bull”
Robert La Rue (209) 948-5786
NURSERIES
Burchell Nursery
Tom Burchell (209) 845-8733
Casa Cristal Nursery Inc
John Moso (661) 792-6468
Dave Wilson Nursery
Robert Woolley (209) 874-1821
Duarte Nursery
Alex Duarte (209) 531-0351
PEST MANAGEMENT TOOLS
Outdoor Sportsman
Eric Johnson (209) 957-4867PROCESSING
PROCESSING
County Fair Food Products
Leslie Kruger (209) 469-9934
DeRuosi Nut
Dean Penero (209) 838-8307
Musco Family Olive Company Ben Gibbons (209) 836-4600
Pearl Crop Inc. Ulash Turkhan (209) 808-7575
Prima Frutta Packing Tim Sambado (209) 931-1460
ShellPro Inc. (209) 727-0707U
Sunrise Fresh LLC Jake Samuel (209) 932-0192
REAL ESTATE
Bokides - Hesseltine Real Estate Co.
Robert Hesseltine (209) 334-3045
Peter Boysen Realty
Pete Boysen (209) 351-2150
Petersen & Company
Agricultural Real Estate Joe Petersen (209) 210-8010
Reeve Associates Real Estate
Gary Reeve (209) 835-2002
Wagner Land Company Charles Wagner (209) 942-4146
RESTAURANTS
De Vinci’s Corporation
Chris Trotter (209) 887-2121
Koes Bar
Ken Littleton (209) 329-2366
RETAIL
Orchard and Vineyard Supply (209) 368-8595
SOLAR
Chico Electric
Norm Neilsen (530) 891-6749
SPREADING SERVICES
Gary Bohnet (209) 369-6993, (209) 481-1349
STEEL BUILDINGS
Fabri Steel West Inc.
John M. Arizcuren (800) 411-4215
Roland Construction
Jim A. Hoagland (209) 462-2687
STEAM CLEANERS
Hotsy Pacific
Jim O’Connell (800) 640-1227
TIRES
Les Schwab Tire Center-Lodi
Gary Holm (209) 334-3961
Lodi Tire Service
Kenneth A. Lung (209) 369-1985
Swier Tire & Auto Repair
Daniel Swier (209) 559-7512
TRACTORS/EQUIPMENT
Belkorp Ag, LLC
John Gilligan (209) 538-3831
Big Valley Tractor & Bobcat Central, Inc.
Don Franzia (209) 762-6413
Evolution Equipment Services Inc.
Marti Sporleder (209) 810-5796
TRACTORS/EQUIPMENT CONT.
Garton Tractor
Jeff Filkins (209) 948-5401
Pape´ Machinery
Brian A. Heavey (209) 983-8122
TRANSPLANTERS/PLUG PLANTER
Pro Plant LLC
Skip Wilbur (209) 969-7547
TRANSPORTATION
Antonini Bros. Inc.
Joseph Antonini (209) 466-9041
G3 Enterprises
Ethan Jones (800) 321-8747
Hammer Trucking
Michael J. Staples (209) 481-1567
Silva Trucking
Dave Silva (209) 982-1114
UTILITIES
PG&E
Debbie McCaffrey (209) 932-2566
VEHICLES
Chase Chevrolet
Paul Correia (209) 475-6740
Interstate Truck Center
Rick Coslett (209) 944-5821EMENT
VINEYARD MANAGEMENT
Arbor Vineyards
Larry P. Mettler (209) 339-0525
K.G. Vineyard Management, LLC
Ben Kolber (209) 367-8996
R-N-R Vineyard, Inc.
Russell Machado (209) 327-3165
WATER
Oakdale Irrigation District
Steve Knell (209) 847-0341
South San Joaquin Irrigation District
Peter Rietkerk (209) 249-4600
Stockton East Water District
Scot Moody (209) 948-0333
Woodbridge Irrigation District
Keith Bussman (209) 625-8438
WINERIES
Bokisch Vineyards
Markus Bokisch (209) 334-4338
Constellation Wines US, Inc.
Paul Dismukes (209) 369-5861
Delicato Vineyards
Marie Mathews (209) 824-3600
Jahant Vineyards LLC
Kevin Phillips (209) 368-7384
LangeTwins Winery & Vineyards (209) 334-9780
The Lucas Winery
David Lucas (209) 368-2006
Michael David Vineyards
Michael J. Phillips (209) 368-7384
St. Amant Winery
Barbara S. Spencer (209) 367-0646
