farmbureaunews
Tariffs present serious challenges to agriculture
By Craig W. Anderson
TARIFFS AND THEIR INFLUENCE on trade are currently the top subject of export-import of agricultural products and because America’s No. 1 export is ag, the impact of tariffs can be wide ranging across the agricultural sector nationwide.
“Tariffs are an important ele-
ment of how agriculture functions,” said SJFB Executive Director Andrew Genasci. “But the biggest issue is retaliatory tariffs and because of ag’s size and domination of the export marketplace, ag has usually borne the brunt of retaliatory tariffs.”
“Whatever tariffs are imposed
See Tariffs, page 6
Ag labor needs stability now
By Craig W. Anderson
SOME MEDIA REPORTS have claimed that agricultural employees were being targeted for deportation and reports included claims of large numbers of farm workers being detained by authorities, while other reports alleged that almost half of all farm workers were refusing to work.
However, Bryan Little, chief operating officer of Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS), said, “Farm Bureau received scattered reports of employees declining to work, keeping their children home from school or avoiding leaving their homes but no specific verification of farms or ranches where work was significantly hampered has been found.”
San Joaquin County farmers rely on a stable workforce to harvest their crops, many of which are not picked mechanically because of their fragile nature. Instead, skilled workers must pick and pack the fruits and vegetables. In addition, numerous employees in allied industries, including food processing, transportation and equipment suppliers, rely on steady agricultural work.
“The sheriff’s office is cooperating with us because we, employers and employees, need to get through this,” said SJFB President Les Strojan.
“We need people who’ve come here year after year to work and then go home to continue another harvest season. These are honest, hardworking people who benefit agriculture.” He said those among the
See Labor, page 3
2 Changing the rules
5 Stepping up for agriculture in 2025
8 Raising funds for ag education and scholarships
Vicky Boyd
During 2023, milled rice was the Port of Stockton's top export with a value of $372 million, according to port figures.
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
Changes have arrived from the PRESIDENT’S DESK
IT’S NOT HARD TO ADMIT you’re wrong with what’s been happening in Washington. A couple of months ago, I lamented we would not see all the promises made on the campaign come to fruition. I was wrong. We are seeing changes at the level and pace that we could never have anticipated. Changes that will affect our lives. Everyday there’s a new topic and new actions. Although the approach to the
country’s problems are in stark contrast with those of the prior administration, the biggest change is the information out there. The old president didn’t give a press conference over the last year and this one does one or more every day.
This isn’t the time to sit back to see what happens. Farmers and the Farm Bureau need to step up and speak up now! Trump is obviously limited in his
from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
By Andrew Genasci
Changing the rules
AS I DRAFT MY ARTICLE for this month, our on-again, off-again rain has decided to be on again… just in time for almond bloom of course. While everyone knows that you cannot count on the weather, it is something that is particularly impactful for agriculture. Too much rain and you have flooding, too little and there is drought. If it comes at the wrong time, you lose blossoms, or hay is ruined in the field. It is a known unknown that every grower deals with. You watch the forecast, plan the best you can and then just hope and pray that things go your way. Our regulations should be different. You should not have to just pray that they don’t suddenly change on you. Of course, here in California that just is not the case.
Not only is our government prone to knee jerk changes to regulations, but they can also do it retroactively. We have seen this before in the Clean Water Act and Waters of the US enforcement and now it is coming to the grants that the state is provid-
knowledge of California agriculture and it’s potential. Look at all the fallow fields or underutilized parcels. We need to tell him how to move the water around and how relaxing regulations and removing other barriers to production can result in higher levels of efficiency and capacity. New markets need to be opened to profit
ing to help Groundwater Sustainability Agencies and water districts comply with the State Groundwater Management Act. In 2022, the state finalized the Multi-
President, Les Strojan First Vice President, James Chinchiolo Second Vice President, Herman Doornenbal Jr.
See Strojan, page 8
See Genasci, page 4
Labor
Continued from page 1
workforce who commit illegal acts “need to be cleaned up. You break the law, you pay the price of being deported.”
The California Farm Bureau Federation issued a statement on Jan. 30 expressing “support for agricultural employee communities” and recommending FELS published resources to be used to assist employers in “dealing with potential immigration worksite enforcement and to educate their employees.”
SJFB Executive Director Andrew Genesci said the media is “using a really frightening approach toward ag workers. In San Joaquin County we’ve not had enforcement as seen elsewhere. Some farmers have told us some workers didn’t show up because they were afraid they’d be found by ICE.”
He added, “The media is stoking the fear of big deportations, but the sheriff’s
office has met with us and we agreed that if a person is arrested for a violent crime, it's possible they’ll be deported or jailed while the legal process proceeds. We don’t want violent criminals in our county or country.”
SJFB First Vice President James Chinchiolo said a recent meeting with sheriff’s office officials revealed the law enforcement’s view that “their job isn’t immigration, it’s going after the bad guys, but if an illegal alien worker does something bad, they’ll be arrested. So, if workers don’t do anything illegal, it’s no problem.”
Labor contractors providing workers for San Joaquin County farmers have their crews properly documented, said Genasci. “If they’re not involved in crimes, they’ll be OK.”
He added some employees are “nervous, afraid and always carry their papers with them. There is significant fear in the immigrant community. But there is no deporting of regular workers. The law enforcement authorities understand the importance of the workforce to the ag community.”
Genasci noted that SJFB is working
EQUIPMENT LOANS
on the local, state and federal levels to understand the county’s situation so the appropriate steps can be taken to implement common sense border rules and rid the ag workforce of the criminal element.
Applications for H2A guest worker visas continue to rise because “with fewer Americans growing up on the farm, it’s increasingly difficult to find American workers interested in farm work,” AFBF President Zippy Duval recently told the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Duvall said guestworker reform is long overdue because “ongoing workforce shortages place the long-term stability of our food supply at risk. Congress needs to pass responsible farm labor legislation to deliver the certainty farmers need to continue producing affordable food for America’s families.”
Instability, he said, in the agricultural workforce places domestic food production at risk. Duvall suggested a possible solution that establishes a more streamlined and flexible H2A visa program that would allow workers to continue with an
employer for as long as the employer has a need-up to three years.
Also, tied in with the H2A program, farmworkers should be able to earn legal status by following strict requirements including showing proof of steady employment in agriculture, paying taxes, passing a criminal background check and paying a fine. Why? The majority of U.S. farmworkers are unauthorized, largely because, commented Duvall, “Congress has ignored the shortcomings of the existing agricultural worker program. It’s time to deal with reality.”
An aspect of that reality is its local issue, with some sheriffs saying they’re not going into fields, said SJFB Second Vice President Herman Doornenbal. “Our sheriff’s office is not drilling down into the immigrant worker population. Sheriff Withrow said if workers keep their nose clean and don’t participate in illegal activities, the sheriff isn’t coming after you. He understands the situation.”
Continued on next page
“ICE is concentrating on bad guys and it’s the first stage of getting criminals out of the system,” Doornenbal said. “But the immigration system has become so out of hand I don’t know how it can be repaired. We need these diligent, hardworking people and the bad ones need to be hauled off.”
Strojan notes that there are “programs coming in like WAFLA [Workers And Farmers Labor Association] that could be a good model for the feds to emulate.”
WAFLA presents farmers who need good workers the opportunity to acquire them, fully documented, talented, hardworking individuals. “WAFLA also handles the red tape that comes with programs like it.”
A great deal of work remains but farmers and ranchers of San Joaquin County, law enforcement and legislators who can grasp the need for effective reform for ag labor to make it stable will hopefully bring common sense to solve agriculture’s labor challenges. CAFB contributed to this story.
Continued from page 2
benefit Land Repurposing Program. This program was designed to provide grants to help agencies work with landowners to repurpose marginal land or land without a sable water source. In most cases, this involved transitioning the land into a groundwater recharge basin. This would allow districts and GSAs to improve their groundwater recharge numbers while providing wildlife habitat. It seemed like a win for everyone.
Unfortunately, a win for everyone isn’t enough. Ag needs to lose, at least in the eyes of the Environmental Justice groups.
The California Department of Conservation, on Dec. 20, proposed changes to the program. Not only going forward, but retroactively. This proposed change has put a stop to projects by six different recipients totaling $75 million across the San Joaquin Valley. Now, irrigation districts and
groundwater authorities who had already been told that they were awarded funding and started on these projects must sit and wait to see if the state is going to change the rules on them and yank their funding.
Why the change? Because the state wants to add “meaningful” benefits for disadvantaged communities into the requirements for qualifying for the grants. Now, agencies are worried that they will have to withdraw projects, many of which were counted in their Groundwater Sustainability Plans.
While growers must contend with uncertainty every day, they should not have to worry about whether the legal actions they take today will be deemed illegal months or years down the road. The same goes with these programs that were established to help farmers comply with the state’s rules. Hundreds of thousands of once productive acres of farmland in California will be removed from production over the next 15 years to comply with SGMA. Proposals like this only increase the number of acres that will need to be
fallowed. Many of the employees who stand to lose their jobs with this fallowing live in the communities that the Environmental Justice groups claim they want to protect.
The Farm Bureau is on top of this issue, along with many others including a California Department of Fish and Wildlife proposal to set a bag and season limit on coyotes. More on that later! Thank you for your membership, it allows us to continue the fight against over regulation across the state and our nation. We know that without you, we could not be here!
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
Stepping up for agriculture in 2025
JUST A COUPLE WEEKS AGO at the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, I reminded Farm Bureau members that it’s going to take all of us stepping up in 2025 to drive agriculture forward. After a record number of grassroots contacts last year – nearly 50,000 texts, calls, emails and letters – I am confident that we are ready to work with leaders and lawmakers in 2025.
Already the past few weeks have been a whirlwind. When we heard talk of tariffs on our largest export markets, we launched into action by engaging with White House staff and reaching out to President Trump about the likely consequences of tariffs for farmers and ranchers, who always get caught in the crosshairs of tariff battles. We were also quick to express appreciation for the administration’s
negotiations with Mexico and Canada that led to the tariffs being put on hold for 30 days.
Of course, Farm Bureau supports the goals of security and ensuring fair trade, and we’re hopeful President Trump can limit trade disruptions and open new markets for agriculture. We have seen very few new trade deals in the last decade, and U.S. agriculture is now seeing a trade deficit of $32 billion. That’s in stark contrast to our historical agricultural trade surplus, averaging $12.5 billion over the past 10 years. Boosting agricultural trade also has proven to be good for our overall economy. Historically, every $1 of U.S. agricultural exports results in over $2 in additional domestic economic activity.
The importance of trade is a point I’ll make when I testify before the Senate Agriculture Committee this week as the whirlwind continues. I’ll also shine a spotlight on the urgent need for action on a new, modernized farm bill. While the disaster assistance Congress approved at the end of 2024 is critical to farm and
ranch families, we cannot afford to keep kicking the can down the road with a long-outdated farm bill.
As farmers and ranchers know, the farm bill isn’t the only pressing issue for agriculture right now. We – and many other small businesses – are anticipating what may be the largest tax increase in American history if Congress does not pass critical tax reform legislation this year. Lawmakers have promised to prioritize extending expiring tax provisions, and we will hold them to it. Congress must find a way to facilitate a stable business environment for America’s farms and ranches to help us continue to provide the food, renewable fuel and fiber this country needs.
Farm Bureau is also urging Congress and the administration to work together to find solutions to one of agriculture’s greatest challenges – labor. It’s among the biggest limiting factors in American agriculture today and farmers are out of
See AFBF, page 9
OFFERING DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FOR EFFICIENT AND SECURE BANKING.
Success in agriculture means making the most of every minute. American AgCredit’s convenient and secure digital banking tools put time back into your hands. We o er safe and e cient solutions to keep your business running smoothly, so you have more time for the moments that matter.
Your future grows here Visit agloan.com/online or scan the QR code to learn more.
We’re not just a bank, we’re a partner. For nearly 160 years, we’ve helped our customers turn dreams into reality. From opening a bank account and saving for college to buying a home or starting a business, we are here to support you through all of life’s milestones. Connect with us to learn how we can help you turn your most important moments into a lifetime of memories.
Tariffs
Continued from page 1
they’re negative for consumers because the higher costs caused by tariffs are passed along to the public,” said SJFB President Les Strojan. “However, the tariff situation is up in the air now and what may happen in the future is unknown.”
The recent tariff showdown with Canada and Mexico over proposed tariffs on their imports of 25% -- with limited exceptions – and 10% on all goods from China resulted in Canada and Mexico declaring they would impose retaliatory tariffs. However, both nations agreed to a 30-day tariff extension to avoid costly trade disruptions.
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said, “Tariffs and tariff retaliation often hit farmers and ranchers hard, which make it more difficult for them to pay their bills and grow the food America’s families
rely on.” The harmful effects of retaliation to farmers causes, he said, a ripple effect through the rest of the rural economy.
The full effect of retaliatory tariffs was felt by farmers across the country in 2018 when, in response to America’s tariff actions, China, the European Union, Mexico and Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of agricultural products; this increased the prices of U.S. agricultural exports in those markets which resulted in a reduction in exports of $27 billion in 2018 and 2019 combined.
“It’s a fluid situation at this point,” Genasci commented regarding the current tariff environment. “And we’re somewhat nervous about what retaliation tariffs might be. What the downstream effects will be is still unknown but whatever retaliatory tariffs might be, the potential is there for increased costs.”
SJFB Second Vice President Herman Doornenbal said uncertainty about Con-
Continued on next page
Continued from previous page
gress coming up with a new farm bill is troublesome. About tariffs, he said, “Not enough has happened to see how the tariff situation is affecting us. But tariffs are only part of the challenges agriculture faces today. Our trade imbalance is very troubling and it’s difficult to see how we will get out of this imbalance. I find it harder to be optimistic about agriculture’s future here and across the country if these issues aren’t addressed.”
Tariffs aren’t necessarily bad for every industry. Ironically, tariffs on imported steel and aluminum may prove to be a boon for American companies producing these metals. While prices for farm equipment made from imported metals have increased, the home-grown companies don’t have to contend with the tariff challenge and thus can effectively compete in the agricultural equipment and product marketplace.
“We export cherries to Canada and Mexico, both of which are growing markets so if retaliatory tariffs occur there, I might be personally affected,” said SJFB First Vice President James Chinchiolo. The diversified grower noted that the last time retaliatory tariffs hit San Joaquin county’s export crops in 2019, “I received a relief payment from a federal program.”
He said tariffs will probably increase somewhat but despite that “it’s still an exciting time for agriculture. We’ll feel some pain but we’ll get through it.”
How important are tariffs to local, state and national agriculture? In 2024, nearly $60 billion in ag exports went to Canada and Mexico and broad tariff measures would have almost certainly led to price increases across multiple commodities and sectors, explained California Farm Bureau’s Matthew Viohl, director of federal policy. “Given California’s heavy reliance on international markets to move its agricultural commodities, CAFB has urged caution on tariff policies that could further strain an already struggling industry.”
AFBF’s Duvall explained, during an appearance before the Senate Agriculture Committee to a question from ranking member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) about
tariffs: “We need this administration – because we haven’t seen it for almost a decade – really getting fair trade deals to be put in place and stick with good rules and keep people working under it.”
He added, “It has now been seven years since Congress has passed a farm bill. Farm Bureau is again asking Congress to roll up its sleeves and pass a modernized five-year bill.”
A newly minted farm bill would undoubtedly include, among other things, elements dealing with tariffs, their effects
and how to help the agriculture community deal with them.
According to the AFBF, farmers will plant one of the most expensive crops ever in 2025 due to rising interest rates, higher energy prices and unchecked input costs, making the choice of what to plant and securing operating loans perhaps more critical than ever. Also, the USDA’s most recent Farm Sector Income Forecast shows a $41 billion decrease in net farm income, down almost 22% from the previous forecast.
With more than 20% of the nation’s farm income derived from imports, the potential of wrestling with the additional costs caused by tariffs requires important actions to benefit farmers in coming tariff times.
“Tariffs are a longer-term deal,” said Strojan. “We have to deal with them and bureaucracies don’t always move quickly. It’s time for those government agencies to listen seriously to the state and national farm organizations to resolve whatever tariffs may appear in the future.”
DIRECTOR
By Jessica Coit
Raising funds for ag education, scholarships
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO MISSED last month, we are excited to announce that the SJFB Foundation for Agricultural Education will be hosting their annual Wine Tasting fundraiser on Wednesday, March 26 at the Robert J. Cabral Ag Center! As always, it's a wonderful night showcasing local wineries, breweries and restaurants in San Joaquin County while fundraising to further ag education!
The tickets have been flying off the shelf, and the event always sells out, so be sure to purchase your tickets before it’s too late! To learn more about the event, scan the QR Code printed on the Wine Tasting ad on the back page. For further details about the event, you can contact ageducation@sjfb.org , or you can call (209) 931-4931.
The applications for the 2025 scholarships are now open! Each year, more than
$40,000 in scholarships are awarded to deserving students who are pursuing a degree in agriculture related fields. There is an array of scholarships offered from SJFB, the SJFB Foundation for Agricultural Education, the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee as well numerous memorial scholarships. Check out the SJFB website for the list of scholarships or reach out to the SJFB office and we would be more than happy to forward the applications along to you or your student.
Strojan
Continued from page 2
on the production.
It’s hard for our organization to know what to say. Press releases are prepared and thrown out the next day because the circumstances have changed and we’re concerned about the message. Ultimately,
The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 28 at 4 p.m.
Scholarship recipients will be honored at the SJFB 111th Annual Meeting that is scheduled for Thursday, May 8 at Rustic Ranches in Manteca! To learn more information about our scholarship program, you can also contact me at jessica@sjfb. org. As always, feel free to reach out to the office if you have any questions or concerns! You can reach the SJFB office at (209) 931-4931.
we need to go back to our core values. Free enterprise, rewarding efficiency and stability. Food has to cost more unless costs can be rolled back.
As we trough through the winter, signs of spring are about us. There was good interaction at our first two Farm Center meetings. Members took the opportunity to bring up questions and there was lively conversations. That’s what those meetings are for, good show.
SJC AGNET TASK FORCE
By San Joaquin County Rural Crime Division
SJC crime for January
Tool/equipment theft
In the 10000 block of E Fairchild, an unknown suspect stole 50 black horse mats from the property. The loss is valued at $3,000.
Commodity/livestock theft and other related cases
In the 6000 block of N Escalon Bellota Road, unknown suspects damaged a fence and stole several hundred plants. The loss is valued at $4,200.
In the 27000 block of E Sonora Road, an unknown suspect stole batteries from tractor and forklift as well as 170 gallons of gas from above ground tank. Total loss is estimated at $1,200.
In the 9000 block of W Rindge Road, an unknown suspect stole copper wire from three separate pumps. Over 230 feet of wire valued at $41,000 and labor to replace valued at $50,000.
In the Clements area, ag units assisted in large scale animal neglect case over three separate properties.
Recovered property
In the 1500 block of Woodward Ave. in Modesto, ag units recovered an outstanding stolen vehicle from a vacant property in Manteca.
Arrested persons Jan Johnson arrested for outstanding warrant as well as firearm charges.
AFBF
Continued from page 5
options.
Washington is also abuzz with nominations and confirmation. As critical cabinet and agency positions are filled, we will look forward to coming to the table to ensure your voices are heard in Washington. Recently, we were pleased to see Brooke Rollins’ nomination as secretary
of agriculture advance. Farm Bureau has a long history of working with USDA, and we are eager to work with secretarydesignate Rollins and her team in the days and weeks ahead.
Across Farm Bureau, we will continue to step up and engage on these issues and many others to ensure our voices are heard. I am amazed when I hear the changes our members have made at the local and state level, and when we come together at the national level, I know we can ensure a brighter future for agriculture.
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
