Farm and Ranch March 2019

FARM & RANCH

MARCH 27, 2019 A special supplement to the Oakdale Leader, the Escalon Times, the Riverbank News, the Manteca Bulletin and the Ripon Bulletin

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Leadership Farm Bureau Introduces Ten-Member Class Ten Farm Bureau members from California have begun intensive training on agricultural issues and leadership methods through the Leadership Farm Bureau program. The Class of 2019 was formally introduced during the recent annual California Farm Bureau Federation Leaders Conference in Sacramento.

During the year, the class members will benefit from more than 250 hours of instruction during seven sessions that focus on agricultural issues, governmental policy and personal development. Participants will advocate on behalf of Farm Bureau in Sacramento

and Washington, D.C., take field-studies trips in Northern California and out of state, and will emerge from the program with enhanced background in communication, teambuilding, advocacy and the Farm Bureau organization.

The LFB Class of 2019 includes: • Jocelyn Anderson of Willows, who works on the family farm growing almonds, walnuts, alfalfa and corn, and who serves on the Glenn County Farm Bureau board and the Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee; • Shane Bickner of Lemoore, crop manager for Woolf Enterprises who grows pistachios, winegrapes and cotton, and serves on the Kings County Farm Bureau board of directors; • Lance Clothier of Wilton, a hay grower who serves as first vice president of the Sacramento County Farm Bureau;

• Cody Dodson of Tulelake, who farms his own property, custom-farms for others and serves on the Modoc County Farm Bureau board of directors; • Alana Fowler of Penn Valley, a Nevada County Farm Bureau member who with her husband owns a contract-grazing business and a pasture-raised meat business; • Anna Genasci of Oakdale, assistant director of AgSafe and a member of the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau board of directors; • Brian Greathouse of Sutter, who grows walnuts and raises cattle, works as grower service manager for Sacramento Valley Walnut Growers and serves on the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau board of directors; • Amber McDowell of Walnut Grove, whose family farms pears and alfalfa and runs a pheasant-hunting preserve, and who works

as program assistant for the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation; • Brian Medeiros of Hanford, who operates a diversified farming operation and serves as vice president of the Kings County Farm Bureau; • Ian Vietti of Visalia, staff agronomist for Innovative Ag Services and past chair of the Tulare County Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee.

The 2019 Leadership Farm Bureau class will graduate in December during the 101st CFBF Annual Meeting in Monterey. For further information about the program, see www.cfbf.com/leadership-farm-bureau.

Article courtesy of The California Farm Bureau Federation

Agriculture And The Economy Though it’s easy to look at the tech industry and think this increasingly influential sector is what makes the world go round, something closer to the very core of the

Earth may be what’s driving your economy.

The agricultural sector plays a strategic role in a nation’s economic development and prosperity. From the earliest days, agri-

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culture has been heralded as playing a crucial role in North American culture. Farmers who grow produce and raise livestock for meats and other products have long exemplified what it means to work hard and take initiatives to be self-sufficient.

The symbiotic nature of agriculture and the economy is noticeable when examining the ups and downs of each. This is because food production and the potential of agriculture extends beyond the fields and local food stands. These resources impact supply chains and other markets. A strong agriculture base influences other employment sectors like food manufacturing, biotechnology, hospitality, machinery building, and much more, while a weak agriculture

can adversely affect those sectors.

While it can be difficult for residents of developed nations to visualize agriculture’s effect, one only needs to turn to impoverished and developing nations to see just how big an impact agriculture can have on an economy. Agriculture provides food and raw materials, eventually creating demand for goods produced in non-agricultural sectors. Also, food provides nutrition that can serve as the foundation of a healthy nation.

Earning a living in agriculture strengthens purchasing power, which fuels other markets. Eventually, farming can pave the way for development, including roads, markets, shipping services, exporting, and many other sectors.

Agriculture is an important economic building block. An especially important sector, the agricultural industry, when supported, can contribute greatly to sustained economic growth.

Farm & Ranch • Wednesday, March 27, 2019 — 5

New Class Enters 2019 Almond Leadership Program The Almond Board of California (ABC) recently announced its 2019 Almond Leadership Program class. These 19 promising leaders represent diverse backgrounds across multiple industries, from almond growers, processors and food safety specialists to marketing experts, sales representatives and even a dentist who has a passion for farming.

Almond Leadership Program participants will spend this year growing in their roles as the future generation of California almond industry leaders. They will learn from volunteer mentors who will help equip program participants with the knowledge and experience necessary to improve their leadership skills, the industry and their communities.

The class will complete specialized training in a wide variety of topic areas, many of which are tied to ABC activities in marketing, trade stewardship, scientific research, food safety and more.

As a kickoff to the program, Leadership class members participated in a two-day orientation, which included a State of the Industry address from ABC President and CEO Richard Waycott and Chair of the Board of Directors Holly King. Waycott and King highlighted the Almond Orchard 2025 Goals and the almond community’s commitment to continuous improvement, which are cornerstones of this year’s Almond Leadership Program.

As they progress through the program, Leadership members will gain a stronger understanding of how the social, economic and scientific issues facing our world today — combined with the current political climate — affect the almond industry. They’ll also learn how all sectors in the almond supply chain work together to provide a safe, sustainable product. Sustainable almond farming utilizes production practices that are economically viable and are based upon scientific research, common sense and a respect for the environment, neighbors and employees. The result is a plentiful, nutritious, safe food product.

Through monthly seminars that span topics reaching all aspects of the industry, Leadership members will sharpen their communication skills while building relationships that will span their careers.

Each participant will also select an area of interest to explore as part of a yearlong selfdirected project. These projects will all focus on ways to help advance industry knowledge, and some past projects even led to important breakthroughs for the industry. At the end of the year, one participant will be selected to present their project at The Almond Conference 2019, held this year at Cal Expo in Sacramento.

“This program helps mold great people into even greater leaders — the leaders we will one day look toward to shape the future of the almond industry,” said Jenny Nicolau, senior manager, Industry Relations and Communications, ABC. “Each graduate from the Almond Leadership Program has gone on to be a leader of change in the industry or their community in some capacity, and this group will be no different. They are bright and talented, and obviously problem-solvers, and we are honored to be partners on this yearlong journey.”

Over the past ten years, the Almond Leadership Program has graduated more than 150 participants and supported many key initiatives benefiting the industry. This year’s class will continue the tradition of raising funds for California Future Farmers of America (FFA) and has pledged to raise more than $20,000 in scholarships for high school students interested in pursuing agriculture in college.

Members of this year’s class include: Maria Gabriela Chavarria, Harris Woolf California Almonds; Louis Brichetto, L.F. Brichetto Farming; Dominique Camou, Famoso Nut Company; Rocky Dhaliwal, Valley Pride Farming; Brian Erickson, Erickson Orchards; Haley Fields, Ali Cox & Company Marketing; Purnima Gupta, K&G Ranches; Joseph Jackson, Hillside Orchards; Falastine “Fill” Munoz, Grizzly Nut, LLC; April Nuckles, HarvestPort; Kristina Qualls, South Valley Almond Company, LLC; Brett Richesin, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.; Dylan Rogers, AgroLiquid; Lucas Schmidt, Grow West; Victor Thao, Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Jerrett Thomason, Wells Fargo Food and Agribusiness; Chris VanderStoel, VanderStoel Farm; Connor Wagner, Wagner Land Company; and Chandler Wilson, NutriAg Group Ltd. Almonds from California are a natural, wholesome and quality food. The Almond Board of California promotes almonds through its research-based approach to all aspects of marketing, farming and production on behalf of the more than 6,000 almond growers and processors in California, many of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com or check out California Almonds on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and the California Almonds blog.

Content courtesy of The California Almond Board

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6 — Farm & Ranch • Wednesday, March 27, 2019

How Milk Pricing Works – A Dairy Industry Lesson Milk and dairy products are the leading commodity group in California agriculture, with a value of more than $7.6 billion just a few years ago. This level of output establishes California as the largest dairy state in the country and a world leader in production. Due to significant changes in the marketplace in recent years and months, interest in the milk pricing structure in California is increasing.

Here are some frequently asked questions – and some answers – about this valuable state commodity.

Why is milk pricing regulated?

Long-standing inequities in the milk market spurred the California Legislature to establish pricing regulations in 1935.

While much has changed in the dairy industry since then, many of the characteristics of milk, marketing of dairy products and related economic conditions that justified regulation in the 1930’s have remained the same: Milk is a perishable product and must be harvested daily.

No other regulations would be in place to assure an adequate supply of milk.

Production is highest when demand for fluid milk is at a seasonal low, largely due to the fact that a significant amount of fluid milk is consumed by children at school. Milk production is at its highest when schools adjourn for summer vacations.

Milk continues to be viewed as a necessary food item, particularly for children.

Without economic regulation, a strong potential exists for volatility. The swings in milk prices between the highs and lows would likely to be much greater without the stability offered by regulation.

What is CDFA’s role in setting milk prices?

CDFA is the regulatory agency charged with balancing the needs of dairy farmers producing milk on the farm, manufacturers taking milk from the farm and converting it into dairy products, and consumers looking for a reliable supply of reasonably priced products. In order to perform this duty, the Department moni-

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California is a leading dairy state in the country and a world leader in production, with milk and dairy products a major state commodity.

tors conditions in the dairy marketplace and establishes the minimum price that must be paid by processors to producers.

What factors determine the milk price?

CDFA carefully monitors prices for butter, cheese, powdered milk and whey at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and also considers economic factors that affect farmers, processors and consumers.

These factors include the costs associated with the production of milk, such as feed, labor, utilities, and veterinary care; and the costs associated with the manufacturing of dairy products; such as labor, utilities, packaging, and administrative activities. CDFA also considers supply and demand in markets where dairy products are sold to provide fair and reasonable prices to consumers.

Why does California have its own pricing system separate from federal orders?

After California regulated dairy prices

in 1935, the federal government followed two years later with a national system to provide stability in the dairy industry for farmers, processors and consumers.

At that time, California was isolated on the West Coast, far away from the major population centers of the country. Dairy markets of the era were local in nature – products were not transported long distances. That geographic separation brought significant differences in market conditions that supported California staying out of the federal system and continuing with its own program.

What are the different regulated classes of milk?

Dairy products are grouped into classes based on similar manufacturing processes and/or product make-up.

Class 1 - fluid milk.

Class 2 (cultured products) - yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, buttermilk, and egg nog.

Class 3 (frozen products) - ice cream and frozen dairy desserts.

Farm & Ranch • Wednesday, March 27, 2019 — 7

Farm Leader Says Water Forecast Demonstrates System’s Limitations Johansson said the CVP likely needed to be conservative in its projections because of biological opinions for protected fish that require water to be reserved for fishery uses.

“We’re hopeful that revised biological opinions can provide more flexibility in managing the system and encourage creative projects for improving fish populations,” Johansson said.

“From our offices along the banks of the Sacramento River, I can look out and see a river swollen with runoff heading toward the ocean,” he said. “In wet winters such as this, we need to be able to capture more of that runoff, both above and below ground, to shield people and the environment from future droughts and replenish our groundwater basins.”

Johansson said Farm Bureau “will continue to advocate for balanced water policies that benefit our state’s farms, cities and environment alike.”

With the Sierra Nevada snowpack rising to nearly 150 percent of average, the California Farm Bureau Federation said it’s understandable why some agricultural customers of the federal Central Valley Project would be disappointed by the initial CVP water outlook. The project, operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, has told agricultural service contractors south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to expect 35 percent of contract supplies, and those north of the delta to expect 70 percent.

“California has been blessed with an abundant Sierra snowpack and that should be recognized in making an initial water allocation, so farmers can make their planting decisions,” CFBF President Jamie Johansson said. “We hope the CVP will be able to increase its allocations as the spring continues.

In above-average years such as this, we need to provide as much certainty about available supplies as early as possible to farmers and all other water users.”

Article Courtesy Of The California Farm Bureau Federation

State Water Efficiency And Enhancement Program

The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) has proven to be a beneficial effort, with more than 600 projects funded to date.

Projects help not only the grant recipient but also provide environmental benefits as well.

Here is a brief look at how the program operates and what benefits have been seen.

What is SWEEP? The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) provides financial assistance in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California agricultural operations.

How many projects have been funded so far?

CDFA has made grant awards to 614 projects covering over 113,994 acres. $62.7 million has been awarded to date, with more than $40.8 million in matching funds contributed by awardees.

What types of projects are eligible?

Eligible system components include (among others) soil moisture monitoring, drip systems, switching to low pressure irrigation systems, pump retrofits, variable frequency drives and installation of renewable energy to reduce onfarm water use and energy.

What have been the benefits of SWEEP? Along with helping farmers and ranchers save water and reduce their energy costs, SWEEP results in environmental benefits as well. CDFA estimates that over 75,368 metric tons of CO2e will be reduced annually, the equivalent of removing 16,139 cars from the road for one year (based on emissions reductions equivalent).

Moreover, SWEEP projects will help save over 101,050 acre-feet of water annually, enough to fill 50,000 Olympicsized swimming pools.

Who can I contact for information?

If you have questions about SWEEP, e-mail cdfa.oefi@cdfa.ca.gov.

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State’s Milk Advisory Board Supports Industry The California Milk Advisory Board (Real California Milk), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families. With headquarters in Tracy, the CMAB is one of the largest agricultural marketing boards in the United States. The CMAB executes advertising, public relations, research and retail and foodservice promotional programs on behalf of California dairy products that carry the Real California Milk seal, throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information and to connect with the CMAB through social media, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, like at Facebook, view videos at YouTube, follow at Twitter and Instagram, and pin at Pinterest.

A Healthy Dairy Industry The CMAB helps promote increased consumption of dairy products through effective use of: • Promotion: The CMAB aggressively promotes dairy products with generic advertising utilizing print, radio, television and digital media, in-store promotions and publicity. The Board believes

that these techniques have contributed to increased visibility and sales of dairy products.

• Education: The CMAB develops pamphlets, brochures, recipes and other educational materials to inform the trade and public about California’s dairy industry and the importance of milk and other dairy products in their diets.

• Research: The CMAB conducts ongoing research to improve food safety and cow herd health care and productivity.

A Professional Staff CMAB programs are managed and coordinated by a professional staff headquartered in Tracy, Calif. Staff members have backgrounds in a variety of specialties, including advertising, in-store product merchandising, retail management training, public information, public relations and international economics. The staff is assisted by outside agencies that create and execute various promotional programs. Research projects and programs are primarily conducted through the California Dairy Research Foundation, but also under contract with companies in the private sector and major

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Funding The CMAB is funded by dairy families through a special assessment based on milk production. Its programs and administration are supervised by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The Board The CMAB’s activities are governed by a board of directors comprised of 24 California dairy farmers. Each dairy farmer board member is nominated by their home districts (10 throughout the state) and are confirmed by the State Secretary of Food and Agriculture. A local advisory committee is also elected in each of the 10 home districts.

Look For The Seal California is the nation’s leading milk producer. It also produces more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. Dairy products made with Real California milk can be identified by the Real California Milk seal and are available throughout the U.S. and around the world.

The California Milk Advisory Board executes advertising, public relations, research and retail and foodservice promotional programs on behalf of California dairy products that carry the Real California Milk seal.

Farm & Ranch • Wednesday, March 27, 2019 — 9

Virulent Newcastle Disease Confirmed In Northern California One chicken, submitted to a veterinary office in Redwood City in mid-March by a backyard bird owner that lived in Alameda County, has been confirmed positive for VND, virulent Newcastle disease, and has been euthanized. Currently, CDFA and USDA are not aware of any other cases in Northern California, but are very actively investigating.

California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones previously modified Southern California’s quarantine area to further restrict bird movement as work continues to eradicate virulent Newcastle disease. The quarantine mandates the reporting of sick birds and prohibits poultry owners from moving birds in all of Los Angeles County, and in large areas of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

The modified quarantine extends from the northern and southern borders of western Riverside County to the Salton Sea-including the Coachella Valley-and as far east as Yucca Valley in San Bernardino County, with a northern boundary of State Route 58 at the Kern County line. The quarantine language and a map

may be found at CDFA’s VND web site.

The quarantine requires bird owners to allow diagnostic testing, to isolate poultry from other species, to cease exhibitions, to stop the shipping and receiving of birds, and to enhance biosecurity.

“By modifying the quarantine area in Southern California, we are building upon an ongoing effort to eradicate virulent Newcastle disease,” said Dr. Jones.

“The primary way that VND spreads is by people moving sick birds. Extending the prohibition of bird movement across a larger area is the next logical step in being able to stop the spread of the virus and to eradicate the disease.”

VND is a nearly-always fatal respiratory infection in poultry. Birds may seem healthy but will die within days of being infected. There is no cure. The virus is also transmitted by people who have VND on their clothes or shoes, and by equipment or vehicles that can transport the disease from place to place.

There are no human health concerns provided that any meat or eggs are cooked properly. People who come in direct contact with the virus may devel-

op conjunctivitis-like symptoms or run a mild fever.

The only way to stop the virus and eradicate the disease is to euthanize birds. This includes all infected birds as well as birds within heavily-infected areas.

Since May 2018, staff from the California Department of Agriculture (CDFA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been working in joint incident command to eradicate VND in Southern California. The highly contagious virus has resulted, or will soon result, in the euthanasia of more than one million birds in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.

Birds from four poultry industry producers in Riverside County and two poultry industry producer in San Bernardino County have also been infected with VND and all birds in those facilities have been or will be euthanized.

For more information about movement restrictions, biosecurity, and testing requirements, call the Sick Bird Hotline (866) 922-2473 or email SFSPermits@cdfa.ca.gov.

10 — Farm & Ranch • Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Produce Safety Program Prepares For Food Inspections

State Working To Identify Exotic Pests

Thousands of California produce farm- Krout-Greenberg, director of CDFA’s InThe California Department of Food ers have received a letter from the CDFA, spection Services Division, which is overand Agriculture (CDFA) is now acceptCalifornia Department of Food and Ag- seeing the program. “Our role is to ensure ing grant applications for its Proactive riculture, containing important informa- California produce farmers know how IPM Solutions Program, administered tion about on-farm food safety inspections to comply with the requirements of the by the Office of Pesticide Consultation that will begin this spring for a number of Produce Safety Rule, and then to regulate and Analysis (OPCA). fruit, nut and vegetable farms in the state. farms to ensure they are compliant.”

The goal of this program is to anOf the produce farms identified in CaliA questionnaire seeking background inticipate which exotic pests are likely to formation about farms was included in the fornia, only large farms will be subject to arrive in California and to identify and mailing and will be utilized to help coordi- inspections at first. Under the Produce propriation of $544,000 for this and test IPM strategies that can be rapidly Safety Rule, farms with $500,000 or more in nate inspections. other research as part of the 2018-2019 implemented if the pests become estab- budget. OPCA provides consultation to The inspections are part of the Food average annual sales have been required to nd lished in California.

DPR’s Research Symposium compliant with the Produce Safety Rule Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA. Since 2 be IPM the California Department of Pesticide CDFA is responsible for preventing the law was passed, the U.S. Food and Drug since January 2018 and inspections to verRegulation (DPR) on pesticide regulaand mitigating invasive pests in CaliAdministration (FDA) has been working ify their compliance will begin this spring. tory matters. The offices’ consultative fornia. Techniques from the thefarms Department Pesticide (DPR)resulting Pest Management Research Grant Program Small – those with of annual sales Regulation with states across the U.S. to assist Since them in2013 activities focus on potential pesticide Proactive IPM Solutions Program will of between $250,000 and $500,000 – were performing on-farm inspections. These inregulatory impacts and pest has been providing funds for research projects develop Integrated Management (IPM)managein both allow that for rapid deployment of future Pest spections are set to begin at some produce required to be compliant beginning in ment alternatives that may mitigate or management plans. agricultural and urban situations.

To date, DPR has awarded 6.3 million dollars tosuch fund 27 projects.

Over January of this year but won’t be inspected farms in California. prevent impacts on production Applications are due on April 8, 2019, until next year.

Very small farms with sales In April, CDFA’s newly-established Proagriculture.

OPCA staff is also involved the same time period, more than 2 million by dollars has been awarded for research contracts to explore midnight, duce Safety Program is scheduled to be- between $25,000 and $250,000 are not rein other projects relating to pesticide Detailed on of thisthis program, facets IPMtoofcomply special interest to DPR. Sharing theinformation outcomes research is integral mission until January of 2020. gin inspections on behalf of the FDA as a ofquired use and alternativesto to the high-impact including the application process and Farmers are encouraged to visit the Promeans of verifying that produce farms in pesticides. of DPR, part of which is to “foster reduced-risk pest requirements, management”. application is available California are following food safety regula- duce Safety Program’s website for informaInformation on the Office of Pesticide at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/opca/ tion. tions for produce under FSMA. Consultation and Analysis is available proactive-ipm.html Article Courtesy Of The California Farm “The Produce Safety Program’s core val- end, at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/opca/.

To that DPR is hosting the 2nd Integrated Pest Management OPCA received an annual ap-Research Symposium to showcase DPR ue is to educate, then regulate,” said Natalie Bureau Federation

funded research projects that have recently been completed, or are nearing completion.

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Lunch will be provided and parking passes will be provided at the venue.

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The agenda is available on the registration page. Any updates to the agenda will be posted there.

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Farm & Ranch • Wednesday, March 27, 2019 — 11

Safety Tips For Parents Of Young Farmers People who live in cities, exurbs or suburbs may not come across farms very frequently. But millions of people, including children, still live on farms. In fact, in 2009 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that more than one million children under the age of 20 lived, worked or had a regular presence on farms in the United States.

Protecting children from injury on farms, especially those who perform work on farms, is of paramount importance. The American Society of Safety Engineers offers the following safety tips to parents of children who will be spending time on farms.

Know and obey the laws. Various state and federal laws are in place to protect young children from farmrelated accidents and injuries. Age requirements dictate which jobs children can perform on a farm, and parents should adhere to those requirements. Asking children to do more than they’re physically capable of can lead to accident, injury

or even death.

Review equipment operation instructions. Before assigning children a task on the farm, parents should review the equipment operation instructions. Doing so can help parents reacquaint themselves with tools and equipment they may not have used in a while, and that can make it easier for them to teach kids how to use such equipment.

In addition, reviewing equipment instructions may provide insight to parents unsure if their children are old enough to use certain tools.

Inspect equipment. Before children perform any tasks on the farm, parents should inspect the equipment their children are likely to use to make sure each tool is safe. Make sure tools are in proper working order, as broken or poorly working equipment increases the risk of accident or injury.

Enroll children in farm safety camps. The ASSE recommends that parents contact their local Coopera-

tive Extension and Farm Bureau offices to enroll children in farm safety camps. Such camps can teach kids safe farming techniques and the proper ways to use age-appropriate tools.

Set a positive example. Another way for parents to protect their children on the farm is to set a positive example. Parents can do so in various ways. Using equipment properly, removing tractor keys from ignitions when tractors are not in use and exercising caution when using hazardous materials

Hundreds of thousands of children perform jobs on farms across the country. Parents who want to teach their kids to farm should always do so with safety in mind.

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Olive Oil Commission Authorized To Continue Another Five Years

The California Department of Food and Agriculture, CDFA, recently conducted a public hearing to receive comments from the California olive oil industry and from the public on whether the operation of the Olive Oil Commission of California should be continued. The Department is required to conduct such a hearing every five years pursuant to Sections 79891 and 79892 of the California Food and Agricultural Code. Based on the analysis of the hearing record, the Department has concluded that there is no substantial question as to whether the Commission should continue and therefore the Commission is authorized to operate for another five years through June 30, 2024 without the need for a producer vote.

Most of the testimony and evidence

submitted into the hearing record was strongly supportive of the Commission’s continued operation. It was broad-based as it was received from a diverse group of industry representatives. It was also broad in scope as it highlighted the Commission’s contributions to the California olive oil industry via a range of activities including the implementation of strict standards for the purity and quality of California olive oil, verifying California olive oil quality through mandatory sampling and third-party analysis, requiring clear accurate labeling for California olive oil, and conducting research to assist farmers in growing olives for olive oil.

The Olive Oil Commission is one of 51 marketing programs overseen by the CDFA. These programs provide agricultural producers and handlers with an organizational structure, operating under government sanction, that allows them to solve production and marketing problems collectively that they could not address individually.

Proposals Being Accepted For Limited Specialty Crop Grants The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting limited proposals for the 2019 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).

The CDFA 2019 SCBGP Request for Concept Proposals set aside up to $3 million for proposals submitted through a separate process to support beginning and socially disadvantaged specialty crop farmers, including urban farmers, and/or promote increased access or nutrition education in underserved communities throughout California. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

This solicitation will utilize a simplified application process, and proposals selected will receive technical assistance from CDFA to develop a full proposal for submission to USDA. The intent of this solicitation is to provide a process through which organizations that have been histori-

cally underrepresented in the SCBGP can participate.

CDFA will award up to $1 million to proposals through this solicitation.

Grant awards will be up to $100,000 per project and projects may last for up to two years. Non-profit organizations and tribal government entities with knowledge and experience in either supporting socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers or improving access and nutrition education in underserved communities are eligible to apply. Applicants are required to complete and submit their 2019 SCBGP Limited Grant Proposal using the required template available on the SCBGP website: www.cdfa. ca.gov/grants. Grant Proposals must be submitted by email to grants@cdfa. ca.gov by 5:00 p.m. PDT on April 10, 2019.

Prospective applicants may contact CDFA’s Office of Grants Administration at grants@cdfa.ca.gov for additional information.

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Farm & Ranch • Wednesday, March 27, 2019 — 13

MJC Students Win Multiple Awards At California Agriculture Leaders Contest Modesto Junior College sent 12 agriculture students to the California Agriculture Leaders (CAL) Contest, held March 1, 2019 at Shasta College in Redding, Calif. The MJC contestants placed in the top five in almost every category in which they competed, bringing home five First Place Awards, six Second Place Awards and three Third Place Awards.

las – 3rd, Elizabeth Enke – 4th, Corie Lee Falaschi –5th Quiz Bowl: MJC Team B – 4th, MJC Team A – 6th Team Marketing: Johnathan Moules and Elizabeth Enke – 1st Individual Sales: Elizabeth Enke – 3rd

The MJC team’s results in the competition were: Job Interview Categories: Ag Sales: Celeste Lopes – 1st, Kara Lipke – 2nd, Abigail Douglas – 3rd Ag Education: Johnathan Moules – 2nd Horticulture: Edwin Madrid – 2nd Beef Production: Lili Trejo – 2nd Ag Mechanic Tech: Stephanie Gonzales – 1st Discussion Meet: Johnathan Moules – 1st, Edwin Madrid – 2nd, Abigail Doug-

Prepared Public Speaking: Johnathan Moules – 1st, Liliy Llamas – 4th, Elizabeth Enke – 5th Portfolio: Johnathon Moules – 1st, Corie Lee Falaschi – 2nd, Josie Booth – 4th The students were accompanied by their team advisor and coach Lori Marchy, MJC instructor of agriculture. For more information on MJC’s agricultural programs visit www.mjc.edu/instruction/agens or call (209) 575-6200.

L ENDING

Shown, MJC students displaying their awards are, from left: Elizabeth Enke, Lili Trejo, Josie Booth, Abigail Douglas, Stephanie Gonzales, Kara Lipke, Celeste Lopes, Kalli Waid, Lilly Llamas, Corie Lee Falaschi, Edwin Madrid, and Jonathan Moules.

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Jeff Hushaw Commercial Lender 844.7544

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Debbie Bagiletto Manteca Branch Manager 396.1581

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14— Farm & Ranch • Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Maintenance Keeps Horses Healthy And Happy Horses are strong animals that have been relied upon for centuries to fill various roles. Once a primary mode of transportation for humans, horses also have helped farmers tend to their crops and entertained millions on the racetracks.

Since they are social animals, horses need attention and consistent care. Keeping a horse is quite a commitment, but it’s a commitment that can prove very rewarding. Caring for a horse’s needs will help keep the animal happy and healthy. Horses require basic daily care that should be tailored to the season.

Shelter A horse habitat is an area where the animal can escape the elements when not grazing. Barns, stalls or even just shade coverings, depending on the area and climate, can make great shelters for horses. The shelter should not be smaller than 12 square feet. If a shelter is small, the horse will need to get more daily ex-

ercise to stretch out.

Fencing and gates should be secure. Some horses are smart enough to get out of paddocks or their stalls simply by opening the gate. Chains and locks can help prevent escape artists.

Food Horses are grazing animals and are accustomed to eating all day.

If pastures are green and horses are getting enough grass, they may not need supplementation with hay. However, if the weather gets cold and grass is in short supply, horses will need access to plenty of hay. Many horse owners feed their horses twice a day and supplement their food with salt or mineral licks.

Limit the amount of oats and sweet treats, especially for animals that aren’t as active. A veterinarian also can advise horse owners about the best types of feed for particular horses based on the animals’ age, activity level, gender, and breed.

Veterinary care, proper feeding, exercise and grooming keep horses healthy and happy.

Feet and Teeth It is important to maintain the health of a horse’s feet and teeth. An inability to grind food properly can prevent a horse from getting proper nutrition, which is essential to their health. This is especially true when the weather gets cold and the horse needs extra energy in colder weather. An equine dentist can examine a horse’s teeth and make sure there are no issues preventing the horse from eating well.

Similarly, a horse spends most of its time on its feet. A farrier should be called in regularly to inspect hooves and adjust shoes if they are worn. Rocks, debris, and other items on the ground can become lodged in the animal’s feet and cause irritation. Also, clipped hooves will chip less and provide more grip. Farriers can suggest other tips to keep feet in good health.

Grooming Daily grooming will help keep a horse comfortable. Brushing the horse’s coat provides a good opportunity to spend time with the animal and further foster a good relationship. A horse will learn to trust its owner more and more when owners make frequent contact. Grooming also enables horse owners to inspect their animals for any cuts, ticks or maladies that should be brought to the attention of a vet.

Remember to hose down horses after a ride and during hot weather. Sweat can attract flies, leading to bites and sores. The Minnesota Horse Council notes that horses that spend substantial time outside may be susceptible to sunburn. Apply a sunscreen to the horse’s nose, especially for light-colored horses. Sunburns can lead to blistering and infections, so make protecting horses from the sun a priority.

Farm & Ranch • Wednesday, March 27, 2019 — 15

The Basics Of Raising Pigs Many people subscribe to the notion that ‘everything is better with bacon.’

Imagine being able to control the quality and flavor of pork products, and knowing just what went into producing delicious bacon?

In an era of growing uncertainty about commercially produced food, many agriculturally inclined people are raising livestock right on their properties, and small-scale pig farms can be a successful venture.

Despite pigs’ reputation as dirty animals, the animal resource PetHelpful indicates they are actually one of the cleanest farm animals. Pigs tend to wallow in mud only if they do not have proper shade and a clean, steady water supply to regulate their body temperature. Furthermore, giving pigs plenty of space to roam will enable them to keep dry, clean and cool.

Pens should be large enough so pigs can sleep and eat on one end and use the other end for soiling. Pigs also are intelligent animals that will adapt to routine.

This means it may be easier to care for pigs than some other farm animals.

Even though pigs can grow to be quite large, they do not need to live on an expansive farm. Many pigs can live quite well on an acre if their pen and foraging areas are rotated periodically. Data from

the past 50 years shows that today’s pig farms use less land and other resources to produce one pound of pork, according to the National Pork Board. Therefore, raising pigs can be a sustainable undertaking.

According to Mother Earth News, when selecting pig breeds for a pig farm startup, these are popular as lean-meat producers and shouldn’t be hard to find: Yorkshire, Duroc-Jersey, Berkshire, Hampshire, Poland-China, Chester White and Tamworth. Choose sows (females) or barrows (castrated males) for the best-tasting meat. Also, keep in mind that pigs are social animals, and even though the average family will do just fine with one pig’s worth of meat, pigs do better if raised in pairs or more.

Pigs need a varied diet to thrive. Diets should include grain, milk, fruits, vegetables, and greens from pasture. Experts suggest novices ask a veterinarian or another pig farmer about feeding. A family garden or bartering with other families nearby for food materials can keep feeding costs minimal.

Many pigs can be butchered by the age of six or seven months. After pigs reach that age, they begin to grow quite large and become a much larger investment of time and money.

Pig farming can be a worthwhile venture. More in-depth information on raising pigs is available at http://porkgateway.org/resource/introduction-to-raising-pigs/.

16 — Farm & Ranch • Wednesday, March 27, 2019

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