madera county farm bureau - maderafb.com newspapers/december 2011/mcfb...mcfb office to rsvp at ......

MADERA COUNTYFARM BUREAU

Business Member Profile: Madera Auto Center(L to R): John Harford, Sales Manager, Reno Zerpoli, Internet Sales.

Page 6

December 2011 Vol. 2, No. 2

January3 Executive Committee Meeting,

3:30 p.m., MCFB Conference Room, 1102 South Pine Street, Madera (559) 674-8871, info @ www.maderafb.com

10 MCFB Board of Directors Meet-ing, 12:00 p.m., MCFB Ben Hayes Hall, 1102 South Pine Street, Madera (559) 674-8871, info @ www.maderafb.com

February7 Executive Committee Meeting,

3:30 p.m., MCFB Conference Room, 1102 South Pine Street, Madera (559) 674-8871, info @ www.maderafb.com

7 Ag Hazmat Training, English 9:00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m., Span-ish 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. MCFB Ben Hayes Hall, 1102 South Pine Street, Madera (559) 674-8871, info @ www.maderafb.com

28 2012 Agriculture Trade Summit, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., State Center Community College Madera Center Auditorium, info @ www.maderafb.com

CALENDAR

AGRICULTURE TODAY

USDA has allocated the State of California over $17 million dollars to aid specialty crop producers. The grants must solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, resulting in the production of the highest measureable benefit to California specialty crops in relation to each dollar spent. Grants will be awarded to projects in amounts ranging between $50,000 and $400,000. Entities eligible to receive funding can be non-profit, for-profit, local, state and tribal governments, and colleges and universities.

Madera County Farm Bureau has specific expertise in this program, funded

from the Farm Bill, and is offering to assist specialty crop producers in seeking assistance with this funding. The first stage, a project concept proposal is due by DECEMBER 12, 2011 and encompasses projects set to occur between October 1, 2012 –June 30, 2015. These concept proposals are very brief and need only be 1-2 pages in length. This is the first phase of assistance MCFB can offer to prospective project applicants.

Assistance with these grant applications will be provided based on the following priority:

1) Applicant MUST be a Madera County Farm Bureau member; and

2) Priority will be given to those members who are agricultural members

MCFB will provide the following assistance;

-drafting of a highly competitive concept proposal conforming with all USDA and CDFA requirements for eligibility; and

-should the concept proposal be accepted to the grant proposal phase, MCFB will provide drafting of a highly competitive grant proposal for potential award.

‘Tis the Season…For Grant Money!Madera County Farm Bureau is Offering Assistance for Grant Applications to Specialty Crop Producers

Save the Date!Madera County Farm Bureau & Citizen’s Community Bank are pleased to host an

Agricultural Borrower’s Workshop!Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Time: 10:30 am (The regular scheduled MCFB Board Meeting will follow immediately after the presentation)

Location: Madera County Farm Bureau, 1102 South Pine Street, Madera, CAThe workshop will cover:• How to properly budget for crop production borrowing purposes• When should a grower convert short term debt to long term and why• Properly structured permanent crop development financing• How does a lender evaluate your loan request?• Interest rate options• Discussion of short term, intermediate, and long term loan options.• Government guaranteed loan optionsThe workshop is free & open to all Farm Bureau members and the public; please call the

MCFB office to RSVP at (559) 674-8871 by Thursday, January 5, 2011.

Happy Holidaysfrom

Madera County Farm Bureau

2 | December 2011 Madera County Farm Bureau

Hello. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Harvest is pretty much over and work on next year’s crop is starting. Almonds are being pruned and the rest of the tree and vine crops will start pruning after a good frost which may happen on December 1st. No rain is in sight but now is the time to get flood-ready.

If you are near any flood drainage creeks, please go to our website and look at a list of flood prep items that are allowed and those that are not allowed in the creeks.

This year has sure flown by. I would like to mention some important events that are coming up.

• The ESJWQC annual meeting will be on Thursday, December 15th at 10:00 am at the MCFB office. Speakers will be discussing the status of the new groundwater waste discharge requirements (WDR), and how the WDR will impact nitrogen and crop production in the region.

• MCFB’s Ag Hazmat training will be on February 7th classes available in

English and Spanish. Registration forms available online on our website.

• MCFB’s Pesticide Hazard (PHC) class will be on February 16th in English and February 17th in Spanish. Registration forms available online on our website.

• We are very pleased to have our guest speaker this year for our Agricultural Trade Summit be from the Executive Office of the President, United States Trade Representative the honorable Ambassador Islam Siddiqui. It will be one of the Valley’s first ever national trade summits; topics will include trade agreements and their long-term ramifications for Valley Ag. Please mark Tuesday, February 28, 2012 on your calendars.

We recently hosted a trade delegation from Singapore and are now in the process of setting up direct buyer tours for Madera County growers and farmers. Contact our office if you are interested.

For a list of other events going on please check our website for more information.

Have a Merry Christmas.

Madera County Farm Bureau News New MCFB Members

Farm Bureau Membership Benefits

InsuranceAllied Insurance, Health Net,

Nationwide Agribusiness, State Compensation Insurance Fund,

VPI Pet Insurance

News and EntertainmentAgAlert, California Country Mag & T.V.

VehiclesDodge Trucks, Vans and SUV’s, Vehicle Rentals,

Avis, Budget, Budget Trucks, Hertz

Do-It-YourselfGrainger, Kelly-Moore Paints,

Dunn Edwards Paints

TravelChoice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels

Business ServicesAnderson Marketing, Farm Bureau Bank,

Farm Employers Laborers Service, Land’s End Business Outfitters

Health ServicesClear Value Hearing,

Farm Bureau Prescription discount program, LensCrafters, Preferred Alliance

Contact the MCFB Office at (559) 674-8871or www.maderafb.com for details.

2010 - 2011 Executive CommitteePresident: Tom Rogers

First Vice President: Tom ColemanSecond Vice President: Al Sheeter

Secretary/Treasurer: Michele LasgoityAppointed by President: Michael Naito

Appointed by President: Dennis Meisner Jr.Immediate Past President: Jim Erickson

Directors at LargeMathew Andrew

Robert CadenazziH. Clay Daulton

Stephen ElgorriagaLoren FreemanCarl Johnson

Erick KuckenbeckerJay Mahil

Neil McDougaldJeff McKinneyDino Petrucci

Robert SahatjianChris Wylie

California Farm Bureau - District 9 Director Cathie A. Pierce

California Farm Bureau CommitteePolicy Recommendation – H. Clay Daulton

Air & Environmental Issues – H. Clay Daulton

California Farm Bureau Commodity RepresentativesBee – Ryan Cosyns

Beef – H. Clay DaultonGrape – Jay Mahil

Specialty Crops – Tom Rogers

Office StaffExecutive Director: Anja K. Raudabaugh

Executive Assistant: Normalee G. Castillo

Madera County Farm Bureau Agrigulture Today

1102 South Pine StreetMadera, CA 93637

(559) 674-8871; www.maderafb.com

Advertising/PublishingMid-Valley Publishing

1130 D Street, Reedley, CA 93654

Advertising Sales Cheri Williams(559) 638-2244

Editor Normalee G. Castillo

(USPS 324-600)Periodicals

Postage Paid Madera, CA 93637 And Additional Mailing Offices

Subscription Rates:50 Cents a year for members

Annual dues: $72/$200 per yearSingle copies: 10 cents

POSTMASTERSend address changes to:

Madera County Farm Bureau1102 South Pine Street, Madera, CA 93637

The Madera County Farm Bureau does not assume responsibility for

statements by advertisers or for productsadvertised in Madera County Farm Bureau.

President’s Message

Tom RogersPresident

NAME CITY P/C/BAgrian Inc Fresno PBank of the West Fresno PDuain Hamlin Insurance Caruthers PDuarte Trees & Vines Hughson PFabland Farms Madera PGAR Tootelian Inc. Reedley PParamount Farms Lost Hills PPrimex Farms LLC Wasco PJohn Ramos Madera CSetton Pistachio of Terra Bella Terra Bella PSimplot Growers Solutions Fresno PTarabini Veteran Diary Chowchilla P

MCFB welcomes the following new Agricultural (producer), Associate

(consumer) and Business Support members who joined in October & November:

Ryan A. CosynsMarion Overgaard

Columbia Canal Co.H. Clay Daulton

E. Beau & Mary E. Carter Trust

John M. Garcia

Genevieve Bomprezzi

New MCFB DonorsMCFB would like to thank all of our members who help support our work

through their voluntary contributions for the months of October & November.

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? CONTACT: CHERI WILLIAMS MID-VALLEY PUBLISHING

(559) 638-2244

New benefit offers GM vehicle discounts to Farm Bureau members

Discounts on General Motors vehicles are now available through a partnership between the California Farm Bureau Federation and General Motors Co. The discounts include a $500 manufacturer incentive—exclusively for Farm Bureau members—on a purchase or lease at participating dealers. Fleet vehicles also qualify for the $500 incentive.

The partnership features Chevrolet cars and trucks, GMC trucks and Buick cars as part of the GM Vehicle Incentive Program. There is no limit to the number of vehicles that may be bought or

leased using the incentive.

To be eligible for the discount, customers must have been members of a county Farm

Bureau in California for a minimum of 60 days, based on the delivery date of the vehicle.

For more information, visit http://cfbf.com/benefits/pdf/informationguide.pdf or contact MCFB @ (559) 674-8871.

Madera County Farm Bureau December 2011 | 3

Happy Holidays from the Madera County Farm Bureau! As this year comes to a close, it’s important to be thankful for the great prosperity agricultural is affording to our society at present. Although some agricultural niches are experiencing harder times, agriculture as an economic sector is a promising investment these days –everything from climbing agricultural land values to a strong commodity export demand all show no signs of slowing. It’s a good time to be a farmer, grower, rancher or ag-businessman –right?

Certainly the answer is “right,” but with a technical caveat. You’ve got to be willing to tough out the regulatory bureaucracy mire that being involved in agricultural production has become. For all their positive worth and healthy aims for society, governmental regulations involved in running an operation can be overwhelming, ever-changing, and often times downright expensive. Expensive enough to either get out of the business or co-op just to get buy. Agriculture in California is more threatened now than ever –despite its apparent economic prosperity, because navigating through this complex regulatory maze has questionable attraction to our coming agrarian youths and definite dubious reactions by our venerable ag veterans.

Agriculturalists need a hired gun. A person who can

successfully navigate this regulatory quagmire without draining pocketbooks as they do it with consulting fees, overhead bills, and high advisor markup fees.

Why not look to your local Farm Bureau for all these things? The Farm Bureau is more than just an advocacy group –they are your local hired guns. No one can understand your passion for local priority mixed with your repugnance for regulatory hoop-jumping like your local Farm Bureau. Although each Farm Bureau varies with specific levels of expertise –they will ALWAYS know who to contact to assist with your individual situation. Madera County Farm Bureau is happy to offer services that include traditional advocacy –however, we’re pleased to announce that our services have recently been expanded to regulatory and permit processing, local regulation expertise, and grant writing and proposal development. The MCFB also can provide assistance with well replacements, pipeline and irrigation technology upgrades, and discharge permitting issues.

So as you look toward the New Year and how to potentially circumnavigate the regulatory world we currently farm, ranch, or grow in –look to your local Farm Bureau for assistance, we will find a way!

Executive Address

Anja RaudabaughExecutive Director

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New report shows California agriculture already water-efficientFresno State

Claims that California farmers are wasteful and inefficient in managing their water supplies are inaccurate, according to a new report released by the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) at California State University, Fresno.

The report “Agricultural Water Use in California: A 2011 Update” also refutes assertions by some that large volumes of “new water” would be available through agricultural water conservation.

The findings are based on a thorough review of published research and technical data as well as state of California publications to assess the overall potential for agricultural water-use efficiency to provide new water supplies. The report found that little potential exists for new water unless large swaths of agricultural

land are taken out of production, which technically is not water-use efficiency.

CIT Director Dr. David Zoldoske said, “The study is an important addition to the ongoing discussions about California water and specifically what decisions must be made to assure adequate supplies for the future. The information presented in this paper should provide a valuable tool in moving the discussions forward.”

Among the study’s key findings:The estimated potential new water from

agricultural water-use efficiency is 1.3 percent of the current amount used by the state’s farmers – about 330,000 acre-feet per year. That represents about 0.5 percent of California’s total water use of 62.66 million acre-feet.

Groundwater overdraft of about 2 million acre-feet per year continues to be a serious problem in certain regions of California

because of inconsistent and uncertain surface water supplies.

Changes in irrigation practices, such as switching from flood irrigation to drip, have the effect of rerouting flows within a region (or basin) but generally do not create new water outside of the basin.

Previous reallocations of agricultural water supplies for environmental purposes represent 5.6 percent of farm-water diversions.

On-farm conservation efforts can affect downstream water distribution patterns, with potential impacts on plants and animals, recreation, as well as human and industrial consumptive uses.

The study is the culmination of a yearlong effort by irrigation experts at the Center for Irrigation Technology to update the 1982 University of California Cooperative Extension report “Agricultural

Water Conservation in California with Emphasis on the San Joaquin Valley” by David C. Davenport and Robert M. Hagan.

The new study concludes that the 1982 report correctly framed the potential for agricultural water-use efficiency, and many of its findings are still relevant 30 years later.

The complete report and its findings can be found at www.californiawater.org or www.FresnoStateNews.com.

Created in 1980, the Center for Irrigation Technology is internationally recognized as an independent testing laboratory, applied research facility and educational resource. One of California’s biggest challenges is managing ever-increasing demands on its most precious resource – water. A core mission of CIT is to help extend this limited supply of water through the use of technology, research and education.


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Farmers, environmental groups unhappy with plan to track farm dataSusanne RustCalifornia Watch

A new proposal by the federal government to collect information on large factory farms is being met by nearly universal disgruntlement.

Environmental groups pushing for more data say the proposed rule [PDF] isn’t strong enough, the farming industry says the proposed rule requires information that is already available, and California state officials worry that the burden of information collection might fall on their already cash-strapped and minimally staffed offices.

“We’re concerned by the limited nature of the proposal,” said Jon Devine, a senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. “These kinds of options have been available for many years and have not been successful in either giving us a complete picture of these farms’ environmental footprint or allowing the government to adequately regulate them.”

The new rule is being proposed in response to a 2010 settlement agreement

made between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and three environmental groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council. The groups sued the government in 2008, saying not enough was being done to protect the country’s water from factory farm pollution.

“Thousands of factory farm polluters threaten America’s water with animal waste, bacteria, viruses and parasites that can make people sick,” Devine said. “Many of these massive facilities are flying completely under the radar; EPA doesn’t even know where they are.”

There is currently no national or state inventory that lists these large, concentrated animal farms, and environmental groups are concerned that without this information, little can be done to protect the air and water near them.

The new ruling proposes two options for collecting and managing data. One requires that every large animal farm report directly to the EPA; the other requires reporting only from large farms in watersheds where there are concerns about water quality.

Within each of these options, the agency

suggests different ways of collecting information. Options include voluntary submission from farm owners, state agencies collecting the information for the federal government and reliance on information that’s already available.

“Our first impression of the proposed data collection requirements are that they are unnecessary because the information is already available to water-quality regulators,” said Ria de Grassi, spokeswoman for the California Farm Bureau Federation, a trade group for state farmers.

After the agency has heard from the public, it will decide which option to go with by next summer.

The EPA could not be reached for comment.

Environmental groups and others have been concerned for decades that waste from these large farms could threaten water quality and human health.

According to the government, more than 300 million tons of manure is produced every year at these factory farms. That is more than three times the amount people generate nationwide.

Most concerning to health officials and environmentalists is that this animal waste contains a lot of contaminants, including toxic metals, bacteria, viruses and pharmaceuticals that can all leach into waterways if not disposed of correctly.

The situation and lack of regulation of these farms caught the attention of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, which in 2008 issued a report [PDF] recommending that the EPA

“develop a national inventory of permitted Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations.”

But the EPA said it didn’t have the data to build such an inventory, nor did it know the amount of discharge produced at these farms.

So, through a series of proposed rulings and legal challenges, the EPA finally settled a lawsuit in May 2010, filed by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club and Waterkeeper Alliance, to get the information needed to monitor the country’s concentrated animal feeding operations.

According to a spokesman for the State Water Resources Control Board, the number of large animal farms in the state, and their threat to waterways, is relatively small in comparison to other states.

John Menke, with the state board, says most of the large dairy farms are in the Central Valley, while others – mostly smaller farms, with fewer than 300 animals – are scattered elsewhere.

He said he’s fine with the EPA collecting information from each of the farms in California that would qualify as a large concentrated animal farm – more than 1,000 head for dairy farms – but his agency doesn’t have the manpower to do it.

He said his office gets few calls or complaints about water quality near these farms, so it hasn’t been a big concern for his office.

“That’s the problem with national regulations,” he said. “They optimize for a familiar situation … generally the Midwest, which is not the same as here.”

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See Genasci; Page 12

USCA: WTO Dispute Panel Issues Final COOL ReportU.S. Cattlemen’s Association

USCA (November 21, 2011) - The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) says the decision by the World Trade Organization (WTO) panel in disputes brought by Canada and Mexico over the U.S. country of origin labeling (COOL) law affirms the right of the United States to require country of origin labeling for meat products, but the dispute panel disagreed with specifics of how the U.S. designed the implementation of its requirements saying COOL accords less favorable treatment to imported Canadian and Mexican cattle and imported Canadian hogs than to like domestic products. The three-member panel released its final report on Friday, November 18. The next step in the process is for the reports to be adopted by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body or appealed to the WTO Appellate Body.

In 2008, Canada and Mexico initiated dispute settlement proceedings against the U.S. related to COOL requirements for meat products. Canada and Mexico alleged that the U.S. COOL requirements

were designed to achieve a protectionist objective, and that the COOL law, its implementing regulations and a Department of Agriculture letter related to the COOL requirements discriminate against their livestock exports to the U.S., breaching WTO obligations.

“Obviously, there are sections of the panel’s findings that we strongly disagree with,” said Danni Beer, Keldron, SD, USCA Director and COOL Committee chair. “We are pleased, however, that the panel affirmed the right of the U.S. to label meat for consumers. We believe the consumer has the right to know where their products come from, and that consumers continue to have the freedom to make informed purchasing decisions. We are currently reviewing the dispute panel’s extensive report. It appears that the panel felt that the segregation required during processing puts foreign animals at a competitive disadvantage, while the second ruling finds that the ‘born, raised and slaughtered’ standard is not strict enough because it permits a mixed origin label in

some circumstances, which subsequently does not provide consumers with accurate information. The panel found that the mixed origin label provision fails to meet a legitimate consumer information objective. The panel notes that this failure to achieve a consumer objective cannot justify the adverse effects on imported animals.”

USCA President Jon Wooster, San Lucas, CA says USCA remains committed to the COOL law. “We support the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) efforts in defending U.S. rights in this dispute and we look forward to assisting with the appeal process. USCA will be working with our allies in the Administration and Congress to ensure that COOL continues.”

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to concentrating its efforts in Washington, DC to enhance and expand the cattle industry’s voice on Capitol Hill. USCA has a full-time presence in Washington, giving cattle producers across the country a strong influence on policy development. For more information go to www.uscattlemen.org.

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Genasci joins California Farm Bureau as field representative

After growing up on a dairy and working in the nursery business, Andrew Genasci brings firsthand knowledge of family farming to his new role as a regional field representative for the California Farm Bureau Federation. Genasci has joined CFBF as one of five field representatives who serve as liaisons between the statewide organization and the 53 county Farm Bureaus in California.

Genasci, who will be based in Modesto, will serve 12 county Farm Bureaus in the Central California region: Alameda, Calaveras, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne.

“County Farm Bureaus form the backbone of our organization, and Andrew will be a valuable help in

Andrew Genasci


What year did your Company/Business/Farm get started?

1921—one of the oldest Chevrolet franchises in the nation. Chevrolet just celebrated its 100th anniversary. The Toyota franchise was acquired in 1982, and is the only import dealership in Madera County. The current owners acquired the business in November, 2000.

What kinds of merchandise do you sell? What brands?

New and used vehicles. We are the franchised dealer for new Chevrolet and Toyota’s in Madera, as well as the mountain areas of Oakhurst and Coarsegold. We are a Toyota and General Motors authorized service facility, and are also authorized to sell genuine Toyota and GM parts and accessories. We also operate a Toyota Rent-A-Car facility, offering competitive daily, weekly and monthly rates on current model Toyota cars and trucks.

Who is the target audience for your Company?.

We are fortunate—we sell products and services that are in demand by everyone—individuals, businesses, government agencies, etc. Everyone needs a car for transportation, and fair and competitively priced service for their vehicle.

Are you part of a family owned business? Which family members help run the business?

We are a local, family owned business. Husband and wife, and our

daughters have worked in the business while they attended school. One daughter is a teacher, and the other is pursuing her CPA certificate with a national firm in their Sacramento office.

What kind discounts do you offer your customers? Any special monthly or yearly sales events?

All Farm Bureau members are offered “fleet/business” pricing, with all incentives offered by the manufacturer, including business choice accessories, including truck tool boxes, racks, assist steps and bed liners. In addition, General Motors is currently offering a “Farm Bureau” cash incentive of $500, on the purchase of selected vehicles by members. Please see our ad in this publication.

What changes would you like to see happen in Madera that would help benefit your business and/or the community?

Get a decision on the High Speed rail, and then “move on.” Conceptually, this is a great idea (70 years ago), but when considering the national and State of California debt, we can’t afford a “train to no-where.” Amtrak hasn’t worked, and California will always be a state that relies upon cars and trucks—it’s in our DNA. We are wasting time and Federal dollars that can be better put somewhere else.

What kind of community projects does

Business Member Profile

Madra Auto Center Farm Bureau Member since 1999. LtoR: Reno Zarpoli, Internet Sales, John Harford, Sales Manager, Tali Gallegos, Sales Associate, Raul Torres, Sales Associate, Marty Mayfohrt, Dealer, Principal / General Manager

Madera Auto Center

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Mission Statement:

POSTMASTER:

Officers:

To provide education, promotion and representation of agriculture.

Kings County Farm Bureau Agri-Business Update: is published monthlyby Kings County Farm Bureau.

Send address changes toKings County Farm Bureau, 870 GreenfieldAvenue, Hanford, CA 93230

President:Vice President:Secretary-Treasurer: Dino Giacomazzi

Jim CrispMichael Miya

Michele CostaKelley Hildebrand

Amy Fienen584-3557 584-1614

www.kcfb.org

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�

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Executive Director:

Office Administrator:

Communications Coordinator:

Phone: FAX:

Web site:

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Valley Voice NewspaperPO Box 571, Visalia, CA 93279Phone: 635-3200Fax: 733-3963

Directors:

Editor: Michele Costa

Co-Editor: Amy Fienen

Advertising:

2 Kings County Farm BureauOctober 2011

DATES TO REMEMBER

Kings County Farm Bureau Agri-Business Update does not assume responsibility for statements by advertisers or forproducts advertised in Kings County Farm Bureau Agri-Business Update, nor does Farm Bureau assume responsibilityfor statements or expressions of opinion other than in editorials or in articles showingauthorship by an officer, director or employee of the Farm Bureau or its affiliates.©Kings County Farm Bureau, 2004 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

PLEASE RECYCLE

Joe AlcalaStan AzevedoTyler BennettJoshua BettencourtMary CameronTheo de HaanRyan DooleyChuck Draxler

MEMBERSHIP

John EllisPete HanseGary LindleyMichael MacielJohn RodriguesSteve WalkerBob WilsonFrank Zonneveld

New Associate Members

Renewed Associate Members

New Agricultural Members

Renewed Agricultural

Members

Jerry Isenberg

David L. Vierra, Jr.Jessie GilbertJudy RutanDavid L. GomesMichael A. RobinsonMarvin ReesPaul Williams

Jose A. Jauregui

Stan BrownManuel DutraJoe ParreiraGary StarrJeremy FreitasGolden Valley FarmsJim Kimbro

Todd R. NevesTony Oliveira FarmingBrian BergmanPeter D. DavidsonHanford Chamber of CommerceGary L KindlundBill LongfellowCarl NelsonHamilton SantosRonda BrooksCross Creek GinningWest Island Cotton Growers

Ag Wise Inc.

Bank of the SierraBuford Oil Co. Inc.Crop Production ServicesGary V. Burrows Inc.Kings County EDCLakeside Irrigation Water District

New Business Members

Renewed Business Members

October

November

6 Cotton Harvest Safety Training,

6 KCFB Executive Committee Meeting18 KCFB Board Meeting,


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Mission Statement:

POSTMASTER:

Officers:

To provide education, promotion and representation of agriculture.

Kings County Farm Bureau Agri-Business Update: is published monthlyby Kings County Farm Bureau.

Send address changes toKings County Farm Bureau, 870 GreenfieldAvenue, Hanford, CA 93230

President:Vice President:Secretary-Treasurer: Dino Giacomazzi

Jim CrispMichael Miya

Michele CostaKelley Hildebrand

Amy Fienen584-3557 584-1614

www.kcfb.org

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�

�

� �

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Executive Director:

Office Administrator:

Communications Coordinator:

Phone: FAX:

Web site:

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Valley Voice NewspaperPO Box 571, Visalia, CA 93279Phone: 635-3200Fax: 733-3963

Directors:

Editor: Michele Costa

Co-Editor: Amy Fienen

Advertising:

2 Kings County Farm BureauOctober 2011

DATES TO REMEMBER

Kings County Farm Bureau Agri-Business Update does not assume responsibility for statements by advertisers or forproducts advertised in Kings County Farm Bureau Agri-Business Update, nor does Farm Bureau assume responsibilityfor statements or expressions of opinion other than in editorials or in articles showingauthorship by an officer, director or employee of the Farm Bureau or its affiliates.©Kings County Farm Bureau, 2004 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

PLEASE RECYCLE

Joe AlcalaStan AzevedoTyler BennettJoshua BettencourtMary CameronTheo de HaanRyan DooleyChuck Draxler

MEMBERSHIP

John EllisPete HanseGary LindleyMichael MacielJohn RodriguesSteve WalkerBob WilsonFrank Zonneveld

New Associate Members

Renewed Associate Members

New Agricultural Members

Renewed Agricultural

Members

Jerry Isenberg

David L. Vierra, Jr.Jessie GilbertJudy RutanDavid L. GomesMichael A. RobinsonMarvin ReesPaul Williams

Jose A. Jauregui

Stan BrownManuel DutraJoe ParreiraGary StarrJeremy FreitasGolden Valley FarmsJim Kimbro

Todd R. NevesTony Oliveira FarmingBrian BergmanPeter D. DavidsonHanford Chamber of CommerceGary L KindlundBill LongfellowCarl NelsonHamilton SantosRonda BrooksCross Creek GinningWest Island Cotton Growers

Ag Wise Inc.

Bank of the SierraBuford Oil Co. Inc.Crop Production ServicesGary V. Burrows Inc.Kings County EDCLakeside Irrigation Water District

New Business Members

Renewed Business Members

October

November

6 Cotton Harvest Safety Training,



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Agricultural highlights include discovering ancient castles, Roman ruins, groves of lemon and almond trees, rolling hills of vineyards. One entire day is yours to experience the Algarve where geraniums, camellias and oleanders grow alongside fig, orange and almond trees. At a local cork factory and museum you can create your own cork souvenir. You will watch a presentation by a local liqueur maker followed by tasting of some of the varieties. You will be delighted with a Portuguese cooking demonstration followed by a delicious dinner featuring local delicacies and wines. Stop to visit a family-run shop that demonstrates how azulejos, the famous hand-made Portuguese tiles, are made. Then, enjoy a tour and tasting of local wines when you visit a centuries-old winery.

Tour highlights include: Cascais *

Lisbon * Jeronimo’s Monastery * Sintra * Obidos * Fatima * Folkloric Fado Dinner Show * Evora * Algarve * Cape of St. Vincente * Sagres * Lagos * Azeitao * Fresno Airfare * Air Taxes & Fees of $150 (subject to increase until paid in full) * Hotel Transfers * Hometown Transfer from Madera with 10 or more passengers

Explore the gorgeous Portuguese Riviera. Tour Lisbon, Portugal’s capital set on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. See Jeronimo’s Monastery, Belem Tower and the towns of Sintra and Evora, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. See the beautiful Monument to the Discoveries, which honors Portuguese explorers. Visit Fatima, the world-famous Marian pilgrimage site. Savor excellent Portuguese cuisine and wine while local artists perform folkloric dances and songs including the traditional Fado music. Visit beautiful Cape of St. Vincente, where 200-foot cliffs plunge into the Atlantic. Join us for the trip of a lifetime!

Our partner, Collette Vacations’ California Sellers of Travel registration number is 2006766-20.

For more information, please contact: Madera County Farm Bureau Norma CastilloPhone: (559) 674-8871

Madera County Farm Bureau presents…Sunny Portugal featuring Estoril Coast & Algarve * November 2-11, 2012

Madera County Farm BureauUpcoming Safety Training SeminarsFebruary 7, 2012Ag Hazmat (DL-267)

(3 C.E. Credits)English 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Spanish 1:00 pm - 4:00 pmMember $20 / Non-member $30This training is for agricultural workers

who transport hazardous materials. A special permit (DL-267) is issued through the Department of Motor Vehicles, and is required to transport hazardous materials in excess of 118.9 gallons or 1,000 pounds over public roadways.

RSVP By: January 24, 2012

February 16, 2012 - EnglishFebruary 17, 2012 - SpanishPesticide Hazard (PHC)

(6 C.E. Credits)Time: 8:00 am - 3:00 pmMember $90 / Non-member $105This course includes: specific label

review; use, care, and fit-testing of respirators; clothing and personal protective equipment; most common symptoms of exposure or contamination,

and First Aid. “Right to Know” is also taught, using specific Material Safety Data Sheets.

RSVP By: January 24, 2012

April 11, 2012MCFB Annual Worker’s Pesticide Safety Training

(2 C.E. Credits) (EPA Blue Cards)(English) 7:30 am - 12:15 pm (Spanish) 12:30 pm - 4:30 pmMember $20 / Non-member $30This course includes various speakers

who discuss essential topics such as: Employer Requirements, Road Safety, Tractor Safety Practices, Pesticide Safety, and Methamphetamine Lab Detection & Control.

RSVP By: March 27, 2012Please call the MCFB office to get your

name on the RSVP list at (559) 674-8871 or send us an email at [email protected]. You can also visit our website www.maderafb.com and print out the registration forms and fax them to (559) 674-0529.


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The State Fund-Farm Bureau partnership started in 1943 and has been growing for more than 68 years. It is a relationship with built-in benefits for you and your business, and now that partnership can help you save on your workers’ comp costs too.

Beginning January 1, 2012, qualifying Farm Bureau members that insure with State Fund can receive a 20 percent premium discount on their workers’ compensation insurance policy.

In addition, State Fund filed a November 1, 2011 rate filing that includes a zero net increase in collectible premium. Although manual rates will increase for some classifications, other changes to State Fund’s rate filing, including the increase in group discount available to qualifying Farm Bureau accounts, will result in an overall decrease in collectible premium of approximately 1%.

Besides these potential savings, State Fund also offers the following benefits to Farm Bureau members:

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your company participate in?The economy has impacted our

ability to participate as we did prior to 2008. We have been heavily involved in the high school Sober Grad program, Fresno State Athletics, local high school programs and community events such as golf tournaments to raise funds for local charities. We have become active in local Chamber of Commerce functions over the past year and plan to continue to support this organization. And we would like to work with other organizations such as yours where there is a mutual benefit to our participation to promote your causes and our products and services.

Where would you like to position your company in the next 5 to 10 years?

We will need to remodel our current facility or relocate, and we would like to add additional car and support franchises, as the market improves.

What changes have you made in your business to stay up to date with current trends?

Both GM and Toyota have led the charge for green initiatives, with the Toyota Prius series and Chevrolet Volt. Cars and Trucks are so much more fuel efficient and environmentally cleaner than they were 10 years ago, and it will continue to improve as consumers demand more efficient products.

Are you concerned with the water issues that we face in the Central Valley? What are your specific concerns?

Always. We are agricultural based, so we need to provide our farmers with adequate resources to grow their crops. I’m not a fan of the environmental actions that are unreasonable and impact farmers.

What hobbies do you enjoy when you are not working?

Hobbies? What are those? I’m a worker.Which California Farm Bureau benefit do you find most beneficial to your company?

Your political representation.Has there been a specific issue that Madera County Farm Bureau has helped you with?

High speed rail—as stated above, we can’t afford it. Spend the money on a program which we know will benefit the community.

What value do you receive from your Farm Bureau membership?

It allows us to market directly to your members. We welcome the opportunity to serve our local agricultural community, and keep them informed on services and products that they would find helpful.

MADERA AUTO CENTERContinued from Page 6

Winter driving requires advance preparationBy Mike KlimenkoFarm Bureau Group Manager

No matter where you live in California, weather conditions can change very quickly during the winter months and it is important to be prepared. This is particularly true when it comes to winter driving.

Be sure to check the weather forecast before setting out. Current information about road conditions in California is available from the California Department of Transportation, either by calling the CalTrans toll free number at 800-427- 7623, or checking the CalTrans website at www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/.

Before you begin your journey, make certain that your vehicle is in good operating condition. This is always important—it doesn’t matter whether you are just making a short drive to the

feed store or a long trip across the state.Here are some winter driving tips from the California Highway

Patrol. Read them over and share this column with family, friends and employees to keep them safe as well.

• Driving in traffic: Slow down when there are numerous vehicles close together on the road. Be prepared for sudden stops with little warning. You should be prepared to slow down or stop at all times when driving in heavy traffic. Be watchful for brake lights in vehicles several cars ahead of you.

• Hills curves: You never know what you may find on the other side of a steep hill or around a curve. If there is an obstruction such as a stalled car, you must be going slowly enough to stop. When you come to a hill or curve, drive

See Winter Driving; Page 12


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By Steve KarnowskiAssociated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — As U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visits Vietnam and China to talk trade this week, he’s hoping to build on one of the few bright spots in the struggling American economy: agricultural exports.

U.S. agricultural exports are projected to reach a record $137 billion this year and hit that same mark next year. The U.S. agricultural trade surplus is expected to top $42 billion. And new free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama are expected to boost farm exports by another $2.3 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The gains aren’t limited to products like corn, soybeans, rice, beef and pork. U.S. exports of dairy products, including powdered milk, cheese and butter, and nuts such as pecans, pistachios and almonds also have climbed in recent years.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Vilsack rattled off several reasons why agricultural exports are doing so well when much of the economy is stagnant: demand in China and other developing nations, the growing productivity of American farmers and ranchers, a positive perception of American agricultural products overseas, and aggressive marketing efforts by farm

groups and the USDA.“As long as we continue to focus on

those countries with these emerging middle classes, and focus on countries that are open to trade agreements, that open their markets as much as our markets are open, we’re always going to do well,” Vilsack said.

He pointed to the new trade deal with South Korea, which he expects will boost U.S. farm exports by about $1.9 billion annually. It also may reopen the door for discussions with China and Japan about reducing their restrictions on American beef imports, he said.

Exports in general have been a bright spot in the struggling U.S. economy, which is why the Obama administration has set a goal of doubling them in five years. Agriculture makes up about 9 percent of U.S. exports, compared with about 80 percent for manufacturing. But Commerce Department data show farm exports grew much faster than manufacturing exports during the past decade — by 123 percent compared to 68 percent.

High prices for farm products explains much of the increase in value for agriculture exports — the same products shipped overseas are worth much more today than they were 10 years ago. But the USDA also has done a “great job” of promoting agricultural exports, said Frank

Vargo, vice president for international economic affairs at the National Association of Manufacturers.

Vargo, who spent three decades in trade policy positions at the Commerce Department, said he was always “admiring and jealous” of the USDA’s export programs. The agency spends about double what the Commerce Department spends on export promotion, which is a big reason why one-third of U.S. farm products get shipped overseas, compared with only one-fifth of manufactured goods, he said.

“Our ag exports are a strong point for the United States and we’d like them to stay that way,” Vargo said, “but we’d like manufacturing, even though manufacturing exports are 80 percent of our exports, we want steps taken to make them grow faster.”

Vilsack, who left for Vietnam on Monday, will be the first agriculture secretary to visit the country, which has jumped from the No. 50 to the No. 15 market for U.S. farm exports in the past decade. He said he hopes the Vietnamese see his visit as a sign of the importance the U.S. places on their relationship.

He’ll then go to China, which has been the leading U.S. agricultural trade partner most of this year, supplanting Canada. He’ll be part of the American delegation to an annual meeting on a broad range of trade issues,

heading back to the U.S. next Tuesday.The USDA credits agricultural exports

with nibbling away at the U.S. trade deficit. The agency projects an agricultural trade surplus of a record $42.5 billion in 2011. By comparison, Commerce Department figures show the U.S. ran an overall trade deficit of about $500 billion last year.

Overall export totals don’t tell the entire story of how farmers are benefiting, however.

Take corn, for example. A recent report by University of Illinois agricultural economists Scott Irwin and Darrel Good pointed out that while fewer tons of corn are being shipped overseas, exports of products made from corn, such as ethanol, distillers dried grains and pork from corn-fed pigs have skyrocketed. So corn farmers are coming out way ahead overall and that’s what matters, Good said.

The growth in exports hasn’t cost consumers much because farmers also have increased productivity, Vilsack said. Higher fuel costs have been a more significant factor in food price increases, he said.

“I think it is important for the American consumer to understand they’ve got a pretty good deal right now,” Vilsack said. “Roughly 6 to 7 percent of our paychecks are spent on food. When you compare that to most developed nations, we fare very, very well.”

US farm exports boom as rest of economy struggles


Free ClassifiedsTo advertise in our classified section, please fill out the form below.

Name:

Address: City:

Phone:

Email:

Ad Copy:

o YES! I am a Madera County Farm Bureau MemberMember #:(see address label) Send ads directly to: Mid Valley Publishing, 1130 G Street, Reedley CA 93654 or fax 559-638-5021.

MCFB MEMBER RATES: Classified ads are FREE to all Madera County Farm Bureau members and must be of a NON-COMMERCIAL nature. Ads are limited to five lines per member, for a maximum of THREE MONTHS. Send ads directly to: Mid Valley Publishing, 1130 G Street, Reedley CA 93654 - Cheri Williams 559-638-2244 or fax 559-638-5021.

NON-MCFB MEMBER RATES: Classified ad rates are $25 for 20 words. Each additional word is $1. Ads must be paid in advance and sent directly to Mid-Valley Publishing, 1130 G Street, Reedley CA 93654 - Cheri Williams 559-638-2244 or fax completed form to 559-638-5021.

Madera County Farm Bureau reserves the right to reject, edit or cancel any advertisement at any time in accordance with its policy. Submission of an advertisement to a sales representative does not constitute a commitment to Agriculture Today to publish the advertisement, nor does publication of an advertisement constitute an agreement for continued publication. All ads must be checked for errors the first day of publication by the advertiser. All advertising is subject to the terms of the current rate card. Classified Ad Deadline for the November issue is Friday, October 28, 2011.

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Beginning farmer legislation introduced in farm billNSAC

Ten Senators introduced the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011, a comprehensive bill intended for inclusion in the upcoming farm bill that highlights federal programs supporting economic opportunities for young and beginning farmers and ranchers. The bill addresses many of the barriers that new agriculture entrepreneurs face such as limited access to land and markets, hyper land price inflation, high input costs, and a lack of sufficient support networks.

The Beginning Farmer Rancher Opportunity Act was introduced by Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Ind., along with nine original co-sponsors, including Sens. Robert Casey, D-Pa.; Jon Tester, D-Mont.; Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio; Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.; Al Franken, D-Minn.; Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M.; Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.; Tim Johnson, D-S.D.; and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.

An identical companion bill (H.R.3236) was introduced in the House by Representatives Tim Walz (D-MN-1) and Jeff Fortenbery (R-NE-1) in October. Additional members of Congress have signed on in support of the bill, including Reps. Leonard Boswell (D-IA-3), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1), Gerald Connolly (D-VA-11), Sam Farr (D-CA-17), Earl Blumenhauer (D-OR-3), Betty McCollum (D-MN-4), Mike McIntyre (D-NC-7), and David Loebsack (D-IA-2).

There are additional members of both houses and parties that have indicated their support for the bill and will likely be signing on as co-sponsors.

“We applaud Sen.Harkin and his colleagues for introducing this legislation which is so important to the future of farming in this country,” said Juli Obudzinski, a policy specialist with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. “The bill pulls together the best ideas from around the country for advancing new farming opportunities by building on the progress of previous farm bills, and stepping up the pace of reform.”

In his introductory remarks, Senator Harkin noted, “One of the most hopeful occurrences in rural America is when someone is able to get started in farming or ranching and go on to build a successful operation. We need more beginning farmers and ranchers in America to secure critical supplies of food, fuel, and fiber for the future; to care for and conserve our soil, water, and other natural resources; and to join in the life of healthy and vibrant local communities.”

The bill builds upon a strategic collaboration among many farmer advocacy organizations, including the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and many NSAC member groups, including Land Stewardship Project, Center for Rural Affairs, National Young Farmers’ Coalition, California FarmLink, and Michigan Organic

Food and Farm Alliance, among others. Over the past two years, NSAC and its allies have met with numerous officials at various USDA agencies, many legislative offices both in-district and on Capitol Hill, and with other farm and membership groups to solicit input on the bill’s provisions in order to make them as strong and targeted as possible.

The bill includes provisions that cut across six titles of the Farm Bill, including proposals that address conservation program set asides and incentives, access to credit, rural development, research and extension, and access to crop insurance and other risk management tools. These proposals aim to address many of the barriers that new farmers face, and will create real economic opportunities for the next generation of farmers.

“With the new Farm Bill, Congress has a great opportunity to enact a comprehensive beginning farmer and rancher initiative that breaks down barriers to entry and gives real support to ensure the effective start-up and success of new small and mid-scale producers across the country,” said Obudzinski. “This bill establishes a beginning farmer federal policy platform we believe will garner wide support both on Capitol Hill and at the grassroots level.”

For more information on the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Act of 2011, visit NSAC’s website.


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The Madera County Farm Bureau will be hosting a nationalized trade summit on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at the State Center Community College Madera Center Auditorium.

The focus of the conference this year will be the impact that current global trade relations have on the agricultural industry. We are pleased to announce our keynote speaker will be from the Executive O�ce of the President, United States Trade Representative –Ambassador Islam Siddiqui. Ambassador Siddiqui serves as Chief Agricultural Negotiator and is responsible for bilateral and multilateral negotiations and policy coordination regarding agricultural trade. Other topics related to this vast trade discussion will include expert testimonials on the most current sanitary issues a�ecting California agriculture, labor conditions and labor negotiations as part of a series of Free Trade Agreements.

Please contact Norma Castillo at (559) 674-8871 or email us at o�[email protected] if you have any further questions.

2012 Agricultural Trade Summit

Ambassador Islam Siddiqui,United States Trade Representative’s O�ce.

37882_r1_MCFB_Ad.pdf 1 11/29/11 2:14 PM

cautiously so you are prepared to handle any emergency.• Slippery roads: It is important to drive more slowly in rain. Many

roads are the most slick at the beginning of a rainstorm because oil and dust have not been washed away. You should adhere to the following guidelines to help you adjust speed: Wet road—go 5 to 10 miles per hour slower; packed snow—cut speed in half; ice—slow to a crawl.

• Rain and snow: Your visibility can be severely reduced in a heavy rain or snowstorm. Make sure your wiper blades and defroster are in good working condition. When you can’t see any farther than 100 feet, you cannot drive faster than 30 mph. When driving in snowy areas, carry chains in case you find yourself in conditions where you cannot drive without them. Make sure the chains fit your tires, and practice putting the chains on before you need to use them.

• Be wary: Always keep an eye on traffic behind you so you will know if cars are tailgating or coming up behind you too fast. You may have time to get out of the way before being hit from the rear. On long, steep downgrades, watch for large vehicles than can gather speed quickly.

• Poor visibility: It is important to keep all windows clean inside and out. Bright sun or headlights on a dirty window make it hard to see out. You should clear ice, frost or dew from all windows before you drive. And remember, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning or drowsiness, leave your window open slightly.

• Drive according to weather: Slow down in rain or fog, and switch on your lights during the day if it is hard to see. No matter what the speed limit sign may say, California law says you must never drive faster than is safe for the current conditions.

• Be sure to bring your cell phone and tune into a local news talk radio station for bulletins on changing conditions. Above all, be patient and slow down.

There are many reasons to become a part of the Farm Bureau Group. District offices are located throughout the state and staffed by employees that live within the area they service. I invite you to get a quote. To find an office near you, go to our website at www.statefundca.com, or call 877-405-4545 toll-free.

Since 1943, Farm Bureau and State Fund have been business partners. When your policy comes up for renewal, if you are not insured with State Fund, please be sure to get a quote in our Farm Bureau Group Program.

WINTER DRIVINGContinued from Page 9

GENASCIContinued from Page 5

coordinating actions and activities among CFBF and the county Farm Bureaus in his region,” California Farm Bureau President Paul Wenger said. “As a former county Farm Bureau board member, he understands the needs of county Farm Bureaus and how CFBF can help them serve their members.”

Genasci served on the board of the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau while working in his previous position as a sales and special projects consultant for Duarte Nursery of Hughson.

He grew up as a fourth-generation dairy farmer and attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he majored in dairy science. After college, he served on the board of the Stanislaus County Holstein Breeders organization and coached a high school dairy judging team. Genasci also worked on his family’s dairy farm in Modesto and served as co-owner and site manager of Two Ace Holsteins in Turlock.

madera county farm bureau - maderafb.com newspapers/december 2011/mcfb...mcfb office to rsvp at ......

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