San Diego County Farm Bureau
NEWS
Serving San Diego Agriculture and Horticulture Since 1913
Volume 25, Issue 3
Farm Bureau keeps
showing up
www.sdfarmbureau.org
March 2012
San Diego farmers represented in Washington, DC
by Casey Anderson
If you ever need a reminder of why you
pay your Farm Bureau membership dues
each year, ask yourself when the last time
was that you spoke to your congressman
about the issues important to you that
affect your business. Can’t remember?
Never? That’s where Farm Bureau steps
in. In the first week of February, SDCFB
board member, Janet Kister, spent
four days in Washington D.C. meeting
with staff from federal agencies, the
White House administration, and many
senators and members of congress. She
was there for one reason only; to carry
the messages of California’s farmers
directly to the decision makers, to make
sure that agriculture’s voice is heard.
Kister went to Washington as a member
of the board of directors of the California
Farm Bureau Federation. The trip is not
taken every year, but it is a regular one.
“We go when we think that we can be
effective,” Kister explains. “The reason
we were there this year is to work on
the Farm Bill for 2013, immigration
reform, the new proposed child labor
regulations, and food safety. Those were
the main issues we wanted to address.”
When they arrive in Washington, the
CFBF Board of Directors meets and
divides itself into groups based on
interest and expertise. Kister focused
on immigration reform and the 2013
Farm Bill in her meetings. “For the
Farm Bill, we want to be involved in
the discussion,” she says. “We’re talking
about; the money for pest detection and
(Continued on page 18)
California Farm Bureau board member representing San Diego and Imperial Counties,
Janet Kister, and CFBF staff members, Administrator, Rich Matteis, and National Affairs
Manager, Rayne Pegg, discuss the 2013 Farm Bill with Sacramento Congressman Dan
Lundgren.
In This Issue
3
6
6
7
8
10
11
14
15
16
19
An interview with Kasey Cronquist
City of San Diego sows seeds for farmers
Using personal protective gear is a must on the farm
AITC Update
From the Agricultural Commissioner
Business Supporting Member Focus San Pasqual Valley Soils
Environmental Quality Incentive Program
Meet Your Board Members - Tony Godfrey
FFA AG-tivities - Poway High School
Willing Workers
Classified Ads
Farm Bureau News
President’s Message
March 2012
Volume 25, No. 3
San Diego County Farm Bureau News is
published monthly by the San Diego County
Farm Bureau, a nonprofit trade organization
whose mission is to represent San Diego
agriculture through public relations, education
and public policy advocacy in order to
promote the economic viability of agriculture
balanced with appropriate management of
natural resources. This newsletter and the
activities sponsored by San Diego County Farm
Bureau are paid for by the annual dues of its
membership.
© San Diego County Farm Bureau. Articles
published in San Diego County Farm Bureau
News may be reprinted without permission
provided credit is given to the San Diego County
Farm Bureau and a copy of the issue in which
the reprint appears is forwarded to the Farm
Bureau office provided below.
Article suggestions are welcomed and should
be mailed or emailed to the Farm Bureau
address below, attention Eric Larson, Executive
Director. Use of articles is at the discretion of
the Executive Director and based on space
availability and may be edited to meet space
requirements. Article deadlines are the first of
the month prior to the publication month.
San Diego County Farm Bureau
1670 E. Valley Parkway
Escondido, CA 92027
Phone: (760) 745-3023
Fax: (760) 489-6348
E-mail: sdcfb@sdfarmbureau.org
Editor: Casey Anderson
Newsletter layout: Kathy Rathbun
Executive Officers:
President: Noel Stehly
1st Vice President: Julie Walker
2nd Vice President: Ken Altman
Secretary: Lawrence Kellar
Treasurer: Janet Silva Kister
Past President: Mike A. Mellano
CFBF Director, District 1: Janet Silva Kister
(for San Diego & Imperial counties)
Executive Director: Eric Larson
Visit us on the Web: www.sdfarmbureau.org
2
Regulations, Rules and Laws
by Noel Stehly
R
egulations, rules, laws etc. Which ones apply
to me? When do they go into effect? Why is
this needed? These are questions I find myself
asking each year. Our legislature creates new bigger
and supposedly better laws each year. We as Farm
Bureau members are lucky because we have a great
staff both locally and statewide to keep us up to date
on these laws and their impact on our businesses.
The regulation that sparked this article is the Diesel
Truck Regulation. Farm Bureau successfully fought
and won the ability to keep many of our older
trucks on the road. That is as long as we designate them AG and we complete a few
mountains of paper work. It is a much cheaper solution than replacing our fleets, but
complying with this one is no easy feat.
Last year at this time the state actually had to send out state employees to hold
question and answer sessions to teach us how to comply with this regulation. One
of those sessions was at the SDCFB office. The regulation was continually postponed.
It was postponed first because of the backlash it was getting from the business
community and second because the California Air Resources Board (CARB) did not
know how to implement the regulation or even who would enforce it.
Fast forward to this year and now that we have entered our fleets into this program;
we have to do the annual reporting. Once again the State cannot figure it out. They
have set up a site to do the reporting, but in my case, and in the case of many others
I have talked to, after you file your report and press “send” there is no confirmation
it went through. Are we in compliance? I don't know, but now we have another
extension of the deadline to report. Why? More than likely because the state can't get
it right yet again. I know in my business I can't afford to put the cart before the horse
but that doesn't apply to state boards and the legislature. They don't seem to feel like
they are doing their job unless they are creating more laws and regulations. Maybe
if our Governor truly wanted to save tax dollars and get this state back on the right
track he should propose going back to a part time legislature.
It seems to me that with thousands of laws and regulations on the books already, that
maybe I should propose one. It can't be any worse than the ones that are already on
the books.
I propose that in order to enact any new law or regulation an old law or regulation
must be removed. And not only must the old law be removed but the new law must
not create a new government job to administer it.
In the case of the diesel truck regulation, I am still not sure what parts of it are in
place and which ones are not. I know those of us who signed up our fleets under
the AG provision are complying. I know it is definitely going to continue to harm
businesses all over this state and eventually the country by driving up the price of
our operations. One example of this is Caterpillar. Caterpillar is no longer building
truck engines for the heavy truck industry because they felt they could not build an
engine that would be economically viable to sell to their customers and meet the
new on road particulate standards. Just another shining example of how government
regulations and laws make our lives tougher, not better. •
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
An interview with
Kasey Cronquist
Kasey Cronquist is the CEO/Ambassador
of the California Cut Flower Commission
(CCFC). Since joining CCFC in October 2007,
Kasey has spearheaded an aggressive
public affairs program targeting both
lawmakers and consumers. Kasey has
worked with the CCFC marketing and
promotion committee to develop a
strategic plan for communicating on
behalf of the California cut flower grower
while branding California as America’s best
source for high quality cut flowers.
The Commission recently had a great
triumph with two Rose Parade floats
decorated entirely with California
grown floral products. How did that
come about?
Today's Tournament of Roses Parade is an
iconic New Year's event with a worldwide
audience, but its original inception was
rooted in a local effort to represent the
beauty and bounty of California during
those winter months where most of the
rest of the country is experiencing cold
and snow. So, in the beginning, all of the
flowers were California grown.
While the Tournament has grown to
more reflect the U.S. flower market
of today, the CCFC has continued to
support and work with the students
of Cal Poly University to ensure that
one float remained "CA Grown." When
Kit-Cat Clock Company contacted us
to help make their float CA Grown,
we knew we needed to recognize the
unique dedication and commitment
that these two float teams were making
to bring back the tradition of an all "CA
Grown" float. We were very fortunate to
have CDFA Secretary Karen Ross agree
to honor these two floats by officially
certifying them "CA Grown." This
ceremony was a first in the parade's 123
year history.
What is the mission of the California
Cut Flower Commission?
To provide a unified effort by growers
3
to enhance the performance of the
California cut flower and foliage industry.
How is the Commission governed and
financed?
The Commission is a state agency,
supervised by the California Department
of Food and Agriculture and governed by
a nine member board of Commissioners.
The Commission was legislated into
existence in 1991 and is funded through
an assessment on sales from those farms
that qualify as "producers." Currently,
"producers" are farms that gross over
$500,000 in annual sales.
What does it take to convince the
public, retailers, and wholesalers to
ask for California flowers?
Education. We know that 85% of
consumers do not know where their
flowers come from. So, when we have
the opportunity to share that California
flowers represent almost 80% of all
flowers grown in the United States,
but only 20% of flowers sold, we get
people's attention. When people learn
that almost 80% of flowers sold in this
country are imported, that California
flower farmers have a $10.3 billion
economic impact, represent more than
10,000 direct jobs and put $.92 of every
dollar they earn back into the local
economy, people begin to see that
California Flowers truly are America's
Flowers and then want to support our
farms through their purchasing.
Farm Bureau has been in support of
the Commission’s efforts to create a
consolidated shipping facility. Can
you tell us about the purpose and
progress on the project?
If flower farming wasn't challenging
enough, our California flower farms have
the additional challenge of competing
on the costs to ship their flowers to
customers nationwide. While imports
face costs associated with flying their
product to market, they benefit greatly
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
from the natural consolidation that
takes place in Miami due to federal
import requirements. I like to call this
the "Costco effect," and when combined
with generally lower freight rates out of
Florida, California's shipping model is at a
natural disadvantage.
The CCFC has commissioned two
studies, most recently with the
University of Southern California, that
both recommend that California flower
farmers coordinate to cooperate their
freight volumes in order to better
compete. The Commission continues
to spearhead the effort to facilitate the
formation of this consolidation and
is working with those farms who are
interested in forming a cooperative.
There was a time when carnations,
roses, and chrysanthemums
dominated the California flower scene.
What are the leading crops today?
Today's top crops (by sales) are the
gerbera daisy, lilies, iris, roses and
snapdragons.
What do you see as the trends in
flower varieties growers will be
producing?
California's flower farmers will continue
to be known for specialty crops and
(Continued on page 12)
From the Executive Director
March 2012
Calendar of Events
For more information about these
events, call the Farm Bureau office at
(760) 745-3023. More events are listed
on Farm Bureau’s Calendar page at
ww.sdfarmbureau.org
March 2012
March 1
Farm Bureau
Board of Directors Meeting
Farm Bureau
10:00 am Business of the Board
10:30 am General Meeting
March 8
Sexual Harassment Prevention
Training (in Spanish)
Farm Bureau Office
9–11 am
March 29
Executive Committee meeting
Farm Bureau Office
3:00 pm
Future Dates to Remember
April 5
Farm Bureau
Board of Directors Meeting
Farm Bureau
10:00 am Business of the Board
10:30 am General Meeting
April 5
Farmers’ Market Class
Farm Bureau Office
3:00 pm
(see back cover)
April 26
Executive Committee meeting
Farm Bureau Office
3:00 pm
June 16
2012 Farm Tour Day
For an updated list of Farm Bureau
events visit: http://sdfarmbureau.
org/AboutUs/Farm-BureauCalendar.php
UCCE events are available at:
http://cesandiego.ucdavis.edu/
4
It’s in fashion.
by Eric Larson
B
efore anyone accuses me of being a fashion
maven, the 2012 Dolce & Gabbana Spring/
Summer collection was brought to my attention
by a friend who stays right on the cutting edge of what’s
fashionable and hip. With clothes hanging in my closet
aged in decades, not fashion seasons, “Spring/Summer
collection” may be written in English, but it’s foreign to
me. Now, with that straight I can report that when the
Dolce & Gabbana models hit the runway earlier this
year they were festooned in tomatoes, eggplants, corn,
peppers, and zucchini. Not the vegetables a la Lady
Gaga and her meat dress, but in sporty dresses, tops,
shorts, and pants made from cloth with colorful patterns of the veggies. This farmproduct creep into the fashion world is just another bit of proof in the trendiness of
fresh fruits and vegetables. Couple that with the well-scribed “local” movement and
we may ask if we are taking full advantage.
A food farmer today who is looking to change
crops, expand production, or diversify what is
being planted is advised to look towards the 16
million people living south of the Tehachapis who
are hungry three times a day. In the conversation
about “local” the question from the public is
always about where it was grown. Farmers need
to look at the converse; where are the mouths?
“...when the Dolce &
Gabbana models hit the
runway earlier this year
they were festooned in
tomatoes, eggplants, corn,
peppers, and zucchini.”
Dating back to the 1970’s we’ve seen the success
of farmers markets connecting farmers and
consumers. But farmers markets aren’t for everyone. Not every farmer can devote
long hours to standing in a stall and not every consumer can match their schedule to
the once-a-week markets. But as we are learning through the San Diego County Farm
Bureau’s San Diego Grown Project, the channels are multiplying as we hear of local
and regional chain markets, schools, hospitals, and restaurants that are clamoring for
locally produced fruits, vegetables, and animal products. We are also learning about
dozens of farmers who are finding new niches by recognizing and meeting those
needs.
Farm Bureau will never suggest what products a farmer should produce, but we
sure can spot a trend. Farmers aren’t driving the bus that is all about fresh and local.
That’s being done by consumers, marketers, media, and even fashion designers. But
only farmers can put fuel in the tank. •
Welcome New Agricultural Members
Toni R. Bear
Lauren A. Durham
Scott Chase
Young J Pak
Gary Collins
Avi Pollack
Karen D. Conteras
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
Pest Watch
Eye gnat ordinance
A draft ordinance on eye gnat control had been scheduled
for a hearing before the Board of Supervisors on February
29. A February 10 deadline for submitting comments on the
ordinance netted 1734 submissions. County officials said
that 67 favored the ordinance while 1667 were opposed. In
response to issues raised by some of the comments the hearing
on the ordinance has been delayed indefinitely.
Late last year in answer to complaints levied by residents
adjacent to organic farms in Jacumba and San Pasqual Valley,
the County's Board of Supervisors established the Eye Gnat
Intervention Working Group to provide advice to the office
of the Chief Administrative Officer on an ordinance to control
the pests. A draft ordinance was crafted that called for a series
of measures that would start when it was shown that a farm
was the source of the nuisance followed by voluntary control
measures put in place by the farmer working in conjunction
with the University of California Cooperative Extension Service.
Should those measures fail to drop the eye gnat population
sufficiently, the ordinance called for escalating measures at the
County's insistence, which could be appealed by the farmer to a
five-member eye gnat appeals board. Should all measures fail,
the ordinance could ultimately lead to the County's demand for
on-farm remedies that could lead to changing crops, fallowing
land, or using chemicals that would suspend the farm's organic
certification. The Farm Bureau representatives on the Working
Group opposed the measures that could threaten the farm's
organic certification or cause severe economic harm to the
farmer.
Eye gnat symposium
On Thursday, March 22 the University of California Cooperative
Extension, San Diego County Department of Environmental
Health, and the Department of Entomology at UC Riverside
will present a symposium on the latest in eye gnat research
and education. Scheduled speakers will present information
on eye gnat control and experiments in Thailand, Coachella
Valley, and San Diego County. Participants can register for
the all day event at http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.
cfm?surveynumber=7995 or by calling 760-752-4724.
(Continued from page 17)
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5
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
Using personal protective
gear is a must on the farm
City of San Diego sows seeds for farmers
O
n January 31 the San Diego City Council took official action to
encourage agriculture within the city limits by adopting amendments to
the city’s general plan and municipal code. The amendments addressed
multiple urban agriculture regulations and in all cases ease existing regulations
with the goal being, according to the council meeting docket, “to combat rising
obesity rates in the San Diego region by planning communities in ways that
support increased physical activity and access to healthy foods.” To meet that
goal the city lowered restrictions on the keeping of chickens, goats, and bees by
city residents, made adjustments to community garden regulations, and created
two new use categories in the municipal code for farmers’ markets on private
property and retail farms.
Retail farms and nurseries under the new regulations will be allowed to operate
on four acre and smaller sized lots in commercial zones and will be allowed to
sell products on site under the condition that 75 percent of the products sold
are produced on the farm. The farm may use only pesticides approved by the
National Organic Program.
Under the old regulations, required setbacks for bee hives effectively prohibited
beekeeping on all but the largest lots throughout the city. Now, hives are
allowed in single family residential zones provided they are secured, screened
from view, and kept 15 feet from residential structures and 20 feet from public
rights of way.
Miniature, dehorned, and neutered goats, which were previously allowed only
in agricultural zones, may now be kept in single family zones. Not more than
two goats may be kept and they must be secured in a minimum 400 square foot
enclosure with five foot fencing. All goat related food products may only be used
for personal consumption.
Backyard chickens will have a lot more yards to call home. Chicken coops with
up to five hens may be kept in single family zones within required setbacks and
up to 15 hens may be kept if the coop is 15 feet or more from the property line.
Flocks of up to 25 hens may be kept provided the coop and enclosure is 50 feet
from any residential structure. Roosters are prohibited.
Community gardens may now be established in residential zones with a
neighborhood use permit. Daily on-site produce sales are allowed in commercial
and industrial zones and on-site sales will be allowed weekly in residential zones.
This is a big jump from past regulatory hurdles. In 2007 it took the International
Rescue Committee $40,000 and nine months to open the New Roots Community
Garden in the City Heights neighborhood.
San Diego County Farm Bureau submitted comments on initial drafts of the
new regulations and SDCFB staff spoke in favor of the regulations at the council
meeting.
The city council vote was unanimous and support for the new regulations was
voiced by each council member. Many shared memories of childhood moments
spent on farms or in gardens and Council President, Tony Young, praised the
community members at the meeting for their efforts. “Just imagine if you - all of
the other issues in your neighborhood that you came down here and advocated
like you have on this issue - just imagine how much better your community
would be. This is a great example of how government can be supportive of the
things that are important to you.” •
By Mike Klimenko
Farm Bureau Group Manager
Everyone knows the danger in removing
a machine guard from a piece of
moving equipment such as a power
take off (PTO), but what about personal
protective gear such as gloves, goggles
and safety boots?
Frequently, these protective items are
ignored by farmers, ranchers and their
employees. But like most pieces of safety
equipment, they are only truly effective
when used the right way. It's important
that workers be trained on how to use
and care for personal protective gear so
it will provide maximum protection.
Employers should know the hazards
their workers face on the job, and then
provide the proper equipment to protect
against those hazards. It's a four-step
process: Provide workers with personal
protective gear; teach them how to use
this equipment; make it a rule that the
equipment be used; and finally, as an
employer, be sure to follow your own
rule. Don't make the "Do as I say, not as I
do" mistake.
Here are some of the primary types of
personal protection gear:
•
Hand protection: Properly fitted
gloves-cotton, canvas, leather,
rubber or plastic coated-protect
hands when handling tools,
rough objects, or when exposed
to weather, chemicals, solvents,
branches and so on.
•
Eye protection: Eyes are vulnerable
to injury when a person is
performing a number of different
tasks on the farm or ranch, such
as pruning, harvesting, haying or
handling agricultural chemicals.
Protective eyewear is a must.
•
Head protection: Hard hats protect
the head from impact and flying or
falling objects. Some of the tasks
that necessitate the wearing of a
hard hat include trimming trees,
operating or repairing machinery,
and working under low ceilings.
(continued on page 9)
6
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
AITC Update
by David Drucker
San Diego Ag in the Classroom has successfully read the school
garden grant applications, visited the schools, and awarded the
grants. We have given $10,520.00 to 26 schools in San Diego
County. The board was impressed with the existing gardens, and
the level of involvement from the students, teachers, and parents.
These schools are utilizing their resources in the community, such
as the Master Gardner Program. We stress the importance of
agricultural awareness in San Diego County, and it is one of the
criteria for awarding a grant. I would like to thank our board members for taking time to visit the schools, and read all the garden
grant applications. It is truly gratifying to see what our local schools are doing to promote agriculture, and a healthy lifestyle by
consuming fresh produce. So many lessons can be tied in to a school garden. I applaud our educators who get those lessons
taught to our future community leaders, and hopefully producers.
Board member Martha Deichler and myself, had the opportunity to visit the Seed Survivor Mobile at the World Ag Expo in Tulare.
California Ag in the Classroom Foundation was able to get the unit for school visits throughout California. Please go to www.
growingthenextgeneration.com , and link to Seed Survivor Mobile. This 32 foot trailer is a free curriculum based plant nutrient
classroom on wheels. It is an interactive, multi-media exhibit that encourages students to master the elements that plants rely on.
They learn what it takes to grow healthy plants. The unit is funded by Agrium, the parent company of Crop Production Services.
The Seed Survivor Mobile is coming to San Diego County in April, so be on the lookout for it.
Please save the date of Saturday, April 14th. California Foundation For Ag In The Classroom is having a Tribute to Ag luncheon at
South Coast Winery in Temecula. The event benefits the Foundation, and celebrates agriculture. It will be from 11 A.M.- 2 P.M. The
Seed Survivor Mobile will be on display there, so you can see it for yourself. Please come join us for this celebration of National Ag
Week. Reservations can be made at http://learnaboutag.org/naw/.
7
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
Farm Tour Day 2012
volunteers needed
From the Agricultural Commissioner
Following on the success of Farm
Tour Day events in 2010 and 2011,
the San Diego County Farm Bureau
will again this year offer the public
an opportunity to tour local farms on
Saturday, June 16. Farm Tour Day is
an important public relations event by
giving participants the opportunity
to meet local farmers and learn about
farming firsthand. The first two
editions took place in the fall, but
co-chairs Al Stehly and Gary Crouch
concluded there were too many
conflicting Saturday events that time
of year and opted for the earlier date.
Snail-Free Master Permit Program for Nursery Stock
Farm Tour Day participants take a
self-guided trip to several farms
where they get the opportunity to
walk through the production areas
and hear directly from farmers on
crop selection, cultural techniques,
production challenges, and
marketing. In 2011 more than 300
farm tourists took the excursion, a
big jump over the approximately 100
who took tours the first year. In exit
interviews, ninety-two percent said
they were very satisfied and would
likely participate again this year. In
anticipation of another big jump in
participation due to returnees and
publicity, two four-farm tours will be
conducted this year simultaneously
to reduce the size of the crowd at any
one farm during the day.
By adding a second tour route and
increasing the overall number of
farm sites that will be open that day,
volunteers will be greatly needed.
Volunteers greet the participants
upon arrival at the farm and then
help organize the group tours that
take place throughout the day. The
volunteers also direct the tourists to
their next destination. Past volunteers
reported that helping out is a very
enjoyable experience. If you can
volunteer for the full-day between
9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on June 16 or
for a morning or afternoon half-day
slot, please contact the Farm Bureau
office at 760-745-3023 or
sdcfb@sdfarmbureau.org.
8
From Lisa Leondis, Agricultural Commissioner
As we continually strive to streamline our operations, we have developed a new
agreement within our Snail-Free Master Permit Program that may reduce costs for
growers. This new agreement will only apply to growers with clean operations who
meet the standards for the new Qualified Nursery Snail-Free Master Permit, and who
ship to states with snail restrictions.
The Qualified Nursery Snail-Free Master Permit Program agreement allows
participating nurseries to ship nursery stock “at will” by using a Master Permit Stamp
or Sticker for shipments to all states with snail restrictions. The permit is based on
an understanding between California Department of Food Agriculture and Florida
agricultural officials that all states with snail restrictions have agreed to recognize as
meeting their requirements.
•• States with snail restrictions: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas,
Washington State, Virginia, and West Virginia.
•• Canada requires nurseries to participate in this program in addition to having
each shipment inspected and certified.
The table below describes how the Snail-Free Master Permit Program has operated in
San Diego County for several years in comparison to the new Qualified Nursery SnailFree Master Permit Program, to which we are transitioning.
Snail-Free Master Permit Program
Qualified Nursery Snail-Free Master
Permit Program
All nurseries shipping to states with snail
restrictions are required to participate in the
Snail-Free Master Permit Program.
No longer required. Nurseries may have
individual shipments inspected and certified
as described under Alternative to Master
Permit Program, below.
Compliance agreement required:
a) Snail-Free Nursery or
b) Snail-Free Holding Area
No change.
An inspection of the nursery (entire or
holding area) is required every six months.
The inspection cost is based on an hourly rate
of $67. If the nursery is snail-free, a six-month
compliance agreement is issued.
No change to inspection requirements, but
in addition to the six-month compliance
agreement a stamp or sticker will be issued.
An additional inspection is performed at the
time of each shipment and a certificate is
issued at a cost of $35.
Not required – a savings of $35 per shipment
Texas has different requirements. An
inspection of the entire nursery/holding area
is required every six months. The inspection
cost is based on an hourly rate of $67. If the
nursery is snail-free, a compliance agreement
and a single certificate are issued ($35). The
certificate is valid for unlimited use for six
months. No inspection is required for each
shipment.
Texas now treated the same as all other
states with snail restrictions.
Nurseries/holding areas must truly be snailfree; those with evidence of snail populations
will not be certified. Inspections may need to
be more thorough than in the past.
Alternative to Master Permit Program: Certification of individual shipments via state
phytosanitary certificate ($35) to any of the states is allowed. Depending on the state,
certification may require inspection (included
(continued on page 12)
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
Snails (continued from page 8)
in certificate cost) and/or treatment verification ($67/
hour). This may be most suitable for nurseries that ship
infrequently. Some shipments may not be eligible for
immediate certification and may require a hold/treatment
period. Contact your area agricultural inspector for specific
requirements.
Considerations: The integrity of this program is critical
to avoid placing our nursery industry at risk. Some states
may refuse further shipments by a grower after a violation/
snail interception. In addition, there is the possibility that
shipments from an entire state may be refused after repeated
violations by one or just a few of the shippers from that state.
Compliance agreement violations may result in suspension
from the program until the nursery can demonstrate snailfree status to AWM, CDFA and USDA as applicable. Depending
on the circumstances, reinstatement to the program may
take months, during which time the suspended nursery will
be prohibited from shipping to states with snail restrictions
(single shipment inspections/certifications may be allowed).
Hourly rates for re-inspections will be charged and usually
several months of re-inspections are required for a nursery to
be reinstated.
Premium Finished Compost
Premium Finished Compost formulated
from organic forest products. It has been
professionally blended and independently
laboratory tested. It has been brought to
temperature to eliminate pathogens and weeds
and formulated to reduce the opportunity for
pathogen growth. This material provides for
better aeration and water percolation and has
an exceptional ability to resist soil compaction.
While this Qualified Nursery Snail-Free Master Permit Program
is designed to reduce costs to growers, it also puts a higher
burden on growers to ensure their nursery is free of snails
year-round.
Call Dan Eggleton
for more details.
(951) 536-8185
To learn about becoming snail-free and maintaining
year-round snail-free status, read CDFA’s Guide to SnailFree Nursery Operations: http://phpps.cdfa.ca.gov/PE/
interiorexclusion/CPTM/pdf/Excerpts_snailfreeops.pdf.
To find out more or to be evaluated for the qualified program,
call Deputy Agricultural Commissioner Jim Wynn at
760-752-4710.
Protective Gear (continued from page 6)
• Ear protection: Ear plugs and external ear coverings
protect the ears from noise-generating tractors,
harvesters, chain saws and other loud equipment.
• Foot protection: Safety shoes with metal toes and
puncture resistant soles should be standard issue of
agricultural workers. They protect feet around livestock,
power mowers and other equipment and when handling
heavy or sharp objects.
• Skin protection: Protect the skin from chemical burns,
sunburn and scrapes by covering with clothing, as well
as proper skin washing and garment laundering.
• Breathing protection: Various types of respiratorsdisposable dust masks, filter respirators, chemical
cartridge, gas mask or self-contained breathing
apparatus-protect workers from breathing hazardous
substances. Be sure to match the proper respirator to
each specific task.
9
Today, State Fund is the largest workers' compensation carrier
in California, insuring more than half of all employers. State
Fund has regional offices throughout the state, which provide
a full range of services to policyholders and injured workers.
We provide coverage to employers of all sizes, from "mom and
pop" operations to major organizations.
Since 1943, the California Farm Bureau and State Fund
partnership has provided farmers with affordable worker
compensation insurance coverage and accident prevention
training for agricultural employers and their employees. In
addition to providing farm and ranch employers with workers'
compensation insurance protection, we also have taken on the
mission of assisting employers in providing safe places to work.
For more information, call toll-free at (800) 773-7667, or check
the State Fund Web site at www.statefundca.com.
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
Business Supporting Member Focus
San Pasqual Valley Soils (SPV Soils)
S
an Pasqual Valley Soils (SPV Soils) is a fully permitted 12-acre
compost facility located in the City of San Diego’s San Pasqual Valley
Agricultural Preserve. “We’re really selective about the feedstocks we
accept,” said co-owner Kevin McLin. “We’re a boutique composter, and it is
critical to maintain a real strong focus on finished product quality. We feel
we have some of the best compost around. Our products are certified by
OMRI, the US Composting Council’s STA program, and the CDFA. With so
many organic farms in the county, our OMRI certified compost is in high
demand.”
A simple open windrow composting process is used to create soil
amendments and mulches sold in bulk to contractors, landscapers,
schools, nurseries and organic growers among others. Soil amendments
and mulches produce improved soil structure, lessen irrigation
requirements, and increase the population of microbes beneficial to
plants. “If we can help a farmer save on irrigation costs or diversify their
revenue stream by transitioning some land to organic, we feel good about
that,” offered McLin.
“Soils improved with our products may also be able to minimize run-off
and help growers look to the future to meet more stringent run-off rules.
And we’re sure we can save any grower money, as compost that we sell for
less than $20 a cubic yard delivered, has more than $90 in value of NPK,
calcium and iron.” Soil amendment products from SPV Soils also contain both microbes and micronutrients absent in synthetic
fertilizers.
Opened in November 2007, SPV Soils was developed with support from the Frank Konyn Dairy, a third generation family-owned
and operated dairy farm located on the same parcel of land in the preserve since 1962. Frank Konyn is co-owner of SPV Soils.
“It’s a great fit for the valley, and we help some of our neighbors manage their organic residuals and improve their soils. We also
believe the composting operation we developed protects water quality, preserves open space and helps maintain the preserve’s
agricultural character. That’s something everyone feels good about.”
The facility is currently accepting yard trimmings and other feedstocks from landscapers, but they have to be exceptionally clean.
“We keep getting more efficient and producing superior products,” said Facility Manager, Craig Anderson. “We’re definitely in it
for the long haul and have some big plans for the future.” To order products or learn more about the company, call Kevin McLin at
760- 644-3404 or 760-746-GROW, or visit www.spvsoils.com. •
Farm Bureau Working for You March 2012
99Testified at County Planning Commission hearing on behalf of farmers concerned about locating a heavily-populated
meditation center adjacent to farms
99Provided flowers and attended Chairman Ron Roberts’ State of the County address
99Traveld to Washington, DC to meet with members of Congress and USDA personnel.
99Met with Japanese agricultural delegation touring southern California farms
99Assisted KPBS TV in producing segment on avocado industry
99Conducted first aid and CPR training in Spanish
99Appointed nominating committee to select SDCFB board candidates for 2012-2013
99Set date and time for Farm Tour Day 2012
99Spoke at City of San Diego hearing on urban agriculture ordinance
10
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
Changing of the guard
Heather Clark is the new Ag Crime Prevention Specialist in the county Sheriff’s
office. She replaces BJ Williams who is retiring this year. Clark has been with the
sheriff’s department for over seven years and previously worked in the Encinitas
crime prevention office. Her new office is in the Valley Center substation. Clark has
a background in criminal justice and crime analysis. She sees her new position as
an opportunity to learn a new field and volunteered for the spot when Williams
announced her retirement. As an Ag Crime Prevention Specialist, Clark helps growers
protect themselves and their property with advice on crime prevention strategies,
farm watch surveillance programs, and ag crime reporting and tracking. Growers can
contact Clark for information on available resources at 760-751-4408 or
heather.clark@sdsheriff.org. •
No crime too small
It stands to reason that police can only fight the crimes they know about. Crimes that
aren’t reported benefit only the criminal and harm only the victim. That’s why it is
important for growers to report all crimes no matter how petty.
Here’s a situation not uncommon to many avocado growers; a grower visits their
grove and notices the chain across the access road is down or the lock on the gate
has been cut. They inspect the trees and notice that many have been stripped of
fruit. The theft is complete and there are few clues to work with. The grower has a
choice; accept the loss and do nothing or report the crime even with little hope that
a suspect will be apprehended. If they choose to accept the loss and do nothing, no
one benefits. If they choose to report the crime, even if no suspect is identified, the
police have data they can work with to establish when and how other groves might
be targeted. Patterns can emerge and, over time, greater priority and police resources
can be requested to combat future crimes.
In an effort to make reporting a crime as convenient as possible, the county sheriff’s
office created a web-based reporting program. Growers can go online to www.
sdsheriff.net and click on the eCrime reporting tab. Only those types of crimes that
do not require a deputy to visit the site are reported online. These are theft, lost
property, vandalism, vehicle burglary, and harassing phone calls. Fill out the online
form and rest assured that the police now have one more bit of information that will
better help them prevent another crime.
Environmental Quality
Incentive Program Funds
Available for Organic
and Organic Transition
Farming
Applications for the second ranking
period of the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic
Initiative are due at local Natural
Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) offices by March 30, 2012.
Nearly $50 million in financial and
technical assistance is available
nationwide to certified organic
producers, those who want to make
the transition to organic production,
and producers who sell less than
$5,000 in organic products annually.
The Organic Initiative makes available
a wide array of conservation practices
specifically designed for organic
production. These practices will also
help the chosen applicants meet
many requirements of their USDA
Organic System Plans and stay in
compliance with USDA’s National
Organic Program. The top five Organic
Initiative conservation practices
are cover crops, nutrient and pest
management, seasonal high tunnels,
crop rotation, and fencing.
Changes for the Organic Initiative for
2012 include: three ranking periods for
current and transitioning producers; a
threshold ranking score that can speed
up approval for qualified applicants;
a national list of offered conservation
practices; and increased training for
NRCS field staff. All applicants must
complete a screening worksheet.
Those interested in applying should
contact their local NRCS office to find
out if they are eligible. The NRCS Office
in San Diego County is located at 332
S. Juniper St, Suite 110 in Escondido.
They can be contacted by phone at
760-745-2061 ext 3.
Learn more about the Organic
Initiative at http://go.usa.gov/
nd7 and find out about other NRCS
conservation programs at http://
go.usa.gov/ndA.
11
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
It pays to give
Additionally, the "Bill Emerson Good
Samaritan Food Donation Act" (Public
Law 104-210) protects donors from
liability when donating to nonprofit
organizations and protects donors
from civil and criminal liability should
the product donated in good faith
later cause harm to the end user.
The text of the law reads, “A person
or gleaner shall not be subject
to civil or criminal liability arising
from the nature, age, packaging, or
condition of apparently wholesome
food or an apparently fit grocery
product that the person or gleaner
donates in good faith to a nonprofit
organization for ultimate distribution
to needy individuals.” The law goes
on to provide liability protection
of donors who allow gleaners onto
their property for the collection
of products to be donated. These
protections do not apply in cases
of gross negligence or intentional
misconduct on the part of the donor.
Food banks also protect donors by
offering various liability protections,
including strict standards of
warehouse operation, proper
storage and handling procedures,
complete product tracking and recall
capabilities, and accurate and timely
receipting. •
12
We know Mother Nature
doesn’t wait.
The weather starts to change and it brings a whole new list of chores.
We understand you’ve got a schedule to stick to–that’s why we’re
dedicated to getting those in California ag back to work as soon as
possible through our careful processing of claims. Plus, we offer
eligible Farm Bureau members a 6 percent discount on premiums.
It’s all part of our commitment to California agriculture.
Because Mother Nature doesn’t stop, and neither do we.
Together, we’ll help keep California working.
statefundca.com
State Compensation Insurance Fund is not a branch of the State of California.
A new piece of legislation recently
passed making it easier and safer
for California growers to reap
the benefits of charitable giving.
Assembly Bill 152 (AB152) took
effect January 1, 2012. It authorizes
growers to receive a tax credit equal
to 10 percent of the wholesale value
of fresh fruits and vegetables they
donate to qualified California nonprofit organizations. What this means
is each time a grower donates food
to a local non-profit food bank, they
can receive a 10 percent tax credit
on top of the tax deduction they
receive when making the donation.
The California Association of Food
Banks has created an easy to read fact
sheet on the new law here: http://
www.cafoodbanks.org/docs/AB%20
152%20Full%20Factsheet.pdf.
Kasey Cronquist (continued from page 3) providing unique and different varieties
that are not easily transported by plane. We will continue to see bulb crop production
such as lilies, iris and tulips coming from California, as well as maintaining our
leadership position in quality gerbera daisy production. I would also highlight the
South African flower varieties, such as Protea, Pincushions, etc., growing mostly in the
San Diego County area as crops to watch going forward. Their unique textures, colors
and look are gaining popularity in design use and with consumers.
How do you feel about the outlook for growing flowers in California?
Optimistic. There is a "food movement" afoot and floral tends to trend behind food
and produce initiatives. With more and more people paying attention to where their
food comes from, it's logical and natural for their flower buying behavior to follow.
The Commission's job is really to continue to lead the way on developing resources
and the understanding that when it comes to buying local flowers, California Grown
Flowers are America's Flowers. •
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
6000
5000
INDEX FRESH 15-YEAR GROWTH
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
95/96
13
96/97
97/98
98/99
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
05/06
06/07
07/08
08/09
09/10
*Index Fresh™ and our new AvoTerra™ brand historically beat the major packers, based on the most recently available data.
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
Meet Your Board Members
Tony Godfrey
What do you produce?
We are primarily a grower of plants for
indoor or patio use. The majority of
what we grow goes into homes, offices,
hotels, casinos, and restaurants. Tropical
plants thrive best in this setting. To grow
tropical plants in this area, we need to
use greenhouses. We started in 1973 with
3,000 square feet of greenhouse and
have grown to 760,000 square feet today.
Along the way we became one of the 100
largest greenhouses in the USA. We also
have made many changes in the line of
plants that we grow. We started with
just 5 varieties of foliage plants and have
morphed into several hundred varieties
in addition to flowering Bromeliads and
Anthuriums. Our distribution has also
grown from one customer in Los Angeles
to several hundred all over the Western
USA plus a few east of the Mississippi, in
Canada and Mexico, and one in Alaska.
Tell us a little about your business.
Simply stated our business is to grow
plants for our customers. But our
customers don't just want any old
plant. They want the best varieties, well
grown, healthy and pest free, and at a
fair price (or lower if possible). To do this,
we are constantly managing change. It
always amazes me when I look back at
all the change we have gone through
each day. We started with a single sheet
of polyethylene plastic covering our
14
greenhouse. A few months later when
we added a third bay, our landlord
complained that we were taking too
much gas forcing his heaters to go off. At
that time gas was only 10 cents a therm
but we didn't have the capital to get our
own meter. Rather than shut down the
new bay, we recovered all three bays
with a second sheet of poly and inflated
it which reduced our gas consumption
by 43%. Later in 2001, California
deregulated gas which shot the price
up to $1.58 per therm. We realized if we
were going to stay in business, we would
need to reduce our use. Our energy bill
had spiked from $50,000 in January 2000
to $193,000 in January 2001. We installed
heat curtains in all our greenhouses
which saved 35% off our use and
allowed us to stop using whitewash on
the roof to cool the houses. This gave
us even better light early mornings,
late afternoons, and on cloudy days for
better growth inside the houses. Later
we began adding a second curtain to our
newer houses which enables us to use
only one-third the energy required when
we got started.
Starting as a part-time owner, I watered
plants on my lunch break from a
neighboring nursery, potted a few plants
in the evening, and made deliveries in a
VW van on weekends. Today we have 80
full time employees and several trucks
and trailers to deliver plants. The trucks
have GPS tracking and Drive-Cams to
monitor driving habits and accidents.
Our greenhouse climate is controlled by
computer instead of many thermostats.
The computer calls us if there is a
problem in the greenhouses. Irrigation
is also controlled by a computer instead
of a guy at the end of a hose. The plant
tables roll side to side for less aisle
space and 25% more growing space.
We added fans and evaporative cooling
pads to allow more light on the plants
without burning the leaves. We move
plants around more efficiently with racks
and trailers towed by golf carts. All key
employees have two way radios and or
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
cell phones to communicate easily. We
capture and recycle drain water from
the greenhouses. Without all these
innovations and more in this economy,
we might not have survived.
What is your business background/
how did you get into the business?
I began working in retail nursery
business my last year of high school. Not
knowing what I wanted to do, I decided
to study Ornamental Horticulture at Cal
Poly-Pomona. While there I continued
to work in retail nurseries, a flower shop
and the college greenhouse. After five
years, I left to go to work in a commercial
greenhouse. Seeking more pay and
experience, I worked at three more
nurseries in four years before starting
Olive Hill Greenhouses. I was starting
to think there was something wrong
with me because I didn't want to stay in
one place very long. After working 39
years for myself, I don't worry about that
anymore.
What are some favorite hobbies/
activities?
I enjoy my family, good food and wine,
traveling, playing tennis, history and
politics. Even after 39 years, I still love
growing plants and our business like it is
a hobby.
What else do you want to share about
yourself?
I feel so fortunate to have found
something so enjoyable to do with
my life and for my wife, Sue, who is so
supportive of my passion. Together we
have passed our passion for life to our
daughters, Denise, with our business,
and Kristina, with her art. •
FFA AG-tivities - Poway High School
G
reetings from the Poway FFA
Chapter! It’s been an amazing
year since the last time we visited
the San Diego County Farm Bureau.
Under the direction of our advisor, Mary
Martineau, the past 2011-12 FFA season
was one of the best ever.
Last April, the chapter attended the
State FFA Convention. It was at this event
that Desiree Nihart, Poway FFA Alumni,
won the CA State FFA Proficiency Award
for her SAE project in Small Animal
Production and Care. Desiree was
then chosen as a National Finalist and
attended the National FFA Convention
where she received second place
nationally. At the National Convention,
Desiree and two other chapter alumi also
received their American FFA Degrees.
After the State Convention, the chapter
attended the State FFA Judging Finals
at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where
Senior, Shelby Roberts was the 2nd high
individual in the state in Light Horse
Judging.
The chapter continued its successes into
the summer at the San Diego County
and Ramona Junior Fairs. Thirty students
took animals to the SDCF in Del Mar and
received several honors. Sophomore,
Matt Kelly won Champion Duroc Swine
with a barrow that he had bred and
raised himself. Chapter members also
won Reserve Champion FFA Goat,
Champion FFA Red Steer, several first
place showmen, and Master Novice
Large Animal Showman. Ramona was
also successful with the chapter winning
Grand and Reserve Champion Swine,
Grand and Reserve Champion Turkeys,
Grand Champion Chicken Meat Pen,
several Bred and Fed Champions, and
several showmanship winners.
From Left to Right: Gwen Alexander, President, Natalee Johnson, Vice President, Adrianna
Chabot, Reporter, Kayla Karakey, Historian, Margaux Payton, Secretary, Scott Kapitzke,
Treasurer, Garrett Barton, Sentinel.
With every new chapter meeting, it
seems as though the number of active
members grows, we currently have over
40 active members and 35 members
signed up to show animals this summer.
Luckily, we recently received a brand
new aluminum livestock trailer that
was purchased for the chapter through
donations. This trailer will come in handy
when hauling animals to the fairs this
summer. Class numbers are also on the
rise. As students become more aware
of the classes offered to them, they are
beginning to request enrollment in the
Floral Design, Veterinary Science, Ag
Science, and Ag Biology classes offered at
Poway High. This year, over 180 students
are enrolled in these classes.
All in all, it was an extremely successful
year. Despite the threat of being cut a
After a successful summer, the 2011-12
school year got off to a great start with a
new officer team and the continuation of
participation in FFA events and judging
competitions. This year, the chapter has
three judging teams; Light Horse, Small
Engines, and Vegetables. Members
are eagerly awaiting the chance to
participate in upcoming field days.
15
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
few years ago, the Poway FFA Chapter is
up and running strong! With increased
successes and enrollment, we hope to be
around for several years to come. •
Poway FFA Wish List:
For Livestock Barns & Fairs:
• Hoses
• Rakes (Metal and Plastic)
• Brooms
• Scoop Shovels
• Apple Pickers
• Wheelbarrows
New or used pipe corrals and livestock
pens.
We are also looking for monetary
donations to purchase a new truck for
the agriculture department.
Email Mary Martineau at:
mmartineau@powayusd.com
The hArvesT is in
Once again American AgCredit is paying
record cash dividends to its members.
$34.7 million for 2011, and more than
$160 million since 2006.
How do we continue to thrive, even
in tough times? By investing wisely
— in farmers and ranchers
like you. Just like we’ve been
doing since 1916.
TeMeCULA
Call 951.296.0175 today
or visit AgLoan.com
A part of the Farm Credit System. Equal Opportunity Lender.
16AAC_SDFB_div_7.5x10.indd
1
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
2/10/2012 9:22:24 AM
Willing Workers
Each year the Farm Bureau office receives emails and
letters from local high school and college students
looking for ag related work or internships. Without
having a jobs posting available, Farm Bureau staff often
has few options for them beyond keeping their ears to
the ground and trying to connect these students to a
farm or nursery employer. This month we’ve decided to
try something new. Below are the names and interests of
students who have recently reached out to Farm Bureau
to find an ag related job or internship experience. If you
have a job opportunity or are interested in contacting
any of these students, contact Casey at the Farm Bureau
office at casey@sdfarmbureau.org or 760-745-3023.
Adelaide Dyer is a Junior Ag Communications major
and Ag Business minor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
She is a collegiate member of SDCFB and is looking
for a summer job or internship with a San Diego
County ag business. She is a three time recipient of
San Diego County Farm Bureau scholarship awards
and has been on the Dean’s List for academic
performance five quarters. She is interested in the
wine industry, agricultural government, and lobbying.
Katherine Merchat is a Sophomore at Cal Poly
San Luis Obispo studying to complete a major in
Agribusiness with a minor in Spanish. She is looking
for a summer job or internship in sales, marketing, or
agribusiness. She is a member of SDCFB, the Alpha
Zeta agricultural fraternity, and is on the Dean’s List
for academic performance. She has job shadowed
at McDaniel Fruit Co. in Fallbrook, and interned
at Fox Point Farms in Encinitas. Katherine was a
2011 recipient of a San Diego County Farm Bureau
scholarship and Village Nurseries named scholarship.
Samantha Murillo is a Senior at San Diego
State University pursuing a degree in Business
Administration. She is seeking an internship or
employment in agriculture in management or sales.
She has worked as a supply chain intern at Paramount
Citrus Association in Delano, CA and is currently a
Membership Student Assistant with KPBS in San
Diego.
Tim Stornetta is a Junior at San Diego State University
pursuing a degree in Business Administration.
He grew up on a dairy and vineyard in northern
California. He is interested in all types of agricultural
work. He has worked as a harvest team leader at
Leveroni Vineyards in Sonoma, and managed online
sales, inventory, and wine deliveries for Vinlux Fine
Wine Transportation in Napa, CA.
•
Pest Watch (continued from page 13)
Asian citrus psyllid
In response to the dense accumulation of Asian citrus psyllid
(ACP) finds in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the California
Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee (CPDPC) has
adopted a plan to prevent the spread of the pest eastward to
the Coachella Valley, westward into Ventura, and southward into
Temecula and northern San Diego County. Most important, the
plan will work to prevent the natural spread of Huanglongbing
disease (HLB) from northern Mexico. The plan calls for the
establishment of buffer zones where increased sampling for
HLB will take place along with treatments targeted to the
buffer zones to prevent ACP migration. CPDPC is also reporting
that research on a promising biological control, the parasitoid
Tamarixia radiate from the Punjab region of Pakistan, has begun
in Los Angeles. T. radiate is a small black wasp and females lay
one or two eggs beneath an ACP nymph. The newly hatched
parasitoid will then feed on the ACP nymph, eventually killing
the host. An adult female T. radiate can deposit up to 300 eggs.
Phytosanitary certificate fees
The State of California's ongoing budget shortfall is resulting
in reductions in service and imposition of fees. The California
Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is proposing to
initiate a state phytosanitary and master certificate fee to cover
its costs for issuing the certificates to producers requiring the
certificates for shipping products out of the state. This comes as
a result of the state's latest cuts to the CDFA budget, including
$1.53 million slashed from the Pest Exclusion Branch. Based
on the cost of the program and the number of certificates
issued, the cost per certificate is set at $5.30 and $125 per
master certificate. San Diego County Farm Bureau's ad hoc Fee
Committee and California Farm Bureau studied the proposal and
submitted comments suggesting that if excess fees are collected
they should stay in the program and not go to the general fund,
that an annual review of the fee structure should take place,
support for a three-year sunset, and asking that departmental
economies be studied that could reduce the fees.
Thank You
Farm Bureau Volunteers
Thanks to the Farm Bureau members listed
below who serve on the Finance Committee.
Ken Altman
Vic Pankey
Jerry Church
Al Stehly
Janet Kister
Noel Stehly
Mike A. Mellano
I’m Glad to be a Farm Bureau member because...
The Farm Bureau watches the
farmers’ back. With the many
challenges we face to run
our day to day operations it’s
nice to know we have a voice
to carry our message and
an advocate to protect our
interests. Our lives are better
because of the Farm Bureau.
Rua Petty, Protea USA
DC Trip (continued from page 1)
exclusion, Light Brown Apple Moth funding, European Grapevine moth, dog teams
and their importance and adding funding for them into the bill. Money for research
and conservation programs; we’re saying this is what is important to us, this is how it
impacts us, and this is why we need it. We’re also working hard to maintain funding for the Specialty Crop program. Fortunately, in
our conversations about the Specialty Crop program, everyone we met with was pretty confident that it would remain.”
On the subject of immigration reform, the prevailing sentiment is less optimistic. “When you ask people in DC if anything is going
to happen soon with immigration reform, you get a million reasons why nothing will get done,” Kister says. “But, there are a few
factors that may turn the tables on that and that’s what is interesting.”
Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX), introduced a bill last year that would have required all employers to run employee information
through E-Verify, a database operated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that checks an individual’s authorization to
work. There was an immediate response from the ag industry nationwide. The message from ag was E-Verify cannot go forward
without an effective fix for agriculture to supply ag employers with a legal workforce. “It was a grassroots message and they heard
it loud and clear,” says Kister. This is Lamar Smith’s last year in office and it seems he wants his legacy to be E-Verify, but he knows
that cannot happen without addressing agriculture’s needs. Now, says Kister, “things are happening in DC. Lamar Smith had a
hearing last week in the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement, and CFBF President, Paul Wenger, flew
back and testified as part of it.” Kister also points out that the past two times immigration reform legislation passed was in 1986
and 1996; both election years.
In a Washington divided by partisan politics, where the art of compromise seems to have been lost along the way and where in
an election year, differences are highlighted more often than they are discussed, what can be gained from four days of meetings?
Kister responds firmly, “Our goal was to get our stories out in front of these people. That was accomplished. Will we actually get
immigration reform? No one is sure. You have to keep plugging at it little by little. At some point, something will happen. But they
listen to the people who show up. And we show up.” •
18
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
Classified Advertising
Trees & Plants
Protea Plants  We have thousands of
Protea plants, Protea, Leucodendrons,
Leucospermums available for planting
now. Large variety and reasonable prices.
Wholesale only. proteahillsranch@gmail.com
(760) 741-5516.
Sago palms  in 5-gal pots $25 ea; 20-gal
pots $60 ea. Call Jack Brouwer @(760) 7495897, cell (760) 212-5192 or
jackbro@pacbell.net for pictures.
Bamboo, palms & other exotics  20%
discount to Farm Bureau members.
(760) 758-6181 or BotanicalPartners.com.
Palms  and other plants, all at discount
prices. Cold hardy, wide selection. Call James
at (760) 749-9375.
COLD HARDY & RARE PALMS  Lowest
prices available. Many varieties to choose
from—call James @ 760-749-9375
Mexican blue fan palms  Brahea armata;
15 gal. pots $15. Avail. in Jamul.
(619) 890-7965.
Succulents Wanted  Re-wholesaler looking
for all sizes, varieties Echevaria, Sedum, Aloe,
Agave, etc. Mark, Cardiff Greenhouses.
(949) 376-1563 or Miguel at (760) 942-3552.
Protea seed starter packs  Protea flower
bouquets & Protea botanical prints shipped
anywhere in the US. www.capeflowerfields.com
Soil & Soil Amendments
Locally produced fertilizer  from biosolids
at Fallbrook Public Utility District. Classified
by the EPA as Class A EQ soil amendment. Can
be used just like any commercial fertilizer.
Slow release nitrogen fertilizer; properties
similar to Milorganite, a highly concentrated
soil amendment. $20 a ton. jeffp@fpud.com or
760-728-1125
Stockalper Soils  Premium topsoil,
compost, nursery mixes, planter mixes,
organic fertilizers, mulches, bark, etc. Call Eb:
(760) 801-5664.
Mushroom compost  Consistent,
formulated, homogenous product. High
water & nutrient holding capacity; weed
free. No nitrogen draw down problems;
supports plant growth. A great natural soil
amendment. (760) 749-1201.
FREE Mulch  Poway. Good for water
retention & weed control. (858) 748-6524.
Land to Buy/Sell/Lease
Wanted: Small grove  to lease (less than
5 ac); citrus, avos or mixed fruit. Ramona,
Escondido or San Marcos preferred.
(760) 788-9324.
Wanted, groves, land  and horse
properties. We have clients ready to buy. Jill
19
Pettigrew (Agent) (760) 468-1144 or office
(760) 451-1600.
Real Estate Services
Agricultural appraisal  of avocado
groves, citrus, cut flowers, dairies, ranches,
commercial and industrial in San Diego and
Riverside counties. Real estate appraisals
for financing, condemnation, litigation and
trusts. 40-year North County resident. Robert
Shea Perdue, MAI. (951) 694-6904,
(760) 741-6124 home office.
Services
GROWERS SPRAYING SERVICE  Licensedinsured. Highly recommended Ag Pest
Control Operator. Avo/citrus groves (ground
rigs only. DEAN Morehead owner cell ph. 760277-2870
Sustainable Vineyard Care  California
EPA Agricultural Pest Control Adviser
License #120550. Organic, Biodynamic, or
conventional pest and fertility management.
Eight years professional exp. in San Luis
Obispo, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, & Napa
counties as a Viticulturist and PCA. B.S. in
Viticulture from California Poly, San Luis
Obispo. Contact: VineyardCareSD@gmail.com
McDonald-Western  Grading for roads,
home sites, ponds, drainage, rip-rap, etc (760)
749-8847 or Mike@McDonaldWestern.com
Licensed Architect  Code compliance,
violations, zoning, site plans, as builts,
permits, reasonable rates. (619) 221-1941
Banner’s Professional Weed Abatement
 Mowing and disking, brush clearing & fire
breaks. Insured. Free estimates.
(760) 213-3903.
Bee hives  available for pollination–groves,
wildlands, etc. (760) 731-6594.
Bees  looking for a place to put my bees.
If you have a grove or open space call John
(760) 473-8347
Avocado tree injection/phosphorous 
Professional application. Fights root rot. Geoff
Bamber (760) 728-6786.
Grove Roads, grading & cleanup 
Licensed Contractor, (760) 451-1788.
Daniel’s Farm Services  Grading,
excavation, grove clearing. (760) 731-2504.
Nursery & grove equip.  trailers, carts,
grates, etc. Build to your specs or we design.
Also equip. repair. Richard (760) 723-0533.
Diesel service & repair  trucks, trailers,
farm equip. & RVs. References avail.
(760) 801-7858.
Horse shoeing  and trimming in San Diego
County. (619) 478-9070.
Grinding/chipping  Industrial capacity
horizontal grinder w/operator for rent.
Farm Bureau News  March 2012
Optional front loader operator avail. Green
waste, land clearing, C&D material. No job too
large. Call for rates. (858) 550-0919.
Gopher removal by ‘Gopher Ninja’.
Save your farm or winery today by
contacting www.gopherninja.com or email
gopherninjasd@gmail.com
Farm Management
WELL EQUIPMENT 112 KVA Dry Step
Transformer: $700. 980FT of Submersible
Pump Cable 4/3WG: $5,000- used 3 months.,
Two- 200 AMP Disconnect 50HP: $2,500,
Submersible Pump Grundfos 30HP: $3,500used 3 months., CALL 951-695-2351 or EMAIL:
Rolf@Rawsonteam.com
Professional, Profitable Avocado  Grove
Manager with over 34 years experience.
Consulting, management, design &
installation. Charley Wolk’s Bejoca Company
(760) 728-5176.
Sunrise Farms  packers of organic and
conventional citrus for 30 years and going
strong! Call for a quote on all citrus. Will help
certify organic. (760) 598-3276.
Grove manager  Grading, grove roads,
clearing, chipping using CAT D-6, D-2,
Morbark Chipper. Reasonable rates. John/
Fran-Bar Farms. (760) 451-1788.
Wanted
Wanted Interested to buy used or new
trailer or mobile home. Call 760-533-5391.
Donations to Local Food Banks  Don’t let
un-picked or unsold produce go to waste!
New state tax credit for grower donations.
Countywide drop off locations. Feeding
America San Diego can defray packing costs,
pick up larger loads. Call Paul Hammans at
858) 401-3105
Retired and bored farmer wanted  as an
advisor for growing silage corn in Lakeside.
Call Rob @ 619-933-7427
Firewood  avocado, oak, citrus.
(760) 747-3434.
Miscellaneous
Dayton Nissan 20kw Generator 
and Transfer Switch (propane as fuel
source).$3500 obo, Phase: 3. This generator
has been sitting for a few years, but is in great
condition. May need a little bit of work to
get started. Please contact (760)579-2271 for
information.
Quality 3-way forage horse hay 
(760) 749-1491. Ask for Debbie.
Tango Caminito Dance School  Lessons
and shows. Elena Pankey
www.TangoCaminito.com.
San Diego County Farm Bureau
1670 E. Valley Parkway
Escondido, CA 92027-2409
Presorted Standard
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Escondido, CA
Permit No. 233
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Learn how to sell at a
Farmers’ Market
Date: April 5, 2012
Time: 3:00-5:00 pm
Location: Farm Bureau office
1670 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92027
Cost: $20/free for Farm Bureau members
Structure of farmers’ markets
How to get certified
Getting into a market
Sales hints
Health Department regulations
To register go to www.sdfarmbureau.org/class or call 760-745-3023