DROUGHT: Farmers Are Worried
Transcription
DROUGHT: Farmers Are Worried
Tulare County Farm Bureau NEWS Volume 370, Number 10 { News Briefs Truck rule to be revised A massive frontal attack by agricultural organizations has led to an agreement with senior staff of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to bring common sense to its diesel truck rule. As first written, the plan would have caused farmers to stop using older diesel trucks – many of them often used only seasonally or for low mileage work – mandating that newer ones be bought as replacements. That was unacceptable. Cynthia Cory from the California Farm Bureau Federation and Justin Oldfield from the California Cattlemen's Assn. were part of the lead negotiating team. The Agriculture Council of California funneled supporting information and funds into the effort. Others at the table with the air board officials were the Nisei Farmers League, See News Briefs on page 5 OCTOBER 2008 DROUGHT: Farmers Are Worried “It makes me nervous,” said Larry Peltzer. TCFB's first vice president is not alone. He and many other farmers are checking their water tables, getting in line for service from well drillers and shelling out hard earned cash for extra pumping costs. Governor Schwarzenegger declared a statewide drought on July 4. February was the last wet month on Tulare County's valley floor, and Visalia tallied only 6.66 inches of rain from July 1, 2007 to July 1, 2008. That was only one half inch more than the year before. Standing water in the underground aquifer in the Ivanhoe Irrigation District which supplies Peltzer's farming operations with surface water is at 80 feet, the next to lowest it has been since the district started in 1948. The lowest recorded level was 82 feet in 1961. “It has dropped 30 feet in eight years,” said Peltzer, who had to drill a new well on the family's ranch at a cost of over $100,000. “The situa- TCFB Is Blue Ribbon Award Winner Tulare County Fair CEO Geoff Hinds, (right) presents the Western Fairs Association's Blue Ribbon Award to Tulare County Farm Bureau President Ed Needham for the organization's dedicated support over the years to the fair. Needham said the fair's objectives – to celebrate agriculture and educate the public about the importance of agriculture in their lives – matches those of Farm Bureau. “We are pleased to be recognized for our efforts,” he said, “and we will continue to support this important heritage for our Tulare County youth, businesses and communities.” tion is pretty scary. But it probably would have been be a lot worse if IID hadn't re-charged the aquifer with reservoirs in wet years.” Meanwhile, in the south county, Larry's cousin Doug Peltzer is also battling water scarcity. The Terra Bella-based farmer and farm manager had to replace a 70 year old well in Lindsay. The new hole was drilled to a depth of 230 feet. But Doug Peltzer is more concerned about the “environmental drought” and the uncertainty of federal water supplies to his properties in the Kern-Tulare Irrigation District. If supplies continue to be curtailed by court orders and the Delta Smelt, Peltzer fears service through the Cross Valley Canal will stop. He's wrapping up a new well project in the Richgrove area, “which we've been putting off for 20 years.” Drilling extended 1,230 feet below ground level and the well is test pumping now at a water level between 500 and 600 feet. Peltzer anticipates he'll complete the installation with a 200 hp electrical unit. Realizing pumping costs will be high, he compares it to current diesel fuel prices and thinks it is about a wash. Pump Dependent Terry Langiano, a Dist. 1 Farm Bureau director, is also concerned. He farms 36-acres of walnuts in the deep and fertile soils southeast of Visalia and east Sundale School. He depends solely on pumping from the underground. A domestic well at Langiano's rental house nearby broke suction this summer and had to be extended. His main irrigation well, which he sounds regularly and keeps meticulous records on, was within inches of breaking pump suction. Walnut farmer Terry Langiano sounds his well. His 36 acres have no surface irrigation rights. He depends solely on the underground supply. He had it extended but it only went 10 feet before hitting the well bottom. Langiano said,“The pumping level is at 121.5 feet, the deepest it's been since I've kept records beginning in 1987.” The Langianos are getting in line for a well driller to come after walnut harvest to install a new irrigation well. In the state Farm Bureau's survey to gather farmers' personal stories, Terry wrote: “Given the reduced surface water supply and seriously inadequate delivery system, it is critically important to not forget that when ground water levels drop and ultimately exceed reasonable, cost-effective reach, where will the 'replacement for surface water' come from? “This message needs to be driven home to our various city, county and other governmental leaders for appropriate and responsible See Drought on page 9 Public to Speak On Edison Project at PUC Hearing Nov. 19 Administrative Law Judge Hallie Yacknin announced she will conduct hearings Nov. 19 on Southern California Edison Company's San Joaquin Cross Valley Loop Transmission Project that is before the California Public Utilities Commission. The sessions will be at the Visalia Convention Center in Visalia. A Prehearing Conference is at 1:30pm. The Public Participation Hearing will be conducted at 6:30pm. The prehearing conference is more procedural and legalistic in nature. It will identify the issues to be addressed, the schedule of the formal proceeding and other procedural matters as well as to integrate the environmental review conducted under CEQA into the formal proceeding. The evening session is the opportunity for the public to make their views known to the CPUC. According to the judge's announcement, “Comments at the public participation hearing may address all issues pertaining to the proposed project, including environmental issues as well as project need and costs.” Page 2 Tulare County Farm Bureau News October 2008 Fair Showcases Farming's Future { President’s Notes by Edward Needham, President [email protected] The Tulare County Fair ended as I was writing this, but the efforts of everyone involved will continue to be felt for months and years to come. Nowhere is “Americana” displayed so favorably as in our county and district fairs. As they have been for many decades, these events are a positive rural/urban interface where agriculture is seen at its finest. It was also a pleasant surprise for us in Farm Bureau to receive an award. I want to thank the Tulare County Fair CEO, Geoff Hinds, and the fair board for presenting the Tulare County Farm Bureau with the Western Fairs Assn's Blue Ribbon Award for outstanding fair support. It is greatly appreciated. On Saturday, I joined others in Farm Bureau's booth for the Junior Livestock Sale as we provided beverages and lunch to the auction participants. I found time, as well, to spend time walking the barns and talking with some of the youngsters who showed their animals. It was a positive experience. I am always so impressed with the outstanding efforts made by the students, teachers and parents in the 4-H and FFA programs. It was also readily apparent that many of our business and community leaders are involved in sup- Tulare Citizens' Group Works to Discover Motor Sports Complex Realities { Executive Comments by Patricia L. Stever, Executive Director [email protected] porting the fair and auction – every one of them donating their time and energy to the success of the fair, not to mention generously backing their bids with hard cash to help the youngsters profit from their experience. I spoke with many business owners who don't necessarily have a farming background or are not farming businesses. But they realize they are supported, in large part, by the dollars generated by Tulare County agriculture. Their dedication to the youth is very apparent. These students in the ag programs are the future of our industry and I applaud them for their hard work. We in the agriculture sector need to constantly be reminded that they are the men and women we will be interviewing in years to come to fill positions in our businesses. The early training and responsibility of raising an animal and competing in the show ring give these students an introduction to the real world. On behalf of the Tulare County Farm Bureau I would like to thank all the parents, teachers, business owners, and staff for making the livestock show and auction such a success. Please remember to support our youth ag programs and participants. They are our future. This past month I have been actively involved in the Tulare Motor Sports Complex Community Advisory Group, which was formed by the Tulare Industrial Site Development Foundation. It is designed to be an independent body composed of community members interested in learning more about the project. Our charge is to provide much needed information from a community perspective to Tulare's city leaders about the impacts - both positive and negative - this complex could bring to Tulare. It has been a fast paced and informative four weeks! As a cochair, I've had a few additional meetings which, unfortunately, have created some long days and nights for me, but overall I think the Farm Bureau's presence in the meetings is needed. We are helping to educate people about the impacts and concerns that affect the ag community. There has been a fair amount of skepticism and concern on the part of some that this committee has already come to a foregone conclusion, is packed with a majority of “pro” supporters of the project, and has been formed to merely validate the decisions the city has already made behind closed doors. Although some skeptics will never change their minds, I want to commend the hard working group of 36 community members who have come together and spent countless hours listening to many points of view, both pro and con, on the project. Although there are a fair number of “race enthusiasts,” who, I believe it is fair to say, enthusiastically favor the project coming to Tulare; there are also a fair number of citizens on the committee who are undecided about the project and are working hard to gather facts (not fiction) about the proposal. We have met with landowners, attorneys, developers, city leadership, racing promoters and others to ask the tough questions and to try to find accurate answers. Therein lies the rub… unless someone has a crystal ball to offer our group, it has been a challenge to verify, believe and understand all of the numbers, reports, conjectures, predictions, and dreams that come along with this project. Clearly, there are some very enthusiastic racing promoters, developers and fans that are optimistic about the project. They tout all the benefits it will bring to our community, the economy, the improvement of our roads and highway, See Motor Sports on page 12 Tell a Friend There is strength in numbers. Farm Bureau is a full-commodity, fullservice organization. Policies begin at the member level and move upward to direct staff. The local, state and national organization is served well by an army of volunteers. Become part of the action by asking a neighbor or friend to join. Just have them call Sandy or Mary at the TCFB office, 732-8301. Your friends & neighbors need Farm Bureau & Farm Bureau needs them! License #826935-A, C57 Your One-Stop Farm and Home Store Testing Serving the Agricultural Communities since 1907 Woodlake 131 Road 204 1-800-637-1003 Porterville 934 W. Scranton 1-800-345-4050 Tulare County Farm Bureau News ¡ Executive Officers (SSN 07447086, USPS NO 643-680) is published monthly for $8.50 annually for TCFB members and $10 annually for nonmembers by Tulare County Farm Bureau, 737 N. Ben Maddox Way, Visalia CA 93292. Periodical postage paid at Visalia CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tulare County Farm Bureau News, P.O. Box 748, Visalia CA 93279. (559) 732-8301 TCFB Executive Director: Patricia Stever TCFB Staff: Sandy Nixon, Mary Rankin TCFB News Editor: Shirley Kirkpatrick E-Mail: [email protected] ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Advertising: Valley Press/Valley Voice PO Box 571, Visalia, CA 93279 (559) 733-3961 Orange Cove 46031 Road 124 1-800-246-4629 President Edward Needham 13274 Perry Ct., Visalia, CA 93292 First Vice President Larry Peltzer PO Box 48, Ivanhoe, CA 93235 Second Vice President Steve Godlin 34015 Road 140, Visalia, CA 93292 Treasurer Chris Giannini 4736 W. Country Ct., Visalia, CA 93277 Immediate Past President Keith Watkins 14852 Lipson, Visalia, CA 93292 District 6 Representative Nancy Pitigliano PO Box 9, Tipton, CA 93272 Tulare County Farm Bureau does not assume responsibility for statements by advertisers or for products in Tulare County Farm Bureau News. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER PLEASE RECYCLE www.kaweahpump.com October 2008 TCFB Board Notes Brief highlights of your Farm Bureau's recent deliberations and actions at board and committee meetings: Max Corbett Foundation: The Education Committee donated $250, matched later by the FB Board for a total contribution of $500 to honor the beloved Tulare FFA leader and dairy instructor who died an accidental death Sept. 14. The 61-year old guided students from Tulare Western and Tulare Union for 33 years. The Fundraising Committee has identified new co-chairmen – Dave Sharp and Keith Watkins. The Gala will be held March 7, 2009 at the Visalia Convention Center. The group is lining up entertainment, catering and making contacts with donors. Land Use has been active over the summer. • Mobile Homes: Supported a member in appealing a Zoning Administrator's approval to allow placement of three mobile homes on a single 6.25 acre property. The Board of Supervisors upheld the appeal. A win for agriculture! • Edison's San Joaquin Cross Valley Loop: Expressed concerns before the California Public Utilities Commission's EIR Scoping meeting for the transmission line's impacts on ag lands and farming practices, as well as Williamson Act compatibility. • Assemblage of People permit request at 828 E. Teapot Dome Ave., Porterville: At the request of Tulare County Farm Bureau News Page 3 Education Corner members, voted to oppose the project which would be on a 10 acre parcel adjacent to agricultural properties and a packinghouse. • Party Barn Guidelines have been submitted to the county's Resource Management Agency. • The Tulare City Motor Sports Complex continues to be studied and evaluated. COS Bonds: Heard a report by College of the Sequoias President Bill Scroggins, but did not take a position on the November ballot proposal for Visalia and Tulare. FB has a policy of not favoring bond measures that can be approved by a See Board Notes on page 4 Cardoso Electric Inc. Industrial • Commercial Agriculture • Residential Troubleshooting Panel Upgrades New Construction Installation & Repairs 240/480 3 Phase Indoor/Outdoor Lighting Dairies 24 HR SERVICE 2525 So. “K” St., Tulare, CA 93274 Office: 559-687-2170 Fax: 559-687-7542 Lic.# 898261 Superintendents’ Breakfast Slated Every year the TCFB Education Committee hosts the county's School District Superintendents and Principals to a hearty breakfast and interchange on agricultural issues. This year's event will be held Oct. 28 at the Harmony Magnet Academy, 19429 Rd. 228 in Strathmore. The new charter school is part of the Porterville Unified School District. Fall Plant Giveaway Oct. 11 Teachers in schools enrolled in Farm Bureau's school gardens grant program will be given gardening tips and free plant materials at College of the Sequoias Farm Oct. 11 from 8 to 10am. “This is an annual event with area Master Gardeners interfacing with the teachers,” said TCFB Education Committee co-chair Sandi Gist-Langiano. “We're also grateful to Fernando Fernadez and his COS students for supplying the plant materials that will be given away free of charge.” Calendar Art “Tulare County Agriculture . . . A Healthy Choice” is the theme for this year's calendar art contest for elementary and high school students. Contest rules and information are being sent to all schools. Last year's activity resulted in a record number of entries. The winning entries are published in a full-color calendar that is distributed widely in the county. It is a joint project of Farm Bureau, the Tulare County Office of Education and the Network for a Healthy California. Meeting Date Changed Farm Bureau members interested in youth educational activities are invited to join the Education Committee. Meetings this year are scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month, 4:15pm at the TCFB Assembly Hall. Call Mary Rankin at the TCFB Office to indicate your interest, 559-732-8301 or e-mail: [email protected]. All New Design from the Ground Up In stock now for Immediate Delivery. Sturgeon & Beck, Inc. Inc. “Since 1926” “Beyond Precision” “DESIGNED FOR ACTION” “WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE” Family Run for 81 Years with Honest Dealing & Service 350 South "L" Street in Tulare www.sturgeonandbeck.com 686-2811 Valley Industrial & FAMILY MEDICAL GROUP, INC. Serving the Valley Ag Industry for 25 years • Treatment for Work-Related Injuries • On-Call for Work-Related Emergencies 24 Hours a Day • Pesticide Applicators (Cholinesterase - Mask Fit Testing) • Drug & Alcohol Testing (Pre-Employment - Random - Post Accident) • Driver Supervisor Training Classes • DOT Consortium Services • Physical Therapy • Diagnostic X-Ray Two Locations to Serve You Visalia Tulare 225 S. Chinowth • 627-3222 7:30am to 6:00 pm 755 E. Terrace • 685-8800 8:00am to 5:30pm No Appointment Necessary • Se Habla Espanol • Most Insurances Accepted • VISA Page 4 Tulare County Farm Bureau News Board Notes from page 3 simple majority vote. Heritage Complex: Steven Knudsen, communications director for the International AgriCenter, Tulare, recapped TCFB's history of contributions to the October 2008 Heritage Complex Learning Center and encouraged continued support. With two more annual payments of $5,000 pledged for two more years, Farm Bureau will have contributed $55,000 since 1998. Rural Crime: The good news, said Sheriff's Sgt. Rob Schimpf of the Ag Crimes Unit, is that metal theft has declined. He cautioned there is a new series of dairy pharmaceutical thefts in the Tulare, Tipton areas. Staff cuts have curtailed application visits to farms for the Owner Applied Number (OAN), but the department still issues these numbers and encourages all property owners to apply them to equipment and materials. October 2008 News Briefs from page 1 California Rice Assn., California Cotton Growers & Ginners Assn., Western Plant Health Assn. and CCM. The final rule will be vetted publicly and may come to a vote of CARB in December. Smaller Navel Crop Ahead The California Agricultural Statistics Service is predicting a total 2008-09 navel orange crop of 64 million cartons, with 62 million in the Central Valley. This is 35% below last season's crop, which was the largest on record at 97 million cartons. The agency annually performs an objective measurement study of 564 pre-selected orange groves – two trees from each grove. This year 527 of the groves were utilized in the survey. Trunk and branch measurements and fruit counts are made on each tree. Of the utilized groves, 13 were in Madera County, 80 in Fresno County; 301 in Tulare and 133 in Kern County. UCLREC Protection Program Underway The first phase of an aphid control program has been accomplished, said Judy Stewart-Leslie, coordinator of a program designed to reduce the numbers of aphids in an area approximately one mile around the University of California's Lindcove Research and Extension Center. The cotton aphid is a vector of citrus tristeza virus (CTV) which has been on the increase at the field station and has curtailed use of budwood from the outdoor trees in the University's Foundation Block. The program is being funded by the Tulare County Pest Control District. The fall treatment is soil applied and the spring treatment will be foliar applied. “The good news,” said Stewart-Leslie, “is we're using the funding efficiently enough that we're able to push the treatment zone for another mile west of the field station,” which will improve the efficacy of the effort. Psyllids in San Diego County Not only is San Diego County under quarantine to stop the spread of the Asian citrus psyllid that spreads Huanglongbing (HLB), the olive psyllid has been discovered there, as well. The olive psyllid is a serious pest in Mediterranean locales and may pose a threat to the state's olive industry. Infested olive trees display masses of wax and sticky honeydew produced by psyllid nymphs. Editor’s Notes New Name in Walnuts Atlas Walnuts will carry the reputation of locallygrown nuts worldwide. The new company is owned by Visalia area walnut grower Brian Blain, his son Brody and Lloyd Pace. “We've been processing a few walnuts, along with all of our pecans, for over 25 years,” said the senior Blain, “but we've completely renovated the building on Caldwell Avenue. It now has separate lines for each of the two nut crops.” The pecans will continue to be marketed under the Blain Farms label, while the walnuts will carry the name “Atlas Walnuts – For a Global Market.” The walnuts will be received for dehydrating and cleaning at Blain's farming headquarters near Cutler Park. And, oh by the way, the new company is always interested in adding to its walnut supplies from a few good growers! Call Brian. He's in the book. We're in Book, Too Speaking of books, our citron operation is included as a short feature in the Farming section of a recentlypublished book – “Food Jobs – 150 Great Jobs for Culinary Students, Career Changers and Food Lovers” – by Irena Chalmers. The book (on Amazon) is filled with an amazing amount of information, interestingly written. It's a long story about how we got there, but the whole saga of our citron adventure for an Orthodox Jewish holiday is a long story. Don't get us started! Back to Walnuts – They're Healthy This came to me from, you guessed it, a walnut Tulare County Farm Bureau News Page 5 grower! It's a health tip suggesting walnuts for dessert. The news item said a handful of raw walnuts better protects arteries after a fatty meal than does olive oil. The comparisons were made at the University of Barcelona and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Apparently, both walnuts and olive oil decreased the sudden onset of inflammation and oxidation in arteries that typically occurs after eating foods rich in saturated fats, an effect that can contribute to heart disease. But walnuts also preserved the blood vessels' elasticity and flexibility, which allows for better flood flow. Cheers! Way to Go, Megan! She may not have proven it definitively, but Megan Moody went a long way to settle that old argument about who are the better drivers, men or women. This young lady was the last “man” standing in the Destruction Derby held at the fairground's grandstand the last night of the fair. In her pink helmet and predominately pink car, Megan outsmarted and outdrove all the other 45 contestants – men – to become the first woman ever to win this event. Megan is a former Mt. Whitney FFA standout and is currently a herd inspector for the USDA. Ocean Garbage Island is Bigger than Texas This one just stopped me cold. It boggles the mind. There is a so-called Great Pacific Garbage Patch, described as a stewy body of plastic and marine debris, that floats about a thousand miles off the California coast. It is twice the size of Texas! Experts say the shapeshifting mass is far too large, delicate and remote to ever be cleaned up. The trash collects in an area known as See Editor’s Notes on page 12 Page 6 Tulare County Farm Bureau News October 2008 October 2008 Serious Sellers... The Champs... Sign’s Up... Tulare County Farm Bureau News Page 7 ...Water Workers All Smiles Joey Bakalian, Matt Watkins, Sara Bakalian, Josh Pitigliano, Ed Needham and Robert Blattler ice down the water. Kirsten Edgerly, Wilson-Dinuba 4-H, leaves the sales ring pleased with the price her market lamb brought. Robert Blattler, a member of the YF&R, puts up the FB banner. Serious Buyers... Thumbs Up... ROCHE OIL INC , INC. Katie Duysen, Vandalia 4-H Club in Porterville, sells her Reserve Grand Champion steer, Tate. Jon Dolieslager, right, donates his auctioneering talents every year. GASOLINE • DIESEL FUEL • BULK OIL LUBRICANTS FILTERS • FOOD GRADE LUBRICANTS GREASE, SOLVENTS, KEROSENE Farm Bureau's Fair Presence Supports Youth For the second consecutive year, Farm Bureau came out in a big way in support of the Tulare County Fair's Junior Livestock Auction. In addition to being in the stands as buyers, Farm Bureau members, officers and the Young Farmers and Ranchers were on hand all day Saturday, Sept. 13 to encourage and support the program. Cold water was delivered throughout the sale and lunch was supplied to buyers and sales volunteers. Farm Bureau was also responsible for the Agribusiness luncheon on Tuesday that marked the start of the busy fair schedule. Agriculture • Commercial Industrial • Bulk Pricing We Deliver 1120 E. Paige Ave. • PO Box 89 • Tulare, CA 93274 www.rocheoil.com Connie Conway and Nancy Pitigliano Sherriff Bill Wittman, gives lunch his vote of approval. AN INDEPENDENT FRANCHISE OF 686-5837 Commercial Cardlock System Page 8 Tulare County Farm Bureau News October 2008 Tulare Candidates' Forum Oct. 8 The Tulare Chamber of Commerce is hosting a forum Oct. 8 at the Tulare Senior Center, 201 North F Street in Tulare. It is designed to let the public interface with candidates for election to the Tulare City Council, Tulare Joint Union High School District Board and Tulare Local Healthcare District Board. The time is 5:30-7:30pm. Think Tank Proposes Water Solutions The Pacific Institute, an Oakland-based think tank, issued a report recently that said California farmers can grow more food more profitably if they switch to water saving crops and change their irrigation practices in response to the state's ongoing drought. In part, it said such water-intensive crops such as rice, cotton, corn, wheat and alfalfa should give way to fruit and nut trees and row crops like tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and melons that can be more selectively irrigated. ATI MACHINERY AG EQUIPMENT RENTAL • John Deere 9520T - 9420T - 8400T • Case MX285 - 8950 Wheel Tractors • Cat Challenger 95-85-75 Rubber Belted Tractors • Cat D8K Direct Drive Mounted and Drawbar Tractors • Cat D6C • 3 & 5 Shank Rippers • Discs • Challenger MT865 - MT855 - MT835 CASE I/H MX285 JOHN DEERE 9520T www.atimachinery.com Orchard Removal by Nuts • Citrus • Stone Fruit Farm Bureau www.joinfb.org Call: 1-888-461-0625 The Response: Nuts! Kole Upton, a Chowchilla farmer and former Friant-Kern Canal Water Users president, responded quickly with a letter to the editor in the Fresno Bee. Excerpts follow: “Hallelujah! California's water crisis is solved… The Pacific Institute has discovered the solution is simply instruct our brain-challenged farmers to change crops and water them only needed. Is it any wonder that California has not had any significant water infrastructure improvement in decades when such pseudo-science is taken seriously?...Since there are already thousands of idle acres in Westlands Water District, maybe the Pacific Institute could lease 1,000 acres of waterless land and show us how it can be done.” Join Serving Farmers Since 1975 New methods remove more roots & reduce clean-up costs! (661) 746-2623 October 2008 Tulare County Farm Bureau News Page 9 Tulare County Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Habitat for Humanity On July 26 from 7am-noon, Young Farmers and Ranchers met at a Habitat for Humanity home in Visalia to lend a hand in the building process. The projects for the day were wrapping the house, installing vents and finishing the framing. The tasks were new to most of the group but that did not slow down Young Farmers and Ranchers go Golfing in the dark! Members pose at the conclusion of their golf night. From left to right Justin Clark, Michael DePaoli, Lyndi Smith, Bryan Soares, Joey Bakalian, Sara Reardon, Kevin Kohnen, Matt Watkins, Robert Blattler, Josh Pitigliano and Melissa DePaoli. Upcoming Events • October 4 – Mud Volleyball 2pm @ Michael DePaoli's home • October 14th – General Meeting 6:30pm @ Vejars in Tulare • November 12th – General Meeting 6:30pm TBA • December 5th – Christmas Party TBA Matt Hendrick and David Olson work on installing vents at the Habitat house. Drought from page 1 planning…NOW!” The Kaweah-Delta Water Conservation District has been explaining the serious overdraft situation the area is in to such governmental bodies for several years. And, according to Resource Management Agency planners, a special section on water is included in the new General Plan 2030 update. The final draft of this plan has yet to be delivered for public study. According to Larry Dotson, KDWCD's water master, figures for the current year's overdraft are still being compiled and will probably be released in November. Historically, the basin has dropped 6-9 inches in water depth per year or 30,000 acre feet on an annual average basis. The outlook? Most agree it is definitely grim and political leaders are not acting. The Governor's proposed water bond, which was backed by Farm Bureau, went by the wayside during partisan budget wrangling and lost its opportunity to be placed on the November ballot. any construction progress. Habitat for Humanity is a non profit organization that builds and remodels simple homes with the help of the homeowner family and volunteers. Habitat houses are sold to the families with affordable loans. This is a great opportunity for Young Farmers & Ranchers members to become more involved in the community and work together for a great cause. YF&R Reports for Fair Duties Some of the YF&R members who helped Tulare County Farm Bureau at the fair with water and lunches are lined up ready to serve. From l. to r. Matt Watkins, Joey Bakalian, Melissa DePaoli, Chris Giannini, Robert Blattler, Karen Lanting, Sara Basalian and Karen Russell. Page 10 Tulare County Farm Bureau News September 2008 DIRECTORY OF FARM BUREAU BUSINESS MEMBERS BECOME A BUSINESS SUPPORT MEMBER www.joinfb.com • 559-732-8301 Welcome, New Business Support Member Tulare County Farm Bureau offers a special category of membership for those interested in supporting Farm Bureau as business owners. If you have a business, or merely want to show your support for the organization, your membership in the Business Support category is encouraged. Here's what you get in return for your annual dues: • An attractive wood and bronze membership plaque. • A free listing every month on this page. • Discounts on display advertising in this newspaper. • All the benefits and services of Farm Bureau membership. • News of events and issues in TCFB News and E-News. You will also receive the appreciation and support of the agricultural industry and Tulare County Farm Bureau members. Join us to accomplish our mission: To promote and enhance the viability of Tulare County agriculture. BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Suncrest Bank Michael Wiley, CCO 400 W. Center, Visalia 559-802-1000 AG-AVIATION SERVICES Moore Aviation, Inc. PO Box 868, Tulare 686-3476 AG EQUIPMENT Exeter Mercantile, Bob Schelling 258 E. Pine, Exeter Farmers Tractor & Equipment Co. 1132 S. Main St., Porterville Kings River Tractor, John Kellogg 1347 N. Century St., Visalia Lawrence Tractor Co., Inc. 2530 E. Main St., Visalia Linder Equipment Co. 311 E. Kern, Tulare Quality Machinery 3820 S. K St., Tulare 592-2121 784-4967 627-0303 734-7406 685-5000 686-8701 AG FERTILIZER & CHEMICALS SALES & APPLICATIONS Biagro Western Sales, Inc. Peter Alvitre 35801 Road 132, Visalia Crumbliss & Horton, Inc. 24569 Ave 90 Terra Bella Central Valley Management, Inc. Frank Marshall, Sr. 36040 Rd. 172, Visalia Crinklaw Farm Service Dave & Tami Crinklaw 13827 S. Zediker, Kingsburg Eastside Chemicals, Inc. 5612 S. Hills Valley Rd. Orange Cove Gillespie Ag Service, Dana Gillespie 15301 Road 192, Porterville Joaquin, Inc. 1349 N. “M” St., Tulare Leffingwell Ag Sales 23576 Ave 96, Terra Bella Natural Resources Group 34284 Road 196, Woodlake Orange Belt Supply & Co. 25244 Rd 204, Lindsay Soil Basics Corp PO Box 2609, Visalia SprayCo LLC P.O. Box 7090, Visalia Tulare Ag Products, Robert Prather 3703 S. K Street, Tulare 635-4784 535-4463 798-1821 897-1077 626-4091 784-9021 686-6938 535-4461 564-1236 562-2574 651-2772 625-9416 686-5115 AG & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & SERVICES Agricultural Services Inc., Daniel Dreyer PO Box 548, Lindsay 592-4297 BioWorld Products LLC Dale Barnes PO Bos 2920, Visalia 651-2042 Central California Implement 1480 W. Inyo, Tulare 686-4747 Fruit Growers Supply 46031 Rd 124, Orange Cove 626-4629 Fruit Growers Supply 934 W. Scranton, Porterville 781-4461 Fruit Growers Supply 131 Rd 204, Woodlake 564-3525 Shannon Bros. Co., Inc. 24478 Rd 140, Tulare 686-4701 Tulare Firestone, Inc. Lionel Pires 362 South K. St., Tulare 686-3313 AG-RESEARCH/TESTING & CONSULTING BASF Agricultural Research Station 10181 Ave 416, Dinuba 591-2548 Fruit Growers Laboratory, Inc. 3935 W. Victor, Visalia 734-9473 Research for Hire John Corkins 1696 S. Leggett, Porterville 784-5787 Turf Solutions, Inc. 3324 S. Jackie St., Visalia 636-1833 Valley Tech Agricultural Services 2120 S. K St., Tulare 688-5684 AGGREGATES Orosi Rock Gary Shekerjian 14600 Ave. 420, Orosi 802-0029 AUTO DEALERS Jim Manning Dodge Chrysler Jeep 194 W. Tulare St., Dinuba Lampe Dodge Chrysler Jeep 1950 S. Blackstone, Tulare Surroz Motors, Inc. 3000 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia Will Tiesiera Ford Mercury 2101 E Cross, Tulare 591-4910 686-7677 732-4700 688-7471 AUTO PARTS Pixley Auto Parts & Farm Supply 418 S. Main St., Pixley 757-3574 BANKING/ FINANCIAL SERVICES A.G. Edwards & Sons David C. Sharp 3700 W. Mineral King, Visalia 636-8590 800-688-8590 Bank of the Sierra Ag Credit PO Box 1930, Porterville 782-4432 Farm Credit West 3000 W. Main, Visalia 732-4501 Rabobank 618 W. Main St., Visalia 741-2011 Suncrest Bank 400 W. Center, Visalia 802-1000 Tri Counties Bank 2914 W. Main St., Visalia 741-2940 Tucoemas Federal Credit Union 2300 W. Whitendale, Visalia 732-8892 Valley Business Bank, Don Gilles 200 S. Court St., Visalia 622-9000 Westwood Capital Services / Dennis Sexton 813 W. Oak Ave. #C, Visalia 741-9400 BATTERY SPECIALIST Battery Systems, Ron Roth 1601 E. Main St, Visalia 798-1034 A-Peltzer Enterprises PO Box 48, Ivanhoe cell 804-1333 Baker Topping, Inc. Mike Baker 804-4045 Mark Baker 804-4802 33198 Rd 168, Visalia 798-8011 Brush Control Inc. PO Box 507, Visalia 732-2060 McKeller Farms, Inc. Jim Stailey Cell 906-0247 PO Box 189, Ivanhoe Office 798-0557 Milinich Enterprises, Inc. Jon Milinich 21275 Road 192, Lindsay 280-4747 Muller Farming, Patrick Muller Jack Rabbit Chipping Services 732-1236 Peltzer Topping & Hedging PO Box 10209, Terra Bella 789-9446 Reynolds Ranches Scott Reynolds 1389 S Westwood Ave., Lindsay 287-0000 BUILDING CONTRACTORS, SUPPLIES, ETC. 564-3302 592-4633 528-3866 636-1600 COMPOST SALES Earthwise Organics PO Box 9927, Fresno 275-3300 New Era Farm Services 23004 Rd. 140, Tulare 686-3833 Tulare County Compost & Biomass Inc. Gary Birdsong, Pres. / John Jones, Mgr. 24478 Rd. 140, Tulare 686-1622 COTTON Jess Smith & Sons Cotton, LLC Libanio Mendes PO Box 1187, Bakersfield (661) 325-7231 Mid-Valley Cotton Growers Inc. PO Box 901, Tulare 686-2823 DAIRY 686-9644 687-8287 757-3522 686-0643 686-4581 752-4012 DEALER/BROKER 738-3176 625-7040 ENVIRONMENTAL Advanced BioTech LLC PO Box 2920, Visalia 651-2042 FEED SUPPLEMENTS & INGREDIENTS Cal-Agro Seed Co., Inc. 6908 Ave 304, Visalia, Nutrius, LLC 39494 Clarkson Dr.,Kingsburg Armstrong Olive Co. 18589 Rd 232, Porterville781-7944 Bell-Carter Olive Co. PO Box 338, Orange Cove Cal Bean & Grain Cooperative Drawer D, Pixley Ruiz Food Products, Inc. 501 S. Alta, Dinuba 626-4411 757-3581 591-5510 L E Cooke Co. 26333 Rd. 140, Visalia, City of Visalia 425 E. Oak Ave. Ste. 301, Visalia 732-5905 INDIVIDUAL ABAA Visalia Ranch, Claude Atkins 15430 Avenue 296, Visalia 733-7350 Anton Caratan & Son 1625 Rd. 160, Delano 661-725-2575 Winfried Baur PO Box 3749, Visalia 818-678-1228 Hester Orchards PO Box 536, Farmersville 594-5025 Halopoff & Sons 19480 Rd. 244, Strathmore 568-1102 LeyCon, Inc. PO Box 847, Exeter 592-4913 Ron Michaelis 31734 Mill Dr., Springville Bob C. Nuckols/Justin Nuckols 13144 Road 216, Porterville 784-2793 PB Ranches, Gabriel Pena 12843 Ave. 416, Orosi 528-6997 Peterson Farms 26789 Rd. 188, Exeter 592-5274 Tri-T Farms 29630 Rd. 44, Visalia 651-1301 Whitson Farming, LTD. Kerry Whitson 18425 Avenue 264, Exeter 592-5860 591-8874 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES 651-CORN 897-5862 IRRIGATION DISTRICT Consolidated Peoples Ditch Co. James Silva, Jr. P.O. Box 366, Farmersville 747-1177 Agri-Valley Irrigation, Inc., Rod Cantrell PO Box 11881, Fresno 285-3893 Bennett & Bennett Irrigation P.O. Box 190, Selma 896-0200 Bowsmith 131 Second St., Exeter 592-9485 Fruit Growers Supply 131 Rd 204, Woodlake 564-3525 Hydratec County Line Rd & Rd 192 Delano 725-6656 Rain for Rent, Mitch Martin 2474 W. Whitesbridge, Fresno 485-5610 LABOR CONTRACTOR Salud Tapia Farm Labor 296 N. Cambridge, Visalia Valley Pacific Farm Labor Guadalupe Marroquin 41629 Rd. 120, Orosi F&J Recycling (Orchard Removal) Fritz Stieb 3745 W. Caldwell Ave. #B, Visalia 804-4420 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS Central California Tristeza Eradication Agency 22847 Rd. 140, Tulare, 686–4973 College of the Sequoias Farm 2245 S. Linwood, Visalia,730-3916 Kings River Conservation District 4886 E. Jensen Ave., Fresno 237-5567 Porterville Chamber of Commerce 93 N. Main, Ste A, Porterville 784-7502 Tulare Chamber of Commerce 26 North L St,Tulare 686-1547 Tulare County Fair 215 Martin Luther King Jr., Tulare 686-4707 Tulare County Sheriff’s Dept - Prison Farm Tom Guinn 36000 Rd. 112, Visalia 93291 Visalia Chamber of Commerce 220 N. Santa Fe, Visalia 734-5876 PACKING HOUSES Gillette Citrus Co. 10175 S.Anchor Ave., Dinuba Golden Maid Packers 19812 Rd 232, Strathmore Paul Enos Packing, Inc. 14257 Ave. 320, Visalia Sequoia Orange Co., Inc. 150 W. Pine, Exeter Venida Packing Company Verne Crookshanks 19823 Ave. 300, Exeter, Visalia Citrus Packing Group Golden State Packers 19743 Ave. 344, Woodlake 592-9103 798-1071 217-8194 528-4756 784-0829 539-3029 564-3620 805-5390 651-5900 696-5485 LAND LEVELING/RIPPING/ ORCHARD REMOVAL Barnett Land Leveling Co. 2300 N. Gill Rd., Exeter 592-2767 C & D Orchard Laser Leveling 16536 Ave. 288, Exeter 594-4769, 741-9613 or 625-4149 Laser Land Finishing, Inc. P.O. Box 694, Visalia 732-4292 Wood Bros., Inc., Don Wood PO Box 216, Lemoore 924-7715 626-4236 568-2030 738-8331 592-9455 592-2816 564-3351 PACKING HOUSE EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER MAF Industries, Inc. Denny Bilton, Director of Sales PO Box 218, Traver IRRIGATION SYSTEMS & SUPPLIES Alberto Robles PO Box 334, Exeter Jose Martinez Labor Contractor 15364 Avenue 328, Ivanhoe M & G Harvesting Miguel Gutierrez PO Box 24, Lindsay Mountain View Ag Services Leonard Hutchinson 41727 Road 125, Orosi Orange Belt Ag Enterprises Jesse Ontiveros PO Box 1231, Porterville Pick Pack & Haul Inc. Tony Chavez, Jr. PO Box 1349, Porterville R.A. Franco Farm Labor 20084 Avenue 360, Woodlake 732-9146 ORCHARD REMOVAL HEARING AIDS Miracle Ear Hearing Center 4006 S. Demaree, Visalia Arrow Head Cattle Co., Bill Freeman 9303 W. Airport Dr, Visalia 625-9900 Bamford Dairy Cattle LLC Gale, Arlene & Todd Bamford 3212 Ave. 352, Traver 897-1800 Stuhaan Cattle, Dane Stuhaan 4811 Ave 272, Visalia 688-7695 Tulare County Stockyard Inc. Jon Dolieslager 9641 Ave. 384, Dinuba 591-0884 Visalia Livestock Market, Randy Baxley PO Box 2529, Visalia 625-9615 NURSERY PRODUCTS GOVERNMENT Scout Specialties, Gary & Carolyn Lunsford 148 North M St., Dinuba 591-8234 Anchor Warehouse Services Garth Ramseier 970 E. Meyer Dr., Exeter 592-4111 First Street Commodities & Cold Storage 401 First St, Exeter 594-9195 E and M Commodities 5934 W. Cutler, Visalia, Premier Pacific Trading 121 E. Main St., Visalia FOOD PROCESSING California Controlled Atmosphere 39138 Road 56, Dinuba COLD STORAGE Amaral Dairy Service 413 North I St. Tulare Land O’Lakes 400 South M, Tulare Randy Gorzeman 9599 Ave. 88, Pixley Nunes Bros. Dairy 20439 Road 124, Tulare Wasnick Bros. Dairy Supply 1012 North J, Tulare Warren Hettinga Dairy, et al 13002 Avenue 128, Tipton 302-1001 INDUSTRIAL REFRIGERATION CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS Next Step Communications Bart Lang 1307 S. Mooney, Visalia LIVESTOCK 707-9019 651-0245 BRUSH SHREDDING/TREE TOPPING/HEDGING Kaweah River Rock Co. P.O. Box 515, Woodlake Ralph Fuller Electric 253 W. Pine, Exeter Sierra Forest Products 9000 Rd. 234, Terra Bella535-4893 W & E Electric, Cabinetry 12686 Ave 416, Orosi Superior Supplements Kristi L. Mefford, General Manager 4375 N. West St., Tulare Western Milling LLC PO Box 1029, Goshen, Hocking Denton Palmquist, CPA 3326 W. Mineral King Ave, Visalia 625-4444 Horswill, Mederos & Soares, Attorneys 791 N. Cherry, Tulare 686-3861 Mitchell Insurance Services Kelly Mitchell 2236 W. Sunnyside #3A, Visalia 713-1315 MVP Premier Insurance 737 N Ben Maddox Way, Visalia 738-0126 Nielsen & Associates Insurance Bill Nielsen 502 N Kaweah, Exeter (800) 842-8818 NSE Insurance Agencies, Inc. Ken Stevens 160 South D, Exeter 592-9411 Pine, Langley/Pedroncelli, Inc., CPA William Pine 5100 W. Cypress, Visalia 625-9800 Rauber & Johnson, Attorneys James C. Johnson 1007 N. Demaree St., Visalia 741-1800 R L Schafer & Associates Engineers/Surveyors/GIS Mapping 2904 W. Main St., Visalia 734-1348 Ron Frazier, Financial Consulting 10885 Ave. 360, Visalia 738-8523 State Compensation Insurance Fund Joe Gonzalez, District Manager 10 River Park Place East, Fresno 433-2600 Steve Bratcher & Associates, CPA 1124 N. Chinowth Rd., Visalia 627-6916 Valley Industrial & Family Medical Group 225 S. Chinowth, Visalia 627-3222 755 E. Terrace, Tulare 685-8800 Vollmer, Daniel, Gaebe & Grove, CPA 100 Willow Plaza, Suite 400, Visalia 733-1051 Ward R. Stringham, Attorney at Law 756 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare 686-1747 QUALITY CONTROL Fresh Buyers Inspections, Inc, Kevin Beno PO Box 3745, Visalia(559) 733-5556 REAL ESTATE SALES & DEVELOPMENT Pearson Realty, Jim Olivas 1820 S. Central St. #C, Visalia, 732-7300 The Ranch Company, John Grimmius 3904 W. Caldwell, Visalia, 733-3232 SECURITY AAA Security Inc. 321 E. Noble, Bldg. C, Farmersville 594-5600 SOIL FUMIGATION TriCal Inc P.O. Box 1327, Hollister 651–0140 STATE MARKETING ORDER Citrus Research Board 323 W. Oak, Visalia 738-0246 TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT 897-2905 PETROLEUM DISTRIBUTORS & PRODUCTS Delta Liquid Energy (propane) Dennis Parker 648 N Farmersville Blvd, Farmersville 747-0618 Don Rose Oil Co., Inc. 205 N. Ben Maddox Way, Visalia 733-4717 Jack Griggs, Inc. 1149 S. Kaweah Ave, Exeter 592-3154 J.C. Lansdowne Inc. 8601 W. Roosevelt Ave, Visalia 651-1760 Valley Pacific Petroleum Services 1633 E. Mineral King, Visalia 732-8381 PRODUCE BROKERAGE & MARKETING Fiesta Fruit Inc. Patrick Inkster 507 W. School, Visalia The Chuck Olsen Company PO Box 6487, Visalia, 651-5900 Trinity Fruit Sales David White 322-7100 9493 N Fort Washington Ste 102, Fresno PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. 301 W. Main, Visalia 733-1181 DEH & Associates, CPA David Hebebrand, 831 W. Morton Ave., Porterville 781-2153 Dennis R. Keller/James H. Wegley, Water Engineers 209 S. Locust, Visalia 732-7938 Bret Bastrire, CPA 3330 W Mineral King #C, Visalia 625-9240 Franklin & Associates Taxes, Bookkeeping, Financial Planning, Real Estate Paul Franklin 65 W Olive, Porterville 782-1941 Gilman, Harris & Travioli, CPA 320 W. Oak, Visalia 627-2725 M. Green and Company LLC Kevin M Green 308 South M St., Tulare 688-7401 Proteus Inc. 1830 N. Dinuba Blvd., Visalia 733-5423 TRUCK & TRAILER E M Tharp, Inc. 15243 Rd. 192, Porterville 782-5800 TWINE RECYCLING Central Valley Roll-off & Recycling PO Box 6996, Visalia 713-1313 UTILITIES Ensave Inc. / Ag Efficiency Plus (incentives & free energy audits) Katherine Long, Program Manager 800-791-7541 Southern California Edison 2425 S. Blackstone St., Tulare 738-5600 VETERINARY SERVICES Gerald Haggard 251 South F St, Exeter Valley Veterinarians, Inc. 2861 S. K St., Tulare 594-5215 686-1447 WELDING FABRICATION Doug DeLeo Welding Inc PO Box 878, Lindsay 562-3700 WELLS/PUMPS/PIPE Cal Gro Pump Service Inc. Bob Tracy PO Box 335, Dinuba Kaweah Pump, Inc. 15499 Ave 280, Visalia US Farm Systems, John Houle 4555 South “K”, Tulare, Willitts Equipment Co, Inc 15445-B Ave. 296, Visalia 591-4702 747-0755 685-0340 734-6342 WOOD STAKES Kens Stakes & Supplies 193 S. Mariposa Ave,Visalia 747-1313 } Membership Calendar September 2008 Page 11 Application for Membership (Business or Individual) Primary Contact:_________________________Title:______________________________ For the latest in News, Issues and Events see the TCFB website: www.tulcofb.org October 8 Tulare Candidates’ Forum, Tulare Senior Center, 5:30pm 9 TCFB Board Meeting & Media Training, Assembly Hall, 4-9pm 10 Fall Citrus Meeting, Tulare County Ag Building, 9am-noon 11 Fall Plant Giveaway for School Gardens, COS Farm, Visalia 8-10am 13 CAGI Air Issues (Citizens Advisory Group for Industry), TCFB Assembly Hall, 9am-2pm 14 TCFB Education Comm, Assembly Hall, 4:15pm 14 YF&R General Meeting, Vejar's in Tulare, 6:30pm 15 TCFB Membership Comm, Assembly Hall, 4pm 16-17 Youth Leadership Trip to Cal Poly, leave FB office 8am 28 Superintendents’ Breakfast, Harmony Magnet Academy, Strathmore, 7am 29 TCFB Fundraiser Committee, 5pm, TCFB Hall 30 TCFB Land Use Comm, Assembly Hall, 3pm Farming Clean Energy Farming Clean Energy is the theme of a conference to be held Nov. 5 and 6 at the Edison AGTAC Center on S. Laspina St., Tulare. A consortium of groups, with seed money from the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will explain to farmers and agri-business owners the practical actions they can take to develop successful clean energy projects. The agricultural sector has the potential to become a leading clean energy producer as well as a major beneficiary of clean energy production. Registration fee for Day 1 is $50; Day 2 (half day) is $25 and both days is $65. See more about it at the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization website: http://valleycleanenergyconference.org or call 415-507-2181. New Members TULARE COUNTY FARM BUREAU NEW MEMBERS AUGUST 1-29, 2008 DISTRICT 1 V, Jordan Whaley, Visalia Tulare County Farm Bureau News V = voting member S = sustaining member BS = business support DISTRICT 2 V, Johnny & Myriam Cabrera, Delano V, Nick & Cheryl Leyendekker, Holstein Farms, Tulare S, Linda Nogues, Tulare DISTRICT 3 V, Pete (Jr) & Jean DeGroot, Lake Shore Dairy, Visalia DISTRICT 4 V, Michael & Loree Rowley, Rowley Trucking, Visalia V, Jose Torres, Dinuba S, Robert Vargas & Maria Benavides, Dinuba Additional Contact:_______________________Title:_______________________________ Business Name:____________________________________________________________ Physical Address:__________________________________________________________ Mailing Address:___________________________________________________________ City, State, ZIP: ________________________________________________________________ Phone: ( )___________________________Fax: ( ) _______________________ Email Address:_____________________________________________________________ Website:_________________________________________________________________ Business Type: ___________Sole Owner ___________Partnership ___________Corporation Business Activity:___________________________________________________________ Membership Classifications Business Support Member Annual Dues: $250/year Membership includes all available member benefits including the monthly Tulare County Farm Bureau NEWS, plus a Business Support listing in each month's newspaper, as well as special discounted advertising rates for the newspaper. Voting Member Annual Dues: $125/year Individuals who receive income from production agriculture join as Voting Members. Membership includes all available member benefits, including the monthly Tulare County Farm Bureau NEWS, as well as the weekly Ag Alert®, California's number one agricultural newspaper. Sustaining Member Annual Dues: $105/year All others join as Sustaining Members. Membership includes all available member benefits, including the monthly Tulare County Farm Bureau NEWS, as well as the bimonthly California Country, filled with useful information and background on food production, home gardening and other subjects. ATTENTION: New members can join online at www.joinfb.com or renew at www.cfbf.com TCFB Board of Directors Executive Committee President Edward Needham (559) 977-7282 st 1 Vice President Larry Peltzer (559) 798-0051 2nd Vice President Steve Godlin (559) 804-8680 Treasurer Chris Giannini (559) 901-2825 Immediate Past President Keith Watkins (559) 834-5345 CFBF District Director Nancy Pitigliano (559) 752-4319 Livestockyards Representative Livestockyards Chairman Sam Travioli (559) 636-3062 Young Farmers & Ranchers Representative YF&R Chair Josh Pitigliano (559) 752-4319 District 1 Representatives Keith Cosart (559) 592-2821 Kevin Kohnen (559) 564-0146 Terry Langiano (559) 686-2079 District 2 Representatives Joey Airoso (559) 967-5258 Tom Barcellos (559) 730-6895 District 3 Representatives Beth Baxley (559) 625-9615 Brian Blain (559) 732-5365 District 4 Representatives Irene Bly (559) 798-0346 Jon Dolieslager (559) 591-0884 Domenic Fino (559) 679-4141 Jason George (559) 591-3535 (vacant) District 5 Representatives Joel Merritt (559) 784-8916 Roger Everett (559) 333-0283 (vacant) Commodity Advisory State Committee Representatives Apiary Paul Godlin Beef Cattle Jon Dolieslager Citrus/Avocado Chris Lange Dairy Joey Airoso Food Safety & Biotechnology Brody Blain Forestry Jeff Gletne Grapes Eric Shannon Hay Justin Nuckols Horticulture Sal Soriano Public Lands Larry Duysen Specialty Crops Craig Knudson Terry Baker Sugar Beets/Dry Beans OPEN Service Education (co-chairs) Sandi Gist-Langiano David Sharp Fundraiser David Sharp / Keith Watkins Land Use Brian Blain Marketing Bob McKellar Membership Ed Needham Property Keith Watkins Rural Health & Safety/Rural Crime Prevention Larry Stoneburner, M.D. Scholarship Chris Giannini Water Resources Keith Watkins YF&R State Rep Michael DePaoli Page 12 Tulare County Farm Bureau News Motor Sports October 2008 I have yet to draw a full conclusion about the project in its entirety – but I can assure you that Tulare County Farm Bureau and the voice of agriculture continues to be at the table every week as these meetings occur. When we, the Advisory Committee, issue our Community Impact Report in late October to the City Leaders and Planning Commission of Tulare, I will be proud knowing that Farm Bureau was at the table and contributing regularly to the dialogue on this very important project. from page 2 and how it will support and enhance the promotion of the World Ag Expo. At the same, there are about as many arguments to also be made that the money, the economic and environmental studies all point to a less than perfect project, with some very real and negative impacts which will forever change the community of Tulare. Editor’s Notes from page 5 the North Pacific Gyre due to a clockwise trade wind that circulates along the Pacific Rim. A 2-liter plastic bottle that begins in a storm drain in San Francisco will get pulled into the gyre. It takes weeks to reach the mass, which also includes derelict fishing nets and waterlogged tires. While the bottle floats along, instead of biodegrading, it will “photodegrade” – the sun's UV rays will turn the bottle brittle and it will break into small particles, some as fine as dust. This non-solid island can't be seen in satellite pictures because it's 80% plastic and is translucent. The plastic moves just beneath the surface, from 1 inch to as deep as 300 feet.” Shirley Kirkpatrick PUT YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE FOR ONLY $50 A MONTH CALL THE VALLEY PRESS AT 635-3200 NURSERY INSURANCE PUMP SERVICE SALES ? SERVICE ? REPAIR DOMESTIC ? AGRICULTURAL ? INDUSTRIAL 24-HOUR DAIRY SERVICE (559) 734-6342 15445 B AVE. 296, VISALIA, CA ? LIC. #575312 FUEL NURSERY IRRIGATION J. C. LANSDOWNE, INC. Distributor Fuels Lubricants Chemicals Greases Soaps Additives STEVEN C. LANSDOWNE Mailing Address P.O. Box 6070 Visalia, CA 93290 Fax (559) 651-8156 INVESTMENTS PUMP SERVICE 559-673-4261 559-674-0490 19170 Hwy. 99 Madera, CA 93637 ORCHARD LEVELING Do you need an investment consultant? Manufacturers of LASSEN PUMPS Parts for All Pumps DAIRY SPECIALISTS 2873 W. Inyo Ave. Tulare, Ca 93274 CONTR. LICENSE 397897 Telephone (559) 686-8761 David C. Sharp C&D Orchard Are you interested in strategies to help preserve your investment and still have market potential? “I will strive to help you build wealth and reduce or defer taxes.” MEMBER SIPC Soults Pump & Equipment Co. TURBINES PRESSURE PUMPS DITCH or LOW LIFT SUBMERSIBLES DAIRY SUMP TAILWATER FLUSH PUMPS Bulk Plant 8601 W. Roosevelt Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 Phone (559) 651-1760 IRRIGATING THE VALLEY SINCE 1967 DESIGN THROUGH INSTALLATION Financial Consultant CA Ins Lic#0C64764 A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. Please consult “Important Information About Your Relationship With A.G. Edwards” on agedwards.com/disclosures for a discussion of the difference between our brokerage and advisory service. 3700 W. Mineral King • Visalia, CA 93291 • 559.636.8590 Laser Leveling (559) 741-9613 SPECIALIZING IN WALNUTS, ALMONDS David Clements Home (559) 625-4149 Pager (559) 749-8380 AND PLUMS Kenny Doyle Home (559) 594-4769 Pager (559) 735-7380 A.G. Edwards is a division of Wachovia Securities, LLC. IRRIGATION SUPPLIES BRUSH SHREDDING West Valley Supply GARY LAUX IRRIGATION SUPPLIES 559-781-2741 559-781-6622 FAX 559-783-3212 CELL COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL DAIRY 26710 S. MOONEY BLVD ., VISALIA, CA 93277 MICHAEL TAYLOR DESIGN SERVICE TAKE OFF FREE ESTIMATES 688-1977 688-1169 FAX 688-3709 TRI-L BRUSH SHREDDING 1359 W. Teapot Dome Ave. • Porterville, CA 93257-9378 ATTORNEYS INSURANCE Specialists & HORSWILL, MEDEROS & SOARES Farm Programs Kelly Mitchell Lic#OC27067 2336 W. Sunnyside, Suite A phone 559.713.1315 fax 559.713.1316 agins-fsa.com Visalia, California 93277 791 North Cherry Street P.O. Box 29 Tulare, CA 93275 Phone: 559.686.3861 Fax: 559.686.1514 email: [email protected] website: www.TulareEsq.com STEEL Flat – Square – Round – Angle – Channel – Beam Pipe – Tube – Sheet – Plate – Rebar INDUSTRIAL HARDWARE Tillage – Implements – Fasteners – Chain – Bearings – Chain Drives V-Belt Drives – Pipe Fittings – Hose – Spray Equipment – Safety Equipment Steel (559) 583-7746 Fax 583-9457 12600 S. 10th Ave. Hanford, CA 93230 Industrial Hardware (559) 582-4417 Fax 582-7136 12918 Hanford/Armona Rd. ORCHARD & VINEYARD CLEANING in Crop Insurance STEEL & INDUSTRIAL HARDWARE Joseph Lewis Horswill Dennis A. Mederos Joseph F. Soares Attorneys at Law Liebelt Inc. Orchard & Vineyard Clearing DEEP RIPPING 28 SHALLOW RIPPING years in DISCING business! DOZING SHREDDING Myron Liebelt 559-638-3771 559-859-2728 Ryan Liebelt 559-638-3771 559-859-2729