Ag Advocate A publication of the El Dorado County Farm Bureau

Ag Advocate
A publication of the El Dorado County Farm Bureau
OCTOBER 2014
2460 Headington Road ~ Placerville, CA 95667~ Telephone: (530) 622-7773 ~ Fax: (530) 622-7839 ~ Website: www.edcfb.com
Farm Bureau Leaders
Officers:
Jim Davies
President
Jim Davies Forestry
Merv de Haas
Vice President
Veerkamp Ranch
Maryann Argyres
Secretary
Argyres Orchard
Carolyn Mansfield
Treasurer
Goldbud Farms
Directors:
Chuck Bacchi
Bacchi Ranch
Harry Dean
Dean Ranch
Stan Geel
Sun Mountain Farm
Carlan Meyer
Meyer Ranch
Pam Miller
Single Leaf Vineyard
& Winery
Dave Pratt
dk Cellars
Donna Sauber
Sauber Vineyards
& Orchards
Our Mission:
Protect, promote, and
enhance the economic
opportunities and longterm viability for
El Dorado County
farmers, ranchers, and
foresters.
The Family Farm
by Jim Davies, President
Our mission statement at the El Dorado County Farm Bureau is simply “To protect, promote and
enhance economic opportunities and long-term viability for El Dorado County farmers, ranchers, and
foresters”.
Valerie, Casey, and recently Reneé have been busy helping farmers and ranchers who have
irrigated lands become compliant with the new ‘Water Quality’ rules and regulations. Your Board has
been interviewing prospective supervisorial candidates and hiring a new Executive director to take
over when Valerie retires. We’ve also been reviewing and interviewing the supporters and
opponents of the three initiatives that will affect the General Plan and our members.
Recently, a young woman commented to me that she felt the family farm was an indicator of the health of a community.
Prosperous farms meant a prosperous economy and improved lifestyle for the community-at-large. It is undeniable,
the farms and ranches in El Dorado County are almost all “family farms”. With few exceptions relatively small land
holdings produce the variety of products we pride ourselves in pointing to when we tell people about the place where we
live and work and it is the responsibility of the Farm Bureau to ensure their place in the future.
On the Ballot this November are measures M, N, and O. On the outside M & O look as though agriculture would
benefit from their passage. They are promoted as keeping us rural and fixing problems that affect our members.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? We can certainly understand and identify with those that say they want to keep this a rural
county and fix problems we face daily. Hey, I’m for that!
That’s the view from the outside. The ‘Fix 50 first - Keep us Rural’ initiative or Measure M on further review doesn’t fix
problems on Hwy. 50, nor does it keep us rural. In fact M forces development from structured, planned communities
with services including good roads, sewer and water into the county’s rural areas where there are no services. The
narrow, winding roads need no more pressure and defense against fire is a challenge. In addition, it transfers local
control of our destinies to the state, while locking up land-use on Agricultural, and Open space parcels for 20 years.
‘Protect rural communities- fix community region line flaws’ or Measure O is another flawed and rigid attempt to take
development out of the community regions which have sewer, water and good roads and put it into ‘someone else’s
back yard’. It removes sensible planning with onerous wording and replaces it with inflexible demands.
Through the entire General Plan process, Farm Bureau has been engaged, and involved in its development. We have
won some battles, lost others and compromised most to help our members navigate through the county regulatory
system, while the promoters of Measures M & O litigated and brought it to a vote. They lost the litigation, and the vote,
so are attempting another end-run to torpedo the plan we’ve helped craft. The promoters claim they complement
agriculture but never asked us for input. Be aware—they do not speak for us.
These ‘No growth’ initiatives have other probable drawbacks. If they pass, water rights that are earmarked to go to El
Dorado County may be reconsidered and allocated to another county. Precious water that could be used to expand our
agricultural regions, as well as provide a more reliable supply to county residents, will be lost, forever.
Like so many advertisements the glib titles of these measures belie their true intent. Much like “Carter’s Little Liver
Pills”, they don’t cure the ailments their name implies, and like other bogus cures they can cause long term damage to
the patient they claim to benefit.
I think the young woman I mentioned earlier was right on point. I, too, believe that the family farm is the backbone of El
Dorado County and that the health and prosperity of the family farm contributes to an improved quality of life for all the
county’s residents.
Join us in supporting the General Plan and vote No on MNO.
AG ADVOCATE
PAGE 2
Announcements
Flyers Energy Fuel Discount Program
Businesses with a Farm Bureau membership will benefit from a 3 cent per
gallon discount on fuel purchased with the Flyers CFN card. The discount also
includes a 2 cent per gallon savings at retail sites everywhere the Flyers Fleet
Card is accepted, plus a special rate on bulk-delivered fuel.
Electronic security features on the Flyers Fleet Card improve fuel tracking and security, to reduce risk associated with the fueling of company vehicles by employees. Controls are programmed into the fuel cards and
include parameters such as time and day restrictions, gallon limits and e-receipts.
Find more information at http://www.cfbf.com/benefits/fuel or by calling toll-free, 800-698-3276.
New Executive Director
After 15 years of dedicated service and innovative purpose, Valerie Zentner is retiring from the Farm Bureau at
the end of October. Valerie and her husband, John, are farmers who are looking forward to spending time
tending their grapes, being good stewards of the land and enjoying retirement, AKA working more.
In early September, Reneé Hargrove was chosen to become the new Executive Director, so the opportunity for a
smooth transition and vast information exchange has begun. Reneé looks forward to continuing a high level of
customer service, keeping apprised of important agricultural/farming issues, connecting with members and
educating others about the importance of the farming, ranching and forestry industry. She also has some
creative ideas up her sleeve to attract and cultivate new members.
Please bid a fond “Farewell!” to Valerie and a “Welcome to the Farm Bureau!” to Reneé.
AG ADVOCATE
PAGE 3
Farm Bureau... Working for You!
Information & Disaster Resources
Water Legislation: In an effort to bring the water crisis to the surface for our Agriculture Associate
members, the following is highlighted as the ongoing drought has generated significant legislative activity
in Sacramento this year. Since January the administration, the legislature and others have used the water
crisis to push for a new groundwater management regime that has resulted in a three bill legislative
package. The Governor signed this package of groundwater management bills which includes AB 1739 by
Roger Dickinson, D-Sacramento and SB 1168 and SB 1319 both by Senator Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills.
Farm Bureau and other agricultural organizations were able to achieve some amendments in the bills
addressing quite a number of concerns that help take some of the edge off the legislation. One key
amendment that was secured includes language aimed at protecting existing groundwater rights. The bills
provide a broad new regulatory framework to manage groundwater and local control is a focus.
With substantially absent rainfall and challenged watersheds, the California Water Crisis and its far-reaching
implications deserves solid examination. Up-to-date information on legislative bills and other legislation
impacting agriculture as a whole, can be found at www.cfbf.com.
Disaster Resources:
In the event you have been impacted by a fire in your area, contact Nationwide or Allied Insurance day or
night to report a claim by calling 1-800-421-3535.
Per Assemblyman Bigelow’s office, some helpful websites to keep handy in case of disaster: The Insurance Information Network of California (IINC) has information for homeowners on conducting a home
inventory; The California Department of Insurance’s (CDI) website provides Tips for Homeowners and
Renters and Insurance Information Institute has a 10 Minute Evacuation Challenge available on YouTube.
The El Dorado Community Foundation has opened a KING FIRE FUND. Simply go to www.edcf.org, click
the DONATE NOW button and select KING FIRE FUND as a gift designation choice.
The El Dorado County Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures has developed a 2014 Fire Damage
Agricultural Assessment Form to track damage due to fire. The form is available on their website
www.edcgov.us/Ag, via e-mail at eldcag@edcgov.us or through the EDC Farm Bureau office. You can
report livestock and private timber damage as well as structural and equipment damage.
Are you a Business Owner?
Upgrade to a Farm Bureau Business Membership and receive added benefits, including:
 Listing in our newsletter
 Logo and company name on our website
 Opportunity to promote your business to
1,100 Farm Bureau families
AG ADVOCATE
PAGE 4
County Farm Bureau News—Working for the Future
County Ballot Initiatives – Truth or Consequences?
El Dorado County growers and ranchers have good reason to be concerned
about the upcoming election. Three local initiatives promise to “keep us
rural” and to “protect rural communities”. But do they really do that? After
carefully analyzing the measures, here are Farm Bureau’s observations:
Measure M. “Fix Highway 50 Traffic First/Keep us Rural Initative”.
Ties all future residential development to traffic on Highway 50. Most
of us in the rural areas only use Highway 50 when necessary . . . traveling
to shopping, medical appointments, jobs and other services. But this
measure could mean that a rural residential or mobile home park project
could not be built if Highway 50 has a traffic problem. Where will our rural
workers live? Farm Bureau urges a NO vote.
Rural lands shall not be re-zoned for housing. This freezes ALL land
use changes in Open Space, Agriculture, or Natural Resources areas. That
is where agriculture exists! The initiative states residential zonings shall not
increase housing densities “for 20 years”. If we want to split off a parcel to
build a home for our children, even if they work on the farm, we could not
do that for 20 years. Where will our children live? Farm Bureau urges a
NO vote.
Rural lands may only be re-zoned for economic development. This is
very vague but it would imply that if a re-zone is “jobs related” it will be
allowed. How do we plan? Who will interpret what this means? Farm
Bureau urges a NO vote.
Vote No on M, N and O.
They do NOT protect agriculture or rural lands.
Measure M . . .
freezes rural property rights for 20 years
kicks the family off of the family farm
reduces farm and rural employee housing
reduces property values and keeps us
“poor”
Measure N . . .
limits our Supervisors’ ability to fund big
road projects
Measure O . . .
decreases residential development from
areas with infrastructure
forces more houses into rural regions with
no water or sewer
re-draws the Community Region lines to
eliminate two proposed housing developments
requires an election to amend these
changes
Measure N. “Control
Growth to Fix our Local
Roads Initiative”.
Should we take away options for funding expensive road improvements in
the county? This measure
extends Measure Y through
2025 bypassing the 2018
election. It does little to help
El Dorado County beyond
the voter-approved General
Plan. But it takes away the
Supervisors’ ability to combine “matching funds” on
projects involving Highway
50. Farm Bureau urges a
NO vote.
Measure O. “Initiative to
Protect Rural Communities – Fix Community
Region Line Flaws”.
By Valerie Zentner
The Community Region boundaries were established in the General Plan
because these areas include roads, water and sewer. They are better
suited to accommodate residential and commercial development for
that reason. Rural Centers are economic centers designed for the rural
regions. They include commercial and housing, but they can’t provide all
of the services of more urbanized areas in the county because of the lack of
water and sewer. Farm Bureau urges a NO vote.
Re-designates Camino/Cedar Grove/Pollock Pines as a Rural Center
instead of a Community Region. That is already being done in the Targeted
General Plan Amendment . . . this is unnecessary! Farm Bureau urges a
NO vote.
Re-designates Shingle Springs & part of Cameron Park/El Dorado Hills
from a Community Region to a Rural Center/Region with NO public input,
NO environmental study, and NO transparency. Proponents want these
changes to stop two potential housing developments that have not even
gone before the Supervisors: San Stino and Dixon Ranch. There is a
public process available for them to object to these projects as they come
forward for approval. These Community Region lines are not “flawed”!
Farm Bureau urges a NO vote.
Forces more housing to rural lands. If housing is not allowed where the
infrastructure exists, where will it go? The rural lands. This will cause more
development, not less, in the areas that were planned for agricultural and
rural uses. How does that protect Rural Communities? It doesn’t!
Farm Bureau urges a NO vote.
Voter initiative to undo these changes. None of these changes can be
“un-done” without going back to the people for a vote. Why would we
want to do expensive planning by ballot box for years to come? Farm
Bureau urges a NO vote.
We have an elected Board of Supervisors to lead the county, to implement
the laws of the land, including our 2005 voter-approved General Plan. It
can be amended through a methodical, public process. Every four years
we have the opportunity to change leadership via election. All of these
measures take decisions out of the elected officials’ hands and implement
fundamental changes to the General Plan without any public review,
environmental study or input. Let the elected leaders lead!
The worst thing is these initiatives hide behind the notion that they are
protecting agriculture and keeping us rural when they actually hurt us
instead. By seizing our property rights for 20 years we will be unable to
develop and maintain economically viable agricultural operations. Our
children and employees will not be allowed to live nearby and work the
farm.
In a nutshell, these initiatives all have more “consequences” for agriculture
than they have “truth”. Vote NO to protect the farmers as well as our
rural neighbors!
AG ADVOCATE
PAGE 5
Safety Matters
Use Caution When Working With a Ladder
When used properly, a well maintained ladder is an
indispensable tool for a variety of “elevated” jobs on
the farm or ranch—anything from harvesting or
pruning trees to repairing the roof of the farm shop.
But ladders can pose a serious danger if they are not
properly used and maintained. In the United States,
falls are the third leading cause of worker deaths,
and half of these deaths resulted from falls from
ladders. Sometimes a faulty ladder was to blame,
sometimes the ladder wasn’t set up properly, and at
other times the ladder was used improperly. All three
of these causes were preventable
Because of the potential danger that comes with
using ladders, an occasional review of safety
procedures is important. Like any other tool on the
farm and ranch, a ladder fills a very important
function and when used properly is relatively safe.
By Mike Burns
Farm Bureau Group Manager
unwanted statistics on your farm or ranch.
Today, State Fund is the largest workers’ compensation carrier in California. 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) 773Before you use a ladder, you should check it first for
structural integrity. This is particularly important if the 7667, or check the State Fund Web site at
ladder hasn't been used for awhile. Check first to be
www.statefundca.com.
sure rails and rungs are strong, properly fastened
and undamaged. Be sure to keep ladder rungs free
of debris because dirt, mud and oil can easily build
up. If a ladder fails a visual safety inspection, it should
not be used until it is properly repaired.
When setting up a ladder, make sure it is straight and
sitting firmly on the ground without rocking or
teetering. Once the ladder is set up properly and you
are ready to climb, check the bottoms of your shoes
for slippery debris. Always face the ladder when
climbing up or down and use both hands. It is very
important to not climb too high—never go above the
third rung from the top of the ladder.
The most common cause of falls from ladders is
overreaching. Sometimes when a person is high on a
ladder and a needed object is just out of reach, the
temptation is almost overwhelming to stretch and
reach out as far as possible—it seems so much
simpler than climbing back down the ladder and repositioning it. Wrong!
Remember, most accidents—including those involving ladders—are preventable. Take care of yourself
and your employees and make sure there aren’t any
AG ADVOCATE
Nationwide to Realign Under Single Brand
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. will unite all of its
products and subsidiaries under its most recognizable brand— Nationwide — and drop the use of
names of other subsidiaries.
Chief Executive Officer Steve Rasmussen said that
Nationwide is in all 50 states but customers in many
areas aren’t aware of its offerings and size because
it uses multiple brands that can appear to be unrelated.
“Updating our mark and going to one brand will allow customers to find us when they’re looking for
solutions, both now, and in the future,” he said.
The company currently operates under multiple
brand names including Nationwide Insurance,
Nationwide Agribusiness, Allied Insurance, Harleysville Insurance, Nationwide Financial, Scottsdale
Insurance, Crestbrook Insurance and Veterinary Pet
Insurance. It will drop those in favor of the onebrand approach. To highlight the shift to one
Nationwide brand, the company is introducing an
updated version of the Nationwide N and Eagle
PAGE 6
By Margie Piercy, SPHR
Director, Sponsor Business Development
brand mark that harkens back to the company’s
heritage and the famous 50-year-old tag line,
“Nationwide is on your side.”
Nationwide will transition to the new brand look over
the next 18 months in advertising, branding and
company-owned real estate, on Nationwide.com,
sales collateral, agency signage and other communications channels.
The refreshed N and Eagle brand mark will replace
the blue frame of the current logo. The company
used the N and Eagle as a visual element in its recent Join the Nation campaign. The feature still
resonates with members, agents, producers and the
general public and research shows it is the firm’s
best-known asset.
Nationwide offers the following tips for homeowners to help protect from contractor/repair fraud:
§
Request an itemized written estimate for any
proposed work from contractors.
§
Be wary of estimates that seem wholly unreasonable. Nationwide will provide compensation for
reasonable estimates for the correct method of repair.
Policyholders can call and ask us about an estimate.
§
Beware of profiteers and fraudulent contractors.
Contact your local Better Business Bureau or the California Department of Insurance if you have any concerns with a contractor you may decide to use for repairs.
§
Avoid paying any up front fees and be wary of
cash deposits. One common scam is to show up with
equipment to perform the work, promise to return in a
few hours and never come back.
§
It is always a good idea to take pictures of any
damage before repairs begin.
§
If you have any questions, call the Nationwide
claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535 or your local agent
immediately.
AG ADVOCATE
PAGE 7
EDCFB Local Member Benefits
Propane
AmeriGas (John Lewis)
Kamps Propane (Jeri Hewitt)
Suburban Propane
Fuel
Dawson Oil
321 Pleasant Valley Rd, DS
13730 Bowman Rd, Auburn
Flyers Energy
Vehicles & Services
Placerville Body Shop
1125 Broadway Ct, Placerville
Riebes Auto Parts
2885 Ray Lawyer Dr, Placerville
Thompson’s GMC
55 Placerville Dr, Placerville
Folsom Chevrolet
12655 Auto Mall Cir, Folsom
Placerville Polaris
Tack, Feed & Ranch Supply
Lee’s Feed
4110 Mother Lode Dr, SS
Placer Co. Farm Supply
10120 Ophir Rd, Newcastle
Insurance
O’Donnell Insurance Services
Vaught, Wright & Bond
Atwood Agency
Murray’s Countrywide
Kinkaid Insurance Services
Direct Link Insurance
The One Insurance Agency
Vitas Insurance
Rental Cars
Avis Rent-A-Car
4630 Post St, El Dorado Hills
520 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn
Hertz Rent-A-Car
3948 Highway 49, Placerville
4213 Sunset Ln, Shingle Springs
3041 Alhambra Dr, Cameron Park
Other
Front Yard Nursery
Sierra Vista Winery
Kelly-Moore Paints
(530) 622-4777
(530) 957-9813
(530) 622-4664
(530) 642-2681
(530) 823-3835
(530) 885-0401
(530) 622-5955
(530) 626-1927
(530) 748-1293
(916) 985-5600
(530) 622-9079
(530) 677-4891
Support Our Business Members
Amerigas
Apple Hill Growers Association
Barstow Enterprises
Robin Bevier, Law Offices
CJ Ventures
Farm Credit West
High Hill Ranch
Jeri Hewitt @ Kamps Propane
Lee’s Feed and Western
Meadow View Gardens
Robert Loefler
Papa Hanks Skyridge Farm
Stanley Okamura
The ONE Insurance Firm
Increase business...to offer a Farm Bureau
member benefit, contact us!
EDCFB Office Staff
Reneé Hargrove
Valerie Zentner
(916) 663-3741
(530) 622-0536
(530) 622-1835
(530) 626-2533
(530) 676-6442
(530) 672-1979
(530) 677-8755
(916) 966-1111
(530) 823-3733
(916) 941-7662
(530) 823-8520
(530) 622-7588
(530) 676-1601
(530) 677-8731
(530) 626-3494
(530) 622-7221
(916) 983-5186
*Discounts subject to change
For more benefits visit www.cfbf.com/benefits
Prices subject to change
Incoming Executive Director
Outgoing Executive Director
El Dorado County Farm Bureau
2460 Headington Road
Placerville, CA 95667-5216
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Placerville, CA 95667
Permit No. 292
EDC Farm Bureau
2014 EDC FARM BUREAU CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
BOARD OF SUPERVISOR CANDIDATES:
MIKE RANALLI, DISTRICT 4
SUE NOVASEL, DISTRICT 5
BALLOT INITIATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS:
VOTE “NO!” ON:
MEASURE “M”: TIES OWNERS’ HANDS, PROPERTY RIGHTS GONE—
FOR
20 YEARS!
MEASURE “N”: TAKES AWAY BOS DISCRETION ON FUNDING
MEASURE “O”: REDISTRIBUTES HOUSES TO “SOMEONE ELSE’S “
BACK YARD.
PLEASE JOIN US IN PROTECTING THE FAMILY FARM AND LOCAL AGRICULTURAL SOURCES!