Presidents Message

Aug 08

Big thanks to the members and business’s that have contributed thus
far to the “Ag Theft Reward Fund”. The plastic “Reward” signs will soon
be available and distributed immediately to fund donors and also
available for direct purchase at the Farm Bureau office.

CARB Update
On July 21st The California Air Resources Board released the latest
version of the “Proposed Regulation to Reduce Emissions of Diesel
Particulate Matter and other Pollutants from In-use Heavy Duty Diesel-
Fueled Vehicles”. These rules will apply to all trucks and fleets operated
within the State.  Categories eligible for exemption are few.

* Pick-ups and similar vehicles under 14,000lbs GVWR along with “Off
Road Vehicles”
* “Low use Vehicles that operate less than 100hrs and under 1000
miles/year
* “NOx  Mileage Exempt Vehicles” is limited to heavy HD vehicles greater
than 33,000GVWR operated less than 7,500 miles/year and medium HD
vehicles 14,000-33,000 GVWR that operate less than 5,000 miles/year.  

The mandate is to reduce emissions from older operating trucks to
levels of current new models in an expedited manner. There are four
options with multiple phase in period time lines based upon fleet size,
year model and weight category.  Copies of the proposed rule schedule
are available at the Farm Bureau office. California Farm Bureau and
Industry has been working to expand the exemptions and allowable
mileage for Ag vehicles. The Air Board has yet to address their
submission.
The San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District is currently offering cost
assistance with funding provided under Prop 1B. These range from 50k
for replacement with a new truck purchase to lower cost participation for
new compliant engine retrofit or Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) installation.

The Farm Bill passed on May 22nd and the Food, Conservation and
Energy Act of 2008 were enacted into Public Law on June 18th.  This act
amended the former Trade Act of 1974 thus changing eligibility for ELAP,
LFP, LIP, SURE and TAP supplemental disaster programs. Eligibility for
these programs require producers to purchase at least catastrophic risk
protection (CAT) level of crop insurance. For producers to be eligible for
the 2008 crop year it is necessary for them to “buy-in” to the current
program by Sept. 16th, 2008 thus paying the administrative fee
retroactively for this year. Additionally, the Conservation cost share
applications for the federal Environmental Quality Incentives Program
(EQIP) are being accepted now through Nov. 2, 2008. Contact the local
NRCS office at (559) 674-4628 for more details.

Farmland preservation has always been of utmost concern to Madera
Farm Bureau. At my request The Madera County Planning Commission
made a presentation at the last Farm Bureau board meeting outlining
Conservation Banks and Easements. While continued development is
inevitable, full mitigation must be utilized in order to preserve farmland
and the quantity of resources and quality of our water and air. It is also
crucial that any Banking credits and funding generated locally be utilized
within our County. Madera Farm Bureau will participate in the Counties
development of this delicate program.

Best Regards, Dennis Meisner Jr.




Executive Address

July 08

Gazing Into the Crystal Ball

Just as the cost of doing business has increased for you, we at the
Farm Bureau are experiencing a similar trend.  Unfortunately, our
lawmakers don’t slow with these changing economic times; instead they
continually add to our work load in defending agriculture.

Looking to the future, we anticipate a need for a larger team to defend
agriculture against additional regulations.  With a staff of two, it is
increasingly difficult to cover all of the activity at every level of
government in a truly meaningful way.  Of course, our first priority is
service to our members.

The Farm Bureau seeks to grow our ability to engage in local planning
efforts, visit Sacramento more regularly, and allow for enough
manpower to engage in activities that really make a difference in
educating our community about the importance of agriculture, to our
economy, and to the way of life taken for granted.

For many years, the Farm Bureau has been happy to support the cattle
industry by maintaining a livestock sales yard on our property.  Drought
conditions in the last few years have affected cattlemen by making feed
scarce and expensive.  We have seen less cattle coming through our
sales yard in recent years as a result.  Competition from newer sales
barns in adjacent counties has flattened an important income stream for
Madera County Farm Bureau as well.  

As mentioned in the President’s message, Madera County Farm Bureau
members will experience a dues increase beginning November 1, 2008.
This decision was made by the Board of Directors after forecasting
budgetary needs and a desire to expand our services.  

Specifically, our members have told us that the number one problem
they would like to see addressed is the metal and chemical theft
situation.  In 2009, we plan to be more active on this issue by giving
you the tools to prevent crime on your ranches by working with law
enforcement.  We have already begun to create a reward and signage
program that will help you keep thieves off of your ranch.  

We’ll be able to do more for you, yet want to remind you that your Farm
Bureau membership already provides you many advantages.  These
include:  

-        Assistance via the Farm Bureau office with OSHA requirements;
Human Resource compliance; state regulation, i.e. Irrigated Lands
Program (East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition), Air District Rules,
required sign postings
-        Information on active bills in Sacramento:  we can track and give
you daily information on the status of bills; additionally, California Farm
Bureau represents you every day in Sacramento and in Washington with
a team of lobbyists
-        Legal Defense:  Madera Co. Farm Bureau teamed with local farm
interests to defend your water supply- we were victorious in a lawsuit
against the County and in the end forced the developer to prove a water
supply for a housing subdivision proposal (2004-2007)
-        Member of the “Air Coalition Team:” Madera Co. Farm Bureau has
joined with the other Valley Farm Bureaus, Nisei Farmers League, CA
Cotton Ginners and Growers, CA Grape and Tree Fruit League, and
additional ag groups to defend agriculture against unruly Air District
regulations via legal actions since 2003
-        One of the largest Ag Scholarship Programs in the Central Valley:  
MCFB has given $40,000 to deserving high school graduates to continue
their education in agriculture from the proceeds of our annual Wine
tasting fundraiser
-        Ag Alert Newspaper and monthly County FB Newsletter:  The
weekly Ag Alert provided for voting members and the monthly
newsletter keeps you informed with what’s happening in your state and
your Valley.

Farm Bureau is working for you every day.  Our Board of Directors and
staff attend water hearings, testify on your behalf on local and state
issues, and provide assistance to help you stay in business with advice
on regulatory matters.  We invite you to support all of the good things
we’re doing on your behalf and urge you support our growth in the near
future.


            Presidents Corner
www.maderafb.com
1102 South Pine Street -
Madera, California  93637

P h o n e  (559) 674-8871
F a x  (559) 674-0529
email: office@maderafb.com