Executive Address

October 2012

This is now my 12th Executive Director’s Address and I’m still thrilled to be a part of such a vibrant agricultural community!  This position continues to ignite a fire in my soul and I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by our Farm Bureau members, caring for their business and the land so much each day.

The Farm Bureau won a major battle in our war against the high speed rail project last week.  The Judge granted us the right to file a Motion for Preliminary Injunction and will hear the case on November 16.  This was a significant step as an injunction against the Project would result in it being temporarily stopped in Madera County.  It also means that our CEQA case has extremely firm legal grounds and is a signal that the lawsuit is more than meritorious –it is in the right.  And in our case, being right was something we’ve known all along that we were, we were just handed a major validation from Sacramento.

The Farm Bureau will be holding a fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the lawsuit, on Wednesday, October 24 –beginning at 5:30pm.  A western BBQ in an outdoor winery setting, the evening will include an update from the litigation legal team, but more importantly –a relaxing setting with good food and drink, and great friends.  Don’t know any of our neighbors to the North? You never will if you don’t come out and get to know them.  After all, you never know who might be buying up the parcel next to you one day.  If you can’t make the party –all donations are welcome.  Please visit our website for more information.

Anja K. Raudabaugh
Executive Director