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Featured in the June issue of California Dairy Magazine, check out the last dairyman in Exeter, Ed Brower as he shares his story in this brief video interview with California Ag Network and in California Dairy Magazine. Dairying runs deep in his family line all the way back to his ancestry in Holland.
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The June issue of California Dairy Magazine is now available to read online! Read the latest California Dairy & Feed industry news and technology. Here’s a peek of what’s inside:
Modesto, Calif., (June 22, 2017) – In order to maintain dairy farm inspection and sampling activities, the Department is increasing quarterly inspection fees for dairy farms in State Established Inspection Areas by $0.005 per hundredweight (cwt) according to the maximum volume and rate specified below.
Effective July 1, 2017, the inspection fee for both market milk and manufacturing milk dairy farms is:
Fees collected at the new rate during the quarter-year period of July 1 to September 30, 2017 will be due and payable October 1, 2017.
Questions regarding collection procedures may be directed to me at (916) 900-5008 or to our closest Regional Office at the numbers below:
Sacramento, Calif., (June 20, 2017) – A departing upper-level trough early in the week left cooler air across parts of the State with a few lingering showers on Monday. Rainfall was mostly limited to Monday across the far northeastern corner of the State near Alturas, which received just over half an inch of rain on Monday. A few isolated sprinkles moistened parts of the central and northern Sierras on Monday, as well. This quickly gave way to a building mid-level ridge over the southwestern United States, which brought dry air and hot conditions to much of the State.
Temperatures rose dramatically last week, with very hot temperatures across nearly all parts of the State except perhaps the coastal northern areas. Very warm temperatures helped accelerate snowmelt in the mountains. Both Mt. Whitney in the south and Mt. Shasta in the north were still snowcapped on their peaks, with Mt. Shasta expected to remain so for some time. Snowcover elsewhere is now limited to a band about 40 miles wide between Tahoe and the Sequoia National Forest, at elevations above 8,000 feet. There was still eight feet of snowcover at these locations, with the area just north of Yosemite still estimated at six feet of snowcover.
Temperature highs were in the 50s to 60s along the coast, 60s to 80s in the mountains, 90s to 100s in the valley, and 90s to 110s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 40s to 50s in the mountains, 50s to 60s along the coast, 50s to 70s in the valley, and 60s to 80s in the desert.
Silage corn planting was completed. Fields were being prepared and planted with summer beans, Sudan grass, and silage sorghum. Wheat harvest for grain was approaching completion. Small grains such as oats and barley were being cut and baled, or harvested for grain. Alfalfa fields were making excellent progress and being irrigated, cut, and baled. Corn planting continued and earlier planted fields were growing well, with some developing tassels. Cotton was being irrigated and growing well.
Peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums continue to be harvested. Some orchard floors were lined with reflective plastic to improve color prior to harvest. Grapevines continued to have leaves removed to allow for improved air circulation and light around the developing bunches to improve color. Kiwi fruit were thinned. Cherry harvest was wrapping up for the season. Navel orange harvest was nearly complete. Valencia orange harvest continued. Grapefruit harvest was drawing to a close. Old citrus trees were being pulled to make way for new citrus varieties. Since bloom was complete for seedless tangerines, removal of the protective netting began.
Weed control in almond orchards was ongoing. Pistachio, walnut, and almond orchards were irrigated and fertilized. Mechanical and chemical weed control operations continued in nut orchards.
In Colusa County, row crops such as tomatoes were growing at a fast pace. In San Joaquin County, tomatoes and sweet corn were growing well. Summer vegetables were harvested and offered for sale at local Farmer’s markets. Field ground preparation and planting of crops continued. In Fresno County, tomatoes were kept fresh by continual irrigation. Red onions, carrots, and peppers were harvested. Onions for seed were irrigated. In Tulare County, summer vegetables were harvested and shipped domestically. Italian squash, peppers, and cucumbers were harvested. Eggplant and tomatoes continued to grow and mature. In Imperial County, spring melons and sweet corn were harvested. Some growers reported exceptional yields. Dehydrated onions were harvested and shipped out of the valley for processing. Large insect activity was reported in onion fields.
As the summer heat dries out the grasses and forbs, range and dryland pasture forage quality began to deteriorate. Foothill range and valley dryland pasture was in fair to very poor condition. Some cattle were moved to higher elevation range. Sheep grazed on retired pasture and dormant alfalfa. Bees were active in vegetable fields.
Davis, Calif., (June 20, 2017) – A 4-H sheep or goat project has something in common with ranchers raising animals for a living. In both cases, one objective is profit.
“Profit is not a dirty word,” said Dan Macon, UC Cooperative Extension assistant specialist in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences. “How many of you are using fair animals to save for college or buy a car? You’re in business.”
Macon spoke at a Sheep and Goat Workshop in Hollister for 4-H members, FFA students and local sheep and goat producers, organized by UC Cooperative Extension livestock and natural resources advisor Devii Rao. About 30 of the workshop participants represented the industry, 70 were young producers and family.
Macon discussed the direct and indirect costs of rearing animals, the optimal timing for breeding so lambs and kids will be weaned when grass is naturally abundant, and tactics for protecting sheep from predators.
“I call this, ‘Big dogs, hot fences and fast sheep,’” Macon said. “Someday I’m going to write a country song with that title.”
The big dogs are guardian animals that are not socialized to humans, but rather kept with sheep from the time they are tiny puppies. Donkeys and llamas can be effective guardians if the predators are coyotes and dogs.
UCCE advisor Roger Ingram covered the opportunity to manage rangeland with a flock of sheep or herd of goats. The concept is “targeted grazing.”
“Think of yourselves as grass and brush farmers with four-legged combines to harvest,” Ingram said.
He advised animal caregivers to learn to identify plants, as some are good for the animals, and some are not. For example, poison hemlock and milk weed are problem plants for certain animals.
Ten-year-old 4-H member Cody Watson attended the workshop with his grandmother Susan Gardner.
“Raising animals teaches responsibility and accountability,” Gardner said. “The kids learn where food comes from.”
Gardner was a 4-H member as a child, but when her children were growing up, she didn’t have the income for property to house animals.
This isn’t a problem for 4-H youth in San Benito County. A 4-H barn sits close to downtown where kids can keep animals in exchange for working on the facility’s upkeep. That’s where 4-H member Marisa Tobia keeps her lambs and swine.
“It’s fun,” Tobia said. “I’m there with all my friends.”
Santa Rosa, Calif., (June 9, 2017) – Peter Young immigrated to New York in the early 1800’s and came to California in the 1850’s for the Gold Rush. He settled on 120 acres in Alexander Valley, where he raised cattle for leather and sheep.
At their peak, the Young family had more than 700 head of sheep, raised grain and herds of cattle. Peter cleared the land in the 1870’s and prepared it for the first prune orchard. Peter’s son, Silas, followed in his father’s footsteps. The tradition of growing prunes was carried on by Silas’s son Robert, who was born in 1919.
In 1935, Robert was only 16 years old when his father passed away. He inherited the ranch with a $70,000 mortgage in the middle of the Great Depression.
When asked by his great uncle Tom Meek what he wanted to do, Robert said he wanted to stay on the ranch and continue farming instead of selling the property. Meek, a farmer in Alexander Valley and the founder of Soda Rock Winery, went to the bank to guarantee the mortgage, ensuring the future of the Young’s ranch.
Robert graduated from Healdsburg High School and married his high school sweetheart, Gertrude. The couple had four children: JoAnn, Jim, Susan and Fred, the fourth generation of Youngs to farm in Sonoma County. As children, they remember growing up on a prune ranch, although the property was still maintaining sheep and cattle herds.
In 1962, a farm advisor suggested that the Young family plant winegrapes, and in 1963 Robert planted the family’s first grapes: 14 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. After a few years, he realized there was more money in grapes than prunes. In 1965, the Young family planted their second set of grapes, and in 1967 they pulled out their first prunes and replaced them with Chardonnay. In 1978, Jim and Fred worked alongside their father Robert to pull out the last 65 acres of prunes.
Jim graduated from UC Davis in 1974 and began working on the ranch the following year.
Over time, Robert and his wife worked to expand their land, through inheritance and purchasing additional acreage.
Jim and Susan said their dad was determined to set up the company for his four children to ensure its continuity. He was knowledgeable, but also sought advice from attorney’s to figure out how to transfer the property to the next generation.
The Young family now farms 317 acres of winegrapes, owning 287 and leasing 30. They also have additional land that’s not planted in grapes and continue to run approximately 20 head of cattle.
The family primarily grows Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but grow 12 varieties in total. They sell to 14 wineries, keeping 5-7% for their own winery.
The Youngs began talking about a starting a family winery in 1995 to create more opportunities for the family as their kids were getting older. They produced their first vintage at Arrowood in 1997 and have proceeded to make wine at their winery on Red Winery Road in Alexander Valley.
The grapes grown for the estate winery are more hands-on while other parts are more mechanized. Jim said that labor is the largest challenge of farming in 2017, and he sees the industry moving towards more mechanization as labor becomes more challenging to find.
Many of the laborers working for the Young family became legalized citizens in the 80’s and have worked for the family for decades. As these farmworkers reach retirement age, the Young family isn’t seeing the next generation replacing the labor force; instead the children are taking jobs in finance or other fields.
With the family winery in existence for more than 20 years, the Young family is constantly thinking about transitioning the business to the next generation and building opportunities for their children and grandchildren. With four in the fourth generation and 25 in the fifth and sixth generations, the family has 29 potential partners.
Jim currently serves as the CEO, but the vineyards and winery are governed by a board that includes family members and two industry professionals who can offer an outside view. The winery currently employees multiple family members, while others are working outside the winery gaining experience which might prepare them for a future career at the winery.
The family isn’t sure who will take over in the next generation, but said the board is their driving force and they are willing to hire experts until the right family member is groomed into an executive position. They have been working on their succession plan for more than 30 years consulting with numerous experts and advisors to get to where they are now. “We realize how fortunate we are to be on this land,” said Susan. “We’re blessed to be here and have had the opportunity that this affords us.”
For more information visit ryew.com
Courtesy of Rachel LaFranchi and Sonoma County Farm Bureau.
Visalia, Calif., (June 9, 2017) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that with wheat silage harvest almost completed most fields are being planted with summer beans, silage corn, Sudan grass, and silage sorghum. Wheat harvest for grain has begun, and the left over wheat straw is being baled. Alfalfa fields are making excellent progress; and being irrigated, cut, and baled. Corn continues being planted, and earlier planted fields are growing well, with some are developing tassels. Cotton is emerging and being irrigated and growing well.
Harvest of early season varieties of peaches, nectarines, and plums is tapering off. Mid-season stone fruit varieties are getting close to maturity. Stone fruit are being exported to Australia, Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand. White flesh nectarines and peaches are being shipped to Brazil and Taiwan. Cherries are being picked and packed for domestic markets, and exported to Mexico. Last year’s almonds and pistachios are being exported to the European Union, Israel, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. Walnut, almond, and pistachio orchards are being irrigated. Both mechanical and chemical weed control continues in orchards. Grapevines continue to have leaves removed to allow for improved air circulation and light around the developing bunches to improve color.
Some navel oranges continue to be picked and packed for the domestic market. Valencia oranges continue to be harvested and exported to China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Grapefruit harvest is finishing up, with Star Ruby grapefruit being shipped domestically and exported to Korea and Mexico. Seedless tangerines are having the netting removed now that the bloom is over.
Summer vegetables are being planted and harvested and shipped domestically. Blueberries are being harvested, with exports to the European Union, Japan, and Taiwan. Strawberry harvest is nearing an end with increasing seasonal temperatures. Berries are still being harvested and sold at roadside stands.
Low elevation rangeland continues to dry, and cattle are being moved to higher elevations. The higher elevations are providing more grass than previous years. Fed cattle prices are at $136.00 per hundredweight.
Surface water is flowing in many of the irrigation canals. Many farmers across Tulare County are able to use surface water to irrigate crops this year instead of relying solely on pumping ground water. Wholesale nursery shipments to Canada and domestic markets continue.
Santa Rosa, Calif., (June 7, 2017) – “Did you know when we first came here there were more than 300 dairies,” asked Earl Holtz, “now there are less than 70.”
Earl and his wife Dot came to Sonoma County in 1964 and have spent their lifetime supporting the dairy industry and educating the public about the importance of agriculture.
The past 52 years the Holtzes have committed to bettering the dairy industry and the future of Sonoma County agriculture have earned them a prominent spot in Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s Hall of Fame. The couple said they are honored to receive the award and in slight awe to be receiving the award alongside the other recipients. Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s award recipients this year also includes Jackson Family Wines who will be receiving the Luther Burbank Conservation Award for their commitment to sustainability and conservation; the Lee Walker Family who have been growing apples in Graton for over 100 years will be honored as the Farm Family of Year. The recipients will be honored at Love of the Land on July 13th.
Earl, 84, is originally from Pennsylvania; he didn’t grow up on a farm – his parents had owned a farm at one point but quit farming and went into the oil business. Earl came out to California one summer in high school with the intention to just stay for the summer, but he went to work on a dairy in the valley and never moved back to the East Coast. He said he stayed because he enjoyed working with the cattle.
Dot was born in Turlock and attending Turlock High School when she met Earl who was a year older than her. Earl was attending Ceres High School nearby and the two met when Dot’s sister married the son of the family Earl worked for.
“My father thought Earl was Mr. Wonderful,” said Dot, “I was not to go out with anyone else.”
Earl and Dot married on July 10th, 1955 – this year they will be celebrating 62 years of marriage.
The couple attended San Jose State for two years together, and then Earl spent two years in the Army. Upon returning from the service, Earl and Dot attended Fresno State together where Earl received his bachelor’s degree and Dot received her teaching credential. They moved to Washington where Earl received his master’s degree from Washington State in 1959.
After Earl finished his degree, he went to work for Topper Feed Mills in Fresno and then the Farmers Home Administration for a year. He resigned from the latter in 1963.
The following year, Earl and Dot moved to Sonoma County after George Bath hired him to work for the Cooperative Extension, specifically focusing on the dairy industry. For the next 10 years, Earl worked with dairymen throughout the county, occasionally also helping in Marin. Meanwhile, Dot taught at Rincon Valley Elementary school for 10 years. She taught multiple grades, starting in 2nd grade before moving to 3rd, 5th and 7th.
In 1979, Earl became a partner with Tom Nunez and Max Herzog, owners of a semen company called NorCal Sires. They did business across California also selling bulls to people in the Midwest.
The competition in the industry was tough, and in 1985 Earl quit the business and went to work for Western United Dairymen. Dot quit her job teaching and stayed to finish up with NorCal sires.
After NorCal Sires was phased out, Dot worked with Farm Bureau, where Earl has previously served on the board, to help set up their agriculture education program. She was a founder of Sonoma County’s ag in the classroom program, working with dairymen to bring animals to children and educate the general public. Dot recalls the program getting larger and larger until it became too large and Sonoma County Farm Bureau started Ag Days instead.
During Earl’s time working for Western United Dairymen, he covered Sonoma and Humboldt counties as well as the upper valley including Orland. He said he was working on constant problems with new and existing regulations.
Earl left his position with Western United Dairymen in 1999 after he was diagnosed with cancer. Although he no longer works in the dairy industry, he has managed to stay actively involved over the last 18 years.
Many people know Earl through his involvement in the Sonoma County Fair where Earl has announced the dairy shows every year since he retired.
Earl also participated in Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s Animal Resource Management program where he monitored water quality at dairies around Sonoma County for many years.
Earl and Dot both continue to volunteer for Sonoma County Farm Bureau and other local organizations, and understand the importance of educating the next generation about agriculture.
Earl and Dot have three grown children: Corwin, Kathy and Kirvin. Corwin followed in his father’s footsteps and is a respected dairy consultant in upstate New York. Earl and Dot are proud of all three of their children and have three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
“The dairy industry has been very good to us,” said Dot. “We’ve met a lot of wonderful people, and we just want to let them know how much we appreciate all that they have helped us do.”
Courtesy of Rachel LaFranchi and Sonoma County Farm Bureau.
Sacramento, Calif., (June 6, 2017) – Last week started with warm temperatures, followed by cooler temperatures as a surge of Pacific moisture brought light rain to many areas in the State. Dry and warm conditions were felt during the weekend.
Precipitation fell in parts of the state on Monday through Wednesday, with Thursday through Sunday seeing no measurable rainfall. The heaviest rains fell over the northern valley and windward slopes of the Sierras north of Kings Canyon, where areas received around one inch of rainfall. All other parts of the valley received up to half an inch. Additional isolated showers and thunderstorms just inland from the San Diego area dropped up to half an inch on Wednesday. No new snowfall occurred last week. Snowcover was limited to the highest peaks of the southern Sierras, including Whitney, where one to two feet of snowcover still existed. The most extensive snowpacks continued to lie above 7,500 feet in the central Sierras, where one to three feet of snowcover still existed. The northern mountains were devoid of snowcover except for the peak of Shasta, which had up to six feet of snowcover.
Temperature highs were in the 60s to 70s along the coast, 60s to 80s in the mountains, 80s to 90s in the valley, and 80s to 110s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 30s to 50s in the mountains, 40s to 50s along the coast, 50s to 60s in the valley, and 60s to 80s in the desert.
Alfalfa fields were making excellent progress being cut, dried, and baled. Corn planting continued with earlier planted fields growing well. Corn fields were being injected with nitrogen to promote growth. Cotton was emerging and being irrigated.
Peaches, nectarines, and apricots were being exported to foreign markets. Summer pruning of stone fruit orchards began. Both mechanical and chemical weed control continued in orchards. Orchard floors continued to be lined with reflective plastic to improve color prior to harvest. Grape vines continued to have leaves removed to allow for improved air circulation and light around the developing bunches to improve color. Cherry harvest continued, while the peak of cherry season has passed. Valencia oranges continued to be harvested and exported. Grapefruit harvest was finishing up, with Star Ruby grapefruit being exported to foreign markets. Old citrus trees were being pulled to make way for new citrus varieties. Seedless tangerines continued to be netted. Olives were still blooming.
New orchards of almonds continued to be planted or ground prepped. Pistachio, walnut and almond orchards were irrigated and fertilized. Last year’s stored almonds and pistachios continued to be exported to foreign market places. Some orchard floors were sprayed with herbicides and fungicides.
In San Joaquin County, processing tomatoes were growing well. Summer vegetables were harvested and offered for sale at local Farmers’ markets. The asparagus harvest was over. In Monterey County, the price for lettuce and other commodities had improved from the previous week. Production and weather were good. In San Mateo County Brussels sprouts were planted and the fields were fumigated. Fava beans and peas were harvested. In Fresno County, tomatoes were cultivated. Carrots, broccoli, and spring lettuce were harvested. Onions were irrigated and prepared for harvest. In Tulare County, summer vegetables were harvested and shipped domestically. Melons were irrigated and cantaloupes were picked. Zucchini was harvested.
Foothill range and valley dryland pasture forage quality was primarily in fair to good condition. Drying out of grasses continued in the Sierra foothills. Sheep grazed on retired pasture and dormant alfalfa. Bees were active in vegetable fields.
Visalia, Calif., (June 2, 2017) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that The last of the winter wheat is being dried and baled. Alfalfa fields are making excellent progress; and being cut, dried, and baled. Last year’s Black-eyed beans are being exported to Hong Kong, Korea, and Malaysia. Corn continues being planted, and earlier planted fields are growing well. Corn field are being injected with nitrogen to promote growth. Cotton is emerging and being irrigated.
Stone fruit harvest is going strong, with a strong domestic market. Peaches are being exported to Australia, Canada, Mexico, and Taiwan. Nectarines are being shipped to Brazil, Canada, Japan, and Mexico. Apricots are being exported to Canada and Mexico. Summer pruning of stone fruit has begun. Orchard floors continue to be lined with reflective plastic to improve color prior to harvest. Cherry harvest continues. Last year’s almonds are being exported to Belgium, Colombia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Pistachios in storage are being exported to Australia, Bulgaria, France, Hong Kong, Israel, Korea, Lithuania, and the United Kingdom. Both mechanical and chemical weed control continues in orchards. Grapevines continue to have leaves removed to allow for improved air circulation and light around the developing bunches to improve color.
Valencia oranges continue to be harvested and exported to China, Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Grapefruit harvest is finishing up, with Star Ruby grapefruit being exported to Guatemala, Japan, and Mexico. Old citrus trees are being pulled to make way for new citrus varieties. Seedless tangerines are still netted. Olives are still blooming.
Summer vegetables are being harvested and shipped domestically. Melons are being irrigated, and cantaloupes are being picked. Zucchini is being harvested. Blueberries are being harvested, with exports to Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Taiwan. Strawberries are being harvested and sold at roadside stands.
Low elevation rangeland continues to dry, and cattle are being moved to higher elevations. Fed cattle prices are at $138.00 per hundredweight.
Wholesale nursery shipments to Canada and domestic markets continue.