Farm Bureau at work California Farm Bureau’s government affairs team is at the Capitol, advocating for farmers, ranchers and agriculture’s future. Here are some key issues Farm Bureau is focused on this week.
Wildlife The California Fish and Game Commission last week reviewed the petition from the Center for Biological Diversity to list the greater sage grouse as an endangered species in the state. It moved June 14 to elevate the bird as a can- didate for protected status. California Farm Bureau submitted comments along with the California Cattlemen’s Association, arguing that the petition does not provide sufficient infor- mation to indicate that the species is in fact threatened or endangered. Such a finding would avoid unintended consequences of candidacy, which may be detrimental to ongoing species and habitat conservation efforts. Farm Bureau provided testimony at the June 14 hearing on how membership has worked with state, federal and local agen- cies through voluntary efforts to help con- serve habitat for the greater sage grouse. Managed livestock grazing provides many benefits for this species and the surrounding habitat. Research from the University of California Cooperative Extension has found that livestock grazing significantly reduces the incidence, sever- ity and spread of wildfires. Efforts undertaken by farmers and ranchers have been recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has determined that the greater sage grouse is not threatened with extinction. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is due to submit a status review report for the Fish and Game Commission. Once that report is submitted, additional comments can be provided. Farm Bureau staff will stay involved in monitoring the process. Water The state Legislature last week approved several water-related funding measures called for in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May budget revision. Lawmakers approved $290 million in additional funding for flood protection, including $119 million for California Department of Water Resources projects in the Central Valley in 2023-24 and $35 million for projects in 2024-25. The California State Water Resources Control Board is getting $31.5 million for its effort to improve and update publicly ac- cessible water rights data and information. Additionally, lawmakers voted to restore water program funding that was reduced in the governor’s budget revision. They approved $310 million to the state water board for water recycling projects and pro- grams and $50 million to support efforts to restore the Salton Sea. Poultry facility incident Animal activists claimed credit for en- tering Perdue Farms’ Petaluma Poultry in Sonoma County without authorization and removing 18 birds. The group lives- treamed the incident and shared a video of protestors dressed as Perdue employees taking chickens from the property. The group, Direct Action Everywhere,
had gathered in the area for a protest as its Animal Liberation Conference was being held in Berkeley last week, highlighting programs on “open rescue” of animals from agricultural facilities. Four DAE members await trial on tres- passing, theft and burglary charges in connection with 2018 and 2019 actions at two Petaluma poultry farms. The group
opposes any type of livestock agriculture. Mike Levengood, chief animal care of- ficer for Perdue Farms, told the The Press Democrat newspaper in Santa Rosa that protesters had put “associates, animals and themselves in harm’s way.” In a statement, Levengood said, “As an industry leader in animal care, Perdue maintains an open dialogue with
credible animal welfare organizations, and we continue to learn from each other in a constructive way for the continuous im- provement of animal care.” People seeking more information on se- curing agricultural facilities or dealing with trespassers may reach out to Katie Little of the California Farm Bureau’s Government Affairs Division at klittle@cfbf.com.
The John Deere 5130ML Specialty Tractor
Sometimes in life, we all just want to feel a little special— a pat on the back, a free donut at the coffee shop … and premium features in a specialty tractor. We know the feeling. Meet the John Deere 5130ML Specialty Tractor. Sure, all the necessary features are there for a productive operation: low clearance, precise maneuverability, and ease-of-use. But, we built in a few special items as well. How about higher in-class horsepower—128 hp—and increased hitch capacity, allowing you to handle larger implements for greater efficiency with your tree nut and fruit crops? Oh, about those implements … our optional Pressure and Flow Compensated (PFC) hydraulic system allows for smoother, faster responses on all levels of operation. And, the increased cooling package extends wear life while decreasing fluid usage. Plus, we added a heat shield to the isolated operator station, reducing heat blowback so you can remain cool and comfortable throughout the day.
We took special measures to make sure the 5130ML performs above and beyond your expectations. Because ‘special’ is our specialty.
Go to JohnDeere.com/SPECIALTY to learn more.
JohnDeere.com/SPECIALTY
June 21, 2023 Ag Alert 19
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