Agriculture

Photo courtesy of Water Resources Association San Benito County.

News Release

San Benito County included in drought state of emergency proclamation

41 counties now under drought state of emergency intended to protect communities and the environment, representing 30% of the state’s population.

People walk around the Farmer's Market. Photo courtesy of Felicia Bisceglia, Farmers' Market manager.

Agriculture

Thousands attend first Farmer’s Market of the season

Several vendors sell out their supply.

LULAC members Richard Perez (back left) and Vince Luna (back right) with T-mobile expert Angela Jacobo (front left) and sales and operations manager Alyssa Sims (front right). Photo by Noe Magaña.

Nonprofits

LULAC to distribute cellphones, food on Cinco de Mayo.

During the pandemic the organization has provided food, hoodies and boots to farmworkers.

File photo of San Justo Reservoir in 2021. Photo by John Chadwell.

News

SBC Water District users may have to pay for treating San Justo Reservoir

It’s been closed to recreation since 2008, when zebra mussels were discovered.

SBC Water District rain gauge. Photo by Andrew Pearson.

Environment / Nature

Rainfall declining in San Benito County

Water district officials discuss possible return to drought conditions.

The Schmidt family: Joe Spencer, Tina Jolly Schmidt, Brian Schmidt, Walt Henzi, Crystal Henzi, Kathy Spencer, Rick Schmidt, Stacey Swenson, Janis Schmidt, and Greg Schmidt. Photo courtesy of Karminder Brown.

Agriculture

San Benito family receives Excellence in Range Management Award

The award recognized the Schmidt family for maintaining outstanding ranch management and land stewardship practices across distances and generations.

Christopher Valadez, president of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, at the vaccination clinic at Earthbound Farms on Feb. 26. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Agriculture

Earthbound Farms hosts vaccination drive for 250 workers

Two-day clinic focuses on essential food industry employees.

Cannabis plant. Photo courtesy of California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Agriculture

Free online commercial cannabis permitting workshop set for March 4

Topics include an overview of the state’s cannabis cultivation licensing program and review of the requirements for commercial cannabis farming.

Bonnie Swank in her barn with the corn maze, pumpkins, and sunflowers in the background. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Agriculture

Bonnie Swank: In memoriam

Family and friends share how her vision of Swank Farms took shape.

San Benito Health Foundation. File photo.

Commentary

Public Letter: SB Health Foundation responds to allegations of unauthorized vaccine administration

Jorge Terrones with SBHF writes that the foundation has been unfairly suspended from weekly COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

State Assemblyman Robert Rivas. Photo provided by the office of Robert Rivas.

Agriculture

Assemblymembers Robert Rivas and Rudy Salas introduce legislation to maximize benefits of Sustainable Groundwater Management requirements

If approved, AB 252 would create a pilot program to support repurposing formerly irrigated agricultural land for less water-intensive uses.

Farmworkers in San Benito County. File photo by John Chadwell.

Agriculture

Assemblyman Rivas introduces Farmworker Wildfire Smoke Protections Act

If approved, the legislation would establish a stockpile of N95 masks to be distributed to farmers during a wildfire outbreak.

Zucchini harvested at Royal Greens Family Farm. Photo courtesy of Royal Greens Family Farm.

Agriculture

Application deadline approaches for second Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

Program provides direct financial relief to producers for market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.

Pasture-raised turkeys from Paicines Ranch. Photo courtesy of Paicines Ranch.

Agriculture

Turkey Time: Custom-raised for this unique holiday season

Local ranch offers pasture-raised birds for holiday meals.

Davenport during CZU Complex Fire. Photo courtesy of Bureau of Land Management.

Agriculture

Assembly Agriculture Committee examines impacts of wildfires on California agriculture

The hearing, led by State Assemblyman Robert Rivas, included speakers who talked of the effects on agricultural workers, farms and farmlands, economic impacts, and agriculture-based wildfire mitigation opportunities.

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