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Ag Haz Mat Training Held at MCFB Office on June 19th

The program known as the Agricultural Hazardous Materials Transportation Endorsement (AHMTE) Program, is being offered to farmers and farm employees on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at the Merced Farm Bureau Office. The English class is scheduled from 9am-12pm and the Spanish class from 1pm -4pm. Its $20 for Farm Bureau members and $40 for non members. Those who finish this program and pass the test at the end will receive a special training verification document DL 267.

Teachers Enjoyed the 2nd Annual Wine & Cheese Event

The 2nd Annual Teacher Appreciation Wine and Cheese event was held on Friday, May 10th at the Merced Fruit Barn. This event was created to link Merced County teachers, local ag related businesses, and organizations together by providing teachers with multiple contacts and resources to incorporate in their curriculum, which is compliant with state standards. It also allowed MCFB to better assess how we can help teachers and students learn about the importance of agriculture in Merced County.

MCFB Settles with HSR with Major Concessions for Landowners

The California High Speed Rail Authority (Authority) agreed to major concessions for the benefit of a local joint petitioners group just 24-hours before their hearing was to occur before the California Superior Courts.  The joint petitioner group is made up of Merced County Farm Bureau, Madera County Farm Bureau, Chowchilla Water District, Preserve Our Heritage and Fagundes Brothers.  Many were shocked to learn of this decision when negotiations had actually been ongoing internally for several weeks.  Your MCFB Executive Committee, Board and staff were all heavily involved in

Keeping Your Operation Safe When California Agriculture Heats Up

By Ryan Genzoli, Cal Ag Safety, LLC
With the Valley already being hit by 85+ degree days and summer fast approaching, it is time for us in the agricultural industry to dust off the portable shade tents, clean the 5 gallon water jugs and train employees on the signs and dangers of heat illnesses.
In a seminar on heat illness prevention, given at the Stanislaus County Ag Center, Cal/OSHA consulting touched on the most important aspects of ensuring worker safety during hot work days.
As common sense would tell us, the two most important items that must be placed in the field while workers are present are shade and water.

Soil Moisture Content and Irrigation Management for Vegetables

By Scott Stoddard, UCCE Merced County

The amount of water that a soil can hold is determined largely by texture and structure.  The upper limit is often called field capacity, while the lower limit is called the permanent wilting point.  After substantial rainfall or an irrigation event that saturates the soil, drainage of soil water occurs.  Drainage occurs faster in sandy soils as compared to clay soils.  When drainage stops, the soil moisture content is regarded to be at field capacity.  The permanent wilting point occurs when the plant is no longer able to remove water from the soil.  Severe wilting usually indicates this, and unless more water is made available, plant death will result.