Well summer is definitely here, and harvest is just around the corner so I will try to keep this short and sweet. Transparency and accountability… When did these two concepts become optional? As I’ve sat through meeting after meeting lately, it seems that more and more of the time, so many things are hidden. Inquiries made for clarification are met with resistance. As farmers, you have certain requirements to provide “necessary” information to regulating entities even though you may not want to share it. When you resist, you are met penalties and punishment, for what? An oversight in attempting to keep up with and abide by all the regulations you deal with, or just flat protecting yourself? Why is it that those resisting at these meetings are not faced with some sort of reprimand? Just some food for thought, but know that as a member of MCFB I have and will continue to ask for continued transparency and accountability in all that I do for you.
On the home front, MCFB has just wrapped up our regularly scheduled training sessions, however is working to set up a few courses in November/December to address CE credits for DPR, as well as credits for those needing to meet their Nitrogen Management Plan certification hours. Stay tuned for those dates. We will also be working on the schedule for next year’s trainings, so if there is something specific you are looking for please contact the office, and we will do our best to try to accommodate.
As mentioned before, MCFB has a new member benefit, which will launch next week. SmartWater CSI kits will be provided to any and all voting members requesting it. We will have the launch on July 18th at the Agriland Training Center. A tri-tip sandwich lunch will be provided at 11:30, with the presentation following at noon. For those still unfamiliar with SmartWater CSI, it is the latest technology in theft deterrence. The “SmartWater” is specifically coded for each individual, and if your marked property (personal belongings or equipment) is stolen, law enforcement can use a minuscule amount of the solution to trace it back to the owner. The solution is invisible to the human eye, and can only be detected with a special fluorescent light. It should be noted that if the “thief ” tries to remove the solution, it will transfer to the tool he or she may be using, which will also illuminate under the special fluorescent light. If you would like more information about this new benefit, please contact our office. As always, if there is something that MCFB can do for you, or that you would like to see done in Madera County, please do not hesitate to contact us. I am always just a phone call away, and will gladly make time to visit with you in person if you would prefer. We may not always have all the answers, but we will do our best to find them. Happy Harvesting! -Christina
