Happy fall Madera County Farm Bureau Members! I know, I know, fall started in September, and we’re now in November, but this week has been the first time in my opinion that it’s actually felt like fall, and I am loving every bit of it. There are a ton of new things going on at the office right now that I have yet to wrap my head around it all, but I’m working on it. First off I’d like to say hello to everyone as the new Executive Director, so Hello! Secondly, for those of you who do not know, Norma is no longer at the office, but we do have a new face, Jazmine Jackson. So if you have a minute give her a call or stop in and say hi, we’d both love to meet all of you. Now on to business…
The Ag United Centennial Celebration held on Sunday, November 1, 2015, was a huge success! We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome, even with all the uncertainty over the past few months. The weather was great, the hall looked good and the speakers were phenomenal! We look forward to making this an annual event as the Ag United Celebration. A huge thank you goes out to not only all of our sponsors for the event, but to all the MCFB board members who came out and made it all happen.
As for what’s on the horizon with the High Speed Rail, most know that MCFB has been active in protecting it’s members interest by over-seeing the California High Speed Rail Authority’s implementation of our settlement agreement; along with constant review and scrutiny of the project itself. With that we must now meet our end of the bargain, and comply with the requirements set in place for the funds that have been allocated for conservation easements as part of the settlement. We are in the process of setting up workshops to inform the public about what conservation easements are in order to begin taking applications from local farmland owners that are interested in such easements.
Most of you are probably wondering what is going on with our water situation, and what MCFB is doing to help… Currently MCFB is taking a seat at various tables to stay informed with State Water Board Requirements and implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), including the creation of groundwater sustainability agencies. As we receive information we will do our best to keep our member informed.
Stay tuned for what else is happening at MCFB. Updates will be coming soon regarding our annual safety meetings. In the mean time if you are not receiving emails from us, please contact the office and share your email address with Jazmine. If you are receiving them, then stop in and say hello. If you have any questions or suggestions for us please give a call!
Christina Beckstead
Executive Director
