California Farm Bureau

10/06/2026

Build your skills. Strengthen your leadership. Grow your Farm Bureau.

The California Farm Bureau Professional Development Series offers practical training designed to help member leaders and Farm Bureau staff lead with confidence, strengthen engagement and build more effective organizations.

📚 New training opportunities every month. Find a session that fits your role and take your next professional skill to the next level.

Learn more and register now at cfbf.com/ProfessionalDevelopment

10/01/2026

The Golden Owl Award is back! 📢

We’re looking for the best and brightest agricultural teachers who inspire and empower their students. Last year’s nominations were record-breaking...let’s make this year even bigger!

Nominate an outstanding Ag teacher who deserves to be celebrated. California Farm Bureau, California FFA and Nationwide are proud to honor those who make a difference in our communities.

🦉 Submit your nomination: cfbf.com/GoldenOwlAward

10/01/2026

What’s this new w**d showing up in California rice fields? 🎙️🌾🌱

This week on the Voice of California Agriculture podcast, we learn about White Water Fire, a new w**d recently discovered in several California rice fields, and why UC Cooperative Extension rice advisors are asking growers to be on the lookout.

We also explore whether almond hulls could find a new use as a food ingredient, what a Super El Niño could mean for California’s snowpack, and the latest outlook for farm income and rising interest expenses. Plus, we take a look at California Farm Bureau’s positions on statewide ballot measures.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at cfbf.com/podcast. 🎧

09/30/2026

Last call to all California agricultural storytellers! 🚨🌾

The deadline to apply for the California Agricultural Storyteller of the Year is almost here. If you're using photography, video, social media, podcasts, writing or educational content to help others better understand California agriculture, now is your chance to share your work.

Submit up to three examples of your best content for consideration.

🏆 $1,000 cash prize
🎟️ Complimentary CAFB Annual Meeting registration
🏨 One-night stay at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno

⏰ Applications close tomorrow, October 1, at 11:59 p.m.

👉 Apply now: cfbf.com/StorytellerAward

09/29/2026

The California Department of Water Resources swore in its new director, Thomas Gibson, in July.

Gibson previously worked in various state agencies addressing water issues, including stints at the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resource Agency.

He spoke with Ag Alert® about his priorities as he steps into his new role, which he said include the Delta Conveyance Project, the Sites Reservoir Project and groundwater recharge.

💬 “Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of the state of California, and a huge part of that is agriculture and supporting the $60 billion a year farming and ranching economy,” Gibson said. “The priority projects I mentioned—every one of those has a key tie into agriculture. It really would be hard to separate the two because so much of what we do is really an important connection to agriculture and maintaining our California agriculture.”

Read more in Ag Alert at agalert.com/california-ag-news/archives/september-16-2026/new-dwr-director-discusses-water-resiliency-plans/

📸: Courtesy of California Department of Water Resources

09/28/2026

Advocacy In Action | Wrapping Up in Washington! ✈️🏛️

That's a wrap on the 2026 California Farm Bureau Advocacy Fly-In!
Farm Bureau leaders from across California spent the week meeting with lawmakers, federal agencies and agricultural partners to bring the priorities of California's farmers and ranchers directly to Washington, D.C.

From the Farm Bill and agricultural workforce to economic challenges and other issues impacting farms and ranches across our state, these conversations help ensure California agriculture has a voice in federal policy discussions.

A special thank you to our county Farm Bureau leaders who made the trip to Washington to share their experiences and advocate on behalf of California agriculture, and to the lawmakers, agency officials and agricultural partners who took the time to meet with our delegation and hear directly from those we represent.

🎥 Take a look at highlights from our final day in Washington and hear from our delegation about the importance of advocating for California’s farmers and ranchers.

Glenn County Farm Bureau Monterey County Farm Bureau Napa County Farm Bureau San Francisco Farm Bureau Siskiyou County Farm Bureau Sonoma County Farm Bureau Stanislaus County Farm Bureau Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau

09/28/2026

Protecting students, staff, and communities.

Join us on Thursday, October 8, for "Safe Pesticide Use Around Schools," focusing on best practices and compliance considerations near school sites.

Learn more and register at cfbf.com/FBE 🔗
Thank you to Syngenta US and Farm Employers Labor Service for sponsoring the 2026 CE Series!

09/28/2026

Family farmers may never feel “retired,” but everyone should optimize their Social Security benefits.

Nationwide webinars offer helpful insights: youtube.com/watch?v=4q9sNHf9LCI

Preparing for retirement isn’t always top of mind for those working...

09/28/2026

Winegrape growers facing a hotter and more volatile climate may have several ways to protect the value of their vineyards, but a new study suggests there is no single best adaptation strategy. 🍇☀️

The most profitable choice depends on how severe heat becomes, according to research published this year in the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture. Under relatively mild warming, growers may be better off maintaining established vineyards and varieties. As heat stress increases, shade technology can become economically attractive. Under the most severe conditions modeled, switching to a more heat-tolerant grape variety produced the strongest returns.

💬 “Extreme heat is no longer a once-in-a-decade problem for winegrape growers,” said Kristen Barnhisel, winemaker for San Jose-based J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines and president of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture, which publishes the journal.

Read more in Ag Alert at agalert.com/california-ag-news/archives/september-16-2026/vineyard-adaptation-to-heat-an-economic-balancing-act/

📸: Paige Green

09/25/2026

Advocacy In Action | California farmers and ranchers on Capitol Hill 🚜🏛️

Our 2026 Advocacy Fly-In continues in Washington, D.C., where California Farm Bureau leaders are meeting directly with lawmakers, federal agencies and agricultural partners on the issues affecting farmers and ranchers back home.

From the Farm Bill and agricultural workforce challenges to economic relief, predators and agricultural technology, our delegation is making sure California agriculture has a voice in federal policy discussions.

🎥 Follow along as we take you inside this week's advocacy efforts in our nation's capital.

Glenn County Farm Bureau Monterey County Farm Bureau Napa County Farm Bureau San Francisco Farm Bureau Siskiyou County Farm Bureau Sonoma County Farm Bureau Stanislaus County Farm Bureau Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau