Douglass honors Farm Bureau successes
California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass celebrated the organization’s accomplishments this year in an address delivered Monday at the Farm Bureau’s 106th Annual Meeting in Monterey. Douglass, speaking in her first annual address since being elected last year to lead the Farm Bureau, focused on local achievements and on the organization’s strength in unity. “We can have extensive success as a state organization, but it doesn’t matter if we don’t have strong county Farm Bureaus,” Douglass said. “Thank you for showing us what’s possible when we put our mind to something.”
Young farmers and ranchers urged to engage, be involved
Young farmers and ranchers from across the state gathered at the 2024 California Young Farmers & Ranchers State Conference, where they reaffirmed the importance of collaboration within their communities to boost involvement and address key issues essential to the future of agriculture. The event brought together California YF&R members—farmers, ranchers and agricultural professionals ages 18 to 35—for workshops on critical issues, strategies to strengthen YF&R programs and celebrations of member achievements.
Madera County farm dog wins Farm Bureau contest
Aussie, a hardworking pooch in Madera County, won the Grand Prize in the California Farm Bureau’s fourth annual Farm Dog of the Year contest. With support from Nationwide and FieldClock, the contest asked Farm Bureau members to submit photos and a brief story about their beloved family member. The Grand Prize winner earned $1,000, with First Runner-up receiving $500, Second Runner-up, $250 and Third Runner-up, $100. “Aussie is our family’s special dog,” said Kaydence Erickson, 15. “There has been no other dog like her that we have ever owned.”
UC Master Gardener’s ‘labor of love’ improves health of older adults
The Belden Village Apartments in Clairemont Mesa East of San Diego is home to a diverse population of older adults. Shital Parikh, a UC Master Gardener of San Diego County, took the initiative to build a garden that grows food and encourages residents to spend more time outdoors, getting their hands dirty alongside neighbors. “The Belden Community Garden is a labor of love,” Parikh said. “One that has been made possible thanks to the knowledge and support gained from the UC Master Gardener Program and the invaluable support from Amy Zink from the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency.”
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