The year that was 2006

Issue Date: December 20, 2006

By Ching Lee
Assistant Editor

From the E. coli outbreak in spinach and tumultuous immigration debate to stolen nuts, levee worries and cattle deaths, 2006 brought plenty of news headlines and put California agriculture in the spotlight.

The state's farmers and ranchers take on myriad challenges every year, and there was an onslaught of them in 2006. Some were from Mother Nature, others were from government bureaucracy and regulations. There were also labor shortages and food-safety issues, rising costs and rising crime.

But 2006 also brought reasons to celebrate as well as people that simply made us smile. Come along and take a journey back in time.

• Major news that shaped us
• Trends to watch
• A year of weather woes
• The dwindling labor pool
• The year in crime
• Handing down the family farm
• People we can't forget

Major news that shaped us

San Benito County farmer Mark Wright expresses concern over an E. coli outbreak in spinach.

Midterm elections
Even though the GOP suffered major losses in November's midterm elections, shifting power to the Democrats in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger retained his job after soundly defeating Democratic contender Phil Angelides. Also defeated was Angelides' tractor tax that the Farm Bureau rallied against. Longtime farming advocate Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Tracy, who fought to change the Endangered Species Act, lost his bid for re-election. The new 110th Congress will convene on Jan. 4, and Schwarzenegger will be inaugurated on Jan. 5.

Capitol crusade
In their first trip to Washington, D.C. as new officers of the California Farm Bureau Federation, President Doug Mosebar, First Vice President Paul Wenger and Second Vice President Kenny Watkins met with congressional leaders in March to strengthen relationships and influence critical issues that affect California agriculture. They were joined by a team of Farm Bureau delegates on a subsequent trip in May to bring their personal stories and concerns to lawmakers on issues including immigration reform, the Endangered Species Act and the death tax.

Fee hike halted
Grass-roots efforts to stave off astronomical fee increases for watermaster services in Northern California counties have worked, thanks in large part to the efforts of the California Farm Bureau Federation. CFBF lobbied successfully for more funding for the Department of Water Resources to prevent existing fees paid by farmers and ranchers from increasing by as much as 165 percent.

Focus on food safety
Food-borne illness from fresh produce topped national headlines after an E. coli outbreak from contaminated spinach caused the death of three people and sickened many others. The September outbreak brought the state's $258.3 million spinach sector to a halt as growers plowed under fields and worked with health officials to determine the source of the contamination. A coalition of agricultural associations, including the Farm Bureau, continues to work on a comprehensive food-safety plan for agriculture.

Trends to watch

An orchard near Visalia is bulldozed to make room for a housing development.

A drive for change
Despite efforts of the California Farm Bureau Federation and other groups to stop its implementation, a plan proposed by the California Department of Insurance to raise auto rates for rural drivers and decrease those of urban drivers were approved in July. CFBF is challenging the constitutionality of the change in court, so the issue is ongoing.

Selling the farm
Urban development and the consolidation of farms continue to erode the state's agricultural landscape. Each year, more farm acreage is devoured by urban expansion while family farms are consolidating and getting bigger to remain competitive.

Dairy sector on the mooove
The state's milk production keeps growing at a record pace, even in the face of sagging prices to producers, and 2006 was no different. While the laws of supply and demand suggest a crash for California dairies, producers have managed to find new markets and more uses for their product.

The animal ID debate
The plan to track the whereabouts of the nation's livestock continues to fuel contentious debate among ranchers on all fronts. Some producers have confidentiality and privacy concerns about the national animal identification system and feel such a program is unnecessary, but others are embracing it as a marketing tool and effective trace-back method during an animal disease outbreak. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in November that the program would remain voluntary.

Doc deficit
The nation faces a major shortfall of food-animal veterinarians as more vet-med students entering the field opt for careers treating dogs and cats. The shortage is not merely a problem for ranchers with livestock, but could undermine the nation's ability to handle outbreaks of catastrophic animal diseases such as avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease. The University of California currently has a number of programs aimed at bolstering the state's vet deficit.

The future of corn
The booming ethanol industry is driving up corn prices, a huge concern for livestock producers who rely on corn for feed. The current record-high prices for corn are expected to remain strong as more ethanol plants come into production. While not a major crop for California, more farmers have turned to planting corn due to increased demand from dairy farms.

A year of weather woes

Kautz Farms vineyard worker Presentacion Cuervez patrols a levee for possible flood damage last spring.

Water, water everywhere
California farmers and ranchers rang in the new year in 2006 with a series of torrential rainstorms that pummeled much of the state, flooding fields and roads, damaging levees and knocking out power for thousands of customers.

Soggy spring
Wet, wintry weather conditions continued into spring, causing serious planting delays for major crops such as cotton, rice and tomatoes. The unseasonably cold spring slowed the development of permanent crops such as almonds, stone fruit and grapes, as well as created problems for farm laborers and aerial applicators who were standing by for fields to dry. Soggy weekends also kept gardening enthusiasts out of their yards, dampening nursery sales. Many counties sought federal disaster declarations for crop losses.

Too hot to handle
Continuous days of triple-digit temperatures plagued much of the state in July, resulting in severe crop losses and the death of thousands of livestock. Many livestock producers were unable to dispose of their animal carcasses because of overcapacity at rendering plants. Economic damage from the record-breaking heat wave totaled more than $500 million in livestock losses and more than $1 billion to California agriculture. Heat stress rules for farmworkers were formally adopted by the state.

The dwindling labor pool

An ABC News crew interviews pear grower Nick Ivicevich about crop losses caused by a labor shortage.

Immigration outlook
In spite of a strong push by the Farm Bureau, Congress was unable to pass comprehensive immigration reform this year. California farmers were disappointed that AgJOBS, which would have provided a reliable temporary work force, was defeated in the Senate.

Tight labor supply
The shortage of agricultural workers continues to deteriorate as border enforcement intensifies, competition for workers increases and immigration reform continues to be unresolved. These factors have caused labor shortages of 10 percent to 50 percent in the state, depending on the commodity, harvest window and location.

Pear grower's plight
One California crop that suffered most from the labor shortage was pears, some 10,000 tons of which were overripe and unpicked. Grower/packer Toni Scully captured nationwide attention with her orchard of lost fruit. Workers for her operation were down by as much as 50 percent to 75 percent during this year's harvest.

Immigration fly-in
Because immigration reform continues to be a top priority for California agriculture, Farm Bureau leaders joined representatives of U.S. agriculture in September to rally in front of the U.S. Capitol and walk the halls of Congress to press the case for immigration reform.

Putting a face on the issue
ABC News correspondent John Quinones visited Lake County to interview California pear growers who suffered major crops losses due to a tight labor situation. Patiently telling and retelling their stories, farmers Nick Ivicevich, Toni Scully and others put a human face on farm labor shortages in California in hopes that Congress will enact a new temporary-worker program for agriculture.

The year in crime

Detective Laura Eaton reports an incidence of graffiti in rural Fresno County.

Heavy metal
Farmers discovered that the metals needed to run their operations are being ripped out of the ground and taken to local recyclers, who pay cash for the stolen metal. To the farmer, this crime is not just about lost aluminum pipes or copper wire; it can temporarily pull the plug on the entire agricultural operation, costing time, money and aggravation. Rural crime task forces have implemented sting operations at recycling centers to ensure that the metals they receive are not stolen.

Rural graffiti
Once a problem concentrated within the city limits, graffiti has made its mark across California's rural landscape. With law enforcement focusing on the more serious crimes, farmers are left with the tedious job of cleaning up after taggers. Crime prevention specialists and farmers agree that immediately painting over the graffiti is the best way to handle the issue and maintain pride in one's community.

Cattle killers
Ranchers in Tehama County suffered several thousand dollars in losses in early 2006 after partying vandals shot and killed beef cattle after trespassing onto ranchland in Red Bluff. More than a handful of cows were shot in the region this year and suspects remain wanted for the felony cattle shootings. As a result, ranchers and law enforcement continue working together to increase security in the area.

Bin bandits
Renegade harvesters, as many frustrated growers and packers label them, this year affected agriculture throughout the state. Many packers alleged that the so-called bin bandits are stealing the plastic bins used to haul harvested fruit and vegetables to the packinghouses, costing them several hundred thousand dollars. CFBF has taken an active role in the issue and is working with law enforcement and affected packers to find a solution.

Nut nappers
The highlight in rural crime this year came in November when alleged almond thieves were busted in Sacramento. Following months of almonds thefts throughout the Central Valley, law enforcement arrested two suspects for possession of stolen property. At the scene, officers recovered 136,755 pounds of almonds and walnuts worth an estimated $403,071. CFBF worked with law enforcement and farmers and ranchers this year to solve rural crimes and raise awareness about the types of crimes impacting the grower's bottom line.

Handing down the family farm

The Montna family discusses the future of their Sutter County farm.

Four leading California farm families joined in the discussion of estate and succession planning, opening their homes and hearts to share their experiences and thoughts on how to ensure the family farm is passed to future generations. At stake is the protection of farmland and the future of California agriculture. The four-part Ag Alert® series prompted widespread discussion of this vital issue. The series, which was published in June, is available online at www.cfbf.com/agalert/HandingDown2006.cfm.

People we can't forget

Leroy Goble is one of the people who exemplify the spirit of California agriculture.

A successful new frontier
The coonskin-wearing TV icon may be best known for his roles as Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, but 81-year-old Fess Parker is inspiring a new following of fans with his award-winning wines. Located in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, the Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard continues to attract wine lovers everywhere.

The artichoke king
Although he's retired, Ocean Mist Farms owner Hugo Tottino will always be associated with the tasty thistle he grows. His company, started in 1924 by his father and based in Castroville, is the largest artichoke grower and shipper in the nation.

The pride of Bakersfield
The world said goodbye on March 25 to Buck Owens, the country music legend who pioneered the ?Bakersfield Sound.˜ He gave one of his final interviews to Ag Alert reporter Jim Morris, who toured Owens' 160-acre Kern County ranch last summer.

Avocado adventures
Sacramento resident Alice Cain, 66, had a lifelong dream to pick an avocado off a tree and eat it. Her dream came true in February when she visited the nation's avocado capital, Fallbrook, and toured Grovestand Farm, where she swapped stories and recipes with farmer George McManigle about their favorite fruit.

A tribute to farm moms
Just in time for Mother's Day, Ag Alert showcased three moms who go above and beyond for family, farm, community and the good of California agriculture. Three of these exceptional women include Linda Hansen, a teacher and mentor to at-risk teens; Mary Ann McGuire-McComber, whose passion for the land inspires her family and community; and Rita Vanoni, a farming advocate who finds ways to connect children to agriculture.

The real deal
Famous TV pitchman Cal Worthington may be best known for peddling cars, but his first love was always in ranching. Today, the car dealer owns and operates more than 50,000 deeded acres of land throughout the West, including the Big W Ranch in Orland. The property is home to 4,000 acres of almond trees and features 1,500 head of black Angus cattle.

The apple of Sonoma County's eye
Betty Carr, aka Mom, claims there's nothing special about her apple pies, but her homemade pastries have become a Sonoma County institution. Once a small-scale egg producer, Carr and her late husband, Harry, traded in their chicken ranch for an apple orchard in 1979 and began baking pies for their mom-and-pop roadside deli. Today, the Sebastopol pie shop and café is a testament of survival against all odds.

Berry's little lambs
When Yolo County rancher Janet Berry saw the devastation of her neighbors after a September wildfire destroyed their property and most of the 1,450 sheep caught in its path, she knew she had to do something. She coordinated a community volunteer effort to care for any newborn lambs from the surviving pregnant ewes. Her undertaking inspired an outpouring of support from people throughout the state, including Riverside County cowgirl Marilynn Teague, who sent Berry a check for $1,000.

Agriculture's advocate
CFBF Director Bill DuBois, who celebrated his 90th birthday in September, has been serving agriculture for more than 60 years and continues to be active on behalf of farmers. His encyclopedic knowledge of water issues has earned him wide respect.

It's a dog's life
Farmers and ranchers love their dogs, and many have extraordinary tales to tell about their companion animals. Ag Alert saluted some of them and their owners in a special feature.

(Ching Lee is a reporter for Ag Alert. She may be contacted at clee@cfbf.com.)

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