In this issue:

• December 2nd: San Benito County Weed Management Area’s Continuing Education Seminar for Ranchers
• Event Recap: Community Action Day at San Benito County Historical Park
• SBRCD welcomes Alex Ramos as the newest member of our team!

Partner Updates/Events

• USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Program Deadlines
• USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Key Deadlines and Opportunities
• Event Recap: UCANR & CA State Parks Central Coast Good Fire Fair
• November 29th: San Benito County Integrated Waste Management Composting Workshop
• November 29th & December 7th: Post-Thanksgiving Hike & Ranch Days with San Benito Agricultural Land Trust 

Tuesday, December 2nd: San Benito County Weed Management Area’s Continuing Education Seminar for Ranchers

Please join the San Benito County Weed Management Area for the 24th Annual Continuing Education Seminar for Ranchers. The seminar will take place in-person, at the Veterans Memorial Building in Hollister.

Three (3) hours of pesticide continuing education credit (including 1/2 hour of Laws and Regulations and 2.5 hours other) have been approved by the Department of Pesticide Regulation.

Date: Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025

Time: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Location: Hollister Veteran's Memorial Building, 649 San Benito Street, Hollister

Cost:  Free. (No advanced registration required.)

Topics will include:

• Pesticide recordkeeping requirements for ranching operations
• Controlling the spread of stinkwort, yellow starthistle, and medusahead
• Using early detection and rapid response weed management methods
• Equipment calibration for rangeland weed control
• Using grazing and fire as tools for weed management
• Controlling ground squirrels
• The New World screwworm disease
• Partner updates from agencies and organizations that work with ranchers in San Benito County and nearby areas

Click Here for the flyer, or see attached.

Event Recap: Community Action Day at San Benito County Historical Park

Thank you to the more than 50 volunteers who spent the morning removing invasive Hemlock, planting a 200-foot hedgerow with native plants, spreading mulch, and replanting native plants from a previous community planting day. These actions not only beautify the Historic Park but also enhance habitat for bees, butterflies, songbirds, and other wildlife. 

To see the full event recap, click here.

San Benito RCD Staffing Updates

SBRCD welcomes Alex Ramos as the newest member of our team!

We are thrilled to bring Alex Ramos onto the team as our new Small Farms Specialist, and asked Alex to share a little bit about himself:

"My name is Alex Ramos, and I am excited to join the San Benito Resource Conservation District as the first bilingual Small Farms Specialist. I bring a background as an Agronomist with hands-on experience in nursery production, woody ornamentals, native plants, and field agriculture. Through this work, I’ve developed a strong understanding of the technical and practical challenges that small-scale farmers face.

In my role at SBRCD, I will be supporting growers throughout San Benito County with soil health practices, irrigation efficiency, nutrient management, and access to conservation programs. I am committed to making conservation assistance more accessible, equitable, and culturally responsive for the diverse agricultural community we serve. I look forward to working directly with farmers and partners to strengthen sustainable and resilient farming systems in our region."

Partner Updates and Events

USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

USDA federal funding has been resumed and the Hollister USDA Service Center is open again. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) deadline to apply for most fiscal year 2026 programs is today, November 21st.  This includes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).  It is possible that this deadline will be extended, but that announcement has not been made yet.  Please contact the USDA Hollister Service Center for more information: 2337 Technology Parkway, Hollister CA  (831) 637-4360. 

Key Deadlines & Opportunities from the Farm Service Agency (FSA)

 As we move toward the new year, producers in San Benito County farmers should be aware of key deadlines and opportunities with the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Focusing on upcoming seasons can help you secure coverage and funding for your operations.

Upcoming deadlines:

• Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC): Application season for the 2025 program year is still open and runs through January 31, 2026.
• Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) Stage 2: Monday, November 24, 2025, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications for Stage 2, which addresses crop, tree, bush, and vine losses from 2023 and 2024 that were not fully covered by other insurance.

Ongoing and future opportunities

• Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) Program: Consider leveraging this low-interest loan program to enhance your farm's infrastructure for the long term. It helps finance new or upgraded facilities and equipment for storing commodities, including grain bins, cold storage for specialty crops, hay barns, and specialty equipment. Remember, you must apply and receive approval before you start any construction or make a purchase.
• Microloan Option: For smaller-scale projects (up to $50,000), the FSFL microloan option features a lower 5% down payment and simplified application process, making it a great tool for beginning, niche, and smaller farm operations.
• FSA Farm Loans: Ongoing options are available to assist with operating expenses, ownership costs, and microloans for small or beginning farms.
• Planning and Conservation Programs: Looking further ahead, producers can utilize various conservation programs and should consult with their local office about future enrollment opportunities.

For questions about any of these programs, please contact: Somelane “Jecht” Souriyamath at somelane.souriyamath@usda.gov or office: (831) 637-4360 ext. 2

Event Recap: Central Coast Good Fire Fair

Thank you to UCANR & CA State Parks for putting together this great event!

We enjoyed talking with everyone who stopped by our booth and also connecting with other organizations who were in attendance. During the event, CA State Parks conducted a successful redwood understory prescribed burn, giving visitors a unique opportunity to witness a demonstration of good fire on the ground.

Click here for a brief event recap in english

Haz Clic Aquí para ver un resumen en español

November 29th -- San Benito County Integrated Waste Management Composting Workshop

Join San Benito County Integrated Waste Management at their Korean Natural Farming Compost Workshop and learn how to turn everyday food scraps and yard trimmings into nutrient-rich compost—right at home!

Led by Master Composter Otis Johnson, this workshop will give you everything you need to start composting with confidence.

 Bonus: All participants can receive a FREE backyard compost bin to kick-start their composting journey! 

Location: San Benito County Resource Management Agency, 2301 Technology Pkwy, Hollister
Date: Saturday, November 29th
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Whether you're brand new to composting or looking to level up your skills, this workshop is a fun, practical way to nurture your garden and the planet.
Bring your questions, curiosity, and passion for sustainability! 

Reserve your spot:
Email: sbciwm@sanbenitocountyca.gov
Call: (831) 636-411

November 29th -- SBALT Post-Thanksgiving Hike

December 7th -- SBALT Ranch Day

Join SBALT the first Sunday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to noon for work parties/hikes on Nyland and/or Rancho Larios Protected Lands in San Juan Bautista.  Everyone welcome! Register Here.