In this issue:

SBRCD News

• New Compost Reimbursement Program for Local Ag Producers
• SBRCD Welcomes Linda Chu to the Board of Directors
• Prepare for Wildfire with SBRCD's Community Wildfire Resources

Partner Updates/Events

• June 11th -- Virtual Fence Field Day & Demo at Paicines Ranch
• Key Deadlines & Opportunities from the USDA Farm Service Agency 
• June 27th -- San Benito IWM Composting Workshop
• July 23rd -- Save the Date: Vineyard Field Day with Paicines Ranch
• Ranch Days with SBALT

Job Opportunities

• USDA Farm Service Agency is Hiring a Temporary Program Assistant
• Pinnacles National Park is Seeking a Condor Monitoring Intern

New Compost Reimbursement Program for Local Ag Producers

The Compost Reimbursement Program is offered in collaboration with the Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) of the North Central Coast Soil Hub, serving farmers in San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties.  Through this program, the San Benito RCD coordinates with farmers and ranchers located in San Benito County to reimburse the procurement, delivery and application of compost and/or mulch in their operations. Funding for reimbursements come from the Cities and Towns of San Mateo County and the County of San Mateo.

Compost use improves soil health, reduces reliance on fertilizers and improves efficacy of fertilizer use, builds soil aggregate stability and structure, and adds water holding capacity thereby reducing water use.

To learn more about the program guidelines and how to apply, click here or call (831) 902-2339.

Para información sobre este programa en español, llame a Alex Ramos (831) 869-6426.

 

SBRCD Welcomes Linda Chu to our Board of Directors!

Linda Chu is a longtime San Benito County resident and agricultural producer with nearly 30 years of experience in row crop farming. After beginning her farming career in Morgan Hill in 1996, she moved to San Benito County in 2000 where she grows Asian greens on approximately 300 acres. She is passionate about preserving agricultural land and supporting local farmers. In addition to her farming experience, she brings a background in bookkeeping, tax accounting, and office management. She is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Chaozhou (Teochew), allowing her to effectively engage with the county's diverse agricultural community.

Prepare for Wildfire with SBRCD's Community Wildfire Resources 

Wildfire season has arrived! Get prepared by utilizing SBRCD's Community Wildfire Resources Webpage. The webpage features resources on wildfire preparedness strategies, prescribed fire, current incident updates, defensible space guidelines, and much more. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to reduce fire risk, a land steward interested in fire management techniques, or just seeking to stay up to date on local fire activity, this page is built with you in mind. Don't wait to prepare, check it out today!

 

Partner Updates/Events

 

Virtual Fence Field Day & Demonstration at Paicines Ranch -- June 11th

Join SBRCD Board Directors Martha Skelley and Liz Duncan at the Paicines Ranch for a Virtual Fence Field Day & Demo on Thursday, June 11, 9:00am – 12:00pm. Virtual fencing is changing how ranchers manage livestock — come see it in action. 

This event will feature a live demonstration and discussion of three local ranchers' experiences across a variety of systems:

• Martha Skelley of Paicines Ranch
• Jeffrey Mundell of Gabilan Ranch
• Liz Duncan of Willow Creek and Cattle

Register Here to secure your spot.

 

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

The USDA will provide payments to eligible specialty crop producers through the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) Program to help offset market disruptions. Producers with a Login.gov account can submit pre-filled applications beginning June 1, 2026, while those applying through a local FSA office can request applications starting June 8th. Enrollment for ASCF closes Aug 7, 2026.

OBBBA Update: FSA has mailed postcards and Base Allocation Summaries to eligible landowners regarding the opportunity to add or increase base acres under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Any action will be required by August 31st 2026.

The Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) application deadline for stages 1 and 2 has been extended to August 12, 2026. The SDRP payment factor was also increased with eligible producers receiving additional payment based on the higher rate.

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

 

County of San Benito IWM Composting Workshop -- June 27th 

The third in a series of composting workshops will be held on June 27th from 10am-12pm at San Benito County Historical Park. See flyer below for more details:

 

 

Save the Date: Vineyard Field Day with Paicines Ranch -- July 23rd

 

Ranch Days with SBALT 

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.  The next Ranch Day will be Sunday, June 7, 2026, 9:00 am to noon. Everyone welcome! Register Here.

 

Job Opportunities

 

USDA Farm Service Agency is Hiring a Temporary Program Assistant

FSA is looking for temporary office assistance for the USDA Hollister Service Center to help deliver “The American Relief Act of 2025,” which was signed into law on December 21, 2024, and provided the U.S. Department of Agriculture with more than $30 billion to deliver disaster recovery assistance for farmers and livestock producers. This position will support the implementation of the Emergency Livestock Relief Program and the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, which will provide assistance to producers for necessary expenses due to weather‑related losses in 2023 and 2024.

Resumes may be submitted by email to:
somelane.souriyamath@usda.gov
or delivered in person to:

USDA Service Center – San Benito & Santa Clara Counties
Farm Service Agency
2337 Technology Pkwy, Suite A
Hollister, CA 95023

 

Pinnacles National Park is Seeking two Condor Monitoring Interns