In this issue:

SBRCD News

• San Benito Wildfire Resilience Forum -- Nov 10th 6-8 pm
• El Niño Preparedness for Agricultural Producers
• SBRCD Compost Reimbursement Program 
• Save the Date:  Dec 9th, 2026 -- Rancher's Seminar 

Partner Updates/Events

• San Benito FireSafe Council Introduces New County Coordinator
• Key Deadlines & Opportunities from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Oct 23rd -- UC ANR's Central Coast Livestock and Range Symposium
• Oct 24th -- County of San Benito Integrated Waste Management Composting Workshop
• Nov 1st -- Ranch Days with SBALT
• Nov 12th -- Central Coast Rangeland Coalition Fall 2026 Webinar

 

SBRCD News

San Benito Wildfire Resilience Forum - November 10th

Join us for the San Benito Wildfire Resilience Forum on Tuesday, November 10th from 6-8pm at the Community Foundation for San Benito County Epicenter. Co-hosted by the San Benito Resource Conservation District and the San Benito FireSafe Council, featuring presentations by CAL FIRE, Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association, Firewise Community Leaders, San Benito Agricultural Land Trust, and more.

This is a fantastic way to find out more about prescribed burns, identify what fire severity zone you live in, and how to get your neighborhood to "Go Firewise". Bring your questions about the wildfire insurance sector, hear from CAL FIRE chiefs about current activities and learn what local organizations are doing to help reduce the collective wildfire risk in San Benito County. There will be food and beverages while supplies last. Walk ins welcome, but RSVP is encouraged!

                                         RSVP HERE

 

El Niño Peparedness for Agricultural Producers

In preparation for potential El Niño-related storms and heavy rainfall, the San Benito Resource Conservation District (RCD) is collaborating with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) to share important preparedness recommendations with regional producers.

USDA FSA recommends that producers take the following steps before storms arrive:

• Update FSA records: Submit crop acreage reports and contact your local FSA office to register or update farm records.
• Document existing conditions: Take dated photos and videos of fields, irrigation systems, livestock areas, fences, and other farm infrastructure.
• Protect irrigation systems: Clear debris blocking drainage points, secure loose piping, and protect pumps and electrical equipment in flood-prone areas when safe to do so.
• Secure farm records and inventories: Back up planting records, receipts, livestock and equipment inventories, and other important documents in multiple locations.
• Prioritize safety: Avoid hazardous areas during severe weather. Once conditions are safe, document damage and promptly contact your local FSA office to discuss next steps and applicable disaster assistance program requirements.

The San Benito RCD is developing an Emergency Resources webpage featuring information on relevant federal, state and local emergency resources.  Please check back often, as additional resources will be added as they become available.

Early preparation and thorough documentation can help protect your operation and support recovery after a disaster!

For questions about these or other FSA programs, please contact the USDA Service Center Hollister office: (831) 637-4360 ext. 2

SBRCD Compost Reimbursement Program 

San Benito County farmers and ranchers are encouraged to take advantage of the Compost Reimbursement Program while funding is still available!

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 in their operations. Funding for reimbursement comes 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.

Save the Date: Rancher's Seminar Dec 9th, 2026

Please save the date for the San Benito County Weed Management Area's  25th Annual Continuing Education Seminar for Ranchers in Hollister.  Agenda coming soon!

Partner Updates/Events

San Benito FireSafe Council Introduces New County  Coordinator, Lauren Moody

The San Benito FireSafe Council is pleased to introduce our new County Coordinator, Lauren Moody. Her position is funded through the California FireSafe Council under their County Coordinator grant program.

Lauren Moody is an accomplished non-profit leader and community organizer with over 15 years of experience building vibrant public programs and regional partnerships. Moody specializes in translating organizational missions into impactful community action. Most recently, she served as the Program Manager at the FireSafe Council of Santa Cruz County, where she successfully doubled the reach of their volunteer-led Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) program and orchestrated regional educational workshops and wildfire resiliency fairs. She brings valuable, specialized training in defensible space, home hardening, and creating the necessary infrastructure to expand Firewise USA communities. With a deep career foundation spanning community engagement, multi-project administration, and multi-constituent collaboration, Moody is a dedicated and enthusiastic advocate for building wildfire resilience across San Benito County.  

 

Key Deadlines & Opportunities from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

 The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces that November 6th is the deadline to apply for most fiscal year 2027 programs.  This includes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).  Interested applicants in San Benito County can inquire at their local field office:  2337 Technology Parkway, Suite C, Hollister CA (831)-902-2352.

UC ANR'S Central Coast Livestock and Range Symposium -- this Friday, October 23rd 

UC ANR is hosting a workshop on October 23, 2026, at the Monterey County UCCE/Ag Complex, 1432 Abbott St, Salinas, CA, focused on practical strategies for managing rangelands and livestock production under changing and increasingly variable climatic conditions.  Full agenda below.

                                    REGISTER HERE

County of San Benito Integrated Waste Management Composting Workshops -- October 24th 

The October composting workshop will be held on October 24th from 10am-12pm at San Benito County Historical Park. See flyer below for more details:

Ranch Days with SBALT -- November 1st

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.

Central Coast Rangeland Coalition Fall 2026 Webinar -- November 6th

Webinar 2: Finding Common Ground: Collaborative Grazing Planning for Shared Stewardship of Cultural and Natural Resources (FREE)
Date: November 12, 2026- 4:00-5:30 PM
REGISTER: https://ucanr.zoom.us/meeting/register/iyBNnd8iTv6djCdzaRHxeQ
Register by November 6. 2026
This webinar explores collaborative research at Cal Poly's Swanton Pacific Ranch. Working alongside tribal partners, land managers, archaeologists, and rangeland conservation professionals, the research team is developing strategies to preserve cultural resources while supporting sustainable cattle grazing on working landscapes.