The Lunatic Farmer

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

POLYFACE MICRO: SUCCESS WITH LIVESTOCK ON A HOMESTEAD SCALE is my latest book and we’re finishing up the initial autographed copy/discounted introductory price Sept. 30. If you want an autographed copy and off-cover price, order before Oct. 1 and we’ll be delighted to ship you a copy. This book speaks to the animal husbandry needs of the homestead tsunami sweeping our nation as people become more interested in self reliance and controlling their food security.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

CAFF'S ANNUAL SURVEY DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 15! Your voice matters! Please take a few moments (no more than 5-8 minutes) to complete CAFF’s annual survey. The feedback you provide here helps to guide CAFF’s work and advocacy to better serve and represent California family farmers while advancing regenerative agriculture, local food systems and social equity.

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Agribusiness Blog

SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

Many of you have probably read or heard about the Cyber security attacks on a couple of cooperatives in the Midwest. Ransomware appears to have been paid in each attack. If your business has any dealings via the internet you are subject to attacks. We hope you have been conducting regular penetration/spear phishing testing and have implemented IT security plans and protocols.

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Farming Secrets

SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

Farmers often don’t know how to properly monitor and manage their land to prevent problems that get in the way of profits. The resulting issues can be manifold: overgrazing, loss of tree cover, soil erosion – not to mention poor crop yield. The Land Monitoring and Corrective Action Form helps farmers monitor, chart, and solve […] The post Use the “Land Monitoring and Corrective Action Form” – to Prevent Problems and Create Profits appeared first on Farming Secrets.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

Today, Governor Newsom signed a $15 billion climate budget package passed earlier this month by the California State Legislature, the largest in California’s history aimed at investing in the needs of California’s communities. These investments range from broadband infrastructure, to housing for farm workers, as well as significant climate change efforts through investments in the various California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) climate smart agriculture programs.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

This informational webinar for farmers explores Sonoma County regulations regarding hosting permits and selling produce off the farm (beyond farmers markets) Topics include: – Host permit for farms that want to allow other vendors on site on a regular basis (e.g. coffee vendor on Saturday mornings) – Selling farm produce at community events: One day events do not require a permit: one day event vs. multi-day events, permits, Standard Pack regs, etc.

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Agribusiness Blog

SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

The House Ways and Means Bill released on September 13 had provisions related to eliminating discounts on valuing closely held entities that hold non-business assets. Most of us assume that these new rules would not apply to farmers. However, most of the wealth of farmers is tied up in entities holding farmland, not the actual farm operation. If these entities are considered to hold non-business assets, then the current approximate 35% discount that usually applies when valuing these holdings

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Agribusiness Blog

SEPTEMBER 19, 2021

We know that last week the House Ways and Means Committee released tax proposals that eliminated the “transfer tax” on appreciated assets either during lifetime or at death. Most people viewed this as a victory for not eliminating the step-up in basis at death. However, this is just the House bill. We continue to hear chatter, including an article in the Wall Street Journal, indicating the Senate may impose some type of reducing or eliminating the step-up in basis at death, especia

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Farming Secrets

SEPTEMBER 19, 2021

Pasture cropping is a system that allows for better weed control, improved soil health, more biodiversity through strategic placement of plants and animals, better use of water, and improved nutrient cycling. It is absolutely a way of increasing the productivity of your land. In essence, you are taking advantage of all the organic matter present […] The post Pasture Cropping appeared first on Farming Secrets.

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Farming Secrets

SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

As we age, our nutritional needs change. We need fewer calories and more nutrients. But with the number of foods available in the market, it can be very confusing to know which is best in nutrition and is healthy for us. One of the reasons why people suffer from diet and health problems is because […] The post Immune Boosting Recipes appeared first on Farming Secrets.

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Agribusiness Blog

SEPTEMBER 17, 2021

Many of you know that I do a podcast for Top Producer called the Farm CPA podcast. On Monday, I did a special podcast on the House Ways and Means Proposal based on the summary information that I had at that time. Since that podcast I was able to get more details and that is why we released the update on DPAD on Tuesday. If you do not get Apple podcasts, here is the actual podcast for you to listen to.

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Farming Secrets

SEPTEMBER 17, 2021

Pasture cropping is an alternative agricultural practice that combines two farming methods: minimum tillage and perennial grass cover. It positively impacts the environment since there is no reliance on inputs such as synthetic fertilizer and herbicides, and the soil quality is improved with almost zero erosion. This alternative approach to farming can help us match […] The post Pasture Cropping – Profitable Regenerative Agriculture appeared first on Farming Secrets.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

While farm tech may conjure images of GPS-driven tractors, robot harvesters, and biotechnology, a new competition in California is calling on innovators to refocus their attention away from scaling up Industrial Ag and towards empowering small farms. Now in its second year, the Small Farm Innovation Challenge invites anyone, anywhere to submit innovations designed to give smaller-scale food producers a leg up.

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Farming Secrets

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Soil is alive. I mean, I probably don’t have to tell you this if you work on soil management or have a keen interest in soil – after all, it’s pretty obvious. But just how alive is it? And what benefits can we derive from managing our soils for the thriving biodiversity living in them? […] The post Soils Alive appeared first on Farming Secrets.

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Agribusiness Blog

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

The House Ways and Means Committee released their income tax proposals on Monday September 13. As part of that guidance was a proposal to limit the Section 199A deduction to $400,000 for single taxpayers and $500,000 for married couples. Our concern was whether this limit was on the full Section 199A(a) 20% deduction and the Section 199A(g) DPAD deduction that flows through from cooperatives.

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Farming Secrets

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

The book “Bread from Stones: A New Rational System of Land Fertilization and Physical Regeneration” explores the ancient idea of nourishing plants with stone dust so they can flourish. Originally written in German by Julius Hensel, this book was translated into English so that people of the U.S. can understand that plants, just like people, […] The post Bread From Stones appeared first on Farming Secrets.

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The Lunatic Farmer

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

The threats and vituperation from the pharma solution crowd escalate by the day--if you haven't been poisoned by mRNA, many think emergency rooms should deny you service if you break your arm. Indeed, one comment on my blog a couple of days ago indicated the same sentiment toward a person injured on a motorcycle after not wearing a helmet. What have we come to?

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The Lunatic Farmer

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

POLYFACE MICRO Just in! I finally have a new book, POLYFACE MICRO ! We are offering autographed, early bird discounts through the end of September! The whole theme of the book is livestock on small holdings, like homesteads. I took all our experience and protocols and down-sized them to miniature scale--even as small as a Manhattan apartment. I'll autograph all the pre-sale books that go out directly from our Polyface gift store, and the price is $5 off the cover, with free shipping.

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Agribusiness Blog

SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

We recently did a blog post on Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGT). We can use these trusts to gifts assets during lifetime to the next generation with some additional estate planning opportunities. However, one of the biggest drawbacks to the IDGT is that the assets are no longer ours. We have irrevocably transferred control of the assets to the next generation(s) and we may be concerned that not enough income is available for our support until death.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

The first Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) event on “Impacts of Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) in Walnuts” was held in Linden at the Anderson-Barngrover Ranch on Friday August 27th. Around 30 people joined in on celebrating and learning from the past, and sharing emerging solutions and challenges. Dave Taylor talking about using a pressure chamber to dial in irrigation.

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The Lunatic Farmer

SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

"The primary role of government is to keep us safe." Do you believe that? I've heard it from both liberals and conservatives, and it's not true. Plenty has been written about the role of government, but none as succinct and profound as holy writ: I Peter 2:14 says that "governors" are "appointed by God to punish the evildoers and to praise those who do good.

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Agribusiness Blog

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

My friend Chris Barron of Iowa has a podcast called the Ag View Pitch. It is available on Apple Podcasts and I believe a few other sites. I did two podcasts with him earlier this week when I was in Iowa and they just released a new one titled “Best Practices for Farm Business Structure” In the podcast, we review some of the reasons why we structure farm business to take advantage of accounting, protection and transition.

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The Lunatic Farmer

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

It finally happened. I got roped into a podcast. But take heart, I'm not the brains of it. No, the brains would go to Dr. Sina McCullough, my partner in crime writing BEYOND LABELS. She's a powerhouse and approached me about doing a podcast together some time ago and today the first one launches. Here is the link Beyond Labels Podcast with Joel Salatin and Dr.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

Location: Davis, CA / Hybrid FTE: 1.0 FTE Salary: $45,000 annually FLSA: Non-exempt Reports To: Senior Manager of Development and Operations Bilingual Pay Differential: Eligible CAFF is a California-based membership organization that includes family farmers and other community members passionate about local food, farming, and the environment. As a farmer serving organization, we recognize the historic and lasting inequities in the California food and farming system.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

In the final episode of our pilot series, the CCOF Foundation will chat with Bertha Magaña of Magaña Farm and Tania Zuñiga of Kitchen Table Advisors to discover how selling directly to consumers strengthened Magaña Farm’s business and community. Send us your ideas via this feedback link ([link] Many thanks to “The Farmers Beet” for helping us launch this pilot series.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

En el episodio final de nuestro ciclo piloto, la Fundación CCOF charlará con Bertha Magaña de Magaña Farm y Tania Zuñiga de Kitchen Table Advisors para descubrir cómo vender directamente a los consumidores fortaleció el negocio y la comunidad de Magaña Farm. ¿Tiene ideas para futuros podcasts? Envíenos sus ideas a través de este enlace de comentarios ([link] Muchas gracias a “The Farmers Beet” por ayudarnos a lanzar este ciclo de podcasts.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

For our third episode, join the CCOF Foundation for a conversation with Patricia Rodriguez of Rodriguez Farms on how their farmers’ market customers urged them to go organic and stuck by then as their farm figured out on their own how to grow super-tasty organic strawberries. Have ideas for future podcasts? Send us your ideas via this feedback link ([link] Many thanks to “The Farmers Beet” for helping us launch this pilot series.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

En nuestro tercer episodio, acompañe a la Fundación CCOF en su charla con Patricia Rodriguez de Rodriguez Farms sobre cómo los clientes del mercado de agricultores los instaron a que se volvieran orgánicos y los apoyaron mientras su granja descubría por sí misma cómo cultivar fresas orgánicas súper sabrosas. ¿Tiene ideas para futuros podcasts? Envíenos sus ideas a través de este enlace de comentarios ([link] Muchas gracias a “The Farmers Beet” por ayudarnos a lanzar este ciclo de podcasts.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

In our second episode the CCOF Foundation will chat with John and Kyle Garrone of Far West Fungi. Hear how they leverage their direct-to-consumer sales outlets to keep tabs on market trends, test out new products, and educate consumers about all things mushroom. Send us your ideas via this feedback link ([link] Many thanks to “The Farmers Beet” for helping us launch this pilot series.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

En nuestro segundo episodio, la Fundación CCOF charlará con John y Kyle Garrone de Far West Fungi. Escuche cómo aprovechan sus puntos de venta directos al consumidor para conocer las tendencias del mercado, probar nuevos productos y educar a los consumidores sobre todo lo relacionado con los hongos. ¿Tiene ideas para futuros podcasts? Envíenos sus ideas a través de este enlace de comentarios ([link] Muchas gracias a “The Farmers Beet” por ayudarnos a lanzar este ciclo de podcasts.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

In our premier episode, join the CCOF Foundation for a conversation with Joe Schirmer of Dirty Girl Produce where we’ll discuss Schirmer’s new approach to produce sales and invoicing systems. Get tips on how to have your customers pay up front, innovative ideas for selling excess produce, and sound advice on how to choose an online sales software that works for your operation.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

En nuestro primer episodio, acompañe a la Fundación CCOF en su charla con Joe Schirmer de Dirty Girl Produce donde analizaremos el nuevo enfoque de Schirmer en cuanto a la venta de productos y los sistemas de facturación. Obtenga consejos sobre cómo hacer que sus clientes paguen por adelantado, ideas innovadoras para vender el exceso de productos y consejos sólidos sobre cómo elegir un software de ventas en línea que funcione para su actividad.

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Caff

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

The Small Farm Tech Hub’s Software Review Guide – a live document kept by the tech hub team that compares different software systems including payroll, point of sales, DigiPay, and accounting. Organized by tabs- scroll up/down and right/left to view details. Contact techhub@caff.org if you have trouble assessing the information. The post Software Review Guide – Payroll, POS, DigiPay, Accounting appeared first on Community Alliance with Family Farmers.

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Agribusiness Blog

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

The House Ways and Means Committee released their Section-by-Section document titled “Responsibly Funding our Priorities” on how to pay for any new legislation. This 18 page document outlines all of their projected tax changes and it is better to start out with what is not in the document: No changes to step-up in basis. If their plan goes through as is, there will be no transfer tax on appreciated assets at death or during lifetime.

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Agribusiness Blog

SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

Most everyone assumes that the April 15 deadline for tax preparers is the worst date. However, an even more stressful date (at least for me) is the September 15 deadline. This is when all of the partnership and S corporation tax returns are due with no further extension. If we are late with filing these returns, there is a $205 per month per owner penalty which can add up fast.

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