CALIFORNIA CATTLEMAN WEEKLY

April 1, 2024

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SWRCB to Issue Notices of Violation to Delinquent Diversion and Use Filers
The State Water Resources Control Board on Wednesday announced that “in a few weeks” it will begin issuing Notices of Violation to water rightsholders who have yet to file their Annual Water Diversion and Use reports for Water Year 2023 (October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023).

Under regulations adopted by the Board in 2016 pursuant to Senate Bill 88 (2015), all water diverters are required to file annual reports regarding their diversion and use of water. In recent years, the Legislature and State Water Board have established a uniform reporting deadline of February 1 for all filers to report their diversion and use for the prior water year.

CCA encourages any diverters who have not yet filed their Water Diversion and Use Report for Water Year 2023 to do so immediately. According to the Water Board, “If you submit your past-due report promptly, you will not receive the notice and potential future enforcement action.”

See the SWRCB’s notice for more information. For additional information or assistance, visit the Board’s Annual Water Diversion and Use Reporting Help webpage or contact the Rancher Technical Assistance Program at (916) 409-6902 or rtap@wrstrat.com.

CARB Announces Oct. 1 Effective Date for Emissions Testing Requirements Under Clean Truck Check Regulations
On Friday, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced that “the effective date for section 2196.2 of the [Clean Truck Check] regulation will now take effect on October 1, 2024.”
Under that section of the regulation, owners of heavy-duty vehicles must submit to periodic emissions testing of their vehicles (similar to the state’s smog inspection program for light-duty vehicles). For California-registered vehicles, emissions testing compliance deadlines are tied to the vehicle’s DMV registration date, and passing test results must be submitted within 90 days of the compliance deadline. For on-road agricultural vehicles, compliance tests are required annually for 2013 and newer model year engines and twice a year for vehicles with older engines (for more information, see the “Periodic Testing Requirements” section, here).

The Clean Truck Check regulation – also known as the heavy-duty inspection and maintenance (or “HD I/M”) regulation – applies to nearly all non-gasoline vehicles (including diesel vehicles) with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or more which operate within California.

For more information, see CARB’s announcement. For additional information on the Clean Truck Check regulation generally, see the December 18, 2023 edition of CCA’s Legislative Bulletin or visit CARB’s Clean Truck Check program webpage.

New Episode of Sorting Pen: The California Cattleman Podcast 
A new episode of Sorting Pen: The California Cattleman Podcast is out now! In this week’s episode, Katie sits down with CCA Second Vice President John Austel as he shares about his life as a San Diego County cattle rancher and his desire to serve as a CCA officer To listen, click here.

U.S. Senate Votes to Block Paraguayan Beef Imports; Resolution Pending in House
The United States Senate voted on March 21 to advance a resolution which would block a final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that proposes to permit the importation of fresh chilled or frozen beef from Paraguay despite the South American nation’s concerning animal health record. The resolution is now pending in the House of Representatives; should the resolution advance, it will then head to President Joe Biden’s desk. While President Biden has not issued a formal veto threat, the White House has said it “strongly opposes passage of S.J. Res. 62.” CCA will continue to keep members up-to-date regarding the status of S.J. Res. 62; for additional information, see last week’s edition of California Cattleman Weekly or read the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s press release.

Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions Seeking a Sales and Business Development Manager
From Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions
Ranchbot is seeking a professional Business Development Managers in California to further develop their rapidly expanding sales presence in the American market. They are looking for an energetic and focused person who is passionate about and well connected in the livestock and agricultural markets. The right candidate will truly appreciate the Ranchbot value proposition, be comfortable with educating customers and resellers on new technologies and be a great communicator. To learn more about the position click here.

Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation Now Accepting Proposals for California Habitat Kit Program
The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is now accepting proposals for the California Habitat Kit Program. Recipients of the proposal will recieve free, high quality, native plant materials for their pollinator conservation project. The kits are intended for creating or enhancing monarch and pollinator habitat on working lands, public lands, tribal lands and private/non-working lands. Project Proposals are due by Friday, April 5, 2024. To learn more and apply, click here and here.

In need of further assistance? Reach out to the Rancher Technical Assistance Program, (RTAP) at (916) 409-6902 or rtap@wrstrat.com.

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Industry News

Avian influenza spreads to dairy herds in Michigan and Idaho, expert ‘wouldn’t be surprised if there are infections in cows in Europe too’ Fortune “Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been discovered in dairy herds in Michigan and Idaho, indicating the virus is spreading into new US states.” To continue reading, click here.

Biden ESA rules reverse Trump moves and revive big debate E&E News “The Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries reimposed stricter Endangered Species Act rules Thursday that reverse some of the Trump administration’s most controversial environment-related initiatives.” To continue reading, click here.

Nevada Department of Wildlife Investigating Possible Wolf Sighting Near Elko 2 News Nevada “‘Nevada is not a historic habitat for wolves, and we’ve had very few confirmed sightings in the state,’ said [Nevada Department of Wildlife] Director Alan Jenne. ‘Wolves are not known to reside in the state of Nevada, but we know that they may occasionally cross state lines for brief periods.’” To continue reading, click here.