SGMA Lawsuit Update: Reporting, Deadlines, and Where Things Stand
The April court dates are behind us. This episode breaks down what actually happened, what did not happen, and what it means for growers in the Tulare Lake Subbasin right now.
13 Apr 2026
SGMA Lawsuit Update: April 15 and 21 - What You Need to Know Right Now
Kings County Farm Bureau has two upcoming court dates that could directly impact groundwater reporting requirements for growers in the Tulare Lake Subbasin.
In this episode, we break down what is happening on April 15 and April 21, what the court is being asked to decide, and what it could mean for your operation.
The April 15 appearance is procedural. We expect the court to set a firm schedule moving forward.
The April 21 hearing is more significant. That is when the judge will consider our request for a Preliminary Injunction to pause retroactive groundwater reporting and associated fees while the case is still being decided.
If the court does not grant that injunction, growers should be prepared for the possibility that groundwater pumping for water years 2024 and 2025 will need to be reported, with fees potentially following.
At this stage, nothing has been decided.
The best step right now is preparation. Make sure you have a clear understanding of your groundwater use during those years and, where applicable, a general sense of surface water deliveries.
We will continue to monitor both court dates closely and provide updates through the podcast, email, and our website as soon as new information is available.
6 Mar 2026
SGMA Lawsuit Update: The Case Returns to Superior Court
On March 12, the Kings County Farm Bureau will return to Kings County Superior Court in its lawsuit challenging the State Water Resources Control Board’s decision to place the Tulare Lake Subbasin on probation under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
In this episode, Executive Director Dusty Ference explains where the case currently stands, what the upcoming hearing is expected to address, and why the outcome could matter for groundwater management in the Tulare Lake Subbasin and beyond.
The March 12 appearance is a status conference following remittitur from the Court of Appeal and marks the point where the trial court will begin determining how the remaining legal issues in the case will move forward.
This episode is the first in a series of updates on the litigation and what it could mean for agriculture and water policy in California’s Central Valley.
Learn more at KCFB.org (http://KCFB.org).
7 May 2025
Farm Life Podcast: Episode 11
KCFB Executive Director Dusty Ference talks with local grower David Stanfield.
Kings County Water District Map https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58f51b603e00bea40e068ff8/t/681bbf422436b40bba9ad085/1746648902366/2001.07+Director+Distrist+Map.pdf (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58f51b603e00bea40e068ff8/t/681bbf422436b40bba9ad085/1746648902366/2001.07+Director+Distrist+Map.pdf)
2 Apr 2025
Farm Life Podcast: Episode 10
KCFB's Executive Director Dusty Ference talks SGMA with the Kings and Yuba/Sutter County Farm Bureaus Presidents.
19 Mar 2025
Farm Life Podcast: Episode 9
KCFB's Executive Director Dusty Ference talks with Steve Jackson of Next Gen Water Consulting about the SGMA and the South Fork Kings GSA.
5 Mar 2025
Farm Life Podcast: Episode 8
Executive Director Dusty Ference sits down with the Kings County Ag Crimes Unit.
19 Feb 2025
Farm Life Podcast Episode 07 - Garrett Glicrease
Garrett is the Chair of the Mid Kings River GSA Stakeholder advisory committee and he shares his thoughts on how the committee is working to update the GSA's groundwater sustainability plan.
5 Feb 2025
Farm Life Podcast: Episode 6
KCFB Executive Director Dusty Ference interviews the newly elected President of the Kings County Water District Chip Mello.
16 Jan 2025
Farm Life Podcast: Episode 5
Executive Director Dusty Ference interviews newly elected Kings County Board of Supervisor Robert Thayer.
9 Oct 2024
Farm Life Podcast: Episode 4
Featuring Kings County Water District candidates Paul Gillum, District 1, and Adrew Brazil, District 5. KCFB proudly endorses these candidates.
19 Sept 2024
Farm Life Podcast: Episode 3
Featuring KCFB Board of Director and Kahn, Soares and Conway Partner David Kahn
4 Sept 2024
Farm Life Podcast: Episode 2
Featuring Southfork Kings GSA General Manager Johnny Gailey
23 Aug 2024
Farm Life Podcast: Episode 1
MKRGSA and KCFB vs SWRCB court update featuring KCFB Vice President Garrett Gilcrease.
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