Sierra Foothill REC

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An ecological calendar combines ranch-specific ecological and climate conditions with production and economic considerations.
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Flexibility

January 6th, 2025
By Daniel K Macon
Since the millennial drought of 2012-2016, I've developed a habit of periodically checking the U.S. Drought Monitor, especially during our normal rainy season.
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Dan Macon holding a lamb.
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Hello (Again), Central Sierra!

October 2nd, 2024
By Daniel K Macon
As I write this blog post, I'm wrapping up my first official day as the Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor for the UC Cooperative Extension Central Sierra office, based in San Andreas! While I'm new to this office, I feel a bit like I'm coming home again I grew up just to the south outside of...
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Dan Macon standing in front of a flock of sheep.
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Headed South on Highway 49

September 17th, 2024
By Daniel K Macon
Writing my last blog post as the Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor for Placer, Nevada, Sutter, and Yuba Counties is bittersweet. When I became the advisor in 2017 (filling Roger Ingram's enormous shoes), I assumed I would stay in this job until I retired. Life had other plans for me.
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Bowman Reservoir
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Accidental Drought

April 9th, 2024
By Daniel K Macon
As of this writing, we're on track for a "normal" rainfall year here in Auburn. Even if the rainy season ended with last week's storm, we'll finish the year at 90 percent of our long term annual average.
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Photo Mar 17 2024, 9 12 27 AM
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Spring 2024 Workshops!

March 25th, 2024
By Daniel K Macon
We have several outstanding workshops coming up in the next three weeks! Contact me at dmacon@ucanr.edu or (530) 889-7385 for more information! Livestock Health & Wildfire Webinar (Thursday, March 28 - 6:00pm-7:30pm) - Virtual: Join Extension Veterinarians Dr. Gaby Maier, Dr. Rosie Busch, and Dr.
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Foothill Precipitation and Forage Update - March 2024

March 8th, 2024
By Daniel K Macon
A local rancher called this week, and as usual, our conversation turned to grass and moisture conditions (I don't think ranchers and rangeland geeks like me can have a conversation WITHOUT discussing these topics).
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Photo May 07 2023, 11 12 28 AM
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Changes Ahead

February 21st, 2024
By Daniel K Macon
As some of you know, 2023 was an incredibly difficult year for my family and me. My wife of 33 years, Samia, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer last February.
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