Sierra Foothill REC

or what to do if it just won't rain! Over the last thirty-plus years they've been keeping records at the UC Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center (SFREC), we've received a germinating rain, on average, around October 21.

Wednesday, October 28, 2020 6 p.m. (via Zoom) The University of Cooperative Extension (UCCE) is organizing an informational meeting on forming a Rancher's Fire Safe Council in the Sierra Foothills and beyond on Wednesday, October 28, from 6-7:30 p.m.

In the meantime, how are you going to cope? Having lived (and ranched) through California's 1000-year drought from 2012-2015, I often find myself recalling the autumn of 2013. Believe it or not, we had a germinating rain on September 3 - I measured 0.75" of rain here in Auburn.

Like many of you over the last several weeks (and indeed, over the last several years), I've read heartbreaking accounts of ranchers losing livestock in this latest round of devastating wildfires.

Be sure to check out our upcoming webinars on cattle production and targeted grazing - we have a great line-up of speakers and topics! Tuesday, October 6 (6pm) - Introduction to Targeted Grazing This webinar will provide an overview of targeted grazing, including grazing management, picking the righ...

In 2018, as the Camp Fire was still burning in Butte County, a number of University of California colleagues, led by Area Dairy Advisor Betsy Karle, sampled irrigated pasture forage, hay, and corn silage from locations throughout Northern California (including several pastures here in Placer and Nev...

Over the last several months, I've had several conversations with ranchers about capital expenditures purchases of durable, relatively expensive assets.

As some may know, I've been doing a weekly podcast called "Sheep Stuff You Should Know" with my friend and fellow sheep producer, Ryan Mahoney.

Over the last three days, we've had a stark reminder about our vulnerability to wildfire and public safety power shutoffs here in the Sierra foothills.

Like everything and everyone else in 2020, our local fairs are adapting to the changes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.