Food Blog

The Food Blog covers our latest research and extension work to advance and optimize the production and vitality of California's abundant agricultural commodities.

Gray wolf walks through a clearing in the woods, as seen on a trail camera

California wolves feed heavily on cattle, study finds

July 8, 2026

By Amy Quinton

Two new studies of gray wolves in California suggest that wolves eat cattle more than anything else and the presence of the predators causes significant stress among livestock.

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Warm colors of the horizon sky above green fields of winter grain crops

Winter grain crops help farmers get the most out of the least water

July 6, 2026

By Trina Kleist

UC research shows farmland could remain viable if farmers plant winter grain crops. When managed properly, small grains can grow during the cool season, using little irrigation.

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David kneeling in green field putting a protective wire screen around something

Lile retires from UC ANR after 30 years of serving Lassen County ranchers

July 6, 2026

By Pamela S Kan-Rice

David Lile, UC Cooperative Extension natural resources and livestock advisor, retired on July 1, 2026, after 30 years of serving Lassen County residents.

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Central Coast UC Cooperative Extension advisor Larsen retires, known for his word ‘as good as gold’

June 29, 2026

By Caroline D Champlin

Watershed and natural resource advisor Royce Larsen retires this summer after his 30-year career helping ranchers care for rangelands.

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From left, 5. Matthew Fidelibus, Mark Battany, Larry Bettiga crouch to examine old vine Zinfandel vine in the Cucamonga Valley

Bettiga, leading light in viticulture, retires after 41 years as UC Cooperative Extension advisor

June 29, 2026

By Michael Hsu

Larry Bettiga, UCCE viticulture advisor for Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties, is set to retire July 1. He shaped the wine industry across California and beyond.

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