Ranching in the Sierra Foothills

As a sheep producer and an extension educator, I'm often asked which breed of livestock guardian dog (LGD) I prefer. Some have heard that Great Pyrenees dogs are more likely to wander. Others have heard that Akbash and Anatolian Shepherd dogs can be more aggressive with humans.

Last month, I wrote about preparing our ranches for fire (Fire Season is Here: Is Your Ranch Ready?). Since that time, we've seen large fires in ranching country (including the County Fire in Yolo and Napa Counties, the Pawnee Fire in Lake County, and the Klamathon Fire in Siskiyou County).

On June 9, 2018, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife detected a signal from OR-54, a female gray wolf that had been collared in Oregon, near Andesite Peak in Nevada County (Andesite is southwest of Castle Peak, near the Sierra Crest).

Earlier this week (the first full week of June 2018), we had several small wildfires near Auburn. Our informal rancher telegraph system was activated - many of us started texting or calling one another to find out where the fires were burning and whether anyone needed help.

Nearly 13 years ago, I became one of the first ranchers to sell meat at the Auburn Farmers Market.