On the Range

California rangeland

Featuring research updates and educational events for ranchers and other land stewards in Sonoma and Marin counties. 

Blog managed by UCCE Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor Devii Rao. 

Ground squirrel in grass. Photo by Devii Rao.
On the Range: Article

California ground squirrel impacts to livestock forage

August 18, 2025
By Devii R Rao
Research update from a project throughout Central California1This post is by Devii Rao, Roger Baldwin, Theresa Becchetti, Josh Davy, Royce Larsen, Fadzayi Mashiri, Ryan Meinerz, and Rebecca OzeranClick here for the pdf fact sheet version of this article. Ground squirrel damage described by ranchers …
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Distaff thistle flower head
On the Range: Article

Prevent Your Wooly Distaff Thistle and Purple Starthistle From Going to Seed!

August 8, 2025
By Devii R Rao
 Now is the time to do any last minute control of wooly distaff thistle and purple starthistle, before they go to seed. Most herbicide treatments for these species will not be effective during the summer, so your options are more limited.Weed Control in Natural Areas in the Western United States is a…
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Purple starthistle
On the Range: Article

Effective Herbicides for Controlling North Bay Rangeland Weeds

July 24, 2025
By Devii R Rao
  This article is re-posted and slightly modified from the UC Weed Science Blog and Livestock and Range Blog on August 1, 2017.Do you have yellow starthistle, purple starthistle, Italian thistle, Himalaya blackberry, or other common Central Coast rangeland weeds on your ranch? If so, you may be…
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