- Author: Kathleen P Nolan
Dear Colleagues,
The Russell L. Rustici Rangeland and Cattle Research Endowment has put forth a request for proposals (RFP) for University of California personnel to support problem-solving research that will benefit California range cattle producers and provide practical answers to critical issues and challenges facing the industry. One goal is to promote collaboration and strengthen the network among research faculty, Cooperative Extension specialists and advisors, and range cattle producers. There are long-standing, broad areas of research priority for which research and extension proposals are encouraged relative to improving cattle health and quality, sustainable rangeland management, and ranch profitability.
All proposals are expected to 1) build upon existing published research, 2) advance the scientific base, and 3) propose novel solutions to critical problems. Proposals are encouraged which include discipline collaboration and direct engagement with cattle producers and range managers.
- Improving Cattle Health, Genetics, Productivity, and Quality: Healthy, productive, high quality cattle are a cornerstone for any sustainable ranching operation, and are essential in meeting the demands of both conventional and niche markets. Proposals are encouraged which address the suite of issues associated with cattle welfare; genetics, breeding and reproduction; herd health and disease prevention; nutrition; and antibiotic stewardship.
- Managing Rangelands for Multiple Ecosystem Services: California's rangelands provide a suite of benefits to society including clean water, healthy soils, wildlife habitat, nutrient sequestration, forage production, fire and fuels management, and livelihoods. Proposals are encouraged which address information gaps managers and policymakers face when attempting to simultaneously optimize ecosystem services and agricultural goods provisioned from cattle grazed rangelands.
- Enhancing the Productivity and Profitability of Rangeland Cattle Operations: Cattle ranching operations that depend upon rangelands are embedded in an ever changing social-economic-ecological system. These operations must profitably adapt to dynamic environmental, economic, market, and regulatory conditions. Proposals are encouraged which examine opportunities to enhance forage quality and quantity, as well as cattle performance and production; improve resilience to drought, invasive species, predators, and prove economic, business management and marketing strategies to sustainably increase profitability.
Research grants will have a performance period of January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021 (not to exceed two years). Outreach / extending knowledge activities must not to exceed two years. Funding opportunities are available for collaborative research, workshops, conferences, and symposia. Three to four research proposals will be awarded with annual budgets not exceeding $60,000 per year.
Research applications are due November 7, 2019. Extension applications are accepted at any time throughout the year.
Please submit proposals to rusticiresearch@ucdavis.edu.
Please visit the program website below for additional information: http://rangelands.ucdavis.edu/rustici/research-endowment/
Thank you.
Kathleen Nolan, Director, ANR Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG)