- Author: Maddison Easley
- Contributor: Dustin Flavell
Rangeland specialist Jim Clawson first initiated the forage production data collection at UC SFREC in 1979. Past Director Mike Connor expanded the process with monthly (rather than seasonal) sampling of the usable forage in a particular area. Three plots were originally set aside to sample, but following multiple trials one specific plot was chosen. The same 1-acre grazed plot has been used for the past 35 years, as it is located at a median elevation with moderate canopy cover and a fairly representative soil of the entire ranch.
This year's forage production data was rather interesting. Late fall rains followed by freezing temperatures during germination, coupled with the severe winter drought, created dismal forage growth at the beginning of the yearly cycle (typically starting in December). However, the heavy rainfall experienced at the end of January and in the following months proved sufficient enough to produce nearly 80% of average forage production. As the person who has taken responsibility for keeping track of the forage production measurements and compilation, UC SFREC Superintendent Dustin Flavell has noticed an interesting trend; the total amount of precipitation is not always strictly correlated with the total pounds of forage produced per acre. “The right amount [of rainfall] at the right time and frequency will result in the most growth,” said Flavell.
Producers may find it useful to monitor forage production and peak standing crop on their own ranches. While there are varying definitions of peak standing crop, at UC SFREC it is measured when a majority of the grasses begin to cure but do not reach full maturity (seeds ready for dispersal). Peak standing crop typically occurs early to mid May. Several publications are available from the research conducted on forage production and residual dry matter that go into more depth about the importance of monitoring grass growth. One particular publication offers a simple 6-step method for determining forage in pounds per acre.
With a new growing season just around the corner, be on the lookout for additional posts regarding forage production at UC SFREC.
Here are some additional links for more information about this topic:
http://californiarangeland.ucdavis.edu/Monitoring_Annual_Rangeland_Forage_Production/
http://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=14157
http://sfrec.ucanr.edu/Data/forage/
- Author: Maddison Easley
Producers from the Food and Farm Show filmed and interviewed multiple speakers at the Future of Farming and Ranching Forum at the Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center on February 22nd. The Food and Farm Show highlights local agricultural events, news, and issues. They are part of Touchdown Productions, which films other regional activities like the “Game of the Week” on the local news channels.
Three episodes were released featuring the Future of Farming Ranching event at SFREC. Important speakers interviewed include Jamie Johansson, farmer and 2nd Vice President of the California Farm Bureau; Susan Hoek, 5th generation rancher in Penn Valley; and Roger Ingram, UCCE Farm Advisor for Placer and Nevada Counties.
These 30-minute videos give the viewer a taste of what the event covered. Click on the following links to watch:
Episode 1 – featuring the keynote speaker Jamie Johansson and the introduction
Episode 2 – interviews with Jamie Johansson and Roger Ingram
Episode 3 – featuring Sue Hoek speaking from experience about resource planning and preparing for the future
With media attention like this, SFREC is becoming more visible throughout the region. Collectively, the educational events occurring at all of the Research and Extension Centers help enforce the tangible impacts of UCANR within communities statewide.
- Author: Maddison Easley
This past Saturday, February 22nd, SFREC hosted a forum focused on the future of farming and ranching in the Sierra foothills.
About sixty members of surrounding communities in Nevada, Placer, Yuba, and Sutter counties made it out to UC SFREC for a day of learning, interaction with professionals, and networking. For the vast majority of the attendees, this was their first introduction to SFREC and the UC Research and Extension Center system.
The speakers offered insightful and useful information that engaged the entire audience. Jamie Johansson, Second Vice President of the California Farm Bureau and owner of Lodestar Farms, kick started the conversations by speaking about the opportunities and challenges of farming in the foothills. Dan Macon, representing Placer County UCCE and Flying Mule Farm, offered logical business planning strategies from a personal and professional perspective.
A significant aspect of this event focused on incorporating local youth. We were able to help partner students from high schools in the region with a few of the producer-presenters prior to the forum. This additional opportunity enabled a more profound learning experience for students interested in the future of farming and ranching.
There was a DELICIOUS locally sourced lunch with juicy tri-trip, salads, bread, and lavender sweets. Briar Patch co-op in Grass Valley also donated coffee and pastries for the event. Local ag and natural resource conservation groups brought educational materials to share. Attendees enjoyed the beautiful weather and slowly greening rangeland on a brief tour of the center.
Overall, it was a successful event that kindled connections with the community and opened the door for future cooperative efforts.
- Author: Maddison Easley
On February 22nd, community members, local farmers and ranchers, professionals, high school students, non-profit groups, and regional leaders in the ag industry will be gathering in Browns Valley for a forum on The Future of Farming and Ranching in the Sierra Foothills. This event has been in the making since summer when committee members helped lay the foundation for a useful and exciting day about the opportunities and challenges of agriculture in this region.
Speakers will be sharing their personal experiences and knowledge about getting started in agriculture and reaching goals. Topics about resources needed, tools available, and strategies to stay in business will be discussed. High school ag students will present information learned from visits with local farms/ranches and other important areas researched. Multiple non-profit groups will be displaying information and resources as well. There will be a delicious lunch, sourced from local farmers and ranchers (some of which will be present). The cost to attend is $10 per family. Register through our website at http://sfrec.ucanr.edu/
Follow these links for the AGENDA and FLYER. Contact Maddison Easley - mleasley@ucanr.edu or Jeremy James – jjjames@ucanr.edu for more information.