Livestock & Range Management

Range livestock production is the leading agricultural commodity in Shasta County. The Shasta County Cooperative Extension works with producers on a variety of issues including quality assurance and range management, as well as irrigated pasture and water quality.

Focus of projects have included:

-Irrigated Pasture Fertilization

-Evaluation of Irrigation Timing

-Depth and Irrigated Pasture Production

-Involvement in McArthur Swamp Project

-Effect of Irrigation Diversion on Stream Temperature

-Range Monitoring

-Development of a series of Beef Cattle Market Risk Articles.

This program also hosts annual workshops on timely topics such as water policy, animal health and irrigated pasture.

Justin Vigil, Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor: Shasta & Trinity Counties

I am humbled and excited to serve Shasta and Trinity counties as the new UC Cooperative Extension Livestock and Natural Resource Advisor. Replacing my predecessor, Larry Forero, will undoubtedly be challenging, but through service, a willingness to learn, and a tireless work ethic, I aim to do my absolute best. I grew up on Dixie Valley Ranch southeast of McArthur, California and it was here that my curiosity for a deeper understanding of livestock production and natural resource management originated.

I graduated from Fall River High School in 2017 and pursued a bachelor’s degree in business economics from California State University, East Bay. After receiving my undergraduate degree in 2022, I knew I wanted to return to my agricultural roots, so I pursued a master’s degree in regenerative agriculture from Chico State University. Under the tutelage of Kasey DeAtley, professor of animal science, I conducted research investigating bovine bone degradation in livestock mortality compost. I received my master’s. degree in the summer of 2024.

After my degree was awarded, I found work not from behind a desk, but on the back of a horse. For the last year, I worked for a horse trainer in Red Bluff and as a day worker on various ranches where I learned valuable lessons in horsemanship and forged connections with ranchers which will serve me in this new role.

As I step into this position, I am excited to meet individuals of the livestock and natural resource community, listen to questions or concerns, and develop research projects that provide conclusions that will improve the stewardship of livestock and natural resources.

I am looking forward to working with ranch owners and operators, range and pasture managers, agencies and others interested in livestock and natural resources. I can be reached at the Shasta County Cooperative Extension office located in Redding. My email address is jusvigil@ucanr.edu and phone number is (530) 224-4900.

Shasta County Crop & Livestock Reports

Shasta County's Department of Agriculture / Weights & Measure issues an annual Crop & Livestock Report.

The link below will take you to their website where you can view & download a copy of current & previous year's reports.

Shasta County Crop Statistics

UCCE Free Downloadable Publications

Considerations for Pastures that have Lost Irrigation Water 2022

Field Guide for Common CA Range and Pasture Plants

Livestock Poisoning Plants of CA

Low-Cost Methods of Measuring Diverted Water