UCCE Central Sierra

Central Sierra: News & Updates

The Advisors, Academics, and Specialists of the UC Cooperative Extension in Central Sierra are hard at work in the field learning about what matters to the people in Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Tuolumne Counties and beyond. In these articles, they share important news and updates about their work and deliver research-backed information to the region. 

 

orchard row white trunks and bare branches
UCCE Central Sierra Agriculture: Article

Guide for prospective farmers in the Central Sierra

July 1, 2026
By Hardeep Singh
Four factors impact level of successStarting a crop farm in California’s Central Sierra region can be a great opportunity, but long-term success depends on understanding the land and markets before planting. Unlike the flat agricultural areas of California’s Central Valley, farming in the Sierra foothills is…
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Perennial forage grass in the Sierra Foothills.
UCCE Central Sierra Livestock & Natural Resources: Article

Central Sierra: 2025-26 Central Sierra Nevada Foothill Annual Forage Production

July 1, 2026
By Daniel K Macon, Scott R Oneto, William E Frost
June 19, 2026 - The University of California Cooperative Extension has monitored annual rangeland forage production throughout the central Sierra Nevada foothills since 1995. Our goal continues to be to accurately gauge the total forage production on an annual basis. Data is gathered at eight locations…
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colorful fruits and vegetables
Healthy Central Sierra: Article

Eat the (Produce) Rainbow!

June 30, 2026
By Kitty Oppliger
It’s officially summer! Farmer’s markets, roadside stands and grocery store produce sections are overflowing with an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Incorporating a variety of produce of all shades can help you meet your vitamin and mineral needs. But what makes these foods so colorful? Most of…
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decorative
Healthy Central Sierra: Article

Nature Rx: Helping everyone feel at home in the outdoors

May 31, 2026
By Kitty Oppliger
 For many people, a walk beneath tall trees, the sound of running water, or a quiet moment on a trail brings a deep sense of peace and wellbeing. Time outdoors can calm a busy mind, help us breathe a little easier, and remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.Healing with…
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screenshot of virtual fencing app indicates location of steers in the site demonstration within designated boundaries
UCCE Central Sierra: Article

Central Sierra: UCCE Central Sierra Hosts Virtual Fencing Workshop for NRCS Staff

May 26, 2026
By Brian J Allen
Virtual Fence Cost May Be Offset with NRCS EQIP Funds Virtual Fencing (VF) is a livestock management tool that uses GPS collars to track livestock and guide their movements with audio and electric pulse cues. Instead of building a physical fence, users can draw a virtual boundary on a computer or mobile…
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Graphic listing examples of foods falling within the 4 categories of Nova classification
Healthy Central Sierra: Article

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs): What to know, and what not to worry about

April 30, 2026
By Kitty Oppliger
  DRIs, RDAs, DGAs-  if there wasn’t already enough jargon to sort through in nutrition recommendations, a new acronym has taken center stage: UPFs. But what exactly is a UPF, and what does it mean for you, your health, and your meals?If you’ve been alarmed by media reports that UPFs are …
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green plant (claytonia perfoliate) on a dirt background
Healthy Central Sierra: Article

Fearless Foraging: Know before you go

February 28, 2026
By Kitty Oppliger
 Recent California news reports have highlighted tragic cases of fatal mushroom misidentification. These cases involved species such as the highly toxic Amanita phalloides (commonly known as “death cap mushroom”) and can naturally spark fear. However, these headlines focus on worst-case scenarios and…
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dry brush in front opens to landscape of hills covered by trees and rangelands. A lake is in the valley in the distance
UCCE Central Sierra: Article

Central Sierra: UCCE Researchers Bring Virtual Fence Technology to Local BLM Lands

February 25, 2026
By Scott R Oneto, Brian J Allen
Emerging Precision Agriculture Tool Improves Grazing Systems  For the past four years, UC researchers have been examining the usefulness of virtual fence (VF) technology on a multitude of landscapes across the Sierra Nevada. Virtual fencing is an emerging precision agriculture tool capable of improving…
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bleeding heart flowers on a green backgroun
Healthy Central Sierra: Article

From Garden to Table- Tips for a Healthy Heart

February 1, 2026
By Kitty Oppliger
 Not only is Valentine’s day around the corner, but February is American Heart Month. While nutrition related trends come and go, research on heart health has consistently pointed to dietary patterns that prioritize plant-based, minimally processed foods. You may have heard of the Mediterranean diet,…
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