UC Delivers

Oakdale Livestock Forum

The Issue

Over the years, livestock producers have been faced with the challenges of optimizing production while conserving the environment and protecting their resources. They have for decades turned to their local farm advisor and the University for the latest information on issues such as breeding programs, supplemental feeds, health care, weed management, water quality and ranch conservation.

What Has ANR Done?

For over half a century, UC Cooperative Extension advisors in Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Tuolumne and Calaveras counties have worked together to provide the area’s cattle industry with up-to-date information on a broad range of topics affecting ranchers’ daily operations at the annual Oakdale Livestock Forum. Specialists, faculty, advisors and industry leaders have presented information on animal health, range management, invasive weed control, pasture management and natural resource issues.

The Payoff

Oakdale Livestock Forum leads to higher profits and natural resource conservation

With current information in hand, ranchers have been able to implement new practices on their ranches. Progress has been made over the years on breeding programs, allowing ranchers to wean a uniform calf crop through the use of Expected Progeny Differences. Money has been saved through the use of better information on supplemental feeding programs. Cow-calf producers learn management practices to reduce diseases in their herd, such as Bovine Viral Diarrhea, foothill abortion, pink eye, and anaplasmosis.

Ranchers also learn about ways to protect their natural resources. Conservation easements are quickly becoming an important tool in estate planning. The pros and cons of putting an easement on the ranch to ensure ranching and wildlife habitat conservation continue permanently have been discussed at the Forum. Ranchers have learned how to increase oak tree regeneration on rangelands and how small management changes protect their water quality. Because specialists have shared new strategies for controlling invasive weeds, thousands of acres of rangeland have been protected from yellow star thistle and medusahead. Early control of invasive weeds and maintaining healthy rangelands for grazing improves the ranchers' bottom line.

Clientele Testimonial

“This is the best livestock program I have gone to in a long time and look forward to it each year. Information is always timely and helpful.”

Contact

Supporting Unit:

Theresa Becchetti, (209) 525-6800, tabecchetti@ucdavis.edu