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. 

 

Figure 3. Dr. Li Wang, lead development scientist at the West Biofuels R&D facility, explaining the design of its gasification system
UCCE Central Sierra: Article

Exploring Biomass Utilization Pathways with West Biofuels

July 1, 2026
By Cindy X Chen
In April 2026, under the coordination of Woody Biomass and Forest Products Advisor, Dr. Cindy Chen, a team from University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) had the opportunity to tour the facilities of West Biofuels — its Hat Creek Bioenergy Plant in Burney and the Research and…
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UCCE Central Sierra: Article

Region 6 4-H: Project Leader Kick-Off Events Happening in July

July 1, 2026
By JoLynn C Miller
June 30 was the last day of the 2025-2026 program year for 4-H. There are still a few events happening in July as a culmination of last year’s program, like camp in El Dorado and fair in Tuolumne and Amador. As many of our youth are wrapping up and reminiscing on the memories they’ve made and lessons they’ve…
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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
Starting 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 strongly influenced by elevation,…
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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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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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side-by-side image of virtual fence boundary and movement of heifers within it
UCCE Central Sierra: Article

Central Sierra: Introduction to Virtual Fencing for Livestock and Land Management

September 12, 2025
By Brian J Allen
Virtual Fencing: A New Tool for Livestock and Land Management Virtual fencing (VF) is a precision agriculture tool gaining traction across California’s diverse rangelands. It uses GPS collars to contain livestock without physical fences. Producers set virtual boundaries across their pasture from a…
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