UC Cooperative Extension coordinated a tour on July 13, 2023 for a bus load of Plumas and Sierra County Staff, Board of Supervisors, US Forest Service and state officials that directly impact cattle ranching joined a tour of the Maddalena Ranch and Roberti Ranch. The tour showcased the economic and ecological importance of cattle grazing in Plumas and Sierra County while educating attendees on the entire beef production lifecycle, from pasture to plate.
The tour was to showcase the importance of grazing to promote healthy ecosystems, protecting and enhancing biodiversity, groundwater recharge, reducing fuel loads, maintaining open spaces, contributing to rural economies, and growing high quality protein. The tour kicked off with a welcome by hosts Rick Roberti, rancher and Tracy Schohr, UC Cooperative Extension Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor. Attendees then heard from Dr. Lynn Huntsinger Professor of Rangeland Ecology and Management at UC Berkely, who showcased the science as to why California Needs Grazing! Her presentation focused on the biodiversity of California’s working rangelands, grazing management, species and habitat that benefit from grazing, and grazing as a tool to reduce fire fuels.
The bus tour took government staff, elected official and community members across the two counties, narrated by Rick Roberti. The first tour stop was on the Maddalena Ranch where Annie Tipton discussed the ranching operation overview, challenges with fires, the Rangeland Trust Conservation Easement on the property, dynamics of grazing on Land Trust and US Forest Service land, plus raising a family on the ranch!
The second tour stop was the Roberti Ranch, including a tri-tip lunch prepared by local cattlemen. Rick provided an overview of the ranching operation, diversified farming operation, regulatory challenges and the next generation. Dave Daley, rancher in Plumas County also discussed grazing on public lands, importance of Ag Pass program during fires and the broader ranching industry in California. Also, at this stop tour guests heard from Fiona Ma, California State Treasure who is a supporter of ranchers, programs that benefit ranching and the value of rural communities.
The tour concluded with a bus ride across Sierra Valley where Rick Roberti talked about other ranching operations that joined the tour during the lunch. At the end of the tour, guests provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the value of the tour and the importance of connecting with ranchers and fellow attendees during the day to learn more about working rangelands in the county.
The California Cattle Council graciously funded this rangeland education tour in Plumas and Sierra County, and was co-hosted with the Plumas-Sierra County Cattlemen.
In the News!
California Cattleman Magazine - August 2023
