Livestock Resources
Small Acreage management: multiple livestock species
We have a new website with great information all about raising animals on small properties! Check it out here.
Beef Cattle
The ANR Catalog has several excellent resources on raising beef cattle on rangelands - click here to look through the cattle guides. Check out the Placer-Nevada County Small Farm Site for Cattle for a few basic resources. This Cow/Calf budget calculator can assist with decisions about winter hay feeding or pasture.
Sheep and Goats
A great list of resources is available through the Placer-Nevada County Small Farm Site for Sheep & Goats.
Pigs
Click here to download a free guide on raising pigs on pasture. Although it was developed for the Bay Area, the principles also apply in Fresno and Madera Counties. Some local regulations may differ.
Additional resources can be found at the Placer-Nevada County Small Farms site and the Niche Marketing site.
Poultry
Videos are on YouTube @ucdpiteskylab. Written materials, as well as contact information for helpful experts, are at the UC Poultry website.
Additional Resources
Fire Resources - this website was just created in 2023 and has a wealth of resources on preparing for wildfire, uses of intentional fire for land management, and restoration after fire.
Cost studies - these documents summarize all of the expenses and income, on average, related to a particular crop or livestock product. Relevant studies include the "Beef", "Goats", and "Pasture" commodities. These are especially useful if you are considering starting a new livestock operation.
Niche Meat marketing - explore these resources to learn more about selling meat directly to consumers.
ANR Catalog - books and PDFs about agriculture, gardening, family nutrition and more
Free downloads - section of the catalog for free documents
UC Rangelands information hub - includes recent research, ranch water quality resources, pasture management, and more related to rangeland management.
Rangeland Drought Hub - information on current drought status and rangeland management during drought
External Resources
Agencies and organizations:
California Cattlemen's Association (CCA)
California Wool Grower's Association (CWGA)
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), California
US Forest Service (USFS), California
National Center for Appropriate Technology, including how to raise pastured poultry, and more about sustainable agriculture
Forest information: