Rangeland Economics

Publications

UCCE Advisors and Specialists write many papers summarizing research projects, monitoring procedures, and general management practices. All papers are peer-reviewed, meaning before they can be published, another set of people within the University review to ensure the papers are scientifically valid and not someone’s opinion. Here you will find free publications (available as a PDF) from the University of California, as well as links to larger publications you may purchase, each with a summary. In addition, each of the publications are available at your local UC Cooperative Extension office for your convenience.

UC Cost Studies

UC Cost Studies are prepared by local UCCE Advisors, professors and staff in the Department of Agriculture and Resource Economics at UC Davis. A common heard size for the area is used, and then costs, overhead, income, investments, etc. are all entered for the area to provide an example cost and return for an average enterprise. These are meant to be used as examples of current costs and returns to help people considering changing or diversifying their enterprise, or perhaps starting a new enterprise.

Sample Costs for Beef Cattle: Cow-Calf Production in Northern Sacramento Valley, 2017

Sample Costs for Beef Cattle: Yearling/Stocker Production in Northern Sacramento Valley, 2017

Sample Costs for Beef Cattle: Beef Cattle Finished on Grass in Northern Sacramento Valley, 2017

Sample Costs for Beef Cattle: Organic Cow-Calf in Lake and Mendocino Counties, 2005

Sample Costs for Beef Cattle: 200 head Cowherd with 30 Grass-Fed Cattle in Marin and Sonoma Counties, 2004

Marketing Strategies for Agritourism Operations

Agritourism gives the farmer a broad choice of opportunities to market products, on-farm experiences, and hospitality services. This publication will help you assess your options and work out a solid plan for marketing your agritourism operation. Click here for full text.

Agritourism enterprises on your farm or ranch: Understanding regulations

Agritourism can be a great boon to the California grower, but you have to be aware of your legal responsibilities, get your permits, and follow the rules regarding land use, zoning, public health, and other areas. This gives you a brief overview. Click here for full text.

Agritourism enterprises on your farm or ranch: Where to start

This publication gives you a game plan for navigating the maze of permits, plans, and approvals you will need to get in order before you launch a potentially profitable agritourism enterprise on your California farm or ranch. Click here for full text.

Ranching Infrastructure

Ranch roads, fencing, gates, water systems, corrals, and working scales play a key role in proper management of livestock and effective management of rangelands. Having the right infrastructure is crucial to maintain the health and safety of rancher as well as the environment. Click here for full text.

Low-Cost Methods of Measuring Diverted Water

California Water Resources Board rules say you have to measure and report the amount of water you divert from surface waters for farming. Pasture and low-value crops can't cover the cost of commercial measuring tools, but there are cheaper alternatives. Click here for full text.

Estimating Forage Loss

Wildfires and natural events can drastically reduce or eliminate the useable forage on grazing rangeland. This publication will help you assess your losses and set a reasonable budget for restoring the rangeland to a productive condition. Click here for full text.