Posts Tagged: Holly George

Ranches can increase income with agritourism

Cattle ranches may be able to boost the bottom line by inviting tourists onto their land for bird watching, hiking, photography or just getting an up-close look at California beef production.

This was the message shared by the director of UC Cooperative Extension in Sierra and Plumas counties, Holly George, at UCCE's annual Oakdale Livestock Forum, according to a story published today in the Modesto Bee.

"I would advise you to look at what you have and genuinely share that," George was quoted in the story.

As an example, George cited the annual Eagles and Agriculture event near Carson City, where raptors flock each year during winter calving season. Eagles and Agriculture -- which attracts photographers, birders and nature-lovers who wish to observe bald and golden eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and a variety of other bird and wildlife species -- demonstrates the potential for interaction between nature and agriculture.

Cattle farmer Judy Scheppmann, who runs 100 head of cattle on her 360-acre ranch near Farmington, opens her property to a horseback riding group and for garden club gatherings.

"(Ranching is) a way of life, and I would hope the young people could come and appreciate where their food is produced," she said.

An American bald eagle photographed by UC weed scientist Joseph DiTamaso.

Slow Food group to air Sierra Valley video

The Lake Tahoe chapter of Slow Food will present the short video "Is Sustainable Attainable?" at its January meeting next week. The show is another opportunity to spread the word about a series of videos promoting the rural culture in Sierra Valley, Calif., produced as part of the UC Davis "Art of Regional Change."

The project, called "Passion for the Land: Personal Stories from the Sierra Valley," is a collection of 12 stories, told on video through narration and photos, about the challenges to agricultural viability and rural community life in Sierra Valley, according to an article in the Sierra Sun. The series was a collaborative project involving Jesikah Maria Ross of Art of Regional Change, Holly George of UC Cooperative Extension in Plumas and Sierra counties and Sierra Valley farmers and ranchers.

The "Sustainable" segment is the story of Gary Romano, who in 1990 purchased a 65-acre portion of his families' former 3,600-acre cattle ranch in Sierra Valley to establish an organic farm.

"I want people to understand that you don't need 5,000 acres to make a living; there is a need for farmers with 5, 10 or 60 acres," Romano was quoted in the story. "And just because the land isn't being used for farming now doesn't mean it can't be in the future. We need to preserve open space."

Gary Romano and his family on the Sierra Valley farm.

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