Small-scale lamb producer featured in Sac Bee

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Dan Macon, a Placerville lamb rancher who last year received UC's Pedro Ilic Award for outstanding farmer, was the subject of a human interest feature in today's Sacramento Bee.

The article said Macon is among Placer County's most successful and sustainable meat purveyors. He sells his product to local restaurants and as part of the Sierra Foothills Meat Buyers Club.

In addition to producing meat, Macon contracts with other farmers to "mow" their cover crops.

Director of UC Cooperative Extension in Placer and Nevada counties, Roger Ingram, told reporter Niesha Lofing that such sustainable farming efforts are what set Macon apart.

"He thinks of the community even before himself," Ingram was quoted. "I think that Dan symbolizes that there is potential out there (for small farm operations)."

Another example of the rancher's innovation and diversification is classes he offers to the community. On May 23, a half-day class at the ranch includes lessons in pasture management, livestock handling and predator protection. Also, local chefs will teach Argentine asada-style cooking. The class is $30 per person, dinner is $50 per person and the package can be purchased for $75. Reservations, required by May 13, may be made on Macon's Flying Mule Farm website.

Dan Macon, with Shermain Hardesty of the Small Farm Program, receives the Pedro Ilic Award.