UCCE, Siskiyou Cattlemen’s Association host annual tour

Julie Kelley and Nicole Bright describe the Kettle Springs project, one of Shasta Springs Ranch's conservation efforts.

UC Cooperative Extension in Siskiyou County in partnership with the Siskiyou Cattlemen's Association hosted a tour of Shasta Valley cattle ranches on Saturday, Sept. 14. Hosting the annual tour is a long-standing tradition between UCCE Siskiyou and the SCCA, which seeks to connect members of the Siskiyou County community, provide a hands-on learning opportunity, and celebrate those who have made outstanding contributions to the Siskiyou County Cattlemen's Association during the past year.  

“The goal of our 2024 tour was to learn about the experiences of Shasta Valley ranchers, including their general production calendar, marketing approach and conservation projects,” said Grace Woodmansee, UCCE livestock and natural resources advisor and county director for Siskiyou County.

More than 80 people attended, including local ranchers, community members and county leaders.

The group visited Shasta Springs Ranch, where ranch manager Pete Scala described the cattle operation at the historic "The Dukes" corrals. Julie Kelley, biologist, and Nicole Bright, range ecologist, both of Sierra Pacific Industries, described one of the ranch's many conservation efforts to enhance production for the cattle operation and habitat for threatened coho salmon.

Big Springs Ranch’s Tristan and Monet Allen, Mackenzie Johnson and Gary Black describe how the ranch balances production and conservation efforts.

At Big Springs Ranch, ranchers Tristan and Monet Allen and their daughter, Mackenzie Johnson, along with Gary Black, restoration and conservation consultant, described how they balance production and conservation efforts.

Kory Hayden of the Siskiyou Economic Development Council spoke about the Siskiyou Climate Collaborative. The collaborative helps community members, including farmers and ranchers, pursue planning and funding opportunities that will better prepare the county for wildfires, droughts and other disasters.

Several industry speakers shared updates during the traditional barbecue lunch, including Holly Foster, Western Video Market; Justin Oldfield, California Cattle Council; Gracie LeCheminant, California Cattlemen's Association; and Jack Rice, Rancher Technical Assistance Program.

Siskiyou County Cattlemen's Association honored those who have made outstanding contributions to the Siskiyou County Cattlemen's Association over their careers. Veterinarian Dave Stillian received the 2024 Ally of the Industry Award. Eleaser Vasques was recognized as the 2024 Ranch Hand of the Year. The 2024 Cattlemen of the Year Awards were presented to Red Emmerson and Pete Scala, who hosted the tour of Shasta Springs Ranch.

Tim Nielsen, president of the Siskiyou County Cattlemen's Association, left, presents 2024 Cattlemen of the Year Awards to Red Emmerson and Pete Scala.

“It was a really fun, well-attended and fulfilling event – beautiful ranches, wonderful hosts and speakers, very deserving awardees and great weather,” Woodmansee said. “I was particularly thrilled to have so many young professionals working in ag and natural resources management in Siskiyou attend the tour including our new UCCE agronomy advisor, Jagdeep Singh.”

“UCCE Siskiyou is fortunate to have great partnerships with the Siskiyou Economic Development Council and the Shasta Valley Resource Conservation District, where several of these vibrant young professionals work. Many of whom are also farmers and ranchers. We're very proud of these partnerships and of our community.

Woodmansee posted many photos of the tour on the UCCE Siskiyou Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UCCESiskiyoucounty.

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