Researcher Spotlights

Laura Snell

Laura Snell is the County Director and a Livestock & Natural Resources Advisor for Modoc County. She conducts research at Intermountain REC.

What led you to become a livestock and natural resources advisor?

I was a long-time 4-Her and my family utilized Cooperative Extension often as I was growing up. This career was a great fit to conduct research and work with the public – two things I’m very passionate about. I came from Iowa to California for this position.

What brought your work to Intermountain REC?

Our project is under a special research exemption through the regional water board and IREC was a perfect location to abide by some of the strict rules we needed to operate within. IREC is a convenient location for producers, regulators, and UCCE staff to work on this project and they have employee help available to help supplement our project too.

What do you hope to learn from your research at Intermountain REC?

We hope to show that livestock mortality composting is a viable solution to livestock mortality on California ranches. California is the only state in the country that currently doesn’t allow mammalian tissue composting. Check out this blog for some more details: https://www.devilsgardenucce.org/post/livestock-mortality-composting.

What is your favorite part about conducting your research at Intermountain REC?

IREC has great employees to help us with our research. This project in particular is quite different than what they are used to but are always willing to help.

What is your favorite animal and why?

I really love elephants. They are family animals with grazing and browsing influence on vast grassland ecosystems. They require unique management to coexist with other land uses.