This is the second in a series of blog posts to highlight individuals within the UC Cooperative Extension (CE) working to bring science-based solutions to challenges facing rangeland stakeholders. This post features 7 county-based CE Advisors in Central California.
Find a local UCCE range professional here!
County-based Central California CE Advisors listed from North to South…
Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and San Francisco: Sheila Barry, Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor
Contact: (408) 282-3106 ● sbarry@ucanr.edu ● 1553 Berger Dr., San Jose
Highlight: Promoting an understanding of beef production and the value of cattle grazing and the ecosystem services it provides to an urban public.
Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties: Theresa Becchetti, Livestock and Natural Resource Advisor
Contact: (209) 525-6800 ● tabecchetti@ucanr.edu ● 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto
Highlight: Investigating practical management options for a variety of invasive species on rangelands, including Medusahead.
El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne: Scott Oneto, Agriculture and Natural Resources Advisor
Contact: (209) 223-6834 ● sroneto@ucanr.edu ● 12200B Airport Rd., Jackson
Highlight: Developing chemical control strategies for the invasive weed – oblong spurge (Euphorbia oblongata).
Mariposa, Merced, and Madera: Fadzayi Mashiri, Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor
Contact: (209) 626-9449 ● fmashiri@ucanr.edu ● 5009 Fairgrounds Rd., Mariposa
Highlight: Comparing the effects of different spring and fall application rates of Aminopyralid (Milestone) on medusahead.
San Benito, Monterey, and Santa Cruz: Devii Rao, Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor
Contact: (831) 637-5346 x 14 ● drorao@ucanr.edu ● 3228 Southside Rd., Hollister
Highlight: Setting up forage production plots across counties to understand how forage production changes between years and across regions.
Monterey and San Luis Obispo: Royce Larsen, Watershed and Natural Resource Advisor
Contact: (805) 434-4106 ● relarsen@ucanr.edu ● 350 North Main St., Templeton
Highlight: Created the Rancher Sustainability Self-Assessment Project – a voluntary self-assessment of all aspects of livestock operations to ensure the sustainability of production, lands and families.
Kern, Tulare, and Kings: Julie Finzel, Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor
Contact: (661) 868-6219 ● jafinzel@ucanr.edu ● 1031 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., Bakersfield
Highlight: Working on a project that will quantify the economic impact mountain lions have on livestock production.