UC Cooperative Extension Livestock & Range Info for Mendocino & Lake

08/13/2026

CRARS is accepting applications from farms and ranches in select California counties for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Selected producers will receive free, one-on-one technical assistance to plan on-farm projects that improve soil health, water retention, nutrient cycling, erosion control, pollinator and wildlife habitat, and the long-term productivity and resilience of their operations. Participants may also receive assistance applying for NRCS financial assistance to help cover eligible project implementation costs. Applications are due August 31, 2026. Contacte a [email protected] with questions.

Apply for Technical Assistance from CRARS by Aug 31>>
https://form.jotform.com/261545611994161

07/23/2026

Join Lake County producers, agricultural professionals, conservation partners and community members for a collaborative discussion on the future of Lake County Agriculture next week Tuesday July 28, 9AM-12PM in Lakeport. Lunch included!

To RSVP: https://forms.gle/egVmq1q87CazGZnn8

07/07/2026

Register now for our next livestock Virtual Fence workshop at Hopland REC. Friday, August 14, 9AM-12PM. More details and registration: https://ucanr.edu/rec/hopland-research-and-extension-center/event/virtfence

06/05/2026

On June 3, 2026, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of New World Screwworm in Zavala County, Texas. The affected animal is a 3-week-old calf and larvae were identified in its umbilical area. This is the first confirmed detection of NWS in animals in the continental United States since the parasite was eradicated from the U.S. At this time, there are NO confirmed detections of New World Screwworm in California. CDFA is coordinating closely with USDA APHIS and neighboring state animal health officials to monitor the situation. All California livestock operations are encouraged to maintain vigilance.

For reliable information about New World Screwworm go to screwworm.gov and for California specific resources go to https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/screwworm/

CURRENT IMPORT REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER CALIFORNIA FROM THE INFECTED ZONE
Consistent with the USDA NWS Continuity of Business Plan and Playbook, the Following Import Requirements Apply to Livestock Coming From an NWS-Infested Zone (Interstate to California)
•Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (iCVI) that includes the statement: “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.”
•California entry permit must be requested from CDFA at least 48-72 hours before movement, and the permit number must appear on the iCVI.
•Animals must be individually inspected for NWS within 5 days of movement by an authorized inspector (currently this includes accredited veterinarians or regulatory officials).
•Animals must receive a treatment effective against NWS by the movement date.
•Animals must have official individual identification and originate from a premises with a validated Premises Identification Number (PIN).
•Treatment is not required for animals going directly to slaughter within 72 hours of an inspection.

04/16/2026

Want to learn more about virtual fencing for livestock? Join a free workshop at Hopland REC on May 8. More details and registration: https://ucanr.edu/rec/hopland-research-and-extension-center/event/virtfence

06/13/2024

The flier below has a link to learn more about our UCCE Programs in Mendocino & Lake Counties through a needs assessment survey and will provide us with updated contact information so we can keep you informed of workshops, schedule farm, forest or ranch visits by our specialty advisors. It's very important for us to hear from you what topics or programs you're interested in so we can plan. Thanks in advance for filling out the survey!

02/11/2023

https://youtu.be/mANMw7nFYIQ

Great video by several people I admire. Temple Gradin, who I’ve had the pleasure to follow her research and seen her at professional meetings and Stephany Wilkes, who had gone through 3 of my sheep shearing schools. The video tells the story! Highly recommended!

Directed by Jody Shapiro, this compelling 12-minute film showcases the beautiful dance between sheep and shearer, the importance of sheep shearing to the hea...

02/09/2023

Here's a picture of students from the 2020 pre-Covid Shearing School. Make sure you get on the interest survey before Saturday February 11th!!!

02/09/2023

2023 Shearing School is on!!! Important Notice: Due to extreme weather the dates have changed to April 10 - 14, 2023. Wet sheep can't be shorn!

It will be located once again at the Twinning Barn near Ukiah. We will limit the class size to 28 students and we will have 5 instructors including me. The cost is $850 and is not refundable for partial participation. California residents will receive priority and local Mendocino and Lake County students can apply for a scholarship to attend.

We only have about 6 slots still open. The direct link to registration and payment is: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=40112.

01/07/2022

Wool Council Offers Shearer-Mentor Grants

The American Sheep Industry Association Wool Council has developed a new grant totaling $15,000 with the goal of helping develop beginner and intermediate shearers and keeping them in the industry.

The grant is open to developing shearers and their mentors (those who are helping train them). Developing shearers will receive $500 at the beginning of the program to help them with equipment and/or to supplement their work when they are shearing a low number of head each day.

Developing shearers will then receive $1,000 upon completion of the program, which includes sending videos of their progress and a written summary. Mentors will receive $1,500 upon completion, which includes a written summary and documentation of how they assisted the developing shearer.

Applications must be submitted by Jan. 15.

Go here for the application.