Historic structures reveal ranch
planning efforts by early generations.
Wooden plank bridges are common in the
mountain valleys. The planks and beams
used in late 1800-1900 barn and bridge
construction were milled locally and used by
early Swiss Italian farmers as they developed
their farms for dairy and hay production to
supply local mining and logging industries.
Large barns constructed of hand-hewn
timbers were used to house dairy herds and
horse teams, and store hay through the
tough Sierra Mountain winters. Some of the
majestic structures can still be seen on many
ranches today.
In the early 1900's ranch planning included
stockpiling supplies to carry man and
livestock through the snow-bound isolation of
the winter months.
Today ranch planning concerns have
advanced from hay, firewood and feed supply
stocking; and been replaced with land, water
and resource preservation issues.
Preservation of ranch lands, irrigation
water resources and the rural lifestyle
depends on the adaptability of ranch
families to negotiate new environmental
challenges, including agricultural water
quality .
Partnerships and peer support can make that
challenge easier.
planning efforts by early generations.
Wooden plank bridges are common in the
mountain valleys. The planks and beams
used in late 1800-1900 barn and bridge
construction were milled locally and used by
early Swiss Italian farmers as they developed
their farms for dairy and hay production to
supply local mining and logging industries.
Large barns constructed of hand-hewn
timbers were used to house dairy herds and
horse teams, and store hay through the
tough Sierra Mountain winters. Some of the
majestic structures can still be seen on many
ranches today.
In the early 1900's ranch planning included
stockpiling supplies to carry man and
livestock through the snow-bound isolation of
the winter months.
Today ranch planning concerns have
advanced from hay, firewood and feed supply
stocking; and been replaced with land, water
and resource preservation issues.
Preservation of ranch lands, irrigation
water resources and the rural lifestyle
depends on the adaptability of ranch
families to negotiate new environmental
challenges, including agricultural water
quality .
Partnerships and peer support can make that
challenge easier.
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" I don't have time to write it down "
This is an all-too-true statement for many agricultural operators. Ranchers and farmers in the upper feather
river watershed are familiar with the long hours and hard physical work required of the rural ranch lifestyle. The
"pre-dawn till dark-thirty" schedules of most farmers and ranchers leaves little time or energy for paperwork.
However general management plans are being implemented each day and each season . Many times
management plans are envisioned and followed without the aid of pencil and paper.
A cow-calf producer knows when his/her calving season will start because the target date was part of planning
bull turn-outs. Similarly, weaning dates, weaning weights, ship dates, sale price, slides, etc are all part of the
equation when making plans for the year. Also, pasture irrigation and livestock grazing schedules are done
with a general plan to capitalize resources and economic returns.
If you ask a hay grower when he/she will start irrigating - chances are the grower will confirm a farm-specific
traditional plan based on winter & spring precipitation, temperatures, and anticipated water allotments for the
season. Each grower has a basic plan for start dates for each cutting and cost estimates for fuel, parts, twine,
maintenance and labor to complete each harvest.
As we progress further into this age of computers and technology, agricultural business men and women have
at their disposal numerous aids to improve planning and record-keeping. In addition to new and specialized
equipment and GIS technology available to farmers; cattlemen have EPD's, source of origin, electronic ID, beef
checkoff, quality assurance, low stress livestock handling, etc. All of these are tools, for the farm and ranch
toolbox -- some new, some generation tested.
And, with the increased emphasis on environmental stewardship, it is now essential to include the
conservation and natural resource element in the farm and ranch planning process. Savvy producers know the
importance of including water and air quality in their farm and ranch planning. To be sure, the expectations are
high for the world's most efficient food and fiber producers. However, the hard working, innovative folks who
have chosen this line of work are no strangers to difficulties and challenges. They know how to pull on their
boots and gloves and "get 'er done" - - in the most adverse of circumstances!
Often times the biggest challenge is the paper-work and just getting started. Your goal can be small or
expansive for your ranch management and water quality planning endeavor. Our goal is to provide you access
to information and agencies that can help overcome hurdles in your efforts. We will provide sample plans and
templates to enable the time-strapped producer to begin the process of planning and documenting.
UC Davis California Rangelands website is a terrific resource for ranch and farm information developed
through research, field tests and partnerships with farmers & ranchers.
A Modular Plan for Ranch Water Quality Planning has been developed to help the agriculture producer initiate
the process of writing a ranch plan. The website provides a welcomed step-by-step guide that is easy to follow.
We encourage you to take a minute to check it out.
self assessment of your resources, a checklist and in little time you will have completed your ranch plan!
self assessment of your resources, a checklist and in little time you will have completed your ranch plan!
The Modular Plan for Ranch Water Quality Planning at the UC Davis website includes:
* Property Information
* Farm/Ranch Operations and Land Use
* Farm/Ranch Map
* Stocking Rate and Carrying Capacity
* Livestock Inventory
* Pasture/ Field Inventory
* Ranch Goals
Production Goals
Quality of Life Goals
Natural Resource/Water Quality Goals
* Resource/ Water Quality Self Assessments
* Grazing and Ranch Management Checklist
The complete form can be downloaded into an MS Word file or printed for a notebook copy to keep on your desk
as you begin work on your Ranch Plan.
* * * * * * *
The NRCS Natural Resource and Conservation Service has helped farmers and ranchers develop and
implement farm and resource planning since 1962. Many producers in our area have successfully used the
resources available to them through the local NRCS office in Quincy. Plumas and Sierra County producers can
contact Dan Martynn in Quincy at danmartynn@ca.usda.gov or 530-283-7511 to get more information.
The Sierra Valley RCD is another local resource agency that provides assistance to local landowners as they
develop resource conservation plans and begin implementation of management practices to enhance the
natural resources on their working lands. Contact Gabe Miller at gmiller@yahoo.com
The Feather River-CRM has completed numerous stream restoration projects in the Feather River Region.
These projects have benefited both public and private lands and improved watershed function by reducing
erosion and stabilizing stream beds and vegetation. For more information check their website link.
If you have any questions as you begin your ranch planning efforts please feel free to contact us. We will be
glad to assist you with forms or direct you to a resource group that can best assist with your project planning.
ufrw-group@ufrwg.org
Holly George hageorge@ucdavis.edu 530-283-6270
Carol Dobbas cdobbas@peoplepc.com 530-994-3057
Cindy Noble cnobull@earthlink.net 530-836-1014
| Ranch Management Planning Incorporating Resource Conservation and Water Quality Practices |
Farm and Ranch Management Planning
Like managers of any successful business, farm and ranch owners and
operators understand that setting goals and developing a plan to achieve
those goals is essential to the success of their agricultural business.
Got
Management Plan?
Management Plan?
Ranch Planning Links: UC Davis California Rangeland Getting Started Local Resource Conservation Agencies NRCS Sierra Valley RCD Feather River RCD Feather River CRM Agriculture Water Quality Topics: Best Management Practices Sediment Management Buffer Zones & Vegetated Ditches Tailwater Management to reduce E.coli |
Copyright 2010 by Upper Feather River Watershed Group
Creek fencing and livestock crossings aid in
accomplishing ranch water quality objectives.
accomplishing ranch water quality objectives.
Old Cavet Ranch Barn in Sierra Valley
February 2008
February 2008
| Upper Feather River Watershed Group PO Box 975 Loyalton, Ca 96118 Plumas and Sierra Counties |
UFRWG
Agriculture Stakeholders
for water resource stewardship
Agriculture Stakeholders
for water resource stewardship
| Farm & Ranch Plans |
