8 research outputs found

    Sustaining multifunctional working rangelands: Social, economic, and ecological insights into rancher decision-making

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    Rangeland ecosystems encompass diverse global land resources. Rangelands used for grazing are often complex coupled human and natural systems from which society demands both goods (e.g., livestock and forage production) and services (e.g., abundant and high quality water). In California, rangelands cover approximately 60% of the state (approximately 23.1 million hectares), and are often at the nexus of wildland, agricultural, and urban landscapes. Based on a mail survey of 507 California ranchers, we characterize individual and operation demographics, agricultural production and ecosystem service goals, and the in-place management practices shaping California's rangeland systems. Here, we highlight the social-economic-ecological factors driving ranch management decision making, and suggest policy recommendations and outreach strategies to conserve these multifunctional landscapes

    Impacts from Wildfires on Livestock Health and Production: Producer Perspectives

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    Wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity across the Western United States. However, there is limited information available on the impacts these fires are having on the livelihood of livestock producers and their animals. This work presents the results of a survey evaluating the direct and indirect impacts of the 2020 wildfire season on beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, and goat, producers in California, Oregon, and Nevada. Seventy completed surveys were collected between May and July 2021. While dairy producers reported no direct impacts from the fires, beef, sheep, and goat producers were impacted by evacuations and pasture lost to fires. Only beef producers reported losses due to burns and burn-associated deaths or euthanasia. Dairy, beef, sheep, and goat producers observed reduced conception, poor weight gain, and drops in milk production. All but dairy producers also observed pneumonia. Lower birthweights, increased abortion rates, and unexplained deaths were reported in beef cattle, sheep, and goats. This work documents the wide-ranging impacts of wildfires on livestock producers and highlights the need for additional work defining the health impacts of fire and smoke exposure in livestock, as well as the policy changes needed to support producers experiencing direct and indirect losses
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