Agriculture briefs
Published: Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 4:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 5:15 p.m.
Wine Country Sheepdog Trial coming March 15
Sheep dogs and their handlers from around the United States and Canada will compete March 15-17 at the Sonoma Wine Country Sheepdog Trial.
The dogs will compete from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Oak Springs Ranch, 2455 Calistoga Road near Santa Rosa.
The dogs are judged on how well they handle themselves and the sheep they move around a set course. The event tests the skills of handlers and dogs against animals who sometimes resist going where directed.
The event will take place rain or shine.
Visitors are welcome and encouraged to bring their own portable chairs. The cost is $5 for adults and $1 for children, with proceeds benefitting the Healdsburg High FFA program.
Beef cattle update coming Feb. 24
Cattle producers can hear university and other experts at a “Beef Cattle Update” on Feb. 24 sponsored by the Sonoma & Marin Cattlemen’s Association and the UC Cooperative Extension.
The speakers will include David Patterson, a reproduction and beef cow management specialist from the University of Missouri; Allison Van Eenennaam, a biotechnology specialist with the UC Cooperative Extension, and Gene Harlan of the Cotati Large Animal Hospital.
The event will be begin at noon with a luncheon at Oak Ridge Angus Ranch, 13520 Highway 128, Calistoga.
Reservations are requested by Feb. 21 and can be made by calling Bonnie at the UC Cooperative Extension office, 565-2621.
California farmers donate 10 million pounds of food
California farms and ranches led the nation last year by donating more than 10 million pounds of food to needy families.
The effort was led by the state Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program. Throughout the year its members participated in gleaning and collection activities in cooperation with farms, processors and packinghouses. The food was brought to food banks for distribution.
California ranked first among the 21 state farm bureaus that took part in Harvest For All. The national program last year raised more than 24 million pounds of food and $971,000 in donations.
The program was launched in 2003 as a partnership between the American Farm Bureau Federation and Feeding America. Since then Harvest for All has collected enough food and cash to provide more than 83 million meals.
— Compiled by Robert Digitale. Submit items to robert.digitale@pressdemocrat.com
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