Many people think sheep and goats are for the country. But with the greater understanding of how livestock improve and maintain landscapes, more and more cities are clammering to get some four-footed help. This important topic will be part of HMI's California Gathering.
Rob Rutherford will share his experience and knowledge about using livestock in urban areas. Rob is a graduate of UC Davis with a Bachelor of Science and Standard Secondary Teaching Credential for Ag Education and a Master of Science in Agriculture at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). He retired after serving for 39 years as a Professor of Animal Science at Cal Poly. Within that position, as well as teaching and advising students, he was charged with managing the sheep operations on campus, which entails grazing management in order to enhance resource function and productivity.
Livestock on the Urban Interface –
Innovative Uses of Holistic Management to Benefit Urban Communities
Rob will be sharing stories and moderating a panel of how people who own livestock, mostly sheep and goats, enter into agreements to use their animals to manage vegetation near urban and suburban properties. Normally, the financial agreement seems relatively easy to manage. The ecological outcomes might require some additional understanding beyond what these livestock managers might need on their own properties. However, quite often, the stumbling block for successful businesses in these circumstances occurs because of a breakdown in communications – the people side of the equation. Whether it be dealing with homeless persons living in the area to be managed, extremely high value properties with high net worth owners, owners who are not living at the properties both public and private, and many more. The purpose of this panel is to shed light on some different vegetation management circumstances and the tactics used to mitigate the social side of the three legged stool.
If you are either a producer or land owner who would like more information about this timely topic, come to HMI's California Gathering.
will offer thought-provoking presentations and breakout sessions on various
interests. Local food security, land health, strengthening our communities and nourishing our bodies all included! We have something for everyone, so come learn from the experts! Many of our acclaimed speakers are celebrated throughout the world. Our special keynote speaker, “America’s Most Famous Farmer” himself,
, will be sure to inspire us all. We’ll also enjoy beautiful landscapes, farm-fresh food and be on the land with the animals.