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CapitalPress.com
January 19, 2018
People & Places
Promoting sustainable ranching
Tracy Schohr puts
her background
to work to help
livestock industry
Established 1928
Board of directors
Mike Forrester
Steve Forrester
Kathryn Brown
Susan Rana
Mike Omeg
Corporate Officer
Heidi Wright
Chief Operating Officer
Western
Innovator
By TIM HEARDEN
For the Capital Press
CHICO, Calif. — Tracy
Schohr has devoted much of
her career to promoting sus-
tainability in ranching.
While at the California
Cattlemen’s Association, she
put on an annual “rangeland
summit” that brought ranch-
ers together with environmen-
tal experts and climate change
policymakers.
She also worked on a pro-
gram to limit ranchers’ risk of
facing Endangered Species
Act violations if they created
habitat on their land.
After going back to school
to earn her master’s degree
at the University of Califor-
nia-Davis, Schohr has become
a UC Cooperative Extension
livestock and natural resourc-
es adviser based in Plumas,
Sierra and Butte counties.
“At CCA, I realized that
science was really where it’s
at,” said Schohr, 34, noting
that science is the basis not
only for regulations but for
solutions.
“It’s exciting and chal-
lenging at the same time,”
she said. “Agriculture does a
lot of great things but is really
bad at telling the story ... of
all that ranchers do for natural
resources and caring for live-
stock.”
In her role, she will con-
duct education programs and
research focusing on livestock
production and sustainable
range and pasture manage-
ment, according to a news
release.
She has plenty of experi-
ence as a farmer and rancher,
growing up on a farm in Grid-
ley, Calif., that still produces
walnuts, rice and cattle. She
is a managing partner for
Schohr Ranch, handling tasks
related to livestock produc-
tion, accounting, equipment
operation, human resources
and marketing.
Capital Press
Capital Press Managers
Joe Beach ..................Editor & Publisher
Elizabeth Yutzie Sell .... Advertising Director
Carl Sampson ................Managing Editor
Tracy Schohr
Occupation: Farmer and
rancher; University of Cali-
fornia Cooperative Exten-
sion livestock and natural
resources adviser
Jessica Boone ........ Production Manager
Samantha McLaren .... Circulation Manager
Entire contents copyright © 2018
EO Media Group
dba Capital Press
Age: 34
Hometown: Gridley, Calif.
Family: Significant other
Ryan Imbach; son Colton
Website: ucce-plumas-sier-
ra.ucanr.edu/
Tim Hearden/For the Capital Press
Tracy Schohr, a former California Cattlemen’s Association staffer, recently took over as a University of
California Cooperative Extension livestock and natural resources adviser based in Quincy, Calif.
“I think it provides a
unique opportunity for me” to
know what other farmers have
to go through to cope with
regulations and other hurdles,
Schohr said.
Having earned her bach-
elor’s degree in agricultural
business from California State
University-Chico,
Schohr
went to work for the CCA in
2004, serving for two years as
director of industry affairs.
In 2006, she became direc-
tor of rangeland conservation
for the California Rangeland
Conservation Coalition, a
collaborative effort to get
agriculture and environmen-
tal groups and government
agencies to promote working
rangelands as a tool for caring
for the environment.
The coalition’s 101 part-
ners ranged from county su-
pervisors and conservation
districts to green groups such
as the Nature Conservancy.
The CCA and the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service com-
bined to fund the position held
by Schohr, who worked out of
the CCA office.
Formed in 2005, the orga-
nization sponsors the annual
Rangeland Summit, which
enables ranchers, land manag-
ers, agency officials and con-
servationists to learn about
cooperative
conservation,
research results and working
landscapes.
Among its other initia-
tives, the coalition worked
with Fish and Wildlife to set
up so-called “safe harbor
agreements” that would shield
private landowners from vio-
lations of the Endangered
Species Act if they made hab-
itat improvements on their
properties.
“There was discussion with
the leadership and the officers
at the time about trying to de-
velop a greater recognition
about how grazing fit in with
natural resources,” Schohr
said. “It really mirrored what
the rice industry had done to
change the perception of that
industry.”
But the CCA withdrew its
support for one such agree-
ment in Northern California
in 2010 after receiving push-
back from some members
concerned about the deal’s
impact on non-participating
neighboring landowners.
Many farmers and ranch-
ers have shown more willing-
ness to work with agencies
and environmental groups in
recent years, perhaps spurred
on by the severity of the re-
cent drought.
In Siskiyou County, for in-
stance, customers of the Scott
Valley Irrigation District ob-
tained a permit to divert high
winter flows and apply them
to alfalfa fields to help with
groundwater recharge.
“I think you can learn a
lot of lessons with challeng-
es,” Schohr said. “I think rec-
ognizing that all of ag isn’t
the same is one. Also, when
you’re working with ranch-
ers, two-way communication
is key. That’s something I’m
taking into my new position.”
While in Davis, Schohr
worked in the Department of
Plant Sciences from 2012 to
2014, where she helped with
research projects related to
irrigated pasture, mountain
meadows, livestock preda-
tion, annual rangelands and
invasive species.
For two years before join-
ing the UCCE, Schohr was a
farmer outreach specialist for
K-COE Isom, a national agri-
cultural accounting and con-
sulting firm.
As a UCCE livestock
and natural resources advis-
er based in Quincy, Calif.,
Schohr said she plans to sit
down with area ranchers and
“develop a short-term and
long-term vision.”
She’ll be conducting a
Beef Quality Assurance train-
ing session in Quincy and
Loyalton, Calif., on Jan. 19-
20.
Schohr said she’s bringing
three “key visions” into her
new job.
“For one, I will be a re-
source for ranchers in the area
(navigating) regulations and
policies,” she said, noting that
she could let producers know
who to contact for predator in-
vestigations.
Secondly, her research will
focus on helping ranches re-
main economically successful
while also educating those in
other fields about the impor-
tance of ranching to the over-
all economy, she said.
And finally, Schohr will be
part of a broader network of
UC researchers and special-
ists who are already making
a difference for ranchers, she
said.
Being a fourth-generation
rancher whose family sum-
mered cattle up on the Sutter
Buttes when she was a child
will help her relate to produc-
ers and give her a valuable
perspective on research, she
said.
“It gives me a good under-
standing when we’re looking
at developing research ... to
recognize how the research
fits into the broader world,
how it fits in economically
and making sure the research
being done is of value to pro-
ducers,” she said.
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Washington FFA member chosen
for range management forum
QUINCY, Wash. — Erin
Brisbine, a senior FFA mem-
ber at Quincy High School,
has been selected by the Pacific
Northwest Section of the Soci-
ety of Range Management to
participate in the High School
Youth Forum at the society’s
annual meeting.
This year’s meeting is Jan.
28-Feb. 1 in Sparks, Nev. The
meeting theme is “Empow-
erment through Applied Sci-
ence.”
The SRM is an internation-
al organization that strives to
promote public awareness of
the importance of sound man-
agement and use of rangeland,
the world’s largest land base,
according to an FFA press re-
lease. In 1966 the SRM recog-
nized the need to involve youth
in the range-related activities
and education provided at the
annual meeting.
Since that time, the youth
Calendar
forum has been
a highlight of
the meetings.
High school del-
egates are cho-
sen by each of
the 21 individ-
Erin
ual sections of
Brisbine
the parent soci-
ety throughout
the U.S., Canada and Mexico
based on their degree of inter-
est in the range and natural re-
sources field
For further information re-
garding the Society for Range
Management log onto www.
rangelands.com.
For more information
about the High School Youth
Forum contact Barron S. Rec-
tor, co-chairman of the HSYF
subcommittee, at the Exten-
sion Ecosystem Science and
Management Office at Texas
A&M University, College
Station, Texas.
Sponsored by:
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home page of our website at www.
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mit an Event.” Calendar items can
also be mailed to Capital Press,
1400 Broadway St. NE, Salem, OR
97301 or emailed to newsroom@
capitalpress.com. Write “Calendar”
in the subject line.
Friday, Jan. 19
SAIF Agri-Business Banquet.
6-9 p.m. Salem Convention Center,
200 Commercial St. SE, Salem,
Ore. The SAIF Agri-Business Ban-
quet is a celebration of the agricul-
tural community and its impact on
the mid-Willamette Valley. Website:
https://salemchamber.org/
Through Saturday
Jan. 20
Cascadia Grains Conference,
8 a.m.-8 p.m. South Puget Sound
Community College, 2011 Mott-
man Road SW, Olympia, Wash.
Saturday features a full conference
focusing on growing grains in West-
ern Washington. Website: https://
cascadiagrains.com/
Saturday, Jan. 20
14th Annual Cattleman’s Work-
shop. 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. Blue Mountain
Conference Center, 404 12th St., La
Grande, Ore. This year’s agenda
includes presentations on the impor-
tance of quality beef programs, how
retailers add value to beef, an update
on the Pacific Rim beef market, the
use of genomic-enhanced EPDs to
improve beef quality and the 2016 na-
tional beef quality audit. The program,
is free. Lunch is included. No pre-reg-
istration is required. Website: http://
oregonstate.edu/dept/eoarcunion/
Sheep Producer Workshop —
Small Flocks. Flying Mule Farm,
11515 Joeger Road, Auburn, Calif.
This is the small flock version of the
workshop presented by the California
Five vie for Oregon Dairy Princess-Ambassador
drawal from bank or credit card account)
SALEM, Ore. — There
are speeches to prepare,
scrapbooks to finish and cur-
rent events to brush up on as
five young women prepare
for the 2018 Oregon Dairy
Princess-Ambassador con-
test later this month.
Hosted by the Oregon
Dairy Women, the 59th an-
nual coronation banquet will
take place Saturday, Jan. 27, at
the Salem Convention Center,
according to a press release
from the organization.
2017 Oregon Dairy Prin-
cess-Ambassador, Kiara Sin-
gle, will close her year rep-
resenting the dairy industry
and will crown her successor,
who will be responsible for
continuing the legacy of pro-
motion of dairy products.
For the past year, these
five representatives have
represented their counties,
promoting dairy products,
educating the public about
nutrition and enlightening
2 years U.S. .................................$89.99
1 year Canada .................................$275
1 year other countries ......... call for quote
1 year Internet only .......................$49.99
1 year 4-H, FFA students and teachers ....$30
9 months 4-H, FFA students & teachers .....$25
Visa and Mastercard accepted
Oregon Dairy Women
The five county representatives stand with 2017 Oregon Dairy
Princess-Ambassador Kiara Single, far left, on the steps of the
Oregon State Capitol. From left to right are Rachel Jenck of Til-
lamook County, Stephanie Breazile of Linn and Benton counties,
Jessica Monroe of Yamhill County, Megan Sprute of Washington
County and Donata Doornenbal of Marion County.
their communities about life
on a dairy farm.
The finalists are Stephanie
Breazile of Linn and Benton
counties, Donata Doornenbal
of Marion County, Rachel
Jenck of Tillamook, Megan
Sprute of Washington County
and Jessica Monroe of Yam-
hill County.
The contestants will partic-
ipate in three days of speeches
and interviews. The winner
will be crowned at the conclu-
sion of Saturday’s banquet.
Tickets for the event
should be ordered by Jan. 22
from the Oregon Dairy Wom-
en by calling (503) 357-9152
or visiting oregondairywom-
en.com/events. No tickets will
be sold at the door. Tickets are
$50 per person and must be
paid in advance.
GASES / WELDING / SAFETY / FIRE
www.oxarc.com
Wool Growers Association on improv-
ing lamb marketing and quality. To
register contact info@woolgrowers.
org, (916) 444-8122.
Tuesday-Thursday
Jan. 23-25
Washington-Oregon
Potato
Conference. Three Rivers Conven-
tion Center, 7016 W Grandridge
Blvd., Kennewick, Wash. Topics
range from cultivar performance to
workshops on a variety of topics.
Website: http://www.potatoconfer-
ence.com/index.html
FSPCA Preventive Controls
for Human Food. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Riverside Hotel, 2900 W. Chin-
den Blvd., Boise. Food Safety
Specialist and Assistant Profes-
sor Jeff Kronenberg of TechHelp
and the University of Idaho will
host a 2.5 Day FSPCA Preventive
Controls for Human Food Course
Jan. 23-25 in Boise. Cost: $725.
1 year U.S. ...................................$49.99
20 Northwest Locations
Website: http://www.techhelp.org/
events/385/fspcaboise2018/
Wednesday-Saturday
Jan. 24-27
EcoFarm Conference. Asilomar
Conference Grounds, 800 Asilomar
Ave., Pacific Grove, Calif. The Eco-
logical Farming Association (Eco-
Farm) presents the 38th annual Eco-
Farm Conference. Featuring over
70 workshops, intensives, keynote
speakers, an exhibitor marketplace,
seed swap, live entertainment, mix-
ers and organic culinary fare. To
learn more and to register, visit www.
eco-farm.org/conference.
1-800-765-9055
Feb. 6 is Starting a Farm Stand/Agri-
tourism Operation. Website: http://bit.
ly/JacksonSmallFarms
Tuesday-Thursday
Feb. 6-8
Spokane Ag Expo and Pacif-
ic Northwest Farm Forum. 9 a.m.
Spokane Convention Center, 334 W
Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, Pre-
sentations on the weather, ag econ-
omy and the farm bill will be featured
in addition to a full slate of workshops
and the large display of equipment.
An FFA presentation and career fair
will be offered. Website: www.ag-
show.org
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Friday, Feb. 16
Developing or Expanding Your
Farm Stand or Agritourism Operation,
Part 2. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. OSU Extension,
Auditorium, SOREC, 569 Hanley
Road, Central Point, Ore. Are you in-
terested in developing or expanding a
farm stand or agritourism operation?
Pesticide-free Strategies for the
Landscape Professional. 9 a.m.-5
p.m. Oregon City Pioneer Communi-
ty Center, 615 Fifth St., Oregon City,
Ore. Field session March 14. Cost:
$50 http://www.pesticide.org/healthy_
landscape_workshop
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Index
Dairy .....................................11
Markets ............................... 13
Opinion .................................. 6
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