Rangeland is described as land on which the native vegetation is mostly grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, shrubs, and trees.   Existing vegetation can include both native and introduced plants.  Management of rangeland is done primarily by grazing (by both domestic livestock and wildlife) with fire and weather conditions factored in.  Rangelands include grasslands, forest lands, savannas, shrublands, deserts, tundra, marshes, and meadows.

The people at Nevada County Farm Supply and Peaceful Valley Farm Supply have seed mixes available that are geared toward growing grasses in our foothills area.  Both stores have knowledgeable staff to speak with if you are uncertain which type of seed mix you need.

Range management is about more than simply growing grass for your livestock.  Below are some articles, published papers, and documents to help you conserve your natural resources and keep your land healthy.

Helpful Links

Annual Range Forage Production

Annual Rangeland Forage Quality

The Benefits of Grazing

California Guidelines for RDM Management on Coastal and Foothill Annual Rangelands

California and Nevada Rangeland Health Standards and Guidelines

The California Rangeland Resolution

Economics and Feed Values of Various Harvest and Storage Protocols

Estimating the Cost of Replacing Forage Losses on Annual Rangeland

Grazing and Land Management Strategies for Hardwood Rangelands

Intensive Grazing Increases Beef Production

Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health

Livestock and Grazing Management in California’s Hardwood Rangelands

Photo Monitoring for Better Land Use

Placing Livestock Without the Aid of Fences

Timing, Frequency of Sampling Affect Accuracy of Water-Quality Monitoring

UCCE Helps Bring Cattle Grazing Back to the Bay

Water for Wildlife – A Handbook for Ranchers and Range Managers

Working Trees for Livestock – Agroforestry