Drought Research and Current Publications
Given the extent, and severity of the current drought, we are interviewing livestock producers to learn more about the real impacts of this drought on their operations. We will conduct telephone surveys with ranchers to examine drought management strategies, economic and ecological impacts, and drought adaptation and recovery strategies resulting from one of our most severe droughts on record. >>More >>Get Flier
Rangeland livestock producers were among the first agricultural communities affected by California's worst drought in 500 years. Rancher surveys and in-person interviews identified key strategies for coping with and adapting to drought. In addition, web-based communication systems provided new tools for peer-to-peer learning, public education and extending knowledge to larger audiences. Insights from managers' experiences are important for adaptation planning to enhance resilience of rangeland social-ecological systems to climate stresses. >>Publication
• What the U.S. Drought Monitor means to you?
• How CA Ranchers are coping with the drought
• New feeding strategies for livestock in drought
• NOAA's forecast for the coming season
On November 7, 2014, we brought the U.S. Drought Monitor authors and the California State Climatologist to UC Davis to talk about 1) how the U.S. Drought monitor is updated weekly; and 2) how local expert knowledge, real time ranch impacts, and other relevant data can be used to inform the U.S Drought Monitor. We also shared new information on California Ranchers’ perceptions and experiences with drought, new livestock feeding strategies during drought, and seasonal weather forecasts for California.
The workshop was held on the UC Davis campus and webcast to the majority of participants at local satellite locations across California. Questions and comments from local satellite webcast locations were included throughout the workshop. >> More on webcast locations here