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Stephanie Larson PhD

County Director and Livestock Range Management Advisor
UC Cooperative Extension
133 Aviation Boulevard
Suite 109
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2894
(707) 565-2621
slarson@ucanr.edu Create VCard

Also in:
Marin County

Biography

Stephanie Larson is Director of University of California Cooperative Extension, Sonoma County.  In this position, she directs all research and extension programs in Sonoma County. In addition, she is the Livestock and Range Management Advisor, conducting education and research to integrate dairy and livestock production with rangeland management in Sonoma and Marin Counties, helping local producers to improve production and marketing. She is developing economic models to document the benefits of local agriculture to the region.

 

Stephanie leads the effort to increase “agritourism” in Sonoma County, working closely with Sonoma County Tourism. Her efforts are bringing more economic opportunities to local agriculture producers, making their operations more sustainable and economically viable.

Her program integrates ecosystem services provided by rangelands and highlight the benefits of using grazing animals as tools to manage local landscapes. As a certified rangeland manager, she works with land managers helping them to sound ecologic decisions about managing working landscapes for the benefit of all users.

 

Her program also focuses on local food systems and increasing access to both land and markets for agricultural producers. She is currently the principle investigator for the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher program, which is training “Agropreneurs” to increase food production throughout a five county region. She is working to develop an incubator farm that will provide opportunities for these beginners to learn their skills and increase local food access.

Education

Ph.D. Rangeland Ecology & Management, Oregon State University. 2010

Specialty

Sheep management and production, fiber production, rangeland and natural resource management, water quality

Areas of Expertise (click to see all ANR academics with this expertise)

Bibliography

Peer Reviewed

  • Larson-Praplan, S.; George, M., et al. (2015). "Spatial and temporal domains of scale of grazing cattle." Animal Production Science (Accepted October 2014)
  • Larson-Praplan, S.; George, M.R., et al. (2015). "Spatial and temporal domains of scale of grazing cattle." Animal Production Science 55: 284-297.
  • Larson, S.; Barry, S., et al. (2015). "Understanding Working Rangelands: Bay Area Ranching Heritage: A Continuing Legacy." ANR Publication(8528): 5.
  • Larson, S.; Barry, S., et al. (2015). "Understanding Working Rangelands: Caring for Cattle and Sheep to Provide Safe and Wholesome Meat." ANR Publication(8530): 9.
  • Larson, S.; Barry, S., et al. (2015). "Understanding Working Rangelands: Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and Horses: What's the Difference for Working Rangelands." ANR Publication(8524): 7.
  • Larson, S.; Barry, S., et al. (2015). "Understanding Working Rangelands: Cows Need Water, Too: Water Sources, Wetlands, and Riparian Areas." ANR Publication(8525): 5.
  • Larson, S.; Barry, S., et al. (2015). "Understanding Working Rangelands: Grazing Systems Management." ANR Publication(8529): 6.
  • Larson, S.; Barry, S., et al. (2015). "Understanding Working Rangelands: Sharing Open Space: What to Expect from Grazing Livestock." ANR Publication(8528): 5.
  • Larson, S.; Barry, S., et al. (2015). "Understanding Working Rangelands: The Benefits of Livestock Grazing California's Annual Grasslands." ANR Publication(8517): 7.
  • Larson-Praplan, S. (2014). "History of Rangeland Management in California." Rangelands (Accepted August 2014) 36(5): 11-17.
  • Melvin, G.; Larson-Praplan, S., et al. (2013). "Grazing Nassella: Maintaining Purple Needlegrass in a Sea of Aggressive Annuals." Rangelands 35(2): 1-5.
  • Forero, L.; Nader, G., et al. (2013). Niche Beef Production. UC ANR 8000 Series. http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/pdf/8500.pdf
  • George, M.; Larson-Praplan, S., et al. (2011). "California’s Rangeland Water Quality Management Plan: An Update. Rangelands." 33(1): 20-24.
  • Daley, C.; Abbott, A., et al. (2010). "A review of fatty acid profiles and antioxidant content in grass-fed and grain-fed beef." Nutrition Journal 9: 10.
  • Davy, J.; Forero, L., et al. (2010). Goat for Meat Production. UC Davis Cost Study. UCCE. GT-NC-10.
  • George, H.; Barry, S., et al. (2006). "Comparison of Comparative Yield and Stubble Height for Estimating Herbage Standing Crop in Annual Rangelands." Journal of Rangeland Ecology and Management 59: 438-441.
  • Larson, S. (2006). The Marin County Predator Management Program: Will it Save the Sheep Industry? 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference.
  • Larson, S.; Smith, K., et al. (2005). "Evaluation of California’s Rangeland Water Quality Education Program." Journal of Rangeland Ecology & Management 58(5): 514-522.
  • Larson, S.; Van Eenennaam, A. (2005). Livestock Identification #2 in a series for producers- Obtaining a premises identification number in California. http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/AnimalID/FactSheets/FS2.pdf
  • Larson, S.; Thompson, C., et al. (2004). Cow-calf/Grass fed beef operation cost study. UCCE Davis. BF-NC-04.
  • Lennox, M.; Lewis, D., et al. (2004). Riparian Revegetation Evaluation in North Coastal California. AWRA’s 2004 Summer Specialty Conference “Riparian Ecosystems and Buffers: Multi-Scale Structure, Function, and Management", Middleburg, Virginia, American Water Resources Association.
  • George, M.; Harper, J., et al. (1998). Implementing California’s Rangeland Water Quality Management Plan: Ranch Water Quality Management Planning Short Courses for rangeland owners. AWRA Specialty Conference, Rangeland Mgmt and Water Resources.D. Potts. Herndon, VA, American Water Resources Association. TPS-98-1, 299.
  • Glimp, H.; Havercamp, M., et al. (1998). "The Role of Animal Science in Natural Resource Management: Current Decision Making Models and Future Needs." Journal of Animal Science 76: 948-953.
  • Larson, S.; Pratt, D. (1989). Determining the Value of Leases for Annual Rangeland. UCCE publication leaflet. 21456.
  • Larson, S.; Clawson, W. (1988). Developing Grazing Leases for Annual Grasses. UCCE publication leaflet. 21424.

Non-Peer Reviewed

  • Larson, S.; Barry, S. (2015). Promoting an Understanding of Beef Production and Value of Cattle Grazing and the Ecosystem Services it Provides to an Urban Public. Berlin, Germany. August 27-30.
  • Doran, M.; Larson, S., et al. (2015). Rangeland and Pasture Management for Outdoor Hog Production. October.
  • Brownsey, P.; Barry, S., et al. (2015). Using Multi-State Modeling to Describe Optimal Treatment Windows for Medusahead and Barbed Goatgrass. Sacramento, CA. February.
  • Larson, S.; Barry, S., et al. (2013). Develop and Document Opportunities for Ecosystem Services on Californi Rangelands. A Community on Ecosystem Services (ACES). December 2013.
  • Becchetti, T.; Barry, S., et al. (2013). Ecosystem Payments - Considering Lost Opportunities. 8th Annual Rangeland Summit. Davis, CA. January 2013.
  • Becchetti, T.; Barry, S., et al. (2013). Ecosystem Payments - Considering Lost Opportunities. Ontario, CA. April 2013.
  • Larson, S. (2012). AGRopreneurship - Beginning Farmers & Rancher Development Program. BFRDP (Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program) Principle Investigator Meeting. Rochester, MN.
  • Larson, S.; Barry, S., et al. (2012). Best Management Practices on Rangelands to Influence Ecosystem Services. Society for Range Management Annual Meeting Abstracts, Spokane WA.
  • Becchetti, T.; Barry, S., et al. (2012). Ecosystem Payments - Considering Lost Opportunities. Society of Range Management Annual Meeting. Oklahoma City, OK. February 2013.
  • Becchetti, T.; Barry, S., et al. (2012). Ecosystem Payments - Considering Lost Opportunities. ACES and Ecosystem Markets, 2012. Ft Lauderdale, FL. December 2012.
  • Becchetti, T.; Barry, S., et al. (2012). Ecosystem Payments - Considering Lost Opportunities. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. 2012. Orlando, FL. December 2012.
  • Larson, S.; Barry, S., et al. (2011). Comparing the Impacts of Water Quality Regulations on Land Use in Two Watersheds: Lake Taupo (NZ) and Tomales Bay, CA (USA). Society for Range Management, Billings, MT, University of California (USA) and AgResearch (New Zealand).
  • Larson, S.; Becchetti, T., et al. (2010). Goal Driven Leases as an Ecosystem Service. Society of Range Management, Denver, CO.
  • Becchetti, T.; Schriefer, C., et al. (2008). Controlling Medusahead – Identifying the Period of Susceptibility. SRM & AFGC 2008 Joint Annual Meeting - Building Bridges: Grasslands to Rangelands, Louisville, KY.
  • Larson, S.; Harper, J., et al. (2008). Grazing Strategies to Control Medusahead on California Rangelands. SRM & AFGC 2008 Joint Annual Meeting - Building Bridges: Grasslands to Rangelands, Louisville, KY.
  • Larson, S. (2008). "Meat-buying club brings local meat to Sonoma County consumers." UC Delivers from http://ucanr.org/delivers/?impact=722&a=0.
  • Lennox, M.; Lewis, D., et al. (2007). Final Report Riparian Revegetation Evaluation on North Coast Ranches. UCCE Sonoma County. June.
  • Larson, S.; Harper, J., et al. (2007). Improving Water Quality through Compliance with Regulatory Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS) Conditional Waivers on Grazing Lands – What is Extension’s Role? USDA-CSREES Water Conference, Savanna, GA.
  • Doran, M.; Harper, J., et al. (2007). Vines & Ovines Research. 4.
  • Lennox, M.; Lewis, D., et al. (2006). Quantifying Outcomes at Riparian Restoration Project Sites on Coastal Ranches. Salmonid Restoration Federation’s 24th Salmonid Restoration Conference, Santa Barbara, CA.
  • Lennox, M.; Lewis, D., et al. (2006). Riparian Revegetation Outcomes on California North Coast Ranches. California Invasive Plant Council 15th Annual Symposium: Research and Management Bridging the Gap, Rohnert Park, CA.
  • Lennox, M.; Lewis, D., et al. (2006). Riparian Revegetation Outcomes on California North Coast Ranches. Sixth California Oak Symposium: Today’s Challenges, Tomorrow’s Opportunities, University of California Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program.
  • Lennox, M.; Lewis, D., et al. (2006). Riparian Trajectory and Revegetation Effectiveness in North Coastal California. Salmonid Restoration Federation’s 24th Salmonid Restoration Conference, Fortuna, CA.
  • Harper, J.; Larson, S., et al. (2006). State and Transition Models for California’s North Coast Oak Woodlands. Society for Range Management 59th Annual Range Meeting and Trade Show: Rangelands to Rainforests CD.
  • Harper, J.; Larson, S., et al. (2006). State and Transition Models for California’s North Coast Oak Woodlands. Sixth California Oak Symposium: Today’s Challenges, Tomorrow’s Opportunities, University of California Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program.
  • Harper, J.; Larson, S., et al. (2006). State and Transition Models for California’s North Coast Oak Woodlands. Society for Range Management 59th Annual Range Meeting and Trade Show: Rangelands to Rainforests Compact Disc.
  • Gwin, L.; Larson, S., et al. (2005). Alternative Livestock Production and Marketing: A survey of Marin and Sonoma Livestock Producers. UCCE Marin County.
  • Larson, S. (2005). Development of rangeland curriculum for natural resource education and application in California schools. Rangeland Trails: Under the Lone Star. Society for Range Management 58th Annual Meeting Abstracts CD, Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • Larson, S.; Harper, J., et al. (2005). Improving water quality through regulatory compliance on grazing waivers. What is Extension’s Role? California Native Grasslands Association and Cal-Pac SRM spring meeting, Davis, CA, UCCE.
  • Larson, S.; Smith, K., et al. (2005). Results of a Statewide Survey of California’s Ranch Water Quality Planning Short Course. Abstracts, Society for Range Management, Fort Worth, TX.
  • Larson, S.; Smith, K., et al. (2004). Ranch Water Quality Planning Short Course California’s State Wide Survey. 2nd National Conference on Grazing Lands, Nashville, TN.
  • Larson, S.; Smith, K., et al. (2004). Ranch Water Quality Planning Short Course California’s State Wide Survey. 2nd National Conference on Grazing Lands. Nashville, TN.
  • Larson, S.; Lewis, D., et al. (2004). Results of a Statewide Survey of California’s Ranch Water Quality Planning Short Course. Second National Conference on Grazing Lands Compact Disc.
  • Katz, R.; Lennox, M., et al. (2004). Riparian Flora Observed at Riparian Revegetation Projects in North Coastal California. 22nd Annual Salmonid Restoration Conference & 14th International Salmonid Habitat Enhancement Workshop Conference Proceedings, Davis, CA, Salmonid Restoration Federation.
  • Katz, R.; Lennox, M., et al. (2004). Riparian Flora Observed at Riparian Revegetation Projects in North Coastal California. Redwood Region Forest Science Symposium, Rohnert Park, CA, University of California Center for Forestry, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and College of Natural Resources, Berkeley Campus.
  • Larson, S.; Smith, K., et al. (2003). Results of a Statewide Survey of California’s Ranch Water Quality Planning Short Course. Society for Range Management 56th Annual Meeting Abstracts CD, Wyoming.
  • George, M.; Harper, J., et al. (2002). California’s Ranch Water Quality Short Course. Society for Range Management 55th Annual Meeting, Kansas City, MO.
  • Harper, J.; Ruddell, A., et al. (2002). Cattle College: Bringing the Yellow Book to Life on the Coast – A Multi-State Collaboration. Western Section, American Society of Animal Science.
  • Harper, J.; Ruddell, A., et al. (2002). Cattle College: Bringing the Yellow Book to Life on the Coast – A Multi-State Collaboration. Western Section, American Society of Animal Science.
  • Ward, T.; Tate, K., et al. (2002). Grazing California’s Annual Grassland Riparian Areas- Newest Research and Future Questions. Annual Grassland Short Course. Davis, CA. December 10-12.
  • Larson, S.; Smith, K., et al. (2002). Results of ranch water quality planning short course conducted through California’s state wide survey. Society for Range Management 56th Annual Meeting, Casper, WY.
  • Lennox, M.; Lewis, D., et al. (2002). University of California Riparian Revegetation Evaluation. SER's 14th Annual International Conference, Tucson, Arizona.
  • Larson, S.; Tate, K. (2001). On-Site Evaluations of Riparian Habitats to Determine Riparian Health and Subsequent Assessments. Abstracts, Society for Range Management.
  • Larson, S.; Ghirardelli, D., et al. (2000). Assessing Riparian Areas with On-Site Evaluations. Abstracts, Society for Range Management. 53. February.
  • George, M.; Harper, J., et al. (2000). Ranch Water Quality Planning: A Short Course for Rangeland Owners. 2nd National Extension Natural Resources Conference, South Lake Tahoe, NV.
  • Harper, J.; George, M., et al. (1999). Education and Planning: An Effective BMP for Private Landowners. 7th National Nonpoint Source Monitoring Workshop, Morro Bay, CA, USEPA, Morro Bay National Estuary Program, Central Coast WQCB, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
  • Harper, J.; George, M., et al. (1999). Education and Planning: An Effective BMP for Private Landowners. 7th National Nonpoint Source Monitoring Workshop, Morro Bay, CA, USEPA, Morro Bay National Estuary Program, Central Coast WQCB, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
  • George, M.; Harper, J., et al. (1999). Ranch Water Quality Planning and Implementation on California’s North Coast. 7th National Nonpoint Source Monitoring Workshop, Morro Bay, CA, USEPA, Morro Bay National Estuary Program, Central Coast WQCB, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
  • George, M.; Harper, J., et al. (1999). Ranch Water Quality Planning and Implementation on California’s North Coast. 7th National Nonpoint Source Monitoring Workshop, Morro Bay, CA, USEPA, Morro Bay National Estuary Program, Central Coast WQCB, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
  • Harper, J.; Larson, S. (1998). California's North Coast Rangeland Watershed and Water Quality Plans: Making Voluntary Compliance a Reality. 51st Annual Meeting Society for Range Management.
  • Harper, J.; Larson, S. (1998). Rangeland Water Quality Planning on California’s North Coast - Making Voluntary Compliance a Reality. SRM National Meeting, Guadalahara, Mexico.
  • Harper, J.; Larson, S. (1998). Rangeland Water Quality Planning on California’s North Coast - Making Voluntary Compliance a Reality. SRM National Meeting, Guadalahara, Mexico.
  • Harper, J.; Larson, S., et al. (1995). Advanced Eudora – A University of California CE–Link Satellite Program. DANR Communication Services. October 2, 1995.
  • Harper, J.; Larson, S., et al. (1995). Beginning Eudora – A University of California CE–Link Satellite Program. DANR Communication Services. September 11, 1995.
  • Rilla, E.; Larson, S. (1994). Coastal Watershed Enhancement – A Cooperative Approach to Adapting Non Point Source Pollution Guidelines to Local Conditions. Pacific Northwest Watershed Conference.
  • Larson, S. (1990). Predators and Sheep Management Practices in Sonoma County, California. Hopland Field Station Publication. 101.
  • Larson, S.; Salmon, T. (1988). Predators and Sheep Management Practices in Sonoma County California. Vertebrate Pest Conference.
  • Larson, S.; Glenn, J., et al. (1986). Sheep Care Guidelines. Workgroup Series. UCCE.

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