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Devii R Rao

San Benito County Director and Area Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor
Cooperative Extension San Benito County
3228 Southside Road
Hollister, CA 95023
831-205-3125
drorao@ucanr.edu Create VCard

Also in:
Monterey County
Santa Cruz County

Education

MS Range Management, UC Berkeley. 2006
BA Environmental Studies, UC Santa Cruz. 1996

Specialty

Rangeland Ecology and Management, Rangeland Conservation, Grazing Management, Conservation of Biological Diversity, Watershed Protection and Management.

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

Bibliography

Peer Reviewed

  • Ratcliff, F.; Barry, S., et al. (2023). Cattle Grazing Moderates Greenhouse Gas and Particulate Matter Emissions from California Grassland Wildfires. Sustainability. 15:18.
  • Feuz, R.; Bosworth, R., et al. (2023). Expanding on Basis Risk Estimates for Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance. Journal of Applied Farm Economics. 6:1.
  • Larsen, R.; Robins, J.G., et al. (2023). Statistical considerations of using the 1-ft2 quadrat for monitoring peak standing crop and residual dry matter on California annual rangelands. Rangelands. 45:5, 102-108.
  • Ratcliff, F.; Rao, D., et al. (2022). Cattle Grazing Reduces Fine Fuels and Wildfire Flame Lengths in California Rangelands. California Agriculture. 76:2-3, 60-69. https://calag.ucanr.edu/archive/?article=ca.2022a0011
  • Baldwin, R.A.; Becchetti, T.A., et al. (2022). Estimating Reduction in Standing Crop Biomass from California Ground Squirrels in Central California Rangelands. Rangeland Ecology & Management. 83, 50-58. https://bioone.org/journals/rangeland-ecology-and-management/volume-83/issue-1/j.rama.2022.03.002/Estimating-Reduction-in-Standing-Crop-Biomass-from-California-Ground-Squirrels/10.1016/j.rama.2022.03.002.full
  • Rao, D.; Dykier, C., et al. (2022). Managing Small Ruminant Nutrition in Chaparral: Targeted Grazing to Reduce Fire Fuel Loads in California Chaparral Series Part 2. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. UC ANR Publication 8717. https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8717.pdf
  • Rao, D.R.; Hovanes, K., et al. (2022). Russian thistle (Salsola spp.) control in California rangelands over five years. Invasive Plant Science and Management. 15:1, 33-40. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/invasive-plant-science-and-management/article/russian-thistle-salsola-spp-control-in-california-rangelands-over-five-years/0D3351E26A2373D68BE0164CAFCB5AB3
  • Larsen, R.E.; Shapero, M.W.K., et al. (2021). Forage Quantity and Quality Dynamics Due to Weathering over the Dry Season on California Annual Rangelands. Rangeland Ecology & Management. 76, 150-156. May 2021. https://bioone.org/journals/rangeland-ecology-and-management/volume-76/issue-1/j.rama.2021.02.010/Forage-Quantity-and-Quality-Dynamics-Due-to-Weathering-Over-the/10.1016/j.rama.2021.02.010.short
  • Larsen, R.E.; Cook, D., et al. (2021). Seasonal Changes in Forage Nutrient and Toxicity Levels on California Central Coast Rangelands: A Preliminary Study. Grasslands. 31:1. Winter 2021. https://cnga.org/resources/Documents/Grasslands%20Journal/Grassland%20Issues/2021%20Grasslands%20Journal/CNGA%20Grasslands%20Winter%20V31%20No%201.pdf
  • Shackelford, G.; Kelsey, R., et al. (2019). Evidence synthesis as the basis for decision analysis: a method of selecting the best agricultural practices for multiple ecosystem services. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 3:83. 10/11/2019. https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fsufs.2019.00083
  • Andreini, E.; Finzel, J., et al. (2018). Estimation of the Requirement for Water and Ecosystem Benefits of Cow-Calf Production on California Rangeland. Rangelands. 40(1), pp.24-31.
  • Davy, J.S.; Forero, L.C., et al. (2018). Mineral Status of California Beef Cattle. Translational Animal Science. Volume 3:Issue 1, Pages 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1093
  • Rao, D.; Davy, J., et al. (2018). Mineral Supplementation of Beef Cows in the Western United States. Cattle Producer’s Handbook, fourth edition. Western Beef Resources Committee. Publication number 327, pp 1-7.
  • Dykier, C.; Rao, D., et al. (2018). PROFILES OF CALIFORNIA BRUSH: Targeted Grazing to Reduce Fire Fuel Loads in California Chaparral Series Part 1. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. ANR Publication 8527. May 2018.
  • Rao, D.; Gornish, E, et al. (2017). Progress Report: Tumbleweed on California’s Central Coast. Grasslands. 77:4, 11-13.
  • Hopkinson, P.; Stevenson, M., et al. (2009). "Annual rye-grass: a new central California dominant?" Grasslands 19: 4-8.
  • Hopkinson, P.; Stevenson, M., et al. (2008). "Annual rye-grass: a new central California dominant?" Fremontia 36: 20-24.
  • Rao, D.; Gennet, S., et al. (2006). A landscape analysis of grassland birds in a Valley Grassland-Oak Woodland mosaic. A. Merenlender, editor. The Sixth Symposium on Oak Woodlands: Today's Challenges, Tomorrow's Opportunities, Rohnert Park, CA, USA.

Non-Peer Reviewed

  • Barry, S.; Brunson, M., et al. (2024). An Updated California Rangeland Decision Assistance Tool: the CRSA. Society for Range Management Annual Meeting Abstract. 1/24/2024. https://rangelands.org/annual-meeting-2024/
  • Rao, Devii (2023). Central Coast TREX a Big Success. Livestock and Range Blog. 6/23/2023. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=57218
  • Rao, D.; Hovanes, K., et al. (2023). Control of Russian thistle (Salsola spp.) on California’s Central Coast Rangelands. Society for Range Management Annual Meeting Abstract. 2/13/2023. https://rangelands.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-Abstracts.pdf
  • Finzel, J; Ozeran, R., et al. (2023). Long-term Impacts of Drought in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. Society for Range Management Annual Meeting Abstract. 2/13/2023. https://rangelands.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-Abstracts.pdf
  • Rao, Devii (2023). Spain’s Innovative Approach to Fuels Management. Livestock and Range Blog. 7/6/2023. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=57305
  • Ratcliff, F.; Barry, S., et al. (2022). Impact of Cattle Grazing on Greenhouse Gas and Particulate Matter Emissions from California Grassland Wildfires. Society for Range Management Virtual National Meeting Abstract. https://rangelands.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-SRM-Annual-Meeting-ABSTRACTS.pdf
  • Rao, D.; Tuitele-Lewis, J., et al. (2022). Improving Fire Resiliency and Building Community through Development of a Prescribed Burn Association. Society for Range Management Virtual National Meeting Abstract. https://rangelands.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-SRM-Annual-Meeting-ABSTRACTS.pdf
  • Ozeran, R.; Finzel, J., et al. (2022). Investigating Blue Oak Phenology, Vigor, and Mortality on Central California Rangelands. 8th California Oak Symposium Meeting Abstract. https://ucanr.edu/sites/oaksymposium/files/375103.pdf
  • Rao, D. (2022). Preliminary Results from Targeted Rotational Grazing Study. Livestock and Range Blog. 9/30/2022. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=55318
  • Rao, D.; Finzel, J., et al. (2022). Rancher and Land Manager Responses to an Oak Survey. 8th California Oak Symposium Meeting Abstract. https://ucanr.edu/sites/oaksymposium/files/375103.pdf
  • Ratcliff, F.; Rao, D., et al. (2021). Cattle Grazing Reduces Fine Fuels and Wildfire Intensity in California Rangelands. Society for Range Management Virtual National Meeting Abstract. http://annualmeeting2021.rangelands.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/SRM-2021-AbstractsSummaries.pdf
  • Finzel, J.; Ozeran, R., et al. (2021). Monitoring and Management for Sustainable Populations of Blue and Valley Oaks. Society for Range Management Virtual National Meeting Abstract. http://annualmeeting2021.rangelands.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/SRM-2021-AbstractsSummaries.pdf
  • Rao, D.; Finzel, J., et al. (2021). Ranchers and Land Managers Want More Research and Extension to Better Manage Rangeland Oaks: Responses to a Survey. Society for Range Management Virtual National Meeting Abstract. http://annualmeeting2021.rangelands.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/SRM-2021-AbstractsSummaries.pdf
  • Rao, D.; Brown, K. (2021). Schmidt family receives Excellence in Range Management Award. Mission Village Voice. 7:3. March 2021. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M8_cZtoV8t193O3phXs7RUT-i75zMebt/view
  • Rao, D. (2021). Testing Targeted Rotational Grazing for Ecological and Financial Benefits. Livestock and Range Blog. 7/7/2021. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=48988
  • Rao, D. (2020). 2020 Forage Production in San Benito County. Livestock and Range Blog. 9/17/2020. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=43702
  • Ratcliff, F.; Rao, D., et al. (2020). Benefits of Cattle Grazing for Reducing Fire Fuels and Fire Hazard. Western Livestock Journal. 9/3/2020. https://www.wlj.net/top_headlines/benefits-of-cattle-grazing-for-reducing-fire-fuels-and-fire-hazard/article_f5067342-ee0f-11ea-9bc1-3b86a02abdd0.html
  • Rao, D. (2020). Costs of Compost Addition to Grasslands and an Oak Woodland. Livestock and Range Blog. 9/28/2020. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=43781
  • Larsen, R.; Shapero, M., et al. (2020). Forage Production Report: California Central Coast 2001-2019. 20 Pages. https://ucanr.edu/sites/SLO/files/321788.pdf
  • Becchetti, T.A.; Barry, S.J., et al. (2020). Grazing. In: Cal-IPC 2020. Best Management Practices for Non-Chemical Weed Control. Report to California Department of Pesticide Regulation under grant number 18-PML-G002. 291. https://weedcut.ipm.ucanr.edu
  • Rao, D.; Finzel, J., et al. (2020). Here's What People Want to Know About Oaks: Responses to a Survey. Livestock and Range Blog. 3/1/2020. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=39546
  • Rao, D. (2020). How to Control Mustard with Grazing. UC Weed Science Blog. 4/13/2020. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=41112
  • Rao, D. (2020). Invasion of Stinkwort into San Benito County. UC Weed Science Blog. 4/13/2020. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=43246
  • Rao, D. (2020). Plant Lists for Two Properties Participating in the Healthy Soils Program. Livestock and Range Blog. 9/28/2020. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=43794
  • Rao, Devii (2020). Prescribed burning and grazing can help reduce the risk of wildfire. Mission Village Voice. 6:10. October 2020. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ay-09jeZfOeSuWMOYS3qUI5nC80iKUuy/view
  • Rao, D. (2019). AB 711 and Prop 63: Two New Ammunition Laws Explained. Livestock & Range Blog. 7/30/2019. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=30945
  • Rao, D. (2019). Fiddleneck on Rangelands. UC Weed Science Blog. 5/6/2019. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=30151
  • Rao, D. (2019). Selected Yellow Starthistle Treatment Options. From the Horses Mouth. Livestock & Land Program. Pages 3-4. 1/2019.
  • Rao, D.; Tietje, B., et al. (2019). Sharing Oak Woodland Research through a Popular Website. Abstract in the 9th International Oak Society Conference Proceedings. International Oaks. International Oak Society. 30, 375-376. 10/22/2018. https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/2018-international-oak-society-conference/october-22#Devii%20Rao
  • Rao, D. (2019). Update on Bitterwater Prescribed Burn. Livestock & Range Blog. 7/26/2019. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=30913
  • Rao, D. (2018). 2018 Forage Production Results for San Benito, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties. Livestock & Range Blog. August 6, 2018. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=27899
  • Rao, D.; Stewart, D., et al. (2018). 2018 Sample Costs for Beef Cattle: Cow-Calf Production, 300 Head Operation, Central Coast. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Issues Center, UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. https://coststudyfiles.ucdavis.edu/uploads/cs_public/4c/e1/4ce1d18c-9b26-4bed-995d-94bc3d8a7d86/18beefcowcalfcentralcoast81018.pdf
  • Rao, D. (2018). A Surprise Weed. UC Weed Science Blog. 10/22/2018. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=28506
  • Rao, D (2018). Keep Your Eyes Out For The Invasive Saharan Mustard. Livestock & Range Blog. February 12, 2018. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=26348
  • Rao, D. (2018). San Benito Weed Guide. UC Weed Science Blog. April 13, 2018. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=26900
  • Rao, D. (2018). Seeding Part 1: Sow, You Want to Seed Your Rangeland or Irrigated Pasture. Livestock & Range Blog. 12/22/2018. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=29029
  • Rao, D. (2018). Selenium Deficiency and White Muscle Disease in California Beef Cattle. Livestock & Range Blog. June 15, 2018. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=27484
  • Rao, D.; Gornish, E., et al. (2018). Tumbleweed Control on California's Central Coast. 2018 Society for Range Management National Meeting Abstract. Sparks, NV. 1/20/2018. http://rangelands.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2018-Abstracts.pdf
  • Rao, D. (2018). Weeds to Watch Out For. Backcountry Horsemen of America Newsletter. May 30, 2018.
  • Rao, D. (2017). Economic Tools For Ranchers. Livestock & Range Blog. August 19, 2017. http://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=24948
  • Rao, D. (2017). Effective Herbicides for Controlling Central Coast Rangeland Weeds. Livestock & Range Blog. August 1, 2017. http://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=24800
  • Finzel, J.; Andreini, E., et al. (2017). Estimating Water Tradeoffs of Beef Cattle on California Rangelands. 2017 Society for Range Management National Meeting Abstract. St. George, UT. 2/1/2017. http://rangelands.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2017-SRM-Annual-Meeting-Abstracts.pdf
  • Rao, D. (2017). Fighting Foxtail in a Small Pasture. UC Weed Science Blog and Livestock. October 30, 2017. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=25526
  • Rao, D. (2017). Selected Yellow Starthistle Treatment Options. Livestock & Range Blog. September 20, 2017. http://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=25226
  • Rao, Devii; Satyanarayan, K. (2017). Small Farmers Make Big Contributions: Dairy Production in India. Livestock & Range Blog. February 2, 2017. http://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=23184
  • Rao, D. (2017). Update on Foothill Abortion and the Vaccine. Livestock & Range Blog. September 8, 2017. http://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=25131
  • Rao, D. (2016). Castration, Vaccination, and Injection Site Tips. Livestock & Range Blog. 2/18/2016. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=20254
  • Rao, D. (2016). How Can Pajaro Compass Benefit Ranchers? Livestock & Range Blog. 3/4/2016. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=20412
  • Mashiri, F.; Rao, D. (2016). Needs Assessments Help Direct Research and Extension Focus for Two New Livestock Advisors. 2016 Society for Range Management National Meeting Abstract. Corpus Christi, TX. 2/1/2016. http://rangelands.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/2016-SRM-abstracts-poster-presentations.pdf
  • Rao, Devii (2016). Residual Dry Matter Monitoring Report for Monterey County Rancher, dated November 6, 2015.
  • Rao, D. (2016). Salinas River Watershed Planning. Livestock & Range Blog. 1/25/2016. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=20030
  • Rao, D. (2016). Tumbleweed Control Research in San Benito County. Livestock & Range News Newsletter. 9/12/2016. cesanbenito.ucanr.edu/newsletters/Livestock_-_Range_News64949.pdf
  • Rao, D. (2016). Tumbleweed Research in San Benito County. San Benito County Farm Bureau Newsletter. 3/2016.
  • Rao, D. (2015). What's Up With The Yeomans Plow? Livestock & Range Blog. 12/22/2015. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=19817
  • Ford, L.D.; P.A. Van Hoorn, et al. (2013). Managing Rangelands to Benefit California Red-legged Frogs and California Tiger Salamanders. Livermore, California: Alameda County Resource Conservation District.
  • Ford, L. D. ; D. R. Rao (2012). Grazing Management Plan: Roblar Road Quarry Mitigation Site, Sonoma County, California, dated March 13, 2012. Prepared for John and Andrea Barella.
  • Ford, L.D.; EcoSystems West, (2011). Grazing Management Plan, Santa Teresa County Park, San Jose, California. Prepared for County of Santa Clara Department of Parks and Recreation, CA.
  • Ford, L. D.; D.R. Rao (2011). Hollister Hills SVRA: Rangeland Monitoring Report #1, Autumn 2011, dated September 23, 2011. Prepared for Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreational Area.
  • Arnold, R.A; J.W. Bartolome, et al. (2011). Review of Historical and Current Land Use Practices, Characterization of Suitable Habitat, and Habitat Management Recommendations for the Endangered Ohlone Tiger Beetle, Cicindela ohlone (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae), dated September 2011. Prepared for U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Ventura, CA.
  • Ford, L. D. ; D.R. Rao (2011). Summary of 2009 and 2010 Monitoring Results and Advising on Horse Grazing Management, Glenwood Preserve, Scotts Valley, CA. Prepared for Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz, CA.
  • Ford, L.D.; S. Stephens, et al. (2010). Fire Management Field Day Summary and Recommendations, Rockville Hills Regional Park, dated August 19, 2010. Prepared for City of Fairfield, CA.
  • Ford, L.D. ; D.R. Rao. (2010). Grazing Management Plan: Polo Ranch Conservation Easement Area, Scotts Valley, California. Prepared for Lennar Communities, San Ramon, CA. San Rafael, CA: Huffman Broadway Group.
  • Rao, D. ; L.D. Ford. (2010). Proposed Next Steps for Monitoring of Special Variables at Rockville Hills Regional Park: Weed Management Inventory and Planning, dated July 29, 2010. Prepared for City of Fairfield, CA.
  • Ford, L.D. ; D.R. Rao (2010). Rockville Hills Regional Park: Grazing Management Monitoring Report #2, Spring 2009. Prepared for City of Fairfield, CA.
  • Ford, L.D.; D. Rao, et al. (2010). Rockville Hills Regional Park: Grazing Management Monitoring Report, Autumn 2009, dated June 20, 2010. Prepared for City of Fairfield, CA.
  • Rao, D. ; L.D. Ford (2010). Rockville Hills Regional Park: Grazing Management Monitoring Report, Autumn 2010, dated December 30, 2010. Prepared for City of Fairfield, CA.
  • Rao, D. ; L.D. Ford (2010). Rockville Hills Regional Park: Grazing Management Monitoring Report, Spring 2010, dated September 1, 2010. Prepared for City of Fairfield, CA.
  • Ford, L.D.; J.W. Bartolome, et al. (2009). 2009 Final Report and Results of Indicator Testing. Prepared for: Central Coast Rangeland Coalition, Indicators of Sustainable Rangeland Stewardship Project.
  • Rao, D. R.; L.D. Ford. (2009). Grazing Management Plan, Madera Ranch, Madera County, California. Prepared for Madera Irrigation District, Madera, CA. Sacramento, CA: ICF Jones and Stokes.
  • Ford, L.D. ; D. Rao (2009). Monitoring Report, Jade’s Ranch. Prepared for E. and R. Berg, Santa Cruz, CA.
  • Ford, L.D. ; D. Rao (2009). Rockville Hills Regional Park: Grazing Management Monitoring Report, Autumn 2008. Prepared for City of Fairfield, CA.
  • Ford, L.D.; D.R. Rao, et al. (2009). Weed Management Plan, Swett Ranches, Solano County, California. Prepared for Solano Land Trust, Fairfield, Calif. and Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Francisco, Calif. San Anselmo, CA: Garcia and Assoc.
  • Ford, L.; J. Bartolome, et al. (2008). 2008 Final Report and Results of Indicator Testing. Prepared for Central Coast Rangeland Coalition, Indicators of Sustainable Rangeland Stewardship Project.
  • Rao, D. ; L. Ford (2008). Eaton Ranch Manure Management Evaluation and Recommendations. Prepared for Bob Eaton. Monterey, CA: Fenton and Keller.
  • Bartolome, J.W.; R. H. Barrett, et al. (2007). East Bay Regional Park District grasslands monitoring program summary report for 2006. University of California, Berkeley.
  • Bartolome, J.W; L.D. Ford, et al. (2007). Grazing Management Plan, Camp Roberts, California. Prepared for California Army National Guard. Berkeley, CA: Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley.
  • Bartolome, J.W.; S. Gennet, et al. (2004). East Bay Regional Parks grasslands monitoring program summary report. University of California, Berkeley.
  • Bartolome, J.W.; Barrett, R. H., et al. (2004). Summary report for the East Bay Regional Park District: 2004 Field Season, Year 3 Grasslands Monitoring Project. University of California, Berkeley.

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