Farmers are vital managers of Lake County’s working lands and play a critical role in stewarding local ecosystems and contributing to the local economy. Lake County farmers are increasingly impacted by environmental challenges such as prolonged drought, extreme weather, and soil degradation. Through its Sustainable Agriculture Program, LCRCD provides support to farmers by offering technical assistance, connecting agricultural producers to state and federal funding programs, and helping implement conservation practices that improve soil health, increase water use efficiency, and build long-term climate resilience. By working closely with farmers, agencies, and local partners, LCRCD helps ensure that Lake County agriculture remains environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
On-Farm Water Conservation
The California Department of Food and Agriculture funds the Water Efficiency Technical Assistance (WETA) Program and the State Water Efficiency & Enhancement Program (SWEEP), both of which help Lake County farmers improve on-farm water use through personalized support, site-specific irrigation distribution uniformity evaluations, hands-on water efficiency workshops, and the direct funding of on-farm irrigation improvements that increase efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By helping farm managers and irrigators identify opportunities to reduce water use and increase efficiency, these programs support both agricultural productivity and long-term water resource sustainability. By administering CDFA programs like WETA and SWEEP, LCRCD continues to strengthen its partnerships with local producers while advancing state and regional goals for drought resilience, water conservation, and energy efficiency.
Interested in learning more?
Contact Noah Cornell, Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager
Distribution uniformity testing at a vineyard.
Photo credit: Noah Cornell
Agricultural Lands Preservation and Conservation
In partnership with the Lake County Community Development Department, LCRCD secured planning funding through the California Department of Conservation’s Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) in late 2025. LCRCD is now working with a team of local partners to conduct community outreach, complete an economic analysis, and develop a mapping tool to better understand how we can preserve and conserve agricultural lands and support Lake County farmers and ranchers facing climate stressors, economic challenges, and conversion pressures. Project partners include:
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- Lake County Community Development Department
- Lake Department of Agriculture
- Lake County Farm Bureau
- Lake County Land Trust
- Lake County Winegrape Commission
- Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians
- North Coast Opportunities, Inc.
- University of California Cooperative Extension
Interested in learning more?
Contact Noah Cornell, Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager
Greg Panella discussing pear cultivation during the 2025 AgVenture Program.
Photo credit: Noah Cornell
Prescribed Grazing
Prescribed grazing uses livestock to manage vegetation in a planned, targeted approach to reduce hazardous fuels, mitigate invasive species pressure, improve soil health, and support native plant communities. LCRCD supports landowners, Tribes, public agencies, and grazing partners in using targeted livestock grazing to strengthen wildfire resilience and support healthy working landscapes in Lake County. We provide education, technical assistance, and financial support for targeted grazing projects that reduce fine fuels, manage invasive species, improve habitat, and support post-fire recovery.
Interested in learning more?
Contact Noah Cornell, Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager
Targeted grazers hard at work in Lake County.
Photo credit: Kaos Sheep Outfit
Conservation Technical Assistance
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)’s Healthy Soils Program supports Lake County farmers and ranchers in adopting practices that enhance soil health, sequester carbon, and improve on-farm resilience. Between 2024-2025, LCRCD staff conducted outreach and provided technical assistance and application support to agricultural producers interested in implementing practices such as cover cropping, compost application, hedgerow planting, and reduced tillage. LCRCD has helped to promote and expand climate-smart agriculture in Lake County by guiding producers through the funding process and offering implementation support and encouragement. LCRCD is actively seeking additional funding to continue offering this program in Lake County.
Outside of this program, LCRCD provides technical assistance to help landowners, agricultural producers, Tribes, and partners plan and implement conservation projects across Lake County. Our support may include site visits, resource assessments, project planning, grant application assistance, partner coordination, and direction to relevant funding programs. LCRCD also helps connect landowners and producers with financial assistance programs through NRCS and supports program outreach, planning, and application assistance, focusing on projects that improve soil health, water conservation, habitat, and the long-term resilience of working lands.
Interested in learning more?
Contact Noah Cornell, Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager
Kristin Brown tending the flock at Brambles golf club in Middletown.
Photo credit: Noah Cornell
North Coast Soil Hub
Visit the North Coast Soil Hub