Although grain crops bring in less revenue than vegetables or fruit, they can become an important part of a farming enterprise. Grains are less labor-intensive and can be grown when fields need a rest.
Excessive summer irrigation of oak and madrone trees may promote fungal diseases such as the oak root fungus (aka armillaria root disease) and crown rot.
The study of how forages grow and respond to livestock grazing has provided the knowledge to manage pastures for efficient and sustained production. Careful management is a cost-efficient way to produce quality forage.