What is a ranch plan?
A ranch plan is a written document, completed by the producer, detailing plans for the dairy or livestock facility. The plan consists of inventories of animals and facilities, a list of planned management practices, and an overview of natural resources. Existing and potential problems are identified, resolution projects are listed for each problem, and a timeline set for the completion of each project. To assist these changes, a monitoring program is initiated and documented. Ranch plans are not required by law at this time; however, approximately 50% of Sonoma-Marin dairy producers have completed the ranch planning process in order to protect the environment and comply with water quality regulations.
