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Board endorses letter urging state to restore wage parity for sheep and goat herders
Summary
Lake County approved an amended letter to state leaders asking that goat-herder wage requirements be aligned with sheep-herder rules to preserve grazing services that reduce wildfire fuels and protect local jobs; the motion passed unanimously.
Supervisors discussed and approved a letter asking state leaders to either restore parity between goat and sheep herder wage rules or otherwise amend the wage requirement the board said threatens local grazing businesses. Supervisor comments emphasized the role of prescribed grazing in wildfire-risk reduction and the local economic impact on small herding operations.
Public commenters included Serena Nate of the Lake County Farm Bureau, who urged support because goats and sheep are complementary fuel-reduction tools, and Antonio Gonzales, who identified himself as "the goat guy in Lake County" and warned that the higher wage levels would put him out of business. Serena said the long-standing practice paid herders a monthly wage with housing and other allowances; commenters said a recent change requires far higher pay for goat herders, creating a disparity with sheep-herder rules.
Supervisor Owen offered edits to address wildfire fuels and the jobs affected; the board approved the amended letter by unanimous vote and asked staff to transmit it to the governor and legislative leadership, with local legislators on copy.
