Longtime University of California Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Advisor Sergio Garcia has been named the advisor for livestock, range and agronomy in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.

After serving youth in San Mateo, Tulare and San Benito counties for more than 25 years, he turns his attention fully to research and education programs on the sustainable management of Central Coast rangeland and other natural resources, commercial livestock production and the cultivation of economically viable agronomic crops. While excited about the new focus of his career, Garcia said he will miss the youth program.

"I know some of the young men and women that have gone through the 4-H program who are now doctors, teachers and lawyers," Garcia said. "They still remember who I am and that I had an impact on their education. It's been very rewarding."

Garcia's 4-H legacy in San Benito County is the 10-acre 4-H Youth Development Center near Hollister. Garcia facilitated the donation of the land and coordinated clean up, water system development and livestock facility construction. Eventually, the site will give 4-H youth who live in urban settings the opportunity to raise livestock, tend fruit trees and garden. Garcia also re-organized the 4-H Council, which included educational committees that provided training to the volunteers and youth in surrounding counties.

Working with livestock has been a part of Garcia's role since he joined UC Cooperative Extension right after earning his bachelor's degree in agriculture at California State University, Fresno, in 1974. While on sabbatical leave twice during his career, Garcia returned to Fresno State to work on graduate courses in livestock production, range science and agriculture world trade.

Garcia will maintain his home office in the San Benito County UC Cooperative Extension building in Hollister and satellite offices in King City and Watsonville. Contact him at (831) 637-5346, sgarcia@ucdavis.edu.

Jeannette Warnert
Public Information Representative
Ag and Natural Resources
UC Center
550 E. Shaw Avenue
Fresno, CA 93710