The Far North Master Food Preservers, in partnership with the Modoc County CattleWomen, led a workshop series in March to teach beef preservation methods aimed at improving food safety and security in Modoc County, according to an April 16 announcement.
Food insecurity remains a significant issue in Modoc County, where over one-quarter of children live in households that struggle to access enough food. The region’s short growing season and limited rainfall add to these challenges. Despite these obstacles, the county is California’s leading organic beef producer, generating more than $220 million annually from over 60,000 calves.
UC Cooperative Extension Advisors Laura Snell and Laurie Wayne organized a three-part workshop for the public on pressure canning, freeze drying, and dehydrating beef. Seventeen participants learned about safe food storage practices through hands-on activities using equipment funded by the McConnell fund. “I learned a lot! The class was much more than what I expected,– science backed food preservation instead of rebel canning videos on YouTube and tools to take home to reassure me when I’m preserving at home,” said Sam Starr, Beef Preservation Class Participant.
Survey results showed that before attending the workshop, most participants had little or no experience with meat preservation. Afterward, all reported increased knowledge about food safety and local resources for preservation tools. Confidence in pressure canning meat rose from an average score of 2.29 before training to 3.33 after; understanding of home preservation methods also increased from 2.85 to 3.33 on a four-point scale.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) supports such programs through public contributions according to its official website. UC ANR promotes sustainable practices for resilient ecosystems and economic vitality according to its official website, utilizes nine research centers representing diverse ecosystems according to its official website, has gained recognition for linking research with community needs according to its official website, manages Cooperative Extension services as part of the University of California system according to its official website, and conducts nearly 34,000 educational events annually while engaging over 18,000 volunteers according to its official website.
Organizers say these new skills will help strengthen regional food supply chains while reducing waste—a key goal supported by UC ANR’s broader mission.