Since starting the RUCS project, SACOG has continued to develop and refine tools and data to help decision makers understand the challenges and opportunities in rural parts of our region. Two recent developments are an updated crop map and an economic model based on historical crop information.
The crop map, shown below, is based on field-level observations as well as several years of data reported to counties about what crops are grown. Local farms are shown separately on the map, adding useful detail because of the differing transportation and land use needs of large-scale and small-scale operations. The economic model, still being refined, uses two types of variables to predict where crops may grow, based on historical patterns: spatial (precipitation, soil, elevation, infrastructure) and time (crop prices, water supply, urban footprint).
The model distinguishes between perennial and annual crops, and groups annuals into six categories: tomatoes, grain, alfalfa, rice, rangeland, and fallow.
As the model is refined, it will be a useful tool for knowing where transportation and other infrastructure is needed, as well as for understanding the effects of local and global economic changes.
For more information, contact David Shabazian at (916) 340-6231 or dshabazian@sacog.org.