Board of Supervisors Tues Mtg 08-04-26 · Sheep Goat Herder Wage Parity Letter of Support

The County of Lake Board of Supervisors held a meeting on August 4, 2026, to discuss a state law affecting wage parity for goat herders compared to sheep herders. The law requires goat herders to be paid significantly higher wages—up to $240,000 annually—while sheep herders have exemptions, creating financial strain on goat herding businesses. Local stakeholders, including members of the Farm Bureau and goat herders, expressed concerns that the law would threaten the viability of goat herding operations, which play a critical role in wildfire fuel management. The board considered and approved a motion to send a letter to the Governor and California State Legislature requesting reconsideration of the wage rules to align goat herder wages with those of sheep herders, emphasizing the economic and wildfire mitigation impacts. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.