Aaron Lazanoff, beef operations manager in the Animal Science Department, was awarded the university’s Outstanding Staff Award for 2021-22. Individuals selected for this recognition are nominated and chosen by their colleagues and peers. His peers recognized his recent efforts at Swanton Pacific Ranch and commended him on his sustainability efforts.

• “He and his team were the first responders during the devastating CZU Lightning Fire at Swanton Pacific in 2021, bringing all the livestock and horses to safety without the loss of a single animal. With the loss of most ranch infrastructure at Swanton Pacific Ranch, Aaron has helped to develop construction plans for fencing and water systems with an eye towards efficiency and productivity.”
• “Aaron has improved the grazing practices on our Cal Poly rangelands. Cal Poly’s pristine ranches are a showcase for others thanks to Aaron’s background and efforts in sustainable rangeland management. He has developed an extensive high intensity-short duration grazing plan that is responsible for Cal Poly’s rangelands being an example for other operations to follow.”

A formal presentation of the Outstanding Staff Award will be made at Fall Convocation on Monday, Sept. 12.