The Mission Avocado Orchard is located on Cheda Ranch which was acquired by Cal Poly in 1951. The orchard stretches approximately 50 acres and was once the most productive grazing area on the ranch. Although it is the smallest ranch on campus, it is home to four different habitat types: grassland, riparian, reservoirs and agricultural fields. Grasslands cover most of the ranch and include a mix of mostly grasses and forbs introduced during the Spanish colonial period, along with native California forbs. Cal Poly sheep once grazed this land, however the partnership forced Professor Rutherford to relocate his flock. Professor Rutherford disagreement with the partnership stemmed from the loss of the most desireable grazing land.

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• Background of the Partnership
• The Company Behind the Partnership
• Long Term Effects
• Avocado Facts

Image courtesy of Dr. Marx