California's small-farm operators and ranchers will have a unique opportunity to attend a special farmstead cheesemaking clinic Aug. 29 during the 8th annual American Cheese Society's conference in San Francisco. The UC Davis-based UC Small Farm Center has arranged with the society for a special session to show growers how to get started in a farm-based cheesemaking operation. The clinic will look at on-farm cheesemaking challenges and opportunities; equipment, animal, housing and land requirements; health specifications; optimal herd size and budgetary and financial outlines. The conference is open to everyone involved with or interested in specialty and farmstead cheese, including cheesemakers, wholesalers, retailers, chefs and farmers.