Moving cattle around the range can be an exercise in frustration, leaving ranchers and cows stressed out. Such stress proves costly when it results in reduced weight gain or sickness among cattle. Animal behaviorist Bud Williams will offer ways livestock producers can reduce herd stress during a stockmanship program Feb. 17-19 for Northern and Central California ranchers at the UC Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center near Grass Valley. "Whether he's dealing with cattle, sheep, reindeer or elk, Bud has improved animal performance and increased profits for producers who adopt his low-stress handling techniques," says Roger Ingram, a UC livestock advisor for Placer and Nevada counties. Williams will teach ranchers about the "flight zones" of animals, body positioning, pressure points, sorting techniques and handling of cattle in corrals. The hands-on course will provide ample opportunity for visuals.