These photographs document research at the San Joaquin Experimental Range (SJER) and rangeland conditions in California during the 1930s. Most of the photographs in this collection were taken during the 1930s and early 1940s by experiment station researchers Murrell W. Talbot, Frederic G. Renner, August L.Hormay and Harold H. Biswell. Some photos were taken by other researchers and station staff including C. R. Berriman, J.W. Nelson, L. Short, J.A. Magee, L.A. Barret, W.C. Lowdermilk, J.R. Bentley, C.H. Gleason, Lloyd W. Swift. These photos were stored at SJER until the 1990s when they were placed inthe care of UC Cooperative Extension in Madera County.

Repeat photography at photo stations and of intensity of use (grazing) plots documented light, moderate, and close grazing levels (utilization) on SJER pastures and became the basis for grazing intensity recommendations and residual dry matter guidelines that are still in use today. Many of the images document rangeland vegetation types, rangeland erosion, relict areas, and rangeland developments on California’s rangelands. Other photos focused on forage plant testing, experimental methods, livestock studies, rodent studies, and run-off research. There are also photographs of people and buildings at SJER.