Steve Orloff, University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) county director and farm advisor at Siskiyou County, has died of cancer, according to an online message posted by Rob Wilson, director of the Intermountain Research and Extension Center located at Tulelake.

Orloff worked for UC’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Division for 33 years, including 20-plus years as a Siskiyou County farm advisor in Northern California.

“His tremendous knowledge and overwhelming support for agriculture will be deeply missed,” Wilson said. “We have lost a dear friend and valued colleague! On behalf of all the IREC staff our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Arrangements for Orloff were not available at press time.

Glenda Humiston, UC ANR vice-president, said, “I’m sure that many of you have worked with this kind and affable man, whether it be at county director meetings, on alfalfa research or Program Council or other projects. We'll all miss Steve's good nature, willingness to help others and his expertise.”

Humiston shared a message from the Orloff family, which said in part, “He will be deeply missed for his kind and generous heart, as he so freely shared his knowledge and experience with anyone who asked for his help. But anyone who knows Steve will especially miss him tremendously for his sense of humor and fun-loving spirit.”

Orloff conducted research and educational programs in alfalfa, irrigated pasture, small grains, and non-crop weed control with a focus on pest management, irrigation, variety adaptation, and general production practices.

Orloff graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography from San Diego State University in 1978, followed by a Master of Science degree in general agricultural science from Cal Poly in 1983.