Ranchers expect California drought will affect herds

Ranchers in California expect the state’s extreme drought will have large impacts on their cattle herds, according to a survey conducted by the University of California – Davis. Many say their animals are not prepared for the severe water shortages.

Researchers at the university surveyed 511 ranchers throughout the golden state to see how they are responding to the dry conditions. Many are considering culling their already smaller herds because of the lack of vegetation.

California’s ranchers have dealt with drought before, but this one is proving to be one for record books. Ranching is historically one of the most affected industries during drought time because it depends on grazing land or harvested crops instead of water itself.