Cattle ranchers lose optimism as dry spell continues

Ranchers say that despite strong demand for beef, dry rangeland conditions have dimmed their outlook for the year.

Unless California sees another “Miracle March” with ample rainfall, the feed available for cattle will dwindle quickly, and the cost to buy or rent additional land is already high.

Typically, ranchers move cattle from winter pastures to summer pastures at the end of March or April, but the dry spell has led many to move cattle early.