CATTLE CALL: If you think Orange County...
CATTLE CALL: If you think Orange County doesn’t seem to have as many cattle as it used to have, you’re right. County agriculture statistics show about 8,000 beef and milk cattle here, down about 20% since 1988, following a statewide trend. Reason: the drought. . . . Says county agriculture statistician Thomas Marr: “As grazing land goes dry, farmers must pay for feed. So, they (sell) part of the herd to create some cash and reduce the cost of raising cattle.”
Where’s the Beef?
The drought has diminished Orange County’s cattle herd. 1988: 10,000 1989: 9,000 1990: 9,500 1991: 9,000 1992: 8,000 Source: California Agricultural Statistics Service
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