And south Santa Clara County Cattlemen & Women are elated . The historic drought has been difficult for all , especially those in agriculture .

Ranchers were particularly challenged because they can ’ t rely on wells to irrigate hillsides ideal for grazing , but unsuitable for farming . Rainfall is directly related to the quality of these grazing lands . Drought means ranchers pay for costly feed .

44 by Greg Bozzo

This year , however , Angus , Hereford , Charolais , and others are grazing on an abundance of carbon dioxide-rich grasses , which are converted into protein for consumption .

In spring , before calves are weaned , we have about 20,000 beef cattle in our county , according to the USDA . There may be herds of 7 , 70 , or 700 . San Benito County and the King City areas have herds in the 1000s . “ The average sized herd in the United States is about 50 ,” says Jim Warren , owner of 101

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