Stocker operators have long shipped their steers, but cow and calf producers have been supplementing with hay since August, while calving in between. Bad year, dry year, call it what you may, what green feed that has germinated is all but gone.
Though classified as a non-native invasive weed originating in the Mediterranean, Red-Stem Filaree (Erodium cicutarium) is exceptional cattle feed, oftentimes thriving best in a dry year. In the clay, however, most south slopes are bare below 2,500 feet and patches of filaree on the west slopes are beginning to turn red and purple with lack of rain and above average warm temperatures in the 70s and 80s for the past two weeks. Weather Journal 2013-14
Even in the sandier, non-grazed areas along the USACE easement road to Terminus Dam, the Red-Stem Filaree has turned or is turning.
Or in some cases, headed-out and gone to seed without producing any leaves.
None of this is good news, given only lip service by the local media, but a precursor to the devastating impact of this drought to agriculture in California. With no rain or snow of any import, there will be no surface water available to farmers, making them dependent solely on diminishing groundwater. Some with older orchards have already been advised to push them out. Not only is the price of beef going up (some more), but all food stuffs of quality are soon to follow.
Plant your gardens!
We’re adapting as well as we can without panicking, but shipping another load of cows to town tomorrow.
Poem from this time of year:March 2011
drycrikjournal 
I “liked” this post, but know that it’s not the situation that I like at all.
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Hello John-
I agree with Angeline and I wonder how many other folks push “like” for your articles, but know in their hearts there is nothing to “like” about the drought conditions you and other ag-related professionals are facing. It’s troubling on so many fronts. I hope adding another “invasive species” to planting isn’t a short term solution that will come back to haunt your eco-region into the future. What a dicey situation… seems so bleak.
Your advice is good, “plant your garden.” We will do that here in Oregon- Willamette Valley residents. I suppose if enough folks do that it will ease demands on CA farmers. BUT- the big worry is… how that impacts their livelihood…
As always, I admire your optimism and wish you the best. I will continue following your story…
~Jane
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Thanks, Jane. It is what it is. We’re just trying to make intelligent decisions, as we’re in this business for the long haul. The change in climate may dictate a different carrying capacity than in my past 45 years here. If we’re going to stay, we’ll have to adapt.
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So sorry, John – I know how having to ship those girls tears at your heart. I remember John telling me of a terrific drought in the 30’s when he had to haul water for the small herds that were kept as seed stock.
Sophie
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1939. I heard the stories from my father, know which springs held up and which ones didn’t. Part of my inheritance. Thanks for checking-in, Sophie.
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