Introduction: The Surprising Prevalence of Cows in California

When thinking of California, most people envision sunny beaches, Hollywood stars, and technology giants. California is not often associated with cow pastures and cattle ranches, yet the state is home to one of the largest cattle populations in the United States. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, as of January 1, 2021, there were over 5.1 million head of cattle in California, making it the fifth-largest cattle state in the country. This article explores the factors behind the high cattle population in California, the economic significance of cattle farming, and the impact of the industry on the environment.

The Economic Significance of Cattle in California

Cattle farming is a significant contributor to California’s economy, generating over $5 billion in cash receipts in 2020, which accounted for 7% of the state’s total agricultural output. The dairy industry accounts for the majority of this output, with milk and other dairy products being the state’s top agricultural commodity. California is the largest milk-producing state in the United States, with over 1.7 million dairy cows that produced nearly 41 billion pounds of milk in 2020. The state’s beef industry is also substantial, ranking fourth in the nation for beef cow numbers. In 2020, California’s beef cattle industry generated over $1 billion in cash receipts. The industry provides jobs to over 21,000 Californians directly and supports many more jobs in related industries, such as transportation, processing, and retail.