WAILUKU, Maui (AP) — Record-setting heat and severe drought are hurting Leeward region ranchers on Maui and their cattle herds. ADVERTISING WAILUKU, Maui (AP) — Record-setting heat and severe drought are hurting Leeward region ranchers on Maui and their cattle
WAILUKU, Maui (AP) — Record-setting heat and severe drought are hurting Leeward region ranchers on Maui and their cattle herds.
While 1,500 cattle grazed on the southern slopes of Haleakala five years ago, only 1,300 do now.
Kaupo Ranch manager Bobby Ferreira says some cattle will be moved to pastureland being leased from another ranch as there isn’t enough dry food to feed his herd.
The ranch is a partner in a grass-fed beef processing business called Maui Cattle Company, but now the ranch is sending most of its animals to the mainland for final feeding.
The National Weather Service says El Niño conditions likely will lead to a wet summer and a dry winter, which could worsen already brown leeward pastures.
