Part of the Understanding Working Rangelands series. Livestock grazing has been practiced in California for more than 200 years, and it continues to benefit local communities today, not least by helping keep open space available for recreation use.

This publication goes right to the source to give you an idea of cattle's place and role on California public-access lands with an account of a year's life, as related by one particularly eloquent beef cow.

Part of the Understanding Working Rangelands series. This is a basic guide on what to do if you encounter grazing livestock while hiking, with tips on cattle's flight zone, high-head body language, and how to keep dogs safe around livestock.

Part of the Understanding Working Rangelands series. All creatures need access to water. One good way to water range livestock is to use natural water sources on the grazing site. Learn how to provide animal access and still protect the water resource.

Part of the Understanding Working Rangelands series. Range livestock species differ in size, weight, behavior, and feeding preferences. Learn how these factors can influence their suitability for grazing on a particular area of multi-use rangeland.

Part of the Understanding Working Rangelands series. Ranch roads, fencing, gates, water systems, corrals, and working scales play a key role in proper management of livestock and effective management of rangelands. Having the right infrastructure is crucial to maintain the health and safety of rancher as well as the environment.

The care and feeding of livestock has a cyclic rhythm tied to the animals' reproductive cycle and seasonal health needs. Ranchers must perform numerous tasks to keep their animals healthy and reproducing. This publication covers a variety of common tasks and their typical timing; referred to by ranchers as “working” cattle or sheep.

Grazing livestock do a lot more than just fill their bellies with wild grasses. Their grazing also helps keep potential wildfire fuels in check and enhances habitat opportunities for native plants, birds, frogs, salamanders, and more. Read all about it!

Time was, herded livestock could be led over the wide landscape to wherever the feed and water were best, but fences and property rights restrict most modern herds to much smaller ranges. Time and space are big issues for today's herder.