California’s cattle feedlots are critical to the state’s food system, supporting a safe, affordable beef supply while advancing California’s policy priorities on organic waste diversion, methane reduction, and environmental stewardship.

California cattle ranchers do more than raise beef—they help steward over 38 million acres of rangeland, support wildlife habitat, and reduce wildfire risk through managed grazing. From corned beef on your St. Patrick’s Day plate to protecting open spaces, here are five reasons California is lucky to have ranchers.