[a_bonobo]

> I've been on farms in my area, that have land that is not usable for farming, too many rocks, too hilly, etc. The land has enough natural rain-fall and grasses that grow on it to sustain sheep/cattle where there would otherwise be nothing but a fire hazard come the dry season (California).

Australia has a huge cattle industry for similar reasons, lots and lots of space, but much of the land is not suitable for crops. Cattle will survive, but not many.

Anna Creek Station in South Australia is the size of Israel (!!!), and the land can only support like 10,000 to 20,000 cattle. If you look at photos of Anna Creek Station you'll know why, it's mostly arid, almost desert-like. You can't grow any crops there.

[throw0101a]

> Australia has a huge cattle industry for similar reasons, lots and lots of space, but much of the land is not suitable for crops. Cattle will survive, but not many.

Is the amount of water that cattle consume a consideration?

[a_bonobo]

Oh definitely! During drought times it's cheaper to shoot the cows on the field than to feed them.

Here's a good article around water-costs for cattle farmers in Australia: https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-08-21/feedlot-restric...

Lot of dodgy things are happening, it's a political scandal pretty much ignored because it's so complex https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-23/water-buybacks-everyt...