Californians, brace yourselves for a seismic shift in your beef consumption habits. The U.S. cattle industry is struggling with a crisis of historic proportions, as herd numbers have plummeted to levels not seen since the baby boomers generation was born. According to shocking USDA data released just yesterday, on January 31, 2025, America’s cattle population has hit a 74-year low, echoing the scarcity of 1951. This isn’t just a rancher’s problem, it’s a potential game-changer for your dinner table, your favorite restaurants, and even California’s economy. As the fourth-largest cattle state in the nation, California stands at the epicenter of this beef earthquake, with ripple effects poised to impact everything from grocery bills to job markets. What’s driving this bovine exodus, and how will it reshape the Golden State’s culinary landscape?…