Why is California so dry? Meteorologists say there's a huge, stubborn high pressure system off the West Coast nearly 4 miles high and 2,000 miles long. It isn't budging.
For rancher Justin Greer, the dry spell means downsizing his cattle herd. "By this time of year, we normally have about 3 inches of good, green grass," he said of his Tulare County ranch. "We've just had zero rain."
Greer has been buying costlier hay, cutting into profits. Much like Texas two years ago, California ranchers are now reducing their herds and moving animals off the ranch more quickly.
(Read more: Grain mostly higher, livestock higher)
"Two years ago, we were shipping steer calves that weighed 650 (pounds). Last year we shipped calves that weighed 570. And if this keeps at this current rate, I would be surprised if we shipped calves that weighed 500," he said.
Lighter calves cost more to fatten up on feed lots for market, which could in turn drive already high beef prices higher. Consumers could switch to more chicken or pork.
"Beef isn't, and never has wanted to be, the low-cost alternative," Greer said. "We want to be the best protein alternative, but with everything, there is a breaking point."