California’s ‘Operation Hay Drop’ Feeds Starving, Snowed-In Cows by Helicopter

California’s ‘Operation Hay Drop’ Feeds Starving, Snowed-In Cows by Helicopter
"Operation Hay Drop" transports and delivers hay via helicopter to snow-stranded livestock in Humboldt County, Calif., on March 9, 2023. Screenshot via Instagram/humboldtsheriff
Jill McLaughlin
Updated:
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Sixth-generation rancher Lauren Sizemore has never seen this much snow on the ground reaching all the way down to sea level around her family’s Lonestar Ranch in rural Humboldt County.

The northern California ranch’s 300 cattle usually have no problem finding land to graze during the winter. But 70 cows crossed over a creek during recent winter storms onto the south side of the property.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.
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