By June, the season of dry grass begins and continues up to the fall rains. The chief range animals are cattle. Many are maintained on the range in summer, but to accomplish this requires liberal use of protein and energy supplements. Stocks may be moved into high mountain ranges from June to October, or brought to irrigated pastures in the valleys. Moderate grazing of the foothill annual-type range of California gives heavier cattle than close grazing, brings about a more desirable mixture of plant species, produces grazing 2 to 3 weeks earlier and maintains soil fertility better.
Heavy grazing produces a small, stunted forage crop.
Light stocking is beneficial in improving depleted range, but it allows undesirable species to increase on good range.