CLIPBOARD : Where’s the Beef ?

In a word, disappearing.

After reaching a 10-year high in 1987, the number of beef cattle produced in Orange County has declined each year--and by about one-third during each of the last two years. Despite their dwindling numbers, beef cattle are still a million-dollar enterprise in the county. But, like their numbers, the value of the cattle crop has declined each of the last two years after reaching a 10-year high in 1988.

Here’s the value and production picture:

Year Production % Change Value % Change 1990 2,520 -33 $1,476,200 -24 1989 3,747 -33 1,943,100 -40 1988 5,566 -6 3,255,000 +27 1987 5,946 +115 2,568,000 +143 1986 2,771 -- 1,054,900 -- Five-Year Average 4,110 -- $2,059,440 --

Source: Orange County Agricultural Commissioner