July 2015, Lisa Kubota, MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) –
The record-setting heat this summer is taking a toll on two Leeward regions already under severe drought. Kaupo Ranch on Maui is in one of those devastated areas.
A total combined head of 1,500 cattle grazed on the southern slopes of Haleakala five years ago. Due to the dry weather, that number has now fallen to 1,300 and will likely continue dropping.
The paniolo heritage at Kaupo Ranch traces back to 1929. When the rain falls, the remote property is blanketed with lush greenery. These days, however, much of the landscape is barren and brown.
“You just go into survival mode and do what you think you can do, prepare,” explained Kaupo Ranch manager Bobby Ferreira. “What I going get rid of? Lighten up as much as you can.”
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