Article Photos: Seeking hardier breeds for drought, climate change



  Cattle rancher Ron Gill gets some work done in his office in rural Parker County near Springtown, Texas, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012. Gill has been cross breeding cattle with more drought tolerant breeds that can withstand heat and droughts better. Cattle are being bred with genes from their African cousins who are accustomed to hot weather. New corn varieties are emerging with larger roots for gathering water in a drought. Someday, the plants may even be able to âresurrectâ themselves after a long dry spell, recovering quickly when rain returns. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Cattle rancher Ron Gill gets some work done in his office in rural Parker County near Springtown, Texas, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012. Gill has been cross breeding cattle with more drought tolerant breeds that can withstand heat and droughts better. Cattle are being bred with genes from their African cousins who are accustomed to hot weather. New corn varieties are emerging with larger roots for gathering water in a drought. Someday, the plants may even be able to “resurrect” themselves after a long dry spell, recovering quickly when rain returns. (AP Photo/LM Otero)