A new series of publications from the University of Wyoming Extension examines the economic impacts of eliminating livestock grazing on federal land in Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon.

While some groups advocate for the removal of all federal grazing, UW Professor Emeritus David Taylor and colleagues John Tanaka and Kristie Maczko found that such changes would have lasting repercussions for ranchers and rural communities.

Using economic models, they estimated the potential losses associated with the removal of federal grazing from cattle ranches in the three-state region.

The study culminated in a series of four reports detailing the economic impacts on each state and the region overall. In all cases, the removal of federal grazing resulted in significant economic losses.

This has implications for communities across the West. “It is not just a one state issue,” Taylor comments. “Sixteen states in the West have significant amounts of federal grazing and would be affected by changes in that grazing use.”

In addition to estimating direct economic impacts to ranchers, the study analyzes secondary economic impacts to feed stores, veterinarians, and bulk fuel dealers. It is important not to overlook the impacts on surrounding communities, says Taylor.

Particularly in the most rural areas, the models revealed how much the removal of federal grazing could affect not only the livelihoods of producers but also those who depend indirectly on the ranching community.

Cumulative effects over longer time horizons were also considered. Due to the 10-year life span of federal grazing permits, removal of federal grazing would affect more than the profits associated with a single year of production. Furthermore, if the 10-year permits were continually renewed, economic losses would compound over time.

Actual economic impacts could be substantially greater than predicted if some of the impacted ranches were unable to remain in production, the authors note.

The project was conducted through the Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable. Funding was provided by the Beef Checkoff Program through the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

To view the new publications and download free copies, visit https://www.wyoextension.org/publications/ and enter 1385 in the search box or use the following links:

• Economic Impacts of Removing Federal Grazing Used by Cattle Ranches in a Three-State Area (Idaho, Oregon, and Wyoming)
• Economic Impacts of Removing Federal Grazing Used by Cattle Ranches in Oregon
• Economic Impacts of Removing Federal Grazing Used by Cattle Ranches in Idaho
• Economic Impacts of Removing Federal Grazing Used by Cattle Ranches in Wyoming