The U.S. government allows livestock grazing across a vast area of public land—more than twice the size of California. This makes ranching the largest land use in the West, supported by billions of taxpayer dollars. But this system comes with serious environmental costs.
An investigation by ProPublica and High Country News delved into how public lands ranching has changed over time. They filed numerous public records requests and conducted interviews with ranchers, conservationists, and others involved in the industry. Their findings were enlightening.
Ranching as a Subsidy Program
The public lands grazing system was revamped in the 1930s due to the environmental crisis known as the Dust Bowl, which stemmed from overgrazing and poor farming practices. Fast forward to today, and the system primarily focuses on keeping ranchers afloat through subsidies.
In 2024, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service charged ranchers about $21 million in grazing fees. But this is a mere fraction of the market rate for similar private land use—about a 93% discount. The federal government allocated at least $2.5 billion in 2024 for various subsidy programs, including disaster assistance for droughts or predator losses.
Wealth and Control
Interestingly, ranching isn’t as widespread as one might think. A small number of wealthy individuals, including billionaires like Stan Kroenke and Rupert Murdoch, control a significant share of livestock on public lands. About 10% of ranchers manage around two-thirds of the grazing on BLM land and over half on Forest Service land. These large ranches enjoy financial advantages like property tax breaks and tax-deductible business expenses.
Political Support and Oversight
Under the Trump administration, support for ranching increased. In 2020, the administration announced a plan to strengthen the American beef industry, emphasizing more taxpayer support for ranchers. They argued that grazing is a necessary tool for land management and ecosystem health. About 18,000 ranchers graze livestock on public lands, many claiming they rely on these subsidies to survive.
However, oversight of grazing permits is weakening. Ranchers’ permits, which need renewal every 10 years, can be automatically renewed if agencies can’t complete required environmental reviews. Alarmingly, in recent years, the BLM has authorized grazing on a growing percentage of its lands without thorough reviews.
Environmental Impact
The consequences of this grazing system are alarming. The BLM manages 155 million acres of land available for grazing, yet studies revealed that at least 38 million of those acres show significant environmental degradation. ProPublica’s investigation found clear signs of overgrazing, such as trampled streambeds and polluted waterways.
Some ranchers argue that their practices benefit the environment by preventing urban sprawl. For instance, Bill Fales, a cattle rancher from Colorado, claims that his ranch helps maintain wildlife habitats even as neighboring areas face development pressures.
The Challenge of Change
Regulators face immense political pressure when it comes to altering this system. Employees at the BLM often report feeling compelled to avoid actions that could upset ranchers, noting the risk of political pushback. This pressure is bipartisan; members of Congress frequently advocate for ranchers facing what they consider excessive oversight.
In conclusion, the public lands grazing system is a complex interplay of economics, politics, and environmental challenges. Understanding this landscape is crucial for anyone interested in land management and conservation.
For further details, you can explore insights from sources like the U.S. Department of Agriculture and High Country News.
