grazing

In the world of virtual fencing, ranchers now have one more option.  Researchers at the University of Idaho recently announced a less expensive alternative to GPS technology.  Commercial virtual fence systems deliver an electric shock to a cow’s neck when the animal approaches a virtual barrier, eliminating the need for wire fencing by relying on GPS technology.  However,  the...

The USDA is investing up to $12 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative until September 22...

A new program introduced last week by USDA will assist some ranchers who faced an increase in supplemental feed costs last year. Farm Service Agency Deputy Administrator Scott Marlow said this will provide producers much needed relief. "This is to cover the additional costs of feed and grazing outside of the in season grazing periods that were covered in other programs ...

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council Tuesday expressed concern over the Biden administration’s National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA rule. NCBA and PLC said the rule undermines progress made over the last several years when efficient regulatory processes are critical to environmental and economic sustainability. PLC Ex ...

Ranchers and livestock producers may be eligible for financial assistance through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program for 2021 grazing losses due to a qualifying drought or fire. Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said, “FSA is here to help offset these economic hardships and help producers rebuild with resilience.” The deadlin ...

In the fight against massive wildfires across the west, many in the ranching community say the best tool isn’t a helicopter or a shovel. It’s a herd of grazing cattle. Mark Pratt, President of the Idaho Cattle Association, said cattle can remove the fine fuels that allow fires to grow at a breakneck pace. “My und ...

Oregon State University is joining ranks with an international coalition of 20 entities for a grazing management research project. "The project focuses on understanding links between the way ranchers graze their lands and their well-being. Ecologic ...

The Idaho Cattle Association has a new President. Mark Pratt of Blackfoot, ID takes over the leadership role previously held by Jay Smith. Pratt said he looks forward to serving the industry in Idaho and is keenly interested in working to continue education of the public regarding the beef industry and ranching community ...

An online tool is now available to help ranchers document and estimate payments to help cover the costs of feed transportation caused by drought. Those costs are now covered by the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) ...

More than 1,000 counties are eligible for emergency Conservation Reserve Program haying and grazing. The most recently published list of counties with permitted haying and grazing on CRP land, which was released Thursday 06/24/21, includes 1,021 counties, or 32% of counties nationwide ...