Take a shopping trip these days, and you鈥檒l probably find yourself in mild shock at the prices. From gas to eggs, costs seem to be skyrocketing 鈥� and the same holds true for beef. The costs associated with land here along the Front Range and Eastern Plains of Colorado have risen, and drought and feed prices have only exacerbated these issues, leaving many smaller-scale ranchers struggling to maintain their businesses.
A century ago, farmers and ranchers were facing equally daunting problems, as by the mid-1930s large portions of land could no longer support crops or livestock. To counteract this, here in Weld County, a group of farmers and ranchers came together to support each other, a critical move during a time when many had lost viable land. The Crow Valley Grazing Association 鈥� and those formed since, such as the Pawnee Cooperative Grazing Association and the Lazy D Grazing Association 鈥� supported its members, their livelihoods, and the land itself amidst worsening circumstances. Now more than ever, for the sake of ranchers, their herds, and the conservation of the land itself, we must recall the past and focus on establishing collaborative grazing efforts.
At their core, grazing associations are cooperative efforts, mutually operated by association members. Some associations privately own the land they graze, while others access public lands. In recent years, rising land costs have become a serious barrier for ranchers, with less land available and costs increasingly prohibitive. Since associations are a joint effort, however, the cost burden is shared 鈥� which in turn supports smaller-scale ranchers by providing access to a resource that might otherwise be out of reach. Necessities such as water are also included, so members have access to everything needed to maintain their livestock. Most associations employ a range rider to monitor the safety and well-being of the land and livestock. Additionally, when repair concerns arise, members share the costs, further easing the burden of high prices.
Ranching depends on the health of the land, and while rangeland grazing provides a better diet for cattle than other practices, the land itself also benefits from grazing association practices. Grazing associations employ quotas for the number of animal units available, which prevents the land from being overtaxed. In addition, studies have shown that the movement of livestock across association land helps ensure the health of the land itself by allowing for proper plant growth and better-developed root systems. This results in healthier, stronger soil, protecting the land from issues like erosion. Guaranteeing the health of the land is crucial for the continuation of beef production and the future of smaller-scale ranching operations, and grazing associations help provide that opportunity.
We are facing a future where water scarcity, temperatures, and costs will undoubtedly continue to increase. In order to continue beef production, the health and well-being of the land utilized must be conserved, and relying on community will only become more important as time goes on. Grazing associations benefit livestock, association members, and the land itself, bringing together individuals who have an understanding of each other鈥檚 business and creating a network of support despite physical distance. Re-establishing community and founding new grazing partnerships will help secure the future of beef production along the Front Range and Eastern Plains, and the protection of the land we live and work on, preserving ranching traditions in the face of uncertainty ahead.
Alyssa Levin is a 欧美巨乳色情片 resident.
