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Balancing Agriculture and Wildlife: An Investigation on the Impact of Elk and Deer Grazing on Farming and Ranching Lands

Applied Research

Ethan Gilliam
Assistant Professor/Sevier County Ag/NR Agent
Utah State University
Richfield

Abstract

This poster demonstrates producers’ perceptions of elk and deer grazing on their private lands through a survey conducted at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) National Conference. This survey also dived into the relationship status of producers with wildlife officials. With 140 complete responses from producers across the nation, the study underscores the varying impacts of elk/deer grazing on a more nationally representative level. Out of the 140 responses, about 64% of producers experience some kind of issue with wildlife grazing on their private land, and roughly 23% participated in some kind of mediation effort. When asked about opinions of wildlife grazing around their operations, responses were nearly evenly distributed among positive, negative, or no opinion. About 43% of respondents reported positive opinions of wildlife outside of their operations, while about 24% were negative and the rest had no opinion. Most respondents (69%) reported positive relationships with wildlife officials while only 5% had a negative relationship and the rest had no opinion. These results highlight the need for thorough collaboration between agricultural and livestock producers with wildlife management authorities to address wildlife grazing impacts effectively. Our findings also address the opinions that many producers nationwide have toward wildlife in general. In conversation during the AFBF National Conference, it was clear that many producers enjoy seeing wildlife, however, they cannot put that value above the agricultural products they must produce. 

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Ethan Gilliam, Anna Gilliam, Jody Gale
  1. Gilliam, E. Assistant Professor/Sevier County Ag/NR Agent, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84701
  2. Gilliam, A. Professional Practice Assistant Professor/Sevier County/ Home and Community, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84701
  3. Gale, J. Associate Professor/ Agronomy and Horticulture Sevier County/ Ag Economic Development and Natural Resources Central-Southern Utah, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84701