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EDUCATING PUBLIC LAND GRAZING PERMITEES THROUGH THE CENTRAL UTAH GRAZING EXPO

Agricultural Issues

Trent Wilde
Extension Associate Professor
Utah State University Extension
Junction

Abstract

   The majority of the State of Utah (63.1%) is owned by the federal government.  Much of this federally owned property is rangeland which has traditionally been grazed by livestock.  Since the passage of the Taylor Grazing Act in 1934 the grazing of federally owned lands has been administered through a permitting process.  Livestock producers who qualify can obtain a permit to graze their livestock on federally owned lands.  As the demand for the resources available on federally owned lands has increased, conflict between ranchers who graze livestock on federally owned lands (permittees) and other interests have developed.  This conflict has resulted in tensions between livestock permittees and the federal land management agencies who manage the federal land.  In the last couple of decades these tensions have resulted in numerous high-profile disputes.  Central Utah has experienced a significant amount of these tensions.  Extension personnel became concerned that some of these tensions could get out of control in Central Utah and decided to create the Central Utah Grazing Expo (Expo).  The purpose of the Expo was to bring livestock producers, land management agencies and the general public together to educate them with science-based knowledge.  The Expo consists of classroom-type presentations as well as in-the-field experiences.  The presentations are designed to provide accurate information, and the field tour is designed to help participants see the application of science-based principles on the ground.  The combination of science-based information and on-the-ground application in a group setting where differing points of view are presented with consistent facts has contributed to increased understanding of all points of view and helped reduce conflict over these issues in the Central Utah area.

Authors: Trent Wilde, Eric Thacker, Ryan Larsen, Chad Page, Burdette Barker, Mark Nelson, Matt Palmer, Steven Price, Kalen Taylor, Jacob Hadfield, Ethan Gilliam
  1. Trent Wilde Extension Associate Professor, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84747
  2. Eric Thacker Range Management Specialist, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84322
  3. Ryan Larsen Agribusiness Specialist, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84322
  4. Chad Page Sheep and Goat Specialist, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84322
  5. Burdette Barker Irrigation Specialist, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84322
  6. Mark Nelson Extension Professor, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84713
  7. Matt Palmer Extension Associate Professor, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84627
  8. Steven Price Extension Associate Professor, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84501
  9. Kalen Taylor Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84631
  10. Jacob Hadfield Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84648
  11. Ethan Gilliam Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84701