Gentlemen, I do not want to side swipe a post and turn it into cattle vs. wildlife. We want and need both. That being said, I have to remind you of the importance of beef and other livestock for that matter.
Where do you think feedlots get their calves from? Feedlots buy calves from ranchers that have raised those cattle on public or private ground. So therefore understand that every calf in that lot was bought and then finished at the lot to put on your table. If the ranchers had to feed those calves from day one with $250 a ton alfalfa hay, that steak just got a lot more expensive.
As far as the grazing fee's, every rancher pays an AUM per year to run on BLM or Forest ground. These fee's are reviewed annually and have gone up significantly since the 60's.....do your research!!!
I do agree rotational grazing is a must and essential to a healthy eco system. Do you think there is a benefit to a rancher in overgrazing an allotment???? That is leaving him nothing to come back to the following year, and damaging the range. As the BLM/Forest evaluate ranges yearly, the rancher may not get to turn out the following year if damage has been done. Therefore he is cutting his own throat. Would you do that??? Does not seem likely anyone would cut their own throat.
Be careful what you wish for. If there are not livestock on the range prices in the stores WILL increase. Then everyone will turn to wildlife to feed there families....they will have to in order to survive. Then when you cannot have a tag every year and you have to buy at the store, what will you be screaming about???
I do agree that some agencies, and ranchers need to better review their usage and make sure damage does not exist, but all and all, the ranges I see look pretty good other than the drought. And yes, ranchers take significant cuts when there is a drought year, that may run for continuous years until the range is healthy again. Wildlife gets the 1st pass on this...which is fine, just reminding you of what ACTUALLY takes place.
If you want something to blame, I think you should target the wild mustangs, NOT the livestock industry!!!!
Good day!