Relationship Between Selected Factors and Internal Rate of Return from Sagebrush Removal and Seeding Crested Wheatgrass

Abstract

One alternative in increasing western range forage production is sagebrush removal and seeding crested wheatgrass. Of primary importance when considering such investments is economic profitability. Using internal rate of return (IRR) as a measure of economic profitability, a range improvement computer budget program (RIBPRO) was used to calculate IRR's for a specific ranch example. Factors associated with high IRR's are a constant forage production function over time, agricultural conservation payments, a 30-year or older stand, approximately 80 ha or more of improved range, low initial user cost/ha, and high additional kg of forage/ha.