Energy Analysis of Oklahoma Rangelands and Improved Pastures

Abstract

The energy costs of beef production were examined for native rangelands and improved pastures grazing systems in the State of Oklahoma. Energy analysis models were constructed to examine the necessary energy inputs and outputs of the grazing systems. Energy requirements to maintain improved pasture systems ranged from 10 to 100 times that to maintain native rangeland. Comparing only fossil-fuel expenditures showed that rangelands are two to three times more efficient producers of beef than the improved pastures, although their beef production is considerably lower per hectare. Regression analysis indicates that the maximum possible efficiency of beef production from fossil-fuel subsidies in Oklahoma is approximately 14.8%.