Preliminary Economic Evaluation of Cattle Distribution Practices on Mountain Rangelands

Abstract

The grazing capacity of mountain rangelands can be increased by management practices which improve cattle distribution. In this study, the increased economic returns resulting from pond construction, spring development, and trail construction appear to justify investment in these projects by either private operators or the federal government. Guzzler construction may be a sound investment for the stockman, but does not appear profitable for the federal government. Under the conditions of this study, fencing mountain rangelands was not profitable for either stockmen or the federal government. Both strategic salting and cattle herding (drifting) appear to be profitable practices for the rancher.