W1198: Socio-Economic Sustainability of Operations and Communities that Rely on Rangelands

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Active

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[01/01/1970] [10/15/2024] [12/15/2025]

Date of Annual Report: 01/01/1970

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 04/25/2024 - 04/26/2024
Period the Report Covers: 04/24/2024 - 10/01/2024

Participants

Gregory Torell - New Mexico State University
MaryFrancis Miller - New Mexico State University
Anastasia Thayer - Clemson University
Katherine D Lee - University of Idaho
J.D. Wulfhurst - University of Idaho
John Ritten - Colorado State University
Sheri Spiegal - USDA ARS
Gwendwr Meredith - University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Brief Summary of Minutes

Primary meeting minutes:

the primary (nearish-term) goal of this group should be to seek funding opportunities that allow us to do the work that we eventually want to complete, namely producing a high-quality combined model of range economics and ecology that itself is informed by regional (and national/global) economic activity and likewise feeds back the opposite direction.

Seeking funding opportunities will be the primary thrust for the first year to year-and-a-half for this group

The upcoming October meetings will be primarily a writing/assignment of writing tasks

These meetings have prepped us to have more efficient meetings in October, as we have a clearer sense of the research questions (from the first bullet point)

The post-Octber plan is to begin to craft a general proposal outline that can be tailored to applicable grant RFPs that may exist in the future

On-Going Tasks:

Grow the membership of the group in both numbers, and expertise areas

Focus on areas where each member feels capable of engaging with the research questions

Determine the staffing/funding needs to answer the research questions

Keep abreast of funding opportunities

Prepare to have October meetings be productive and able to produce tangible outcomes

Accomplishments

<ul> <li>These meetings were primarliy preparatory for a larger thrust in October</li> <li>A major goal of the future meetings will be to ensure that accomplishments are made in each area</li> </ul>

Publications

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 10/15/2024

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/09/2024 - 10/11/2024
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2023 - 10/01/2024

Participants

Gregory L Torell, New Mexico State University
John Ritten, Colorado State University
MaryFrancis Miller, New Mexico State University
Sheri Spiegal, USDA-ARS
Katherine D. Lee, University of Idaho
J.D. Wulfhurst, University of Idaho
Gwendwr Meredith, University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Jessica Windh, University of Idaho
Anastasia Thayer, Clemson University (remote, zoom)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Highlights of Meeting Notes

October 9

Discussion of “community”
- Whether community in objectives 1, 3, 4, and 5 are economic, geographic, social, or geopolitical

Recapitulation of the goals of the modeling effort
- For example, fire impacts
  - Prescribed burns, wildfire
  - Exogeneity vs endogeneity , and stressors to the system and measured impacts
  - GIS integration
- Discussion of moving the group towards more concerted efforts to actively work collaboratively
  - Introduction of the concepts of Grand Challenge paper for the group to write
  - Initial discussion of data needs, and methods of collection and analysis

October 10

Continued discussion of Grand Challenge paper concept
- Bestlemeyer, Briske (2012) Grand Challenges for resilience-based management of rangelands, Rangeland Ecology and Management as an example of the type of work for the group to produce
- A series of papers is a good way to move the effort forward, highlighting the holes in the current literature that require a collaborative effort that this group can tackle
- Some issues raised that can be included:
  - Better understanding of rangeland-human systems interactions
  - Persistence of ranching and persistence of intact rangelands
  - Ecosystem services
  - Climate change, policy change, deforestation patterns, disease, fire
  - Why current modeling environments are not working
  - Migration corridors of wildlife and fractured management
  - Feedbacks in integrated systems, and forecasting foreseeable impacts that are ignored in non-integrated systems modeling
  - Collaborative land use management
- A discussion of how to tailor future work towards “customers” of a modeling effort
  - Too many models are built that are not built in a way that is useful outside of academia
  - This highlights that Objective 5 needs to be early in the process, and is not to be done as a “formality” or thought of as such
  - End users of a well-formed model may be as broad as academicians, NGOs, federal and state agencies, tribal entities, and ranchers themselves
- The “Grand Challenge” that we can articulate is essentially that “We are not as informed as we think we are on many issues. Using existing models can lead us to fool ourselves and the public to think that we know more than we do”
  - This is largely because of ad hoc modeling efforts, lack of integrated systems modeling, and even models that are simply created prior to the availability of computational ability to run models of sufficient capability to answer these integrated questions
- Discussion of Objective 3, and the definitions and importance of archetypes in the larger project whole
  - How data collection is best collected – surveys in person, mail, email, etc
  - How to integrate this data into a modeling framework
  - Moving from ethnographic interviewing to a more modern frame such as Bayesian Belief Networks to “mathemetize” the input of stakeholders
- Plan was formed for the series of Grand Challenge papers
  - First paper will be a response to the call for papers for Western Economics Forum, which seeks papers related for farm and ranch succession
    - This paper will allow us quick turn around, and allow us to have our first look at what the holes in the literature are
    - This also allows us to think about the linkages between ranch succession, ranch management, and community outcomes
  - Day ended with some “nuts and bolts” questions about eventual modeling framework, software, etc
    - All agreed that the current GAMS model should be moved out of the GAMS software, python is an open source option
    - Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium model allows the integration of rural economic development questions
    - Decision making horizon can be more flexible in this framework
    - Work related to archetypes group remains a question in terms of integration

Accomplishments

<h2>State Reports By Objective for Year 2023-2024</h2> <h4>Objective 1</h4> Advance knowledge about impacts of and responses to potential external threats (e.g., climate changes) and opportunities (e.g., carbon and Environmental, Social, Governance markets) to rangelands, ranches, and rangeland dependent communities in the western U.S. (including the impacts of adopting new technologies to address these threats/opportunities) <h5> </h5> <h5>Published and Forthcoming Peer-reviewed Research</h5>   <ul> <li><a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fcitations%3Fview_op%3Dview_citation%26hl%3Den%26user%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%26sortby%3Dpubdate%26citation_for_view%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%3AK3LRdlH-MEoC&data=05%7C02%7Cgtorell%40nmsu.edu%7Cce656678d8f840d8e36108dce8b37e70%7Ca3ec87a89fb84158ba8ff11bace1ebaa%7C1%7C0%7C638641104829075099%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VwPHqPHVcEo73CCNy5lqNtxI4fDWI0B4M5nJ4%2BdkcgI%3D&reserved=0">DJ Augustine, JP Ritten, DL Hoover, JD Derner. 2024.  Does Drought Intensify the Effects of Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs on Livestock Production and Net Revenue in Semiarid Rangelands?</a> Rangeland Ecology & Management (CO)</li> <li>JD Derner, JP Ritten, T Baldwin, T Jorns, M Mortenson, DJ Augustine. 2024. <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fcitations%3Fview_op%3Dview_citation%26hl%3Den%26user%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%26sortby%3Dpubdate%26citation_for_view%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%3AXiSMed-E-HIC&data=05%7C02%7Cgtorell%40nmsu.edu%7Cce656678d8f840d8e36108dce8b37e70%7Ca3ec87a89fb84158ba8ff11bace1ebaa%7C1%7C0%7C638641104829092000%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dHs8VJ1xueGsBw%2F5kHULyk8uHFCNdkTL6l0GhYBY3EE%3D&reserved=0">Flexible Stocking: Livestock Production and Economic Responses in Mixed-Grass Prairie</a> Rangeland Ecology & Management (CO)</li> <li>ND DeLay, DF Mooney, J Ritten. 2024. <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fcitations%3Fview_op%3Dview_citation%26hl%3Den%26user%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%26sortby%3Dpubdate%26citation_for_view%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%3AtOudhMTPpwUC&data=05%7C02%7Cgtorell%40nmsu.edu%7Cce656678d8f840d8e36108dce8b37e70%7Ca3ec87a89fb84158ba8ff11bace1ebaa%7C1%7C0%7C638641104829101836%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NCHxqQFZT1OzfPcrkOH1dwAVeCAG5V0z4JZ%2Fu4YOcPo%3D&reserved=0">Climate and Consolidation in the US Beef Cow Sector</a> Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 1-20 (Nationwide)</li> <li>M Hart, J Ritten, BA Mealor. 2024. <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fcitations%3Fview_op%3Dview_citation%26hl%3Den%26user%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%26sortby%3Dpubdate%26citation_for_view%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%3Au9iWguZQMMsC&data=05%7C02%7Cgtorell%40nmsu.edu%7Cce656678d8f840d8e36108dce8b37e70%7Ca3ec87a89fb84158ba8ff11bace1ebaa%7C1%7C0%7C638641104829111268%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WfPL0b5d2jW2W7r6mG5vGxqYLfe99QnxAcXA8Y694G8%3D&reserved=0">A ranching economic analysis of ventenata (Ventenata dubia) control in northeast Wyoming</a>. Invasive Plant Science and Management 16 (1), 56-63 (WY)</li> <li>Thayer, Anastasia W., Justin R. Benavidez, and David P. Anderson. "Exploring the Impact of Fed Cattle Grade on Transaction Type." Journal of the ASFMRA2024 (2024): 141-146. (SC)</li> <li>Thayer, Anastasia W., Nikolas Berg, Matthew Fischer, Dillon Feuz. " Feeder Cattle Basis in the Western United States Over the Last Decade." (SC)</li> <li>Ramos-Coronado, L., Miller, M., Angadi, S., Lauriault, L. M., Marsalis, M. A., Evaluating the economic merit of guar as a forage replacement crop during drought-induced water restrictions. Submitted to: Agronomy. (Nationwide)</li> <li>Gonell-Trail, S., Miller, M., Ward, F. A. (2024) Economic performance of range livestock grazing for adapting to drought and climate stressed forage. Rangeland Ecology & Management. <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1016%2Fj.rama.2024.02.003&data=05%7C02%7Cgtorell%40nmsu.edu%7Cc6873e26eb2e4cbe3d6b08dce933f4f5%7Ca3ec87a89fb84158ba8ff11bace1ebaa%7C1%7C0%7C638641656590090923%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SbOwrwHEbKO3fYoIyjBGK5d6XqoRJpkTvVugO62gc%2Bw%3D&reserved=0">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2024.02.003</a>  (NM)</li> </ul>   <h5>Additional Output Performed</h5> <ul> <li>4 webinars related to carbon markets and ranching. (Nationwide)</li> <li>Webinar related to prairie dog and drought interactions. (Nationwide)</li> <li>Presentation to Public Lands Council September 2024. (National)</li> <li>4 grad student committees (2 completed) related to GHG and/or animal welfare. (national)</li> <li>Assessing economic implications of thermal stress of Bos Indicus and Bos Taurus species during finishing across seasons in northern Colorado, American Society of Animal Science, Calgary, July 2024. (CO)</li> <li>Duff, G., Loest, C., Miller, M. Use of SmartFeed system to improve health and performance of newly received feedlot cattle at the Clayton Livestock Research Center. Sponsoring Organization: C-Lock, Inc. $285,000. Current Status: Not Funded (NM)</li> </ul>   <h4>Objective 2</h4> Define and characterize the ecosystem services that are produced on rangelands and to whom they accrue. Determine how ecosystem services and their accrual changes with alterations to the rangeland system, including land use change, policy change, climate change. <h5> </h5> <h5>Published and Forthcoming Peer-reviewed Research</h5> <ul> <li>AT Maher, NEQ Ashwell, JA Tanaka, JP Ritten, KA Maczko. 2023. <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fcitations%3Fview_op%3Dview_citation%26hl%3Den%26user%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%26sortby%3Dpubdate%26citation_for_view%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%3ASP6oXDckpogC&data=05%7C02%7Cgtorell%40nmsu.edu%7Cce656678d8f840d8e36108dce8b37e70%7Ca3ec87a89fb84158ba8ff11bace1ebaa%7C1%7C0%7C638641104829120597%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XHNn3%2FBJZIer2ix61eN8rSUhocWJAqcVDFY%2FHNAKBLQ%3D&reserved=0">Financial barriers and opportunities for conservation adoption on US rangelands: A region-wide, ranch-level economic assessment of NRCS-sponsored Greater Sage-grouse habitat …</a>. Journal of Environmental Management 329, 116420 (Western US)</li> <li>Tanaka, JA, KA Maczko, and JL Windh. (Accepted w/ revisions) Economics of lesser prairie chicken conservation. Rangeland Ecology and Management (ID)</li> </ul>   <h5>Additional Output Performed</h5> <ul> <li>Acharya, B. (M.S. thesis, 2024) Economic Impacts of Grazing Management Practices in Riparian Areas. Advised by K. Lee, J. Windh, and A. Maas.(ID)</li> <li>Webinar to Bird Conservancy of the Rockies on Economics of Ranching. (CO, KS, WY)</li> <li>Webinar to Women in Ranching on Predator Management. (National)</li> </ul>   <h4>Objective 3</h4> Develop a framework of social adaptation archetypes (identity, motives, vulnerability) land-use change and the valuation of ecosystem services at regional-, community-, and ranch-scale adaptations. <ul> <li>Currently working on grant proposal to AgMission (FFAR) with TNC, WWF, etc) (CO, SD, NE)</li> <li>Two active grants with NFWF related to Lesser Prairie Chicken Habitat provision on rangelands. (CO, KS)</li> <li>Miller, M. (Principle), Regmi, M., Mitchell, P., Mikkelson, S., Lillywhite, J. “New Mexico Farm Business Management and Benchmarking.” Sponsoring Organization: USDA - NIFA. $406,193. Status: Funded. (NM)</li> </ul>   <h4>Objective 4</h4> Develop integrated regional socio-economic models to better understand the linkages and identify the leverage points between ranch and rural communities, and the multidimensional well-being within these connected systems. <ul> <li>Sage Grouse grant w/JD, Katie, et al. (CO, WY, MT, UT, NV, ID)</li> </ul> <h4>Objective 5</h4> Determine pathways of communication and cooperation among land grant universities and research partners (government agencies, landowners, NGOs, etc.) in the West, with a focus on community sustainability and rangelands contexts. <ul> <li>Currently serve as Director of Grazing Lands Research and Engagement Program at CSU, and currently working towards statewide needs assessment and coordination. (CO)</li> <li>Developing Amplifier group as part of <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ars.usda.gov%2Fplains-area%2Ffort-collins-co%2Fcenter-for-agricultural-resources-research%2Frangeland-resources-systems-research%2Fdocs%2Frange%2Fadaptive-grazing-management%2Fresearch%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cgtorell%40nmsu.edu%7Cce656678d8f840d8e36108dce8b37e70%7Ca3ec87a89fb84158ba8ff11bace1ebaa%7C1%7C0%7C638641104829129703%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2F7eY6yFAzU7itlBrwud2g3j5%2BNGlyQwwhpmazdAa1qI%3D&reserved=0">CARM</a> to help better connect with regional partners and disseminate information. (CO, KS, NE)</li> <li>USDA ARS, University of Idaho, University of Montana Western, The Common Ground Project. US Sheep Experimental Station Rangeland Collaboratory. A collective of ranchers, conservationists, and agency groups collaborating with scientists to develop collaborative, adaptive rangeland management to meet range sheep production and ecosystem service needs. (ID)</li> </ul>

Publications

<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fcitations%3Fview_op%3Dview_citation%26hl%3Den%26user%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%26sortby%3Dpubdate%26citation_for_view%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%3AK3LRdlH-MEoC&data=05%7C02%7Cgtorell%40nmsu.edu%7Cce656678d8f840d8e36108dce8b37e70%7Ca3ec87a89fb84158ba8ff11bace1ebaa%7C1%7C0%7C638641104829075099%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VwPHqPHVcEo73CCNy5lqNtxI4fDWI0B4M5nJ4%2BdkcgI%3D&reserved=0">DJ Augustine, JP Ritten, DL Hoover, JD Derner. 2024.  Does Drought Intensify the Effects of Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs on Livestock Production and Net Revenue in Semiarid Rangelands?</a> Rangeland Ecology & Management JD Derner, JP Ritten, T Baldwin, T Jorns, M Mortenson, DJ Augustine. 2024. <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fcitations%3Fview_op%3Dview_citation%26hl%3Den%26user%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%26sortby%3Dpubdate%26citation_for_view%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%3AXiSMed-E-HIC&data=05%7C02%7Cgtorell%40nmsu.edu%7Cce656678d8f840d8e36108dce8b37e70%7Ca3ec87a89fb84158ba8ff11bace1ebaa%7C1%7C0%7C638641104829092000%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dHs8VJ1xueGsBw%2F5kHULyk8uHFCNdkTL6l0GhYBY3EE%3D&reserved=0">Flexible Stocking: Livestock Production and Economic Responses in Mixed-Grass Prairie</a> Rangeland Ecology & Management ND DeLay, DF Mooney, J Ritten. 2024. <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fcitations%3Fview_op%3Dview_citation%26hl%3Den%26user%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%26sortby%3Dpubdate%26citation_for_view%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%3AtOudhMTPpwUC&data=05%7C02%7Cgtorell%40nmsu.edu%7Cce656678d8f840d8e36108dce8b37e70%7Ca3ec87a89fb84158ba8ff11bace1ebaa%7C1%7C0%7C638641104829101836%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NCHxqQFZT1OzfPcrkOH1dwAVeCAG5V0z4JZ%2Fu4YOcPo%3D&reserved=0">Climate and Consolidation in the US Beef Cow Sector</a> Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 1-20 M Hart, J Ritten, BA Mealor. 2024. <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fcitations%3Fview_op%3Dview_citation%26hl%3Den%26user%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%26sortby%3Dpubdate%26citation_for_view%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%3Au9iWguZQMMsC&data=05%7C02%7Cgtorell%40nmsu.edu%7Cce656678d8f840d8e36108dce8b37e70%7Ca3ec87a89fb84158ba8ff11bace1ebaa%7C1%7C0%7C638641104829111268%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WfPL0b5d2jW2W7r6mG5vGxqYLfe99QnxAcXA8Y694G8%3D&reserved=0">A ranching economic analysis of ventenata (Ventenata dubia) control in northeast Wyoming</a>. Invasive Plant Science and Management 16 (1), 56-63 Thayer, Anastasia W., Justin R. Benavidez, and David P. Anderson. "Exploring the Impact of Fed Cattle Grade on Transaction Type." Journal of the ASFMRA 2024 (2024): 141-146. Thayer, Anastasia W., Nikolas Berg, Matthew Fischer, Dillon Feuz. " Feeder Cattle Basis in the Western United States Over the Last Decade." submitted. Ramos-Coronado, L., Miller, M., Angadi, S., Lauriault, L. M., Marsalis, M. A., Evaluating the economic merit of guar as a forage replacement crop during drought-induced water restrictions. Submitted to: Agronomy. Gonell-Trail, S., Miller, M., Ward, F. A. (2024) Economic performance of range livestock grazing for adapting to drought and climate stressed forage. Rangeland Ecology & Management. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2024.02.003">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2024.02.003</a> AT Maher, NEQ Ashwell, JA Tanaka, JP Ritten, KA Maczko. 2023. <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fcitations%3Fview_op%3Dview_citation%26hl%3Den%26user%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%26sortby%3Dpubdate%26citation_for_view%3Dmgw0pOEAAAAJ%3ASP6oXDckpogC&data=05%7C02%7Cgtorell%40nmsu.edu%7Cce656678d8f840d8e36108dce8b37e70%7Ca3ec87a89fb84158ba8ff11bace1ebaa%7C1%7C0%7C638641104829120597%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XHNn3%2FBJZIer2ix61eN8rSUhocWJAqcVDFY%2FHNAKBLQ%3D&reserved=0">Financial barriers and opportunities for conservation adoption on US rangelands: A region-wide, ranch-level economic assessment of NRCS-sponsored Greater Sage-grouse habitat …</a>. Journal of Environmental Management 329, 116420 Tanaka, JA, KA Maczko, and JL Windh. (Accepted w/ revisions) Economics of lesser prairie chicken conservation. Rangeland Ecology and Management Acharya, B. (M.S. thesis, 2024) Economic Impacts of Grazing Management Practices in Riparian Areas. Advised by K. Lee, J. Windh, and A. Maas.

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 12/15/2025

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/15/2025 - 10/17/2025
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2024 - 10/01/2025

Participants

Meredith , Gwendwr
Miller , Maryfrances
Ritten , John P
Thayer , Anastasia
Torell , Gregory
Windh , Jessica
Wulfhorst , J. D.

Brief Summary of Minutes

W1198: Socio-Economic Sustainability of Operations and Communities that Rely on Rangelands

Schedule of Events

Location: Las Cruces, NM

Dates: October 15-17, 2025

Organizing Committee:

Dr. Gregory L. Torell (gtorell@nmsu.edu)

Dr. John P. Ritten (john.ritten@colostate.edu)

Hotels:

Courtyard by Marriott at NMSU, 456 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005, (575) 526-1722

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/lrucy-courtyard-las-cruces-at-nmsu/overview/

Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 2635 S Valley Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88005, (575) 527-9947

https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/las-cruces/lrusv/hoteldetail

Hilton Garden Inn, 2550 Don Roser Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88011, (575) 522-0900

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lrulcgi-hilton-garden-inn-las-cruces/

Meeting Location

Gerald Thomas Hall, NMSU, Room 375

940 College Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88003

Oct 15 – Welcome Travel and arrival.

12:00 – Introductions and orientation to meeting goals

2:00 – and research updates

Optional dinner to meet with participants.

Oct 16 – Meeting Day 1

8:00 – Optional breakfast and coffee, location TBD

9:00 – Solidification of research thrusts and goals, of research roles, personnel requirements, and recruitment targets

12:00 – Optional lunch, location TBD

1:00 – Continued discussion of research thrusts and goals, defining of research roles, personnel requirements, and recruitment targets, USDA NIFA Updates

4:00 – Summation of day’s topics, and preparation for day 2

5:00 – Optional dinner and conversation, location TBD

Oct 17 – Meeting Day 2

8:00 – Optional breakfast and coffee

9:30 – Reminder of day goals

9:45 – Proposal outline definition followed by writing breakout sessions

12:00 – Discussion of grant opportunities and grant writing methods and goals, discussion of target outlets for funding

1:00 – Closing, summation, and preparation for next meeting

1:30 – Optional lunch, location TBD

Oct 17

Farewells and Travel

Accomplishments

<h1>Objectives</h1> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Advance knowledge about impacts of and responses to potential external threats (e.g., climate changes) and opportunities (e.g., carbon and Environmental, Social, Governance markets) to rangelands, ranches, and rangeland dependent communities in the western U.S. (including the impacts of adopting new technologies to address these threats/opportunities) [All researchers]</li> </ol>   Raynor, E.J., Shadbolt, A.M., Johnston, M.K., Augustine, D., Derner, J., Ritten, J.P., Delay, N.D., Carvalho, P.H., Vargas, J., Place, S.E. and Stackhouse-Lawson, K.R. 2025. Incorporating virtual fencing to manage yearling steers on extensive rangelands: spatial behavior, growth performance, and enteric methane emissions. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, In Press. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1637190">https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1637190</a> (CO)   Derner, Justin D., David J. Augustine, Gonzalo Irisarri, John P. Ritten, Edward J. Raynor. 2025. Does Initial Body Size Influence Weight Gain of Stocker Steers During the Growing Season in Semiarid Western Great Plains Rangeland? Rangeland Ecology and Management, 103, 196-201. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.08.009">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.08.009</a> (CO)   Gandolfo, Inéz Mesa, Justin D. Derner, R. Mark Enns, Larry A. Kuehn, Melissa Johnston, Sean P. Kearney, Sara E. Place, Edward J. Raynor, John P. Ritten, Anna M. Shadbolt, Kimberly R. Stackhouse-Lawson, Juan de J. Vargas, Pedro H. V Carvalho. 2025. Steer Growth Performance and Enteric Gas Flux Across Backgrounding Phases in the Western Great Plains. Rangeland Ecology and Management, 103, 247-257. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.08.010">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.08.010</a> (CO)   Windh, J., Meredith, G., Miller, M., Lee, K., Ritten, J., Thayer, A.W., Torell, G., Spiegal, S. and Wulfhorst, J.D. 2025. Identifying a Path Forward: Evaluating Ranch Socio-Economic Sustainability and Impacts on Ranch Succession Planning. In Western Economics Forum, 23(1), 18-27. (CO, ID, NE, NM, SC)   Fancher, H., Nagler, A., Ritten, J. and Wulfhorst, J.D. 2025. Labor Changes in the US Beef Industry Magnify Challenges with Succession in Rangeland Systems. In Western Economics Forum, 23(1,) 56-68. (CO, ID, WY)   Donovan, Megan, Sheri Spiegal, Nicole Kaplan, David Archer, Alycia Bean, Brandon Bestelmeyer, Sarah Beebout, Patrick Clark, Alia DeLong, Ann-Marie Fortuna, Claire Friedrichsen, David Hoover, David Huggins, Peter Kleinmann, Matthew McIntosh, Chris Renschler, John Ritten, Douglas Smith, Nicholas Webb, JD Wulfhorst.  2025. Building consensus toward an effective performance indicator framework for sustainable farms and ranches.  Journal of Environmental Quality. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.70051">https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.70051</a> (National)   Clare Kazanski, Mulubhran Balehegn, Kristal Jones, Harriet Bartlett, Alicia Calle, Edenise Garcia, Heidi Hawkins, Dianne Mayberry, Eve McDonald-Madden, Wilfred Odadi , Gongbu Zeren, Jessica Zionts, Michael Clark, Tara Garnett, Mario Herrero, Hannah Van Zanten, John Ritten, Giovanni Mallman, Matthew Harrison, Deborah Bossio, Sasha Gennet. 2025. Context is Key to Understand and Improve Livestock Production Systems. Global Food Security, 45. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.70051">https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.70051</a> (National/Global)   Fancher, Hana, Amy Nagler, John Ritten, JD Wulfhorst.  2025. US Beef Cattle Inventory Trends with Implications for Land Use and Rangelands.  Rangeland Ecology and Management. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.01.007">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.01.007</a> (CO, ID, WY)   DeLay, Nathan, Daniel Mooney, John Ritten, Dana Hoag. 2025. Virtual Fencing: Economic and Policy Implications of an Emerging Livestock Technology for Western Rangelands.  Western Economic Forum, 22(1), 54-64. (CO)   Salerno, J., A.A. Aguirre, L.F. Aguirre, C. Bonacic, A., A. Bosco-Lauth, S.W. Breck, P.N. Gitonga, T. Goldstein, M.N. Gonzalez, D.L.K. Hoag, C. Mayo, J. Mizia, E.J. Raynor, J.P. Ritten, T.J. Sherman, K. Shockley, R. Sukumar, T. Thekaekara, G. Titcomb, S.M. Wilson, B.A. Wolfe, V. Yovovich, and K.R. Crooks. 2025. Transdisciplinary research priorities for a One Health approach to human-wildlife coexistence. BioScience. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaf026">https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaf026</a> (CO)   Berg*, Nikolas L., Anastasia W. Thayer, Matthew Fischer*, Dillon Feuz. “Feeder Cattle Basis in the Western United States Over the Last Decade.” Western Economic Forum. (2024) 22.1, 18-36. https://doi.org/ 10.22004/ag.econ.349291    Thayer, Anastasia W., Matthew Fischer, Braeden Mull. “A Look at the Livestock Forage Disaster Program.” Southern Ag Today (December 2024).   Related Presentations:   Kazanski, Clare E. , Mulubhran Balehegn, Kristal Jones, Harriet Bartlett, Alicia Calle, Edenise Garcia, Heidi Hawkins, Di Mayberry, Eve McDonald-Madden, Wilfred Odadi, Gongbu Zeren, Jessica Zionts, Michael Clark, Tara Garnett, Mario Herrero, Hannah VanZanten, John Ritten, Giovanni Mallmann, Matt Harrison, Deborah Bossio, Sasha Gennet..  “Transforming Ruminant Livestock systems for Nature Protection, Human Wellbeing, and Climate Mitigation: Diverse Production Systems Require Nuanced solutions.”  Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, February 12, 2025. (Global) (Presented by Ritten)   Dillon, J.A., H. Wilmer, J. P. Ritten, A. J. Loudenback, F. B. Garry, J. W. Hale, C. C. Hinrichs, K. E. Jablonski, M. Natarajan, H. M. Swain, J.D. Wulfhorst.  An interdisciplinary framework for designing social LCA for rangeland beef systems: Lesson for the Northern Great Plains.  Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, February 10, 2025. (CO, ID) (Presented by Ritten)   Ritten, John.  Economic Impacts of Irrigation Curtailment.  Colorado Water Congress. Denver, CO. January 30, 2025. (CO)   Ritten, John. Understanding Sustainability Trade-offs. Colorado Cattlemen’s Association Grazing Workshop. Denver, CO.  January 7, 2025. (CO)   Ritten, John. Comparison of Grain and Grass Finishing Operations. Mission Valley Producer Summit. Polson, MT. March 27, 2025. (CO, MT)   Ritten, John. How Do You Find a Market? Mission Valley Producer Summit. Polson, MT. March 27, 2025. (CO, MT) Ritten, John. Grazing Economics/Costs of Conservation.  Central Grasslands Roadmap. Online. May 1, 2025. (CO, ID, WY)   Ritten, John. Virtual Fencing Uses. Western Slopes Virtual Fence Overview. Logan, UT. May 7, 2025. (CO)   Ritten, John. Ranching Econ 101. Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. Online. October 13, 2025. (CO, ID, WY)   Wang, Z., Thayer, A.W., De Figueiredo Silva, F., Vassalos, M., Smith, N., "Exploring Farmers’ Knowledge of Carbon Contracts: Insights from Machine Learning." Southern Ag Econ Association Meeting. Irving, TX. February 3, 2025. Smith, N. Thayer, A.W., Fischer, M., Berg, N. Miller, M. Extension Risk Management Education National Conference. “Successes and Challenges for the Role of Extension in Promoting the Adoption of Conservation Practices: The Case of Beef Cattle Producers Participating in a Climate-Smart Agriculture Program” ERME Nashville, TN. April 2, 2025. Grants: Ritten, John, Sudeep Pasricha, EJ Raynor, Anna Shadbolt. AI-Enabled Precision Livestock Technologies for Enhanced Adaptive Grazing Management. USDA NIFA. $650,000. Submitted October 2, 2025. (CO) (Pending)   Delay, Nathan, John Ritten, Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Sara Place, Mark Enns. “Innovative Technologies to Reduce Beef Industry GHG Emissions.” USDA, NRCS. Amount Requested: $1,032,834. (CO)   Thompson, Logan,  KC Olson, Dale Blasi, Zachary Smith, John Ritten. “Environmental Solutions for the "Little Guy": Using Precision Feeding to Improve the Sustainability of Feedlot Finished Beef Cattle .” USDA, AFRI. Amount Requested: $650,000. (CO)   Boone, Randall, John Ritten. Evolving optimal virtual fencing grazing schemes to improve ranch enterprise sustainability.  USDA NIFA. $650,000. Submitted October 16, 2025. (CO) <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Define and characterize the ecosystem services that are produced on rangelands and to whom they accrue. Determine how ecosystem services and their accrual changes with alterations to the rangeland system, including land use change, policy change, climate change. [Spiegal, Wulfhorst, Torell, Ritten]</li> </ol>   Gallo-Cajiao, Eduardo, Joel Berger, Ken Shockley, John Ritten, Andrew Sampson. “MARCHIN (Migratory Animal Research and Conservation Hub Initiative).” School of Global Environmental Sustainability, Colorado State University, 2025-2027 Global Challenges Research Team.  $30,000. (CO) <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Develop a framework of social adaptation archetypes (identity, motives, vulnerability) land-use change and the valuation of ecosystem services at regional-, community-, and ranch-scale adaptations. [Spiegal, Wulfhorst, Torell, Miller]</li> </ol> Miller, M., Regmi, M., Mitchell, P., Mikkelson, S., Lillywhite, J. (2023-2026). “New Mexico Farm Business Management and Benchmarking.” Sponsoring Organization: USDA - NIFA. $646,005.  <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Develop integrated regional socio-economic models to better understand the linkages and identify the leverage points between ranch and rural communities, and the multidimensional well-being within these connected systems. [Torell, Lee, Thayer, Ritten, Miller, Coupal]</li> </ol>   Williams, Perry, John Ritten, Jeffrey Mosley, Christian Hagen, JD Wulfhorst, and Katherine Lee. “Sustaining Rural Livelihoods, Livestock Grazing, And Sage-Grouse Habitat In Western Sagebrush Systems.” U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Amount Requested: $650,000. (CO, WY, MT, UT, NV, ID) Kazanski, Clare, Philip Loring, Patrick Lendrum, John Pattison-Williams, Ronnie Drever, Suzy Friedman, Sarah Olimb, Adam Dixon, Tyler Clark, John Ritten, Callie Berman, Drew Bennet, Ginger Allington, Peter Bauman, Dirac Twidwell, Jeremy Pittman.  “Grassland Futures: Transboundary and transdisciplinary insights for mitigating grassland conversion.” Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research. $3,109,245. (Pending)   Garry, Frank, John Ritten, James Hale.  “Exploring incentives for beef industry participation in Foot and Mouth Disease preparedness.”  USDA, APHIS. $253,068.  <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Determine pathways of communication and cooperation among land grant universities and research partners (government agencies, landowners, NGOs, etc.) in the West, with a focus on community sustainability and rangelands contexts. [All researchers]</li> </ol>   Currently serve as Director of Grazing Lands Research and Engagement Program at CSU, and currently working towards statewide needs assessment and coordination. (CO)   Co-Lead USDA ARS LTAR Engagement Working Group. (CO)   Member USDA ARS LTAR Grazinglands Working Group. (CO)   Member Provost Council for Engagement (CO)   Developing Amplifier group as part of <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ars.usda.gov%2Fplains-area%2Ffort-collins-co%2Fcenter-for-agricultural-resources-research%2Frangeland-resources-systems-research%2Fdocs%2Frange%2Fadaptive-grazing-management%2Fresearch%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cgtorell%40nmsu.edu%7Cce656678d8f840d8e36108dce8b37e70%7Ca3ec87a89fb84158ba8ff11bace1ebaa%7C1%7C0%7C638641104829129703%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2F7eY6yFAzU7itlBrwud2g3j5%2BNGlyQwwhpmazdAa1qI%3D&reserved=0">CARM</a> to help better connect with regional partners and disseminate information. (CO, KS, NE)   USDA ARS, University of Idaho, University of Montana Western, The Common Ground Project. US Sheep Experimental Station Rangeland Collaboratory. A collective of ranchers, conservationists, and agency groups collaborating with scientists to develop collaborative, adaptive rangeland management to meet range sheep production and ecosystem service needs. (ID)

Publications

Raynor, E.J., Shadbolt, A.M., Johnston, M.K., Augustine, D., Derner, J., Ritten, J.P., Delay, N.D., Carvalho, P.H., Vargas, J., Place, S.E. and Stackhouse-Lawson, K.R. 2025. Incorporating virtual fencing to manage yearling steers on extensive rangelands: spatial behavior, growth performance, and enteric methane emissions. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, In Press. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1637190">https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1637190</a> (CO)   Derner, Justin D., David J. Augustine, Gonzalo Irisarri, John P. Ritten, Edward J. Raynor. 2025. Does Initial Body Size Influence Weight Gain of Stocker Steers During the Growing Season in Semiarid Western Great Plains Rangeland? Rangeland Ecology and Management, 103, 196-201. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.08.009">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.08.009</a> (CO)   Gandolfo, Inéz Mesa, Justin D. Derner, R. Mark Enns, Larry A. Kuehn, Melissa Johnston, Sean P. Kearney, Sara E. Place, Edward J. Raynor, John P. Ritten, Anna M. Shadbolt, Kimberly R. Stackhouse-Lawson, Juan de J. Vargas, Pedro H. V Carvalho. 2025. Steer Growth Performance and Enteric Gas Flux Across Backgrounding Phases in the Western Great Plains. Rangeland Ecology and Management, 103, 247-257. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.08.010">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.08.010</a> (CO)   Windh, J., Meredith, G., Miller, M., Lee, K., Ritten, J., Thayer, A.W., Torell, G., Spiegal, S. and Wulfhorst, J.D. 2025. Identifying a Path Forward: Evaluating Ranch Socio-Economic Sustainability and Impacts on Ranch Succession Planning. In Western Economics Forum, 23(1), 18-27. (CO, ID, NE, NM, SC)   Fancher, H., Nagler, A., Ritten, J. and Wulfhorst, J.D. 2025. Labor Changes in the US Beef Industry Magnify Challenges with Succession in Rangeland Systems. In Western Economics Forum, 23(1,) 56-68. (CO, ID, WY)   Donovan, Megan, Sheri Spiegal, Nicole Kaplan, David Archer, Alycia Bean, Brandon Bestelmeyer, Sarah Beebout, Patrick Clark, Alia DeLong, Ann-Marie Fortuna, Claire Friedrichsen, David Hoover, David Huggins, Peter Kleinmann, Matthew McIntosh, Chris Renschler, John Ritten, Douglas Smith, Nicholas Webb, JD Wulfhorst.  2025. Building consensus toward an effective performance indicator framework for sustainable farms and ranches.  Journal of Environmental Quality. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.70051">https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.70051</a> (National)   Clare Kazanski, Mulubhran Balehegn, Kristal Jones, Harriet Bartlett, Alicia Calle, Edenise Garcia, Heidi Hawkins, Dianne Mayberry, Eve McDonald-Madden, Wilfred Odadi , Gongbu Zeren, Jessica Zionts, Michael Clark, Tara Garnett, Mario Herrero, Hannah Van Zanten, John Ritten, Giovanni Mallman, Matthew Harrison, Deborah Bossio, Sasha Gennet. 2025. Context is Key to Understand and Improve Livestock Production Systems. Global Food Security, 45. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.70051">https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.70051</a> Fancher, Hana, Amy Nagler, John Ritten, JD Wulfhorst.  2025. US Beef Cattle Inventory Trends with Implications for Land Use and Rangelands.  Rangeland Ecology and Management. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.01.007">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2025.01.007</a> (CO, ID, WY)   DeLay, Nathan, Daniel Mooney, John Ritten, Dana Hoag. 2025. Virtual Fencing: Economic and Policy Implications of an Emerging Livestock Technology for Western Rangelands.  Western Economic Forum, 22(1), 54-64. (CO)   Salerno, J., A.A. Aguirre, L.F. Aguirre, C. Bonacic, A., A. Bosco-Lauth, S.W. Breck, P.N. Gitonga, T. Goldstein, M.N. Gonzalez, D.L.K. Hoag, C. Mayo, J. Mizia, E.J. Raynor, J.P. Ritten, T.J. Sherman, K. Shockley, R. Sukumar, T. Thekaekara, G. Titcomb, S.M. Wilson, B.A. Wolfe, V. Yovovich, and K.R. Crooks. 2025. Transdisciplinary research priorities for a One Health approach to human-wildlife coexistence. BioScience. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaf026">https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaf026</a> (CO)   Berg*, Nikolas L., Anastasia W. Thayer, Matthew Fischer*, Dillon Feuz. “Feeder Cattle Basis in the Western United States Over the Last Decade.” Western Economic Forum. (2024) 22.1, 18-36. https://doi.org/ 10.22004/ag.econ.349291    Thayer, Anastasia W., Matthew Fischer, Braeden Mull. “A Look at the Livestock Forage Disaster Program.” Southern Ag Today (December 2024).