The federal government permits livestock grazing on public land spanning an area more than twice the size of California, making ranching the dominant land use in the American West. This system, supported by billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies, is facing increased scrutiny for its environmental impact and the political forces that sustain it.
A Shift From Resource Management to Subsidization
Originally modernized in the 1930s to address the ecological damage caused by overgrazing and the Dust Bowl, the public lands grazing system has evolved. Today, the focus has shifted towards subsidizing ranchers who utilize these lands. In 2024, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service collected $21 million in grazing fees, a figure representing a 93% discount compared to market rates for forage on private land. At least $2.5 billion in additional federal subsidies were accessed by public lands ranchers in the same year, covering disaster relief and livestock losses.
Wealth and Consolidation in Ranching
Control of grazing rights on public lands is increasingly concentrated among a small number of wealthy individuals and corporations. Analysis reveals that 10% of ranchers manage roughly two-thirds of the grazing acreage on BLM land, while the top 10% of permittees on Forest Service land control more than half. Billionaires like Stan Kroenke and Rupert Murdoch are among those benefiting from this system, alongside mining companies and public utilities.
The Trump Administration and Increased Support
The Trump administration pursued a “plan to fortify the American Beef Industry” in October, directing the BLM and Forest Service to revise grazing regulations for the first time since the 1990s. This plan proposed increased subsidies for ranchers facing challenges from drought, wildfire, and predator losses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture stated that livestock grazing is a “proven land management tool” that supports rural stewardship.
Diminished Oversight and Environmental Concerns
Oversight of grazing practices has become increasingly lax. A 2014 law allows for automatic permit renewals if environmental reviews are not completed. In 2013, the BLM authorized grazing on 47% of its land without an environmental review; by 2023, that figure rose to approximately 75%. This decline in oversight coincides with a 39% reduction in BLM rangeland management staff between 2020 and 2024, with roughly one in ten staff members leaving the agency between 2016 and 2023.
Assessments conducted by the BLM indicate that grazing has degraded at least 38 million acres of public land – an area roughly half the size of New Mexico. The agency lacks land health assessments for an additional 35 million acres. Reports from ProPublica and High Country News documented instances of overgrazing, including trampled streambeds and denuded grasslands.
Political Influence and Regulatory Challenges
Ten current and former BLM employees reported experiencing political pressure to minimize scrutiny of ranchers. One employee stated that “if we do anything anti-grazing, there’s at least a decent chance of politicians being involved.” Since 2020, members of Congress from both parties have contacted the BLM and Forest Service more than 20 times regarding grazing issues, according to agency communication logs. The Trump administration appointed individuals with ties to the ranching industry to key positions within the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the public lands grazing system today?
Today, the system primarily focuses on subsidizing the continued grazing of public lands, rather than solely managing resources.
How much of the grazing land is controlled by a small percentage of ranchers?
Roughly two-thirds of the grazing on BLM acreage is controlled by just 10% of ranchers, and the top 10% of permittees control more than 50% of grazing on Forest Service land.
What has happened to the number of BLM rangeland management staff?
The number of BLM rangeland management staff dropped 39% between 2020 and 2024, and roughly 1 in 10 rangeland staff left the agency between Trump’s election win and last June.
Given the documented trends of increasing subsidies, diminishing oversight, and concentrated ownership, what changes, if any, might we expect to see in the future of public lands ranching?
