Torell, Gregory; Robinson, Chadelle
Volume 23, Issue 1
Windh, Jessica; Meredith, Gwendwr; Miller, Maryfrances; Lee, Katherine; Ritten, John; Thayer, Anastasia W.; Torell, Greg; Spiegal, Sheri; Wulfhorst, J.D.
In many rural communities across the western U.S. the economic activities, supply of human capital, and social community cohesion are a byproduct of local ranching operations. A holistic understanding of the interconnected social, ecological, and economic systems, along with a balanced assessment of their outputs, is essential for accurately evaluating the role of ranches in these systems. A critically needed outcome of analyzing this interconnectivity is the ability to assess and compare pathways for land succession planning as the average age of ranch operators has steadily increased and many ranches are facing difficulty operating past the current generation. In this paper we highlight the need for robust modelling framework, beyond the existing cow-calf ranch-level models, to understand the long-term viability of ranching in the context of complex tradeoffs of land use, economics, and social wellbeing. We evaluate three major inputs required for such a model: exogenous variables, ecosystem services, and community archetypes. We then synthesize the current state of the science for modeling each input as well as the challenges faced by those advancing the science. In addition to modeling current ranches and their contributions to local communities, barriers to land succession can be identified and impacts of succession failure can be quantified. Such a framework is necessary to properly evaluate potential solutions to set the next generation of ranch operators up for success and promote the continued health of rural communities.
Ford, Rebecca R.; Mooney, Daniel F.; Hill, Rebecca L.; Wilson, Madeline; Sullins, Martha; Cabot, Perry; Seidl, Andy
This article examines the interconnected challenges of water scarcity and irrigated farmland transitions in Colorado. Through case studies from the Rio Grande, Arkansas, and South Platte Basins, we highlight the potential for innovative water management strategies to support new and beginning farmers and help preserve irrigated farmland.
Graff, Natalie A.; Outlaw, Joe L.; Fischer, Bart L.; Bryant, Henry L.; Wickersham, Tryon A.
Boufous, Sawssan; Robinson, Chadelle
We examine young adults’ willingness to return to their family farm/ranch and their perceptions of careers in farming. We utilized survey data of 417 respondents to run a probit model to analyze factors determining their perceptions of careers involving farming and a heck-probit model to determine influential variables on their farm succession decisions. Results suggest that respondents from farm families who are aware of beginning farmers and ranchers’ programs and are attached to their hometowns perceive careers in farming positively. Moreover, the probability of succession increases when the respondent is from a rural area and aware of available programs incentivizing beginning farmers and ranchers (BFR).
Fancher, Hana; Nagler, Amy; Ritten, John; Wulfhorst, J.D.
The beef industry consistently adapts to forces such as climate change, shifts in consumer preferences, and land-use change. Evolving labor dynamics constitute another major force impacting beef production stability and sustainability. Factors related to climate, consumers, and land-use often generate mitigation strategies in response; however, structural change in labor availability, reliability, and accessibility present risk for the industry that could supersede emphasis on other forces. Often, climate and land-use challenges bring distinct technological and/or policy needs and implications to the forefront, which in turn tend to overshadow the profound impacts occurring through labor and succession challenges. While traditional constraints on succession still apply, changes to labor chains (such as type of labor, labor supply, and labor incentives) exacerbate a shrinking successor pool beyond demographic and economic constraints. Additionally, a lack of qualified labor may have major ramifications for ranches in rural communities as well as a risk to ecological continuity and management of the landscape. We use USDA Census of Agriculture data coupled with qualitative interview data to illuminate the changing nature of hired and contract labor in the ranching and feedlot industries.