Ranchers’ input needed for grassland survey

    A newly launched survey by Nebraska Extension seeks ranchers’ input on the design of grassland conservation programs in the state.
    The survey, a partnership among Nebraska Extension, Nebraska Cattlemen’s, Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the University of Nebraska, is a targeted effort to get feedback directly from the ranchers in the state.  
     “What we hear from ranchers is that there is an expectation that they can do everything: be profitable, be sustainable and be conservationists,” said Kyle Martens, a graduate student leading the study.
    “But when we look at the design of conservation programs nationally, local farmers and ranchers are often left out of the discussions on how these programs look and will be carried out,” he said.
     Martens and the partners hope to address this by asking ranching families to complete a brief 15-minute survey on some basic elements of conservation programs.
    Specifically, the study looks at the preferences for management actions, payment amounts and contract lengths in voluntary conservation programs.
    There are 22 million acres of range and pastureland in Nebraska, Martens said, providing “immense amounts of economic and ecological benefit.”
    The study is open for participation until March 30. Ranchers owning or leasing rangeland or improved pasture in Nebraska are encouraged to participate.
    To go to the study or find more information, visit the following website: go.unl.edu/grasslands.