CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN SLOW PROGRESS IS STILL PROGRESS by CCA First Vice President Rick Roberti I recently attended a Region 5 Grazing Meeting in Sacramento where, for over a year, ranchers from the northeastern part of California have been talking over issues with the Forest Service about grazing on public lands. Our group, led by some fine folks from UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE), CCA and Farm Bureau, are trying to get some answers on subjects like NEPA and vacant allotments that were once open to grazing. We all know things move slowly with government, and changing policy takes a long time. Due to the intense wildfires throughout the state, grazing is now being looked at differently than it was 30 years ago. Many of us who graze on public lands remember the phrase “Cattle Free by ’93,” orchestrated by very outspoken environmental groups opposed to cattle everywhere. That same group focused their attack on government grazing leases in the name of protecting the watershed and natural habitat. Over the years since then, livestock producers have lost many Forest Service permits, and the number of animal units allowed on permits has been cut in many cases. However, thankfully, cattle are still grazing much land in California. Sitting down with the Forest Service in the 1990s was contentious; emotions ran high, and making progress seemed almost impossible. Fast forward 30 years, and what has changed? Well, not the groups who want cattle gone; they are stronger than ever. At the meetings I’ve attended with the Forest Service and livestock producers (of both cattle and sheep), things seem much better today, and I am noticing that all parties involved are speaking with a different tone in their voice. There is still some deep-down frustration today and leftover aggravation from years past. Still, it seems all at the table want this dialogue to continue on a positive level so we can get something done. Answers still come slowly,
8 California Cattleman December 2023
but we are making progress. This progress would not be possible without our northern UCCE advisors, and I thank them for taking the lead on this critical conversation between the Forest Service and ranchers. I don’t know a better group of people who have helped us through a lot of troubled water in the past and continue to use a science-based approach to help us today. On behalf of ranchers throughout the state, thank you, and hats off to the hardworking individuals of UC Cooperative Extension who help livestock producers daily. Managed grazing is good for the land and wildlife habit, and with the continued guidance from our UCCE friends, we hope grazing is a tool used more to help mitigate wildfires throughout our state. Public grazing is only one subject CCA will be working on in the coming year. Protecting our water will always be at the top of our list. Private property rights and predators are another big concern to many livestock producers. Insurance premiums for your ranch have doubled in many areas if you can even get it. These are tough topics, but that’s why the California Cattlemen’s Association was formed: to take on challenging issues facing not just producers with a lot of cows but small producers as well. As we head into a new year, CCA officers and staff will take direction from what came out of the recent convention to help chart the course for 2024. Please feel free to give me or any of the officers a call. I look forward to seeing you in the new year.