Grazing Public Lands in Western South Dakota - What\u27s it Worth?

South Dakota has relatively few acres of public rangeland when compared to other western states. However, public grazing in South Dakota can have a major impact on local area economies in which public grazing occurs. Total harvested AUMs have declined over the study period. The total value of public land grazing has climbed mainly due to higher cattle prices. In 1988, South Dakota public lands participated in the production of approximately $35 million in gross livestock production. This gross production generated an estimated $66 million in economic activity to the region. In 1988, public lands accounted for an estimated $22.8 million of the $35 million in gross livestock production. This $22.8 million generated an estimated $42.6 million in economic activity to the economies in which public grazing occurred. The gross value of public land\u27s contribution to the value of grazing was estimated in 1988 to be $55.71/AUM with an economic value of $1 04.17/AUM