An Economic Analysis of Two Systems and Three Levels of Grazing on Ponderosa Pine -Bunchgrass Range

A long-term study of the effects of season-long and deferred rotation grazing at different stocking rates examined cow and calf weight gains. Production functions were derived using stocking rate (AUM's/ha) as a variable input and average summer weight gain (kg/ha) as the output. These functions were optimized economically to determine profit maximizing stocking rates. Optimum stocking rates for season-long grazing on ponderosa pine-bunchgrass range were found to be moderate or light over a wide range of feasible price ratios. Optimum stocking rates for deferred rotation grazing did not exceed a moderate level at any feasible price ratio. The ratio of forage price ($/AUM) to the price of livestock ($/kg) must exceed 11 under deferred rotation grazing and 18 under season-long grazing before light stocking becomes the optimum. Based on fall 1979 livestock and forage prices, the stocking rate for profit maximization was moderate (.235 AUM/ha or 10.6 acres/AUM) for deferred rotation and moderate (.312 AUM/ha or 7.9 acres/AUM) for season-long. Season-long grazing also produced a higher net return than did deferred rotation. To remain at the profit maximizing stocking rate while shifting from season-long to deferred rotation, a manager would have to reduce the stocking level at all price ratios.This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries.The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information.Migrated from OJS platform August 202