Agricultural Economics, Department of
Cornhusker Economics
Rancher Preferences for Grassland Conservation in the Great Plains
Date of this Version
12-3-2025
Document Type
Newsletter Issue
Citation
Cornhusker Economics (December 3, 2025)
Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
Discusses why grasslands matter, the role of the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program and how the program works, and then describes the study, Understanding Rancher Preferences and Barriers to Participation in the Grasslands CRP, including providing policy and program implications.
The findings of this study reinforce a central lesson from decades of conservation-program evaluation: producers are most responsive to voluntary, flexible, and financially sufficient payments. Flexibility matters because the way to manage grazing lands can change year to year largely driven by weather and grass availability. Shorter contracts reduce producer risk, while clear payment structures and meaningful cost-sharing support enrollment. Mandates to engage in rotational grazing or management-intensive grazing can discourage participation. However, promoting existing practices can effectively support both ranchers and grassland ecosystems. Ultimately, the Grassland CRP reflects an important shift in United States conservation policy, moving from land retirement towards working land programs with the overall objective of reducing land conversion from grass to crops. Enhancing outreach and awareness, encouraging rather than mandating new practices, and prioritizing flexibility will allow Grassland CRP to align with broader conservation goals and with ranchers already practicing good grazing management.