Ehan Lane PLC
The partial government shutdown has left
producers holding federal grazing permits with questions regarding
spring turnout across the west. After speaking with the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) and the Forest Service, we have been assured permittees
will have the ability to turn out on schedule this year – even if the
shutdown persists into the spring.
Forest Service has provided written
guidance for regional foresters during the shutdown. Current active
grazing allotments are to continue operating. However, allotment
inspections will be delayed until funding is restored and normal
pre-season meetings with range staff will be put off until funding
resumes. The agency is recommending that necessary staff are brought in
to prepare, issue and monitor the payments 30 days in advance of the
start of grazing. In the coming weeks the BLM is expected to provide
similar guidance instructing livestock turnout as well.
Like any year, this access is contingent
on payment of grazing fees. The 2019 annual grazing was set for release
this January. However, the partial government shutdown will likely delay
the Animal Unit Months (AUM) and Head Months (HM) calculations for the
18,000 grazing permits administered by the BLM and the nearly 6,500
permits administered by the Forest Service. Permittees should expect to
pay the minimum fee of $1.35. Once the government is up and running, fee
adjustments will be administered to account for differences in the 2019
fee.
I feel your frustration during this time.
The shutdown leaves the federal lands ranching industry – and all of
agriculture – with many uncertainties. However, we are confident in our
government's ability to fall back on its most basic functions. As
regulations and nonessential tasks of the BLM and Forest Service are set
aside, we are left with a simple set of statutory obligations.
Providing livestock access to grass on federal land is among the
required obligations of these agencies. Producers should have peace of
mind of their ability to operate in the coming months.
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