Grazing, Farming and Conservation Program

Update (10/20/2020): During its regular meeting on October 20, 2020, the Land Board voted unanimously to direct the department “to coordinate with Land Board staff, gather and review pertinent information, engage with stakeholders, and conduct any other work necessary to recommend a grazing rate method to the Land Board no later than July 2021.” The new grazing rate proposal, along with background information, research and a public comment form are available on for public review on the IDL’s website. Comments will be accepted until 5 pm MT on Friday, September 3, 2021.

Update (1/21/2020): Per the August 21, 2018 Land Board Meeting, the non-fee grazing cost study has been initiated with the University of Wyoming. Results from that study are expected in April 2020 and will be reviewed by the Department and the Land Board at that time.

UPDATE (8/21/18): During its August 21, 2018, regular meeting, the Land Board discussed the Grazing Rate Methodology Review agenda item. One topic of discussion, related to the existing state grazing rate formula and alternatives previously presented by the Grazing Subcommittee, was clarity regarding non-fee costs potentially incurred by state grazing lessees on state endowment trust lands versus private land grazing leases. The Land Board voted 4-1 to continue using the current Status Quo formula until a comprehensive, up-to-date third-party study is completed on the subject of non-fee grazing costs incurred by lessees on federal public or state trust lands versus private lands.

UPDATE (12/22/17): On December 5, 2017 the State Board of Land Commissioners held a special meeting to discuss the grazing rate review and alternatives presented by the Grazing Subcommittee. During this meeting, the Land Board voted 5-0 to put off a decision on the grazing rate methodology to allow further consideration of information regarding the alternatives. Updates will be posted as the information becomes available.
– 12/5/2017 Land Board Memo

UPDATE (11/20/17): The Evaluation of Final Alternatives for Deriving Fair Market Grazing Value on Idaho State Endowment Trust Lands, by the University of Idaho Policy Analysis Group, is now available for download.

Supporting Documents:

• Summary of Public Comments
• Public Comments (118)
• Grazing Rate Review Analysis
• University of Idaho Policy Analysis Group (PAG) Presentation of Alternatives
• Grazing Rate Review Analysis Addendum (Addition of Montana Model, Alternative #5)
• Updated Analysis of Grazing Rates

Alternative Development – Meeting #1 – Dec. 22, 2015
Alternative Development – Meeting #2 – Jan. 21, 2016
Alternative Development – Meeting #3 – Apr. 26, 2016

Grazing Rate Review Subcommittee Meeting – May 25, 2016
Agenda

Additional Documents:
Grazing Rate Methodology Evaluation Criteria – All Alternatives
News Release: Idaho kicks off public process to review state grazing rate – 10/20/15
Land Board Memo: Grazing Rate Methodology Review – 10/20/15
Land Board Subcommittee Members, Advisory Group, Consultants – updated 5/25/16
Land Board Presentation, March 2014: Grazing Rate Review – Slides and accompanying handout