It’s no secret: America’s cattle herd is at its lowest point in 75 years, a statistic that carries implications far beyond the markets. But for those of us connected to the land, these numbers aren’t just about challenges—they’re also a timely reminder to focus on what delivers true resilience and long-term prosperity: thoughtful, science-based rangeland management.
Across fencelines and generations, ranchers know that healthy range is the lifeblood of our industry. It anchors our traditions, supports opportunities for families and businesses, buffers against drought and extreme weather, and safeguards the open landscapes we all treasure. In times of change, a unified commitment to excellent range management continues to be our greatest bet on the future.
That’s why practical, adaptive rangeland management is a priority for everyone who cares about the future of American agriculture. Well-managed grass means healthier cattle, more reliable production, and greater economic stability for producers. It provides resilience when weather turns dry, allows for stronger wildlife habitat, and sustains the open spaces at the heart of our rural communities. It’s not one-size-fits-all; it’s about learning from the land, making improvements season by season, and relying on what works. Our commitment to the land and to each other can be seen in every pasture rotation, water improvement, and acre restored.
No one person, family or organization has all the answers. That’s what makes the Society for Range Management (SRM) so uniquely valuable. SRM is a central forum, linking ranchers, agency professionals, consultants, researchers, students, conservationists and young professionals—all united by the land and an understanding that thriving rangelands benefit the livestock industry—and everyone else who depends on these landscapes. Together, we share best practices, ask tough questions, and seek out the practical tools and partnerships that build up both the land and those who work it.
SRM doesn’t just host meetings. It’s a living network: sharing best practices, connecting generations and helping turn research into real-world results. This diversity—of perspective, experience and even disagreement—means SRM rarely gets stuck in “the way we’ve always done it.” Instead, it builds bridges—between tradition and innovation, challenges and solutions, the present and the next generation. If you want to see how unity looks in action, look at SRM field days, workshops and outreach. Better yet, join us at our upcoming Annual Meeting in Monterey, CA, this upcoming February.
From a policy perspective, what does the future require? It requires a deep look at how to build up and sustain the next generation. It’s time to ask: Can conservation programs like Conservation Reserve Program offer greater grazing opportunities for new and beginning producers, providing valuable experience while promoting land health? Can public land policies embrace more flexibility, matching stewardship with economic vitality and opportunity? And are there ways our conservation programs—both the longstanding and the new—can better support generational succession on working lands?
SRM is where these discussions thrive. As voices from across the spectrum, we’re engaged in practical debates about how to adapt both policy and practice—so that rangeland management can continue to serve people, herds and habitats alike, now and for generations to come.
Look for examples making real differences. SRM is proud to champion our program Good Grazing Makes Cent$, an outreach and education initiative designed to help ranchers and land managers apply proven grazing strategies for both economic and ecological gain. Through digital content, peer learning and data-driven tools, Good Grazing Makes Cent$ bridges practical ranch wisdom with new insights to help producers see healthier rangelands and stronger balance sheets alike.
On a global stage, 2026 will be the International Year of Rangelands & Pastoralists (IYRP)—a United Nations designation that spotlights how good range stewardship supports food security, biodiversity, and resilient rural communities around the world. The IYRP offers an opportunity to elevate American rangeland stories and connect them to global conversations on sustaining working lands.
Across every region and operation, range management is a proven root of unity. Focusing not just on today’s challenges, but on the immense opportunities in stewardship, is how we build a future for cattle, communities and family operations. The world is taking notice, and we know it’s the daily work and shared commitment of ranchers and range stewards that truly keeps rangelands resilient.
If you haven’t already, consider joining SRM. The challenges we face are real, but so are the opportunities when we work the land—and work together. By uniting, we shape a future where healthy landscapes, thriving herds and strong rural communities endure for generations to come. The next chapter is ours to write. — Dr. Jeff Goodwin, president of the SRM and director of the Texas A&M Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management
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