range is already suffering from lower than average precipitation. The rancher, 

 barely able to survive financially, can afford to invest neither an additional 

 pasture nor a needed improvement project, and the stress on his range is in- 

 tensifying. 



Another recent phenomenon now confronting the Montana rancher is the 

 rapid change taking place in the use of land. Rangeland is often not valued 

 for the animal units it will graze, but for its recreational home-site value. 

 Instead of grazing sheep or cattle, the sales potential of lots becomes the 

 investment criteria. Not only is rangeland taken out of production as a 

 result, but the market price of land is again driven beyond the reach of 

 ranch operators. This is a problem that is occurring statewide, and one 

 that will continue as Montana becomes more popular. 



Another land use change affecting rangeland is the conversion to crop- 

 land. If soil and moisture conditions are right, such conversions are justi- 

 fiable. However, because of low beef prices, much rangeland is unwisely 

 being converted. If these marginal lands are banded together when crop 

 failures occur, it could be decades before the climax native range naturally 

 re-establishes itself. 



At the state level, we in Montana have taken several actions to protect 

 this natioral resource and the livestock industry on which it depends for 

 proper protection. 



We created a Livestock Task Force which has worked to reinstate these 

 import quotas, to encourage a check-off system for beef production, to in- 

 crease consumption of Montana beef in institutional nutrition programs, and 

 to expand foreign and domestic markets. 



We have supported efforts of the Montana Cattlemen's Association to 

 create a vertically integrated cattle industry in the state. I have long 

 believed that Montana people should receive maximum benefit from development 

 of our resources and there is no reason for anyone but Montanans to receive 

 the full profits due them from their labors. 



We were successful in obtaining $500,000 from the Old West Regional 

 Commission to improve rangeland management practices in our state. This 

 conference is one of the projects undertaken by the Society for Range 



