Rangeland to Table
Cattle ranching is one of Idaho’s oldest and most iconic agricultural industries, spanning vast rangelands, mountain pastures, and irrigated valleys.
- Herd Size: Approximately 2.5 million head of cattle and calves.
- Operations: Cow-calf on private and public rangelands; feedlot finishing in the Magic Valley and Treasure Valley.
- Markets: Regional and national livestock auctions in Boise, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, and Burley.
- Public Lands: Many ranchers depend on BLM and Forest Service grazing permits for seasonal forage.
- Key Challenges: Grazing permit stability, predator management, drought, input costs, market volatility, succession.