Wyoming Ranchers Worry About Droughts, Inflation, and ‘Amenity’ Land Buyers

The original story by Hannah Trask for Buckrail.

A new report from the University of Wyoming Extension paints a vivid picture of what life is like for ranchers in the Upper Wind River Basin – and it’s not exactly smooth sailing. Researchers Callie Surber and Corrine Knapp interviewed 38 ranchers over the summer of 2024, uncovering concerns ranging from scorching summers to skyrocketing land prices.

Ranchers are feeling the squeeze from longer, hotter summers that worsen drought conditions, more severe storms, and “unprecedented inflation” that’s making everyday operations costlier. On top of that, the beef market’s volatility adds a constant layer of financial uncertainty.

One major headache? “Amenity ranchers” – wealthy, often absentee landowners buying ranch land for recreation, privacy, and scenic views rather than agriculture. The report notes:

“Many ranchers voiced concerns about absentee landowners purchasing former agricultural land. They observed that this trend has driven up property values and taxes, reduced local agricultural outputs and prevented younger operators from entering the industry.”

By snapping up land at above-market prices, these buyers push up property costs for everyone else, making it harder for young or aspiring ranchers to get started. The long-term impact: an aging ranching population and fragmented landscapes.

Despite the challenges, Wyoming ranchers are getting creative. Many are diversifying their income by tapping into the state’s booming outdoor recreation and tourism industries, turning their land into a resource beyond traditional cattle operations.

But navigating Wyoming’s environmental and regulatory landscape isn’t easy. Ranchers frequently pointed out that bureaucracy slows down critical decisions, from grazing permits on public and tribal lands to fencing adjustments, making it tough to respond quickly to changing conditions.

The report emphasizes that ranchers aren’t just running businesses — they’re also stewards of the land. Surber and Knapp wrote:

“Interviews reinforced that ranching facilitates purposeful land stewardship and is a critical conservation tool. In almost every interaction, ranchers discussed their reciprocal relationship with and deep connection to rangelands.”

In short, Wyoming ranchers are juggling a lot: climate swings, financial pressures, absentee buyers, and red tape – all while trying to preserve the very landscapes that define their way of life.

Would you like me to also include a sidebar listing the top 5 challenges and opportunities identified in the report? It could make this piece punchier for casual readers.