OPTIMIZATION OF RANGE IMPROVEMENTS ON SAGE-BRUSH AND PINYON-JUNIPER SITES

The optimum combination of 3 range improvements was determined for pri vate lands on Utah ranches. While many promising range improvements ar e available, determination of which alternatives to implement must con sider the total ranch operation. Linear programming (LP) makes it poss ible to simultaneously determine the profit maximizing combinations of range improvements and how these improvements will affect the total r anch operation. The study examined 3 range improvements (revegetation, burning, and chemical brush control) for big sagebrush (Artemisia tri dentata Nutt.) and pinyon-juniper (Pinus spp.-juniperus spp.) on uplan d loam and upland shallow loam range sites. Net present value analysis and an LP model were used to identify the most efficient alternative, the limiting constraints, and the optimum levels and combinations of alternatives. The optimal solution ran 238 brood cows compared to 196 for the typical Utah ranch. Burning big sagebrush or pinyon-juniper in festations on crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum Fisch. ex Link) foothill ranges was the most profitable range improvement. Annual net cash incomes after burning sagebrush or pinyon-juniper on the upland loam site were $37,873 and $37,770, respectively, compared to $31,278 on the typical Utah cow-calf operation. The optimal solution will chan ge as input and product prices change. The model was designed for appl ication to specific ranches rather than to make general recommendation s for the typical Utah ranch.