The federal government is reducing charges for federal grazing in 2019. The Federal grazing fee for 2019 will drop to $1.35 per animal unit from the 2018 federal level of $1.41 per animal unit. South Dakota Stockgrower’s Association Vice President Scott Edoff grazes on public lands and he sees the reduction is welcome.

He says the purpose of the grazing fee is to pay for federal administration of the grasslands and improvements on those lands.

Edoff says most people don’t understand all the improvements and benefits livestock producers make to the grasslands.

The grazing fee is calculated as part of a standard formula outlined in the grazing regulations.