Leasing public lands for grazing was established under the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934 Public law: 73-482.

Ranchers today have two very special subsidies from the government.  

1) Rate Discount.  They are charged only $1.35 to graze a cow and a calf (or 5 sheep) for a month (called an “Animal Unit Month”) on federal public land.  

2) Loans using public land as collateral.  The Taylor Grazing Act and it's implementation by BLM/FS/NPS allow grazing permits to be used as collateral for loans.  Public Land grazing is a privilege but this, this turns things into cozy business for America's Welfare Ranchers.

The climate impacts of grazing cattle on federal land cost Americans $36 per Animal Unit Month. The government only takes in $1.36  Why is this program allowed to be operated at a LOSS? 

Major Banks also Profit

The financial industry’s pervasive involvement in public lands ranching erects a huge barrier to much-needed reform on our public lands (policy),” said Nicole Rosmarino, WildEarth Guardians’ conservation director.