Uncertainty, Impermanence Syndrome, and Public Land Ranching

Abstract

• Impermanence syndrome involves farmer apprehension or uncertainty about the future and leads to disinvestment in an agricultural operation as well as erosion of producer confidence. • We explored impermanence syndrome among New Mexico public rangeland cattle producers in order to assess perceptions of impermanence syndrome impact factors in the region. • Urban fringe effects, proximity to the US-Mexico border, multiple-use of public rangelands, public perception of public land ranching, as well as economic and government agency issues were identified as causes of ranching impermanence syndrome. • Mitigation of uncertainty and perceived impermanence threats to ranching would promote management and investments that promote long-haul planning for and enhancement of rangeland health.