Targeted Grazing in Idaho’s National Forests
Failed to add items
Add to cart failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Targeted Grazing in Idaho’s National Forests
-
Narrated by:
-
Written by:
In this episode of the American Sheep Industry Podcast, Jake talks with Dr. Kelly Hopping, associate professor in human-environment systems at Boise State University, about leveraging targeted sheep grazing as a multifaceted tool to manage cheatgrass, restore range ecosystems, and mitigate wildfire risks in the Sawtooth National Forest.
Dr. Hopping shares her academic journey from studying high-altitude alpine ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau to managing livestock grazing in Idaho, diving into how cheatgrass—an invasive annual grass from Eurasia—outcompetes native plants and alters fire regimes across the western United States. The discussion highlights a collaborative, multi-stakeholder research project involving the U.S. Forest Service, academic researchers, extension personnel, and dedicated sheep producers and herders.
Tune in to discover how adjusting grazing timing and intensity to target green cheatgrass can help restore resilient native plant communities, reduce fuel continuity, and foster sustainable Western sheep production.