Home > Introduction > Introduction to Texas Rangelands

Rangelands are Earth's largest land type. Texas Rangelands constitute a vast and unique natural resource that provides numerous products and services that benefit society. Rangelands have traditionally been recognized as a source of food, fiber, and fuel, with livestock grazing being one of the most prominent uses.

Range is a term applied to uncultivated land that provides forage for livestock and wildlife. Rangelands also provide a host of other benefits such as being an important source of water, biological diversity, and recreation. About 50 percent of the Earth's land surface, 44 pecent of the U.S. and 54 percent of Texas is classified as rangeland. Maintenance of the health of these lands is a vital element determining the future of many regions of the world.

Society's perception and expectations of rangelands have expanded the benefits derived from these resources to include the complex set of ecological processes influencing environmental quality. The "ecological services" provided by rangelands include maintenance of air and water quality, perservation of biodiversity, disposal of wastes, and recycling of essential nutrients, in addition to the traditional uses and products.

Grazinglands (generally referred to as farm and ranch pastures) are highly significant resources to the people of Texas. Of the state's 157 million agricultural acres, 111 million acres (71 percent) are rangeland and permanent pasture. These lands support the largest cattle, sheep, goat, and white-tailed deer herds in the nation.

Feeder cattle and lambs, primary products of the Texas food animal industry, generate nearly half of the income of the state's giant agriculture industry.

Stewardship of grazinglands sustains the important livestock industry and preserves critical wildlife habitats, ensures plant and animal biodiversity, maintains desirable watershed properties and provides scenic and recreational areas for everyone.