Range Management: Principles and Practices, 6th edition

For introductory Range Management courses.

This up-to-date, easy-to-read text brings together the key principles and practices of contemporary range management, presenting them in logical sequence as concisely and efficiently as possible. The authors introduce the fundamentals of range management using current and relevant scientific studies and practical examples, and illustrating key concepts with pictures, figures, and tables. Grazing management is emphasized, and several other aspects of range management are given comprehensive coverage. In particular, this edition has been updated with comprehensive information on highly relevant issues such as range animal behavior, economics, energy, and multiple use environments.

Hallmark Features

Comprehensive, up-to-date coverage reflecting the latest trends, economic realities, technologies, and science–Presents more complete and current topic coverage than any other book in the field

• Provides a single source students can rely upon for virtually any range management topic

Exceptionally easy to read and easy to use–This book is extensively illustrated and written to be accessible to any reader with a high school background

• Supports effective learning, regardless of student background 

Practical, managerial focus–Covers the modern techniques and concepts that are needed to manage rangelands profitably and sustainably

• Prepares students for successful careers in any modern range management or ranching role 

Step-by-step coverage of essential calculations–Walks through calculating stocking rate, grazing use, and range condition and trend. 

• Helps students master the calculations that are essential to successful range management 

Solid pedagogical features–Includes chapter overviews, definitions of key terms, case studies, web links, summaries, and more

• Simplifies learning, helping students master more material, more quickly

New! Includes two sections on range animal behavior–introduces range animal behavior in the context of improving both livestock distribution and production, showing how to reduce losses from poisonous plants, reduce wolf plants and patch grazing, and more

• Helps students master the latest science-based techniques for optimizing livestock distribution and production 

New! Presents a chapter-length introduction to rangeland economics–Covers essential economic terms and principles in the context of range management, and offers increasingly essential information on profitability factors, economic strategies for ranchers, risk management, budgeting, and much more

• Gives students detailed help in meeting the difficult economic challenges they will encounter as working ranchers and range management professionals 

• Helps students understand and make decisions about technologies such as wind power, biomass, and solar  

New! Increased coverage of multiple use techniques–Introduces best practices for providing profitable recreation opportunities on rangelands concurrently with animal production

• Helps students master important new options for earning revenue from rangelands and safeguarding ranches for future generations 

New! Expanded coverage of satellite imagery for range management–Covers recent breakthroughs in the use of satellite imagery to monitor vegetation characteristics and changes, as well as range animal behavior attributes

• Shows students how to apply the latest satellite technologies to manage rangelands more profitably and sustainably   

New! Study questions after every chapter–Supports all topics with hands-on practice

• Helps students deepen their knowledge and gain practical mastery more quickly