University of Idaho to Manage Ranch, Perform Research

HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — Researchers, environmental groups and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are partnering to perform range and grazing-related research in Idaho.

The Capital Press reports that the USDA and the University of Idaho signed an agreement with The Nature Conservancy and Wood River Land Trust, which own the 10,400-acre Rock Creek Ranch in southcentral Idaho. The agreement will allow UI to operate the working conservation ranch for five years and establish a rangeland research and educational facility.

According to a UI news release, researchers plan to study how responsible grazing and sound conservation practices can work together. The university has hired former Idaho Cattle Association Executive Vice President Wyatt Prescott to manage the 150-cow ranching operation.