The association has allowed the small farmer to be more diversified, and through diversification, they were able to stay in business, said Cucarola, who lives near Sterling. The idea of a grazing cooperative retains its appeal for many struggling in an agricultural economy that is almost perpetually in the pits. I don't think a grazing association can be beat for a smaller operator. Grazing associations sprang up in Colorado during the1960s with encouragement from the federal government. The Chimney Canyon Grazing Association secured private funding for its land, and a government agency had administered the loans.
Ranchers join by buying membership in the association.
In addition, members pay annual fees. The fees cover land payments, taxes, insurance, equipment and the salary of a full-time ranch manager, among other costs. In just a few years, the association will retire its loans and will own its land. That will reduce annual fees and should boost cattle profits, members said. The five-month grazing season begins in May, when association members move their cattle onto the hardy and nutritious buffalo and blue grama grassland.