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Abstract
Excerpts from the Introduction: In the Rocky Mountain areas of Colorado, livestock sales represent about nine-tenths of the value of all farm products sold. Not only is livestock the chief source of income to ranchers, it is the major generator of business income within the area. Consequently, any improvement in the ranching income is reflected in the economy of the entire area. Forage is basic to cattle raising in the mountain-meadow areas. Here, forage and grass are practically synonymous. Rangelands and improved pastures provide the forage for summer grazing, while meadows produce hay for winter feed. This report attempts to answer the question, What forage practices and livestock systems will increase profit and income stability on the area's cattle ranches? The information presented here is applicable to the part of Colorado that lies within the confines of the State’s mountain areas above 6,000 feet in elevation.