Nevada ranchers fight the Navy to save a generational livelihood — and a piece of the West

Nevada ranchers are embroiled in a legal battle with the federal government over the right to graze cattle on public lands. At the heart of the dispute are the Snow family, fifth-generation cattle farmers who have been grazing cows on federal land for decades. Justin Snow and his wife, Adrienne, recently purchased the grazing permit from their parents, taking on a loan to do so, much like many Americans would take out a mortgage for a house.

The "forage," or grass and other feed, on the public land belongs to the Snow family, and they are responsible for providing water for their cattle throughout the winter months.

Justin Snow estimates that his cattle consume 122 tons of forage each month, and he only has to pay a per-cow cost of $1.36 per month to use the land. This amount is equivalent to a property tax, significantly less than what it would cost him to purchase the same amount of alfalfa. The financial benefits of grazing on public land are clear, but the Snows also emphasize the positive impact on the health and well-being of their cattle.

The cattle tend to thrive better in the open spaces, resulting in fewer illnesses and a more natural living environment.

The Navy has been interested in the land where the Snows graze their cattle for about a decade. The military requires additional space at the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC), where pilots practice combat scenarios. In late 2022, Congress granted the Navy permission to utilize the land, setting off a protracted conflict between the ranchers and the federal government.