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Show Farm Bureau Leader Hails Decision President Ford's decision to hold grazing fees for public rangeland at their 1974 levels this year is a logical step, and one that is welcome for hard-pressed cattlemen, according to Elmo Hamilton, president of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation. Hamilton pointed out that the American consumer has a vital interest in assuring that beef producers make a profit and stay in business. "Despite the suggestion of some poorly Informed people that eating less meat would release grain to feed hungry people in other countries, such a move Just wouldn't do what its supporter claim," said the head of the largest general farm organization in the state. "Even with normal grain feeding, a steer consumes only grain," he pointed out. "The other two-thirds is roughage mostly grasses that humans can't and won't eat. Ar.d with ( the cost-price squeeze of today, many operators are finishing cattle on a low grain ration." The federal government announced on January 15 its decision not to put into effect an increase in grazing fees planned earlier for this year. But the future possibility of iharp increases in grazing fees poses a threat both to ranchers and consumers, Hamilton cautioned. The Farm Bureau head called for quick acUon on a Rangeland Development biU now before the state legislature that would set up a revolving loan fund for Improving grazing capacity on privately owned range. "This fund would not only help put many acres of sagebrush-covered land into good producing range and benefit the catUe and sheep men," Hamilton noted, "but it would also improve the water-holding capacity of the reseeded land and provide better habitat for wildlife." He pointed out that mu'tiple use of publicly owned rangeland helps produce meat and wool at a low cost for both feed and fuel. |