Cash Cows: Investigative Series on Welfare Ranching in the West

The San Jose Mercury News has launched an investigative series titled Cash Cows, which delves into the controversial practice of welfare ranching in the Western United States. This series examines the significant impact of subsidized grazing on public lands, particularly focusing on the implications for wild horses and burros.

Welfare ranching refers to the practice where ranchers lease public lands at below-market rates for livestock grazing. This practice has been criticized for its environmental impact and the financial burden it places on taxpayers. The series by the San Jose Mercury News aims to shed light on these issues, providing a comprehensive analysis of the policies and practices involved.

The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) has long advocated for the protection of wild horses and burros, highlighting the conflicts that arise from welfare ranching. This investigative series supports their ongoing efforts to raise awareness and drive policy change.

Through detailed reporting and compelling narratives, Cash Cows brings to the forefront the challenges faced by wild horses and the ecosystems they inhabit. The series is a call to action for policymakers and the public to reconsider the current management of public lands.