Changing perspectives and approaches in rangeland resilience under increasing climate variability and change: 10-year retrospective from the USDA Southwest Climate Hub

Authors: Elias, Emile; Bestelmeyer, Brandon; Spiegal, Sheri; ANEY, SKYE - New Mexico State University; STEELE, CAITI - New Mexico State University; RAMSEY, PAIGE - New Mexico State University; BROWN, JOEL - New Mexico State University

Submitted to: Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2023
Publication Date: 2/29/2024
Citation: Elias, E.H., Bestelmeyer, B.T., Spiegal, S.A., Aney, S., Steele, C., Ramsey, P., Brown, J. 2024. Changing perspectives and approaches in rangeland resilience under increasing climate variability and change: 10-year retrospective from the USDA Southwest Climate Hub. Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts. Abstract.

Interpretive Summary: Over the past 10 years the Southwest Climate Hub has broadened our approach to building climate resilience with farmers, ranchers and foresters across the region. Here we present some solutions and persepctives specific to rangelands in the region.

Technical Abstract: The USDA launched the Climate Hub Network in February 2014 with the establishment of 10 Hubs across the country to minimize the negative impacts of climate variability and change on agriculture and forestry. The Hubs synthesize science to make it more decision-relevant, provide climate-related decision-support, and convene scientists and shareholders to address the most challenging climate related problems. Over the past decade, the focus and approach of Southwest Climate Hub (SWCH) activities to support rangeland management has evolved. In 2015, the Southwest Hub synthesized information about the vulnerability of U.S. rangeland-based animal agriculture to climate change. This synthesis provides broad context, noting that for the past 400 years the rangeland livestock industry in the Southwest has adapted to prolonged drought, low rainfall, and high ambient temperatures. Moreover, the industry will need to continue to adapt management strategies and “there are additional opportunities for incorporation of transformative practices and technologies that can sustain animal agriculture in the Southwest in a warmer environment”.  Following this assessment, the SWCH and partners  began advancing rangeland climate solutions via three approaches to build climate resilience: 1) Recognizing the importance of social and economic context in mediating the impacts of climate change, with a focus on overburdened communities; 2) Developing, improving, and disseminating  technology (e.g., virtual fencing, tracking collars, water-level sensors, and weather stations) and introducing novel approaches and information types (information about alternate cattle biotypes and agricultural supply chain options, from farm to table); and 3) Fostering partnerships in research and management (e.g. cooperative ranching groups, the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research network, the Drought Learning Network). As we begin the second decade focused on building rangeland climate resilience, we will continue to support and value partnerships, investigate and employ new technologies, and prioritize overburdened communities.