WEST PALM BEACH – Changes to cattle grazing leases on South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) property will tie the lease payments to the price of cattle.

The policy revisions reduce the district’s costs and staff time by using a rent calculation based on gross calf sales, which is a standard in the industry, explained the SFWMD staff report.

“I am a dairy cowman and a beef cowman,” said Woody Larson. “We worked a lot of hours, and I appreciate you listening.”

He said the new policy is economic-based and makes a lot of sense. Rates will go up and down with the price of cattle.

John Williamson, representing the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, said he thinks the new rate structure is fair.

He said he appreicated SFWMD staff collaboration with the cattlemen. "We felt like we were heard," said Williamson.

“I am hoping over time, we can get more of these state lands opened up for grazing,” he said.

According to research conducted at the Archbold Biological Station, cattle help preserve the natural ecology of Florida, taking the place of bison which once roamed the state. They provide a natural control of some invasive plants. Like bison, cattle are ruminants. Their digestive system destroys the seeds of the invasive plants they consume.

 According to the staff report, the policy reduces district costs and staff time, and simplifies the language and leasing terms, while considering district goals and objectives and clearly communicating expectations to lease tenants.

 The policy uses a rent calculation based on gross calf sales, which is a standard in the industry.

“A Uniform Lease Rate will be used for lease rent calculations applying the local average market price of 500 to 600-pound steers and heifers using the most recent 12-month averages reported by United States Department of Agriculture for the Okeechobee and Arcadia Livestock Auctions,” the staff report explains.

“For compliant tenants, beginning in year 6, the rent will be the Uniform Lease Rate calculation based on 20% of gross calf sales.

“ In addition, compliant tenants can be issued a credit up to 40% of the annual lease amount towards land maintenance that is preapproved by the district providing incentive to lessees to improve land stewardship, encourage proactive maintenance by lessees, and reduce District management costs.”