What do American ranchers, Mongolian herders, and Navajo shepherds all have in common? They are all pastoralists. 

The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, shedding a spotlight on the people who manage half of the world's landmass (including over one-third of the U.S.!).

While the labels change depending on where you are in the world, the heart of the identity remains exactly the same. As Dr. Mark Moritz, anthropology professor within our department, points out in the article: "The identity is based on the work of working with animals in the landscape."

Moritz notes that whether it’s weak land-use rights, climate change, or the pressure of urban development, pastoralists worldwide are facing similar threats and feel equally powerless against them. Yet, their deep, generational knowledge of the land is exactly what we need to build resilient ecosystems, combat wildfire risks, and secure our food systems.

It’s time to recognize that our ranchers aren't just commodity producers, they are our rangeland’s natural managers. 

Special thank you to Nikyle Begay (@navajoshepherd on Instagram) for allowing us to use their spectacular photo! 

Read the full story on how traditional knowledge and modern ranching are colliding to save our grasslands with the link below.