A decade-long scientific study has yielded promising news for both ranchers and conservationists: sage grouse and cattle can successfully coexist on public rangelands. The findings, published in a final report from the University of Idaho, offer robust data that support Simplot’s sustainability goals—particularly our Core Value of Respect for Resources and Mission of Bringing Earth’s Resources to Life.
For Simplot, this research confirms what the Company’s Land and Livestock (L & L) employees have long observed firsthand: that sage grouse and cows can exist—and have been existing—together.
L & L manages cattle on public land allotments across Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and Utah. More than 70% of these parcels overlap with sage-grouse habitat.
“This research is critically important to us,” said Darcy Helmick, Simplot Lands Manager. “We’ve seen on the ground that cows and grouse can live together. Now, we have 10 years of solid data to back that up.”
A Decade in the Making
Initiated in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and other stakeholders, the study focused on sage-grouse “leks”—areas where male birds gather to perform mating displays in the spring. The study sought to determine whether cattle grazing during this sensitive time had any measurable impact on nesting success and overall population health.
The answer? It didn’t.
In fact, sage-grouse populations were thriving in this area under current management. However, we were compelled to partner in the study to secure hard data demonstrating that observation and for use for management decisions moving forward.
“As part of the study, they found that the more recently an area was grazed, the more successful the nest was,” Helmick explained. “That was a surprising but welcome discovery.”
The partners’ science team identified which allotments grazed in the spring have a lek with a high enough attendance to warrant studies. From there, the study examined five major grazing areas, two of which were on Simplot-managed lands. The company did not fund or influence the study design, ensuring the results were independent and scientifically credible. “We weren’t on the science team. We didn’t help write the metrics or influence the study design,” Helmick said. “That was important to maintain objectivity—and now we have the results to show for it.”
Simplot’s role in the study was limited to logistical support—placing cattle in specific areas at designated times per the researchers’ requests.
To develop a statistically valid dataset, the research team monitored sage-grouse populations and land conditions over the 10 years. The first two years were used to collect baseline data. After that, researchers began manipulating grazing practices—carving out areas where cattle were historically allowed and excluding them, to observe potential changes.
“They broke the pastures up into sub-pastures and said, ‘Okay, this area will not be grazed, this area will only be grazed during this time,’ and so on,” Helmick said. “We just followed the plan.”
Discoveries on Nesting and Predation
One of the most compelling revelations—and arguably the most important for Simplot—was that cattle grazing did not degrade sage-grouse nesting conditions. Researchers observed that cows tend to graze the open areas, or “interspaces,” rather than digging into the sagebrush where the birds typically nest. As a result, the grass surrounding the nests—critical for camouflage and protection—remained largely undisturbed.
“If you picture a sagebrush with a little bird nesting underneath, the cow doesn’t want to stick her face in the bush to eat the grass,” Helmick said. “So the protective cover for the nest stays intact. It all makes sense.”
The study also shed new light on nest predation. While ravens have long been considered the primary threat, researchers found that coyotes were actually the main culprits. Intriguingly, the presence of cattle seemed to deter coyotes—likely because protective mother cows, along with nearby ranchers, serve as a deterrent.
“You’re going to have fewer bad guys when the cops are around,” Helmick quipped.
Reinforcing Simplot’s Respect for Resources
The research aligns closely with Simplot’s commitment to sustainable, responsible stewardship of natural resources. It affirms what the Company has always known with respect to the land: balancing agricultural productivity with care for the environment ensures productive ground now and for generations to come.
“Every employee knows Simplot is committed to its Mission of sustainably Bringing Earth’s Resources to Life,” Helmick pointed out. “The results of this study are a prime example of how with respect, stewardship, and science, harmony between agriculture and wildlife is not only possible—it’s already happening”
Learn More:
Watch Helmick's appearance on KTVB, the Boise NBC affiliate, to talk about the study’s findings.
