Deforestation and cattle production in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas: The case of Searcy County

The Ozark mountains of north central Arkansas have historically been a marginal economic area for standard capitalist means of production. The region has experienced short-term economic booms based on cotton (1880–1900) and lumbering (1900–1920). However, both booms were unsustainable because they were based on environmentally destructive practices. Although still one of the poorest regions in the U.S., the area is experiencing increased income levels from low wage manufacturing, tourism associated with the Buffalo National River, and increased cattle production. Increased cattle production, however, follows past patterns in terms of its lack of long term viability and environmentally destructive practices. Small and medium-scale farmers/ranchers are converting forest lands to pasture lands at an increasing rate. A previous study of the area found that much of the land conversion is taking place on the most environmentally sensitive lands, those with slopes exceeding seven degrees. This current study examines the economic forces that underlie the conversion of forest to pasture lands. The study area is Searcy County, Arkansas. Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, and interviews with ranchers, farmers, bankers, agricultural extension agents, and agriculture related businesses are utilized. The study seeks to understand the responses of local ranchers and farmers to changing macro-economic conditions and the reasons why they have chosen to increase cattle production with resulting conversion of significant amounts of forested lands to pasture. Current practices may be unsustainable in the long run from both an economic and environmental perspective.