The following are the most commonly asked questions about the Rangeland carbon credit program. If your specific question about your operation is not answered here please do not hesitate to contact our office.

My native rangeland is not being grazed. Does that qualify for Rangeland Carbon Credits?

No, it doesn't. Carbon credits for native rangeland can only be earned if the rangeland is being managed under a formal grazing plan or "prescribed grazing system" which improves soil carbon stocks.

I don't have a formal grazing plan, but I know I don't overgraze. Does my rangeland qualify for Rangeland Carbon Credits?

No, it doesn't. A formal grazing plan, developed by a rangeland expert to a minimum standard (detailed in the documentation checklist) is required to enroll for rangeland carbon credits. This is the plan that will be followed for the duration of the contract.

How do you know that a formal grazing plan meets the required standard and that the rancher is following it?

All formal grazing plans will be "verified" or reviewed by a third-party (independent from both Farmers Union and the Chicago Climate Exchange) rangeland expert to determine that all required elements are covered. If your plan does not meet minimum requirements you will be notified and given a chance to add necessary documents to your applicaiton.  In addition, all ranches will be randomly subject to an annual site visit to confirm that pasture condition is conformant with pasture managed under a formal grazing system.

I have grazing leases on State and BLM and Forest Service land- can I enroll those acres?

No. State, Federal or Tribal- owned land is not currently eligible for carbon credits unless the public entity is a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange. If your grazing system includes such land or is subject to the terms of federal grazing permit DO NOT include these acres in you enrollment. Contact our office if you have questions about how this applies to your situation.

What if I don't get timely rain or warmth and I have to vary my grazing plan? Do I get disqualified?

No. With ranching, it's pretty much guaranteed that mother nature will change her mind every year. All good formal grazing plans allow for, or even requires, variation due to moisture and growth conditions. What's important is that pasture condition and proper species distribution is maintained and forage is sufficient to meet animal needs. All enrollees will also provide drought contingency plans that will be implemented as conditions warrant. If a pasture falls into continuous, long-term severe drought to the extent that soil carbon is lost, this will result in the cancellation of reserve tons.

My County is not eligible but the neighboring county is, can I still enroll?

Maybe. The predominant Land Resource Region (LRR) in the county determines eligibility for each county and these rates are predetermined and Countywide. If you can show that your ranch lies within an eligible LRR, even if the entire county is ineligible, you may be able to enroll for carbon credits. Contact our office for specific information about this provision.