Babbitt says that for both big and small ranchers the low cost discourages good stewardship.

Often the small rancher did not even own a bull.

The cost for registering a brand was set quite high, to ensure that few smaller ranchers could afford it.

He also promises to protect smaller ranchers who might be vulnerable to a sharp rise in grazing costs.

There's no evidence so far that the fees will drive even smaller ranchers off the land.

He was just another small rancher, and a brawler in the bargain.

No small rancher can keep enough stock to pay for his labor.

Western senators say the proposed grazing standards, with all the new regulations and the higher fees, would put many smaller ranchers out of business.

The small rancher would dry up, they say.

The illegal cattle operations kept beef prices lower and provided cheap stock that helped small ranchers get by.