Staff Report
A new documentary, Fenced Out, follows northern Nevada ranching families seeking compensation for the loss of federal grazing access resulting from the Fallon Range Training Complex expansion.
The film focuses on Justin and Adrienne Snow and neighboring rancher Jack Payne, whose operations are among eight ranches affected by the expansion authorized by Congress in the December 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.
The documentary examines the economic challenges facing multigenerational ranching families and the consequences of losing grazing land that has supported their operations for decades. It also explores the relationship between privately owned ranch property, federal grazing permits, water rights, livestock, and investments in rangeland improvements.
“It’s not a question of if they’re going to take it; they’ve already taken it,” said Justin Snow. “We need to agree on fair compensation so we can relocate to land that will work for our family’s ranching business. If we don’t come to a fair agreement soon, we’ll be done in this business.”
The Snows contend that the Navy's compensation offers do not adequately account for the long-term economic losses associated with the withdrawal of grazing lands. The film explores their concerns about replacing grazing capacity, maintaining livestock operations, and preserving ranches for future generations.
“We didn’t speak out just to make one wrong right,” said Adrienne Snow. “We spoke out because family ranches like ours are disappearing, and most people, including the ones making these decisions, don’t understand what’s at stake or how steep the price is for families who are losing what took a lifetime to build.”
Former Nevada state Sen. James Settelmeyer also appears in the documentary, discussing the challenges of determining compensation for grazing losses extending over the 100-year federal land withdrawal.
The film addresses the Navy's stated need for expanded military training capabilities and national security, while examining the ranchers' concerns about the effects on their livelihoods. It also follows efforts to bring the compensation dispute to the attention of federal officials, including U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen.
Fenced Out was produced by Consider It Done Productions and Launch Velocity Media, with Adrienne Snow serving as executive producer. John Cruz and Bryan Evans directed the documentary, which was written by Annie Burns.
The documentary also features Woody Worthington, Kelli Kelly, and Settelmeyer.
Watch the Fenced Out trailer: https://youtu.be/c5zqYpI2p4M?si=OhSUSIn9KIZ54_Z6
Related reporting: Read more about the Snow family's grazing losses and compensation dispute in the Great Basin Sun: https://www.thefallonpost.org/article/10350,fenced-out-fallon-ranchers-fight-for-their-family-s-future
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