‘Heterogeneity’ refers to spatial and temporal variability in composition and vegetation structure resulting from disturbance and patch dynamics, and is recognized by ecologists as the major factor generating the biodiversity observed in nature (Fuhlendorf, et al., 2006, Reice 1994).  Scientific evidence suggests that heterogeneity-based management that mimics natural disturbance processes at the ranch scale would help maintain or improve plant and animal biodiversity on rangelands by providing a full range of habitat conditions.  For this reason, Fuhlendorf etal. 2006 have suggested that heterogeneity become the basis for conservation instead of tradition range management practices such as improving livestock distribution that produce more homogeneous conditions.  The largest source of conservation dollars in the US are USDA Farm Bill programs.  We assessed the implementation of heterogeneity-related practices by USDA by evaluating NRCS program expenditures in western states.  Our analysis shows that NRCS is not implementing heterogeneity-related practices significantly in western states.  Instead, the focus of expenditures in rangeland-related practices was on the implied goal of homogeneity through improved livestock distribution.  Our data support the contention traditional range paradigm of is the one most typically applied, and that the ecological concepts of heterogeneity are rarely applied through Farm Bill programs.