A primary distinction rests on the core agricultural activity. One focuses on livestock, particularly raising cattle or sheep, often across expansive landscapes. The other concentrates on cultivating crops, ranging from grains and vegetables to fruits. For example, a vast property dedicated to raising beef cattle is generally identified under one term, while a smaller plot producing corn or soybeans falls under the other.
The economic significance lies in their respective contributions to food production and supply chains. Land management practices also differ substantially, with one prioritizing grazing land and infrastructure for animal husbandry. The other emphasizes soil health, irrigation systems, and harvesting techniques. Historically, one type of land use was often associated with the open ranges of the American West, while the other was more commonly linked to settled agricultural communities.