I've had may fair share of international travel, done a little mission work, and tried to keep track of what's going on around the world. There's a lot of bad stuff going on around the world and in several cases lack of property rights is part of the problem.

In countries where poverty is high, if you dig deeper you'll find that land users can't easily become land owners and it's not for lack of money. It's for lack of clear title and ownership rights to land or materials. In the U.S. we kind of miss that story, but we need to keep our eye on that ball - especially in the West.

PROPERTY PROTECTION: Maintaining the integrity of land ownership and control is critical to economic success. Losing those rights challenges the value of your equity. (Photo: Ian Waldie/Getty Images)

Out here where it appears land is abundant, there are folks who feel they can just walk onto your property to check your cattle, or whatever. We reported in September on a case in Wyoming that could have implications for the entire West.

And that's the bigger picture. We can't let any group infringe on property rights - and "takings" are a worry for any landowner. But it is property rights that become the engine of a strong economy. We take pride in ownership and even with the growth of a sharing economy someone will own the property or item.

Access to property is a tough issue. Environmental groups want to fly drones over your cattle to check on your welfare practices. EPA may be flying over your operation to see how you're doing with conservation work. That airspace is public, but I expect there are lawsuits coming there too.

Standing up for property

Essentially, maintaining individual property rights is a big deal. Any crack in that economic armor has long-term consequences.

Access to your farm or ranch should be controlled. Set up a practice of knowing who is on your land and where. And I realize with giant acreages for roaming cattle that's no easy task. However, understanding who is passing through your land will be valuable.

The Wyoming case involved a group that went onto public lands - leased by ranchers - to conduct water quality tests and more. Did they have permission? No. Did they feel they had a right to just roam onto public lands and do what they wanted? Yes.

There's a court settlement now, and both sides claim victory. Wyoming lawmakers are tightening their trespass laws, and other states will likely follow suit. If not, you might want to reach out to your local lawmakers to make that happen.

At every turn farmers and ranchers will need to be vigilant. Protecting your property rights is often more of an administrative move, rather than one involving standing in front of trucks trying to enter your land. Yet even low-key activities are important to protecting what you own.

Vigilance is critical.