Biodiversity

FACT

Cattle grazing on properly managed range and pasture land is compatible with wildlife and wildlife habitat, and in many cases contributes to increased wildlife numbers.


Cattle producers are long-time partners with the environment and work to conserve wildlife and its habitat.  To ensure the coexistence of species, total environment management is the focus of producers.

Many producers are second, third and fourth generation families who have built up extensive knowledge about good management of the many different and complex range and pasture ecosystems they utilize.

Before cattle, bison grazed the Prairies and parts of the aspen parkland.  Removal of grazing animals would lead to significant habitat changes and the loss or decrease of many prairie plant and animal species.

Improved grazing management, more widely available watering sites and improved winter feed supplies have increased wildlife numbers in many areas. 

Good range management ensures the maintenance of natural ecosystems.

Cattle production, species biodiversity, recreation and wildlife habitat are all possible, side by side through education, awareness and cooperative management.  Cattle producers are working with conservation and recreational groups to enhance habitat in many areas.  Voluntary habitat enhancement and stewardship programs are in place with a variety of organizations.   Initiatives include practices such as direct pasture seeding, native grass cropping, man-made wetlands, and rotational and deferred grazing strategies.

Many successful examples can be cited from our ongoing work with total environment management.  Producers are proud to play an important role in the conservation of wildlife and its habitat.