More Cattle, Not Less, Can Save the Grasslands

It’s a common myth that much of the American cattle supply was obliterated when America began its westward expansion more than 150 years ago. The grasslands that make up the Midwestern landscape has been changed so much as progress and expansion have moved westward, that hundreds of small communities that owe their economy to livestock are withering right along with the grass. Much of the nation’s Midwest is being destroyed by overgrazing of cattle, which is costing plant life where grass once flourished and fed the cattle that made the grasslands what they were. Not only are the grasslands losing their agriculture, the cattle are losing vast supplies of food.

So what can be done to save the grasslands? Many ranchers, conservationists and investors are determined to rebuild the cattle industry and are looking for answers. There are plenty of answers out there although none of them are guaranteed winners. So was overgrazing the problem that is causing ranchers to go out of business today? The key, according to the people whose livelihoods depend on the cattle industry is how to manage the cattle rather than to cut costs and limit the cattle and the areas in which they graze.

Ranchers can consistently double or even triple their livestock capacity over time if the ranches are managed correctly. It might not be the easiest solution, but if the land is fertile and managed correctly, there is still tons of money to be made in the cattle ranching industry. More cattle per acre rather than less is just one factor. By actively planning and managing the grazing of the cattle, the benefits become more of a solution to the current situation rather than a hindrance to the land.

The dynamic is a simple one and was studied extensively by a cattle rancher in South Africa. Allan Savory saw the connection between roaming animal herds and grasslands and if the animal chews the grasslands so fast that it can stimulate grassland growth by allowing sunlight to shine through growth points. The cattle then move on to another direction to find fresher grass.

While the animals are away from their original territory, the grass grows again and a wise cattle rancher will return his cattle to their original location to allow the grass to grow in the most previous area. The grass grows back and the soil is aerated wile the hoof movements chip away at the hardened earth so seeds can germinate and water can penetrate.

Jeff Berlinicke