Livestock
In North America, vast herds of grazing animals used to roam.
Our rangeland ecosystems evolved under this high intensity, short duration grazing.
Nomadic herds no longer range from north to south and back again, but with careful management livestock can fill the void. Well-managed livestock are a useful tool for rangeland, forest and fisheries restoration. Instead of being a threat, well-managed livestock can reinvigorate landscapes that have devolved into barren unproductivity, helping restore other essential ecological processes along the way.
Livestock, on the range, efficiently convert the sun’s energy locked within plants into edible protein. Livestock, in intensive confinement, provide a haven for problems, ranging from their own behavior and health including the rise of disease, to environmental concerns such as non-point source pollution arising from collected waste.
Latest articles
Read more about the benefits offered by domestic animals:
Guardians of the Karoo Rangelands
This article discusses the origins of high density, short duration grazing, and continuing work to implement it across Africa and the world. Quoting the authors, “As Allan Savory, John Acocks and others would prove […]
Stewardship with Vision, Episode 7: San Juan Ranch
This Western Landowners Alliance film by filmmaker Jason Roehrig features Colorado cattle ranchers George Whitten and Julie Sullivan, whose stewardship has restored and increased healthy biological processes while providing for a sustainable ranching model.
Cost-effectively Wildfire Grazing Steep Ground With Lava Flows (Talus Field) by Wild Horses
“As discussed in this video, so-called ‘invasive’ horses – actually North America’s oldest native species, can reduce wildfire and restore habitat in areas unreachable by any other large grazer. Watch this 1-minute video and judge […]
Are Prescribed Burns The Silver Bullet Suggested For Wildfires?
“Outside-the-box thinking on prescribed burns, from the founder of Wild Horse Brigade.
Bison Bunch Up to Protect Calves
Over millions of years, rangelands have evolved under grazing by nomadic herds that travel in mass, bunched up to protect both young and adults from predators. And, plants have evolved to need this. This observation […]
New Mexico: US Officials Authorize Helicopter With Shooters to Kill Feral Cows in the Gila Wilderness
In New Mexico as across the US, ‘conservationists’ are leading the War on Wildlife.
The Predator-Prey Connection
“Everyone understands that predators control animal numbers. But of equal importance is predators’ effect on animal behavior, and the consequential benefit to habitat – and wildlife – that result from how animals behave when in […]
Using Goats to Open an Idaho Forest
At Pitchstone Waters near Yellowstone Park in Idaho, we use goats to clear brush, weeds, and stimulate grasses on forest floors. Sixth in a series. Goats Grazing Idaho Forests from Christopher Gill on Vimeo. […]
Soil-Carbon Cowboys
A new documentary series in 10 parts (paddocks) directed by Peter Byck …please watch soil-carbon cowboys first. NOTE: this post was originally published to this site on June 22, 2020.
Climate and Big Beef
“San Antonio entrepreneur and rancher Lew Moorman calls BS on fake beef.
Controlling Weeds in Idaho
A Forb is a herbaceous, flowering plant other than grass. Unwanted forbs are generally dubbed “weeds.” Herbicides used for “weed” control almost always harm habitat and wildlife. On Pitchstone Waters, we manage our weeds unconventionally—to […]
Where the Bison Could Roam
Scott Heidebrink, the director of bison restoration for the American Prairie Reserve in northeast Montana, checks on a herd. “There are ways that bison were impacting the landscape that we haven’t even thought about,” he […]
Why This Cattle Farmer Moves His Cows Every Day
Methane emissions from cattle contribute to climate change – but Will Harris says he has a solution.
Stewardship with Vision – Episode 5: David Spicer
Quoting the producers of the video below, “David Spicer’s leadership in restoring springs, wetlands, and riparian areas on his ranch and beyond has helped keep a species from being listed under the ESA and supported […]
Book Review: Man, Cattle and Veld by Johann Zietsman
Note: Originally posted January 9, 2017. This remains one of the most informative and entertaining of all books on cattle and grazing for habitat improvement. Man, Cattle and Veld by Johann Zeitsman records the journey […]
New Research Documents Domestic Cattle DNA In Modern Bison Herds
As reported below, Texas A&M says there is no such thing as genetically-pure North American bison, including Yellowstone Park’s. While good to know, this discovery shouldn’t change bison restoration efforts. There’s nothing new in […]
Wild Horses Can Prevent Out-of-Control Wildfires Out West, Researcher Says. Here’s How
Roaming wild horses may help cut down on the size and intensity of wildfires out west, according to research from the Wild Horse Fire Brigade.
Stewardship with Vision – Episode 2: Malpai Borderlands Group
In the high desert of southern Arizona and New Mexico, almost a million acres of important habitats and nearly 30 at-risk species are being protected and conserved…by a coalition of ranchers who manage from […]
Rotational Cattle Grazing to Restore Degraded Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands and Promote Watershed Health
Describing the Mimms Ranch in Marfa, Texas, the authors write, “The Foundation aims for practical conservation, with the belief that restored grasslands improve overall watershed health, resources for native wildlife, and continued support of ranching.” […]
All About American Bison (aka Buffalo) for Kids
This is also very interesting for grownups.
Management Comparison – Allan Savory
One minute of your attention could save civilization as we know it.