Farms.com Home   News

Cattle Grazing is a Tool For Reducing Fire Danger

Cattle Grazing is a Tool For Reducing Fire Danger
By Jeannette E. Warnert
 
Cattle can help reduce wildfire danger by grazing on fine fuels in rangeland and forest landscapes, reported Sierra Dawn McClain in Capital Press. The article also appeared in the Blue Mountain Eagle, the Westerner and the East Oregonian.
 
The article cited the preliminary results of research by UC Cooperative Extension that show that cattle consumed approximately 12.4 billion pounds of forage across California in 2017. The researchers believe the cattle could do more.
 
Many grazable acres aren't grazed, said Sheila Barry, UCCE livestock and natural resources advisor in Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa counties. According to the Capital Press article, Barry said the public doesn't always recognize the benefits of grazing; they see short grass and cow patties. Cattle's role in preventing wildfires is often overlooked.
 
Devii Rao, UCCE livestock and natural resources advisor for San Benito, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties and the study's lead, said ranchers should target grazing around homes, infrastructure, roadsides and at the wildland-urban interface.
 
“There are so many things we can do better. Cattle grazing is really important to fire safety, and it's time we have more conversations about it,” Rao said.
Source : ucanr.edu

Trending Video

Importance of Feed Quality, with Alex Van Beek

Video: Importance of Feed Quality, with Alex Van Beek

In this episode, we delve into the critical role of feed quality in swine nutrition with Alex Van Beek, Vice President of Van Beek Natural Science. Alex shares his expertise on how high-quality feed influences pig performance and productivity, the role of targeted feed additives in addressing specific challenges faced by pork producers, and the importance of tailoring sow nutrition across different life stages. We also explore strategies to support nursery pigs during the weaning phase and discuss how life stage-specific feeding contributes to sustainable pig farming practices. Tune in for practical insights to enhance your swine nutrition program.