Collaboration is key in conserving and enhancing biodiversity on lands managed by beef producers

Dec 23, 2022

Calgary, AB – As the global policy conversations come to a close at COP15, the important connection between raising cattle in Canada and collaboration between industry, government and conservation partners, were underscored as critical elements to protecting nature and enhancing biodiversity. Together with our conservation partners, the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) and the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) was pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the event as an official observer and as a part of the Canadian delegation, and to share the Canadian cattle industry’s sustainability and biodiversity story.

Much of the focus of COP15 was placed on the adoption of the ‘Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)’. This is a landmark decision that will shape the future of biodiversity conservation. The framework recognizes that urgent policy action is required globally, nationally, and regionally, to achieve sustainable development and that we must all take immediate action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

In Canada, we know beef cattle production is an effective way to conserve grasslands, sequester carbon, and enhance biodiversity. The avoided conversion and restoration of grassland and riparian ecosystems represent the largest emissions mitigation opportunity in Canada, aligning with the ambitious ‘30 x 30’ targets of the GBF and identified as a key natural climate solution. Beef cattle farmers and ranchers realize they have a critical role to play in solving the twin crises of biodiversity and climate change. Our producers manage and protect these large areas of at-risk ecosystems and our targets to maintain and conserve these ecosystems through continuous improvement, contribute to the outcomes of the GBF.

The intersection of working landscapes and biodiversity had heightened prominence in the discussions at COP15 in comparison to other international events. Farmers and ranchers are proud of the role that cattle grazing plays in supporting the majority of wildlife habitat across Canada while contributing sustainably to global food security with a highly nutritious protein.

Source : Cattle.ca

Video: Spring 2026 weather outlook for Wisconsin; What an early-arriving El Niño could mean

Northeast Wisconsin is a small corner of the world, but our weather is still affected by what happens across the globe.

That includes in the equatorial Pacific, where changes between El Niño and La Niña play a role in the weather here -- and boy, have there been some abrupt changes as of late.

El Niño and La Niña are the two phases of what is collectively known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation, or ENSO for short. These are the swings back and forth from unusually warm to unusually cold sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean along the equator.

Since this past September, we have been in a weak La Niña, which means water temperatures near the Eastern Pacific equator have been cooler than usual. That's where we're at right now.

Even last fall, the long-term outlook suggested a return to neutral conditions by spring and potentially El Niño conditions by summer.

But there are some signs this may be happening faster than usual, which could accelerate the onset of El Niño.

Over the last few weeks, unusually strong bursts of westerly winds farther west in the Pacific -- where sea surface temperatures are warmer than average -- have been observed. There is a chance that this could accelerate the warming of those eastern Pacific waters and potentially push us into El Niño sooner than usual.

If we do enter El Nino by spring -- which we'll define as the period of March, April and May -- there are some long-term correlations with our weather here in Northeast Wisconsin.

Looking at a map of anomalously warm weather, most of the upper Great Lakes doesn't show a strong correlation, but in general, the northern tiers of the United States do tend to lean to that direction.

The stronger correlation is with precipitation. El Niño conditions in spring have historically come with a higher risk of very dry weather over that time frame, so this will definitely be a transition we'll have to watch closely as we move out of winter.