Guardians of the Grasslands game teaches students about the role cattle play in protecting a key resource

Mar 01, 2023

The documentary "Guardians of the Grasslands" has now evolved into an online game for students in Grade 7 to 10.

Students in Alberta will be the first to experience the online grazing simulation game which focuses on the ecosystem services provided by raising cattle on grasslands.

Amie Peck, manager of public and stakeholder engagement with the Canadian Cattle Association says they had excellent uptake with the film in classrooms.

"We wanted to create a unique experience for students from every background to imagine themselves as land stewards and discover how different decisions result in changes to the ecosystem."

Through the game students will learn how cattle promote carbon sequestration and provide wildlife habitat through rotational grazing on native grasslands, by moving cattle at the right time, and leaving enough grass behind.

While the first version of the game is specific to Alberta, additional classroom versions are being planned for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Ontario for the fall of 2023.

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Video: What Really Drives Meat Quality in Pork? - Dr. Yan Huang

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Yan Huang from University of Arkansas explores how genetics, nutrition, and stress management shape pork quality. He explains how molecular pathways influence fat deposition, muscle growth, and meat flavor while balancing production efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The most important driver of pork quality. Feed plays a very important role in the meat quality."

Meet the guest: Dr. Yan Huang / yan-huang-77829421 is an Associate Professor in Nutritional Skeletal Muscle Biology at the University of Arkansas. With academic experience across China, South Korea, and the United States, his work focuses on the genetic and molecular regulation of muscle growth and fat deposition in swine. His research connects genetics, nutrition, and pork quality to improve production efficiency and consumer satisfaction.