New rangeland management planning initiative good for grasslands and the environment

By Wayne Hildebrand Submitted

We often hear that livestock production is responsible for a wide range of environmental problems like greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, and water pollution. Is all livestock production bad for the environment?

Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC), a non-profit charitable organization with a conservation and wildlife habitat mandate, has been working in partnership with Manitoba Beef Producers for the past seven years delivering the ‘Keep Grazing Program’ (now called the Grassland Stewardship Program). In 2022, the program allocated a million dollars to support 88 livestock producers to fund pasture infrastructure projects (like upgrading fencing and watering systems) on 60,000 acres of pasture in Manitoba.

So, why would a conservation organization like MHHC partner with the livestock industry? Could there be some positive environmental impacts associated with livestock production? I asked MHHC’s Habitat Field Manager Curtis

Hullick this very question.

“Livestock production plays a valuable role in maintaining grasslands, providing wildlife habitat, enhancing biodiversity, building soil fertility, sequestering carbon, and building climate change resiliency,” said Curtis.

“That’s a lot of positive impacts! Cattle producers and their livestock are fundamental to the future of the grassland environment.”

A well managed rotational grazing system increases plant density and diversity. “This is beneficial for the cattle, increases farm profitability, and provides habitat for wildlife,” Curtis relayed.

“Grassland nesting birds are at risk in Manitoba and Canada, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Their future survival depends on maintaining healthy grasslands and the vegetation management performed by livestock.”

To recognize the grassland bird habitat that cattle producers provide, MHHC received funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada and partnered with Manitoba Beef Producers, to deliver a 3 year Rangeland Management

Dr. Derek Papegnies

Plan initiative. In 2021, Carol Graham expanded her role as a Rangeland Extension Specialist to work with cattle producers in western Manitoba with the mandate to promote Rangeland Management Planning. The intent is to enhance grassland productivity with grazing systems that supports the

Nutrition Bite

Meal In 30 recipe kits available April 5-26 and May 3-24.

Grab this month’s feature recipe at Safeway and Co-op grocery stores in Neepawa.

Look for the Neepawa Eats Healthy logo for recipe and featured items. Cook, taste and tell us what you think by scanning the QR code on each recipe for a chance to win a grocery pack.

April’s prize will be drawn on May 1 and May’s Prize will be drawn Jun 5.

April Recipe

Red Pepper and Mushroom Frittata

1 Teaspoon vegetable oil

1 cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)

1 red pepper (chopped)

1 medium potato (cooked)

8 eggs

½ cup milk

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese salt and pepper to taste economic viability of the producer while providing wildlife benefits, such as conserving habitat for grassland bird species at risk.

“Rangeland management is the utilization of livestock to influence grazing distribution, carrying capacity, and timing to sync with grass development and performance,” said Carol. “It requires a vegetation inventory to identify plant species, define unique landscape features, and identify areas that are distinct grassland types.”

“It is a science-based approach where data collection and analysis allows identification of rangeland health, trends, and potential problems that can be addressed with the implementation or modification of a grazing system,” Carol said. “Cattle producers are the stewards of their grasslands. Rangeland Management Planning is simply a support tool for producers that helps

Exit

improve management decisions, which ultimately helps to achieve healthy and productive pastures.”

MHHC is producing Rangeland Management Plans at no cost for the cattle producers participating in the Grassland Stewardship Program offered by MHHC. The minimum pasture area required is 320 acres. The Rangeland Management Plans outline opportunities for change along with incentives for improvements to the infrastructure of the pasture.

“There are a number of very good initiatives happening in Manitoba with sustainable livestock production and rangeland management planning,” said Curtis. “We are proud to be partners with Manitoba Beef Producers who are working to enhance biodiversity on the landscape, raise high quality nutritious food, and support a healthy rural economy.”

Seasoning of your choice: ½ teaspoon basil or ½ teaspoon red chili powder (or paprika), ½ teaspoon turmeric, and 1 teaspoon garam masala.

Heat oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Add the mushroom and red pepper and cook until soft. Chop and stir in the potato and spread vegetables evenly over the pan. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and seasonings. Pour over vegetables. Cover and cook over low heat until eggs are set (about 12-15 minutes). Sprinkle with cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Take off heat and enjoy.