Educating Public Land Managers on Using Cattle to Enhance Land Stewardship
Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources
Lauren Butler
County Extension Director/ Livestock Agent
UF/IFAS Extension Okeechobee County
Okeechobee
Abstract
Background: Managed grazing is a valuable tool for achieving conservation and land management goals on public and private lands. However, many land managers and stakeholders are unfamiliar with the ecological benefits of incorporating cattle into land management systems. To address this gap, UF/IFAS Extension collaborative group, South Florida Beef Forages, hosted an Environmental Lands Management Program along the shores of the Kissimmee River. Objectives: The program aimed to increase public land managers' knowledge of the role of cattle grazing in managing vegetation, improving soil health, reducing wildfire risk, and enhancing wildlife habitat, while developing more positive perceptions of grazing as a conservation practice. Methods: The program included four educational presentations covering beef cattle industry fundamentals, strategies for land with cattle, ecological research findings, and producer perspectives on conservation practices. Participants also participated in a guided boat tour to observe and compare grazed and ungrazed landscapes firsthand, reinforcing the presented topics through direct observation. Results: Participants reported a 55% increase in knowledge and indicated greater confidence in applying grazing as a land management tool. Observations during the tour highlighted differences in vegetation density and fuel loads, helping participants better understand grazing impacts. One attendee represented a county where grazing is not currently permitted on county lands; following the program, they brought these concepts back to local leadership, and revisions to consider grazing as a management option are now under discussion. In an additional result of the program, a county extension agent was invited to serve on local land management decision-making boards and committees. Conclusions: This program demonstrated the effectiveness of real-world examples, in this case, a boat tour, to improve understanding of conservation grazing. The initiative strengthened collaboration among agencies and land managers and promoted science-based approaches that integrate livestock into sustainable land stewardship.
Authors: Lauren Butler
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Lauren Butler County Extension Director/ Livestock Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 34972