Source: Clark, A.E., P.E. Colucci, R.S. Gill, D.P. Stonehouse, S.F. Weise, and J.W. Wilton. 1996. The changing roles of pasture: an historical perspective. p. 11-18. In E.A. Clark, and R.P. Poincelot (ed.) The contribution of managed grasslands to sustainable agriculture in the Great Lakes Basin. Haworth Press, New York.

The practice of feeding livestock with grasses in pastures has been used for centuries, and recently it has been examined as a scientific approach to sustainable agriculture systems. The reason that grazing is being looked at more favorably is because it helps to improve efficiencies of humans and livestock as food producers and enhance the environment by providing a usable and sustainable system where both vegetation and livestock can be integrated. This management technique helps to improve the livestock system and the food chain in three ways. First, the practice of grazing can help correct the environmentally unfavorable trend in the livestock industry toward increased grain feeding. Secondly, grazing is an integral part of an ecosystem where ruminants can use their ability to convert food that is not readily accessible to humans (i.e. cellulose) into products that can be consumed for human food. And lastly, pasture is a major nutrient source that does not require a lot of fossil fuel to be productive. There are also additional health benefits to both humans and animals in a grazing system. The animals can get high quality feed as well as exercise. Humans get the benefit of a more diversified and cleaner environment when pastures and livestock become parts of the agricultural landscape. Grazing could also help to solve problems that may arise from environmental regulations for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) and manure handling issues. Pasturing dairy and beef animals is a management system that should be strongly considered as an option to the current confinement and feedlot practices because of increasing health and environmental regulations.

Abstract author: Laura A. Torbert, 23 November 1998.

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