Minnesota Grazing Lands
Ranching for soil health enhances biodiversity and increases biological activity.
Integrating plant diversity, keeping the soil covered, maintaining living roots as long as possible: leads to reduced inputs, greater water infiltration and holding capacity, and will help maximize profits. Soil health is greatly enhanced when practiced in conjunction with animal agriculture. Join MN GLCA!
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•Grazing lands comprise about 4.5% or 2.5 million acres of land in
Minnesota. (A precious commodity.)
• Grazing lands provide the principle source of forage for domestic livestock in Minnesota. • Grazing with beef cattle and dairy cows are the primary use of Minnesota grazing lands. •Forage production is the basic goal of a rancher or farmer, but maintenance and/or improvement of grazing lands is just as important as livestock husbandry. • Grazing lands provide essential habitat and foraging areas for many kinds of wildlife. This includes both game and non-game species. • Grazing lands provide watershed protection and recharge the water supply. • Grazing lands are comprised of improved pastureland, rangeland, and naturalized areas. • Vegetation on grazing lands are diverse, and the range of flora includes cool season introduced species as well as native remnant prairies. This mixture accounts for naturalized areas. Donations are Welcomed and Tax Deductible |