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Study Finds Painting Eyes On Cows' Butts Can Save Their Lives

Lulu Garcia-Navarro

August 23, 2020 |

NPR |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: Botswana

As a way to prevent livestock from being attacked by predators and to decrease conflict between farmers and big cats, a pair of conservation biologists painted eyes on the backsides of cattle to fool carnivores during their hunt. A study in Botswana showed that cows painted with artificial eyes on their behinds tricked predators into thinking they’ve been seen by their prey. While it’s not a perfect protection method for cattle, over the four years of the study, none of the cows with the colorful posteriors were killed compared with control groups.

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Is the way cattle are grazed the key to saving America's threatened prairies?

Lynne Curry

August 19, 2020 |

The Guardian |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Oregon

An unlikely partnership between ranchers and conservationists is working together to protect grassland biodiversity on the Zumwalt Prairie Preserve in Oregon. The Nature Conservancy has cultivated relationships with landowners in the area to promote sustainable grazing practices. While some ranchers are skeptical about the organization’s intentions in the area, one rancher says they are “a good neighbor” and because of his alliance with the nonprofit, his pastures have consistently achieved good ratings over the years.

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Raising Nature on Florida Ranchlands

Virginia Gewin Carlton Ward Jr.

August 11, 2020 |

bioGraphic |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Florida

Ranchers and conservationists in Florida are working together to lobby for policies that preserve their farmland, protect wildlife species, and conserve water instead of turning it over to be developed. The Sunshine State has experimented with conservation incentive programs like payments for panther habitat restoration, reimbursements for livestock losses, and water storage projects but most of these programs have had mixed success and are often underfunded.

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With livestock prices falling and food banks in need, ag producers find new ways to share

Johnathan Hettinger

May 14, 2020 |

Montana Free Press |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Montana

Farmers and ranchers across Montana are finding ways to share their products locally during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen livestock prices fall and food banks face higher demand. While some agricultural producers are looking to get their livestock in the hands of consumers at local markets, there are a limited number of in-state cattle and hog processors. For one rancher, he gathered other local ranchers to donate more than 20 animals to be locally butchered for donations to local food banks.

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Pastured Meat Producers are Facing Catastrophic Losses. These Efforts Could Help Them Weather the Pandemic.

Lynne Curry

March 31, 2020 |

Civil Eats |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New Hampshire

Small-scale livestock producers and farmers are facing dire economic consequences from the coronavirus pandemic, so many are turning to a collective approach to help one another out. From home-delivery services to pivoting to online sales, farmers across the nation are testing out different models to survive the economic downturn.

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In Kenya, herders turn an invasive cactus into biofuel

Robert Kibet

March 12, 2020 |

Deutsche Welle (DW) |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Kenya, Laikipia County

The invasive prickly pear cactus is spreading over grazing lands in Kenya and is harming herders’ livestock. So a local environmental science graduate is testing a system to turn the cacti into biogas. While the system can be expensive to install, the gas can be used for cooking and fertilizer, which can free up time for pastoralists and reduce the amount of firewood used. The graduate is training eight women’ groups to use the system.

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Montana's Grand Prairie Experiment

Jake Bullinger

February 21, 2020 |

Bitterroot |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Malta, Montana

According to the WWF, 69 percent of the Northern Great Plains remains untilled, providing great opportunity for making sure that land remains untouched. Two conservation organizations, the Nature Conservancy and the American Prairie Reserve, are butting heads as they both try to preserve the land, albeit via different means. Although they both face opposition for their methods, this article lays out exactly how both have already managed to make great strides in conserving the land and increasing biodiversity.

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Struggling Wisconsin dairy farmers building a future with hazelnuts, specialty milk, goats and creative thinking

Rick Barrett

February 18, 2020 |

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Wisconsin

Facing environmental issues, changing consumer tastes, corporate mega-farms, and more, small dairy farmers in Wisconsin are quickly adapting their business models to stay afloat. This article looks at a number of solutions that farmers have taken across the state, such as switching to goat milk, growing hazelnuts, renting out barns, or even changing products entirely to wine or olive oil. All of the solutions show that dairy farmers have to be creative and adaptable in order to keep up with the future of farming.

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Young farmers apply ancient agroforestry practices in the heart of Sardinia

Monica Pelliccia

January 29, 2020 |

Mongabay |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Italy, Desulo, Sardinia

Sardinia's vast forests are seeing the comeback of an ancient farming practice known as silvopasture which has potential as a climate solution. The ancient technique combines trees with forage plants and livestock and even results in uniquely flavored cheese. The technique has also kept people from leaving the countryside in search of jobs, allowing the next generation to carry on the family business while simultaneously combatting climate change.

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Why this farmer moves his cows every day

Hannah Long-Higgins

December 10, 2019 |

BBC |

Video |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Bluffton, Georgia

Pastures are able to replenish when livestock can move around. By permitting cattle to travel between pastures for feeding, Will Harris’ ranching technique allows the soil to retain more carbon. The carbon captured by the healthier soil also helps to offset the emissions caused by livestock production.

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