Rangelands
Rangelands support multiple ecosystem services including grazing, wildlife habitat, watershed health and recreational opportunities. Livestock grazing is the most common economic use of rangelands, and also the principal management tool. Maintaining forage production and soil health is key to meeting ecological and economic objectives under changing climate conditions, and will be essential for sustaining livestock grazing in the future. Conservative stocking rates, varied season of grazing, optimizing herd size and composition, identifying reserve forage, strategic distribution of water, proactive vegetation and soil management and changes in enterprise structure are examples of sustainable rangeland management practices that can help livestock producers adapt to the negative impacts of climate change. More information on these practices is contained in the resources below.
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Western Drought Resilience Workshop
In August 2020, we convened scientists and technical and service advisors to share preliminary climate predictions for…
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Investments in native forb research to promote pollinator health
Research and management partnerships, such as the Great Basin Native Plant Program, are developing the much-needed…
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Dust Mitigation Handbook
Dust emission from cropland and rangeland is problematic in many areas, particularly where dry conditions and high wind…
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Synthesis of Grazing and Water Management Strategies in the Great Basin
To address water limitations, ranchers have developed innovative grazing and water management strategies.
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R&G Miller and Sons Organic Dairy Farm, Wisconsin Case Study
R&G Miller & Sons Inc., an organic dairy in the Southern Wisconsin, wants to maintain their commitment to…
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Shifts in Growing Degree Days, Plant Hardiness Zones and Heat Zones
Climate change is already having substantial effects on natural systems and the benefits they provide. Forest…
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Drought Vulnerability Assessment to Inform Grazing Practices on Rangelands
The USDA Southwest Climate Hub and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) worked together to produce two drought…
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Climate Vulnerability Assessment of California Rangelands
A new resource for California ranchers and resource managers to help increase rancher and rangeland resilience to…