Why We Care

Commercial ranching practices can significantly harm land health through overgrazing, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. Overgrazing depletes vegetation, leaving soil exposed and susceptible to erosion by wind and water. This process reduces soil fertility and disrupts the natural ecosystem, leading to a decline in plant and animal species. Additionally, cattle compact the soil, impeding water infiltration and root growth, further degrading land quality and reducing its capacity to support sustainable agriculture.

Traditional cattle ranching can negatively impact rural economies by depleting natural resources and limiting economic diversification. Additionally, reliance on traditional practices can hinder the adoption of innovative, sustainable agricultural methods that could boost local economies and create new job opportunities. Consequently, rural communities may face economic instability and decreased resilience.

Traditional cattle ranching can compromise food security by degrading land and reducing its productivity. As land health deteriorates, it becomes increasingly challenging to sustain agricultural activities, jeopardizing the food supply chain. This instability can result in higher food prices and decreased access to essential food resources, particularly affecting vulnerable populations in rural and urban areas alike.

Traditional cattle ranching can harm human health and wellness by contributing to water pollution, air quality issues, and the spread of zoonotic diseases. Runoff from cattle farms often contains harmful pathogens and chemicals, contaminating water sources and posing health risks to nearby communities. Additionally, the methane emissions from cattle contribute to air pollution, which can lead to respiratory problems. Moreover, close contact with livestock increases the risk of zoonotic diseases, which can spread from animals to humans, further threatening public health.

Traditional cattle farming significantly impacts water supplies due to the high water usage for raising cattle, including for their drinking water, feed crops, and processing. This practice can lead to the depletion of local water resources, contamination from runoff carrying manure and chemicals, and increased water pollution, which affects ecosystems and human communities.

Traditional cattle farming often negatively impacts animal welfare due to overcrowded living conditions, limited access to natural behaviors, and stressful environments. Practices like confinement in feedlots, minimal space for movement, and routine procedures such as branding, dehorning, and castration without adequate pain relief contribute to animal suffering. Additionally, the emphasis on rapid growth and high productivity can lead to health problems and shortened lifespans for the cattle.