On October 15th, members of South Florida Beef Forages Program (a working group of Livestock UF/IFAS Extension Agents) hosted an Environmental Lands Management Program on the shores of the Kissimmee River. The purpose of the program was to educate public land managers and any other interested individuals on the environmental benefits of utilizing cattle to manage land. The program consisted of four presentations and a boat tour on the Kissimmee River. Presentations included the “Beef Cattle Industry Basics” by Okeechobee Livestock Agent, Lauren Butler, a presentation on “Managing Public Land with Cattle” by Justin Nolte a representative from the South Florida Water Management District, a presentation by Betsy Boughton from Archbold Biological Station entitled “Grass to Greater Good”, and a panel of cattlemen discussing their conservation efforts and the methods in which they utilize cattle to benefit the land. After the presentations, participants boarded a charter boat to observe firsthand the differences between properties where cattle graze and those where they are not present. The most striking difference was in vegetation density. Cattle help mimic natural ecosystems, suppress plant encroachment, and reduce wildfire fuel loads. There are several less obvious benefits associated with cattle grazing, including improved soil health, nutrient recycling, and enhanced wildlife habitats. Participants indicated an overall knowledge gain of 55% and felt they were more equipped in their land management role, and felt more positive in their view of cattle grazing as a tool for land management.
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