By Jonah Brees
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop titled "Grazing for Resilience: An Immersive Land & Livestock Discovery Experience," hosted by the Grazing School of the West and New Cowgirl Camp. While I arrived with certain expectations about the lessons I would learn, I quickly realized that some of the most valuable insights often come from the unexpected. The workshop emphasized the integration of livestock into landscapes to enhance fire resilience and promote ecological health.
One of the key messages was the significant impact effective livestock management can have on restoring and maintaining the health of our ecosystems. Thoughtfully managed grazing provides numerous benefits, including improved nutrient cycling, better soil aeration, increased plant diversity, reduced erosion, improved water infiltration, and enhanced fire resilience. However, many landscapes today suffer from severe degradation due to poor management practices and the influence of industrial agriculture, which prioritizes maximum yield over long-term soil health. This system has led to depleted soils, making them more vulnerable to drought, erosion, and fire. Without meaningful change, many farms risk facing diminished harvests as soil conditions worsen.
Amid these challenges, there are individuals offering hope and innovative solutions. One such individual is Brittany Cole Bush, an instructor at the workshop who has developed a pioneering business model that operates without the need for land ownership. As the founder of Shepherdess Land & Livestock, she runs a prescribed grazing business aimed at improving ecological health and creating fire-resilient landscapes across Southern California. Cole manages a large flock of sheep and goats, which she transports to various locations to meet landowners' environmental goals through grazing. A standout example of her work is a partnership with theLos Angeles County Sheriff's Department, where her sheep and goats graze at the county prison to reduce wildfire risks. Beyond fire safety , this initiative provides inmates with hands-on experience in grazing, exposing them to potential career opportunities upon their release. Cole also founded the non-profit Grazing School of the West, which trains aspiring land stewards and first-generation agrarians in the technical skills required for careers in shepherding and livestock management.
The second host of the workshop, New Cowgirl Camp, is an initiative born out of the non-profit Roots of Resilience. Their mission is to train women in regenerative agriculture, covering areas like animal husbandry, ranch management, financial planning, and ecological monitoring. Founders Beth Robinette, Sandy Matheson, and Alex Machado view this program as a way to challenge the traditional image of a farmer or rancher. By offering hands-on training and support, they create pathways for underrepresented groups to break into agriculture, an industry where such opportunities are often limited.
While technical skills are vital, the curriculum of Grazing for Resilience also highlighted the importance of ensuring diverse representation in agriculture, especially as we face future challenges. As of 2022, the average age of U.S. farmers was 58 years old, with 64% being male and 94% Caucasian1. Just as biodiversity strengthens ecosystems, a variety of perspectives and backgrounds in farming is essential for building a resilient agricultural future. Without new generations stepping in, the aging farmer population mirrors a forest of mature trees with no young saplings—a concerning sign of decline unless opportunities for growth and new establishment are created for first-generation and younger farmers.
What struck me most during the workshop was being surrounded by peers who had taken unconventional paths in agriculture. Many of them did not grow up on farms or inherit the land, yet here they were: overcoming barriers like land access and societal norms to redefine what it means to be an agrarian today. As we navigate the complex challenges of modern agriculture, the role of grazing in fostering resilience, combined with the inclusion of diverse perspectives, will be key to creating a sustainable and vibrant future.
Brittany, Sandy, Alex, Beth, Dylan, and Diane: Thank you so much for your excellent instruction throughout the week. I look forward to carrying all of my learnings throughout my career in agriculture.
References:
Farm Producers- USDA NASS, United States Department of Agriculture, Feb. 2024, www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Highlights/2024/Census22_HL_Far mProducers_FINAL.pdf.
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