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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRanching is a term<\/a> that refers to raising herds of animals on large tracts of land. Generally, these animals are grazing animals – usually cattle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is often considered one of the most efficient ways to raise livestock and to provide meat, dairy products, and other raw materials (like leather) at a commercial and local scale. It\u2019s a vital part of rural development and economies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, it also poses many disadvantages, something that has led lots of people to wonder whether it is sustainable. Not only does it reduce habitat for native species due to deforestation, but it can also be difficult for some species of grass to thrive on nutrient-poor soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many ranching practices have contributed to overgrazing and desertification. It has even been linked to the rise of global warming, as cattle release large amounts of methane and are responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than all methods of transportation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re a rancher or someone who is thinking about getting into ranching<\/a> – or even an outsider looking in – you might wonder whether ranching is sustainable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we can answer that question, it\u2019s necessary to first define what is meant by the word, \u201csustainable.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSustainability\u201d <\/em>can refer to agriculture, the environment, or even the ability of a farmer to \u201csustain\u201d <\/em>his work on a ranch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most definitions of sustainability are threefold. In order for livestock ranching to be considered sustainable, it must be environmentally, economically, and socially sound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While sustainability in ranching (and all other forms of agriculture) requires components beyond just the environmental ones, the first step in making a ranch wholly sustainable is to ensure that it is good for the environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After all, if the land ceases to thrive, it can\u2019t support cattle and it can\u2019t support the rancher or the local community, either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, ranches are known for a marked lack<\/em> of sustainability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Livestock ranching has rapidly grown to be part of the meat processing industry rather than a small farm business. Instead of individual families managing small ranches, cattle are raised on massive tracts of land and graze the grass all the way down to the dirt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is detrimental in that it can lead to erosion and deforestation. This causes degradation of soil quality, a loss of habitat for wildlife, and even the extinction of various plant and animal species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only that, but the cattle\u2019s unique digestive system releases large amounts of methane gas that can pollute the air and is a major contributor to global warming. Run-off from ranches can further pollute the air and water when fertilizers, antibiotics, hormones, and pesticides are used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is all when ranching is done in the \u201ctraditional\u201d<\/em>, largescale sense that most commercial farms rely on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When done on a smaller, more thoughtful scale, though, ranching can have a neutral impact on the environment – or even be good<\/em> for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIs Livestock Ranching Sustainable?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is Ranching Good for the Environment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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