Grassfed and pasture-based farming isn’t just a trend in sustainable agriculture; it’s an essential approach that positively impacts our environment. The American Grassfed Association (AGA) supports farmers who are committed to grassfed and pasture-based practices, which foster biodiversity, reduce greenhouse gasses, and promote healthier ecosystems. This article explores why grassfed matters and how pasture-based farming, including practices for beef, dairy hogs, poultry, and other AGA-certified species, is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient food system.

1. Soil Health And Regeneration

One of the primary environmental benefits of grassfed, pasture-based farming is its effect on soil health. Conventional farming often relies on confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and grain-based diets, grassfed practices allow animals to graze freely on pastures, which enriches the soil.

How it Works

When animals graze on pasture, their hooves naturally aerate the soil, allowing water and nutrients to penetrate deeper. The natural grazing process promotes the growth of diverse plant species, which, in turn, improves soil fertility and structure. Additionally, organic matter accumulates in the soil, supporting carbon sequestration—a critical process in mitigating climate change by capturing carbon dioxide and storing it in the ground.

This cycle of grazing and regrowth not only improves soil resilience but also reduces erosion and water runoff, especially when animals are rotationally grazed across different areas of the pasture.

Cited Studies

A study on White Oak Pastures found that regenerative grazing results in -3.5 kg CO2-eq emissions per kilogram of fresh meat compared to U.S. conventional farming practices. This highlights a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with regenerative grazing.

2. Biodiversity And Wildlife Habitat

Grassfed, pasture-based farming systems help create and sustain biodiversity. By fostering a pasture environment where animals graze freely, farmers can protect and promote a variety of plants, insects, and other species. This rich biodiversity is especially evident when compared to monoculture crops used in conventional feed systems, which often deplete natural habitats and biodiversity.

For example, birds, bees, and other pollinators benefit immensely from the flowering plants in pasture environments. This biodiversity also supports predator-prey relationships and soil microbes, all of which contribute to a more resilient ecosystem.

Species Inclusion

AGA certification covers multiple species, including hogs and poultry, which benefit from pasture-based living even with necessary supplemental feeding. This diverse system makes pasture-based farming inclusive of all animals, contributing to a well-rounded ecosystem that’s rich in different species and nutrients.

Environmental Impact of Grassfed Beef and Other Species

Grassfed beef farming can not only reduce methane emissions by promoting carbon sequestration but also eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and antibiotics. Hogs and poultry, although allowed supplemental feeding, benefit from the open pasture environment. 

Research shows that pasture-based systems for beef and other animals reduce greenhouse gas emissions, proving the impact of sustainable grazing.

3. Water Conservation And Quality

Water usage and conservation are critical issues in agriculture, and grassfed farming supports these efforts in significant ways. Pasture-based systems generally require less water than conventional feedlots. Instead of growing water-intensive grains to feed animals, pasture-based farms rely on natural grasslands that are more suited to local water cycles and rainfall.

Water Quality Benefits

The natural process of grazing prevents large-scale runoff that can pollute water bodies with contaminants. Animal waste in pasture-based systems is distributed evenly across the land, allowing it to decompose naturally and enrich the soil.

4. Supporting Rural Economies And Sustainable Farming

Pasture-based farming supports family farms and rural economies by enabling small-scale farmers to raise animals in a sustainable way. This approach also encourages farmers to use fewer external inputs, such as commercial feed and chemical fertilizers, which often come at a high financial and environmental cost. By advocating for grassfed and pasture-based certifications across various species, the American Grassfed Association helps create market demand for sustainable products, boosting rural economies and providing consumers with environmentally responsible options.

Additional Benefits for Hogs and Poultry

AGA’s certification includes hogs and poultry, which, although primarily pasture-based, are allowed dietary supplementation to ensure they thrive. This approach balances animal welfare with sustainability, creating a model for resilient farming that can support different types of livestock.

Join The Grassfed Movement

Grassfed and pasture-based farming offers substantial environmental benefits—from promoting soil health and biodiversity to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving water. By supporting pasture-based methods for all certified species, including hogs and poultry, the American Grassfed Association is championing a sustainable model of agriculture that benefits ecosystems, rural economies, and the planet.

Get Involved with AGA

Learn more about the American Grassfed Association’s certifications, partnerships, and advocacy efforts by visiting americangrassfed.org. Together, we can make a difference by supporting sustainable practices that matter—for our health, communities, and environment. Join us in promoting grassfed and pasture-based farming for a greener, healthier future.

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