Supporting ranchers: Rewarding ecological goods and services

For decades, ranchers have sought recognition for the immense ecological benefits they provide. From preserving native grasslands to supporting biodiversity, their efforts benefit society as a whole.

However, the conversation around compensating producers for these contributions remains unresolved.

Imagine a future where producers are rewarded for choosing to maintain grasslands. This kind of support could fundamentally shift decision-making, ultimately empowering producers to prioritize grasslands without sacrificing economic viability.

Canada loses approximately one per cent of its native grasslands annual to conversion into more intensive land uses, such as annual cropping. This trend threatens the critical role these grasslands play in sequestering carbon, maintaining wildlife habitats, and sustaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

Recognizing the urgency, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) has partnered with the Species at Risk Partnership on Agricultural Landscapes (SARPAL) to explore solutions. Together, we are working to establish the opportunity costs of keeping land in grass rather than cultivating it.

This initiative aims to quantify the returns from recently converted grasslands and compare them to the benefits of keeping these lands in grass.

SARPAL has enlisted Canfax Research Services (CRS) to develop a financial model for private lands in the Cypress County and County of Forty Mile No. 8. This model aims to assess the costs and returns of annual livestock and crop production — with an adjustment for productivity and input costs — to determine a dollar an acre value.

The next critical step is gathering real-world data from mixed crop-and-livestock producers in Southeastern Alberta and Southwestern Saskatchewan. By providing data from these areas, producers will help fine-tune the model, ensuring it accurately reflects the realities of production in these regions.

A $250 honorarium will be available for the first 15 producers who participate.

Interested producers can reach out to Michael Sydrora, at syndoram@canfax.ca, to receive a data form and join the initiative. The deadline to participate is January 15, 2025.

This effort is about more than just numbers — it’s about creating a future where sustainable ranching practices are not only appreciated, but rewarded. Let’s work together to ensure producers who prioritize ecological goods and services receive the recognition and support they deserve.