UCalgary research highlights benefits of rotational grazing

The University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is making strides in sustainable agriculture research, with a focus on the impact of rotational grazing (RG) on ecosystem services. 

This research is aligned with Canada's federal Sustainable Agriculture Strategy, which endorses RG as a best management practice to enhance soil health and mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration.

Lucia Sanguinetti, an agricultural engineer with a strong rural background, was raised on a cow-calf and sheep farm in Uruguay. Now a graduate student at UCalgary, she recently presented her groundbreaking research at the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) during its 10th anniversary meeting on Sept. 18. Under the supervision of Dr. Guillaume Lhermie, DVM, PhD, and funded by the Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy, Sanguinetti’s work delves into the comparative benefits of RG versus other grazing practices in cow-calf operations across Canada.

“Rotational grazing involves regularly moving cattle between different pasture areas," Sanguinetti says. "This helps reduce overgrazing, allows the land to rest, and improves grass growth and quality. The number of cattle in each area depends on the available forage and how long they stay in each area.” 

Her research is closely tied to sustainability in the Canadian beef industry and promoted by Canada’s Sustainable Agriculture Strategy. Sanguinetti’s work involves compiling and summarizing study results on this topic dating back to 2006. By evaluating RG’s impact on soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, plant diversity and productivity, this work aims to assess the effectiveness of this best-management practice. 

The CRSB is a pivotal organization promoting sustainability within the beef industry, bringing together farmers, researchers and industry stakeholders to advance responsible sourcing and bolster consumer confidence in Canadian beef. The roundtable emphasizes practices supported by robust, science-based evidence to ensure long-term sector sustainability. Its members include a diverse cross-section of industry heavy hitters such as Alberta Beef Producers, Dairy Farmers of Canada, Cargill, Walmart and McDonald’s.

"CRSB provides a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage with the industry community, and I find this extremely relevant to ensure a clearer understanding of stakeholders’ needs, as well as a smooth insertion into the job market," says Lhermie.

Findings from Sanguinetti’s review suggest that RG can enhance plant productivity and improve specific soil-health outcomes. However, the mechanisms rewarding producers remain unclear. While RG shows promise in benefiting soil health parameters, further research is needed to determine which policies will support practices at the field level.

The next step in this research involves testing the feasibility of a meticulous accounting method that incorporates the bottom-line environmental benefits. True cost accounting in food and agriculture evaluates the real costs and benefits of different food-production systems. Although many systems harm the environment, animal welfare and public health, these impacts are often unaccounted for in the price at checkout. Instead, we bear these costs indirectly, such as through increased water charges for pesticide removal, taxes for environmental cleanups and health-care expenses for diet-related diseases. 

There are also up-front costs to producers. One of the significant challenges with RG is its infrastructure costs, primarily fencing and water. To address this, the government has provided several incentives to help producers cover these costs. These costs are accounted for in a true cost accounting system.

Ensuring the ecological and producer-friendly raising of production animals is paramount for the future of sustainable agriculture. By making practices like rotational grazing feasible, soil health can be enhanced, reduce greenhouse gas emissions reduced, and biodiversity increased, all while maintaining the productivity and economic viability of farming operations. 

This dual focus on environmental stewardship and producer welfare not only supports a resilient agricultural sector, but also safeguards our natural resources for future generations. UCalgary's commitment to advancing research in this area underscores the importance of integrating scientific innovation with practical solutions, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural industry.