This post is intended to educate viewers on the wildfires taking place, primarily in the western region of the United States of America, and the evidence for the most unusual firefighter enlisting in the battle. While loved ones, homes, and dreams are lost, firefighters and others continue to battle the blazes. Experts are working to develop the best management plan for the future, so hopefully the increase in wildfires can be controlled. This is where the unusual firefighters enter the scene – Cattle. Roaming or grazing cattle out in the western region of the United States has always been common. From the old western stories of dangerous cattle drives and range wars in the west to the very strategic grazing methods of the 21st century cattle have remained in the west. While some see the beef industry, or agriculture in general, as evil/inhumane/etc. ranchers and producers are taking the best possible care of their livestock, and doing their best to influence the world around them in a positive manner. Coming from an agriculture background, and having an interest in the beef industry, it is encouraging to see a position in which a demographic that tends to be more against the beef industry than for it is beginning to see the various roles cattle fill. Hopefully all who view this page leave with a little more knowledge than they had before about the impact cattle can have to protect the environment and prevent wildfires.
Lately it seems like wildfires are everywhere. Little do most know, cattle are being used to prevent wildfires.
When thinking about cattle, many people envision rolling hills of luscious green grass that extends for what seems like forever. While this would be nice, it isn’t reality. More often than not cattle are grazing dry or dead grass, especially on the range.
There might be a secret weapon that hasn’t been getting the attention it deserves – cattle.
Katie Camero, The Sacramento Bee
In this article, journalist Katie Camero presents the new evidence from the Univeristy of California Cooperative Extension on the impact of cattle grazing on wildfires. The process isn’t as simple as just letting some cattle loose, but the team concludes non-grazed land could present “hundreds to thousands of additional pounds of fine fuels per acre of land, which could lead to larger and more severe fires.” The article further suggests that cattle are a secret weapon in the battle against wildfires.
https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article245669250.html
Cattle Grazing Benefits
The University of California at Berkley’s School of Natural Resources re-published a study done by faculty and alumni which was originally published on the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources blog. This article states the findings that point to cattle being an “essential tool in reducing wildfires.” They explain the correlation between cattle and the vegetation on the range.
https://nature.berkeley.edu/news/2020/09/benefits-cattle-grazing-reducing-fire-fuels-and-fire-hazard
500 lbs./acre of vegatation 
1,200 lbs./acre of vegetation 
3,000 lbs./acre of vegetation