Publication

Project publication

Canadian Cattle Producer Perspectives on Grassland Conservation Initiatives

Informing the Central Grasslands Roadmap

Description

Grasslands are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide, and their loss poses major challenges for biodiversity, climate resilience and sustainable food production. To better understand producer perspectives, a 2022 survey of 104 Canadian cattle producers explored views on grassland loss, enrollment in conservation programs and priorities for monitoring ecosystem health. Results show that most producers are concerned about grassland decline, many are already engaged in conservation programs and the majority are interested in learning more, though paperwork and limited incentives remain barriers to participation.

This report is intended for policymakers, conservation practitioners, producer organizations and researchers. It provides valuable insights into producer priorities and preferred approaches, offering practical guidance for designing effective, producer-centered conservation initiatives that can strengthen grassland conservation across the Canadian Prairies.