Birds are the “canaries in the coalmine” for our planet. They are drawn to healthy ecosystems. They thrive where nature thrives. When you learn that the National Audubon Society is partnering with ranchers, that should tell you something about who is stewarding the open spaces and wildlife we cherish.
My team at Go West Co. was honored to produce this short film introducing Audubon Conservation Ranching to Western states.
Over 60% of North American grasslands have been lost to development and intensive crop production. It’s no coincidence that over half of grassland bird populations have disappeared in the last 50 years—the most severe decline of all North American bird groups.
Most grassland birds today live on private working lands including cattle ranches. Working with ranchers is the best long-term hope for these open spaces and the birds and wildlife that thrive there.
Cattle production is one of the few market-based financial incentives to keep rangelands open.
Audubon Conservation Ranching reviews ranch applicants using an extensive list of qualifiers. If approved, beef sold from these ranches carries the Audubon “certified bird friendly” green seal in the supermarket, letting consumers know they’re supporting a a ranch operation that is doing good by the planet, livestock, and birds and other wildlife. The increased transparency of the green seal program is good for ranchers who are now better able to communicate the positive work they’re doing on their land.
Since its 2017 launch, 96 ranches (2.3 million acres) have joined Audubon Conservation Ranching. The program hopes to reach 5 million acres by 2024. Consumers can look for the green seal in the grocery store and know that they are buying meat that is bird friendly, planet friendly, and American rancher friendly.
As ACR expands its reach to Western states, my team was grateful to create this short film introducing the program to a new audience of ranchers and consumers while telling a universal story about the importance of regenerative agriculture. The next time someone asks you, ‘How does ranching help the environment? Why shouldn’t I go vegan? How can American-raised beef help the planet?’ —show them this film!
Credit: Go West Co., Christian May Films, Beau Simmons Photography
