According to the Arizona Beef Council, in conjunction with researchers, American and Arizona ranchers have contributed to a healthy environment for generations. They’ve done this in eight major ways. 

First, they maintain and introduce habitat to areas they’ve restored, including endangered species and native grasses.

Second, our Arizona ranchers use rotational grazing to improve and protect the land, resting in one grazing area while carefully using another grazing area. 

Third, Arizona ranchers manage streams and wetlands to create a buffer that helps prevent bank erosion including preventing runoff and improving fish habitat. They also introduce water in areas previously lacking this resource. As result, wildlife and cattle share the same water sources. 

Fourth, they protect open spaces. Generations of the same Arizona ranch families have worked the same land with their cattle preserving the pristine balance between cattle and the natural environment. Some Arizona ranch families are fifth- and sixth-generation. 

Fifth, they harness solar power to exploit Arizona’s plentiful sun to power ranches and their water supplies for not only their cattle but wildlife.

Sixth, they compost cattle manure into fertilizer products that can be used for golf courses, athletic fields, gardens, and our organic farms that must lean on natural fertilizers.

Seventh, they control invasive weeds and reduce plant fuel build-up on grazing lands to avoid forest fires. 

And eight, Arizona ranchers feed cattle crops grown locally to reduce the fuel needed for transportation. For rotational grazing, they’ll depend on the native grasses that robustly grow during rainy seasons. 

That steak served to you either at a family gathering or at a restaurant represents a careful management process of caring for cattle and the environment. And, beef represents a nutrient-dense meat protein we all need.