Plant Diversity Builds Healthy Cattle

By Scout Nelson

Plant diversity plays an important role in keeping pastureland healthy and cattle strong. Many farmers focus only on grass when managing pastures. However, non-grass plants such as wildflowers and shrubs can provide many benefits for livestock and soil health. A free monthly online webinar helps farmers learn how to use plant diversity to improve herd care and farm success.

This educational program is part of cattle learning series that shares helpful knowledge on pasture care, cattle nutrition, and herd productivity. The session takes place online and welcomes farmers, students, and livestock caretakers who want to understand better grazing practices. It focuses on how different plant types improve pasture quality and support animal health.

Some plants in pastureland are often misunderstood. Wildflowers and shrubs are sometimes seen as weeds or harmful growth. However, many of these plants are safe and healthy for cattle. They provide extra protein, energy, and minerals that support animal growth and milk production. These plants also help cattle maintain strong immune systems and better digestion.

Plant diversity also improves soil quality. Different plant roots protect soil from erosion and help store water in the ground. They support natural soil life and help reduce the need for extra fertilizers. This keeps the land productive for longer periods and supports sustainable farming.

The webinar also explains how plant diversity improves grass growth. Healthy soil allows grass to grow better and stay green longer. This provides cattle with fresh feed for more days of the grazing season. Farmers benefit because strong pastures reduce feed costs and improve overall herd performance.

The program is free to attend. Registration is required to receive access to online sessions and reminders. Once registered, participants can join all future sessions without signing up again. Each session is recorded and can be watched later if someone cannot attend live.

This learning series gives farmers simple and practical ideas they can use on their farms. It supports better land care, healthier cattle, and stronger farm income. Plant diversity is a natural and effective way to improve pasture systems and promote long-term farming success. Register on zoom.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-vwalakte