Extended-season cattle grazing reduces invasive grasses and wildfire risk in eastern Oregon

Wildfires have burned 2.5 million acres in eastern Oregon since 2010, devastating the natural landscape and negatively impacting rangelands essential to Oregon’s cattle and dairy industries. In this region, invasive grasses out-compete native plants and create a buildup of “fine fuels” that increase wildfire risks.

To address this issue, an Oregon State University Extension Service specialist and associate professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences partnered with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and other academic institutions, including Boise State University and the University of Idaho, to develop and test a strategy that extends the grazing season into the fall and winter. This allows cattle to graze invasive grasses without damaging native plants.

Over the past eight years, use of this strategy has removed over 6,500 tons of invasive grasses, reducing potential wildfire fuel. Extended grazing has also saved ranchers approximately $313,000 in winter feed costs.

These successes have been published in scientific journals and shared with public land agencies, helping to guide policy on sustainable rangeland management.

Recently, this research received additional funding to explore the use of drone technology to better understand grazing patterns and plant growth. The integration of drone technology in future research will further enhance land management strategies, promoting sustainable, resilient rangelands and strengthening the economic viability of the county’s agricultural economy.

View the full statement on the NIDB.

Project supported by State Appropriations and other USDA Competitive funds. Photo courtesy of Oregon State University Extension Service.