Cargill supports ranchers in promoting healthier grasslands and sustainable beef production

Global food company Cargill is working with ranchers and conservation groups across North America's Great Plains to promote healthier grasslands and more sustainable beef production.

The initiative focuses on implementing practical, proven practices that improve soil health, increase carbon storage, and enhance the resilience of grazing lands. These efforts aim to support the beef supply chain while meeting growing global protein demand. Shawn Freeland, a rancher in South Dakota, is among those adopting regenerative grazing practices that rebuild soil health and encourage wildlife return.

These grasslands are critical ecosystems that support rancher livelihoods but face threats from land conversion and habitat loss. Cargill is investing in programs that fund infrastructure like water systems and fencing, alongside technical assistance for initiatives such as rotational grazing. This method allows pastures to recover, leading to better forage, increased biodiversity, and healthier soil capable of holding more water and carbon.

Cargill is partnering with organizations including the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), Ducks Unlimited Canada, and The Nature Conservancy to scale up solutions. The company states its commitment to continue supporting North American beef producers by funding conservation projects and improving data measurement for agricultural practices.