The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) joined ranchers, government representatives, conservation organizations and industry leaders June 2 at the ranch of David and Bob Haywood‑Farmer near Kamloops to celebrate the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing British Columbia’s rangelands and grasslands. Representing the CFGA were Serena Black, chair of the board and general manager of the British Columbia Forage Council, national grazing coordinator Adrienne Hanson and grazing mentor Greg Tegart.

The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) joined ranchers, government representatives, conservation organizations and industry leaders June 2 at the ranch of David and Bob Haywood‑Farmer near Kamloops to celebrate the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP). The gathering also provided an opportunity to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing British Columbia’s rangelands and grasslands.

The CFGA was pleased to sponsor the event along with Ducks Unlimited Canada. Serena Black, chair of the board and general manager of the British Columbia Forage Council, national grazing coordinator Adrienne Hanson and grazing mentor Greg Tegart attended the tour to represent the CFGA.

Hosted by Public and Stakeholder Engagement, a division of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), in partnership with the BC Cattlemen’s Association, the event brought participants onto the landscape to see firsthand how ranchers are stewarding lands that support food production, wildlife habitat, biodiversity and rural communities.

A media release from the CCA explained that “the tour focused on several pressing issues affecting ranchers and rangelands across British Columbia, including water availability, drought resilience, land-use pressures, invasive plant management and wildfire risk. Participants also explored the important role that well-managed grazing lands play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting species at risk.

Although often overlooked, native grasslands are among Canada’s most endangered ecosystems. In British Columbia, ranchers manage vast areas of rangeland that provide habitat for hundreds of species of birds, mammals, insects and plants, while helping protect watersheds, store carbon and maintain open spaces.”

Read the full media release here.