How Grazing Prevents Wildfires. Some time ago, we shared the benefits of extensive livestock farming in the article “Extensive vs. Intensive Livestock Farming: What’s the Difference?” And since we know this is a truly important issue, today we want to delve even deeper. However, this time we’ll focus on a topic you may not know much about: grazing.
Grazing can be defined as a method of animal farming in which livestock is allowed to roam freely outdoors and feed on vegetation. In addition to offering multiple benefits for the animals, this practice also brings advantages for the planet’s biodiversity. One of the most important? Grazing helps prevent wildfires.
How Grazing Prevents Wildfires
Both shepherds and their herds are key tools in the fight against wildfires. This is thanks to their essential role in maintaining forests and fields, which is fundamental for fire prevention. By feeding on vegetation, grazing helps eliminate the fuel (forest biomass like dry shrubs) that wildfires typically consume.
In addition to preventing fires, grazing also reduces the need for burning crop residues, since these are eaten by the livestock. And thanks to the movement of sheep and their shepherds, trails remain clear and well-marked, making them more accessible to fire crews if a wildfire breaks out—and even to hikers! As they move, sheep carry seeds in their wool, and goats help disperse seeds naturally through their droppings.
Grazing is so important that many public administrations are currently developing various initiatives and programs to support it. For example, in Andalusia, shepherds are paid to keep firebreaks clean in areas called pasture-firebreak zones (Áreas pasto-cortafuego). There are even Shepherd Schools in several regions of Spain, including Andalusia, where future shepherds are trained in subjects such as land management, marketing, tourism, and, of course, traditional grazing methods alongside experienced mentors.
Other Key Benefits of Grazing
Beyond its role in preventing wildfires, grazing offers many other advantages for rural areas and the environment. In contrast to the rise of industrial (intensive) livestock farming and the ecological problems it causes, grazing contributes positively to the planet and society.
As highlighted by the International School of Agri Management, the main ecosystem benefits of grazing—beyond wildfire prevention—include:
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Combats climate change: Various studies show that grazing offsets carbon levels by stimulating plant growth, which helps in the fight against global warming.
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Supports biodiversity conservation: Extensive livestock farming and grazing help preserve biodiversity by aiding in the dispersal of plant species.
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Helps retain rural population: Grazing creates a humanized and unique landscape, encouraging people to stay and live in rural areas.
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Creates employment opportunities: At GOinsitu, for example, we contribute by offering sustainable sources of income to shepherds through our agritourism activities.
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Promotes forest and grassland conservation: Ruminants also contribute to the germination and spread of plant species, supporting forest and grassland growth.
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Exceptional quality of meat and dairy: Because animals eat what nature provides—grass, legumes, acorns, oak leaves, medicinal and aromatic plants—the result is high-quality meat and dairy with rich flavors and aromas. All of this translates into animal welfare and health benefits for consumers.
