The flower, the butterfly, and the rancher

How ranchers and conservationists are working together for the good of the land.

AuthorAuthor

Lena Beck & Modern Farmer
June 09, 2024

Hello! Lena here, staff writer at Modern Farmer.

Historically, conservation and agriculture have often been pitted against one another in the public narrative. After all, the same land vital to protecting threatened plants or wildlife may also be important for growing food.

That’s why I’ve got a soft spot for stories that show where conservation and agriculture have become compatible.

Contributor Jennifer Cole’s recent piece paints a striking picture: a threatened species of lupine, itself host to an endangered butterfly, found on a working cattle ranch. And in an even more dynamic twist - the rare lupine is also toxic to cows. What follows is a story of the tools and organizations that exist to support ranchers navigating these complex and competing circumstances.

Across North America, farmers and ranchers find themselves on the frontlines of conservation. Do you have a story about the relationship between conservation and agriculture from your area? I’d love to hear about it. 

Oh, another thing: Last week, we asked you to submit your questions about PFAS (abundant, dangerous chemicals) for expert Kyla Bennett to answer. You came through with some great ones! Check out Kyla’s answers to your questions on PFAS here.

By mapping wildlife and endangered plant species on agricultural land, growers are empowered to make adjustments that don’t impede their productivity.

Three individuals wearing backpacks scan a green meadow for rare plants.

Maynard Mallonee looking at State Sensitive Wyethia angustifolia. Photo: Joe Rocchio

Also fresh this week

A young woman in camo kneels on thr ground, holding a tom turkey and a hunting rifle.

Photo: Maya Holschuh

The surprising reasons fueling a hunting boom among women.

Photo: Shutterstock

As the stigma around mental health in agriculture lessens, farmers and advocates are learning how to create an ecosystem of support for one another.

Community Action Corner

In the course of our reporting, we come across great pieces of actionable advice from our community. Each week, we are featuring an action you can take, or inquiry you can respond to, that will support a more equitable and resilient food system.

Hungry for more? Check out the Modern Farmer Solutions Hub for more actionable advice from experts. 

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next week!

~ LB