Empowering consumers to support bird-friendly land management
Dickcissel Photo: Ellen Nelson/Audubon Photography Awards
America’s grassland birds have declined more than any other bird group in the continent, some species by as much as 80% in the last 50 years. Because the vast majority of our grassland birds breed on private lands, working with farmers and ranchers is our best hope for conserving them.
To save grassland birds, we’re enlisting and assisting Missouri’s farmers and ranchers—the stewards of our remaining grassland landscapes—in implementing bird-friendly management ranching practices on thousands of acres in some of Missouri’s most important conservation regions. We’re working with them to develop Habitat Management Plans that implement adaptive rotational grazing and other bird conservation practices, such as controlling woody encroachment and native prairie seeding.
By mimicking America’s historic bison herds, “regenerative” grazing invigorates diverse plant communities and supports nutrient cycles that rebuild soil and conserve water. It even has potential to remove carbon from the atmosphere and add enormous amounts of carbon to soil organic matter. We measure the effectiveness of these practices by monitoring birds and soil health.
Beef from Audubon-certified land is hormone and antibiotic-free, ethically raised, and delicious. Supporting Audubon-certified ranches is better for grassland birds, better for the land, and better for you. Our certification seal can be found on high quality meat products and empowers consumers to support ranches that benefit grassland birds and their habitat.
Beef from Audubon-certified lands garners a premium price and provides a unique opportunity for ranchers to showcase their excellent management practices. This helps them care for their families and provides exceptional habitat for wildlife. By first listening to the ranching community, trusting in their knowledge of sustainable land management, and learning from their resiliency in a volatile marketplace, we are ensuring that our strategies and solutions will benefit both people and nature. Buying beef from Audubon-certified lands supports rural economies and the ranching way of life.
By purchasing beef and bison sourced from Audubon-certified lands, you can support habitat conservation on farms and ranches in Missouri. We continue to expand opportunities to purchase products bearing the Green Seal, including online with delivery to your door.
Working with Missouri family farmers committed to treating their animals with care while creating healthy native prairies.
Humanely raising premium, grass-fed bison on native Missouri prairies. Nationwide shipping available with free shipping to most of the Midwest.
Where you can find products raised on Audubon-certified bird-friendly land
Restoring the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary to its original habitat
Your guide to Audubon's program to make cattle ranching prairie- and bird-friendly
The Audubon Center at Riverlands is a great place to bring your classroom or group!
Riverlands relies on our many skilled and talented volunteers.