Convincing producers to adopt regenerative livestock husbandry methods
The purpose of BB1 is to convince producers of the economic benefits of regenerative ranching (in particular SSPi).
Regenerative ranching requires the producer to modify: the way he invests and operates his ranch, as well as livestock management.
- Clearly present the economic advantages, even as infrastructure investment priorities change.
- Recognize the importance of investing both in the conversion to a silvopastoral system and in infrastructure that facilitates intensive livestock management (e.g. more fencing and/or electric fencing to reduce paddock area, invest in more water troughs to improve animal weight gain).
- Leverage on the experiences of pioneer cattle producers who have already converted their ranches.
- Producers are not accustomed to investing in the regeneration of their ranches. The cost of converting to a silvopastoral system is perceived as an expense that detracts from their ability to invest in more cattle. "We are not forestry producers" is the typical response from producers.
- Even when the silvopastoral system is implemented, intensive livestock management requires more initial effort on the part of the ranch operating team, particularly at the beginning.
- Demonstrate the economic benefits of regenerative livestock through visits to converted ranches.
- Practical capacity building for producers.