Farm Animals

Cattle Welfare and Biodiversity Farms

Extensive cattle grazing systems with high biodiversity outcomes demonstrate that good welfare and ecological benefit can align with appropriate breed and management choices.

Key Facts

Native and traditional cattle breeds are better adapted to extensive, low-input grazing systems
Extensive grazed systems often provide better welfare than intensive feedlot equivalents
Cattle grazing at appropriate densities creates habitat diversity that benefits wildflowers and invertebrates
Biodiversity metric schemes incentivise farmers to manage for nature alongside production
Long-lived, slow-growing native breeds may have different welfare requirements than commercial breeds

Welfare Considerations

Biodiversity-positive cattle farming demonstrates that welfare and ecological outcomes can be aligned. Extensive systems with native breeds and appropriate management deliver both animal welfare and ecological benefit.

What You Can Do

Choose beef from farms with nature-friendly farming certification
Support schemes like Pasture for Life that combine grazing welfare and ecological standards
Advocate for agricultural policy that incentivises biodiversity and welfare simultaneously