Did You Know Livestock Grazing Supports Wild Bees?
Pollinators are vital for food production, ecosystems, and wildlife. Surprisingly, livestock grazing has emerged as a key solution for enhancing habitat for native bees, especially ground-nesting species. In the United States, about 70% of native bee species nest underground, requiring bare patches of soil to build nests and raise their young. When land is left idle, dense leaf litter accumulates, limiting bees’ access to suitable nesting sites.
Recent USDA-funded research in Montana, conducted by Montana State University and the NRCS’s Working Lands for Wildlife initiative, highlights how grazed rangelands offer significant benefits to ground-nesting bees. Grazed pastures contained double the number of bees compared to ungrazed land due to increased bare soil and reduced ground litter.
Why Pollinators Matter
Pollinators, including bees, are responsible for up to $550 billion in food production worldwide. They are essential for fruits, vegetables, and wildlife diets, benefiting animals from songbirds to bears. Pollinators also promote healthy soils and balanced ecosystems. Unfortunately, habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change put pollinators at risk.
Sustainable practices, like managed livestock grazing, play a pivotal role in maintaining bee habitats, boosting pollinator populations, and supporting biodiversity on America’s working rangelands.
Grazing and Ground-Nesting Bees: What the Research Shows
Researchers compared actively grazed rangelands to idle pastures and found that grazed lands had:
- Twice the bee populations due to increased bare ground.
- Reduced leaf litter, allowing bees to build nests and emerge more easily.
Ben Lehfeldt, a Montana rancher involved in the study, emphasizes how well-managed grazing rejuvenates the land: “Grazing the right way makes better soil, more insects, and increases overall productivity for livestock.”
How Grazing Benefits Pollinators and Biodiversity
- Creates Ideal Nesting Habitat: Grazing reduces dense vegetation and leaf litter, exposing soil for ground-nesting bees.
- Boosts Pollinator Populations: With better access to nesting sites, native bees thrive, supporting pollination for crops and wild plants.
- Enhances Food for Wildlife: Grazed rangelands support a higher abundance of insects, providing essential protein for birds and other animals.
The Importance of Sustainable Grazing Practices
This research underscores how managed grazing benefits both agriculture and the environment. By maintaining healthy rangelands, livestock grazing ensures that pollinators have the habitat they need to thrive, while also supporting rural communities and food production.
“For those who prefer cows over condos,” says lead researcher Hayes Goosey, “this data is another win for livestock grazing on rangelands.”
Livestock grazing isn’t just about food production – it’s a vital tool for conserving pollinators, enhancing ecosystems, and promoting sustainable land use.
Learn More: Visit the NRCS Wildlife Assessment Page for additional pollinator research and resources.