Alberta (Rural Roots Canada) – The relationship between cattle and wildlife conservation may seem contradictory to some, but a new documentary from the Canadian Cattle Association suggests the opposite.

“Homes on the Range” explores how beef production and wildlife habitats go hand in hand.

“This one is very much focusing on wildlife habitat and grazing land, and it really shows that symbiotic relationship between the two,” explains Jenna Sarich, a technical consultant with the CCA. “It’s a story that seems not to be very well known in Canada, and we have such a good story here.”

Sarich summarizes that relationship simply: “The cows provide the perfect habitat for wildlife. When we overlay where the cows are in Canada and where the wildlife habitat is, it’s almost a perfect match. And it’s not that the cows are in that habitat, it’s that the cows are creating that perfect habitat, especially for reproduction. The way the cows graze, with the different levels of length in the grass and things like that, creates this perfect system for wildlife. It’s just a perfect partnership between the two.”

Sarich says the message connects with Canadians who want to hear directly from farmers and see the impact on the land. “You can tell how passionate the farmers are when they’re talking, and how much they love what they do and seeing new species on their land. Using these documentaries is a way that we can take the public to the farm and really show them what it’s like to be on that farm and hear directly from those beef farmers.”

This is the latest documentary in a series. The first three tackled grassland stewardship, wildfire mitigation through grazing, and the circular economy of using food byproducts in cattle feed.

The full documentary is available on YouTube through the “Raising Canadian Beef” channel.