Non lethal measures to protect livestock turns out to be cheaper than lethal control

A 3 year study conducted on South African livestock farms, found that non lethal control to mitigate conflict with wild life was cheaper than traditional lethal control.

Well, this is no surprise to me and I am so happy that more people are researching this, as I not only believe this is a more sustainable way to ranch, is better for the wildlife and the environment,
and it seems also be better for the rancher too!


To read the whole article ( this is just a tidbit) please follow THIS link and open the pdf attachment on that page.

Dead or alive? Comparing costs and benefits of lethal and non-lethal human–wildlife conflict mitigation on

livestock farms

J . S . MCMA N U S, A. J. DI C K M A N, D. GA Y N O R, B. H. SM U T S and D. W. MA C D O N A L D

Abstract: Livestock depredation has implications for conservation and agronomy; it can be costly for farmers and can prompt retaliatory killing of carnivores. Lethal control measures are readily available and are reportedly perceived to be cheaper, more practical and more effective than nonlethal methods. However, the costs and efficacy of lethal vs non-lethal approaches have rarely been compared formally.

We conducted a 3-year study on 11 South African livestock farms, examining costs and benefits of lethal and non-lethal conflict mitigation methods. Farmers used existing lethal control in the first year and switched to guardian animals (dogs Canis familiaris and alpacas Lama pacos) or livestock protection collars for the following 2 years. During the first year the mean cost of livestock protection was USD 3.30 per head of stock and the mean cost of depredation was USD 20.11 per head of stock. In the first year of non-lethal

control the combined implementation and running costs were similar to those of lethal control (USD 3.08 per head). However, the mean cost of depredation decreased by 69.3%, to USD 6.52 per head. In the second year of non-lethal control the running costs (USD 0.43 per head) were significantly lower than in previous years and depredation costs decreased further, to USD 5.49 per head. Our results suggest that non-lethal methods of human–wildlife conflict mitigation can reduce depredation and can be economically advantageous compared to lethal methods of predator control.

Sunset at the ranch

The days are long,
the sun is shining,
and we have a some time again.

I took my camera with me on a walk last night,
here are some of the pictures.

Eric drove the tractor in a hole,
thank you to our  good neighbors for saving him.

The first real signs of spring:

Meet and greet:

Doing a pasture check, see if any new calves have been born,

or if anyone needs babysitting.

Mother love..

We have our  ewes that had lambed in January in with the calving cows, it is easier to feed, and due to the mud we had to move the cows to a dry pasture.

Why, hello there baby

Mali and Lucy

Fena keeping a watchful distance from momma cow

Vuk 

Vuk doing a perimeter check

Hope you had a wonderful Mothers Day!

So proud!

Eric and I are so proud of what Jess has accomplished.
Even if she had she not been recognized by others, for her dedication and ethics,
we are still proud of her.

Today, she received the Premier's Award:

"17-year-old Jess Verstappen has been selected by 4-H Alberta to receive its highest honour."

Rod Carlyon, Agriculture and Rural Development, presents Jess Verstappen with the 4-H Premier’s Award trophy

"Each year, one outstanding 4‑H member is chosen at the Provincial 4‑H Selections program to represent 4‑H as the Premier's Award Recipient. Winner represents Alberta 4‑H members at the following year's Provincial 4‑H Leaders' Conference and Selections Award Breakfast. In addition, they will attend one event per region at the request of Regional 4‑H Specialists. Highlights include being a guest speaker at various agriculture events, and meeting the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Premier of Alberta"

Not only did she receive this prestigious award, she was also selected to be a 4-H Ambassador!

Here is the link to the press release:
HERE

I do laugh at times,
I look at Eric and I look at me,

and then wonder how we managed to produce her!

Anyway, Congratulations Jess.
We know how you did this all alone, 

we know your dedication and hard work,
and we know you have loved being part of 4-H!

 We are proud of you,
simply for the wonderful person you are!
You do make a difference in the world.