Sustainable management of the plateau is of critical importance not only for maintaining livelihoods but also because of its vital ecological function. For instance, in 2017, the value of livestock production and livestock products in the EU-28 was equal to € 170 billion, representing 40% of the total agricultural activity. In agriculture, grazing is a method of animal husbandry whereby domestic livestock are allowed to consume wild vegetations outdoor in order to convert grass and other forages into meat, milk, wool and other animal products, often on land unsuitable for arable farming.. The ‘landless’ production systems are largely responsible for the Determining Agricultural Importance of Species Grassland in Ireland is used solely for feeding livestock. 1. Define grassland agriculture. 10 Within the EU, approximately 74 M ha of permanent grassland (including 17 M ha in upland areas), 10 M ha of temporary grassland, and 35 M ha of land in forage cereal crops (equal to 60% of the total planted area) are dedicated to feeding the European livestock herd . Paul Glendell/English Nature Recent changes to the Common Agricultural Policy, which break the link between subsidy and production, mean that the future of livestock grazing is at risk in large areas of the Benefits of grassland phytodiversity for livestock production Grassland is needed as the fodder basis for agricultural herbivores. Challenges to keeping ranchers on the land include the economic uncertainty of beef markets. 1. Of importance to the farmer is therefore only at first instance a high primary production efficiency, i.e. The importance of grassland to the Irish livestock farmer is well recognised, enabling us to maintain a competitive cost of production. Importance of Livestock Production from Grasslands for National and Local Food and Nutritional Security in Developing Countries. Livestock production ... importance of animal production in the local economy. 2006). Work: The average livestock farm typically has 1 to 2 workers. The forage resources found on Nebraska's grasslands are the basis for the state's $6.5 billion cattle industry. Livestock grazing is the most widespread land use on Earth , including in northern China , which is part of one of the largest remaining grasslands on Earth (i.e., the Eurasian steppe) where grassland is largely used to support livestock grazing for food production. They can provide an economical source of livestock feed, reduce labor requirements, build soil tilth and fertility, reduce erosion, and reduce invasions of noxious and poisonous weeds. Livestock systems are using at least 42% of the EU15 agricultural land but probably much more (Vidal 2001). grassland fell by 2.3 M ha, with the released nutrients again contributing to national food production, as did livestock production, which was sustained from the more intensively managed remaining grassland area (Figure 3.3). This is important because grassland pastures cover >25% of the Earth's land surface and, despite being home to nearly a billion people, comprise primarily marginally or non-arable land (24, 25). Livestock grazing is the most widespread land use on Earth (18), including in northern China (19), which is part of one of the largest remaining grasslands on Earth (i.e., the Eurasian steppe) where grassland is largely used to support livestock grazing for food production. not a planted pasture or ‘improved’ grassland). These are listed in order of increasing intensity. 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