Embracing Modernity and Sustainability through Innovative Grazing Practices on Farmland

In the mountainous region of Northwest China, the traditional practice of migrating livestock to winter pastures has been transformed by modern technology. Beidou positioning, mobile support vehicles, and real-time weather updates have made the journey easier for both herders and animals.

However, in Sunan Yugur autonomous county, a new approach is taking root. Instead of migrating, herders are keeping their livestock on rented farmland, where they graze on leftover corn stalks. This innovative model aims to boost farm incomes while reducing environmental stress.

Gao Yongdong, a herder who raises yaks and sheep, has embraced this new approach. He rents farmland from farmer Gan Junzhu, allowing his animals to graze on the corn stalks from October to spring. This allows his own grassland to rest and regenerate, improving the quality of grass for the following year.

This model has several benefits. It allows livestock to access ample food during the winter, improving their health and increasing their sale price in the spring. It also benefits farmers, who earn more from renting their fields than selling the corn stalks. Additionally, the manure left by the animals acts as organic fertilizer, further enhancing the productivity of the land.

The adoption of this new model has led to a five-month break for the grasslands, allowing them to recover from overgrazing. This has had a positive impact on the environment and the sustainability of livestock farming in the region.