Grassland Oregon developed a new seed mixture, called Pastures for Pollinators, that includes a variety of flowering annual clovers to support sustainable livestock farming and increase pollinator populations.
“With over 400 million acres of pastureland in the U.S., there is a huge opportunity to make an impact on pollinator habitat while also meeting the needs farmers and ranchers have in feeding their livestock and sustaining their soil resources,” says Risa DeMasi, co-founder of Grassland Oregon. “All of us at Grassland Oregon are passionate about what we do and want to give back to the agricultural community. That’s why we are donating the profits from Pastures for Pollinators to further sustainable agricultural research programs.”
Habitat loss is a major cause for pollinator decline, which includes monarch butterflies, moths and bee colonies. This is a serious economic and environmental issue, which has not been addressed fully by the U.S. government or the agriculture industry, according to the company.
Native bees contribute more than $9 billion to the U.S. economy by pollinating crops, while managed hives contribute more than $15 billion. Despite their value, the number of bee colonies has decreased by half during the past five decades, and the cost of bee hive rentals has tripled. Additionally, monarch butterfly migrations have declined from 550 million in 2004 to 33 million in 2013.
Pastures for Pollinators seed mixture offers a solution to the declining pollinator population problem. Livestock farmers can use this new seed blend for the health of their soil and cattle, with the added benefit of creating new natural habitats for pollinators. This meets today’s farming needs and positively impacts the U.S. economy, but more importantly it creates sustainable farming practices and increased pollinator populations for future generations.
To learn more, visit www.pasturesforpollinators.com.
