Development of Self-Sustaining Markets for Bird-Friendly Beef to Incentivize Grassland Conservation on Private Lands Across theGreat Plains

The purpose of the project is to establish a market-based incentive to ranchers who voluntarily improve grassland bird Habitat. A Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) will allow Audubon and its partners to fully develop supply chains, providing participants in each state an opportunity to access consumer-driven premium beef markets. In addition, CIG funds requested will enable Audubon to help dozens of new ranches enroll in the program and begin making the transition toward sustainable grazing management that benefits grassland obligate wildlife, soil health, and water quality. The project will capitalize on initial investments from EQIP/RCPP programs by incentivizing bird-friendly beef production practices without the need for ongoing payments from government programs.