Wearing collars equipped with GPS tracking devices, grazing beef cattle are part of a Kansas State University study tracking beef production vulnerability across the southern Great Plains. The study aims to increase the resiliency of beef cattle operations on grazing lands and wheat pastures so producers can better sustain future productivity through potential impacts of climate change. Researchers are also looking for the best ways to reduce beef production’s environmental footprint, including finding more efficient ways to use water, best grazing practices, best forages, and improving soil and water quality.

NIFA originally published this impact in the NIFA 2015 Annual Report. Want to read about more impacts like this? Check out Fresh from the Field, a weekly bulletin showcasing transformative impacts made by grantees funded by NIFA.