Helping Monarch Butterfly Helps Producers

The monarch butterfly might not be the best known pollinator, but it is an important according to NRCS’ Acting Chief Leonard Jordan.

The butterfly has fallen from roughly one billion 20 years ago to 34 million in the most recent estimate.

“And if the decline of this species continues it may prompt a listing by the Fish and Wildlife Service and if that listing takes place, it has a potentially negative impact on the producers that rely upon the working land to maintain their families’ livelihood and the livelihoods within their communities.”

Jordan noted that producers can help by being proactive.

“Whatever their land use is, there are simple practices, whether it’s grazing land management, or introducing pollinator-friendly plants that would be attractive to the monarch.”

Jordan said their goal is to keep working lands working while creating an environment for the monarch butterfly to flourish.