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Livestock management systems are becoming an increasing focus of attention in scientific study. An area of study that has not been heavily investigated is the social dimension of grazing management. Why do some livestock producers choose one form of grazing management over another? Why is there such a divide between adherents of different management systems? This study is aimed at understanding the differences in motivations and decision making regarding grazing management options across Alberta. Ranches involved in this study represent the Boreal, Montane, Parkland and Grassland Natural Regions of Alberta, and fall in to one of four distinct groups of grazing management systems: Holistic Management, Fast Rotational, Slow Rotational and Continuous/Seasonal. We will investigate the differences in landscape and grazing management by approaching graziers on a personal level, through a series of interviews. Each interview becomes more in-depth, with a focus on understanding perspectives on grazing and what motivates graziers. A biophysical range health assessment on approximately 30 ranches complements these interviews and provides physical evidence of the range health of the land. This assessment will be followed by a second in-person interview with the grazier focused on range health results. This second interview will address the extent to which the range health assessment is in line with expected results. We are currently beginning work on the in-depth interviews and range health assessments, with preliminary results expected for January 2018. With a focus on both the social aspect of grazing through candid interviews and range health assessments, along with grazier discussions, this approach to studying grazing management may result in a new understanding of grazier motivations and mindsets, and improve ways of fostering sustainable grazing management in Alberta and beyond, especially in areas where grazing management is largely a private and self-directed enterprise.