Sustainability

The topic of responsible and sustainable animal agriculture has received a lot of attention in recent years, but these concepts are nothing new to the American farmer. Given the rise of social media and increased interest in food production by consumers, the people asking questions about sustainability are not just neighbors, friends and relatives, but include audiences around the world. This puts animal agriculture under increased scrutiny and means that farmers have to put far more emphasis on the social side of sustainability than ever before.
Issues

This report details U.S. animal agriculture’s contributions to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the report, U.S. animal agriculture is actively contributing toward all 17 of the SDGs, including Zero Hunger, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Climate Action.

View the report

This report highlights how the animal agriculture community shares the same values as today’s consumers with its never-ending commitment to animal care, environmental stewardship, responsible antibiotic use, food safety, and nutrition.

View the report

What Is Sustainability?

The meaning of sustainability has been subjected to a variety of interpretations, but it is critical to understand that sustainability is a continuous journey, rather than a destination.

To those in agriculture, sustainability means using natural resources efficiently; caring for the land, air, water and wildlife.

Livestock production in the United States is a model for the rest of the world for several reasons: (1) we use advance genetics; (2) we use advanced healthcare; and (3) we feed our animals optimal diets.

Sustainability Studies

Meat & Milk’s Sustainability Story

From 2007 to 2017, U.S. dairy farmers used 30% less water, 21% less land and have achieved a 19% reduction in the carbon footprint per gallon of milk!

Between 1961 and 2018, the U.S. beef community has reduced greenhouse gas emissions per pound of beef produced by more than 40% while also producing 66% more beef per animal.

From 1960 to 2015, pig farmers in the U.S. used 75.9% less land, 25.1% less water, 7% less energy and have a 7.7% lower carbon footprint.

The resources used to produce one dozen eggs have been cut considerably with 26% less feed, 32% less water and a 71% lower carbon footprint since 1960.

Setting the record straight on Iowa pork

Animal rights activist groups, “journalists” and others continue to attempt to malign the reputation of the animal agriculture community and its commitment to providing consumers with safe, affordable and nutritious…

Read more
Small ruminants grazing

Eco-Friendly Small Ruminants

The Chicago International Airport has an unlikely group of landscapers. In an effort to reduce environmental impact, the airport brought in it’s first herd of sheep and goats to graze…

Read more