Today, the average American is at least three generations removed from the farm which means you might have more questions about agriculture than you have answers, particularly when it comes to trending topics. It can be hard to find answers when there’s so much complex—and conflicting—information out there, so we did some of the heavy lifting for you. Here are some quick, easy-to-understand answers to the top questions surrounding animal ag today.
Whether in the barn or the field, farmers go to great lengths to protect the environment. The soil is a precious resource that is vital for the production of nutritious food and feed for both humans and livestock. The USDA outlines four major principles farmers incorporate into their practice to improve soil health.
The U.S. animal agriculture community is highly engaged in the work of the United Nations Food Systems Summit (FSS) and has a track record of progress and ambitious commitments that align with the FSS’ focus on enhancing sustainability.
Animal agriculture is constantly advancing: producing more food for the growing population, decreasing its environmental impact, and developing technologies for a continuously improving sustainable food system. 3.9 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions? Farmers and ranchers, alongside researches, are working to reduce that even more. Methane digesters, seaweed and feed additives are just a few of the new technologies being developed and implemented to reduce that number.
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 overgrown vegetation in 2013.
In honor of Turkey Lover’s Month, I’d like to share some insights I learned from visiting a turkey farm and a cranberry bog.
Environmental stewardship is an important aspect of agriculture. Creating a sustainable system that can feed the world nutritious food in a way that is efficient, cost effective, and does not harm the environment is a challenge modern agriculture works hard to tackle.
As a mother whose children have experienced hunger, I am concerned about the consequences Meatless Mondays will have on the city’s most vulnerable students.
If I surveyed 100 people, they wouldn’t give me the same definition of sustainability.