Today, there are a plethora of ongoing discussions about large-scale farming and its impact on sustainability. With the adoption of regenerative practices, large-scale farms improve the health of soil, the animal, the economic resiliency of the farm, and can contribute to biodiverse conservation efforts.
The Alliance’s Sustainability Impact Report, released this week in celebration of Earth Day, shows how the animal agriculture community shares the same values as today’s consumer with its never-ending commitment to animal care, environmental stewardship, responsible antibiotic use, food safety, and nutrition. Here are just a few environmental highlights from each area of animal agriculture featured in this year’s report!
Cows have been condemned for climate change effects time and time again – often times unfairly with overstated figures and exaggerated claims. But even now, as anti-animal agriculture activists rally this cause as an excuse to reduce or even eliminate the consumption of meat, milk, poultry and eggs, farmers and ranchers have countered their claims with a continued commitment and action toward reaching solutions. Enter: carbon sequestration.
Dietitians translate food and nutrition science into practical solutions to help people consume a nutrient-rich diet to maintain and improve health. But many RDs never realized that clients, patients, and students would challenge them with questions about how their food is grown and the impact agriculture has on the environment, food safety, and sustainability.
As Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I have been reflecting on what I am thankful for. I am thankful for agriculture.
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 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 food choices. We’re here to set the record straight.
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.
HB 3799
Description:
Relating to the advertising and labeling of certain meat food products.
Status: Introduced 3/7/2019
Pending
HB 1081
Relating to a study regarding the prohibition of dairy farming in certain areas of the state
Description:
Would require the Texas Animal Health Commission to conduct a study regarding the current risk level for bovine tuberculosis in certain states determined by the Commission to be infected or at high risk for bovine tuberculosis. By 9/1/2014, the Commission must submit a report of the findings to the Department of Agriculture and others listed.
Status: Effective 6/14/2013
Passed
Pass Date: 6/14/2013
HB 1643
Description:
Would add a concentrated animal feeding operations to the list of facilities that drones are prohibited from flying over.
Status: Effective 9/1/17
Passed
Pass Date: 6/15/2017
HB 1819
Relating to liability for injuring a trespassing sheep or goat
Description:
Would make a person with a fence that is insufficient who kills or wounds a head of cattle, horse, goat or sheep liable to the owner of the animal for damages.
Status: Effective 9/1/2013
Passed
Pass Date: 6/14/2013
HB 334
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Livestock Care Standards Advisory Committee
Description:
Would establish a 16-member Texas Livestock Care Standards Advisory Committee. The committee would be required to research and develop standards governing livestock and poultry care, food safety, local food availability, food affordability, and best farm management practices for animal well-being.
Status: Introduced 11/19/2010; Died in Committee
Failed
SJR 22
Right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife amendment
Description:
Would amend Aricle 1, Section 34 of the Texas Constitution to include that people have the right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife, including the use of traditioal methods, subject to laws and regulations to conserve and manage wildlife and preserve the future of hunting and fishing. Would also state that hunting and fishing are preferred methods of managing and controlling wildlife.
Status: Enrolled 5/20/2015; Died in Chamber
Failed