Sustainability is at the root of every decision producers make in the cattle business . Environmental impact , economic viability and social responsibility all play a critical role in determining whether an industry is truly sustainable . U . S . cattle producers have proven their generational ability to continually improve by doing more with less . To better share the progress made by you , the producers , and set sights on the future , the National Cattlemen ’ s Beef Association ( NCBA ) brought together producers from across the country to put our stake in the ground , establishing goals the industry is striving to achieve .

These goals , launched in August 2021 , center around four key principles of sustainability which are important to cattle producers around the country : care for the planet , care for the animals and land , care for people , and build resiliency . Through industry-wide efforts to achieve these goals , producers seek to grow the overall sustainability of the U . S . cattle industry while raising a vital food source to feed a growing global population .

Often , sustainability is equated to greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions , especially when considering animal sourced foods like beef . Globally , cattle producers are faced with harsh criticism regarding the environmental impacts of production practices . These global criticisms are not an adequate representation of cattle production , especially in the U . S ., where cattle production is the most sustainable in the world and continuous improvement is the foundation of the industry . 1 Through improved herd genetics , increased adoption of technology , and enhanced grazing management practices , direct emissions from cattle only account for 2.2 % of U . S . GHG emissions . 2 This progress does not happen in a vacuum — environmental improvements are the product of increased economic security and social consciousness . Maintaining this approach , U . S . cattle producers play a vital role in ensuring a food-secure future .

In establishing goals for the U . S . cattle industry , NCBA strives to build on generations of success in raising cattle and conserving resources . In the face of increased global consumer demand , growing interest in food origins , and heightened mindfulness surrounding the environmental impact of consumption choices , the beef cattle industry must continue its long tradition of continuous progress , affirming its sustainable history while building a legacy for future generations .

Care For the Planet

Producers have a personal stake in protecting the environment . For generations , producers have raised cattle on native grasslands , steep mountainsides and coastal plains , working in harmony with nature to produce one of the most nutrientdense food products on grocery store shelves . They protect habitat for wildlife , maintain the health of native ecosystems and employ grazing management practices that sequester carbon . They work hard to protect air and water quality , not only to preserve the health of their animals , but for the health of their families and communities . They play a vital role in mitigating climate-related risks , and their actions help ensure U . S . cattle production is part of a climate solution rather than a climate risk .

According to the United Nations ’ Food and Agriculture Organization , the U . S . beef supply chain has the lowest GHG emissions footprint of all beef-producing

Producers play a vital role in countries in the world and has led mitigating climate-related risks , and the world since 1996 . 3 This is not the their actions help ensure U . S . cattle product of resting on our laurels . Beef production is part of a climate production in the U . S . is a shining solution rather than a climate risk . example of how ingenuity , creativity and thinking outside the box can facilitate global progress . The cattle industry is committed to leading the charge to ensure cattle producers have the most up-to-date research and technology related to carbon sequestration and emissions reduction , in addition to ensuring producers are recognized for their ecological contributions and are incentivized to implement sustainable practices .

20 NATIONAL CATTLEMEN DIRECTIONS 2023