Every day , NCBA works to ensure producers have the freedom and resources to implement innovative solutions and to build private marketplace demand for the inherent conservation value of U . S . cattle ranches . In particular , NCBA is working to :
• Support the development of ecosystem services markets , including private carbon and biodiversity markets .
• Support efforts to preserve legacy carbon .
• Promote producer outreach programs related to soil health , written grazing management plans , and increased production efficiencies .
• Engage in Farm Bill advocacy to raise value and eligibility for cattle producers in voluntary conservation programs .
With this work , NCBA continues to support producers in adopting practices supporting continuous improvement through minimizing emissions and maximizing carbon sequestration — not through regulatory mandates or top-down directives , but by establishing and cultivating conservation-centric revenue streams .
Care For the Animals and Land
U . S . cattle producers have a long history of sustainable resource management to enhance the lives of the animals in their care . They work hard to build on a legacy of conserving healthy ecosystems and wildlife habitat while providing excellent animal care . As an industry , they are committed to a beef cattle production supply chain that is safe for animals and ecosystems . Producers ’ stories and actions convey the amount of care they have for the land and livestock .
For years , the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance ( BQA ) program has been a hallmark of good animal husbandry practices among U . S . cattle producers . The BQA program has grown significantly in its three decades of existence , but there is still room for growth . To continue to demonstrate the care cattlemen and women have for their animals , NCBA works hard to increase the number of certifications for individuals in the program , providing as many opportunities as possible for producers to access BQA trainings . BQA materials will soon be translated into Spanish , thus increasing access for everyone working in the industry to this essential program . NCBA also works diligently to address new challenges presented by the National Beef Quality Audit . With experts across the industry representing diverse disciplines , NCBA reviews and revises the BQA Manual to ensure producers can continue to be on the leading edge of animal health and safety .
The ecosystem services of cattle production on public and private lands provide $ 24.5 billion of societal value in the U . S . 4 Land in the U . S . is suitable for multiple , often simultaneous , uses . In fact , federal lands are often used simultaneously for cattle grazing , recreation by the public and energy production . Preserving native grasslands for cattle provides an additional benefit for wildlife . Cattle producers are the original conservationists . This societal value can be compounded through increased access to vacant federal allotments managed by the U . S . Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management .
With the intention of demonstrating the care for the animals and land , NCBA focuses on the following efforts to increase the availability of educational resources for both producers and consumers alike :
• Promote producer education such as BQA , Stockmanship & Stewardship , Cattlemen ’ s College and the Cattlemen ’ s Webinar Series .
• Promote consumer education about animal well-being practices and the enhancement of animal welfare .
• Elevate the Environmental Stewardship Awards Program .
• Work alongside efforts of the U . S . Roundtable for Sustainable Beef .
• Develop partnerships to carry out projects , initiatives and pilots across shared areas of interest , including habitat and open space conservation , recreation and animal welfare .
• Support research on the social value of beef production to rural communities , recreationalists and consumers .
The animals and land are the foundation of everything we do and strive for . NCBA is committed to supporting producers to be the best caretakers and land stewards and to enhance trust in our customers that U . S . beef is something they can be proud to support .
Care for Our Planet Demonstrate the climate neutrality of U . S . cattle production by 2040 .
Care for Our Animals and Land Enhance trust in cattle producers as responsible stewards of their animals and resources by expanding educational opportunities in animal care and handling programs to further improve animal wellbeing .
Care for Our People Continuously improve our industry ’ s workforce safety and well-being .
Build Our Resiliency Create and enhance opportunities that result in a quantifiable increase in producer profitability and economic sustainability by 2025 .
DIRECTIONS 2023 NATIONAL CATTLEMEN 21