Report highlights sustainability progress in livestock production

Livestock production accounts for about 4% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to a recent report. This compared with an estimated 10% of the country’s emissions coming from agriculture.

The “Sustainability Impact Report,” released by the Animal Agriculture Alliance, is meant to demonstrate the industry’s “commitment to continuous improvement in environmental stewardship, animal care, responsible antibiotic use, food safety and nutrition,” the group said in the announcement.

“As showcased in our updated Sustainability Impact Report, the animal agriculture community continues to make advancements in ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while continuing to safely, efficiently and affordably produce the nutrients our bodies need to function and feel our best,” said Kay Johnson Smith, the group’s president and CEO.

Among other things, the report also said that beef producers decreased emissions per pound of beef produced by more than 40% from 1961 to 2018. It found that the dairy industry contributes less than 2% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Several agriculture groups recently sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to highlight the industry’s progress on climate change action, responding to remarks made by Tai on trade policy, the environment and climate change.

The groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Pork Producers Council and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, said farmers “have come a long way in learning how to maximize carbon sequestration.”