U.S. Beef Cattle Production Becoming More Sustainable

Aug 19, 2013

U.S. Beef Cattle Production Becoming More Sustainable

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

A new assessment reveals that the sustainability of U.S. beef production has improved significantly from 2005 to 2011.

The findings were released at a Cattle Industry Summer Conference held in Denver, Colo., earlier this month. The assessment was check-off-funded, which looked at the social, economic and environmental impacts of producing beef in the United States.

Inputs and outputs related to producing a pound of beef were examined. The findings suggest that the beef industry is becoming more innovative and efficient. The completed life cycle assessment (LCA) took into consideration the entire value chain of production. Additionally, the assessment sought out historical data from the 1970s, 2005 and 20011 when determining overall sustainability improvement.

Key findings from 2005-2011:

•Environmental impacts reduced by 7%;
•Sustainability has improved by 5%;
•Greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 2%;
•Water emissions reduced by 10%;
•Water usage decreased by 3%;
•Reduced resource consumption by 2%

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.