What's the beef? Debunking three beef industry myths
With a lot of misleading or incorrect information circulating, it’s easy to be confused about the current state of the beef industry. It’s best to go straight to the source and grab the facts by the horns.
Listen to these U.S. ranchers set the record straight on livestock practices.
Think grazing lands could be used to raise wheat, soy, corn or other food crops for humans? Most ranchers would tell you, “Good luck.”
About 35% of the total land area of the U.S. is used as rangeland because it is too arid, wet or rocky to grow crops. But leave it to cattle to be an unlikely environmental resource.
Cattle could be considered “nature’s garbage disposal.” The grasses and plants that grow in these regions are completely nonedible to humans.
However, the cattle that munch on these grasses “upcycle” otherwise useless plants into nutritious beef. Nearly 90% of what cattle eat cannot be digested by humans. Plants we see as weeds or waste make a tasty snack for cows.
Especially as ranchers work to feed a growing population, it’s imperative to provide their product using fewer resources. A bonus: when cattle consume products that would have otherwise been discarded, such as biofuel and food production byproducts, less waste ends up in landfills.
PRESENTED BY:
While we can all try to do our part to lessen our carbon footprint, beef isn’t even close to being the biggest carbon contributor. Even if beef production were to be completely eliminated, the environmental effects would be extremely minimal.
Beef currently accounts for a scant 3.7% of all U.S. greenhouse gases (GHG). In comparison, transportation accounts for a whopping 28% of all GHG in the U.S.
The beef industry has made major strides over the last 50 years to keep up with growing populations without increasing the number of cattle being raised. Through improved practices in genetics, nutrition and other factors, the U.S. currently produces around 18% of the world’s beef with only 8% of the world’s cattle.
Methane from beef cattle is the leading cause of climate change.
Beef production is not what it used to be. Ranchers continually work to improve their own practices and protect the environment; their livelihood depends on it. It’s estimated that by 2050, farmers and ranchers globally will need to produce 70% more food to keep up with growing world populations.
The good news is that with smarter practices and ever-changing technology, ranchers are able to produce more beef with fewer resources. A 2007 Washington State University study showed that since 1977, the U.S. beef industry has been able to produce the same amount of beef while using 20% less feed, 30% less land and 18% fewer carbon emissions.
THE TRUTH? Ranchers prioritize protecting water QUALITY and the environment.
MYTH #3
MYTH #2
Cattle ranching is harmful to the environment, causing soil erosion, water pollution and poor air quality.
Courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com
Courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com
Courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com
Within the last 15 years, the emissions to water from beef production have dropped 10% thanks to ranchers’ efforts.
Responsible cattle ranching can also result in biodiversity and land preservation. Ranchers often use a tactic called “targeted grazing,” in which cattle are sent to graze in an area to eat specific plants. This not only provides easy landscaping, but it also helps stop the spread of invasive plant species.
An added bonus? Cattle grazing can actually be used to lower wildfire risk. The dry, natural grasses they consume can easily fuel spreading wildfires when left unchecked.
Click here for our California Local Beef Directory
Looking for locally-sourced beef?
TRY OUR RECIPES: GRILLING FAVORITES
It's always time to fire up the grill and we’ve got just what you’re looking for. Whether you want a classic burger or a spice-rubbed steak with a side of grilled fruit, this collection won’t disappoint.
COWBOY STEAK
& ROAST RUB
BEEF FAJITA SALAD WITH MANGO-SERRANO Vinaigrette
BEEF STEAK SALAD WITH DRIED CHERRIES
Grilled T-Bone Steaks with BBQ Rub
Hawaiian Ribeye Steaks with Grilled
Carolina Barbecue Burgers
Garden Herb Strip Steaks
Spicy Beef Back Ribs
MYTH #1
The land cattle graze on could be used to grow food instead.
The truth? It’s nearly impossible to grow food on rangeland.
The truth? Beef production accounts for just 3.7% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
Click here for our California Local Beef Directory
Looking for locally-sourced beef?
PRESENTED BY: