As you celebrate Earth Day this year, take a moment to learn about America’s beef producers’ commitment to protecting the environment. Cattlemen and women incorporate a variety of best management practices to ensure the beef industry is in compliance with environmental requirements.

For America’s beef producers, the land is their livelihood and their legacy. They carefully follow science-based best management practices to protect our country’s natural resources for future generations. In fact, beef producers have led conservation efforts proving that raising cattle and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand.

The industry honors leaders in conservation efforts with an annual award. The Environmental Stewardship Award not only recognizes producers who have successfully combined natural resource conservation efforts with good business practices, but it also encourages application of new environmental best practices across the entire industry. Beef cattle producers practice natural resource management activities including soil tests, brush and weed control programs, grazing management plans, minimum or conservation tillage systems and range quality and grass utilization monitoring. Click here to watch a video about the conservation practices the Stone family, the 2007 Environmental Stewardship Award winner, applies every day on their ranch.

Clean, plentiful water is critical for the economic survival of the industry. Beef producers protect this valuable resource because it’s vital to the success of their business, and it’s a government requirement. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act sets forth requirements for protecting our nation’s water resources, especially for confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Sometimes referred to as “factory farms” by anti-industry activists, larger feedlot operations actually are subject to strict regulations and constant government scrutiny. Most large feedlot owners have a dedicated environmental engineer either on staff or on contract to ensure their operation is in compliance.

Good management of natural resources on farms and ranches across the country isn’t a choice; producers know that protecting the environment now protects the business for future generations.

More information
FACT SHEET: The Environment and Cattle Production

Sustainability Fun Facts

 Funded by the Beef Checkoff