U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Raise More Food With Fewer Resources

As Climate Week NYC kicks off, the Animal Agriculture Alliance released an updated version of its Sustainability Impact Report . The report highlights decades of progress made by the U.S. food and farming community to enhance animal welfare practices, reduce environmental impact and contribute to a healthy, balanced diet.

“The U.S. farm and food community has been a global leader in sustainability efforts for decades,” says Emily Ellis, director, communications and content, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “We’re incredibly proud of the work being done to innovate and advance food production practices to continue contributing to a sustainable food system – and this report highlights that work.”

In a press release, the Animal Agriculture Alliance summarizes the updated report.

3 Animal Welfare Priorities

Across all sectors, farmers and ranchers prioritize animal well-being through programs like the FARM Animal Care Program, Beef Quality Assurance, and others. Practices include modern housing, veterinary care, biosecurity measures and responsible antibiotic use to ensure ethical treatment and optimal health for animals.

In the report, you will find these three animal welfare priorities:

1. Nearly every species referenced in the report has specific animal welfare guidelines crafted by animal welfare experts.
   
2. Most farmers and ranchers have a close working relationship with veterinarians and nutritionists to ensure good animal health and a well-balanced diet.
   
3. Biosecurity plays a critical role in protecting animal health from disease and illness.
   

Reduced Environmental Impact

U.S. animal agriculture has made significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water use and land use. Innovations like anaerobic digesters, recycling byproducts and improved feed management contribute to sustainability.

Here are six key environmental impacts points in the report:

• U.S. animal agriculture is contributing toward all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Between 1961 and 2019, the U.S. beef community reduced emissions per pound of beef by more than 40% while also producing 66% more beef per animal.
• The pork community has reduced CO₂ emissions equivalent to taking 22,410 cars off the road.
• Compared to 1960, egg farmers today are able to feed 72 more people using 50% less feed.
• The veal community has completed its first-ever Lifecycle Assessment to identify baseline environmental data.
• More than 37% of ingredients used in animal feeds are upcycled from other industries, reducing waste and impact on landfills.

Dietary Contributions

Animal products like meat, dairy, eggs and seafood provide essential nutrients that support heart health, brain function, bone health and more. The report highlights the safety measures in place, such as antibiotic screening in milk and USDA inspections for meat, ensuring high-quality and safe food for consumers.

The report includes these three dietary contribution points:

1. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has concluded meat, eggs and milk are an essential source of nutrients, especially for vulnerable populations.
   
2. Animal proteins are a superior protein choice for half the number of calories compared to beans, peas and lentils.
   
3. U.S. animal agriculture is committed to furthering progress, which is why several species groups have established industry-wide sustainability goals and reporting frameworks.

As quoted in the report, “When it comes to conservation and sustainability, America’s farmers and ranchers are literally the boots on the ground.”

Visit the Animal Agriculture Alliance website for more information, including resources and to read the full report.