Sustainability

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What Sustainability Means to Us

U.S. BEEF PRODUCTION PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable beef is a socially responsible, environmentally sound and economically viable product that prioritizes planet, people, animals and progress.

Statement of Belief

The U.S. beef supply chain is united in an effort to improve our industry for future generations.

To fulfill this belief, we are committed to a pathway of continuous improvement, which protects our natural resources; promotes economic well-being for the beef community; and provides social value for our supply chain, communities and stakeholders.

These three pillars of sustainability - social, environmental and economic - guide our work as stewards of the land and are the foundation of NCBA's sustainability goals.

The Pillars of Sustainability

U.S. beef production is a highly complex and a significant component of both national and international agriculture and food security. Sustainability, in the context of beef production, is often hyper-focused on greenhouse gas emissions and methane produced from cattle. U.S. beef production plays a vital role across all three pillars of sustainability.

Social

Cattle producers utilize a wide range of production systems to provide nutritious, safe and accessible beef that prioritizes animal welfare, resilient communities and diverse cultures.

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Environmental

Cattle play a critical role in conserving open space, and producers enhance environmental stewardship.

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Economic

Cattle production is the most important agricultural industry in the U.S. Producers play a vital role in local, national and global economies.

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Commitment to the Future

SETTING AMBITIOUS GOALS FOR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

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U.S. beef production is the most sustainable in the world thanks to decades of improvement and innovation by farmers and ranchers. Today, we produce 17% of the world’s beef with just 6% of the world’s cattle due to scientific advancements in animal nutrition, genetics and production practices.

While U.S. producers are already global leaders in sustainable beef production, their commitment to continuous improvement is showcased with the release of NCBA's sustainability goals.