Facts about the cattle industry and sustainability
Sustainability has become a defining buzzword in agriculture, but what does it truly mean for the cattle industry? While some may dismiss it as a trendy marketing term, sustainability is at the core of how we meet present needs without compromising the future. For livestock producers, this means navigating the growing complexity of balancing environmental, social and economic factors.
The evolution of sustainability in agriculture
Believe it or not, the term “sustainability” is fairly new to agriculture’s vocabulary. Before the 1970s, it was virtually unknown, not just in agriculture but in the English language. Over time, it became central to agriculture, where it was initially defined as minimizing waste, conserving resources and promoting ecosystem resilience.
As definitions evolved, the concept expanded into the well-known “three pillars of sustainability”: environmental soundness, social responsibility and economic viability.
Yet for livestock producers, these pillars only scratch the surface.
The five pillars of livestock sustainability
For the livestock sector, sustainability demands a broader framework. These five key pillars provide a practical roadmap for producers:
- Environmental stewardship: Managing natural resources responsibly to mitigate climate impacts
- Animal health and welfare: Prioritizing practices that ensure livestock are healthy and well cared for
- Social awareness: Building trust and maintaining a positive connection between producers and society
- Food safety: Delivering nutritious, safe products to consumers
- Financial viability: Ensuring long-term profitability for producers and rural communities
Why does sustainability matter for livestock producers?
The world’s population is growing rapidly, with an estimated 2.3 billion more people expected by 2050. This growth translates to a 60% increase in global food demand, including higher meat consumption in both developed and developing countries. Meeting this demand requires sustainable practices in order to produce more with fewer resources, ensuring food security without depleting the environment.
Livestock plays a critical role in global nutrition, contributing up to 31% of kilocalories and 60% of protein consumption. Beyond food production, livestock supports rural livelihoods, cultural practices, and even biodiversity management through controlled grazing.
Cattle’s economic impact
In the U.S. alone, cattle production accounts for 17% of the $520 billion agricultural market. The livestock industry not only feeds the world but also drives local and national economies. Meat processing plants employ over a third of the agricultural workforce, highlighting the sector’s importance in job creation and economic stability.
Livestock’s role in environmental management
Livestock is a tool for sustainable land management. How do grazing animals help control the grasslands? They maintain plant biodiversity and counter competition from encroaching tall plants.
Controlled grazing practices also reduce wildfire risks. Research from California shows that livestock grazing can mitigate shrub overgrowth and lower burn probabilities, offering a cost-effective solution to wildfire prevention in vulnerable areas.
What does sustainability mean for you?
If you care about the health and welfare of your animals, the financial success of your operation, the safety of your products, and the stewardship of the land, you’re already prioritizing sustainability. By implementing practices aligned with these values, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future for the cattle industry — and for the planet.
Closing thoughts
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a framework for creating a resilient, productive and ethical livestock industry. By focusing on environmental stewardship, animal welfare, social responsibility, food safety and financial viability, producers can meet growing demands while protecting the future.
About the author:
Dr. Sebastian Mejia Turcios is an on-farm support specialist at Alltech with a focus on beef. In this role, he actively engages with others at various levels of the beef industry on topics related to sustainability.
Mejia Turcios is passionate about sharing his knowledge and research with industry leaders, producers, educators and other stakeholders in animal agriculture. Born and raised in Honduras, Mejia Turcios became involved in agriculture at an early age, with a particular love for livestock — which eventually became the focus of his studies. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from EARTH University in Costa Rica and a master’s degree in animal science from Texas Tech University.
Mejia Turcios completed his Ph.D. in June 2024 at the University of California, Davis, under the direction of Dr. Frank Mitloehner, an internationally known professor of animal agriculture who is also an air-quality expert and director of the CLEAR Center at UC Davis.