Yesterday was dedicated to protecting
our world and environment. Earth Day focuses on respecting and appreciating all
our earth gives to us. And who does that better than farmers?
Modern
farmers have worked diligently to reduce their carbon footprint. After all, the
earth is their entire livelihood. They’ve got to take care of it! In fact,
since the 1982, farmers have reduced cropland erosion by nearly 50 percent!
How’s that for taking care of the earth?
One
major concern of environmentalists is the greenhouse gas emission given off by
cattle. However, according to Environmental Production Agency, beef production
accounts for just 2.8 percent of America’s greenhouse gases, as opposed to the
26 percent made up by cars.
And compared to a farmer in 1977,
we now produce 18 percent less carbon emissions! Today’s farmers also use 30
percent less land and require 14 percent less water. We have made a commitment
to sustainability and do all we can to help the environment.
Many new practices have helped to
bring about those impressive numbers. Grazing is an important and natural way
to feed cattle that uses ground that often could not be farmed and convert
forages into healthy, delicious beef. After all, 85 percent of America’s land
isn’t fit for agricultural crops.
Some feedlots have also worked to
compost their manure for use in places like golf courses, athletic fields,
gardens etc. And our efficiency is incredible! The USA produces 20 percent of
the world’s beef with just 7 percent of the world’s cattle!
I know at our ranch, and many
others, we plant windbreaks to not only protect the cattle but to prevent ground
erosion. Many ranchers also recycle cornstalks by baling them for cattle
bedding.
Cattle pastures often serve as a
home for wildlife as well, especially birds and often deer. And, of course, a
windmill turns wind energy, which we use to run water pumps.
Clearly, America’s farmers and ranchers
are doing their part to protect and help the environment. We strongly promote
environmental stewardship. In fact, it was an important part of my Master’s of
Beef Advocacy program!
So do your part this Earth Day and
support America’s farmers and ranchers, the everyday environmentalists!
Bridget Beran
2011-2012 Kansas Herford Queen
To see more ways that farmers and ranchers are helping the
environment, just follow this link to see all 40 ways: http://www.explorebeef.org/protectingresources.aspx
For more information:
http://www.explorebeef.org/environment.aspx
