Sustainable Supply Chain in the US Beef Industry

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It's no secret that the beef industry emits vast amounts of gas emissions into the atmosphere, and is known to be one of the leading causes of global warming. Not to mention the impact these plants have on wildlife habitat and fresh water supply in the surrounding areas. While the severity is apparent, the rise of beef demand still continues to increase exponentially, linear to population growth. But how can we reduce the negative effects beef production has on the environment? Let's start with the core circulation of the industry: supply chain.

Studies showed that there are specific phases in the supply chain that we can directly examine to find possible 'green' alternatives in the process. For example, sustainable efforts have included the focus on feedlot phases and feed production among the cattle.

Some key findings and recommendations found:

  • While the feed production and feedlot phases are important to make 'green,' due to excess runoff, attention needs to be focuses on the farm-grazing phase of supply chain.
  • Having a set plan for alternative grazing and ensuring sustainable management practices in the water quality phase of supply chain. The pasture will be polluting less of the surrounding lands and can even allow for an increase of the production range. 
  • Improve manure management in the feedlot phase of supply chain. This can reduce the damage on water quality in the surrounding land and decrease contamination. 
  • Sustainable changes to the after-use of hay can be provide benefits to the wildlife. 


https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/sustainability-and-the-u-s--beef-supply-chain/

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