Farmers and ranchers often find themselves defending the industry, especially when it comes to cattle’s impact on environmental sustainability. Air quality specialists are taking a closer look at the farm and say one area separates cow emissions from the rest.
“Methane from livestock is not just produced, it’s also destroyed at almost the same rate,” said renowned livestock researcher Frank Mitloehner. “And this is something that is not currently being appreciated in public policy or in the public discussion of livestock’s impact on the environment.”
Mitloehner also explained why he believes the impact of methane on the climate is overstated.
“Methane has a lifespan of 10 years, and CO2 has a lifespan of 1,000 years,” Mitloehner said. “So, methane that’s in the atmosphere is not just produced, it’s also destroyed. And that’s why the lifespan of methane is only 10 years.”
As far as the cattle producers go, he says they are always doing their part to lessen the impact on the environment.
Dr. Deb Vnoverbeke, UNL’s Head of Animal Science, joins us with more about the university’s experiential learning programs designed to prepare veterinary students for the future of agriculture.
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New SDRP funding and expanded loss programs give producers additional tools to rebuild cash flow and stabilize operations after two years of severe weather losses.
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Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, November 17, 2025.
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National Pork Board Chief Sustainability Officer Jamie Burr shares a closer look at the Pork Checkoff’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, a research program to increase trust in the pork supply chain.
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USMEF’s Jay Theiler discusses his leadership role in representing U.S. beef and pork and provides an update on this week’s conference in Indianapolis.
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The Dairy Checkoff’s new approach to consumer marketing helps farmers bridge the gap between physical vs. digital touchpoints and deliver more end sales.
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