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.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
October 21, 2025 11:22 AM
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Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
October 21, 2025 11:06 AM
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The USDA’s latest Hogs and Pigs Report caught some analysts off guard. Inventories came in lower than expected, signaling tighter supplies ahead, even as producers return to profitability this year.
October 20, 2025 04:06 PM
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The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
October 20, 2025 12:46 PM
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Expect firm calf and fed-cattle prices — pair selective heifer retention with prudent hedging and liquidity to bridge rebuilding costs.
October 17, 2025 04:54 PM
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The new antitrust agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to enforce antitrust laws and monitor market activity across the ag sector.
October 17, 2025 12:27 PM
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