Beef Production Trends—Keeping American Consumers Informed

Beef production trends in the cattle industry are constantly changing. BeefMyths.org will keep you up to date with the latest beef production trends. American consumers deserve to be kept informed about what’s going on in the industry.Were you aware that the food scare concerning carbon monoxide in beef is being manufactured out of thin air?Were you aware that landfills, not beef production, are the #1 source of methane emissions? According to the EPA, approximately two-thirds of U.S. methane emissions in 2003 were from landfills, natural gas and oil systems and coal mining. Methane produced by all domestic livestock accounted for less than 3% of the total U.S. Greenhouse gas emissions in 2003.Were you aware that according to USDA’s Agricultural Statistics 2005, less than 1% of the total 2001 U.S. beef supply was imported from “rainforest countries” (South and Central America)? Fast-food chains in the United States have had long-standing policies against buying beef from rainforest countries.Were you aware that more than 90% of American consumers remain confident that U.S. beef is safe, though consumer awareness of issues such as Mad Cow Disease has been as high as 96%?Were you aware that steak and hamburgers are the two most popular beef products consumed at home? Steak is eaten more than once a month by the average person.Were you aware that ground beef makes up 60% of all fresh beef served at home? Steak and roast contribute to most of the remaining fresh beef servings.Were you aware that Mad Cow Disease (BSE) is not found in the muscle meat or milk produced by cattle? The only way to spread the disease is through the BSE-infected organs such as the brain and spinal chord. These organs never enter the food chain.Were you aware that cattle have been unjustly blamed for the deterioration of the earth’s resources including: water quality, erosion and greenhouse gases?Were you aware that in reality, cattle are an important tool for land management and environmental preservation?Were you aware that cattle ranchers conduct soil tests, implement brush and weed control programs, grazing management plans, minimum or conservation tillage systems and range quality and grass utilization monitoring? The government closely regulates large operations through the Clean Water Act.Were you aware that the largest contributors to water pollution are industrial waste, human sewage and runoff from urban and rural areas?Were you aware that cattle help fight against erosion since most soil erosion occurs when farmers plan row crops on land that is too steep? Pasturelands where cattle graze are managed grasslands that serve as ground cover and hold the soil in place.Were you aware that cattle can’t justly be held accountable for greenhouse concerns since only approximately 2% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2001 were from methane produced by all domestic livestock.