Results: Extreme Heat caused by Climate Change Impacts Cattle Ranchers and ** The Price of Beef **

Animal-based foods are nutritious and especially important to livelihoods and diets in developing countries, but they also inefficiently use resources. Beef production is becoming more efficient. People say they want to eat more plants, but meat consumption is still rising. Do you eat Beef?

Food is a global commodity, what is consumed in one country can drive land use impacts and emissions in another. An increase in U.S. beef consumption, for example, can result in deforestation to make way for pastureland in Latin America. Conversely, a decrease in U.S. beef consumption can avoid deforestation and land-use-change emissions abroad. Cattle ranching is a major part of the agricultural economy in South America, and is a source of economic growth and livelihood for many people. Brazil is a top exporter of meat, supplying a quarter of the world's demand. Were you aware that Brazil exports a significant portion of the World's Beef supply?

The emissions intensity of beef production varies widely across the world, and improvements in the efficiency of livestock production can greatly reduce land use and emissions per pound of meat. Improving feed quality and veterinary care, raising improved animal breeds that convert feed into meat and milk more efficiently, and using improved management practices like rotational grazing can boost productivity and soil health while reducing emissions. Were you aware Cattle Farmers are adapting to more sustainable practices?

Climate Change-related extreme heat can significantly impact cattle ranchers in the United States. Heat stress can cause livestock to have reduced feed intake, which can lead to lower growth rates and milk or egg production. Heat stress can also affect fertility and make livestock more susceptible to disease. Dairy cows are especially sensitive to heat stress, and higher temperatures can lower the quality and output of milk. Were you aware of the impact of Heat Stress on livestock?

The brown and black cattle of Texas, beloved symbols of the Lone Star state, walk through desiccated grass and stand in shrunken watering holes while their ranchers struggle to get them enough food. For the second summer in a row, drought and extreme heat are stressing the health of cattle in Texas - the top beef-producing state in the U.S. by far - leading some ranchers to think about thinning their herds to save money on animal feed and hay. Were you aware the reduction in the cattle impacts the price of Beef?

Climate Change is impacting cattle ranchers in Florida through heat stress, which can affect the growth, reproduction, and health of cattle. The ideal temperature for beef and dairy cows is between 44 and 77 degrees. When more than 5-10% of cows have a body temperature above 105 degrees F, the situation is considered an emergency. Genetic testing can help Florida ranchers select and breed cattle that better tolerate the heat. Were you aware of the following Impacts....?