Environment
For a sustainable future
The Australian grain fed beef industry is committed to a wider sustainability plan known as the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework.
The Framework aims to create a thriving industry that improves the wellbeing of people, animals and the environment. It answers the high accountability the red meat industry has to Australian consumers and the community.
How the grain fed beef industry is reducing its environmental footprint
Nourishing land
Nourishing land is a key component of the Australian grain fed beef industry’s mission. Few industries are as acutely aware of the need to protect and sustain the areas they operate in.
The one eternal problem facing Australian cattle producers is availability of grass. Extreme seasonal conditions are a common occurrence. Sending cattle to feedlots makes a positive contribution to land sustainability as it reduces overgrazing and allows adequate re-growth of grassland.
Additionally, cattle on grain-based diets at feedlots reach their ideal weights more quickly than they would on grass. Less time on grass results in a measurable reduction in carbon emissions. (Source)
Using by-products
Feedlots play an important role in food-waste management due to the feedlot utilising lower-grade human food production by-products as safe and nutritious ration ingredients. This efficient use of what would otherwise be wasted is an example of how the Australian grain fed beef industry continues to nourish land and create a better environmental footprint.
Cattle manure is a valuable source of nutrients and organic matter for improving soil structure and fertility, and crop or pasture production. Feedlots will generally recycle manure to either use themselves or sell as fertiliser.
Water management
As in any agricultural industry water usage is closely monitored, and cattle must have free access to clean water at all times.
The grain fed beef industry operates water management procedures under the guidance of the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS) which covers all aspects of environmental management including surface water and ground water.
