ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) hosted a Beef Sustainability Research Roadmap Workshop. The two-day workshop took place October 28-29, 2024.
The workshop provided an opportunity to convene key subject matter experts and stakeholders from across the beef value chain to present critical research, pilot projects, collaborations and other relevant initiatives related to USRSB’s High-Priority Indicator Goals and Sector Targets. In particular, this workshop focused on USRSB’s overarching goals and cow-calf and feedyard sector targets related to the indicator areas of air and greenhouse gas emissions, land resources and water resources. The primary outcome from the workshop was the identification of research and knowledge gaps across these indicator areas. From this, USRSB has published a gap analysis and research roadmap that will provide guidance on future research activities.
pre-workshop focus group sessions
In advance of the in-person workshop, there were three virtual focus group sessions open to the public. The goal of each focus group was to convene key subject matter experts and stakeholders from across the beef value chain to identify research and knowledge gaps.
Land Resources Focus Group Session
Join subject matter experts Dr. Jeff Goodwin, Dr. Jason Rowntree and Dr. Paige Stanely as they investigate the current state of the science around USRSB's Land Resources goal and cow-calf sector targets. Moderated by Dr. Samantha Werth, attendees can expect to participate in an engaging dialogue where, alongside the subject matter experts, the group will work to identify knowledge gaps, challenges and opportunities around land and U.S. cattle production.
Water Resources Focus Group Session
Join subject matter experts Dr. Kevin Wagner and Dr. Susan Metzger as they investigate the current state of the science around USRSB's Water Resources goal and cow-calf and feedyard sector targets. Moderated by Dr. Samantha Werth, attendees can expect to participate in an engaging dialogue where, alongside the subject matter experts, the group will work to identify knowledge gaps, challenges and opportunities around water and U.S. cattle production.
Air & GHG Emissions Focus Group Session
Join subject matter experts Dr. Sara Place, Dr. Logan Thompson and Dr. Troy Rowan as they investigate the current state of the science around USRSB's Air & GHG Emissions goal and cow-calf and feedyard sector targets. Moderated by Dr. Samantha Werth, attendees can expect to participate in an engaging dialogue where, alongside the subject matter experts, the group will work to identify key knowledge gaps, challenges and opportunities around Air & GHG emissions in U.S. cattle production.
This WORKSHOP is MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO:
GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS:
SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS:
USRSB's Land, Water and Air & GHG Emissions Goals
See below for a quick look at USRSB's land resources, water resources and air & greenhouse gas emissions goals and cow-calf and feedyard sector targets. These goals and targets serve as the guide for the focus group session topics leading into the in-person workshop aimed at developing a Sustainable Beef Research Roadmap.
Land Resources
Overarching Goal
The U.S. beef supply chain will work to maintain and improve grazing lands under the care of U.S. beef producers. We will do this by:
- Establishing a baseline for acres under grazing management plans (GMPs) by 2023;
- Achieving 385 million acres covered by a written GMP by 2050;
- and Supporting programs that respect property rights, create value and expand producer capacity to deploy well-managed grazing strategies to ensure lasting legacies founded on conservation and economic success.
Cow-Calf Target
385 million acres covered by a written grazing management plan by 2050.
Feedyard Target
All feedyards are implementing nutrient management plans and practices by 2030.
Water Resources
Overarching Goal
By 2050, the U.S. beef supply chain will improve water management strategies and improve water quality. We will do this by:
- Benchmarking water use and quality by 2025;
- Improving retention and capture of nutrients for beneficial use; and
- Supporting feedstuffs growers to achieve their water sustainability goals.
Cow-Calf Target
385 million acres covered by a written grazing management plan by 2050.
Feedyard Target
All feedyards are assessing water availability and implementing water conservation management practices by 2030.
Air & GHG Emissions
Overarching Goal
The U.S. beef supply chain will achieve climate neutrality by 2040.
Cow-Calf Target
385 million acres covered by a written grazing management plan by 2050.
Feedyard Target
The feedyard sector will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% per pound of beef by 2030.