Cow/Calf
Optimizing land resources requires the consideration of many factors, including soil type, climate, vegetative cover, wildlife and their habitat, soil ecological function, cattle health requirements, invasive species (including plants) and many others. The most useful tool for cattle producers to manage all of these factors to maintain and improve land resources is a grazing management plan (GMP).
WHAT IS THE EXISTING METRIC?
- Is a grazing management plan (or equivalent) being implemented to protect and/or improve the land resources, including succession/transition planning?
WHAT IS THE SECTOR TARGET?
- 385 million acres covered by a written grazing management plan by 2050.
Feedyard
A feedyard owner and operator who implements an NMP will have a significant impact on the sustainability indicators of land resources and water resources because such a plan will include managing wastewater, monitoring soil health, and prescribing the proper application rates of nutrients. All feedyards are implementing nutrient management plans and practices by 2030.
WHAT IS THE EXISTING METRIC?
- Has a nutrient management strategy or plan been implemented?
WHAT IS THE SECTOR TARGET?
- All feedyards are implementing nutrient management plans and practices by 2030.
Packer & Processor
Mitigation of new facilities impacts on land resources are important for ensure that land stays in working condition. Facilities should also address on-site habitat restoration or installation of green infrastructure.
WHAT IS THE EXISTING METRIC?
- Does the company have initiative and/or explore opportunities to mitigate land and biodiversity impacts from new facility developments?
WHAT IS THE SECTOR TARGET?
- All facility construction, renovation or expansion projects will include a plan to mitigate impacts on natural resources by 2025.
Retail & Foodservice
U.S. retailer and food service providers have an important responsibility to their customers to make sure the beef they serve or sell comes from sources that protect areas with high conservation value and intact landscapes. The most material way for retail and food service companies to positively influence the stewardship of land resources is to first understand their beef value chains and then use clear and effective sourcing policies.
WHAT IS THE EXISTING METRIC?
- Level 1
- Has the company assessed the deforestation risk in its beef supply chain?
- Level 2
- Is the retail/foodservice company working with organizations to support U.S. farmers and rancher in developing and implementing grazing management plans?
- Does the retailer have environmental and community engagement policies to mitigate land impacts from new site developments on greenfields over five acres?
- Does the company have a no net deforestation policy for its beef?
WHAT IS THE SECTOR TARGET?
- All USRSB member retail and foodservice companies have assessed conversion risk in their U.S. supply chain, set science based goals and, by 2025, will implement a strategy to reduce conversion.
- All USRSB member retail and foodservice companies are working with organizations to support U.S. farmers and ranchers (e.g., technical assistance, financial assistance, etc.) in developing and implementing grazing management plans on 385 million acres by 2050.
