ABOUT OUR WORKING GROUPS, COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES

The board of directors guides the work of the USRSB through working groups, committees and task forces. It is through these working groups that the USRSB’s work is accomplished.  

 These working groups examine issues and seek solutions to advance, support and communicate continuous improvement in beef sustainability.    

To learn more about the efforts of the working groups or if you are interested in signing up as a volunteer, please contact the USRSB administrator for additional details on how to become more engaged.

WORKING GROUPS, COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES

Communications and Outreach Working Group

Co-Chairs: Cece Blythe (Blythe Family Farms), Lora Wright (Where Food Comes From), Cheyenne McEndaffer (McEndaffer Beef Genetics), Wes Ishmael (American Hereford Association) and Gene Lollis (Florida Cattlemen's Association) 

Scope of Work: The Communications & Outreach Working Group advances the mission and vision of USRSB by integrating communications and outreach efforts to increase awareness, adoption, and implementation of the U.S. Beef Industry Sustainability Framework across the beef value chain. The Working Group supports execution of the communications strategy, including key publications and strategic use of events, and develops and promotes tools, resources, and educational materials that encourage incorporation of USRSB indicators and metrics into existing programs.

Goals and Targets Tracking Working Group

Co-Chairs: Myriah Johnson, PhD, (Farm Credit Services America), Charlie Besher (National Grazing Lands Coalition) and Kristi Block (Meat Institute)

Scope of Work: Engage with life cycle assessment scientists, industry experts, academia, allied industry, civil society and external advisors to establish the methodology for tracking progress towards achieving the USRSB High-Priority Indicator Goals & Sector Targets.

Research Priorities Working Group

Co-Chairs: Jeff Goodwin, PhD, (Texas A&M Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management), Hugh Aljoe (Noble Research Institute) and PJ Newcomb (Golden State Foods)

Scope of Work: Review and support external projects, field trials, pilot projects, research projects and resources that align with the USRSB vision and mission, including oversight of approved projects, progress reports and results. Identify gaps in research knowledge and actively look for new research opportunities to support that will promote progress towards achieving the USRSB High-Priority Indicator Goals & Sector Targets.

General Assembly Planning Working Group

Co-Chairs: Shannon Wharton (Wharton 3C Cattle) and Josh White (National Cattlemen's Beef Association)

Scope of Work: Assist in guiding the planning and execution of the annual General Assembly meeting, including site selection for the meeting, theme, sponsorship opportunities, promotional material, tour stops, keynote addresses, speakers and panels, as well as other meeting logistics.

Producer Outreach Task Force

Chair: Mike Williams, California Cattlemen's Association; Group Leads: Steve Wooten (Beatty Canyon Ranch), Hugh Aljoe (Noble Research Institute) and Lance Zimmerman (Rabobank North America)

Scope of Work: Develop and provide accessible, regionally-relevant training presentations for producers to encourage adoption of management plans in key areas such as grazing management, herd health and performance, and financial stewardship, and to connect producers with planning resources that will be useful in their operations.

Grazingland Conversion Task Force

Co-Chairs: Belinda Richardson (McDonald's), Charlie Besher (Besher Farms) and Steve Wooten (Beatty Canyon Ranch)

Scope of Work: Unify stakeholders across the U.S. beef supply chain around a shared understanding of grazingland conversion and to collaboratively develop strategies that reduce conversion. By aligning definitions, metrics, and best practices, the Task Force aims to protect grazinglands, enhance ecosystem services, and support the long-term sustainability of beef production in the United States.

Investor Outreach Task Force

Chair: Bryan Valladares (Darden)

Scope of Work: Engage with domestic and international investors focused on sustainability in the beef industry. Explore investor knowledge gaps, align on environmental priorities, and ensure transparent communication around U.S. beef sustainability efforts—particularly in relation to deforestation, grazingland conservation, and ecosystem impacts. Serve as a platform to educate investors on the unique environmental dynamics of U.S. beef production while aligning on shared sustainability goals and areas of action that best support advances in sustainable beef production.