Pillars of Feedlot Sustainability

“Beef Alliance leadership has carefully chosen to commit to focus on initiatives that lay at the intersection of food animal production efficiency and consumer trust. We simply call these important initiatives our Pillars. Through this focus and commitment the Beef Alliance seeks to find the balance whereby the beef industry maintains the social license to use necessary technologies to keep the industry sustainable while assuring the end consumer that the beef they and their families are eating is wholesome and safe.”

Mike Thoren

Immediate past Chairman

Judicious & Responsible Antibiotic Use

The first priority for Beef Alliance members is the health of the cattle in our care. We are committed to the responsible and judicious use of antibiotics and other technologies to help raise healthy animals, and to prevent, treat and control animal health challenges.

To demonstrate the commitment to judicious and responsible use, we will conduct collaborative research to identify opportunities to enhance stewardship, and explore more efficient and effective antimicrobial use. We will engage with strategic partners to protect access to appropriate production technologies.

Animal Welfare

Sound animal care practices, based on research and practical experience, are fundamental and ethical responsibilities – critical to the health and well-being of the animal, to the safety of cattle handlers, and to food safety and quality.

We have a documented and implemented animal welfare program that meets the BQA Feedyard Assessment. These programs allow us, and our employees, to learn from and train alongside veterinarians and animal behaviorists. Documenting our animal welfare programs helps us continuously improve our ability to provide for animals while they’re under our care.

Traceability

In order to enhance transparency and to meet consumer interests and demands for knowledge and verification of where their beef comes from, we are committed to traceability from the time cattle arrive at the finishing yard until they are harvested.

There are many definitions of traceability in the beef industry. For the Beef Alliance, we are setting realistic, measurable goals for traceability. Each of the Beef Alliance member companies have set goals and targets to contribute to the advancement of traceability in the beef supply chain. Every animal follows a unique path from ranch gate to plate. Beef Alliance traceability goals will help us tell the chapter at the feedyard.

Veterinary Education & Outreach

Raising healthy cattle in a safe and comfortable environment is a top priority, and veterinarians are critical in this responsibility. Veterinarians are on the front lines of cattle health and well-being – providing guidance and serving alongside feedlot staff 365-days a year to care for the health and welfare of cattle.

Beef Alliance staff veterinarians and consulting veterinarians participate in and complete the Beef Alliance Veterinarian Training Program, a program designed to provide enhanced learning and training opportunities and further develop the critical role our veterinarians play in cattle feeding operations.

Environmental Responsibility

Being responsible stewards of land, air and water resources is a priority for Beef Alliance members. In addition to complying with environmental regulations, Beef Alliance members utilize innovative practices and strategic partnerships in order to continuously improve environmental stewardship within their operations.

With locations spread across the United States, the feed ingredients used by Beef Alliance members is reflective of their natural environments. From using potato byproducts as feed ration ingredients in the Pacific Northwest to byproducts from ethanol production, Beef Alliance members seek to procure feedstuffs grown in their local communities. Not only does this practice support local farmers and the local economy, but it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Beef Alliance members also work to manage manure on their operations. Alliance members compost manure on site, and that compost is then used by local farmers to fertilize farmground. Though not an exhaustive list, these are two examples of practices that contribute to being responsible stewards of the environment.

Finally, the Beef Alliance is a member of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Involvement in USRSB gives the Beef Alliance a seat at the table guiding the future of a sustainable U.S. beef cattle industry.

P.O. Box 335
Malvern, AR 72104
(402) 416-7641