The Truth About Grazing
Cattle grazing has become a controversial and often confusing topic that's tied up with issues like methane and the climate crisis, deforestation and biodiversity loss, industry investments and sustainability claims, and culture and colonialism. This site uses facts and science to cut through common myths about the impact of cattle on our planet. While grazing is global in scope, our initial focus is on the United States since it is the world’s largest beef producer and Americans consume four times more than the global average. The grazing impacts discussed, however, apply globally.
Environmental Impacts
Environmental Impacts
Environmental Impacts
Animal agriculture contributes at least 16.5% of global greenhouse gases. Of this, methane from cattle and sheep is the largest contributor.
False Solutions
Environmental Impacts
Environmental Impacts
Recently, the beef industry has touted a smorgasbord of unsupported grazing solutions. But there are real solutions and opportunities for change.
Reducing Consumption
Environmental Impacts
Reducing Consumption
At current rates of consumption, no form of beef production can be considered “sustainable.”
Read the Case Studies
The Great Basin
The Great Basin
The Great Basin
Spreading across sections of California, Idaho, Oregon, nearly all of Nevada and much of Utah, the Great Basin Desert is home to the vast Sagebrush Sea ecosystem, punctuated by high mountains. It is a region of vital biodiversity.
Point Reyes
The Great Basin
The Great Basin
Point Reyes National Seashore, in Northern California, is a biodiversity hotspot. Forty-five percent of North American bird species and 18% of California’s plant species are found in the small national park.
Verde River
The Great Basin
Verde River
The Verde River in Arizona, which flows from headwaters southwest of Flagstaff to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation northeast of Phoenix, is known for its diverse ecosystems, and is home to many endangered species.
Before and After Photos
BEFORE GRAZING: Red Creek (a Verde River tributary on the Tonto National Forest). Photo credit: Robin Silver, May 2005.
AFTER GRAZING: Red Creek (a Verde River tributary on the Tonto National Forest). Photo credit: Robin Silver, June 2019.
UNGRAZED AREA: Upper Verde River in the Antelope Hills Allotment, Prescott NF. Photo credit: Joe Trudeau.
GRAZED AREA: Upper Verde River in the Antelope Hills Allotment, Prescott NF (2 miles downstream). Photo credit: Joe Trudeau.
UNGRAZED AREA: Verde River, Skeleton Ridge and Red Creek Allotment, Tonto National Forest. Photo credit: Joe Trudeau.
GRAZED AREA: Verde River, Skeleton Ridge and Red Creek Allotment, Tonto National Forest. Photo credit: Joe Trudeau.
PARTIALLY GRAZED AREA: Upper Verde River Allotment, Tonto National Forest. Photo credit: Joe Trudeau.
FULLY GRAZED AREA: Upper Verde River Allotment, Tonto National Forest. Photo credit: Joe Trudeau.
Environmental Impacts of Grazing
The outsized environmental impact of cattle grazing on the planet does not justify its use as a food source. Animal agriculture contributes at least 16.5% of global greenhouse gases. Of this, methane from cattle and sheep is the largest contributor. Grazing systems are responsible for 20% of the GHG footprint of farmed animals but only produce 4% of the global meat and dairy supply.
Although most of the current debate about grazing seems laser-focused on the potential for cattle grazing to sequester carbon (often overlooking the limitations of cattle to do so), there are a host of other crucial environmental consequences to consider. One of the biggest impacts of cattle grazing is on wildlife and biodiversity, an issue often missing from the contentious debates and latest studies by the ag industry. Cattle grazing is a significant cause of environmental harm, including deforestation and wildfires, soil health, water depletion and pollution, and land use.
False Solutions
Recently the beef industry has proclaimed its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate mitigation, touting a smorgasbord of production solutions, from regenerative grazing and grass-fed beef to feed additives and alliances with conservation ranching programs.
Meanwhile the industry and its allies have pushed legislation to prevent plant-based alternatives, which are 86%-95% better for the climate, water, land and wildlife, from using the word “meat” or “milk” on their labels. The industry erupted in outrage over a meat-free day in Colorado, spread false hysteria about a nonexistent burger ban, and consistently resists efforts to scale back beef production. In fact, during the pandemic the industry aligned with the federal government to use the Defense Production Act to keep meat-processing plants open, offering few protections to workers despite wide-scale Covid-19 outbreaks. More recently JBS, the world’s largest beef producer, vowed to eliminate deforestation from its practices — but not for 14 more years. These actions are not compatible with the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crises.
Reducing Beef Consumption Is Key to Sustainable Practices
At current rates of consumption of beef and dairy, no form of production can be considered “sustainable.” All industry approaches must clearly acknowledge that given land limits, and the impacts of grazing on the climate and biodiversity crises, the most important solution is a substantial reduction in beef and dairy consumption and production.