It’s amazing to me that cattle raising always gets smeared as environmental activists and others discuss sustainability and combating climate change. The activists always cite cattle production as a main contributor to climate change.

Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. And it’s up to all of us involved in agriculture to keep working to set the record straight. Here are some facts:

• During the past three decades, cattle producers have cut back per-unit greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 8% while producing 18% more beef. 

• Livestock emissions make up less than 4% of all U. S. GHGs, far less than activists claim.

• And perhaps most importantly, cattle are nature’s upcyclers. They can graze lands not suitable for crop production to produce high quality proteins.

Telling is important but showing skeptics is even better. To help do that, check out a video Iowa Farm Bureau recently posted from the farm of Wapello County cattle raiser Colin Johnson. 

He tells how his family cares for their land and animals. Johnson also highlights the regenerative circle of livestock agriculture in Iowa, where pastures and crops feed the livestock and manure helps provide nutrients for crops. The result is a healthy environment and nutritious beef for consumers in the United States and around the world.

Find the video of Johnson, as well as other livestock farmers in the “Real Farmers. Real Food. Real Meat” video series at realfarmersrealfoodrealmeat.com.