USDA has a beef with beef?

by | Jul 26, 2012 | News

No, the USDA doesn’t think meat is bad for the environment.

It all began with this internal USDA newsletter, released Monday. In it, employees are told the following:

One simple way to reduce your environmental impact while dining at our cafeterias is to participate in the ?Meatless Monday? initiative (http://www.meatlessmonday.com)/. This international effort, as the name implies, encourages people not to eat meat on Mondays. Meatless Monday is an initiative of The Monday Campaign Inc. in association with the John Hopkins School of Public Health.

How will going meatless one day of the week help the environment? The production of meat, especially beef (and dairy as well), has a large environmental impact. According to the U.N., animal agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gases and climate change. It also wastes resources. It takes 7,000 kg of grain to make 1,000 kg of beef. In addition, beef production requires a lot of water, fertilizer, fossil fuels, and pesticides. In addition there are many health concerns related to the excessive consumption of meat. While a
vegetarian diet could have a beneficial impact on a person?s health and the environment, many people are not ready to make that commitment. Because Meatless Monday involves only one day a week, it is a small change that could produce
big results.

Did you notice that our cafeterias have tasty meatless options? So you can really help yourself and the environment while having a good vegetarian meal!

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association was quick to respond. NCBA president J.D. Alexander found insult to injury in the newsletter’s assertion that beef and dairy production are harmful to the environment.

‘Today?s cattlemen are significantly more environmentally sustainable then they were 30 years ago. A study by Washington State University found that today?s farmers and ranchers raise 13 percent more beef from 13 percent fewer cattle. When compared with beef production in 1977, each pound of beef produced today produces 18 percent less carbon emissions; takes 30 percent less land; and requires 14 percent less water,’ said Alexander. ‘When it comes to health, beef has an amazing story to tell. Beef is a naturally nutrient-rich food, helping you get more nutrition from the calories you take in.’

Rep. Steve King, R-IA, tweeted

“USDA HQ meatless Mondays!!! At the Dept. Of Agriculture? Heresy! I’m not grazing there. I will have double rib-eye Mondays instead.”

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., was shocked that the USDA would be against farmers and ranchers. He said environmental issues were best left to the EPA rather than the Department of Agriculture.

However, the USDA’s press team tweeted the following Wednesday afternoon:

“USDA does not endorse Meatless Monday. Statement found on USDA website was posted w/o proper clearance. It has been removed // @FarmBureau”