There are 18 item(s) tagged with the keyword "Environmental footprint".
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“Air pollution from farms leads to 17,900 deaths per year, study finds.” It’s a catchy newspaper title reminiscent of a study from 2019 noting, “Corn pollution kills thousands of Americans a year, study finds.” These headlines surely grab your attention, but they don’t necessarily advance your understanding of the industry. Studies of this nature require models, models require a lot of assumptions, and model output and findings are only as good as the input.
It is an honor to begin my new role as chair of the American Feed Industry Association Board of Directors. The opportunity to serve in this position is both exciting and humbling.
Although I was raised in northern Indiana, my early years did not provide me with an awareness of the feed industry. Driving through soybean fields, eating sweet corn from roadside stands and the yearly visit to the “you-pick” strawberry patch was the limit of my exposure to the agricultural industry. My introduction ended up being through a random conversation leading to an entry-level job opportunity with a local agricultural equipment manufacturer, Laidig Systems, Inc. in Mishawaka, Ind. Over 40 years later, it is difficult to imagine serving a more rewarding industry.
Last week, the Animal Agriculture Alliance brought together over 100 individuals representing a cross section of the U.S. food and agriculture industry to openly discuss the diverse challenges that are preventing affordable, animal-sourced foods from reaching those who need it most. What participants said was astounding – that many of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as ending global hunger or reducing our environmental impact, are within reach with the game-changing, sustainable solutions already in the pipeline.
Recently, we read an article about an organization in the United Kingdom that launched a program, “Organuary,” to promote consumer awareness and the human consumption of organ meats, citing their nutritional and environmental benefits. It’s an interesting concept.
The United Nations is known for holding large meetings and frequently, we don’t feel the impact of what they do – but its latest Food Systems Summit is not one of those times.
Any pet owner who has watched as their dog or cat snapped at a fly or chased a grasshopper and then happily gobbled up the insect has probably inwardly grimaced as the pet crunched on the critter. Even knowing the insect is a good source of balanced protein can still make it hard to overcome the “ewww” factor of eating mealworms and crickets. In the United States, black soldier fly larvae can be fed to poultry, swine and certain types of fish in their diets and also sold for use as treats or snacks for pets.
We’ve all read the studies that say in order to stay on top of our game, we must make time to reflect, relax and recharge. We must continue to read and learn new things and connect with those who inspire and challenge us. For me, I have made a point of taking time every year to do just that – by participating in the World Food Prize.
Animal agriculture is taking sustainability seriously and is making great strides in reducing its footprint and taking care of animals. To commemorate National Pork Month, or Porktober, as it’s affectionately known as, I would like to share how this important sector of the agricultural industry is committing itself to taking care of both animals and our planet.
During my COVID-19 stay-at-home experience, I have had more time to read a variety of e-newsletters and participate in educational webinars. Much of the focus has been on the immediate and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry. However, one theme that is always in the background and occasionally steps to the forefront is: climate change.
When we listen to what our members and donors are saying, it is incredible how a small idea can grow into a much larger project. At the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), we have spent a lot of time helping our members and donors get to know the public charity’s new president Constance Cullman. As part of these introductions, we have also listened closely to what our supporters have had to say. We have heard amazing stories, met some incredible people and have come away from each meeting with a nugget or two of information about how we can continue to support the American Feed Industry Association’s member companies.
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