Meat & Livestock News

Colorado State University Introduces a New Sustainability Tool for the Beef Industry

TL;DR:

  • Colorado State University’s AgNext has developed the Feed Additive Calculator Tool (FACT) for Beef, aiming to help the beef industry understand methane emissions and the economic impact of using methane inhibitors.
  • Sara Place, an associate professor and feedlot systems specialist, created the tool to assist producers in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of feed additives and the potential for carbon credits.
  • The tool is designed to support the industry’s sustainability efforts by providing insights into reducing methane emissions and enhancing profitability.

In an effort to bolster sustainability within the beef sector, Colorado State University’s AgNext research collaborative has unveiled the Feed Additive Calculator Tool (FACT) for Beef. This innovative, open-access tool is designed to aid farmers, ranchers, and feeders in quantifying methane emissions from their operations and assessing the financial implications of incorporating methane-reducing feed additives.

Developed by Sara Place, a renowned feedlot systems specialist and associate professor at Colorado State, FACT draws upon her extensive experience in the market and the industry at large. The tool addresses the natural methane production in cattle, which varies based on diet and other dietary factors, and anticipates the introduction of feed additives that could mitigate these emissions.

The advent of such additives is seen as a double-edged sword, promising environmental benefits at a potential cost. Place’s tool, therefore, aims to provide a comprehensive analysis, allowing producers to weigh the costs against the benefits, including the possibility of generating carbon credits or receiving payments for adopting carbon reduction practices.

FACT for Beef stands as a pivotal development for the beef industry’s sustainability initiatives, offering a practical solution for producers to evaluate the impact of new additives on their operations. By facilitating a better understanding of methane emissions and their economic implications, the tool empowers producers to make informed decisions that align with both environmental stewardship and profitability.