agriculture-food production

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2023 Red Meat Production Expected to be Lower.

Source: Meat Poultry (2023, April 4). 2023 Red Meat Production Expected to be Lower. Retrieved August 6, 2023, from https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/28255-2023-red-meat-production-expected-to-be-lower

The US Department of Agriculture predicts that beef production will decline significantly in 2023, increasing turkey, broiler, and pork production. This will result in the first decrease in total red meat production in 9 years.Decreased beef production, attributed to falling cattle numbers due to factors like drought, plays a significant role. The estimated production will be predicted to drop 0.3% less than 2022. Prices in cattle are expected to rise, while hog and broiler prices are expected to decline. 

I think that the predicted decline in beef production will shift so humans will utilize more diverse meat sources. This change could help improve efforts to address environmental concerns and optimize resource use. While factors like cattle shortages due to drought contribute to decreased beef production, this transition simultaneously aligns with the growing awareness of sustainability. Price alteration might cause conflict within the debate of affordability. This idea considers the need for a balanced approach in our diets, considering both nutritional needs and environmental impacts.

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The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Prop 12 is a Win Against Factory Farming. But the Pigs’ Lives Will Still Suck.

Source: Vox (2023, July 26). The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Prop 12 is a Win Against Factory Farming. But the Pigs’ Lives Will Still Suck. Retrieved August 6, 2023, from https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/23721488/prop-12-scotus-pork-pigs-factory-farming-california-bacon

The US Supreme Court upheld California’s Proposition 12, which forbids the sale of pork from farms that use “gestation crates.” The pork industry opposes the law’s requirements that pregnant pigs have more space. The ruling has implications for the Commerce Clause’s judicial authority and exposes a flaw in US animal law. Although this is viewed as a victory for animal welfare, critics point out that the law has limitations, and only certain pork products are covered. The decision sparks conflict about whether small changes can result in significant changes in factory farming practices and animal rights legislation.

I think the result of Prop 12 acknowledges the significant difficulties in agriculture and animal welfare. While carrying out minor changes, legal measures may not fully address the underlying causes of environmental concerns. This makes it necessary to think about non-regulatory solutions, such as investigating new methods of meat production. The decision emphasizes the need for efforts that challenge the current situation and improve sustainable meat production techniques in California.

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Two California Companies Will Soon Sell Lab-Grown Meat.

Source: The New York Times (2023, June 30). Two California Companies Will Soon Sell Lab-Grown Meat. Retrieved August 6, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/us/california-lab-grown-meat.html

The US Agriculture department permits sale of meat cultivated from animal stem cells, which is gaining popularity in California. This process makes artificial meat by multiplying stem cells in bioreactors, which  then evolve into nutritional fat, muscle, and tissue. Many bring up positive ideas regarding environmental benefits and animal welfare, but concerns arise about risks with byproducts. The U.S is the second country to approve the sale of cell-based meat, but there is a lot of controversy with people thinking of the meat as “cultivated’ and “synthetic.” Though, this breakthrough can reshape the food industry. 

I think that lab-grown meat may provide a solution to the issues with conventional meat production in California. This has the potential to completely alter the way we think about meat production and how it affects our environment. While lab-grown meat is intriguing, there are other disadvantages that need to be considered. It will be interesting to observe how this is received by people and how lab-grown meat production goes as time passes. As we come closer to lab-grown meat becoming a reality in California, it is important to realize the benefits and possible risks of this.

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Supreme Court’s Ruling on Humane Treatment of Pigs Could Catalyze a Wave of New Animal Welfare Laws.

Source: The Conversation (2023, August 2). Supreme Court’s Ruling on Humane Treatment of Pigs Could Catalyze a Wave of New Animal Welfare Laws. Retrieved August 6, 2023, from https://theconversation.com/supreme-courts-ruling-on-humane-treatment-of-pigs-could-catalyze-a-wave-of-new-animal-welfare-laws-205548

The Supreme court’s recent ruling of Proposition 12 regarding the humane treatment of pigs may trigger a wave of new animal welfare laws. The ruling was caused by a case involving a meat processing company who was using inhumane practices on pigs. The Court emphasizes that the law protects the animal’s treatment not only prior to slaughtering, but the act of slaughtering as well. The article suggests that this new law could push lawmakers to enforce stricter animal welfare laws, that not only protect livestock but also pets, lab animals, and animals used for entertainment.

I feel that while Proposition 12’s victory is a win for animal welfare, it highlights a broader realization about our societal behavior. This decision could lead to tighter regulations across the meat supply chain, encouraging a shift towards improved conditions for farm animals. However, the path forward is uncertain, as industry stakeholders may resist altering traditional meat production methods. Despite challenges, this choice appears as a positive way to transform animal treatment in the meat industry, fostering a more compassionate and eco-conscious approach to meat production.

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Environmental Impact of Meat Production

Okafor, J. (2023, May 6). Environmental Impact of Meat Production. Trvst. Retrieved August 8, 2023, from https://www.trvst.world/environment/environmental-impact-of-meat-production/

 

The environmental impacts of meat production are many, and include: its strain on resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and impact on wildlife habitats. The article explores the history of meat production and consumption, types of meat and their different impacts, and environmental consequences. Meat production’s main impacts regarding climate change involve water pollution, deforestation, and air pollution. Additionally, there are many health risks involved with excess meat consumption. The article suggests cultured meat as a solution although the environmental impacts of that compared to conventional meat production is unresolved. Ultimately, the need to be mindful of one’s dietary choices and to observe and support sustainable farming practices is emphasized.

 

I was not very surprised by the article and its content. The history of meat consumption helped to give me a better understanding of the meat industry as a whole, and it gave a good overall summary of the consequences of meat production and the meat industry overall. Through the broad scope of the article it helps the reader to understand meat production and what it entails. I agree with the points of the article that dietary choices are important to consider and a big factor in the meat industry. If people are more mindful of how much meat they buy and what that meat means for the environment, then the harmful environmental impacts of  meat production and consumption can be reduced. Similarly, choices to buy meat coming from sustainable farming practices can help reduce the harmful environmental impacts due to the meat industry.

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New study suggests that lab-grown meat produces up to 25 times more CO2

McFadden, C. (2023, May 14). New study suggests that lab-grown meat produces up to 25 times more CO2. Interesting Engineering. Retrieved August 8, 2023, from https://interestingengineering.com/science/lab-grown-meat-25-times-co2

 

A new study from the University of California Davis suggests that lab grown meat, or animal cell-based meat(ACBM), may have a significantly worse environmental impact than traditional livestock farming. The research estimates that if current techniques of creating ACBM are scaled up for the market, ACBM production would result in four to twenty-five times more CO2 emissions than conventional meat production. The results found by this study were unexpected but they can be attributed to the energy intensive process involved in providing cultured cells with nutrients, which requires fossil fuels. Additionally, the elimination of toxins during the production process contributes to high energy and resource costs. Researchers propose developing cell lines that can tolerate more toxins to reduce emissions. It is important to note that the study has not yet undergone peer review.

Upon reading this article about this study I was stunned. I have heard of creating meat in a lab, or ACBM, and how through this process, we can help reduce CO2 emissions and help the environment, as there is less land and nutrients/resources required to create the ACBM. However, this study flips that notion on its head. The study shows that while this new method of creating meat may seem better for the environment, it is many times more damaging. Although, it is important to remember that the study has not yet undergone peer review so the results are not 100% conclusive. Although this article came from UC Davis, the effects of ACBM production are seen globally. Expectations for the future and reducing CO2 emissions due to meat production may be set back, expecting more CO2 emissions in the future. Additionally, new ways of cutting down CO2 emissions in the meat processing process may start to be discovered to help hit targets such as the one stated in the previous article, staying under a 1.5℃ increase in global temperature.

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Meat, dairy and rice production will bust 1.5C climate target, shows study

Carrington, D. (2023, March 6). Meat, dairy and rice production will bust 1.5C climate target, shows study. The Guardian. Retrieved August 8, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/06/meat-dairy-rice-high-methane-food-production-bust-climate-target-study

 

Emissions from food production primarily from meat, dairy, and rice, are expected to lead to a global temperature increase of at least 0.7℃ by the end of the century, in addition to the 1℃ rise already observed. This alone would surpass the 1.5℃ climate increase target for the end of the century. Approximately 75% of the food-related heating is due to high-methane sources such as livestock. To mitigate this impact, it is expected that cutting meat consumption in wealthy nations, reducing livestock emissions and manure, and adopting renewable energy in the food system, could reduce the temperature rise by 55%. Although, these estimates may underestimate the situation as they assume constant animal product consumption whereas projections indicate a 70% increase in consumption by 2050. 

 

I was initially confused by this article as I did not know about the 1.5℃ target for the world by the end of the century; however, after reading closer I became more concerned as meat production appears to leave a large impact on the global temperature. Some of the environmental consequences due to an increase in global temperature, especially an increase that surpasses targets that have been set, are destroyed ecosystems and more severe dangerous weather events, such as hurricanes. The article expects that the target will be passed by 0.2℃, but it assumes things such as constant animal product consumption, but other studies and articles show that this is not an accurate prediction for the future; animal product consumption has increased almost every year since 1990. This article shines light on the temperature impacts that meat production has. It gives context to the consequences that come with increased meat production, as talked about in the prior article. The article notes that the main contributors to the temperature rise due to food production comes primarily from high-methane sources, this is primarily meat.

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FAO meat outlook: Production, trade, and prices in 2023

(2023, June 20). FAO meat outlook: Production, trade, and prices in 2023. Pid33.com. Retrieved August 8, 2023, from https://www.pig333.com/latest_swine_news/fao-meat-outlook-production-trade-and-prices-in-2023_19446/

 

World total meat production in 2023 is estimated to increase slightly to 364 million tonnes(carcass weight equivalent) from 345.17 tonnes(carcass weight equivalent) in 2023. Mainly driven by an increase in poultry(chicken) meat production, production is expected to increase the most by volume. Global ovine(sheep) meat production is also forecasted to increase mainly in Asia and Oceania. However, global pig meat production is expected to drop slightly, by -0.5%. Similarly, global bovine(cattle) meat production is expected to fall marginally. World trade in meat is expected to reach 42 million tonnes(carcass weight equivalent) slightly more than that of 2022. 

 

This article explores the changes in global meat production mainly comparing it to last year, 2022. While many know that meat production is a big part of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, many do not look into the amount that meat production itself changes year to year. This article explores the areas of meat production regarding total estimated meat production for this year. It then breaks down that total estimate into the different categories of meat production and explains a little of why each different meat type may be increasing or decreasing in production. The article also explores how world trade in meat and meat products has changed and compares it to last year. I was surprised to read that meat production and prices took a big spike last year in 2022 but this year, they increased only by a small percentage. Lower than last year and years prior. I was also interested to learn about different viruses that are currently affecting meat production such as the African swine fever virus in Europe. Prior to reading this article I knew nothing about viruses in food and how it affects meat production, other than Covid-19.

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Tight supplies will lead to lower margins for meat producers in 2023

Casey, C. (2023, February 8). Tight supplies will lead to lower margins for meat producers in 2023: S&P report. FOODDIVE. Retrieved August 8, 2023, from https://www.fooddive.com/news/meat-supply-margins-2023-decrease-report/642046/

 

The meat industry is expected to face many challenges in 2023 and upcoming years. Due to high operating costs, droughts, supply chain disruptions, and tight livestock supply, meat producers such as JBS are expected to experience lower margins and reduced pricing control this year and going into 2024. Additionally, poultry producers like Tyson and Pilgrim’s Pride will face pressure from high feed costs and limited cold storage, though margins may improve during the summer grilling season. The profitability of these companies is likely to decrease, however their expanded product portfolio may reduce the impact of an economic downturn. The meat industry may continue to face difficulties as droughts and bad weather strains margins, and shifting demand dynamics create more uncertainty.

 

This article focuses on the economic side of the meat industry, highlighting the continued economic struggles facing meat producers and processors. These companies are experiencing lower margins as well as shifting demand dynamics, possibly these shifting demand dynamics may come from consumers decreasing meat consumption due to increased knowledge regarding the harmful effects of the meat industry on the environment. The economic difficulties these companies are facing may result in less overall meat production, as resources are reallocated to create other goods or services with better product margins. This decrease in overall meat production would help the environment as meat production is mostly harmful to it. I was interested in this article mainly because it focuses on the economic side of meat production. It gave me insight on how the market is doing and I started to speculate how the environmental impacts of meat production may be affected by shifting market situations.

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Meat Production

Perkins, J. (2023, January 19). December red meat production went down sharply. Brownfield Ag News. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://brownfieldagnews.com/news/december-red-meat-production-down-sharply/

This article was about meat production in the US, and how it dropped throughout the years. It states that the pounds of meat from pork, cow, and lamb have all decreased. Beef production went down six percent from last year. Resulting in “2.225 billion pounds” of beef produced. Not only beef but pork went down seven percent producing “2.23 billion pounds” of meat. 

Lowering our production of meat means lowering the emissions of co2 and other chemicals. With this we can stop or decrease climate change and not only help our environment but our atmosphere. With meat consumption declining it’ll result in a healthier world as there won’t be much pollution.