Cutting Costs and Emissions in Beef Production

A research team led by the University of Queensland has developed a tool to help the global beef industry simultaneously reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions while meeting demand for meat.

The team assessed the economic and emissions impacts of different cattle feeds at different locations around the globe to formulate a framework to guide and inform industry sustainability efforts.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow Adam C. Castonguay from UQ’s School of Veterinary Science said the study showed that as much as 85 per cent of emissions could be cut without an overall economic hit to the beef sector.

“This can be achieved by opting for more efficient feeds and locations, and restoring forests in inefficient areas, without increasing global costs of production or reducing demand for beef,” Mr Castonguay said.

“We have mapped out the most efficient locations around the world to produce beef and the maps change when factors are altered, such as how much society values reducing emissions over reducing production costs.

“This has given us an unprecedented insight into the ‘what, where, and why’ of beef production at a global level and decisions about the future of the industry can be informed by inputting trade-offs and opportunities.”

The research group says the tool could be used by governments and industry to develop policy and strategy.  

“There will be continued global demand for beef and there are a huge number of livelihoods associated with it, so this research aims to find an appropriate balance to maintain the bottom line of the sector,” Mr Castonguay said.