Earth Day is always a good time to reflect on how we treat the environment, and the actions and improvements we’re making for the betterment of our planet. Farmers use the land to produce fruits, vegetables, and grains and graze livestock. Because our farmers and ranchers are so closely tied to the earth and its valuable resources,  they are continuously looking for new management practices to improve their land, which means so much to them.

Many studies surface around farming and ranching and its impact on the earth. When one looks at the entire picture, it’s noticeable how much farmers and ranchers really do to improve and save their natural resources.

For instance…

According to the American Meat Institute, since 1990, U.S. farmers increased meat production by almost 50 percent, milk production by 16 percent, and egg production by nearly 33 percent. According to the National Pork Board, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from U.S. animal agriculture have remained relatively constant while protein production has dramatically increased. This indicates improved feed efficiencies, better waste management strategies and more efficient use of cropland.

Additionally, advances in crop technologies and seed traits have greatly reduced environmental impact.

GM herbicide-tolerant crops not only reduce herbicide application, resulting in cleaner soil and water, they promote greater adoption of no-till farming, which minimizes soil erosion and the release of climate-changing carbon into the atmosphere.

So what does this mean for you? It means farmers and ranchers are doing more with less land and doing it a manner that is environmentally sound.

To learn more about how our affiliates are being good stewards of the environment, check out some of the links below: