Agricultural News
TCFA Feedyard Programs Recognized by Leading Beef Sustainability Group
Fri, 16 Aug 2019 09:57:28 CDT
The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB), a full beef stakeholder initiative focused on continuous improvement, officially recognized the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) suite of feedyard services and programs as aligning with the U.S. Beef Industry Sustainability Framework.
"TCFA feedyards are the envy of the world in terms of efficiently converting grains and by-products into protein," said Levi Berry, feedyard general manager and TCFA Chairman. "Over the last several decades, as an industry, we have consistently produced more beef with less cattle, used fewer overall inputs, implemented environmental management practices and strived to provide a safe workplace for our employees. This is the very definition of sustainability in action. TCFA feedyards have a great story to tell."
TCFA's suite of feedyard programs consist of three main areas; employee safety, environmental services; and Beef Quality Assurance. The programs and services are implemented in partnership with TCFA feedyard members.
In order to be recognized as aligning with the USRSB Framework, TCFA's programs were required to demonstrate alignment with six key areas:
1. Animal health and well-being
2. Efficiency and yield
3. Water resources
4. Land resources
5. Air and greenhouse gas emissions
6. Employee safety and well-being
Berry points out that this recognition gives TCFA feedyard members proof points they can use to highlight specific ways they are working to continuously improve upon their sustainability efforts.
For example, TCFA feedyard members who utilize TCFA's environmental services program align with the Framework's water resources, land resources and air and greenhouse gas emission indicators. TCFA's program includes environmental training, site audits, and soil, water and manure sampling.
Additionally, the environmental services program helps feedyards develop sound Pollution Prevention Plans and Nutrient Management Plans.
The programs underwent an evaluation by an independent third-party in order to demonstrate incorporation of U.S. Beef Industry Sustainability Framework criteria. The alignment claim is applicable for three years, at which time TCFA would reapply to keep recognition status.
"The USRSB Framework is new, but TCFA members have focused on improvements in these areas for years," said Berry. "Now, because TCFA's programs have been recognized, TCFA feedyard members can highlight their efforts in all of these areas under the larger umbrella of sustainability something consumers want from producers."
For more information on the USRSB Recognition Program, visit www.usrsb.org.
Source - Texas Cattle Feeders Association
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