December 18, 2023

Grass-finished beef operations found to have higher carbon footprint, study reveals

In a recent study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, researchers from the Breakthrough Institute in the United States, led by Daniel Blaustein-Rejto, present findings challenging the common belief that beef operations with lifelong grass-based diets have a lower carbon footprint than those incorporating grain-based diets, Phys.org reported.

Cattle raised on lifelong grass diets, termed "pasture finished," have been traditionally thought to be more environmentally friendly. But the study delves into a more comprehensive analysis, considering factors beyond direct greenhouse gas emissions.

The researchers conducted a thorough examination, comparing the carbon footprint of 100 beef operations across 16 countries. While previous studies mainly focused on direct emissions, this research factored in soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity cost, the carbon that could have been sequestered if the land had native ecosystems instead of being used for beef production.

The results of the study revealed that pasture-finished operations produce 20% more greenhouse gases than their grain-finished counterparts, aligning with previous findings. When considering soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity cost, the total carbon footprint of pasture-finished operations was 42% higher, primarily due to more intensive land usage.

Extensive statistical analysis further emphasized the correlation between increased land use intensity and a larger overall carbon footprint for beef operations. The study suggests that carbon opportunity costs might contribute even more significantly to an operation's overall carbon footprint than direct greenhouse gas emissions.

The researchers emphasise the importance of considering carbon opportunity costs in climate mitigation efforts related to beef production. This nuanced understanding may also guide consumers in making informed choices, especially considering the perception of pasture-finished beef as a more premium option.

-      Phys.org