World Ark Magazine - May/June 2008 - (Page 21)

T he Problems of Livestock Production First, the issue demands a look at the specific problems associated with livestock production. The report breaks them into four categories: land, air, water and biodiversity. According to the latest statistics, the livestock industry occupies about 30 percent of the earth’s ice-free land surface. This number, which includes land occupied by animals as well as land devoted to raising their feed, has risen sharply over the last 50 years and continues to increase. land is also being used more intensively, with less time to recover from grazing and crops, and this contributes to desertification and the displacement of wildlife. As for air pollution, due to their digestive process, livestock release what the report calls “considerable amounts” of three greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Methane and nitrous oxide, though less prevalent in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, are far more harmful. livestock waste—like the so-called “lagoons,” the open-air holding tanks that industry farms use for hog waste—also contributes to air and groundwater pollution. By tracking the whole cycle of livestock production, the report takes into account damaging amounts of carbon dioxide, other pollution and the emissions from transportation (most grain used for feed is shipped long distances). Heifer SolutionS Heifer International knows that farm animals are essential to lifting hungry families out of poverty. We strive to reduce the environmental footprint—and hoofprint—we make. That’s why Heifer teaches project partners environmentally sound farming methods through agroecology— the sustainable use and management of natural resources. Heifer’s method integrates plantand animal-production practices to satisfy human food needs, enhance environmental quality and natural resources, and make the most of on-farm and renewable resources. Terry Wollen, Heifer’s director of animal well-being, says it’s important to consider the benefits of livestock production and to develop solutions based on scientific facts. “Many small- and large-scale farmers do an excellent job producing high-quality food. We need to continue to develop sustainable and environmentally sound agriculture methods that will meet the world’s food needs, while protecting the Earth.” Learn more about Heifer’s efforts at www.heifer.org/agroecology. Change doesn’t come without a cost. Converting the practices of large-scale farms will be problematic, in large part because it will raise the prices of meat and animal products at a time when demand is growing. www.heifer.org May/June 2008 | WOrlD Ark 21 http://www.heifer.org/agroecology http://www.heifer.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of World Ark Magazine - May/June 2008

World Ark Magazine - May/June 2008 Contents Letters For the Record The Good Life Asked & Answered Why Water Matters The Carbon Hoofprint From Farm to Table Healing History Mixed Media Heifer Spirit Heifer Bulletin World Ark Market Calendar First Person

World Ark Magazine - May/June 2008

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