All events / Livestock / February 2025

Livestock Events February 2025

The livestock industry plays a crucial role in the global food system, providing meat, milk, and other animal products to people around the world. From cattle and pigs to chickens and fish, the livestock industry encompasses a wide range of animals and production methods.

The livestock industry has grown rapidly in recent decades, driven by increasing global demand for animal products. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, global meat production has increased from 78 million tons in 1961 to 335 million tons in 2020. This growth has been accompanied by a shift towards intensive production methods, such as feedlots and industrial-scale poultry farms, which can produce large quantities of animal products at low cost.

However, the livestock industry also faces significant challenges, including concerns about animal welfare, environmental impacts, and public health. Industrial-scale livestock production has been criticized for its reliance on antibiotics, which can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and its impact on water and air quality.

To address these challenges, the livestock industry is increasingly focused on sustainable production methods that promote animal welfare, reduce environmental impacts, and promote public health. For example, some producers are adopting regenerative agriculture practices, which involve using grazing animals to improve soil health and sequester carbon.

The livestock industry is also increasingly focused on animal welfare, with producers adopting practices such as free-range farming, which allows animals to graze and move freely, and reducing the use of antibiotics. These practices can improve the health and well-being of animals, while also reducing the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

In addition to these trends, the livestock industry is also facing growing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives to animal products. The rise of plant-based meat substitutes, such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, has created new competition for the traditional meat industry. However, some livestock producers are also exploring alternative proteins, such as insect-based animal feed or lab-grown meat, as a way to meet growing demand for animal products while reducing environmental impacts.

In conclusion, the livestock industry is a critical component of the global food system, providing meat, milk, and other animal products to people around the world. While the industry faces significant challenges, including concerns about animal welfare, environmental impacts, and public health, there is also a growing focus on sustainable production methods that promote animal welfare, reduce environmental impacts, and meet consumer demand for plant-based alternatives to animal products. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be essential to balance the growing demand for animal products with the need to protect animal welfare, public health, and the environment.