ILC–USA 2012
Summary and Take-Home Messages
by Troy Smith for Angus Productions Inc.
DENVER (Jan. 10, 2012) — In the closing session of the International Livestock Congress (ILC)–USA 2012, hosted Jan. 10 in Denver, Colo., Montana State University Extension Beef Specialist John Patterson recounted the issues addressed by conference speakers. Meat scientist Gary Smith then offered his interpretation of the take-home messages.
John Patterson photos by Kasey Miller
Patterson and Smith praised Washington State University’s Jude Capper’s opening presentation for setting the stage for discussion of sustainability, and revealing the fallacies and falsehoods behind anti-meat activists’ accusations that livestock production consumes too many resources and is unsustainable. Smith said one of the loudest accusers, journalist Michael Pollan, has “lost much of his steam.” That doesn’t mean that the perceptions Pollan fostered won’t persist, warned Smith. Attacks on animal agriculture will continue.
Responding to earlier presenters’ remarks regarding the three pillars of sustainability (environmental, economic and social), Smith echoed their belief that the economic aspect is often ignored.
“To make something last, it has to be economically viable,” stated Smith. “Can we do this? I believe we can conserve resources, satisfy consumers and survive in business now and in the future.”
Smith repeated his long-held belief that the beef industry must communicate its story to consumers. He commended members of all segments for doing a better job and urged them to step up efforts to tell what they do and why they do it.
“We need to get our young people engaged in defending what we’re doing right and changing it if we’re wrong,” he said.
Gary Smith photos by Kasey Miller
Claiming there is a need for diversity of production systems to satisfy consumer wants, Smith said there is demand for grass-fed, “natural” and conventionally produced beef. However, Smith affirmed the need for application of production technologies in order to meet the needs of a global population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. The answers will come “one step at a time,” he suggested, through more calves born, more calves weaned and more beef produced with more efficiency. Referring to a growing global demand for high-quality U.S. beef, Smith warned against sacrificing quality in the process of increasing production and efficiency.
Referring again to Capper’s presentation, Smith called her message even more effective because she is female. He believes the message that beef is safe becomes even more effective when the messenger is a female with children.
“I challenge the females in the audience to share the message with consumers,” said Smith. “They will believe you before they believe me.”
For additional coverage of ILC–USA 2012, return to the ILC index page.
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