Land Use for Agriculture
What are the most reliable estimates for land uses in the U.S.? The USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) has provided “Major Uses of Land” reports since 1945. Their studies provide the most comprehensive accounting of all major uses of public and private land.[1,2] The agency publishes a report approximately every 5 years based on several […]
Animal Ag Subsidies Takeaways
Animal Ag Subsidies Takeaways Takeaways are key points detailed and referenced in the Subsidies section Agriculture Subsidies ♦ The average cost of federal agricultural subsidies is about $30 billion per year, broadly and conservatively estimated. This is more than 3 times the 2024 budget of the EPA. ♦ There are roughly 864,000 farms with annual […]
Infographic – Subsidies
Below are some key figures for agricultural subsidies averaged over recent years. They summarize the two major categories of subsidies: crop insurance premiums and direct payments. Subsidies to animal agriculture are highlighted – estimating the crop insurance subsidies and direct payments to crops primarily and/or specifically grown for animal feed and the key direct payment […]
Until All the Rivers Run Dry
The Colorado River and the Rio Grande are running dry. The major U.S. aquifers are being depleted at alarming rates. Yet no one seems to be asking: Is feed for livestock really where our water should be going?
Counting the Uncounted
Last year 1,358,812,000 farmed land animals in the U.S. died or were killed before reaching the slaughter line. That’s 43 animals dying every second of every day. In the drive to maximize profits, animal death and suffering is just a line item on an expense sheet.
Animal-Sourced Food Waste
What is the difference between food loss and food waste? As defined by a recent “national strategy” from the EPA, USDA, and FDA:[1-4] Food loss is the volume of losses from the point of production (crop harvests, slaughterhouses, dairy and egg farms) through distribution and delivery to retailer or food service operations. Food waste refers […]
Neonics: Poison, Profit, and Policy
Take a highly toxic pesticide with limited efficacy and bundle it to increase sales. Now it’s the default option for feed crop farmers. Neither monitored nor regulated by the government. Myriad species are harmed and the potential for human health risk grows.
Comparisons of Animal-Sourced Food Consumption
How does U.S. per capita total meat consumption compare to the world average? U.S. per capita meat consumption (red meat and poultry) is about 2.8 times the size of average world consumption. Using FAO figures for 2022:[1] World = 98 lbs. U.S. = 271 lbs. The FAO figures do not align with the U.S. consumption […]
Per Capita Dairy & Egg Consumption
How much dairy milk is used per capita to produce all dairy products? In 2023, the U.S. per capita consumption of milk from cows on a “milk-equivalent milk-fat basis” was 661 lbs.[1] Because a variety of products are made from milk (e.g., butter, cheese, and yogurt), the USDA calculates the total amount of consumed fluid […]
Per Capita Meat Consumption
What is U.S. per capita total meat consumption? In 2024, U.S. per capita total meat consumption: Retail weight = 227 lbs.[1] Total per capita meat consumption has increased by ~17% from 1970. It has increased by ~9% from 2010. It has increased by ~1% from 2023 to its highest historical rate.[2] The USDA’s “red meat” […]