Kamloops – BC Cattlemen’s Association is extremely disappointed that Vancouver City Council chose to endorse and participate in “Meatless Monday” a campaign that falsely contributes eating meat to damaging the environment and negatively affecting health.
“Eating beef is not only good for the environment, it can be part of a healthy diet too”, says Kevin Boon, General Manager of the BC Cattlemen’s Association. “I would like to have seen the City of Vancouver dedicate a day to recognizing the importance of a healthy well balanced diet. This would have been a more beneficial endeavor for residents of Vancouver.”
“BC Cattlemen’s encourages the City of Vancouver to become informed of all the facts and promote healthy decisions based on science,” says Boon. “When the City endorses a special interest campaign I hope they are also fully aware of the science it is based upon.” The “Meatless Monday” campaign relies heavily on a number of refuted studies when suggesting that going meatless is good for the environment.
Environmental Hoofprint of Beef Production
Ranchers need a healthy environment; caring for the land is what they do 365 days a year. More than 60% of cattle producers develop Environmental Farm Plans (EFP), and environmental stewardship is a big part of what ranchers do every day. The EFP helps ranchers utilize good management practices, reducing the environmental footprint of Canadian agriculture. Each year, the BC Cattlemen’s Association recognizes ranchers for outstanding environmentally sustainable practices, leadership and innovation in their ranch operations through the Environmental Stewardship Award.
“Cattle convert sunshine into protein,” says Boon. Cattle are raised in areas of B.C. where the land cannot support other forms of agriculture. Only 15% of B.C. is suitable for agriculture and 5% for growing crops such as grains & vegetables. Cattle harvest and refine grassland forage into protein. Cattle are turned out on range in the spring, grazing throughout the summer without the use of any fossil fuels to produce high quality healthy beef. Grass consumed by cattle, if left ungrazed will decay, producing its own level of methane. Initial research conducted by the Thompson Rivers University appears to indicate that proper grazing of the top growth of grass will encourage root development in grasses and allow for greater carbon sequestration and is actually a beneficial offset for the climate.
Wildlife Habitat Protection
Raising cattle is compatible with protecting and preserving natural habitats for wildlife. Environmental practices employed by cattle producers in the province enhance and preserve the forests, lands and water, and preserve and create habitat for wildlife and endangered species. Ranches ensure that large tracks of natural habitat are undeveloped, which contributes to the survival of endangered species.
Water
The campaign targets water consumption of cattle as a negative impact. Water storage development by the ranching industry in B.C. is used to make sure that the industry has the necessary water stored for crop irrigation and livestock watering. The use of this water plays an extremely important role in the water cycle. This water has also become essential in maintaining proper flow rates in our streams and rivers to benefit B.C.’s fish and salmon habitats.
Areas along natural water sources (riparian areas) are rich with wildlife habitat and are essential to clean water. Ranchers manage riparian areas to ensure that water is allocated and utilized effectively for all species that depend on it.
Get the Skinny on Beef
Beef is a source of protein and is packed with 14 essential nutrients, including those that boost energy and brain power, promote healthy bones and teeth and support a healthy immune system. Lean beef is a nutritious choice for a healthy diet, according Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating. Studies have shown that eating fresh beef does not increase the risk of coronary heart disease. A recommended serving of cooked beef (75 g, trimmed of visible fat) contributes only 170 calories and 6.3g of fat, half of which is healthy fat.
About BCCA
has been representing the interests of beef cattle ranchers in British Columbia since 1929. With almost 1,200 rancher members, the Association is pleased to work on issues of importance to cattle producers. The BC beef industry annually contributes $606 million (direct and indirect) to the provincial economy. For more information and statistics about BC ranching, visit www.cattlemen.bc.ca.
Source: The BC Cattlemen’s Association