The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and application of practices in a Nebraska feedlot

Abstract

The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) was formed in 2015 by more than 90 member-companies in the U.S. beef supply chain, allied industry partners, and stakeholders in civil society. Since inception, the USRSB has accomplished developing the U.S. Beef Industry Sustainability Framework (Framework) inclusive of 6 high-priority indicators, sector-spe­cific metrics for each indicator, and sustainability assessment guides which include tools and resources for every company in the supply chain. Drinnin Feedlots is one feedlot member implementing components of the Framework in a practical and commercial setting. The USRSB also has developed a self-assessment tool for all beef supply chain sectors, and is cur­rently in the process of developing interactive educational on­line modules. The USRSB also aids programs already developed in the marketplace through a Recognition Process that allows supply chain programs that have incorporated the metrics of the Framework to apply, be evaluated by a third party, and ap­proved for Recognition by the USRSB. The USRSB is now poised to set 6 U.S. beef industry sustainability goals and supply chain sector targets in the Fall of 2021. The tactics underlying the goals and targets will direct the work of the USRSB into the future.