A study conducted at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers an alternative perspective on livestock production and its role in climate change. Researchers found that well-managed grasslands can absorb enough carbon dioxide to offset — and in some cases exceed — emissions produced by cattle.
In recent years, cows have become a focal point in debates about agriculture’s environmental impact, particularly due to methane emissions. These concerns have influenced media coverage, policy discussions, and public criticism of the livestock sector. However, instead of focusing solely on animals, researchers examined the soil and ecosystems where grazing occurs.
A research team led by Professor Galen Erickson investigated how pasture soils capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Their work emphasizes natural carbon-storage processes in vegetation and soil rather than emissions from livestock digestion.
The findings suggest that, with proper pasture management and adequate rainfall, grasslands can function as powerful carbon sinks. Under such conditions, they may fully compensate for livestock emissions and even create a positive climate balance.
Erickson noted that a common mistake in climate assessments is measuring only methane emissions from cattle without accounting for carbon captured by grazing ecosystems. According to him, this imbalance can lead to misleading conclusions about the environmental impact of livestock production. Grazing animals stimulate plant growth, which supports carbon sequestration in soils and strengthens natural ecological cycles.
Austin Schweitzer, a U.S. Angus cattle producer, agrees that livestock are often unfairly blamed for global warming. He emphasized that farmers and ranchers depend on a healthy environment for sustainable production and long-term economic stability.
Researchers and producers alike stress that evaluating livestock’s climate impact requires considering both emissions and carbon absorption. Recognizing this balance could help shape more effective agricultural policies and highlight the role of sustainable pasture management in mitigating climate change.
