'Arbitrary Government Mandates Threaten the Livelihood of Farmers'

AFBF President Zippy Duvall responded to a Wall Street Journal article which claimed agriculture was a getting a free pass when it comes to government methane regulations.

In a letter to the editor (subscription required), President Duvall provided context to the greenhouse gas emissions discussion, citing the fact that agriculture represents just 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and beef production only accounts for 2%. Farmers strive to do even better through voluntary conservation, low-till and no-till farming, and prescribed nutrition for cattle.

"These innovations thrive through partnerships and investments," wrote President Duvall. "Arbitrary government mandates threaten the livelihood of farmers and the availability of a quality source of protein for families on a budget, in exchange for very little impact on the climate."