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Livestock Matter
Farmers who raise livestock do more than care for the environment and generate jobs. They also provide a critical source of protein for their neighbors and a growing world population. The United Nation’s Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) says the world will need to double its output of meat by 2050 to satisfy growing demand fueled by rising incomes, population growth and urbanization. According to the FAO, livestock contributes 40 percent of the global value of ag production and supports the livelihoods and food security of almost 1 billion people. Globally, livestock contributes 15 percent of total food energy and 25 percent of dietary protein. “Products from livestock provide essential micronutrients that are not easily obtained from other plant food products," FAO says. Iowa is uniquely poised to help satisfy this increased demand. The state ranks among the nation’s leaders in pork, beef, egg, milk, turkey and poultry production and first in corn and soybean production. The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, created by farmers to help farmers, is here to help families grow their livestock and poultry farms successfully and responsibly. To get started, give us a call at 1-800-932-2436. |
| Date | Title | |
| 2993 | 3/10/2010 10:13:34 PM | New climate change bill expected by March 26 | Compromise in the works by Sens. Lieberman, Kerry and Graham. |
| 2992 | 3/10/2010 10:09:33 PM | FAPRI: Livestock can lead to higher net farm income | Animal agriculture has many economic benefits, analysts say. |
| 2991 | 3/9/2010 9:30:07 PM | Farm organization opposes animal cruelty act | AFBF says arbitrary mandte for "humane" standards poses threat to farmers. |
| 2990 | 3/8/2010 9:07:17 PM | HSUS misunderstood by public | Seventy-one percent incorrectly believe it's an "umbrella group" for local humane societies. |
| 2989 | 3/5/2010 11:51:16 AM | PSF to appeal $11 million verdict in nuisance lawsuit | Says it will seek help from Missouri general assembly because farm complies with state rules. |
| 2988 | 3/4/2010 10:45:57 AM | Hypoxia zone in Gulf of Mexico shrinking | Scientists puzzled; say additional study needed. |
| 2986 | 3/4/2010 9:38:51 AM | Accu Steel invests in the work of the Coalition | Funds to help with Coalition's programs and outreach efforts. |
| 2985 | 3/2/2010 4:14:50 PM | Pilot Travel Centers pulls funding for HSUS | Strong input from ag community, customers leads to change of heart. |
| 2984 | 3/2/2010 11:12:49 AM | USDA: 2010 to be profitable year for hog farmers | Rising hog prices, accelerating exports and less expensive feed the reason. |
| 2983 | 3/1/2010 12:30:12 PM | South Carolina Senator: 'Cap-and-trade is dead' | Graham says climate change legislation won't include controversial cap-and-trade provisions. |
| 2982 | 3/1/2010 10:36:30 AM | Crop acres planting to biotech varieties continue to climb | Varieties are more environmentally friendly, yield more per acre and better resist disease. |
"Livestock contributes 40 percent of the global value of agricultural production and supports the livelihoods and food security of almost 1 billion people. Globally, livestock contributes 15 percent of total food energy and 25 percent of dietary protein. Products from livestock also provide essential micronutrients that are not easily obtained from other plant food products."
United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) in a new "State of Food & Agriculture" report issued Feb. 18, 2010. The FAO says the world needs to double its output of meat by 2050 to meet growing demand. Globally, the livestock sector now produces 228 million metric tons of meat. To meet rising demand, this will need to double in 40 years, putting added pressure on industry and governments to find answers to problems impeding one of the "fastest-growing" parts of agriculture, according to FAO. "Rising incomes, population growth and urbanization are the driving forces behind a growing demand for meat products in developing countries, and they will continue to be important,” the group says.
Every community in Iowa depends on agriculture for jobs and economic vitality. However, the importance of crop and livestock farming to an area’s economic well being is even more pronounced in the state’s rural areas. Palo Alto County in north central Iowa is a perfect example. According to a 2009 all-Iowa ag economic contribution analysis conducted by Decision Innovation Solutions and Iowa State University, 31 percent of people working in Palo Alto County are employed by agriculture. In addition, a whopping 57 percent of the county’s economic activity is propelled by crop and livestock farming while 21 percent of all personal income is derived from ag-related activities.
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