Grant sparks controversy in Angus industry

Recently, the American Angus Association announced that their genetic subsidiary, Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), has received a $4.85 million research grant to study the impact genetics may have on methane emissions and overall feed efficiency in cattle. AGI will be joining several other research partners, including the University of New England in Australia, the Beef and Lamb New Zealand Genetics and Ag Research in New Zealand, Scottish Rural University in the United Kingdom and the Teagsac and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation in Ireland to examine the genotypes and phenotypes of more than 10,000 animals. 

This announcement has sparked significant controversy amongst industry members, as the research funding is provided by the Bezos Earth Fund and Global Methane Hub. The grant awarded to AGI represents a portion of a larger research initiative aimed at increasing sustainability by understanding and targeting methane emissions. 

“The common practice has been to measure gains or performance against resources like costs and inputs,” says Chair of AGI’s Board John Dickinson. “This research will look at the energy loss side of the equation, which not only gives a different perspective but dives deeper into the complex trait of efficiency.”

The American Angus Association acknowledges that the decision to pursue this research could be polarizing, but felt that this was an opportunity to be a part of the global conversation happening around this topic. Some producers haven’t felt the same way, expressing frustration over the process to accept the funding, concerns about the optics of studying methane in cattle and Jeff Bezos’ sentiment toward livestock and agriculture. Cattle men and women across the United States weighed in online: 

“Give the money back. Can’t you see this is like dealing with the wolf in sheep’s clothing. Lowest cattle numbers in decades and the Association is buying into the nonsense that our cattle are a significant cause of emissions let alone changing the climate,” posted S.G.

“The fast-track to accept this funding while bypassing the membership is disturbing,” posted H.R.

“What is stopping ‘Bezos’ from then lobbying for a new law to dictate genetics we can and can’t use with this research he is paying for to ‘help save the planet’? Or dictating that every farm and ranch will have to track or monitor their methane. This is their way into the animal sector to start regulating it,” posted F.M.

Not all of the commentary was negative, and in fact, many expressed an appreciation for having a seat at the table of a conversation that would happen with or without industry representatives. 

“Sustainability has become an emotionally charged buzzword over the past decade or two. There are many definitions, but at the heart of each of them is longevity. Whether it’s our natural resources, our cattle or our business, we need them to last. As we try to breed cows that offer more longevity, we recognize that one of the most important traits is their ability to convert standing forage into a valuable calf in the most efficient way possible every year. I’m no biologist, but what if some cows’ rumen makeups allow them to be above average for production while emitting less methane than average (which indicates less wasted energy, thereby less forage/feed consumed)? Wouldn’t cattlemen love to have tools that help us find these genetic lines,” posted M.P.

“Like it or not, these discussions start with the American Angus Association as we are leaders in beef genetic advancement. Without scientific thirst we are stagnant as an industry. I see a greater problem with a status quo mindset,” posted A.M.

“Methane is a drain on ruminant energy digestion. Anything that can shift that lower will benefit cattlemen,” posted R.G. 

Angus breeders have long been at the forefront of genetic advancement, and as a result, AGI will lead the data collection efforts in North America. The entire collaborative’s research will be coordinated and managed by the University of New England’s Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit in Australia. Opinions aside, the industry will have a front row seat to these results in the coming years.