CHUTESIDE MANNER By Patti Wilson | Contributing Editor
JUMPING INTO BED WITH THE ENEMY
A new conundrum has arisen among the ranks of the purebred cattle industry. It first erupted in April and, like every other controversy, has two sides. The American Angus Association (AAA) has never been one to back away from controversy. (Remember the “elephant ads” in the late 1970s?) This time, they have taken up with Jeff Bezos and his Bezos Earth Fund. The Earth Fund and accompanying Global Methane Hub are encouraging the breeding of low-meth- ane-emitting Angus cattle. The AAA is ruminating on the possibility of adding a methane-related expected progeny difference (EPD) to their growing list of EPDs. Thus, they have placed them- selves squarely in the middle of the Bezos project. Global Methane Hub describes itself as “The emergency brake on global warm- ing.” Heavily invested in diversity, equity and inclusion (aka DEI), they explain their activity, in part, as: “We fund and convene organizations that are reducing methane on the ground in the best way for their communities, serve as a central hub for information about methane miti- gation and advocate for free data sharing.” Further, their vision statement is,“A world where a dramatic reduction of methane emissions by 2030, coupled with rapidly decreasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, keeps global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius, averting climate catastrophe and bringing social, environmental, health and economic benefits to communities, cities and countries.” What Does It Entail? Reportedly, a $4.85 million grant from the environmental organizations will be managed by the Angus Association,
which will, in turn, will receive a 3 percent administrative fee ($145,000). The grant money, administrated through the Angus Foundation, will support Angus Genetics, Inc. (AGI), and the University of New England. It will reportedly be used to fund research for the reduction of methane emissions from Angus cattle through selective breeding. Money from the administration fees paid to the Angus Association will help fund scholarships and youth programs within AAA. This is one part of a Bezos Earth Fund $27 million global project to screen more than 100,000 cattle across North America, Africa, Latin America and Eu- rope, eventually reducing global methane emissions by 1 to 2 percent annually, or potentially 30 percent over 20 years. The research project itself is expected to take five years. AAA will oversee the collec- tion of 4,600 methane genotypes in the United States. Participating in such science supposedly enables Angus to lead in sustainable agri- culture. Additionally, it provides ranchers with a voice in global discussions about livestock and climate. AAA says it enables AGI to influence how Angus genetics are represented in climate solutions. The grant pays for research without any cost to AAA members. Youth and educa- tion programs are financially enhanced, and identification of low-methane-emit- ting cattle can begin. In an Angus Journal article, AGI Presi- dent Kelli Retalik-Riley said that cattle that are more efficient in their methane production, as is suggested, may also be more efficient in general. According to Retalik-Riley, they are “lower input cost kind of cattle. If we can quantify that and make it possible to genetically select for these cattle, then that will be a win-win for all of us. Any time we can equip An-
gus breeders with science-based tools that can help them drive meaningful genetic progress in their herds- with no cost to them – that’s a huge success.” AAA recognizes this topic is complicated and can be filled with strong emotions. The AAA website states,“Some believe there is more risk in being involved in the research around methane as it gives cre- dence to our critics. Others believe there is greater risk in not being involved and letting others have the data and control of our fate. Some suggest any engagement is wrong and supports an activist agenda. “After much consideration of the options, the choice was made to engage in the research, be involved in directing the proj- ect, and ultimately have more influence on changing the false narrative around cows and climate.” The methane studies are related to feed efficiency, lifetime per- formance and beef quality traits. The Bezos Earth Fund has no authority to influence or alter the direction, design or use of the research. The research itself could be used to develop new selection tools for the existing Angus Feed Effi- ciency EPD. AAA will have final decision on what selection tools, if any, would be included on registration certificates. The Flip Side Critics of this program abound, and they are loud. They want us to remember that the Bezos Earth Fund has awarded $100 million for development of plant- based and lab-grown meats. Ranchers are understandably concerned this can undermine our market share. Accepting Bezos’ money surely presents a con- flict of interest. Those opposed say the research is unneeded; they cite studies done by UC Davis in 2020, where cattle were determined to emit methane with a short-lived biogenic carbon cycle, not a
26
www.calfnews.net
CALF News
December 2025 | January 2026
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs