Net zero means balancing the greenhouse gases a system produces with the amount it removes from the atmosphere. So, is achieving net zero possible in the U.S. cattle supply chain? That question is at the center of a recent publication led by Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson and 11 other industry experts, “Net zero initiative in U.S. beef and dairy systems: integrative on-farm recommendations for greenhouse gas reduction.” In this research, the scientists evaluated potential mitigation strategies across the cow-calf, feedlot, and dairy sectors, assessing each strategy’s marginal greenhouse gas reduction potential, return on investment, and market readiness.

Their findings show that no single strategy currently meets all three criteria highlighting the need for continued research, innovation, and systems-based approaches. This fact sheet builds on that work by explaining what net zero means, why ruminant production is important, defining Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and outlining a science-based roadmap toward achieving net zero in U.S. cattle production.