At cattle farms, manure decomposition releases gases like hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and methane into the atmosphere, and the constant movement of animals pollutes the air with particulate matter. In addition, methane warms the atmosphere 80 times more than carbon dioxide, and according to the EPA, CAFOs are one of the largest sources of methane.

Furthermore, beef production is one of the most water-intensive processes in agriculture, through growing feed and hydrating cattle. Runoff from CAFOs and feed production causes poorer water quality in rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Waste can also leach into groundwater, polluting drinking water.

Forests are cleared for grazing and growing feed, resulting in deforestation. Also, overgrazing causes soil compaction and erosion, which strips the soil of nutrients, making it harder for plants to grow, causing desertification and further deforestation. All of the deforestation has caused habitat loss, leading to decreased biodiversity.

Therefore, the cattle industry has many areas that can be improved, and even small steps can help make this industry more sustainable.

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