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2024 Certified Angus Beef Sustainability Report
If you take care of the cattle and the land, they’ll take care of you. It’s a simple yet powerful truth that has guided generations of cattlemen and women. For those in agriculture, the relationship between cattle, land and people is deeply intertwined. Farmers and ranchers depend on the land and cattle for their livelihood, just as the land and cattle depend on farmers and ranchers to care for them. This mutual reliance has been the backbone of our industry for centuries, but today it’s taking on even greater meaning as sustainability becomes a shared vision between cattlemen and consumers.
Over the past 46 years, the Certified Angus Beef® brand has brought people together across the beef community by focusing on education, trust, culture and quality. These aren’t just ideals—they’re commitments that touch every part of what we do, from humane cattle care to land stewardship. It’s exciting to see how much closer producers and consumers are in their expectations. Through programs like BQA and partnerships with Ducks Unlimited and Noble Research Institute, we’re building a shared understanding of what sustainability means and how it benefits everyone.
Looking to the future, I’m optimistic about what the next generation will accomplish. With advancements in technology and an even stronger connection to consumers, they’ll continue to innovate and build on the work of those who came before them. It’s not just about progress… it’s about keeping our communities, families and businesses relevant and successful for generations to come.
Sustainability is more than a goal. It’s how we honor the past and prepare for the future. Together, farmers and ranchers, families and communities are creating a legacy of care and quality that reflects what’s always been at the heart of this business: doing things the right way.
We consider Beef Quality Assurance certification our baseline for cattle care. This ensures cattle are handled in a safe, humane and environmentally sustainable way.
Leaving the land better than we found it by investing in the open grasslands where cattle are raised and protecting these vital ecosystems.
The best-tasting beef made possible by the best people. See how we’re helping support the communities where our beef is raised and enjoyed.
BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE IS THE GOLD STANDARD FOR CATTLE CARE, SHOWING THE DEDICATION AND PASSION IT TAKES TO PRODUCE HIGH-QUALITY BEEF. IT UNITES CATTLEMEN AND WOMEN TO IMPROVE BEST PRACTICES AND ENSURES WE REMAIN THE MOST SUSTAINABLE BEEF INDUSTRY IN THE WORLD.
Utah’s JY Ferry and Son, Inc., isn’t just raising Angus cattle—it’s raising the bar on sustainability.
This century-old family operation, led by brothers John and Ben Ferry, has turned grazing into a tool for wetland restoration. Their innovative approach earned them the 2024 Certified Angus Beef Sustainability Award.
In wetlands north of Salt Lake City, grazing cattle keep invasive plants at bay, promote soil health and stimulate plant growth, all while creating a thriving habitat for birds and wildlife. It’s a delicate balance, but the Ferry family has mastered it by mimicking nature’s wet-and-dry cycles and practicing rotational grazing.
“Sustainability means survival,” says Ben Ferry. And for JY Ferry and Son, Inc., survival is about more than cattle—it’s about protecting the land for generations to come.
Read more to discover how the Ferrys are blending tradition and innovation to steward the land and produce high-quality beef.
For the farming and ranching families behind the best beef, respect isn’t an afterthought. Respect is everything. Respect for the cattle. Respect for the land. Respect for delivering the best beef for your tables.
Respect isn’t just a buzzword—it’s how we work. In partnership with Sysco, Certified Angus Beef launched the Raised with Respect™ campaign to elevate Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training, a nationally recognized program that ensures cattle are cared for with the highest standards. In year one, more than 1,500 farmers and ranchers earned BQA certification through tailored workshops and online education. Together, we’re investing in the future of beef care, one certification at a time.
Year two is here, and the mission continues. Alongside Sysco, we’re doubling down on BQA certification to build consumer trust and support cattlemen and women. This year’s highlights include feedyard-focused events with Spanish interpretation and workshops tailored for younger Angus cattlemen and women—the future of our industry.
Why BQA? It’s about more than best practices. It’s a way to show that farmers and ranchers care about animal welfare, sustainability and producing the best-sourced, best-tasting beef.
CONSUMERS CARE ABOUT CLIMATE-FRIENDLY PRACTICES, AND FARMERS AND RANCHERS ARE RISING TO MEET THOSE EXPECTATIONS. PROGRAMS LIKE THE WORKING GRASSLAND CONSERVATION INITIATIVE AND THE LAND STEWARDSHIP PARTNERSHIP DEMONSTRATE A COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING BOTH ANGUS OPERATIONS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Land Stewardship by Noble Research Institute and Certified Angus Beef is a free, online course designed for farmers and ranchers looking to strengthen their land management practices. Cattlemen and women will learn how to manage their land, improve soil health and lay the foundation for a more profitable and resilient ranch.
Land Stewardship is more than a resource for cattlemen; it’s a cornerstone for strengthening the beef community. By focusing on healthier soil and resilient grazing land, this course empowers ranchers to create more sustainable operations that enhance profitability and ensure the quality and consistency the industry depends on. For chefs, distributors and retailers, it guarantees a dependable supply of the best beef raised with care for the land.
Created in partnership with Noble Research Institute, this free course equips farmers and ranchers with actionable tools, including a personalized plan and soil health testing discounts. The knowledge gained helps ranchers maximize resources, adapt to challenges and strengthen the trust and transparency that today’s consumers value. Together, these efforts build a more sustainable future for the beef community.
The Working Grasslands Conservation Initiative, a collaboration between Certified Angus Beef and Ducks Unlimited, is dedicated to preserving the vital ecosystems of the Northern Great Plains. By supporting ranchers, this initiative improves soil health, protects wetland habitats and enhances biodiversity. These efforts not only help sustain the land but also contribute to carbon sequestration and cleaner water resources. It’s a win-win for both ranching families and wildlife.
By conserving working grasslands and their embedded wetland habitats, cattle and grazing operations protect vital ecosystems having a positive environmental contribution.
Projects in the Working Grasslands Conservation Initiative have helped about 720 farm and ranch families.
In partnership with Ducks Unlimited and numerous other organizations, Certified Angus Beef helped support the protection, restoration and enhancement of 510,802 acres of wetland, grassland and cropland in the Prairie Pothole Region.
Protected habitat that is capable of supporting up to an estimated 8,194 pairs over 3 years.1
Protected and restored 40,216 acre-feet of annual water storage from drainage. This is equivalent to 19,822 Olympic swimming pools of water storage every year.
1 The pair model has been updated and reflects remotely sensed temporal surface water.2 EPA Greenhouse Gases Equivalencies Calculator, 2024.3 USDA NASS Soybean ND/SD Fertilizer Average Application, 2023.4 Penn State Extension, Turfgrass Fertilization: A Basic Guide for Professional Turfgrass Managers. 
BY INVESTING IN THESE YOUNG LEADERS, WE’RE NURTURING THE FUTURE OF THE BEEF INDUSTRY AND ENSURING THE NEXT GENERATION THRIVES WITH A STRONG FOUNDATION AND A SHARED VISION FOR EXCELLENCE.
By awarding $100,000 to 26 passionate students in 2024, the Colvin Scholarship Fund is fueling innovation, leadership, and sustainability in agriculture for years to come.
These recipients, focused on diverse careers across the industry, are carrying forward the legacy of Certified Angus Beef co-founder, Louis “Mick” Colvin, by driving innovation and progress in the field.
Since its inception 25 years ago, the Colvin Scholarship Fund has awarded $633,500 to 176 students who are passionate about improving agriculture. This year’s recipients stand out for their passion and leadership, excelling in categories ranging from production agriculture to graduate-level research. Each recipient is poised to make a significant impact on the industry.
in 25 years to 176 students
to 26 scholars in 2024
was raised at #BeefBash24 for the Colvin Scholarship Fund - thank you, partners!
The Certified Angus Beef Culinary & Butchery Externship offers a unique, hands-on opportunity for students to immerse themselves in every aspect of beef production, from butchery and charcuterie to high-end culinary techniques. Throughout this 15-week paid externship, externs work closely with expert chefs and meat scientists to master beef preparation, cooking methods, and the farm-to-table process while gaining valuable industry experience.
What began as a butchery externship quickly expanded into a deep understanding of the entire gate-to-plate process—learning not only how the beef is raised, but also what makes it the best, from working with expert chefs to visiting farms across the country. Before, beef was just beef to me. But now I understand its true value and why Certified Angus Beef is so committed to investing in the next generation of chefs.
Young ranchers and culinary students come together to explore the journey of beef, from sustainable ranching practices to the culinary techniques that bring it to life on the plate.
The journey from pasture to plate involves many hands, but it’s rare for the rancher’s hand to meet the chef’s before the steak hits the table. The Certified Angus Beef Connecting the Culinarian and Rancher event brought together young ranchers and culinary students to discuss the “how, why and what” behind raising cattle and preparing beef. The two-day experience fostered conversations around sustainability, animal care and culinary techniques, while building connections between these future leaders of the beef supply chain.
“We’re shaping the future of beef education by connecting the next generation of ranchers and chefs. Our ‘Connecting the Rancher and Culinarian’ program, now in its third year, focuses on building meaningful relationships between these two vital worlds,” Chef Ashley Breneman says.
Five young ranchers and five culinary students, from different regions of the country, shared their expertise and discovered common goals. “As ranchers, our goal is to create the best product possible, but the chefs’ goal is to serve it,” said Mia Encinias, a West Texas A&M animal science student. “Without one another, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”
The hands-on experience allowed students to gain new insight into each other’s worlds. Culinary students learned about livestock genetics and animal care, while ranchers honed their grilling skills. By the end of the event, both groups had built lasting connections and gained deeper appreciation for their shared passion for the best beef.
At Certified Angus Beef, sustainability isn’t just a commitment—it’s a conversation we want to continue. Together, we can create a future where the best beef and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Follow us on social media to learn more.
Prevented the emissions of 235,375 mtCO2e per year and sequestered 5,938 mtCO2e per year. This is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by 41,313 passenger cars in a year.2
Reducing soil erosion and capturing runoff prevented the release of 29,824 kilograms of phosphorus per year, enough to fertilize 13,494 acres of corn annually4 or 18,664 acres of a golf course annually. 5
Generous contributions from the Certified Angus Beef Annual Conference auction and golf outing continue to grow the fund, providing invaluable networking and educational opportunities for these future leaders. The Colvin Scholarship Fund remains a cornerstone in empowering the next generation, ensuring the ongoing strength and innovation of the agriculture sector.
Through financial and technical support, ranchers can implement voluntary programs that improve land productivity while advancing conservation goals. This partnership showcases how sustainable beef production and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Together, Certified Angus Beef and Ducks Unlimited are making a lasting impact on the health of the land and the future of ranching.
