More efficient land, animal, and water use -- and an increasing concern for the environment -- are among the proven benefits of research in the beef industry, says a report examining 100 years of cattle farming practices.

The report, written by J.R. Dalrymple, of Brighton-based Livestock Technology Services, outlines numerous research-driven improvements that have helped the beef industry. These include a doubling in crop yields over the past 50 years, feed formula research, improved digestibility and increased cattle growth rates.

Beef operations have also been able to reduce environmental impact by using half the land space and 11 per cent less water to grow a market weight animal, over the past 40 years. And breeding efficiencies are clear: today, there is only one cow and calf in Ontario today for every six humans, a dramatic difference from 1900 when cattle and calves outnumbered the human population.

"The beef industry has become an example of ‘less is more’ by growing greater amounts of beef on fewer resources," says Dalrymple. "I believe that while Ontario’s human population keeps expanding as expected, this trend of efficiency in beef operations will continue."

The industry has taken a number of positive steps, but Dalrymple hopes progress won’t slow down. For example, it could take measures to help reduce methane production, too, he says. Currently, beef cattle contribute only 3.1 per cent of Canada’s total methane gas, a greenhouse gas blamed for ozone layer destruction. But that number represents one quarter of the controllable emissions in Canada. And while research is decreasing with reduced herd numbers, the report views new studies into higher quality feeds as a solution which will further reduce methane produced from beef cattle.

Dalrymple is confident that improved feed digestibility means less manure produced, and that the 7.5 per cent decrease observed from 1986-1996 will continue. With researchers exploring better manure handling and storage techniques, he says farmers should run into fewer water quality problems in the future.

"By continuously improving our feeding regime, production methods and land use, Ontario’s beef industry will be a stable force in livestock production for years to come," he says.

The report was sponsored by the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association and the Agricultural Adaptation Council, and is available through the Ontario Cattlemen's Association.