The American Lamb Board is working with Michigan State University to evaluate the environmental footprint of the U.S. sheep industry. The goal is to get accurate and robust data to contribute to this important issue.
The initial focus of the study defines a comprehensive model of greenhouse gas emissions for the diverse array of U.S. sheep production systems, including range, farm flock, pasture, intensive, and feedlot. MSU will conduct a partial life cycle analysis of lamb production in these types of operations to quantify GHG emissions.
The American lamb industry entered the spotlight when a 2011 Environmental Working Group Study said lamb is one of the largest contributors of GHG emissions.
“It is extremely important for our industry to identify and evaluate our role in GHG emissions,” said Lamb Board Chair Peter Comino of Wyoming. “Accurate data is the basis for improvement strategies and providing factual information to consumers and the media.”
