U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef

Home
United States
Lake Placid, FL
U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef

The U.S. beef value chain.

Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) is a multi-stakeholder initiative developed to advance, support and communicate continuous improvement in sustainability of the U.S.

06/08/2026

Perspective is crucial.

This message came up consistently throughout the AgNext Research Summit last week and shaped many of the conversations around sustainability, innovation and producer adoption.

Across the two days of panels and workshops, there was a lot of excitement around technology and research helping move the industry forward — from emissions modeling tools like HERDS (in development by AgNext) to methane research, grazing systems and animal health work. However, one point that was emphasized was that successful adoption takes more than good tools. It also takes trusted relationships and on-the-ground support to help make those tools work across different operations.

During the panel, “What’s Next: Innovations Shaping Profitable, Resilient Livestock Systems,” Nancy Labbe of The Nature Conservancy (USRSB past-chair) and Scott Pohlman of Cargill (USRSB Board of Directors) spoke about the importance of collaboration in making progress possible. Nancy shared how collaborative efforts like USRSB help bring alignment to areas where the industry has the greatest opportunity to improve, while Scott discussed the importance of working alongside other members of the supply chain to advance sustainability efforts on the ground.

Those conversations reinforced another important point: sustainability can look very different depending on perspective. The needs of a family-owned operation may not look the same as those of another business further down the supply chain, and scalable solutions need to account for those differences.

That focus on practical and applicable progress also carried into day two of the summit, where Dr. Sara Place highlighted AgNext’s methane research priorities, which includes work focused on better baselines and models, feed interventions, host genetics and rumen microbiome research. It was encouraging to see how closely these efforts align with the USRSB research roadmap and the industry’s broader focus on science-based progress.

Thank you to AgNext at Colorado State University for bringing together researchers, producers and industry leaders for thoughtful conversations around the future of animal agriculture.

05/27/2026

As the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) continues, this month’s spotlight features Connie Tabor of Oklahoma — a fifth-generation rancher whose passion for cattle, commitment to education, and connection to consumers reflect the evolving role of today’s producers.

Connie’s story shares that ranching is more than cattle production. It’s about education, connection, and paving a path forward for future generations.

By selling beef directly to consumers and inviting her customers to learn more about ranching, Connie helps build trust and understanding between producers and the communities they serve. As she shares, “It gives people the opportunity to understand what we do and why we do it.”

Through all her efforts, family remains at the center of Connie’s work, and one of her greatest joys is passing her love of agriculture on to her children and grandchildren.

Read Connie’s full story here at the link in our bio.

Be sure to follow along as we continue celebrating women in agriculture all year long!

05/13/2026

At Archbold Biological Station’s Buck Island Ranch, science and stewardship go hand in hand. Researchers and cattle producers share the same space, asking the same question — how can we continue to improve how we care for the land so it thrives for generations?

Research at Buck Island Ranch has shown that, in many cases, removing cattle from the landscape can reduce ecosystem health, including the visible loss of grasslands and increased shrub encroachment.

It’s a powerful reminder that healthy rangelands are not about competing interests but instead, about creating systems where both cattle production and ecological health can thrive together.

During the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, stories like this highlight the importance of continued research, stewardship, and collaboration in sustaining resilient grazinglands for the future.

Watch the full episode of “Voices of America’s Grazinglands: Science & Stewardship” at the link in our bio or on our YouTube channel.

🎥:

ContinuousImprovement

05/07/2026

As the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) continues, this month’s spotlight features Barb Cooksley of Cooksley Ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills — a rancher whose deep love for the land, commitment to stewardship and strong sense of community shine in everything she does.

Barb has spent decades caring for the Sandhills she calls home. Her dedication to managing the landscape even earned her the nickname “Little Miss Clearcut,” a title she wears proudly.

Barb believes ranching is built on people just as much as place. As she shares, “Your community is your extended family.” Whether lending a hand, sharing stories or showing up when it matters most, those connections are part of what makes the beef industry so meaningful.

Through her leadership and her generosity of spirit, Barb Cooksley’s story reflects the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills and the values that sustain it: resilience, faith, family and a deep respect for the land.

Read Barb’s full story at the link in our bio.

Be sure to follow along as we continue celebrating women in agriculture all year long!

04/28/2026

Rangelands make up nearly 1/5 of Florida’s land area.

From above, they stretch across the landscape — open and full of life. However, what you don’t see at first glance is the balance behind it all.

At Archbold Biological Station’s Buck Island Ranch, every pasture offers a window into a complex system where water, wildlife, soil and cattle are all connected. It’s a place where science is applied in real time, shaping how the land is understood and managed every day.

“You don’t typically see scientists and cowboys in the same pasture, but it works, because we all have the same goal,” shares Mary Margaret Hardee, Ranch/Research Resource Coordinator at Buck Island Ranch.

Throughout the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, we’re recognizing the people and practices that keep these landscapes resilient — because when ranchlands thrive, so does everything connected to them.

Watch the full episode of Voices of America’s Grazinglands: Science & Stewardship at the link in our bio or find it on our YouTube channel.

🎥: Sweetbriar Creative

04/27/2026

Resilience starts from the ground up, and for grazing systems in particular, it starts with intentional management.

Across the globe, ranchers and pastoralists are navigating increased weather variability along with shifting ecosystems, economic uncertainty, and more. Strengthening resilience in grazing systems requires practical tools and adaptive management strategies, along with a deeper understanding of how land, livestock and people work together.

“Producers aren’t just managing cattle,” says Jeff Goodwin, PhD, director of the Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management with Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension. “They’re stewarding complex ecosystems while running a business.”

One of the most valuable tools available to producers is the written grazing management plan (GMP) – not simply as a document, but as an ongoing, adaptive process that supports long-term ecological and economic sustainability.

As part of the 2026 International Year of Rangelands & Pastoralists (IYRP), April’s theme, “Climate and Resilience,” highlights the essential role grazing management plays in supporting both efficient operations and healthy ecosystems.

In the U.S., tools like written grazing management plans are helping producers align ecological, economic and social priorities. Our latest IYRP blog explores how grazing management supports long-term resilience across rangelands.

Read the full story here to learn more: https://www.drovers.com/news/building-resilience-ground-how-grazing-management-supports-climate-solutions

04/24/2026

The 2026 USRSB General Assembly Meeting truly brought our theme, “Science & Stewardship: Driving Progress,” to life.

We were proud to welcome more than 145 beef industry stakeholders to Tampa, Florida. Through engaging main stage sessions, interactive breakout discussions, and the two beef sustainability-focused tours, we explored critical topics ranging from food waste and supply chain innovation to grazingland conservation and water stewardship.

Beyond the sessions, the connections made throughout the week — whether during working group discussions, networking opportunities, or the evening rooftop reception — demonstrated the shared commitment across the value chain to advancing sustainability through both science and stewardship.

A sincere thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed their perspectives, and helped make this year’s event such a success. In the spirit of continuous improvement, we’re already looking ahead. So, mark your calendars and plan to join us next year in Spokane, Washington April 27-29, 2027!

04/22/2026

This year’s USRSB General Assembly theme came to life in the best way possible during yesterday’s USRSB Beef Industry Sustainability Tours.

With more than 70 attendees across the Eastern and Southern routes, we had the opportunity to see firsthand how sustainability is being put into practice across Florida, just in time to celebrate Earth Day.

From six generations of stewardship at Lonesome G Ranch to the transformation of reclaimed land at Mosaic’s Four Corners Mine and 500-acre wetland, the Eastern Route showcased the deep connection between ranching, land, and legacy — all driving the work we do to leave the land better than we found it.

Meanwhile, the Southern Route highlighted the power of research and innovation at the UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research & Education Center, Arcadia Stockyard, and Mosaic’s Riverview Plant. What stood out most was the people. Every stop made it clear that sustainability isn’t just a concept —
it’s a commitment lived out every day.

This Earth Day, we’re proud to celebrate the progress being driven across the beef industry and the people making it happen. We’re excited to share more from the General Assembly, so we hope you’ll stay tuned.

04/17/2026

🌴 COMING SOON | Episode 1 of Voices of America’s Grazinglands, “Science & Stewardship,” is premiering next week at the USRSB General Assembly Meeting.

Filmed in Florida, this episode showcases the science, innovation, and stewardship behind a unique ecosystem and the care that goes into sustaining resilient grazinglands.

It ties into this year’s General Assembly theme, “Science & Stewardship: Driving Progress,” and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) — celebrating the people and practices shaping grazinglands here in the U.S. and around the world.

We can’t wait to premiere the full episode with you soon!

🎥: Sweet Briar Creative

04/15/2026

DAY 2 PANEL // Driving Progress Through Data: Leveraging Partnerships Across the Beef Supply Chain

As the beef supply chain continues to evolve, this panel takes a closer look at how data, technology, and cross-sector partnerships are enabling more effective and measurable sustainability outcomes. Throughout the session, you'll hear from:
Campbell Mauchan (Moderator), AgriWebb
Drew Slattery, AgSpire
Jessica Hazlewood, Wendy’s
Steve Wooten, Beatty Canyon Ranch
Mitch Pederson, Pederson Cattle

Panelists will share practical examples of successful partnerships, how challenges have been addressed, and the tangible benefits being realized from producers and supply chain partners. From ranch-level implementation to corporate sustainability goals, the discussion will explore what it takes to build and scale meaningful collaboration across the value chain.

Register today and join us next week in the Sunshine State! Event information can be found at: https://www.usrsb.org/news-events/2026-usrsb-general-assembly

Address

Lake Placid, FL

Website

http://www.usrsb.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Lake Placid?