Three companies are partnering to improving sustainability in beef production, Rusty Halvorson has the story.
McDonald’s USA, Syngenta North America, and Lopez Foods are joining forces to improve sustainability in beef production. Their focus is on Enogen® corn, an innovation from Syngenta that boosts cattle feed efficiency. By helping cattle convert feed into energy more effectively, Enogen® corn reduces the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced per pound of beef.
“Improving the sustainability of the global food system requires innovation and collaboration,” said Justin Wolfe, President of Syngenta Seeds. He highlighted how Enogen® corn supports McDonald’s and its supply chain in addressing climate challenges.
Research shows feeding Enogen® corn increases feed efficiency by about 5%. This improvement can lead to significant environmental benefits for every 1,000 head of cattle, including:
– A reduction of 196 tons of CO2e in GHG emissions
– 69 fewer acres needed for growing feed
– Saving six million gallons of water
– 231,000 kilowatt-hours of energy saved
The increased feed efficiency comes from Enogen® corn’s ability to quickly convert starch into sugars, making it easier for cattle to digest and extract energy. As Kendra Levine, McDonald’s US Sustainability Director, explained, “Starting with beef is essential to making progress toward our science-based climate targets.”
This partnership aligns with McDonald’s broader commitment to scaling climate-smart practices. The company aims to expand the program and deliver over 164,000 metric tons of CO2e reduction annually.
For Syngenta, sustainability is a core part of its mission, with goals to regenerate soil, improve yields, and lower the environmental impact of farming. By working together, McDonald’s, Lopez Foods, and Syngenta hope to make a meaningful difference in global beef production, paving the way for a more sustainable food system.
This collaboration demonstrates how technology and agriculture can work together to drive real environmental change.