Systems Assessment of Beef Sustainability
1King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, 700 University Blvd. MSC 137, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA.
Summary
Assessing the sustainability of complex food animal systems requires forecasting. Systems thinking and analysis help identify key variables for management and predict system persistence, avoiding linear assessment pitfalls.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Systems Ecology
- Sustainability Science
Background:
- Evaluating the sustainability of complex food animal production systems is crucial for long-term viability.
- Traditional linear assessments using gross resource indicators can lead to inaccurate conclusions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the application of systems thinking and analysis for assessing sustainability in food animal production.
- To identify key variables and ratios indicative of system persistence and inform management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing systems thinking and systems analysis frameworks.
- Evaluating complex food animal production systems.
Main Results:
- Systems thinking and analysis offer effective mechanisms for sustainability assessment.
- Identification of variables strongly correlated with system persistence and useful management ratios.
Conclusions:
- A framework for indicator development and assessment is critical for accurate forecasting.
- Avoids unintended consequences arising from inadequate sustainability forecasts in complex systems.
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