Expert talks livestock, sustainability

INDIANAPOLIS — Sustainable livestock production is on the minds of consumers and ag industry leaders alike.

Balancing environmental, social and economic sustainability makes it a complicated topic with many facets.

Michelle Calvo-Lorenzo, chief animal welfare officer at Elanco Animal Health, discussed her point of view at the National FFA Convention.

“I’m finding that animal welfare is on consumers’ minds day in and day out,” she said. “There’s a growing perception that animal welfare should be protected and improved.”

When discussing livestock sustainability, Calvo-Lorenzo encouraged farmers and students to remember three things:

1. Remember your why. Why do you do what you do? What is the impact you want to have and why?

2. Understand the complexities of sustainability. Learn the facts. It includes emotional topics such as animal welfare.

3. Communicate and share. Be objective and science-based. Balance that with morals and shared values. Better animal health and welfare means a better environment, better human health, and it’s the right thing to do.