Key Scientific Takeaways from the 2025 International Livestock Congress: The A,B,C’s of Communicating About the Value of Animal Agriculture to Society

By: Gabriella Johnson* and Don Mulvaney*

The 2025 International Livestock Congress (ILC) held March 4-5 in Houston, Texas, during the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, brought together global industry leaders, scholars, and policymakers to address critical issues shaping the future of animal agriculture. With the theme "Effectively Communicating Sound Science and the Value of Animal Agriculture to Society," this year’s Congress underscored the importance of data-driven decision-making, sustainability, and public engagement in shaping policies that impact the livestock and meat industries.  Some key scientific takeaways for policymakers include:

“Animal Agriculture has a critical role in global human nutrition”

1. Dr. Frederic Leroy (University of Brussels) highlighted the historical and cultural significance of meat in human diets, emphasizing its essential role in providing high-quality protein and micronutrients vital for human health.
2. Animal products contribute significantly to meeting global dietary needs, particularly in addressing nutrient deficiencies in developing populations.
3. Policymakers should recognize the importance of balanced dietary recommendations that include animal-sourced foods as a sustainable solution for global nutrition security.

“Addressing Misinformation about Animal Production to Climate and Sustainability Challenges”

1. Dr. Pedro Carvalho (Colorado State University) provided insights into the contributions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by cattle, debunking common misconceptions about the environmental footprint of beef production.
2. Scientific advancements and industry initiatives are actively working toward lowering Scope 3 emissions, with ongoing efforts to significantly improve sustainability metrics.
3. Policy approaches should support research-backed mitigation strategies rather than impose restrictive regulations that could negatively impact food security and rural economies.

“Importance of Ethics in Communicating Science and Shaping Public Perception”

1. Dr. Keith Belk (Colorado State University) emphasized the importance of ethical considerations in agricultural research and the need to continue to build public trust in our science and research.
2. Transparency and accountability in scientific communication enhance consumer confidence and informs sound policy decisions.
3. Policymakers should advocate for fact-based regulations that are informed by empirical research rather than misinformation-driven narratives.

“Strategic Communication Builds Public Trust and Confidence”

1. Charlie Arnot (Center for Food Integrity) and Melissa San Miguel (Red Flag) stressed the importance of aligning industry messaging with public values and proactively countering misinformation.
2. Effective communication strategies require understanding characteristics of diverse audiences and tailoring our messages accordingly to build and reinforce trust in food production systems.
3. Legislative frameworks should facilitate accurate, science-based public discourse rather than amplify unfounded claims that may undermine consumer understanding and confidence.

“Scientist and Producer Roles in Proactive Media Engagement”

1. Hillary Makens (National Cattlemen’s Beef Association) and Anneline Padayachee (Laetatio Pty Ltd) highlighted the power of real-time consumer and media monitoring to shape industry narratives.
2. Strategies such as "debunking" and "predunking" misinformation can be used to proactively counter misleading claims about animal agriculture.
3. Policymakers should collaborate with agricultural stakeholders to promote media literacy and ensure the dissemination of accurate information regarding food production.

Policy Implications and Next Steps. The 2025 ILC reinforced the need for science-based policy decisions that acknowledge the complexities of sustainable animal agriculture. Policymakers are encouraged to consider:

1. Support for funding research on sustainable livestock production and ag stewardship practices.
2. Help in facilitating industry-led sustainability/ stewardship initiatives.
3. Promote educational programs that enhance public understanding of the nutritional and environmental benefits of animal-sourced foods.
4. Encourage transparent and evidence-based communication efforts to combat misinformation and misunderstandings surrounding the livestock industry.

Integrating these key takeaways from the ILC into policymaking, legislators can ensure that animal agriculture remains a viable, sustainable, and trusted component of global food systems. The discussions at the ILC reaffirmed the industry's commitment to innovation, responsible stewardship, and open dialogue with society at large.

*Gabriella Johnson is a USDA NIFA National Needs Fellow master’s degree student at Auburn University and recipient of a 2025 International Stockmen’s Educational Foundation Student Fellowship. Mulvaney is a faculty member in Animal Sciences conducting research which provides insights into more effective methods and practices to transmit scientific animal agriculture research results to non-expert audiences in trustworthy, credible and understandable ways. Their research seeks to develop models for practiced communication of evidence-based information which bridges the gap between animal ag and non-ag social sectors.