Colorado ranchers and consumers can team up to make beef supply chains more sustainable

Beef production provides a valuable contribution to human health while also impacting the natural environment. Brandee Gillham courtesy of the Colorado Department of Agriculture., CC BY

Cowboys guided a herd of longhorn cattle through downtown Denver to celebrate the opening of the annual National Western Stock Show on Jan. 8, 2026. As ranchers bring their best cattle to compete for blue ribbons over the course of this month, it’s a good time to consider whether beef production can be part of a circular economy.

Longhorn cattle are herded through downtown Denver in a parade marking the beginning of the National Western Stock Show on Jan. 8, 2026. John Eisele, CSU Photography, CC BY