Analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists shows that Tyson Foods' demand for animal feed requires between 9 million and 10 million acres of corn and soybeans—an area nearly twice the size of New Jersey, and the equivalent of more than 5 percent of all US corn and soybean acres planted in 2020.
With so much land involved in its feed supply chain, Tyson could help move US agriculture in a positive direction if it used its influence to set high standards for the way farmers manage that land, and if it provided support for farmers in meeting these standards. Setting and supporting high standards would make Tyson a leader in protecting the land, soil, and water resources on which its business success depends. But it would also be good for the broader environment, the climate, and the communities near and downstream from where the feed is grown.
In this report
Top Feed Crops (Corn and Soybean) Dominate the Farm Landscape
Immense Size of Tyson's Feed Crop Footprint
Tyson Foods' Farmland Footprint
Related resources
UCS: What We Do
Road Map Toward Just Land Transition California
Scientific Societies Call on Congress to Save Science
