Distinct worldviews determine how meat producers navigate competing sustainability priorities in the United States.

ABSTRACT: Beef, pork and broiler producers face complexities in prioritizing sustainability actions. We use Q methodology to explore diverging patterns in how US producers approach sustainability priorities, even among same-species and same-scale operations, with emphasis on animal well-being and environmental stewardship. Three distinct worldviews emerged: one prioritizing animal welfare, another emphasizing holistic environmental stewardship, and a third focused on balancing business viability with other concerns. Our findings can inform strategies for aligning producer actions and consumer expectations for sustainable meat production.

SUBMITTER: Collier SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12935542 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature