Regardless of who you run into in the pork industry, the truth is there are many stories that need to be told more often. Here are eight stories connected to U.S. pork production that need to be talked about more often, according to producers and allied industry.
1. The impact of technological innovation.
“A significant story that deserves more attention in the pork industry is the impact of technological innovation on production efficiency, product quality and industry competitiveness. While sustainability and animal welfare are crucial topics, the role of technology in revolutionizing pork production and supply chains shouldn’t be overlooked. Advancements in areas such as genetics, precision farming, automation, and data analytics have transformed how pork is produced, processed and distributed. These technologies enable producers to optimize feed efficiency, monitor animal health in real-time, and streamline operations, resulting in higher yields and improved profitability. Furthermore, technology enhances food safety and traceability, allowing for greater transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. From blockchain to IoT (Internet of Things) devices, innovative solutions are being deployed to track and monitor pork products from farm to fork, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. By discussing the transformative impact of technology in the pork industry, stakeholders can better understand the opportunities and challenges presented by digitalization. Embracing and adapting to these technological advancements is essential for the industry’s continued growth, resilience, and ability to meet the evolving needs of consumers and markets.” – Erin Limes Stickel, account manager, dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health
2. The importance of pork quality.
“Right now, I believe we need to focus on making pork popular again. Work at making it a more popular choice of animal protein. Not only do we need to make it a more sought-after product domestically but work on export markets. We need better promotion and marketing ideas. But the most important thing is we must make pork quality better. If the product we are trying to promote is below average, then it will fail. Pork quality should be on everyone’s radar if we want our products to flourish and be successful.” – Wade Hendricks, Indiana pork producer
3. The people who produce pork for the world.
“The people – some of the most interesting stories I have seen are about the people. In the end, that is what makes each interaction for me so fulfilling, learning about the person behind the interaction. Whether it is the story of how people built their business from nothing or how a farm manager was able to purchase the sow unit or how a guy started at the truck wash out of high school and is now a senior leader; wow, are there some seriously interesting stories! Humanizing the small and large systems, is great on a variety of levels.” – Justin Fix, director of customer success at AcuFast
“We need to talk more about the people who make up the pork industry. There is an abundance of well-educated, enthusiastic and talented individuals that not only care for our animals but help promote and sell the pork that we raise. The pork industry is a direct reflection of the people who work hard every day to put delicious pork products on the tables of families across the globe. I am proud to be a small piece of the puzzle that makes the pork industry so amazing.” – Chad Herring, North Caroina pork producers and executive director of NC Farm Families
4. The importance of succession planning.
“We need to talk more about succession planning. After going through a succession myself I think there is a definite need with the rising age in not just grain, but hog farmers as well. How do you value those assets and pass the family farm down? With a changing demographic, what does that look like for those who don’t have family wanting to come back to the farm? If contracted labor continues to grow, what resources do we have to provide our farmers?” – Katie Brown, Illinois pork producer and associate director of research and development, The Maschhoffs
5. The positive work environment in U.S. pork operations.
“To attract good ‘human capital’ I think we need to do a better job highlighting the positives about the work environment on our farms. In the past decade, I’ve been really impressed with the progress many of our farms have made in their facilities and employee culture. We should be proud of this and need to be more vocal about the incredible opportunities for employment in our industry.” – Hyatt Frobose, USA commercial director, JYGA Tech USA (makers of GESTAL products)
6. The true leader in sustainability is pork.
“Sustainability is not new to the pork industry! Through nutrition, genetics, environmental changes and the evolution of different management strategies, the pork industry has focused on becoming more efficient and sustainable for a very long time. There is so much talk right now across other industries about becoming more sustainable, but I believe the pork industry is leading in this area. We’ve raised more pork while still reducing our use of feed, water and other resources. What’s more sustainable than taking manure from a pig and feeding it to a plant that then produces the feed for a pig?” – Greg Krahn, manager of swine analytics and tech support for research at United Animal Health
7. The importance of real conversations with consumers in language they understand.
“As a person who sells niche pork (and other meats) every day at my farm, I know the importance of the story in selling a product. At Carroll Creek Farms we have the farm open to the public and sell meat in our “meat retreat” daily on the honor system. This model allows me to have frequent conversations with suburban and urban people. I’ve discovered they really do have a respect for farmers and a pure curiosity about how their food is raised. Today’s consumer is detached from agriculture and really doesn’t understand what goes into making their food overall because we, American farmers, have done such a great job growing their food. We’ve allowed 99% of the population to pursue their passions outside of growing food while only 1% of us feed them. The story we need to tell is one that is based in language and concepts those outside agriculture can understand. My dad is an aerospace engineer and if he technically described to me why a plane is safe, I would not have the knowledge base to understand that but I am still comfortable flying on a plane a few times a month. We need to approach pork in the same way to resonate with our population that has grown up thinking a real farm is what they read in Old MacDonald children’s books. Tell the story of pigs, people and planet in high-level ways to build trust. For example, sometimes I get asked why I don’t have grass-fed pork like I do beef. I answer in ways consumers can relate to like we have nearly the same organs and stomachs as pigs which is why people can take pig heart valves medically – can you eat only grass and live? No – okay neither can a pig for that reason. Rather than the technical answer that a pig is a monogastric omnivore and a calf is a ruminant with a naturally vegetarian diet, its weaving those little stories in when we have opportunities to influence and meet the population where they are at rather than science dumping.” – Jess Stevens, vice president food and agribusiness, Farm Credit Mid-America
“We have chosen a vital and important career in swine production and are proud to continue a profession that feeds not only our families but the world as well. Whenever we have the chance to talk to one person or thousands, we need to share our passion and pride for what we do! People should know that we strive to have a positive impact and genuinely care for the people and resources around us.” – Tom Layne, director of human resources, The HANOR Company
8. The excellent care pork producers provide pigs every day.
“I think the pork industry needs to continue to educate the public on the benefits of some of our practices that are perceived in a negative way, such as the use of farrowing crates. I would like to see the term factory and farm forever separated as there is no such thing as a factory farm. A factory can close the door and shut down for the weekend or a week or two for everyone to take some time off. Animals on a farm are dependent on us for their care every day.” – Debbie Craig, North Carolina pork producer
We will be uniting together June 3-8 for PORK Week across all of our Farm Journal platforms to elevate the important role the pork industry plays in feeding the world. Share your stories and post photos on social media using #PORKWeek to help us honor the pork industry. From “AgDay TV” to “AgriTalk” to “U.S. Farm Report” to PorkBusiness.com and everything in between, tune in and join us as we acknowledge the most noble profession there is: feeding people.
