Innovation is an indispensable catalyst for the longevity and sustainability of pork operations, says Erin Limes Stickel, account manager, dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health. By driving efficiency improvements, fostering sustainable practices, and adapting to market dynamics, innovative approaches ensure the resilience and prosperity of pork operations in an ever-changing landscape, she says.
“Innovation fosters advancements in production techniques, enhancing efficiency, productivity and resource utilization within pork operations. Technologies such as precision farming, automated feeding systems, cutting edge feed technologies and genetic engineering have significantly optimized production processes, resulting in improved yields while minimizing environmental impact,” she points out.
Here’s what a group of industry leaders have to say about the role of innovation in the longevity and sustainability of U.S. pork operations.
“Farmers are the original ‘innovators’, and problem-solving is baked into our DNA. As long as the market demands it, swine producers have shown time and again that we can adapt to changing conditions and still provide a source of high quality, affordable protein to our consumers.” – Hyatt Frobose, USA commercial director, JYGA Tech USA (makers of GESTAL products)
“Innovation plays a crucial role in the longevity and sustainability of pork operations by improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing animal welfare. The innovation of precision feeding is a prime example that our industry is embracing. Through the use of different technologies, we can do better job feeding a gestating or lactating sow while reducing feed usage. We are just starting to look at the impact of precision feeding in wean-finish pigs. The pork industry will need to continue to adapt and push for continuous improvement. Innovation is here to stay and it will constantly be a driving force in our industry.” – Greg Krahn, manager of swine analytics and tech support for research at United Animal Health
“Innovation plays a pivotal role in meeting evolving consumer demands and market trends. By embracing product innovation, such as the introduction of value-added pork products or the utilization of novel ingredients, pork operations can diversify their offerings and capture new market segments. Additionally, innovation in marketing and distribution channels enables pork producers to reach consumers more efficiently while building brand loyalty and trust. As well, innovations in feed technologies and research play a crucial role in ensuring the longevity and sustainability of pork operations. By constantly reviewing feed formulations and nutritional research, pork producers can optimize animal health, growth rates and feed conversion efficiency. This not only enhances profitability but also minimizes environmental impact by reducing resource inputs and waste outputs. Ultimately, the integration of innovative feed technologies and research empowers pork operations to thrive sustainably while meeting the demands of a dynamic industry.” – Erin Limes Stickel, account manager, dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health
“The industry must make strategic innovative investments in attracting younger and multicultural consumers to U.S. pork, especially in the fresh category, to maintain our domestic market demand into the future. For pork to remain a protein of choice, we need to show it is easy to cook, high quality, versatile as an ingredient, and nutritious to the younger consumers. This will require some innovation beyond what we have today in that area. Right now, Boomers are eating twice as much fresh pork as the millennials do which doesn’t bode well for pounds consumed of our product moving forward. So, if we are to be sustainable and add some staying power to this industry, we have to be able to find a way to move fresh pork, not at a discount, to younger consumers. For example, we used to throw away chicken wings, and now they build whole restaurant franchises around that part of animal. This same type of innovation, value add and experience needs to be built around pork products so we can remain relevant and in demand sustainably in the future.” – Jess Stevens, vice president food and agribusiness, Farm Credit Mid-America
“Innovation can be an overused word and is often associated with technology. However, I think it is simply doing something that is established in a new way through new methods, ideas or products. Thus, I force myself to think about the popular quote, “if you’re not growing, you’re dying.” It is easy to do what we have always done – that is comfortable and in general, most of us like being comfortable. Innovating our methods or processes or technologies used today will be vital to our success (longevity and sustainability) in the future. It’s about striving to figure out how we do more with less, regardless of the platform.” – Justin Fix, director of customer success at AcuFast
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.
